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Diversity and difference in young children's academic experience: An issue for globalization

- Guo, Karen

  • Authors: Guo, Karen
  • Date: 2013
  • Type: Text , Journal article
  • Relation: Global Education Review Vol. 1, no. 3 (2013), p. 57-69
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  • Description: Early childhood education, in its deepest sense, concerns the preparation of young children for their future lives. In this paper, I will argue that issues of preparing young children for the future should be addressed in terms of living in the context of increasing globalization. To make this argument, the paper looks across academic experiences of young children in some nations around the world. The idea is to identify congruence and differences in academic experiences of young children, set them in the context of globalization, and discuss the significance of shifting early childhood education from a local orientation to a more-encompassing view of global practice. Only moving deeply into the concept of globalization, we can bring out into the open both our ways and theirs of teaching and learning, thereby realistically, contextually and appropriately preparing young children for their common living in this globe.

Do physical capacity and interchange rest periods influence match exercise-intensity profile in Australian football?

- Mooney, Mitchell, Cormack, Stuart, O'Brien, Brendan, Coutts, Aaron

  • Authors: Mooney, Mitchell , Cormack, Stuart , O'Brien, Brendan , Coutts, Aaron
  • Date: 2013
  • Type: Text , Journal article
  • Relation: International Journal of Sports Physiology and Performance Vol. 8, no. 2 (2013), p. 165-172
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  • Description: Purpose: The purpose of this study was to determine if Yo-Yo Intermittent Recovery level 2 (Yo-Yo IR2) and the number of interchange rotations affected the match activity profile of elite Australian footballers. Method: Fifteen elite Australian footballers completed the Yo-Yo IR2 before the beginning of the season and played across 22 matches in which match activity profiles were measured via microtechnology devices containing a global positioning system (GPS) and accelerometer. An interchange rotation was counted when a player left the field and was replaced with another player. Yo-Yo IR2 results were further split into high and low groups. Results: Players match speed decreased from 1st to 4th quarter, while average-speed (m/min: P = .05) and low-speed activity (LSA, <15 km/h) per minute (LSA m/min; P = .06) significantly decreased in the 2nd half. Yo-Yo IR2 influenced the amount of m/min, high-speed running (HSR, >15 km/h) per minute (HSR m/min) and accelerometer load/min throughout the entire match. The number of interchanges significantly influenced the HSR m/min and m/min throughout the match except in the 2nd quarter. Furthermore, the low Yo-Yo IR2 group had significantly less LSA m/min in the 4th quarter than the high Yo-Yo IR2 group (92.2 vs 96.7 m/ min, P = .06). Conclusions: Both the Yo-Yo IR2 and number of interchanges contribute to m/min and HSR m/min produced by elite Australian footballers, affecting their match activity. However, while it appears that improved Yo-Yo IR2 performance prevents reductions in LSA m/min during a match, higher-speed activities (HSR m/min) and overall physical activity (m/min and load/min) are still reduced in the 4th quarter compared with the 1st quarter. © 2013 Human Kinetics, Inc.
  • Description: 2003010859

Does chronic exercise attenuate age-related physiological decline in males?

- Hayes, Lawrence, Grace, Fergal, Sculthorpe, Nicholas, Herbert, Peter, Kilduff, Liam, Baker, Julien

  • Authors: Hayes, Lawrence , Grace, Fergal , Sculthorpe, Nicholas , Herbert, Peter , Kilduff, Liam , Baker, Julien
  • Date: 2013
  • Type: Text , Journal article
  • Relation: Research in Sports Medicine Vol. 21, no. 4 (2013), p. 343-354
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  • Description: Alteration in body composition, physical function, and substrate metabolism occur with advancing age. These changes can be attenuated by exercise. This study evaluated whether master athletes (MA [n = 20]) would have improved exercise capabilities, anthropometry, and hormone profiles when compared with age-matched sedentary counterparts (S [n = 28]). The MA group was predominantly aerobically trained with some resistance exercise incorporated in their routine. The VO(2max), peak power output, and salivary testosterone was significantly higher (p < 0.05) in the MA group, while diastolic blood pressure, systolic blood pressure, and body fat percentage were lower (p < 0.05). Cortisol, fat free mass, (FFM) and total body mass were not significantly different between groups. Salivary testosterone correlated positively with VO(2max) (r(2) = .320), suggesting that increased aerobic capacity is linked with higher concentrations of testosterone. These results suggest that life-long exercise is associated with favorable body composition and attenuation of the age related decline in testosterone.

Does financial system activity affect tax revenue in Malaysia? Bounds testing and causality approach

- Taha, Roshaiza, Colombage, Sisira, Maslyuk, Svetlana, Nanthakumar, Loganathan

  • Authors: Taha, Roshaiza , Colombage, Sisira , Maslyuk, Svetlana , Nanthakumar, Loganathan
  • Date: 2013
  • Type: Text , Journal article
  • Relation: Journal of Asian Economics Vol. 24, no. (2013), p. 147-157
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  • Description: Highlights► We examine the nexus between the financial system and tax revenue collection in Malaysia. ► We found that unidirectional causality running from stock market to direct tax revenue. ► The impact of the financial system on direct tax revenue is more profound in the short run than in the long run. ► Banking and non-banking financial activities play a vital role in determining direct tax revenue. ► Tax incentives contributed more towards increased revenue collection from stock market than corporate debt market. We provide new empirical evidence on the relationship among direct tax revenue and banking and non-banking activities in Malaysia's financial system, utilising monthly data for the period 1997–2008. The existence of the long run equilibrium relationship between tax revenue and the financial system was investigated using the autoregressive distributive lag (ARDL) bounds testing approach to cointegration. We find a long-run equilibrium relationship between the financial system and tax revenue in Malaysia. The short-run dynamic relationship between direct tax revenue and financial system was investigated using the vector error correction model (VECM). The estimated ECTt−1 coefficient indicates a relatively fast speed of adjustment from short-run disequilibrium to long-run equilibrium. The Granger causality tests reveal unidirectional causality running from stock market towards direct tax revenue, indicating that an increase in stock market activities is likely to improve the collection of direct tax revenue. Overall, we show that the impact of the financial system on direct tax revenue is more profound in the short run than in the long run.

Does personality matter in exercise participation?

- Yap, Sheau, Lee, Christina

  • Authors: Yap, Sheau , Lee, Christina
  • Date: 2013
  • Type: Text , Journal article
  • Relation: Journal of Consumer Behaviour Vol. 12, no. 5 (2013), p. 401-411
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  • Description: This research extends previous work by demonstrating how the relationships between social cognition and exercise are influenced by different personality types. The theory of planned behaviour forms the basis of our theoretical model, and the Big Five personality framework was used to determine personality types. Data were collected from a quota sample of 512 Malaysian adults. The results suggest that an individual's personality can prevent him or her from exercising. For example, an extrovert is likely to be driven by affect and self-confidence in their capability to exercise, and thus are more likely to participate in exercise. Those who are more conscientious (and less neurotic) feel more in control and thus possess a greater ability to exercise in comparison with their less conscientious and more neurotic counterparts. Our findings demonstrate the importance of considering personality factors in exercise research and caution us about underestimating the relationship between perceived control, attitude and its potential behavioural outcomes that could lead to a misinterpretation of its true impact. Our core contribution lies in identifying the underlying causes of social cognition differences in a moderating capacity, which has potential to yield important theoretical and practical implications. This study sets the ground for social marketers to improve their understanding of exercise behaviour and, in turn, consumer welfare. Ultimately, they could be in a better position to develop effective health intervention and educational programmes. © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Does the organisational form of the target influence market reaction to acquisition announcements? Australian evidence

- Shams, Syed, Gunasekarage, Abeyratna, Colombage, Sisira

  • Authors: Shams, Syed , Gunasekarage, Abeyratna , Colombage, Sisira
  • Date: 2013
  • Type: Text , Journal article
  • Relation: Pacific-Basin Finance Journal Vol. 24, no. (2013), p. 89-108
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  • Description: Using public, private and subsidiary acquisitions, we examine whether abnormal returns to bidders depend on the organisational form of the target acquired. The evidence supports two main hypotheses: (i) bidders on private and subsidiary targets earn higher abnormal returns than bidders on public entities and (ii) bidders on private targets earn higher abnormal returns when the method of payment is stock. Acquisitions of unlisted public targets, privately negotiated acquisitions of private targets and acquisitions of subsidiaries from listed parents for cash are associated with higher abnormal returns. •Wealth effect of acquisition announcements depends on target's organisational form.•Acquirers of private and subsidiary targets earn higher abnormal returns.•Bid and firm characteristics systematically influence the market reaction.•Influence of break fees on excess return differs across target categories.•Acquisitions of private targets during GFC are rewarded by the capital market.

Douglas Copland's battle with the younger Brethren of economists

- Millmow, Alex

  • Authors: Millmow, Alex
  • Date: 2013
  • Type: Text , Journal article
  • Relation: Australian Economic History Review Vol. 53, no. 2 (2013), p. 187-209
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  • Description: This article discusses the problematic relationship between Douglas Copland and the new generation of post-war Australian economists. Copland felt that their view of economic policy was contrary to Australia's best interests. The critique and feud was to last right up till Copland's retirement. The article shows how Copland's views differed from those of inside economists and therefore the official policy line. Australian Economic History Review © 2013 Wiley Publishing Asia Pty Ltd and the Economic History Society of Australia and New Zealand.
  • Description: 2003011224

Drying and denaturation kinetics of whey protein isolate (WPI) during convective air drying process

- Haque, M. Amdadul, Putranto, Aditya, Aldred, Peter, Chen, Jie, Adhikari, Benu

  • Authors: Haque, M. Amdadul , Putranto, Aditya , Aldred, Peter , Chen, Jie , Adhikari, Benu
  • Date: 2013
  • Type: Text , Journal article
  • Relation: Drying Technology Vol. 31, no. 13-14 (2013), p. 1532-1544
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  • Description: The denaturation and drying kinetics of whey protein isolate (WPI) in a convective drying (CD) environment was measured using single droplet drying experiments. The moisture content and temperature histories during drying of WPI droplets were predicted using reaction kinetics-based models. The denaturation kinetics of WPI in the CD process was predicted using first-order reaction kinetics considering the denaturation rate constant to be moisture content and temperature dependent. Single droplets of WPI (10% [w/v], 2.0 ± 0.1 mm initial diameter) were used throughout these experiments. The drying experiments were carried out at two temperatures (65 and 80°C) at a constant air velocity (0.5 m/s) for 600 s. The extent and nature of the denaturation of WPI during the CD was compared with those in isothermal heat treatments (IHT) at the same medium temperatures. The denaturation of WPI was 68.31% in convective air drying at 65°C and 600 s and it was 10.79% in the IHT at the same temperature and time. The stress due to dehydration and the exposure time were found to be responsible for the denaturation of WPI in the CD process and long exposure time was found to be responsible for its denaturation in the IHT process. At the media temperature of 80°C, the denaturation loss of WPI was 90.00 and 68.73% in IHT and CD processes, respectively. Both the thermal (moist heat) and dehydration stresses were found to be responsible for denaturation of WPI during CD process and very high thermal stress was found to be responsible for denaturation of WPI during the IHT. There was good agreement between the experimental and reaction engineering approach (REA)-predicted moisture content and temperature histories. The experimental moisture content and temperature histories were followed by the respective REA predictions within 6.5% (R 2 = 0.995) and 3% (R 2 = 0.981) errors, respectively. The denaturation kinetics of WPI during CD was predicted well (R 2 = 0.95 - 0.98; average error = 6.5 ± 0.5%) by a first-order reaction kinetics model. © 2013 Copyright Taylor and Francis Group, LLC.
  • Description: C1

DSM-IV ADHD symptoms self-ratings by adolescents: Test of invariance across gender

- Gomez, Rapson

  • Authors: Gomez, Rapson
  • Date: 2013
  • Type: Text , Journal article
  • Relation: Journal of Attention Disorders Vol. 17, no. 1 (2013), p. 3-10
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  • Description: Objective: Generalized partial credit model, which is based on item response theory (IRT), was used to test differential item functioning (DIF) for the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (4th ed.), inattention (IA), and hyperactivity/impulsivity (HI) symptoms across boys and girls. Method: To accomplish this, parents completed an ADHD rating scale for 403 boys and 380 girls, between 6 and 11 years of age. Results: The findings indicated no DIF for all the slope parameters for both the IA and HI symptoms. For location parameters, there was no DIF for all the IA symptoms and for seven of the nine HI symptoms. However, the effect sizes for the DIF symptoms were small. Thus, there was good support for gender equivalency for the ADHD symptoms. Conclusion: These findings extend existing data on gender equivalency of ADHD symptoms, obtained using other methodologies for testing measurement equivalency.

Dynamic crack propagation simulation with scaled boundary polygon elements and automatic remeshing technique

- Ooi, Ean Tat, Shi, Mingguang, Song, Chongmin, Tin-Loi, Francis, Yang, Zhenjun

  • Authors: Ooi, Ean Tat , Shi, Mingguang , Song, Chongmin , Tin-Loi, Francis , Yang, Zhenjun
  • Date: 2013
  • Type: Text , Journal article
  • Relation: Engineering Fracture Mechanics Vol. 106, no. (2013), p. 1-21
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  • Description: An efficient methodology for automatic dynamic crack propagation simulations using polygon elements is developed in this study. The polygon mesh is automatically generated from a Delaunay triangulated mesh. The formulation of an arbitrary n-sided polygon element is based on the scaled boundary finite element method (SBFEM). All kind of singular stress fields can be described by the matrix power function solution of a cracked polygon. Generalised dynamic stress intensity factors are evaluated using standard finite element stress recovery procedures. This technique does not require local mesh refinement around the crack tip, special purpose elements or nodal enrichment functions. An automatic local remeshing algorithm that can be applied to any polygon mesh is developed in this study to accommodate crack propagation. Each remeshing operation involves only a small patch of polygons around the crack tip, resulting in only minimal change to the global mesh structure. The increase of the number of degrees-of-freedom caused by crack propagation is moderate. The method is validated using four dynamic crack propagation benchmarks. The predicted dynamic fracture parameters show good agreement with experiment observations and numerical simulations reported in the literature. © 2013 Elsevier Ltd.

Dynamic modeling and validation of post-combustion CO2 capture plants in Australian coal-fired power stations

- Bui, Mai, Gunawan, Indra, Verheyen, Vincent, Artanto, Yuli, Meuleman, Erik, Feron, Paul

  • Authors: Bui, Mai , Gunawan, Indra , Verheyen, Vincent , Artanto, Yuli , Meuleman, Erik , Feron, Paul
  • Date: 2013
  • Type: Text , Journal article
  • Relation: Energy Procedia Vol. 37, no. (2013), p. 2694-2702
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  • Description: Flexible operation of post-combustion CO2 capture (PCC) plants can improve efficiency through coordinating the balance between consumer demands for electricity and CO2 emission reductions. This strategy however, will impose process disturbances while the PCC plant is ramped up, ramped down or turned off. This paper presents the preliminary development of a dynamic model for PCC in a brown coal-fired power plant using the process simulation software Aspen Plus Dynamics. Validation of the dynamic model will be against both steady state and dynamic data from the pilot plant. By gaining this understanding of the dynamic behavior, the technical and financial performance of PCC can be optimised.

Early treatment to prevent hypertension: A laudable goal

- Harrap, Stephen, Charchar, Fadi

Effect of conducting materials on UV-Vis spectral response characteristics

- Abu Bakar, Norazhar, Abu-Siada, Ahmed, Das, Narottam, Islam, Syed

  • Authors: Abu Bakar, Norazhar , Abu-Siada, Ahmed , Das, Narottam , Islam, Syed
  • Date: 2013
  • Type: Text , Journal article
  • Relation: Universal Journal of Electrical and Electronic Engineering Vol. 1, no. 3 (2013), p. 81-86
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  • Description: Spectroscopic analysis is recently being employed to measure furan concentration in transformer oil. Light absorbance and spectral bandwidth are used as indicators to estimate furan concentration level in transformer oil. However, the possibility of dust and other conducting materials that might exist in transformer oil sample need to be considered as it may influence the spectroscopic performance. In this paper, series of tests are carried out to investigate the impact of dust on the transformer oil spectral response characteristics. Oil sample with various furan concentrations along with certain amount of copper powder are examined. Experimental results show that the spectral response characteristics only affected by dust at the beginning of mix process. However, the characteristic returns to the original one within a few minutes.

Effect of exercise modality and intensity on post-exercise interleukin-6 and hepcidin levels

- Sim, Marc, Dawson, Brian, Landers, Grant, Swinkels, Dorine, Tjalsma, Harold, Trinder, Debbie, Peeling, Peter

  • Authors: Sim, Marc , Dawson, Brian , Landers, Grant , Swinkels, Dorine , Tjalsma, Harold , Trinder, Debbie , Peeling, Peter
  • Date: 2013
  • Type: Text , Journal article
  • Relation: International Journal of Sport Nutrition and Exercise Metabolism Vol. 23, no. 2 (2013), p. 178-186
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  • Description: The effect of exercise modality and intensity on Interleukin-6 (IL-6), iron status, and hepcidin levels was investigated. Ten trained male triathletes performed 4 exercise trials including low-intensity continuous running (L-R), low-intensity continuous cycling (L-C), high-intensity interval running (H-R), and high-intensity interval cycling (H-C). Both L-R and L-C consisted of 40 min continuous exercise performed at 65% of peak running velocity (vVO2peak) and cycling power output (pVO2peak), while H-R and H-C consisted of 8 x 3-min intervals performed at 85% vVO2peak and pVO2peak. Venous blood samples were drawn pre-, post-, and 3 hr postexercise. Significant increases in postexercise IL-6 were seen within each trial (p < .05) and were significantly greater in H-R than L-R (p < .05). Hepcidin levels were significantly elevated at 3 hr postexercise within each trial (p < .05). Serum iron levels were significantly elevated (p < .05) immediately postexercise in all trials except L-C. These results suggest that, regardless of exercise mode or intensity, postexercise increases in IL-6 may be expected, likely influencing a subsequent elevation in hepcidin. Regardless, the lack of change in postexercise serum iron levels in L-C may indicate that reduced hemolysis occurs during weight-supported, low-intensity activity.

Effect of flaxseed meal on the dynamic mechanical properties of starch-based films

- Wu, Min, Wang, Li-jun, Li, Dong, Mao, Zhihuai, Adhikari, Benu

  • Authors: Wu, Min , Wang, Li-jun , Li, Dong , Mao, Zhihuai , Adhikari, Benu
  • Date: 2013
  • Type: Text , Journal article
  • Relation: Journal of Food Engineering Vol. 118, no. 4 (2013), p. 365-370
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  • Description: Starch (S)-flaxseed meal (FM) biofilms were prepared from potato and maize starch by incorporating FM up to 15% (dry solid basis) and using glycerol as plasticizer. The dynamic mechanical properties, tensile properties and water vapor permeability (WVP) of these films were measured. The storage modulus of both the starch (control) and starch-FM films decreased as temperature increased. Tan
  • Description: 2003011095

Effect of montmorillonite on morphology, glass transition and crystallinity of the xylitol-plasticized bionanocomposites

- Liu, Huihua, Chaudhary, Deeptangshu

  • Authors: Liu, Huihua , Chaudhary, Deeptangshu
  • Date: 2013
  • Type: Text , Journal article
  • Relation: Carbohydrate Polymers Vol. 98, no. 1 (2013), p. 391-396
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  • Description: High amylose based nanocomposites plasticized by xylitol were prepared via twin-screw extrusion. The synergistic interaction in the xylitol-plasticized nanocomposite was studied via various characterization methods and the unique behavior of the xylitol-plasticized nanocomposite had been discussed. As revealed in the XRD and TEM results, good intercalated/exfoliated morphology had been achieved in all the nanocomposites. Furthermore, the expansion of nanoclay basal spacing was related to the xylitol/nanoclay ratio. DSC analysis clearly proved the unique crystallization process of xylitol-plasticized samples. Moreover, in the crystallization domain results, two domains sized at approximately 93.7. Å and 346. Å were found. This observation points to a two-level complex effect from two aggregate domains; one, the re-aggregation of certain number of silicate layers into domains which trap some of the amylose polymer chains, and two, the bulk drying process which combines smaller amylose crystalline domains within a larger amorphous high amylose matrix. © 2013.
  • Description: 2003011127

Effect of strain rate on strength properties of low-calcium fly-ash-based geopolymer mortar under dry condition

- Khandelwal, Manoj, Ranjith, Pathegama, Pan, Zhu, Sanjayan, Jay

  • Authors: Khandelwal, Manoj , Ranjith, Pathegama , Pan, Zhu , Sanjayan, Jay
  • Date: 2013
  • Type: Text , Journal article
  • Relation: Arabian Journal of Geosciences Vol. 6, no. 7 (2013), p. 2383-2389
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  • Description: This paper presents the mechanical and elastic properties of inorganic polymer mortar under varying strain rates. The study includes a determination of the compressive strength, modulus of elasticity and Poisson's ratio at 0.001, 0.005, 0.01 and 0.05 mm/s strain rate. A total of 21 cylindrical specimens having 100 mm length and 50 mm diameter were investigated, and all tests were carried out pursuant to the relevant Australian Standards. Although some variability between the mixes was observed, the results show that, in most cases, the engineering properties of geopolymer mortar compare favourably to those predicted by the relevant Australian Standards for concrete mixtures. It was found that the change in the strain rate causes different behaviour related to the percentage of the ultimate load. The ultimate strength, Young's modulus and Poisson's ratio of the geopolymer mortar depend on the strain rate. It was also found that as the strain rate increases, mechanical and elastic properties of geopolymer mortar substantially increase in logarithmic manner. © 2012 Saudi Society for Geosciences.

Effect of substrate on surface morphology and photocatalysis of large-scale TiO2 films

- Lopez Vanegas, Lorena, Daoud, Walid, Dutta, Dushmanta, Panther, Barbara, Turney, Terence

  • Authors: Lopez Vanegas, Lorena , Daoud, Walid , Dutta, Dushmanta , Panther, Barbara , Turney, Terence
  • Date: 2013
  • Type: Text , Journal article
  • Relation: Applied Surface Science Vol. 265, no. (2013 2013), p. 162-168
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  • Description: Nanostructured TiO2 films were prepared on a variety of substrates, including acid frosted soda-lime glass, acid frosted soda-lime glass pre-coated with a SiO2 barrier layer, commercial glazed ceramic tile and 6061 aluminum alloy. For each substrate, the phase and microstructure of the films were determined to be exclusively anatase. However, the growth of the TiO2 crystallites, the film morphology and thickness varied substantially with substrate. Thermal stress, resulting from the difference in the coefficient of thermal expansion between the substrates and the films, contributed to the formation and propagation of cracks. This was most clearly observed on the films deposited on SiO2 barrier layer and aluminum. The photocatalytic activity of the TiO2 films deposited on glass with and without SiO2 barrier layer, ceramic, and aluminum was studied via UV decolorization of methyl orange in aqueous solution. Complete degradation rapidly occurred on the TiO2/glass and TiO2/SiO2 barrier layer films, but not with the ceramic or metal substrates. It appears that the photocatalytic activity of the films deposited on aluminum and ceramic substrates was affected by the quantity and the size of the anatase crystallites. The aluminum substrate promoted the formation of TiO2 films with the largest anatase crystallite size, exhibiting a cracked morphology, where as the ceramic substrate resulted in the formation of TiO2 films with large crystallite size in an island morphology.

Effect of trehalose and ultrasound-assisted osmotic dehydration on the state of water and glass transition temperature of broccoli (Brassica oleracea L. var. botrytis L.)

- Xin, Ying, Zhang, Min, Adhikari, Benu

  • Authors: Xin, Ying , Zhang, Min , Adhikari, Benu
  • Date: 2013
  • Type: Text , Journal article
  • Relation: Journal of Food Engineering Vol. 119, no. 3 (2013), p. 640-647
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  • Description: The effects of trehalose and ultrasound-assisted osmotic dehydration on the glass transition temperature (Tg′) and the state of water in broccoli were analyzed by using differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), low field nuclear magnetic resonance (LF-NMR) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). The results showed that osmotic dehydration using trehalose can affect the Tg′ of broccoli by changing the state of water within the sample structure. The values of Tg′ of the osmotically dehydrated broccoli samples ranged between -27.52 C and -23.31 C, which constituted an increase of about 2-6 C compared with that of the untreated sample. Compared with the normal osmotic dehydration with 2 h, ultrasound-assisted dehydration with shorter time (30 min) could get the higher value of Tg′ by increased the water loss and accumulation of trehalose and decrease the mobility of water in the broccoli cell tissue. However, when the ultrasound treatment time was 40 min, it resulted into decrease in Tg′ indicating the important role of treatment time in ultrasound-assisted osmotic dehydration process. © 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
  • Description: 2003011222

Effective interprofessional collaboration in rural contexts : A research protocol

- Mitchell, Rebecca, Paliadelis, Penny, McNeil, Karen, Parker, Vicki, Giles, Michelle, Higgins, Isabel, Parmenter, Glenda, Ahrens, Yvonne

  • Authors: Mitchell, Rebecca , Paliadelis, Penny , McNeil, Karen , Parker, Vicki , Giles, Michelle , Higgins, Isabel , Parmenter, Glenda , Ahrens, Yvonne
  • Date: 2013
  • Type: Text , Journal article
  • Relation: Journal of Advanced Nursing Vol. 69, no. 10 (2013), p. 2317-2326
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  • Description: Abstract AIM: To describe the research protocol that will be used to investigate factors contributing to effective interprofessional practice in a rural context in Australia. BACKGROUND: Interprofessional practice is a key strategy for overcoming rural health challenges; however, our knowledge of interprofessional initiatives and consequences in rural areas is limited. DESIGN: A modified realistic evaluation approach will be used to explore the structures, systems, and social processes contributing to effective interprofessional outcomes. This 'context-mechanism-outcome' approach provides a useful framework for identifying why and how interprofessional practice works in rural contexts. METHOD: Initial propositions regarding the factors that explain effective collaborative practice will be generated through interviews with lead clinicians, policy-makers, and clinician managers. Clinician interviews, document analysis, and multi-participant focus groups will be used as evidence to support, refine, or redevelop the initial propositions. This will allow the development of a model of rural interprofessional practice that will explain how and why collaborative approaches work in rural environments. This study is funded by an Institute of Rural Clinical Services and Teaching grant (January 2010). DISCUSSION: Rural healthcare challenges are well documented; however, studies investigating the nature of interprofessional practice in rural contexts are not common. Rural contexts also present research design, particularly data collection, challenges. This proposed research is one of the first to identify the factors that facilitate or constrain effective interprofessional work in rural settings. This is particularly important, given the continuing workforce shortages and maldistribution and poorer health outcomes in rural communities globally.