List of Titles

Protecting the Global Commons: Comparing Three Ethico-Political Foundations for Response to Climate Change

- Mummery, Jane

Authors: Mummery, Jane
Date: 2013
Type: Text , Journal article
Relation: Borderlands Vol. 11, no. 3 (2013), p.
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Description: The ecological underpinnings of our world are at risk. Despite efforts by governments and the international community to set in place some protection for the global environment, industrialisation, economic development, and modern corporate-driven consumerist lifestyles are all contributing to the pollution that is driving climate change. According to the 2007 Assessment Report carried out by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), since the start of industrialisation in the eighteenth century, atmospheric concentrations of greenhouse gases (including carbon dioxide, nitrous oxide and methane) have markedly increased, primarily as a result of human activities such as the burning of fossil fuels and changes in agriculture and other land-uses. Closer to home, human-caused greenhouse gas emissions have increased globally by 70 percent between 1970 and 2004, with carbon dioxide levels increasing by 80 percent within this same period (IPCC 2007). The panel's report further details that 'atmospheric concentrations of C[O.sub.2] [carbon dioxide] and C[H.sub.4] [methane] in 2005 exceed by far the natural range of the last 650,000 years' (IPCC 2007, p. 37; cf. Global Carbon Project 2010). Indeed, while the concentration of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere prior to the industrial revolution was 280 parts per million (ppm), in 2008 it measured 385 ppm, with an annual increase of nearly 2 ppm; furthermore, since the year 2000 carbon dioxide emissions have been growing at four times the pace of the rate of the 1990s (Global Carbon Project 2010).

Psychometric properties of patient-reported outcome measures for hip arthroscopic surgery

- Kemp, Joanne, Collins, Natalie, Roos, Ewa, Crossley, Kay

Authors: Kemp, Joanne , Collins, Natalie , Roos, Ewa , Crossley, Kay
Date: 2013
Type: Text , Journal article
Relation: American Journal of Sports Medicine Vol. 41, no. 9 (2013), p. 2065-2073
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Description: Background: Patient-reported outcomes (PROs) are considered the gold standard when evaluating outcomes in a surgical population. While the psychometric properties of some PROs have been tested, the properties of newer PROs in patients undergoing hip arthroscopic surgery remain somewhat unknown. Purpose: To evaluate the reliability, validity, responsiveness, and interpretability of 5 PROs (Copenhagen Hip and Groin Outcome Score [HAGOS], Hip Disability and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score [HOOS], Hip Outcome Score [HOS], International Hip Outcome Tool [iHOT-33], and Modified Harris Hip Score [MHHS]) in a population undergoing hip arthroscopic surgery and also to provide a recommendation of the best PROs in patients undergoing hip arthroscopic surgery. Study Design: Cohort study (diagnosis); Level of evidence, 2. Methods: Study participants were adults (mean age, 37 ± 11 years) who had undergone hip arthroscopic surgery 12 to 24 months previously and pain-free, healthy age-matched controls (mean age, 35 ± 11 years). Baseline characteristics including age, height, weight, waist girth, physical activity, and occupation were collected for both groups. The hip arthroscopic surgery group completed the 5 PRO questionnaires on 3 occasions, while the healthy control group completed the PRO questionnaires on 1 occasion. The reliability (test-retest reliability [intraclass correlation coefficient, or ICC] and minimal detectable change [MDC]), validity (construct validity, ability to detect a difference between groups, acceptability including floor and ceiling effects), responsiveness, and interpretability (minimal important change [MIC]) of each measure were calculated. Results: The test-retest reliability of PROs was excellent (ICC, 0.91-0.97), with an MDC of<20%. The HOOS, HAGOS, and iHOT- 33 had acceptable content validity. All PROs demonstrated construct validity and were able to detect a difference between the hip arthroscopic surgery and control groups. No measures demonstrated a floor effect; however, the MHHS and subscales relating to activities of daily living of the HOOS, HOS, and HAGOS demonstrated a ceiling effect. The HOOS, iHOT-33, and MHHS demonstrated adequate responsiveness, and the MIC for all measures was<11 points of a possible 100 points. Conclusion: The PROs of the HOOS and iHOT-33 demonstrate psychometric properties that may enable researchers and clinicians to use them with confidence in a population undergoing hip arthroscopic surgery. The psychometric properties of the MHHS, HOS, and some subscales of the HAGOS are reduced, and these PROs may be less valuable in this group. © 2013 The Author(s). National Health and Medical Research Council (Australia) Health Professional Research Training (Postdoctoral) Fellowship (No. 628918).

Puberty, health and sexual education in Australian regional primary schools : Year 5 and 6 teacher perceptions

- Duffy, Bernadette, Fotinatos, Nina, Smith, Amanda, Burke, Jenene

Authors: Duffy, Bernadette , Fotinatos, Nina , Smith, Amanda , Burke, Jenene
Date: 2013
Type: Text , Journal article
Relation: Sex Education Vol. 13, no. 2 (2013), p. 186-203
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Description: The research reported in this paper investigates why teachers in regional primary schools in the Ballarat region of Victoria, Australia, are choosing to outsource the teaching of sexuality education. A survey was conducted of 29 Year 5 and Year 6 teachers from local primary schools. The teachers provided information about: their confidence in delivering sexuality-related topics; their perceptions of the relevance of given sexuality topics to their students; the teachers' own professional development preferences; and what they saw as their personal limitations in teaching sexuality education. Teachers tended to report low confidence in teaching topics that are considered 'sensitive', such as menstruation, wet dreams and sexual intercourse. Furthermore, they indicated a need for professional development in teaching sexuality education. The greatest hurdle identified lies in identifying how to motivate, engage and support teachers to take a professional interest in teaching sexuality education. © 2013 Copyright Taylor and Francis Group, LLC.
Description: 2003009651

Publishing and presenting: A cross-national analysis of engineering academics in Europe

- Aarrevaara, Timo, Dobson, Ian

Authors: Aarrevaara, Timo , Dobson, Ian
Date: 2013
Type: Text , Journal article
Relation: Global Journal of Engineering Education Vol. 15, no. 3 (2013), p. 148-154
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Description: The international Changing Academic Profession (CAP) survey was used to compare several measures of research output in participating European countries. When looking at the output of books, articles, reports and conference presentations, results indicated variations between countries and between the engineering field of education and other fields of education. European university engineering academics produced relatively more research reports/monographs written for a funded project, but tended to produce at lower rates than academics overall in the other three forms of written research output. Â© WIETE 2013.

Qualitative stability of a class of non-monotone variational inclusions. Application in electronics

- Adly, Samir, Outrata, Jiri

Authors: Adly, Samir , Outrata, Jiri
Date: 2013
Type: Text , Journal article
Relation: Journal of Convex Analysis Vol. 20, no. 1 (2013), p. 43-66
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Description: The main concern of this paper is to investigate some stability properties (namely Aubin property and isolated cahnness) of a special non-monotone variational inclusion. We provide a characterization of these properties in terms of the problem data and show their importance for the design of electrical circuits involving nonsmooth and non-monotone electronic devices Uke DIAC (Diode Alternating Current). Circuits with other devices like SCR (Silicon Controlled Rectifiers), Zener diodes, thyristors, varactors and transistors can be analyzed in the same way. © Heldermann Verlag.
Description: 2003011029

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Quaternary hinterland evolution of the active Banda Arc : Surface uplift and neotectonic deformation recorded by coral terraces at Kisar, Indonesia

- Major, Jonathan, Harris, Ron, Chiang, Hong-Wei, Cox, Nicole, Shen, Chuan-Chou, Nelson, Stephen, Prasetyadi, Carolus, Rianto, Arif

Authors: Major, Jonathan , Harris, Ron , Chiang, Hong-Wei , Cox, Nicole , Shen, Chuan-Chou , Nelson, Stephen , Prasetyadi, Carolus , Rianto, Arif
Date: 2013
Type: Text , Journal article
Relation: Journal of Asian Earth Sciences Vol. 73, no. (2013), p. 149-161
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Description: Coral terrace surveys and U-series ages of coral yield a surface uplift rate of ~0.5. m/ka for Kisar Island, which is an emergent island in the hinterland of the active Banda arc-continent collision. Based on this rate, Kisar first emerged from the ocean as recently as ~450. ka. These uplifted terraces are gently warped in a pattern of east-west striking folds. These folds are strike parallel to more developed thrust-related folds of similar wavelength imaged by a seismic reflection profile just offshore. This deformation shows that the emergence of Kisar is influenced by forearc closure along the south-dipping Kisar Thrust. However, the pinnacle shape of Kisar and the protrusion of its metamorphic rocks through the forearc basin sediments also suggest a component of extrusion along shear zones or active doming.Coral encrusts the island coast in many locations over 100. m above sea level. Terrace morphology and coral ages are best explained by recognizing major surfaces as mostly growth terraces and minor terraces as mostly erosional into older terraces. All reliable and referable coral U-series ages determined by MC-ICP-MS correlate with marine isotope stage (MIS) 5e (118-128. ka). The only unaltered coral samples are found below 6. m elevation; however an unaltered Tridacna (giant clam) shell in growth position at 95. m elevation yields a U-series age of 195. ±. 31. ka, which corresponds to MIS 7. This age agrees with the best-fit uplift model for the island. Loose deposits of unaltered coral fragments found at elevations between 8 and 20. m yield U-series ages of <100. years and may represent paleotsunami deposits from previously undocumented tectonic activity in the region. © 2013 Elsevier Ltd.
Description: 2003011098

Rails following snakes: Predator-response behaviour, potential prey, prey-flushing or curiosity?

- Cutten, Dean, Goodyear, Gavin, Tarrant, Tom, Fitzsimons, James, Palmer, Grant

Authors: Cutten, Dean , Goodyear, Gavin , Tarrant, Tom , Fitzsimons, James , Palmer, Grant
Date: 2013
Type: Text , Journal article
Relation: Australian Field Ornithology Vol. 30, no. 2 (2013), p. 97-102
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Description: Although snakes are both predators and prey of birds in the Rallidae family in other parts of the world, there are few documented observations of interactions between these groups in Australia. Here we describe four separate observations of Buff-banded Rails Gallirallus philippensis following snakes in a deliberate manner. Because of the large size of the different snake species encountered by the Buff-banded Rails during our observations, we consider that it is unlikely that the snakes were viewed as potential prey. The behaviours observed in our accounts, and of flufftails Sarothrura spp. in Africa, suggest that rails are aware of the predatory threat of snakes, and follow them to ensure that they move outside the rails- area of concern. We suggest that this behaviour is likely to be a deliberate response to encountering a potential (or perceived) terrestrial predator, such as a snake, or that the snake-s movements potentially flush prey suitable for Buff-banded Rails.
Description: C1

Rapid determination of ultra-trace concentrations of mercury in plants and soils by cold vapour inductively coupled plasma-optical emission spectrometry

- Hellings, Jacqueline, Adeloju, Samuel, Verheyen, Vincent

Authors: Hellings, Jacqueline , Adeloju, Samuel , Verheyen, Vincent
Date: 2013
Type: Text , Journal article
Relation: Microchemical Journal Vol. 111, no. 62-66 (2013), p.62-66
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Description: A method is described for rapid and reliable determination of ultra-trace concentrations of mercury in plant and soil samples by cold vapour inductively coupled plasma-optical emission spectrometry (CV-ICP-OES). Under the established optimum conditions, a detection limit of 3 ng g− 1 was achieved. Rapid decomposition of soil and plant samples were achieved with microwave digestion with a 3:1 HNO3:HCl mixture for only 10 min, enabling close to 100% recovery of mercury. Choice of sample storage condition and nature of sample (dried, wet or frozen) had significant influence on mercury concentrations found in plant and soil samples. Storage of samples as frozen, followed by digestion without drying or on as received basis gave optimum recovery of mercury in the samples. Verification of the effectiveness of the CV-ICP-OES method for reliable mercury determination in plants and soil with microwave digested certified soil and spiked plant samples gave close to 100% and 95–103% recoveries, respectively. The CV-ICP-OES method was successfully applied to the determination of mercury in plant and soil samples from a local Australian forest. The mercury concentrations found in plants range from 23.5 to 78.5 ng g− 1, while those found in soils range from 30.1 to 61.7 ng g− 1.

Re-engagement to where? Low SES students in alternative-education programmes on the path to low-status destinations?

- Smyth, John, McInerney, Peter, Fish, Tim

Authors: Smyth, John , McInerney, Peter , Fish, Tim
Date: 2013
Type: Text , Journal article
Relation: Research in Post-Compulsory Education Vol. 18, no. 1-2 (2013), p. 194-207
Relation: http://purl.org/au-research/grants/arc/LP100100045
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Description: This paper poses a rarely asked question - Re-engagement to where? Or to what valued social purpose for the young people concerned? Drawing from a larger project funded by the Australian Research Council, the paper analyses the 'portraits' of two young people whose lives were seemingly better within a re-engagement programme, but whose lives were severely circumscribed by the narrow vocationalism offered in the programme. More concerning was the fact that the considerable natural talents and skills of these young people were neither acknowledged nor used as the basis to improve their life chances or opportunities. © 2013 Copyright Further Education Research Association.
Description: 2003010827

Reachability and controllability of linear switched impulsive systems

- Liu, Chao, Han, Qi, Li, Chuandong, Zhang, Qun

Authors: Liu, Chao , Han, Qi , Li, Chuandong , Zhang, Qun
Date: 2013
Type: Text , Journal article
Relation: IET Control Theory and Applications Vol. 7, no. 9 (2013), p. 1294-1299
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Description: This study investigates the reachability and controllability of linear switched impulsive systems in which impulsive component is independent of switching among different subsystems. Some crucial geometrical criteria are established. The authors present the fact that the reachable sets and the controllable sets may not be subspaces, if impulsive matrices are singular. While impulsive matrices are reversible, the reachable and controllable subspaces can be determined by two proposed subspace algorithms. The authors also point out that the reachable or controllable subspace is an invariant subspace of the considered systems. Finally, two simple corresponding examples are discussed to illustrate the correctness and effectiveness of the proposed theoretical results. © The Institution of Engineering and Technology 2013.
Description: C1

Reactive oxygen species, Nox and angiotensin II in angiogenesis: Implications for retinopathy

- Wilkinson-Berka, Jennifer, Rana, Indrajeetsinh, Armani, Roksana, Agrotis, Alex

Authors: Wilkinson-Berka, Jennifer , Rana, Indrajeetsinh , Armani, Roksana , Agrotis, Alex
Date: 2013
Type: Text , Journal article
Relation: Clinical Science Vol. 124, no. 10 (May 2013 2013), p. 597-615
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Description: Pathological angiogenesis is a key feature of many diseases including retinopathies such as ROP (retinopathy of prematurity) and DR (diabetic retinopathy). There is considerable evidence that increased production of ROS (reactive oxygen species) in the retina participates in retinal angiogenesis, although the mechanisms by which this occurs are not fully understood. ROS is produced by a number of pathways, including the mitochondrial electron transport chain, cytochrome P450, xanthine oxidase and uncoupled nitric oxide synthase. The family of NADPH oxidase (Nox) enzymes are likely to be important given that their primary function is to produce ROS. Seven isoforms of Nox have been identified named Nox1-5, Duox (dual oxidase) 1 and Duox2. Nox1, Nox2 and Nox4 have been most extensively studied and are implicated in the development of conditions such as hypertension, cardiovascular disease and diabetic nephropathy. In recent years, evidence has accumulated to suggest that Nox1, Nox2 and Nox4 participate in pathological angiogenesis; however, there is no clear consensus about which Nox isoform is primarily responsible. In terms of retinopathy, there is growing evidence that Nox contribute to vascular injury. The RAAS (renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system), and particularly AngII (angiotensin II), is a key stimulator of Nox. It is known that a local RAAS exists in the retina and that blockade of AngII and aldosterone attenuate pathological angiogenesis in the retina. Whether the RAAS influences the production of ROS derived from Nox in retinopathy is yet to be fully determined. These topics will be reviewed with a particular emphasis on ROP and DR.
Description: C1

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Recognizing internet addiction: Prevalence and relationship to academic achievement in adolescents enrolled in urban and rural Greek high schools

- Stavropoulos, Vasilis, Alexandraki, Kiriaki, Motti-Stefanidi, Frosso

Authors: Stavropoulos, Vasilis , Alexandraki, Kiriaki , Motti-Stefanidi, Frosso
Date: 2013
Type: Text , Journal article
Relation: Journal of Adolescence Vol. 36, no. 3 (2013), p. 565-576
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Description: This study aims: a) to estimate the prevalence of internet addiction among adolescents of urban and rural areas in Greece, b) to examine whether the Internet Addiction Test cut-off point is applicable to them and c) to investigate the phenomenon's association with academic achievement. Participants were 2090 adolescents (mean age 16, 1036 males, 1050 females). Young's (1998) Internet Addiction Test and her Diagnostic Questionnaire were applied. School records' grades were retrieved. A 3.1% prevalence revealed, while boys {F (1, 1642) = 6.207, p < .05}, urban residents {F (1, 1642) = 5.53, p > .05} and academic track high school students {F (1, 1642) = 5.30, p < .05} were at higher risk. An Internet Addiction Test score of 51 points (sample's mean = 27.69, SD = 17.38) was proposed as the optimal cut-off point combining high sensitivity (98%) and specificity (91%). Finally, findings illustrated the syndrome's relation to worse academic achievement {F (1, 1725) = 0.93, p > .05}.

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Recruitment and functionality traits as biondicators of ecological restoration success in the Lurg Hills district, Victoria, Australia

- Monie, Kristin, Florentine, Singarayer, Palmer, Grant

Authors: Monie, Kristin , Florentine, Singarayer , Palmer, Grant
Date: 2013
Type: Text , Journal article
Relation: Ecological Processes Vol. 2, no. 27 (2013), p. 1-11
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Description: Introduction The Regent Honeyeater Project commenced ecological restoration in the Lurg district in 1994, with an aim to restore habitats for the critically endangered Regent Honeyeater Anthochaera phrygia and a range of other threatened and declining species. Within this context, our study aimed to explore whether plant reproduction can be an effective measure of ecological restoration success. Methods Evaluation involved comparing attributes at unrestored, restored and remnant sites to establish whether sites displayed evidence of a clear restoration trajectory. Five age classes (unrestored, 4–6 years old, 8–10 years old, 12–14 years old and remnant areas) and two landforms (upper hills and lower hills) were considered. The diversity of woody plant species—which have easily recognisable reproductive material and which all recruit seedlings—provides easily measured parameters that have the potential to allow the determination of early establishment success and long-term ecological development of restored ecosystems. Results Restoration plantings developed in a hybrid state towards a benchmark in the lower hills; seedling species composition differed significantly among age classes, increasing in similarity with time since restoration, with some divergence from the target pathway. Composition of functional groups with reproductive outputs was also significantly different among age classes; however, a restoration trajectory was only evident in the upper hills where sites converged towards the target goal. Conclusions Divergence or deviation from the restoration trajectory was not deemed to be a restoration failure, as the variety of functional groups with fruits and diversity of seedlings recruiting indicated a potential increase in resilience in the future due to greater variability across the landscape. Plant recruitment was effective in detecting development trends towards a restoration target in this study and therefore may be a useful measure that contributes to determining ecological restoration success

Reduction of silver nanoparticle toxicity by sulfide

- Hou, JinLan, Shuo, Guoqiang, Grozova, Lina

Authors: Hou, JinLan , Shuo, Guoqiang , Grozova, Lina
Date: 2013
Type: Text , Journal article
Relation: Advanced Materials Letters Vol. 4, no. 2 (2013), p. 131-133
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Description: Silver nanoparticles have been widely used in consumer products due to their excellent antimicrobial properties. Release of nanosilver into natural waters may induce negative environmental impacts on local microorganism communities. This work evaluated the influence of anions such as sulfate, phosphate, chloride and sulfide on the toxicity of silver nanoparticles. Results revealed that sulfide anion could significantly reduce their toxicity in comparison with other anions, which provides an in-depth investigation on the toxicity control of released silver nanoparticles. © 2013 VBRI Press.

Reflections on teaching a first-year Indigenous Australian studies subject

- Heckenberg, Robyn, Gunstone, Andrew

Authors: Heckenberg, Robyn , Gunstone, Andrew
Date: 2013
Type: Text , Journal article
Relation: International Education Journal [ Vol. 12, no. 1 (2013), p. 213-225
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Description: Robyn Heckenberg and Andrew Gunstone team taught a first-year subject in Indigenous Australian Studies at Monash University for eight years. The significant majority of students undertaking this subject are non-Indigenous students who are studying the subject as an elective rather than as part of an Indigenous Studies course. In this paper, we discuss our experiences and reflections in teaching this subject, including our teaching philosophies and approaches, the various successes and challenges that we have encountered, and our views of the usefulness and potential of this subject in preparing students to genuinely work and engage with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and communities.

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Rehabilitation in skilled nursing centres for elderly people with lower limb amputations: A mixed-methods, descriptive study

- Fortington, Lauren, Rommers, Gerardus, Wind-Kral, Anne, Dijkstra, Pieter, Geertzen, Jan

Authors: Fortington, Lauren , Rommers, Gerardus , Wind-Kral, Anne , Dijkstra, Pieter , Geertzen, Jan
Date: 2013
Type: Text , Journal article
Relation: Journal of Rehabilitation Medicine Vol. 45, no. 10 (2013), p. 1065-1070
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Description: Objectives: To describe the current set-up, barriers and potential for providing rehabilitation to people with lower limb amputation in skilled nursing centres. Design: Survey and interviews. Subjects/participants: Elderly care physicians, physiotherapists. Methods: In 2011, clinicians from 34 skilled nursing centres participated in a semi-structured interview covering rehabilitation and daily care, personal skills and training, team work and communication, and discharge processes. Results: Each centre sees only a small proportion of people with amputation (a maximum of 3.6% of all admissions). This limited number of patients appears to be the main barrier in providing care, as it is difficult for clinicians to maintain knowledge, and resources are spread widely. Two main areas of improvement were suggested by participants: (i) use of guidelines in care; and (ii) collaboration with specialized team members. Conclusion: The spread of patients across many centres makes it difficult for professionals working in skilled nursing centres to obtain the necessary skills and knowledge for care of people with amputation. A designated skilled nursing centre for amputation rehabilitation is presented as a solution, but smaller clinical changes are also suggested, including improvements in communication and training.
Description: C1

Relating with God contributes to variance in happiness, over that from personality and age

- Fisher, John

Authors: Fisher, John
Date: 2013
Type: Text , Journal article
Relation: Religions Vol. 4, no. 3 (2013), p. 313-324
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Description: A previous study on university students reported that personal, communal, and environmental spiritual well-being contributed to happiness over and above personality but that relating with God did not. In this study, happiness was assessed using a modified Oxford Happiness Inventory. Personality scores were obtained using forms of Eysenck’s Personality Questionnaire. Four domains of spiritual well-being were determined using Fisher’s Spiritual Well-Being Questionnaire. Relationship with God was reflected by the Transcendental domain of spiritual well-being in this instrument. Studies with 466 university students from Australia, Northern Ireland, and England, 494 people attending churches in Ballarat, and 1002 secondary school students in Victoria showed that relating with God accounts for variance on happiness, over and above personality, and age.

Reliability prediction of distributed systems using Monte Carlo method

- Gunawan, Indra

Authors: Gunawan, Indra
Date: 2013
Type: Text , Journal article
Relation: International Journal of Reliability and Safety Vol. 7, no. 3 (2013), p. 235-248
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Description: Distributed systems consist of layers of switching elements connected together in a predefined topology providing the connectivity between the set of processors and the set of memory modules. Reliability prediction is important as it determines the usability and efficiency of the network to provide services. This paper presents reliability analysis of Shuffle-Exchange Network (SEN) systems using Monte Carlo method with stratified sampling. A SEN, a specific type of distributed systems that consists of 2 × 2 switching elements, has been widely considered a practical interconnection system. Confidence interval of the point estimate is then derived using non-parametric bootstrapping. Copyright © 2013 Inderscience Enterprises Ltd.

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