The role of psychological variables in help-seeking amongst farmers and farming families
- Authors: Grieve, Aaron
- Date: 2005
- Type: Text , Thesis , PhD
- Full Text: false
- Description: This study investigated the role of psychological variables in help-seeking behaviour and attitudes in a rural population, with particular emphasis as to whether differences existed between farmers and non-farming rural residents. These groups were contrasted, as research suggests that farmers appear to be a sub-group of the Australian population at increased risk of chronic health problems and suicide, even in comparison to other rural residents.
- Description: Doctor of Psychology (Clinical)
Thread of truth
- Authors: Hughes, Judith
- Date: 2005
- Type: Text , Thesis , Masters
- Full Text:
- Description: "It is thought that phobias are caused by a fear of the unknown and can be overcome by self-help learning resulting in better understanding. Observation and scientific investigation have been used to create a body of artwork for the purpose of helping to desensitize people who suffer from arachnophobia. Field trip collections, photography, printmaking and installations have been used to capture, explore and create visual artworks that have been designed to highlight fact-based features of spiders and their webs."
- Description: Master of Arts (Visual Arts)
Wine and regional tourism : Cluster complementarity and regional development
- Authors: McRae-Williams, Pamela
- Date: 2005
- Type: Text , Thesis , PhD
- Full Text:
- Description: This thesis investigates the impact of clustering on the development and operation of wine and tourism industries in Victoria, Australia. Specifically, the research analyses the structure and competitive strength of industry players, and highlights the importance of geographic co-location on their behaviour. In essence, this study examines micro-clusters in these regional industries to identify overlap and complementarity between them. The research focuses on three case studies based around geographic locations in Central and Western Victoria - Ballarat, Northern Grampians and Bendigo regions. "The primary aim of the study is to gain an understanding of the scope of wine and tourism micro-clusters and how they interact. [...] Generally speaking, this study develops and applies a framework that demonstrates the relevance of cluster theory as a regional development tool for scenarios that fucus on co-located clusters at a micro level, as opposed to the majority of research reported that focuses on the macro level."
- Description: Doctor of Philosophy
"Working through it" : men's experiences of fatherhood following a life event / Allan H. Donelly
- Authors: Donelly, Allan H.
- Date: 2004
- Type: Text , Thesis , PhD
- Full Text:
- Description: "This study set out to determine if and how men change their approach to fatherhood for reasons other than those prescribed by society, that is, are fathers capable of change for personal and interpersonal reasons. ... The participants needed to have experienced a life event whist being a father."
- Description: Doctor of Philosophy
'I can be this' : Image, identity and investment in physical education
- Authors: Brown, Leann
- Date: 2004
- Type: Text , Thesis , PhD
- Full Text: false
- Description: This study investigated how student expectations, experiences and involvement in physical education teacher education impacted upon and shaped identity development. The research focused on student social interactions and identified a range of behaviours and practices which reinforced student notions of what it means to be a physical educator. [...] The research itself was conducted within a creative analytical practice framework resulting in the following research products: the thesis text; a collection of one act plays titled, 'Plays from the identity playground', written about student social experiences; a CD which includes the filmed production of one of the plays 'Boys' training', and 'I can be this: a phototext', which presents key 'photographic' themes as insights into PETE student social events and activities.
- Description: Doctor of Philosophy
A computer-mediated framework to facilitate group consensus based on a shared understanding ConSULT
- Authors: Afshar, Faezeh
- Date: 2004
- Type: Text , Thesis , Masters , PhD
- Full Text: false
- Description: "Group decision-making usually involves a process of discussion and evaluation of alternatives. Important aspects of a group decision support system are: freedom to participate; the ability to explicitly present points of view; the ability to augment or oppose views by supporting evidence and reasoning; and the ability to use and consider other additional views .... The overall aim of this work is to develop an approach that can alleviate some of the problems associated with group commuication and consensus decision-making by effectively supporting group discussions towards consensus. Towards achieving this goal we have developed an approach called ConSULT (Consensus based on a Shared Understanding of a Leading Topic) as a computer-mediated framework to allow argumentation, collection and evaluation of discussion and group decision-making. This approach employs existing theories and techniques in computer-mediated communication, argumentation, Delphi and voting." -- Abstract.
- Description: Master of Information Technology
- Description: "Group decision-making usually involves a process of discussion and evaluation of alternatives. Important aspects of a group decision support system are: freedom to participate; the ability to explicitly present points of view; the ability to augment or oppose views by supporting evidence and reasoning; and the ability to use and consider other additional views .... The overall aim of this work is to develop an approach that can alleviate some of the problems associated with group commuication and consensus decision-making by effectively supporting group discussions towards consensus. Towards achieveing this goal we have developed an approach called ConSULT (Consensus based on a Shared Understanding of a Leading Topic) as a computer-mediated framework to allow argumentation, collection and evaluation of discussion and group decision-making. This approach employs existing theories and techniques in computer-mediated communication, argumentation, Delphi and voting." -- Abstract.
A neural network approach for predicting the direction of the Australian stock market index
- Authors: Tilakaratne, Chandima
- Date: 2004
- Type: Text , Thesis , Masters
- Full Text:
- Description: This research investigated the feasibility and capability of neural network-based approaches for predicting the direction of the Australian Stock market index (the target market). It includes several aspects: univariate feature selection from the historical time series of the target market, inter-market analysis for finding the most relevant influential markets, investigations of the effect of time cycles on the target market and the discovery of the optimal neural network architectures. Previous research on US stock markets and other international markets have shown that the neural network approach is one of most powerful techniques for predicting stock market behaviour. Neural networks are capable of capturing the non-linear stochastic and chaotic patterns in the stock market time series data. This study discovered that the relative return series of the Open, High, Low and Close prices of the target market, show 6-day cycles during the studied period of about 14 years. Multi-layer feedforward neural networks trained with a backpropagation algorithm were used for the experiments. Two major testing methods: testing with randomly selected test data and forward testing, were examined and compared. The best neural network developed in this study has achieved 87%, 81% 83% and 81% accuracy respectively in predicting the next-day direction of the relative return of the Open, High, Low and Close prices of the target market. The architecture of this network consists of 33 input features, one hidden layer with 3 neurons and 4 output neurons. The best input features set includes the relative returns from 1 to 6 days in the past of the Open, High, Low and Close prices of the target market, the day of the week, and the previous day’s relative return of the Close prices of the US S&P 500 Index, US Dow Jones Industrial Average Index, US Gold/Silver Index, and the US Oil Index.
- Description: Master of Information Technology by Research
A study of multiple perspectives and knowledge in adverse drug reaction decision-making : Volume 1
- Authors: O'Brien, Michelle
- Date: 2004
- Type: Text , Thesis , PhD
- Full Text:
- Description: Injury and illness associated with drugs are major problems in Australia and around the world, despite significant developments in the area of adverse drug reaction (ADR) decision support technology. The aims of this thesis are: to investigate the ADR decision domain; to determine factors that may assist in the prevention, detection and management of ADRs; and, to inform the pre-requirements analysis phase of the development of decision support systems. An approach has been taken that permits open and grounded study of the decision environment. This approach can then be used to frame and inform the design of an ADR decision support system. Fifteen case studies that comprise self selected consumers, the treating medical practitioner/s and expert perspectives of a single instance of an ADR (fifteen in-depth consumer interviews, eight in-depth medical practitioner interviews and 30 expert written questionnaires), have been collected and analysed using a grounded theory approach, a symbolic interactionist theoretical framework and a social constructionist epistemology. The analysis was performed from three perspectives: individual case study analysis (all interviews for an instance of an ADR); group analysis (consumer, medical practitioner and expert views) and analysis combining the individual case studies and groups of data. Concepts, themes and theory have emerged from these data in the following areas: • the contribution of the differences in understanding of the core concepts within this domain, to misunderstandings between decision-makers; • the consumer as a diagnostic decision-maker in the ADR decision domain; • differential diagnostic strategies used by the consumers and medical practitioners; • complexities in the ADR decision domain that make diagnosis difficult; • the role of ADR information in consumer and medical practitioner decision-making; • decision types used by consumers and medical practitioners in the ADR decision domain; • resources used by consumers, medical practitioners and experts to inform their ADR decisions; • decision-making with partial knowledge of the consumer case history, drug behaviour and diseases; • the impact of suspected ADRs on consumers and on future decision-making; • medical practitioner/consumer decision-making models; and, • reasons for low ADR reporting and the impact on the development of new ADR knowledge. The results above suggest the following: • The ADR decision domain is more complex than the current ADR decision support focus and that broadening this focus may assist in providing a more complete and useful decision support solution. • Improving the prevention, detection and management of ADRs requires more than providing prescribers with up to date ADR information. Other important factors are sharing of information, awareness of the role of the consumer, a collaborative approach between the consumers and medical practitioners, and generation of new ADR knowledge. • A grounded theory analysis of case study data using the theoretical perspectives of social constructionism and symbolic interactionism provided insight into this domain from the perspectives of multiple decision-makers. This may be an approach that can be used by systems analysts to inform the requirements analysis phases of decision support within other domains. The results of this qualitative work are preliminary. Future work is required to confirm and expand these results.
- Description: Doctor of Philosophy
An evaluation of a new test of reactive agility
- Authors: Sheppard, Jeremy
- Date: 2004
- Type: Text , Thesis , Masters
- Full Text: false
- Description: "The purpose of this study was to investigate the test-retest and inter-rater reliability of a new test of agility, as well as the validity of the test to distinguish between players of differing ability in Australian Rules Football (ARF). In addition, the study's third purpose was to identify the relationships between straight-sprinting (SS), a sprint with planned change of direction (CODS), reactive strength (RS), and the new test of agility (Reactive Agility Test, RAT)."
- Description: Master of Applied Science
An exploration of the reasons why 10 women from central Victoria chose to birth at home
- Authors: Kelson, Lynette
- Date: 2004
- Type: Text , Thesis , Masters
- Full Text: false
- Description: Master of Nursing
- Description: An exploration of the reasons why 10 women from central Victoria chose to birth at home
Casuarina pauper (belah) woodlands of northwest Victoria : monitoring and regeneration
- Authors: Callister, Katrina
- Date: 2004
- Type: Text , Thesis , Masters , PhD
- Full Text:
- Description: "The study focused on C. pauper woodland in northwest Victoria, an area where the recent establishment of the Murray-Sunset National Park (MSNP) provides an ideal opportunity to manage these woodlands to promote regeneration"
- Description: Doctor of Philosophy
Development and validation of the Pre-school Educational and Psychological Screen (PrEPS)
- Authors: Heeney, Simone
- Date: 2004
- Type: Text , Thesis , PhD
- Full Text:
- Description: Children with behavioural, social, and emotional problems in preschool are often at risk for school maladjustment and the development of psychological disorders when they enter the school system. This study sought to develop and validate a preschool screening instrument that could identify the precursors and symptoms of mental health problems and provide targeted intervention processes. Measures included on the screen were 20 items identified by 126 Victorian Prep teachers as most important for school success. When administered by teachers of 143 (68 boys, 75 girls) preschoolaged children, these items demonstrated an internal reliability of .97. Factor analysis resulted in a 3-factor solution, with 'Learning Skills", 'Social Skills', and 'Good Start Skills' emerging as factors. This 'Preschool Educational and Psychological Screen' (PrEPS) demonstrated significant concurrent, predictive, and construct validity. Factor scores were associated with family income, fathers' education, parents' marital status, and child's age, hours of sleep, and gender. Results indicate that the PrEPS is a reliable and valid instrument in the identification of early indicators of psychological problems in preschoolers.
- Description: Professional Doctorate of Psychology (Clinical)
- Description: This research thesis is submitted in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of D. Psych (Clinical), School of Behavioural & Social Science & Humanities.
From Jackson Pollock to theatre
- Authors: Kazepis, Tony
- Date: 2004
- Type: Text , Thesis , PhD
- Full Text:
- Description: "This research project explores and examines the impact and influence that myth has had on the Arts and intellectual life over the last century."
- Description: Doctor of Philosophy
Integrated clinical pathway of transurethral resection of the prostate : Impact on clinical quality, cost and patient and staff satisfaction
- Authors: Khowaja, Khurshid
- Date: 2004
- Type: Text , Thesis , PhD
- Full Text:
- Description: "The central focus of this study is an investigation into how the implementation of a clinical pathway for the surgical procedure of transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) impacted on clinical quality, cost, and patient and staff satisfaction at the Aga Khan University Hospital (AKUH) in Pakistan"
- Description: Doctor of Philosophy
Managing occupational health and safety performance improvement : managing for significant and sustainable improvements in occupational health and safety performance in an international contractor-dominated environment
- Authors: Stacy, Robert
- Date: 2004
- Type: Text , Thesis , PhD
- Full Text: false
- Description: The heavy construction industry, as a contractor-dominated environment, is challenged by the need to achieve significant and sustainable improvements in occupational health and safety performance. To overcome such challenges an occupational health and safety improvement methodology was developed incorporating a transformational change model and an action research method."
- Description: Doctor of Philosphy
Mathematical models of dynamic reconfiguration of telecommunication networks
- Authors: Dzalilov, Zari
- Date: 2004
- Type: Text , Thesis , PhD
- Full Text:
- Description: In this thesis we examine mathematical models for dynamical reconfiguration of telecommunication networks. Dynamical configuration is one of the most important problems in the field of network management. In the case of some part of the network being damaged the system should maintain its operations, taking into account the new conditions. This can be achieved by using the residual capacity of the system if it is available. If there were not enough residual capacity, the managers of the system need to involve some of the unaffected traffic in order to reorganize traffic. A prolonged breakdown will push some customers to change their provider; there is also a lost [sic] of profit because of breakdowns, that can be considered as a certain implicit penalty. To reorganize traffic by using new routes we should have a flexible routing system.
- Description: Doctor of Philosophy
Our own beds : a tale of metamorphosis
- Authors: Green, Georgina
- Date: 2004
- Type: Text , Thesis , Masters
- Full Text: false
- Description: "This research project visually explores the concept of "living story" through an installation. Entitled "Our own beds", the installation uses narrative with an emphasis on personal perspective and lived experience in the manner of Jack Kerouac's writings."
- Description: Master of Arts
Quoting landscape : an investigative journey across the landscape of the Westen district of Victoria
- Authors: Donald, Colin
- Date: 2004
- Type: Text , Thesis , Masters
- Full Text:
- Description: "This research project aims to provide a contemporary visualisation of "specific sites." The visualisation of these selected landscapes will draw upon and add to existing traditions of representation of this region, embedding my experiences within this dialogue."
- Description: Master of Arts (Visual Arts)
Research projects reports and professional and ethical issues report
- Authors: Molloy, Mari
- Date: 2004
- Type: Text , Thesis , PhD
- Full Text:
- Description: "The thematic link within each of the individual reports arising from three of these placements is that of anxiety and depression"
- Description: Doctor of Psychology (Clinical)
Testing the efficacy of therapeutic footwear with rocker-soles to protect ulceration in diabetic and neuropathic patients
- Authors: Stacpoole Shea, Susan
- Date: 2004
- Type: Text , Thesis , PhD
- Full Text:
- Description: "This thesis aimed to test rocker-sole shoe designs to select the most effective design for protecting plantar hallux and plantar first metatarsophalangeal joint ilcerations from plantar pressures during walking in adults with diabetes and peripheral neuropathy."
- Description: Doctor of Philosophy