Description:
The timing of breeding and habitat preference in the stubble quail (Coturnix pectoralis) were assessed at two study sites, Dookie and Mitiamo, in the north of Victoria. Surveying was over and eight month period between September 1993 - April 1994. Reproductive timing was determined by monitoring changes in the gomad size of shot birds. Breeding events were verified by disproportionate increases in the number of young birds shot. Population density was measured as an indicator of habitat preference. Site characteristics known to affect habitat selection were monitored. Breeding was in spring and autumn. Spring breeding coincided with the period of maximum plant growth. Autumn breeding was stimulated by above average late summer rainfall. Male stubble quail were shot in greater numbers during a known breeding event. Stubble quail preferred areas of lightly grazed pasture dominanted by native grass species. Recently harvested wheat and barley stubble provided an abundant short-term food supply, however the ability of this habitat type to support resident stubble quail populations is questioned. Stubble quail population density appeared to be strongly influenced by territorial behaviour during breeding. Implications for the management of this game species are discussed and future lines of research recommended.
Description:
The timing of breeding and habitat preference in the stubble quail (Coturnix pectoralis) were assessed at two study sites, Dookie and Mitiamo, in the north of Victoria. Surveying was over and eight month period between September 1993 - April 1994. Reproductive timing was determined by monitoring changes in the gomad size of shot birds. Breeding events were verified by disproportionate increases in the number of young birds shot. Population density was measured as an indicator of habitat preference. Site characteristics known to affect habitat selection were monitored. Breeding was in spring and autumn. Spring breeding coincided with the period of maximum plant growth. Autumn breeding was stimulated by above average late summer rainfall. Male stubble quail were shot in greater numbers during a known breeding event. Stubble quail preferred areas of lightly grazed pasture dominanted by native grass species. Recently harvested wheat and barley stubble provided an abundant short-term food supply, however the ability of this habitat type to support resident stubble quail populations is questioned. Stubble quail population density appeared to be strongly influenced by territorial behaviour during breeding. Implications for the management of this game species are discussed and future lines of research recommended.
Description:
The purpose of the study was to examine the effect of a group training program, based on cognitive behavioural theory and techniques, on the problem-solving skills of adolescents. Evidence of a link between suicidal ideation (engaging in suicidal thinking) and reported deficits in social problem-solving or coping competence levels in adolescents is an area of investigation that offers some hope for suicide primary prevention programs. The study tried to determine if teaching social problem solving skills in a school would better equip adolescents with coping with problematic situations. The work of Hawton (1997) Hawton and Kirk (1989), Lerner and Clum (1990) and McLeavey, Daly, Ludgate and Murray (1994) formed the basis of the training program design. The emphasis was on general problem-solving skills rather on a participant’s specific current problems. Included was training in listening skills, assistance in developing problem-solving skills rather on a participant’s specific current problems. Included was training in listening skills, assistance in developing appropriate problem-solving behaviours and role simulation through the use of structured video case scenarios. Seventy four male and female year 10 secondary school students were subjects in the study. They were randomly divided into two, approximately equal, groups. Thirty six subjects established the control group and the remaining thirty eight constituted the experimental group. The findings indicated that students exposed to the problem solving training program did not have significantly higher problem-solving ability, as measured by the Problem Solving Inventory (PSI) than those who were not exposed to the training. However, females in the experimental group were significantly more likely to make conscious decisions about when they would approach or avoid a problem when compared to control group females. It is suggested that the adaptation of training, designed for suicidal clients, needs to be explored further for application to Year 10 students in the general population. More research is needed into ways to provide school based preventative training programs that will assist in the development of coping skills.
Description:
The purpose of the study was to examine the effect of a group training program, based on cognitive behavioural theory and techniques, on the problem-solving skills of adolescents. Evidence of a link between suicidal ideation (engaging in suicidal thinking) and reported deficits in social problem-solving or coping competence levels in adolescents is an area of investigation that offers some hope for suicide primary prevention programs. The study tried to determine if teaching social problem solving skills in a school would better equip adolescents with coping with problematic situations. The work of Hawton (1997) Hawton and Kirk (1989), Lerner and Clum (1990) and McLeavey, Daly, Ludgate and Murray (1994) formed the basis of the training program design. The emphasis was on general problem-solving skills rather on a participant’s specific current problems. Included was training in listening skills, assistance in developing problem-solving skills rather on a participant’s specific current problems. Included was training in listening skills, assistance in developing appropriate problem-solving behaviours and role simulation through the use of structured video case scenarios. Seventy four male and female year 10 secondary school students were subjects in the study. They were randomly divided into two, approximately equal, groups. Thirty six subjects established the control group and the remaining thirty eight constituted the experimental group. The findings indicated that students exposed to the problem solving training program did not have significantly higher problem-solving ability, as measured by the Problem Solving Inventory (PSI) than those who were not exposed to the training. However, females in the experimental group were significantly more likely to make conscious decisions about when they would approach or avoid a problem when compared to control group females. It is suggested that the adaptation of training, designed for suicidal clients, needs to be explored further for application to Year 10 students in the general population. More research is needed into ways to provide school based preventative training programs that will assist in the development of coping skills.
Description:
"There is a dearth of information about the current use and management of hazardous substances in workplaces. This project aimed to contribute knowledge in this area by drawing on the practical experience of worker-elected health and safety representatives. This was undertaken by surveying a random sample of 7178 representatives registered with former South Australian Occupational and Safety Commission's Health and Safety Representatives Database. The survey results indicated widespread use of hazard substances although there were differences between industries and work force sectors in the range of chemical types used, the nature and degree of contact that workers have with them. Use of some chemical types was also widespread in a number of industries. Container labelling and access to material safety data sheets were found to be established in many workplaces and some form of assessment to decide how to protect workers was also often undertaken. Baseline information was obtained against which the impact of proposed regulatory reforms to control workplace hazardous substances (consistent with Workplace Australia's National Model Regulations for the Contol of Workplace Hazardous Substances) can be evaluated. This information can also be used in the planning and targeting of educative and other preventive strategies to minimise risks to health and safety arising from work with hazardous substances." Taken form Abstract
Description:
"There is a dearth of information about the current use and management of hazardous substances in workplaces. This project aimed to contribute knowledge in this area by drawing on the practical experience of worker-elected health and safety representatives. This was undertaken by surveying a random sample of 7178 representatives registered with former South Australian Occupational and Safety Commission's Health and Safety Representatives Database. The survey results indicated widespread use of hazard substances although there were differences between industries and work force sectors in the range of chemical types used, the nature and degree of contact that workers have with them. Use of some chemical types was also widespread in a number of industries. Container labelling and access to material safety data sheets were found to be established in many workplaces and some form of assessment to decide how to protect workers was also often undertaken. Baseline information was obtained against which the impact of proposed regulatory reforms to control workplace hazardous substances (consistent with Workplace Australia's National Model Regulations for the Contol of Workplace Hazardous Substances) can be evaluated. This information can also be used in the planning and targeting of educative and other preventive strategies to minimise risks to health and safety arising from work with hazardous substances." Taken form Abstract
Description:
The principal aim of this study is to survey parents' perceptions of the influence of imported children's television programs on their children's behaviour. The survey was carried out in the Jakarta area. The study was promoted by a desire to investigate the claim made by some social commentators in Indonesia recently that children's behaviour was worsening, especially since the rapid expansion of commercial television. For the survey, a group of 388 parents of mixed socio-economic status were questioned. As a further step, qualitative research techniques were used to interview key personnel from the Indonesian television industry. Both the quantitative and qualitative data obtained was related to imported children's programs broadcast on both commercial and government channels. The result indicate that there w as no significant correlation between increased negative behaviour in children and the watching of imported children's programs. Most parents were inclined toward the view that they could not be certain whether or not their children's behaviour was influenced by imported children's television programs. Neither did they consider such programs to have a negative influence on their children's behaviour. Variation in parents' socio-economic status did not lead to a significant difference in percentages. Since parents did not perceive there to be any correlation, there may be other factors at work leading children to behave in increasingly negative ways, or perhaps the social commentators are mistaken and children's behaviour is not worsening at all
Description:
The principal aim of this study is to survey parents' perceptions of the influence of imported children's television programs on their children's behaviour. The survey was carried out in the Jakarta area. The study was promoted by a desire to investigate the claim made by some social commentators in Indonesia recently that children's behaviour was worsening, especially since the rapid expansion of commercial television. For the survey, a group of 388 parents of mixed socio-economic status were questioned. As a further step, qualitative research techniques were used to interview key personnel from the Indonesian television industry. Both the quantitative and qualitative data obtained was related to imported children's programs broadcast on both commercial and government channels. The result indicate that there w as no significant correlation between increased negative behaviour in children and the watching of imported children's programs. Most parents were inclined toward the view that they could not be certain whether or not their children's behaviour was influenced by imported children's television programs. Neither did they consider such programs to have a negative influence on their children's behaviour. Variation in parents' socio-economic status did not lead to a significant difference in percentages. Since parents did not perceive there to be any correlation, there may be other factors at work leading children to behave in increasingly negative ways, or perhaps the social commentators are mistaken and children's behaviour is not worsening at all
Description:
"This study investigates children's self-concept in relation to the quality of school physical education and sports programs, the teaching by physical education specialists and participation in extra curricular sport activities."
Description:
"This study investigates children's self-concept in relation to the quality of school physical education and sports programs, the teaching by physical education specialists and participation in extra curricular sport activities."
Description:
A study was undertaken over one year of the habitat of Dodonaea viscosa subsp. angustissima at Hattah in north west Victoria. These studies, combined with further investigations, indicated significant differences in the germination requirements and behavior of the three species studied.
Description:
A study was undertaken over one year of the habitat of Dodonaea viscosa subsp. angustissima at Hattah in north west Victoria. These studies, combined with further investigations, indicated significant differences in the germination requirements and behavior of the three species studied.
Description:
The aim of the research project is to investigate the veracity of negative criticisms of supervisors' accident investigations by using the generalised time sequence model as the analytical tool to evaluate the data recorded in a convenience sample of supervisors' accident investigation report forms.
Description:
The aim of the research project is to investigate the veracity of negative criticisms of supervisors' accident investigations by using the generalised time sequence model as the analytical tool to evaluate the data recorded in a convenience sample of supervisors' accident investigation report forms.
Description:
Occupational health and safety legislation in Australia and internationally is based on the safe place concept and the hierarchy of control. A safe place is best achieved at the design stage and consequently the education of engineers in safety has been a priority. There have been notable efforts at the integration of safety with engineering studies, and this should be an ongoing objective, however extensive integration is likely to be difficult at least in the short term. The challenge was to develop a supplemental, innovative way to improve the ability of engineers to develop safe place solutions. The hypothesis was that training in creative thinking would achieve this aim. The hierarchy of control methodology shares a strong relationship with creative thinking. Safe place thinking challenges assumptions in the same way that creative thinking seeks to escape dominant paradigms. For this reason creative thinking seems a natural aid to the safe place approach. This study tested the effect on safety design of a creative thinking program; de Bono’s six thinking hats method. Given a recognition that groups other than engineers impact on workplace design, a range of subjects were included; engineering students, technology students, industry safety advisers, and government safety advisers. In response to safety case studies, subjects were required to generate solutions and to prioritize potential solutions. Subjects worked on a range of problems, some individually and some in teams of three. Results show that training in creative thinking improved the generation of solutions to safety problems. As the number of solutions increased, the average quality of ideas was maintained, therefore the increased number of solutions was accompanied by a similar increase in good quality safe place solutions. The results also showed in some instances the training improved the prioritization of solutions according to the safe place methodology. The effects were of a similar magnitude for individuals and teams. Creative thinking training was shown to be a useful way to enhance the generation of safe place solutions to safety problems. Given that creative thinking skills can theoretically be applied to any area of problem solving, the enhancement of these skills are likely to yield wider benefits. Furthermore the enhancement of creative thinking accords well with the current industrial mandates for improved innovation.
Description:
Occupational health and safety legislation in Australia and internationally is based on the safe place concept and the hierarchy of control. A safe place is best achieved at the design stage and consequently the education of engineers in safety has been a priority. There have been notable efforts at the integration of safety with engineering studies, and this should be an ongoing objective, however extensive integration is likely to be difficult at least in the short term. The challenge was to develop a supplemental, innovative way to improve the ability of engineers to develop safe place solutions. The hypothesis was that training in creative thinking would achieve this aim. The hierarchy of control methodology shares a strong relationship with creative thinking. Safe place thinking challenges assumptions in the same way that creative thinking seeks to escape dominant paradigms. For this reason creative thinking seems a natural aid to the safe place approach. This study tested the effect on safety design of a creative thinking program; de Bono’s six thinking hats method. Given a recognition that groups other than engineers impact on workplace design, a range of subjects were included; engineering students, technology students, industry safety advisers, and government safety advisers. In response to safety case studies, subjects were required to generate solutions and to prioritize potential solutions. Subjects worked on a range of problems, some individually and some in teams of three. Results show that training in creative thinking improved the generation of solutions to safety problems. As the number of solutions increased, the average quality of ideas was maintained, therefore the increased number of solutions was accompanied by a similar increase in good quality safe place solutions. The results also showed in some instances the training improved the prioritization of solutions according to the safe place methodology. The effects were of a similar magnitude for individuals and teams. Creative thinking training was shown to be a useful way to enhance the generation of safe place solutions to safety problems. Given that creative thinking skills can theoretically be applied to any area of problem solving, the enhancement of these skills are likely to yield wider benefits. Furthermore the enhancement of creative thinking accords well with the current industrial mandates for improved innovation.
Description:
"Using case studies from Australian industry, the aim of this research project is to study team members' and their customers perceptions of the effectiveness of team approaches to inmproving health and safety, and to identify the organisational and team factors that may enhance effectiveness."
Description:
"Using case studies from Australian industry, the aim of this research project is to study team members' and their customers perceptions of the effectiveness of team approaches to inmproving health and safety, and to identify the organisational and team factors that may enhance effectiveness."
Description:
The aim of the study was to examine to what extent the role of a grief resolution program component would enhance a concurrent cognitive program in the treatment of pain.
Description:
Master of Applied Science (Psychology)
Description:
The aim of the study was to examine to what extent the role of a grief resolution program component would enhance a concurrent cognitive program in the treatment of pain.
Description:
Master of Applied Science (Psychology)
Description:
"The aim of this study was to investigate the extraction process, in particular the effects of solid and protein extractability in tofu production and their effects on tofu quality in terms of physical, chemical and sensory characteristics."
Description:
Master of Applied Science (Food Technology)
Description:
"The aim of this study was to investigate the extraction process, in particular the effects of solid and protein extractability in tofu production and their effects on tofu quality in terms of physical, chemical and sensory characteristics."
Description:
Master of Applied Science (Food Technology)
Description:
"The purpose of this thesis is to propose, by a variety of techniques from nonsmooth and convex analysis, numerical methods for the solution of nonsmooth equations and nonconvex minimization problems arising in mathematical programming, economics, engineering, and sciences."
Description:
"The purpose of this thesis is to propose, by a variety of techniques from nonsmooth and convex analysis, numerical methods for the solution of nonsmooth equations and nonconvex minimization problems arising in mathematical programming, economics, engineering, and sciences."