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The Role Of Accounting Systems In Decision Making, Planning And Control In A Developing Country: The Case Of Libya, Bubaker Shareia

University of Wollongong Thesis Collection 1954-2016

This study examines the present and potential role of accounting information systems in meeting the development needs of developing countries, with a special focus on Libya and its unique legal, economic, religious, political and social context. A contextualised study, it uses the economic development Theory of Globalisation in order to interpret the data, with particular emphasis on social and cultural factors determine economic condition, communication and its significance in global world and greater technological unification, including globalised accounting. Within the Libyan context, an ideographic methodology is used to develop two case studies. One organisation is examined as a provider of …

"The Real Work Is What They Do Together": Peer Support And Birth Parent Change, Laura Frame, Amy Conley Wright, Jill Duerr Berrick

Faculty of Social Sciences - Papers (Archive)

This article examines a peer support intervention with birth parents in the child welfare system. Literature on the emotional change process for child welfare-involved parents, peer-support intervention-outcome studies in child welfare, and findings on peer support in related fields is reviewed. The Mendocino County Family Services Center (MCFSC) model is described, and findings from an exploratory study are presented and discussed. This model engages parents in a sequence of services based on developmental stages. The study used focus groups, interviews, and observation to understand the key components of the MCFSC peer support intervention, and the experience of birth-parent participants with …

The Effects Of Training In Behaviour Modification Strategies On Stress, Burnout, And Therapeutic Attitudes In Frontline Inpatient Mental Health Nurses, Hamish J. Mcleod, Lisa Densley, Kate Chapman

Faculty of Social Sciences - Papers (Archive)

Psychiatric nursing is a stressful profession associated with high levels of burnout. Previous research has demonstrated that burnout in psychiatric nurses can be reduced via training that improves behaviour modification skills. However, the minimum amount of training required to demonstrate a beneficial effect is unclear. We evaluated the impact of a 4-day behaviour modification training program on stress, burnout, and therapeutic attitudes in nurses who were in frequent daily inpatient contact with patients with severe mental illnesses. Nurses working in the same wards served as a control group. Training improved therapeutic attitudes but did not alter self ratings of job-stress …

University Of Wollongong Postgraduate Handbook 2006, University Of Wollongong

University of Wollongong Calendars and Handbooks

No abstract provided.

University Of Wollongong Union Annual Report 2006, University Of Wollongong

University of Wollongong Union Annual Reports

No abstract provided.

Ethics And Health Technology Assessment: Handmaiden And/Or Critic?, Annette J. Braunack-Mayer

Faculty of Social Sciences - Papers (Archive)

Objectives: This study examines the content and role of ethical analysis in health technology assessment (HTA) and horizon scanning publications. It proposes that ethical analysis in HTA is of at least two different types: an ethics of HTA and an ethics in HTA. Methods: I examine the critical differences between these approaches through the examples of the analysis of genetic screening for breast cancer and home blood glucose testing in diabetes. I then argue that, although both approaches subscribe to similar views concerning HTA and ethics, they use different theoretical and methodological traditions to interpret and explain them. Results and …

Informed Choice For Screening: Implications For Evaluation, Les Irwig, Kirsten Mccaffery, Glenn P. Salkeld, Patrick Bossuyt

Faculty of Social Sciences - Papers (Archive)

Evaluation of screening should reflect consumer priorities. We need to make more effort to find out what they really are.

Protocol For The Immediate Delivery Versus Expectant Care Of Women With Preterm Prelabour Rupture Of The Membranes Close To Term (Ppromt) Trial [Isrctn44485060], Jonathan Morris, Christine Roberts, Caroline Crowther, Sarah Buchanan, David Henderson-Smart, Glenn P. Salkeld

Faculty of Social Sciences - Papers (Archive)

Background: Preterm prelabour rupture of membranes (PPROM) complicates up to 2% of all pregnancies and is the cause of 40% of all preterm births. The optimal management of women with PPROM prior to 37 weeks, is not known. Furthermore, diversity in current clinical practice suggests uncertainty about the appropriate clinical management. There are two options for managing PPROM, expectant management (a wait and see approach) or early planned birth. Infection is the main risk for women in which management is expectant. This risk need to be balanced against the risk of iatrogenic prematurity if early delivery is planned. The different …

Predictive Models For The Environmental Degradation Of Coastal Lagoon Beaches In New South Wales, Shannon Mark Webb

University of Wollongong Thesis Collection 1954-2016

To date a large proportion of coastal researchers have focused their texts and reviews on estuaries to the detriment of coastal lagoons, which have virtually been ignored (Bird 1994). Lagoons are characteristic of much of the temperate southeast coastline of Australia. New South Wales alone has over 70 coastal lagoons and lakes. The NSW coastline is densely populated and developed and is under increasing environmental pressure. Continued population growth in the coastal region demands enhanced coastal management. The current high level of coastal development means that coastal lagoons are frequently subject to a range of direct and indirect impacts due …

Becoming A Lawyer: The Transformation Of Student Identity Through Stories, Cassandra E. Sharp Phd

University of Wollongong Thesis Collection 1954-2016

To study law is to invite change. Not just change, but transformation. In the process of becoming lawyers, students interpret stories of law, transform meanings about law, and construct legal identity. Desperate to make sense of the world in which they will one day inhabit, first year law students draw on resources from two cultural realms: the legal and the social. In particular, they use popular stories as one resource to interpret what it means to be lawyer, and as a result students occupy a central place amid the intersection of law, society and fiction. This thesis is concerned with …

What Is The Nature Of The Relationship Between Literacy Based Teacher Professioinal Learning And The Classroom Practices Of Five Primary School Teachers, Barbra Mckenzie

University of Wollongong Thesis Collection 1954-2016

This inquiry began as a SPIRT or APA(I) grant between the University of Wollongong and the Catholic Diocese of Broken Bay and reflected a common are of need namely an interest in the relationship between literacy based teacher professional learning and their resulting classroom practice. Or, how what teachers learn from their professional learning experiences is translated into their classroom practice. In order to understand this relationship a series of five case studies located within three schools from a Catholic school system were explored. Within Australia there have been calls for increased investments in the professional learning of teachers (McKenzie, …

The Game Of Expertise: Investigating The Use Of Science In A Professional Disciplinary Setting, Margaret Christina Wallace

University of Wollongong Thesis Collection 1954-2016

The thesis aims to examine and understand what takes place when a statutory authority, responsible for regulating the practice of a particular set of clinicians (nurses and midwives), claims to use the principles of evidence-based practice to scrutinise the practice of an authorised clinician. It reports on the results of a thematic analysis of the reasons for decision, findings, and transcripts of the New South Wales Nurses’ Tribunal hearings into allegations of professional misconduct made against homebirth midwife Maggie Lecky Thompson in the period 1996 to 1998.

This thesis is about the connection between the scientific basis for health care …

Fat Flat Feet: Footwear For The Obese Child, Annaliese Dowling

University of Wollongong Thesis Collection 1954-2016

Obesity is a global public health problem that affects both children and adults. The consequences and complications of bearing additional mass place an enormous amount of stress on the human body. Musculoskeletally, the feet must endure this excessive mass throughout the tasks of daily living as the feet are the terminus of the body for both stance and gait. Previous studies have reported that obese children display different foot structural characteristics and generate higher plantar pressures, particularly under the midfoot and forefoot, compared to non-obese children. It has been speculated that these higher plantar pressures may potentially place the feet …

An Investigation Of The Reasons Parents And Carers Of Children With Asthma Declined To Attend Self Management Education Programs, Heather Smith

University of Wollongong Thesis Collection 1954-2016

The aim of this qualitative study was to investigate why parents or carers of children with asthma chose not to attend asthma self management education. Six semi-structured interviews were conducted with parents who had declined an invitation to attend the Illawarra Asthma Service. Participants expressed that they felt confident in their ability to self manage their children with asthma, four of the respondents indicated that they already felt confident and did not feel they needed to participate in the education offered to them. One respondent sought self management education from an educator at her General Practitioners surgery; this family were …

The Impact Of The Introduction Of A Pilot Electronic Health Record System On General Practitioners' Work Practices In The Illawarra, Karolyn Annette Spinks

University of Wollongong Thesis Collection 1954-2016

This thesis assessed the impact of the use of information technology (IT), specifically, electronic health records (EHRs), on general practitioners' (GPs') clinical work practices in NSW, Australia. The research framework and context was taken from EHR initiatives proposed by the Australian Commonwealth and State Governments for improving the Australian Healthcare system. A new system that provided increased access to electronic patient information was trialed in the Illawarra Region of NSW specifically utilizing a Smart ID Information System. The current research was administered under this larger project. The current research examined the Smart ID Information System (a pilot system designed to …

Metal Oxides As Electrode Materials For Electrochemical Capacitors, Z. Lao

University of Wollongong Thesis Collection 1954-2016

Electrochemical capacitors are becoming attractive energy storage devices and fill the gap between batteries and conventional capacitors because they have higher energy density than conventional dielectric capacitors and have higher power density and a longer cycling life than batteries. In this study, transition metal oxides, such as Co3O4, NiO, V2O5 and MnO2, have been successfully synthesized by different chemical-based solution methods. Their physical properties were characterized by X-ray diffraction, SEM, and BET analysis. The as-prepared Co3O4, NiO, V2O5 and MnO2 were investigated as electrode materials for electrochemical capacitors and demonstrated very high specific capacitances, which were 168 F/g, 203 F/g, …

Fluvial Geomorphology And Late Quaternary Geochronology Of The Gwydir Fan-Plain, Timothy J. Pietsch

University of Wollongong Thesis Collection 1954-2016

This study examines the downstream changes in the character of the Gwydir distributary system which flows across the Gwydir fan-plain, a large (~ 7500 km2) low gradient alluvial surface which forms part of the Darling Riverine Plains of southeastern Australia. The Late Quaternary history of the distributary system is evaluated by investigating the chronology and probable discharges of palaeochannels at or near the surface of the fan-plain. Channels of the contemporary distributary system are characterized by downstream declining discharges, in part a result of the interaction of the modern system with remnants of the preceding palaeochannel systems. The hydraulic geometry …

Development And Characterisation Of Polyaniline - Carbon Nanotube Conducting Composite Fibres, Vahid Mottaghitalab

University of Wollongong Thesis Collection 1954-2016

The present study describes methods for development and characterization of conducting electroactive polymer (CEP) fibre consisting of polyaniline (PAni) and single walled carbon nanotubes (SWNTs) which have potential applications as electronic devices to form building blocks of electronic textiles. The conducting composite fibres of PAni- SWNT were developed respectively using two steps (acid doping after fibre spinning) and one step methods (doping during preparation of spinning solution). The effectiveness of nanotube inclusion for improvement of mechanical, electrical and electrochemical properties was studied in each method. During development of the fibres, techniques such as UV-Vis-NIR, Raman spectroscopy, Dynamic light scattering and …

3-Hydroxykynurenine In The Human Lens, Anastasia Korlimbinis

University of Wollongong Thesis Collection 1954-2016

The human lens contains three kynurenine UV filters, 3- hydroxykynurenine O-β-Dglucoside (3OHKynG), kynurenine (Kyn) and 3-hydroxykynurenine (3OHKyn), and it absorbs UV light in the 300-400 nm region due to their presence. UV filters may also prevent UV-induced photodamage to the retina and lens. After middle age, the UV filters, 3OHKynG and Kyn become bound progressively to proteins in the centre of our lenses. This feature is, in part, responsible for normal age-dependant human lens colouration.

To provide proof that 3OHKyn is bound to normal human lenses, model studies were undertaken. Cysteine (Cys), histidine (His) and lysine (Lys) residues in lens …

Synthesis Of Novel High Energy Density Cathode Materials For Lithium Rechargeable Batteries, Stephen L. Bewlay

University of Wollongong Thesis Collection 1954-2016

“Synthesis of Novel High Energy Density Cathode Materials for Lithium Rechargeable Batteries” summarises 4 years of research by Stephen L. Bewlay in ISEM at the University of Wollongong (UoW). A brief historical introduction is given to previous research & understanding of Li battery cathode materials, with references to many published papers and resources.

Lithium Ferrous Phosphate (LFP) materials were prepared as Li battery cathode material and extensively intercompared. Our group was the first in the world to publish on formation of LFP from inexpensive precursors via spray pyrolysis & hydrogelation/aerogellation. Detailed thermodynamic calculations by the author show why spray-pyrolysed LFP …

The Impact Of Supply Chain Process Integration On Business Performance, Peter Wayne Robertson

University of Wollongong Thesis Collection 1954-2016

Over the past century and accelerated since the end of the post WWII manufacturing boom, a number of forces acting upon manufacturing organisations have led to significant changes to underlying manufacturing philosophies used, to the technologies employed and to the manufacturing methods and practices applied. Such forces (Hammer and Champy, 1993, pp. 17) are related to organisational survival factors such as market share and price premiums, cost reductions, quicker response to new market demands, quicker response to competitor practices, operating equipment effectiveness, cycle time reductions and reductions to inefficiencies and material requirements. As a result, manufacturing organisations now have an …

Intensity-Modulated Radiation Therapy Dose Maps: The Matchline Effect, Puangpen Tangboonduangjit

University of Wollongong Thesis Collection 1954-2016

In 2002 when this research started the brief of the project was to produce streamlined checks of planar dose maps delivered by IMRT fields to film. At this time no other centre in Australia had a protocol for checking accuracy of RTP planned RT dose distributions. While many US centers have been checking IMRT distributions, there is still no standard protocol for these checks. By the end of this project in 2005, 13 IMRT patient treatments had been successfully checked and this centre remains the only centre to have treated IMRT patients in Australia using the pinnacle RTP planning computer …

A Predictive Gis Methodology For Mapping Potential Mining Induced Rock Falls, Hani Zahiri

University of Wollongong Thesis Collection 1954-2016

Coal mining operations impact on various types of natural features, including cliff lines, steep slopes and natural watercourses. The introduction of longwall mining has led to subsidence depression due to the changing geometry of the mined out area. Subsidence can destabilise cliff lines and increase the probability of rock falls and cliff collapse. The current process for managing subsidence in New South Wales (NSW) involves the preparation of a Subsidence Management Plan (SMP). One approach for managing the results of subsidence is to develop pre-mining methodologies for assessing potential mining impacts. This thesis deals with a quantitative Geographical Information Systems …

An Investigation Into Visual Design In The Development Of Educational Web-Based Projects, Lesley J. Knapp

University of Wollongong Thesis Collection 1954-2016

The thesis describes a study of methods of developing online learning material by non-professional visual designers. The primary areas of investigation for the research were visual design and instructional design. It is the premise of the researcher that visual design skills and instructional design principles are interdependent for creating coherent educational resources. Academics are increasingly expected to design and develop projects for slide presentation and Websites. This is in part because the technology is available in the form of personal computers and development software. Access to the technology however doesn't mean access to design skills. Historically, graphic designers were responsible …

Temperature Effects On Human Leptin Physiology: Possible Implications For The Regulation Of Body Composition, Annerieke Zeyl

University of Wollongong Thesis Collection 1954-2016

In this study evidence has been sought for physiologically-significant, direct, local effects of reduced subcutaneous adipose tissue temperature on leptin as a possible mechanism for body composition regulation in response to environmental temperature. Twelve healthy males participated in 15 repeated cold-water immersions (study 1), human subcutaneous adipose tissue fragments (n=7) were incubated at 27�, 32� and 37�C (study 2) and fourteen healthy subjects underwent two cold-water immersions with and without the beta-adrenergic antagonist propranolol (study 3). The first series of in vivo immersions were conducted over 15 days (60-90 min at 18�C). Acute cold exposure suppressed plasma leptin concentration (25 …

Complex Orthogonal Space-Time Processing In Wireless Communications, Le Chung Tran

University of Wollongong Thesis Collection 1954-2016

Multiple-Input Multiple-Output (MIMO) transmission has recently emerged as one of the most significant technical breakthroughs in modern communication with a chance to resolve the bottleneck of traffic capacity in the future wireless networks. Communication theories show that MIMO systems can provide potentially a very high capacity that, in many cases, grows approximately linearly with the number of antennas. Space-time processing is the main feature of MIMO systems. Space-Time Codes (STCs) are the codes designed for the use in MIMO systems. Among a variety of STCs, orthogonal Space-Time Block Codes (STBCs) possess a much simpler decoding method over other STCs. Because …

Equity Issues In Ict In Higher Education: The Experience Of Mature-Age Rural Women, Wendy Meyers

University of Wollongong Thesis Collection 1954-2016

Recent research has acknowledged equity problems in higher education associated with the use of online learning technologies. In the past, some factors inherent within traditional learning environments were shown to inhibit the experience of women. However, the incorporation of ICT (information and communication technologies) into the learning environment was initially thought to offer an equitable alternative for women. This research explores these issues, investigating the experience of women in an online learning environment. The study focused on a group of mature-age women in a rural Australian community. Through the use of qualitative techniques, including semi-structured interviews, face-to-face and online focus …

Development Of Immature Blowflies And Their Application To Forensic Science, Donnah Marie Day

University of Wollongong Thesis Collection 1954-2016

Data on the development of immature blowflies and other carrion-breeding flies can assist with determination of the post-mortem interval and thus be used as a tool to help solve crime. The main focus of this research was to develop reliable data for growth at constant temperatures in larvae of Calliphora augur. Constant temperatures were chosen because fluctuating regimes can be location specific and may therefore have limited application. A number of other blowfly species were also studied, but only C. augur and Lucilia cuprina were used in planned experiments. Since C. augur is ovoviviparous, and therefore has a small clutch …

From Risk To Uncertainty: Australia's Environmental Regulation Of Genetically Modified Crops, Fern Wickson

University of Wollongong Thesis Collection 1954-2016

In this thesis I present a critical appraisal of Australia's environmental regulation of genetically modified (GM) crops. I begin by suggesting that, although realist risk analysis currently dominates environmental decision-making on recombinant DNA technologies, the existence of contested values and widespread scientific uncertainty challenge the adequacy of this approach. What an appropriate approach to regulatory decision-making under these conditions would involve is then used as a guiding question to survey literature on risk and uncertainty from a range of social science disciplines. Through this survey, a theoretical framework is synthesised where the ends of a spectrum of stances taken towards …

Efficient Authentication Schemes For Routing In Mobile Ad Hoc Networks, Shidi Xu

University of Wollongong Thesis Collection 1954-2016

Mobile ad hoc network (MANET) has been generally regarded as an ideal network model for group communications. However, the security deployment for MANET routing operations is problematic. Firstly, existing secured routing protocols are deficient in achieving both authentication efficiency and full scale of security. In addition, the diversity of routing protocols presents difficulties in the generalisation of the security design. The most possible candidate solution, the digital signature, has far from been properly implemented from an ad hoc point of view. In this thesis, we are motivated to provide necessary security features to MANET routing operations in an efficient manner. …