Open Access. Powered by Scholars. Published by Universities.®

Social and Behavioral Sciences Commons

Open Access. Powered by Scholars. Published by Universities.®

Articles 31 - 60 of 142

Full-Text Articles in Social and Behavioral Sciences

Summary Of The Impact Of The Inclusion Of Mobile Phone Numbers Into The Nsw Population Health Survey In 2012, Margo Barr, Raymond A. Ferguson, Jason J. Van Ritten, Phillip J. Hughes, David G. Steel Jan 2015

Summary Of The Impact Of The Inclusion Of Mobile Phone Numbers Into The Nsw Population Health Survey In 2012, Margo Barr, Raymond A. Ferguson, Jason J. Van Ritten, Phillip J. Hughes, David G. Steel

Faculty of Engineering and Information Sciences - Papers: Part A

Although it was estimated that 20% of the population in Australia were mobile-only phone users in 2010, the inclusion of mobile numbers into computer-assisted telephone interviews (CATI) behavioural risk factor surveys did not occur until 2012. Methods: Three papers have been published describing the methods, weighting strategy and the impact in detail of including mobile numbers into the NSW Population Health Survey (NSWPHS). This paper identifies the important components of those papers and summarises them for a broader audience. Results: In the 2012 NSWPHS, 15,214 (15,149 with weights) interviews were completed (64% landline frame; 36% mobile frame). Response, cooperation and …


Why Experts Can Do What They Do: The Effects Of Exogenous Resources On The Domain Impact Level Of Activities (Dila), Tobias Debatin, Manuel Hopp, Wilma Vialle, Albert Ziegler Jan 2015

Why Experts Can Do What They Do: The Effects Of Exogenous Resources On The Domain Impact Level Of Activities (Dila), Tobias Debatin, Manuel Hopp, Wilma Vialle, Albert Ziegler

Faculty of Social Sciences - Papers (Archive)

In many domains, it is estimated that approximately 10,000 hours of planned learning activities are required to reach an expert level of performance. However, this poses a challenge for learners to balance such extensive learning times with the demands of everyday life. In our study we focused on activities in the domain of chess. We hypothesized that chess-related activities could be better integrated in an individual's life if exogenous resources - specified in the educational capital approach (Ziegler & Baker, 2013) - are sufficiently available. In order to test this hypothesis we introduced the concept of the Domain Impact Level …


An Exploration Of Decision Aid Effectiveness: The Impact Of Promoting Affective Vs. Deliberative Processing On A Health-Related Decision, Esther L. Davis, Kirsten Mccaffery, Barbara Mullan, Ilona Juraskova Jan 2014

An Exploration Of Decision Aid Effectiveness: The Impact Of Promoting Affective Vs. Deliberative Processing On A Health-Related Decision, Esther L. Davis, Kirsten Mccaffery, Barbara Mullan, Ilona Juraskova

Faculty of Social Sciences - Papers (Archive)

Decision aids (DAs) are non-directive communication tools that help patients make value-consistent health-care decisions. However, most DAs have been developed without an explicit theoretical framework, resulting in a lack of understanding of how DAs achieve outcomes.


The Impact Of Early Childhood Education And Care On Improved Wellbeing, Edward Melhuish Jan 2014

The Impact Of Early Childhood Education And Care On Improved Wellbeing, Edward Melhuish

Faculty of Social Sciences - Papers (Archive)

My one suggested intervention for the new health and wellbeing boards is to focus resources on improving life chances in early childhood through the universal provision of early education centres that integrate education, child care, parenting support and health services. There are great differences in the health and development of individuals, linked to their social origins. Despite decades of social and educational reform, there has been little progress in equalising opportunities. The impact of social origins on child outcomes and wellbeing have persisted, and even increased. In this proposal I argue that: • Learning capabilities are primarily formed during the …


Inclusion Of Mobile Telephone Numbers Into An Ongoing Population Health Survey In New South Wales, Australia, Using An Overlapping Dual-Frame Design: Impact On The Time Series, Margo Barr, Raymond A. Ferguson, David G. Steel Jan 2014

Inclusion Of Mobile Telephone Numbers Into An Ongoing Population Health Survey In New South Wales, Australia, Using An Overlapping Dual-Frame Design: Impact On The Time Series, Margo Barr, Raymond A. Ferguson, David G. Steel

Faculty of Engineering and Information Sciences - Papers: Part A

No abstract provided.


The Impact Of Electronic Health Records On Client Safety In Aged Care Homes, Tao Jiang, Ping Yu Jan 2014

The Impact Of Electronic Health Records On Client Safety In Aged Care Homes, Tao Jiang, Ping Yu

Faculty of Engineering and Information Sciences - Papers: Part A

This study collects and critically reviews the published literature to synthesize the risk factors for client safety in residential aged care and the potential contributions of electronic health records to reducing these risks. Three major types of risk factors for client safety were identified: risk factors related to the person's health; those related to the health and aged care system serving the person and those related to human error. Multiple strategies at all levels of an aged care organization are needed to reduce risks and improve client safety. Electronic health records can be one of the effective organizational mechanisms because …


Impact Of Organic And Colloidal Fouling On Trace Organic Contaminant Rejection By Forward Osmosis: Role Of Initial Permeate Flux, Ming Xie, Long D. Nghiem, William E. Price, Menachem Elimelech Jan 2014

Impact Of Organic And Colloidal Fouling On Trace Organic Contaminant Rejection By Forward Osmosis: Role Of Initial Permeate Flux, Ming Xie, Long D. Nghiem, William E. Price, Menachem Elimelech

Faculty of Engineering and Information Sciences - Papers: Part A

Fouling behaviour and its impact on the rejection of trace organic contaminants (TrOCs) by forward osmosis (FO) were investigated.Membrane fouling was simulated using humic acid and colloidal particles asmodel foulants at different initial permeatewater fluxes.Water flux declinewas insignificant at an initial permeate flux of 9 L/m2h and the fouling layerwas loose and fluid-like. By contrast, thewater flux declinewas substantial at an initial permeate flux of 20 L/m2h, resulting in the formation of a compact fouling layer. Water flux recovery after physical cleaning for both humic acid and colloidal particle fouledmembraneswas consistently higher at an initial permeate flux of 9 L/m2h …


Identifying The Impact Of Local Crime On Mental Health: A Longitudinal Fixed Effects Analysis, Thomas Astell-Burt, Xiaoqi Feng, Gregory Kolt, Bin Jalaludin Jan 2014

Identifying The Impact Of Local Crime On Mental Health: A Longitudinal Fixed Effects Analysis, Thomas Astell-Burt, Xiaoqi Feng, Gregory Kolt, Bin Jalaludin

Faculty of Social Sciences - Papers (Archive)

Abstract presented at the Society for Social Medicine 58th Annual Scientific Meeting, 10-12 September 2014, Oxford, United Kingdom


Impact Of Copd Diagnosis In The Face Of Multi-Morbidity: Primary Care Patients' Perspectives, Sameera Ansari, Hassan Hosseinzadeh, Sarah Dennis, Nicholas Arnold Zwar Jan 2014

Impact Of Copd Diagnosis In The Face Of Multi-Morbidity: Primary Care Patients' Perspectives, Sameera Ansari, Hassan Hosseinzadeh, Sarah Dennis, Nicholas Arnold Zwar

Faculty of Social Sciences - Papers (Archive)

Poster presented at the 2014 Primary Health Care Research Conference, 23-25 July 2014, Canberra, Australia


The Impact Of Neighbourhood Crime On Physical Activity: Evidence From 203,883 Australians, Gregory Kolt, Thomas E. Astell-Burt, Xiaoqi Feng Jan 2014

The Impact Of Neighbourhood Crime On Physical Activity: Evidence From 203,883 Australians, Gregory Kolt, Thomas E. Astell-Burt, Xiaoqi Feng

Faculty of Social Sciences - Papers (Archive)

Abstract presented at Be Active 2014, 15-18 October 2014, Canberra, Australia


Impact Of Ballast Fouling On Rail Tracks, N Tennakoon, B Indraratna, S Nimbalkar Jan 2014

Impact Of Ballast Fouling On Rail Tracks, N Tennakoon, B Indraratna, S Nimbalkar

Faculty of Engineering and Information Sciences - Papers: Part A

Ballast fouling is understood as major cause of track deterioration in many countries over the world. It decreases the drainage and load bearing capacity of the ballast layer. A series of large scale hydraulic conductivity tests were conducted with different proportions of fouling to access the drainage capacity of the track. A numerical analysis was conducted using SEEP/W to quantify the drainage capacity of ballast under different degrees of fouling. Subsequently, track drainage classification in relation to the degree of fouling, which is a very useful tool for practical engineers, is presented in this paper. The analysis showed that both …


Patients' Perspectives On The Impact Of A New Copd Diagnosis In The Face Of Multimorbidity: A Qualitative Study, Sameera Ansari, Hassan Hosseinzadeh, Sarah Dennis, Nicholas Arnold Zwar Jan 2014

Patients' Perspectives On The Impact Of A New Copd Diagnosis In The Face Of Multimorbidity: A Qualitative Study, Sameera Ansari, Hassan Hosseinzadeh, Sarah Dennis, Nicholas Arnold Zwar

Faculty of Social Sciences - Papers (Archive)

Background: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), a major cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide, often occurs in the presence of comorbidities, which may influence experience and management of the disease. No prior research seems to have gained perspectives of newly diagnosed primary care COPD patients in the context of multimorbidity. Aims: This qualitative study aimed to explore the impact of a new diagnosis of COPD in the context of multimorbidity and also sought to gain a better understanding of how patients react to the diagnosis and incorporate it into their lives. Methods: Participants were identified from a cohort of primary …


Impact Of 1-Hydroxybenzotriazole Dosing On Trace Organic Contaminant Degradation By Laccase, Ngoc Luong Nguyen, Faisal Ibney Hai, Jinguo Kang, S Faraj Magram, William Price, Long Nghiem Jan 2014

Impact Of 1-Hydroxybenzotriazole Dosing On Trace Organic Contaminant Degradation By Laccase, Ngoc Luong Nguyen, Faisal Ibney Hai, Jinguo Kang, S Faraj Magram, William Price, Long Nghiem

Faculty of Engineering and Information Sciences - Papers: Part A

This study investigated the removal of five selected non-phenolic trace organic contaminants (TrOC) by extracellular enzyme extract from a white-rot fungus. Except diclofenac, no other investigated non-phenolic TrOC were degraded by the extracellular enzyme extract. Improvement of enzymatic degradation of all TrOC was achieved in the presence of a redox mediator, namely, 1-hydroxybenzotriazole (HBT). However, the enhancement of degradation was mediator concentration-specific. A significant improvement in degradation at higher dosage than 0.1 mM (HBT) was achieved.


Heresy Or Innovation? Transforming Culture And Service For Impact, Rebecca Daly, Lisa M. Mcintosh Jan 2013

Heresy Or Innovation? Transforming Culture And Service For Impact, Rebecca Daly, Lisa M. Mcintosh

Senior Deputy Vice-Chancellor and Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Education) - Papers

The ERA2010 exercise changed the landscape of research and publication management at the University of Wollongong (UOW), pushing the research agenda into the spotlight across the University. The Library, always alert to its value to the University, quickly understood that it could play an integral role in further supporting researchers through the development of its skill sets and services. The recognised need to rebalance its services to reflect the broad University goals, particularly the research agenda, resulted in the major review and realignment in 2011-2012 of the two large divisions in the UOW Library, Resources and Client Services. The delivery …


Help-Negation Among Telephone Crisis Support Workers: Impact On Personal Wellbeing And Worker Performance, Taneile Kitchingman, Coralie J. Wilson, Peter Caputi, Alan Woodward Jan 2013

Help-Negation Among Telephone Crisis Support Workers: Impact On Personal Wellbeing And Worker Performance, Taneile Kitchingman, Coralie J. Wilson, Peter Caputi, Alan Woodward

Faculty of Social Sciences - Papers (Archive)

Paper presented at the National Suicide Prevention Conference, 24-26 July 2013, Melbourne, Australia.

Telephone counsellors (TCs) provide front line mental health support to callers in crisis. TCs often support callers with suicidal thoughts, depression and anxiety, and the caller's experience of the call will influence whether they will seek help from a helpline in the future. Despite their important role, little information on TCs' mental health and help-seeking behaviours exists - a structured literature search returned 2 papers. This paper presents the results of a study that answered three research questions: 1. Do telephone counsellors experience symptoms of suicidal ideation, …


Competency-Based Professional Development Training Impact On Physical Activity Promotion, R Glenn Weaver, Falon Tilley, Rahma Ajja, Rohan Shah, Daria Winnicka, Morgan Hughey, Collin A. Webster, Aaron Beighle, Russell R. Pate, Ruth Saunders, Michael W. Beets Jan 2013

Competency-Based Professional Development Training Impact On Physical Activity Promotion, R Glenn Weaver, Falon Tilley, Rahma Ajja, Rohan Shah, Daria Winnicka, Morgan Hughey, Collin A. Webster, Aaron Beighle, Russell R. Pate, Ruth Saunders, Michael W. Beets

Faculty of Science, Medicine and Health - Papers: part A

Abstract of poster that presented at 2013 AAHPERD National Convention & Exposition, Charlotte, NC , 23-27 April 2013.


A Pilot Test Of Transformational Leadership Training For Sports Coaches: Impact On The Developmental Experiences Of Adolescent Athletes, Stewart A. Vella, Lindsay G. Oades, Trevor P. Crowe Jan 2013

A Pilot Test Of Transformational Leadership Training For Sports Coaches: Impact On The Developmental Experiences Of Adolescent Athletes, Stewart A. Vella, Lindsay G. Oades, Trevor P. Crowe

Faculty of Social Sciences - Papers (Archive)

This study investigated the impact of a transformational leadership training program for youth sport coaches on adolescent athletes' perceptions of transformational leadership and positive developmental experiences. The transformational leadership training program was associated with higher rates of perceived transformational leadership behaviour at follow-up when compared to baseline measures. Importantly, these increases were associated with significantly higher rates of self-reported developmental experiences. Coach training was associated with a predictability and reliability to athlete outcomes that was not evident in athletes of a comparison group. Transformational leadership may provide a theoretically sound foundation for coaching practice and education in the service of …


Impact Of Patient Rotational Errors On Target And Critical Structure Dose In Imrt: A 3d Simulation Study, S Arumugam, A Xing, P Vial, A Scotti, R Stirton, G Goozee, Lois Holloway Jan 2013

Impact Of Patient Rotational Errors On Target And Critical Structure Dose In Imrt: A 3d Simulation Study, S Arumugam, A Xing, P Vial, A Scotti, R Stirton, G Goozee, Lois Holloway

Faculty of Engineering and Information Sciences - Papers: Part A

The impact of 3D rotational errors in patient positioning on dose delivered target volumes and critical structures in IMRT was studied. Patient rotational errors ranging from -30 to +30 was introduced to IMRT treatment plans of pelvis, head and neck and brain treatment sites and the impact of rotational error on DVH metrics was assessed. The magnitude of impact of rotational error on the error in dose delivered to the target volume and critical structures depends on the location of the structures from plan isocentre. In studied plans, a maximum percentage difference of up to -9.8(1s=13.4) % in D95 to …


Enhancing Impact Fracture Toughness And Tensile Properties Of A Microalloyed Cast Steel By Hot Forging And Post-Forging Heat Treatment Processes, Jingwei Zhao, Zhengyi Jiang, Chong Soo Lee Jan 2013

Enhancing Impact Fracture Toughness And Tensile Properties Of A Microalloyed Cast Steel By Hot Forging And Post-Forging Heat Treatment Processes, Jingwei Zhao, Zhengyi Jiang, Chong Soo Lee

Faculty of Engineering and Information Sciences - Papers: Part A

In the present work, the effects of hot forging and post-forging heat treatment on the impact fracture toughness and tensile properties of a microalloyed cast steel were investigated. Mechanical tests were used to evaluate the room temperature impact fracture toughness and tensile properties of the steel. The resulting microstructures were analysed by optical microscope (OM), scanning electron microscope (SEM) and transmission electron microscope (TEM). The extraction replica technology was used to investigate the characterisation of complex precipitates formed during heat treatment. The obtained results showed that the coarse-grained microstructure of the forged specimen was significantly refined after post-forging heat treatment. …


Impact Of Humic Acid Fouling On Membrane Performance And Transport Of Pharmaceutically Active Compounds In Forward Osmosis, Ming Xie, Long D. Nghiem, William E. Price, Menachem Elimelech Jan 2013

Impact Of Humic Acid Fouling On Membrane Performance And Transport Of Pharmaceutically Active Compounds In Forward Osmosis, Ming Xie, Long D. Nghiem, William E. Price, Menachem Elimelech

Faculty of Engineering and Information Sciences - Papers: Part A

The impact of humic acid fouling on the membrane transport of two pharmaceutically active compounds (PhACs) - namely carbamazepine and sulfamethoxazole - in forward osmosis (FO) was investigated. Deposition of humic acid onto the membrane surface was promoted by the complexation with calcium ions in the feed solution and the increase in ionic strength at the membrane surface due to the reverse transport of NaCl draw solute. The increase in the humic acid deposition on the membrane surface led to a substantial decrease in the membrane salt (NaCl) permeability coefficient but did not result in a significant decrease in the …


On The Residual Energy Toughness Of Prestressed Concrete Sleepers In Railway Track Structures Subjected To Repeated Impact Loads, Sakdirat Kaewunruen, Alexander Remennikov Jan 2013

On The Residual Energy Toughness Of Prestressed Concrete Sleepers In Railway Track Structures Subjected To Repeated Impact Loads, Sakdirat Kaewunruen, Alexander Remennikov

Faculty of Engineering and Information Sciences - Papers: Part A

Installed as the crosstie beam support in railway track systems, the prestressed concrete sleepers (or railroad ties) are designed in order to carry and transfer the wheel loads from the rails to the ground. It is nowadays best known that railway tracks are subject to the impact loading conditions, which are attributable to the train operations with either wheel or rail abnormalities such as flat wheels, dipped rails, etc. These loads are of very high magnitude but short duration, as well as there exists the potential of repeated load experience during the design life of the prestressed concrete sleepers. These …


A Methodology For The Rapid Assessment Of The Potential Impact And Hazard Of Coal Seam Gas Mining On Aquifers And The Environment, John M. Bradd, Emma Kiekebosch-Fitt, Tim J. Cohen, Sam K. Marx, Solomon Buckman Jan 2013

A Methodology For The Rapid Assessment Of The Potential Impact And Hazard Of Coal Seam Gas Mining On Aquifers And The Environment, John M. Bradd, Emma Kiekebosch-Fitt, Tim J. Cohen, Sam K. Marx, Solomon Buckman

Faculty of Science, Medicine and Health - Papers: part A

The potential environmental impacts and hazards of coal seam gas mining in Australia are highly contentious and poorly understood. Concerns have been raised by communities, and the Australian government has incorporated management tools and strategies to address these concerns. The primary environmental issue associated with coal seam gas mining would be on the aquifers above the target coal seam. If the upper aquifers are affected in terms of quantity and quality, then there are cumulative impacts to the surface environment such as groundwater dependent ecosystems and surface waters. This paper will examine the Australian situation with regard to coal seam …


A Comparison Of The Impact Of 'Seagrass-Friendly' Boat Mooring Systems On Posidonia Australis, Marie-Claire A. Demers, Andrew R. Davis, Nathan A. Knott Jan 2013

A Comparison Of The Impact Of 'Seagrass-Friendly' Boat Mooring Systems On Posidonia Australis, Marie-Claire A. Demers, Andrew R. Davis, Nathan A. Knott

Faculty of Science, Medicine and Health - Papers: part A

Permanent boat moorings have contributed to the decline of seagrasses worldwide, prompting the development of ‘seagrass-friendly’ moorings. We contrasted seagrass cover and density (predominantly Posidonia australis) in the vicinity of three mooring types and nearby reference areas lacking moorings in Jervis Bay, Australia. We examined two types of ‘seagrass-friendly’ mooring and a conventional ‘swing’ mooring. ‘Swing’ moorings produced significant seagrass scour, denuding patches of ∼9 m radius. Seagrass-friendly ‘cyclone’ moorings produced extensive denuded patches (average radius of ∼18 m). Seagrass-friendly ‘screw’ moorings, conversely, had similar seagrass cover to nearby reference areas. Our findings reinforce previous work highlighting the negative effects …


Improved Water Vapour Spectroscopy In The 4174-4300 Cm(-1) Region And Its Impact On Sciamachy Hdo/H2o Measurements, R A. Scheepmaker, C Frankenberg, A Galli, A Butz, H Schrijver, N M. Deutscher, D Wunch, T Warneke, S Fally, I Aben Jan 2013

Improved Water Vapour Spectroscopy In The 4174-4300 Cm(-1) Region And Its Impact On Sciamachy Hdo/H2o Measurements, R A. Scheepmaker, C Frankenberg, A Galli, A Butz, H Schrijver, N M. Deutscher, D Wunch, T Warneke, S Fally, I Aben

Faculty of Science, Medicine and Health - Papers: part A

The relative abundance of the heavy water isotopologue HDO provides a deeper insight into the atmospheric hydrological cycle. The SCanning Imaging Absorption spectroMeter for Atmospheric CartograpHY (SCIAMACHY) allows for global retrievals of the ratio HDO/H2O in the 2.3 micron wavelength range. However, the spectroscopy of water lines in this region remains a large source of uncertainty for these retrievals. We therefore evaluate and improve the water spectroscopy in the range 4174-4300 cm(-1) and test if this reduces systematic uncertainties in the SCIAMACHY retrievals of HDO/H2O. We use a laboratory spectrum of water vapour to fit line intensity, air broadening and …


Impact Of Aerosol And Thin Cirrus On Retrieving And Validating Xco2 From Gosat Shortwave Infrared Measurements, S Guerlet, A Butz, D Schepers, S Basu, O Hasekamp, A Kuze, T Yokota, J.-F Blavier, N M. Deutscher, D W.T Griffith, F Hase, E Kyro, I Morino, V Sherlock, R Sussmann, A Galli, I Aben Jan 2013

Impact Of Aerosol And Thin Cirrus On Retrieving And Validating Xco2 From Gosat Shortwave Infrared Measurements, S Guerlet, A Butz, D Schepers, S Basu, O Hasekamp, A Kuze, T Yokota, J.-F Blavier, N M. Deutscher, D W.T Griffith, F Hase, E Kyro, I Morino, V Sherlock, R Sussmann, A Galli, I Aben

Faculty of Science, Medicine and Health - Papers: part A

Inadequate treatment of aerosol scattering can be a significant source of error when retrieving column-averaged dry-air mole fractions of CO2 (XCO2) from space-based measurements of backscattered solar shortwave radiation. We have developed a retrieval algorithm, RemoTeC, that retrieves three aerosol parameters (amount, size, and height) simultaneously with XCO2. Here we evaluate the ability of RemoTeC to account for light path modifications by clouds, subvisual cirrus, and aerosols when retrieving XCO2 from Greenhouse Gases Observing Satellite (GOSAT) Thermal and Near-infrared Sensor for carbon Observation (TANSO)-Fourier Transform Spectrometer (FTS) measurements. We first evaluate a cloud filter based on measurements from the Cloud …


Impact Of Community-Based Participatory Initiative On Children's Pedometer-Determined Physical Activity, Rahma Ajja, Rohan Shah, Falon Tilley, R Glenn Weaver, Daria Winnicka, Morgan Hughey, Collin A. Webster, Aaron Beighle, Russell R. Pate, Ruth Saunders, Michael W. Beets Jan 2013

Impact Of Community-Based Participatory Initiative On Children's Pedometer-Determined Physical Activity, Rahma Ajja, Rohan Shah, Falon Tilley, R Glenn Weaver, Daria Winnicka, Morgan Hughey, Collin A. Webster, Aaron Beighle, Russell R. Pate, Ruth Saunders, Michael W. Beets

Faculty of Science, Medicine and Health - Papers: part A

Abstract of poster that presented at 2013 AAHPERD National Convention & Exposition, Charlotte, NC , 23-27 April 2013.


Environmental Impact Assessment Of Post Tensioned And Reinforced Concrete Slab Construction, D Miller, J H. Doh, H Guan, M Mulvey, S Fragomeni, T Mccarthy, T Peters Jan 2013

Environmental Impact Assessment Of Post Tensioned And Reinforced Concrete Slab Construction, D Miller, J H. Doh, H Guan, M Mulvey, S Fragomeni, T Mccarthy, T Peters

Faculty of Engineering and Information Sciences - Papers: Part A

In Australia, approximately 30 million tonnes of finished building products are produced each year, with over 56% of this quantity, by mass, being attributed to concrete and a further 6%, steel, highlighting the importance of maximising design efficiencies. The cement industry has been reported responsible for 5% of global carbon dioxide emissions while the construction, operation and maintenance of buildings are estimated to account for 50% of all energy usage and more than 50% of all anthropogenic greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions globally. This research determines some environmental advantages achievable through application of alternate concrete slab construction methods for a typical …


Impact Of The Mlc On The Mri Field Distortion Of A Prototype Mri-Linac, Stefan Kolling, Brad Oborn, Paul Keall Jan 2013

Impact Of The Mlc On The Mri Field Distortion Of A Prototype Mri-Linac, Stefan Kolling, Brad Oborn, Paul Keall

Faculty of Engineering and Information Sciences - Papers: Part A

Purpose: To cope with intrafraction tumor motion, integrated MRI-linac systems for real-time image guidance are currently under development. The multileaf collimator (MLC) is a key component in every state-of-the-art radiotherapy treatment system, allowing for accurate field shaping and tumor tracking. This work quantifies the magnetic impact of a widely used MLC on the MRI field homogeneity for such a modality. Methods: Results: Conclusions: This work shows that the MRI field distortions caused by the MLC cannot be ignored and must be thoroughly investigated for any MRI-linac system. The numeric distortion values obtained for our1.0T magnet may vary for other magnet …


Impact Of Capacity Value Of Renewable Energy Resources On Raps System Energy Management, Y Tan, Kashem Muttaqi, Lasantha Meegahapola Jan 2013

Impact Of Capacity Value Of Renewable Energy Resources On Raps System Energy Management, Y Tan, Kashem Muttaqi, Lasantha Meegahapola

Faculty of Engineering and Information Sciences - Papers: Part A

Renewable energy resources are widely being utilised in remote area power supply (RAPS) systems. The capacity value of renewable energy resources in a RAPS system indicates the ability of renewable energy resources to serve the load demand in the RAPS systems. In this paper, the impact of capacity value of renewable resources on energy management of a RAPS system, while maintaining system reliability, is investigated. It is revealed that capacity value of renewable energy resources has direct influence on RAPS system energy management. By utilising storage in conjunction with renewable energy resources, the RAPS system can cater load demand while …


A Model Of The Effects Of Authority On Consensus Formation In Adaptive Networks: Impact On Network Topology And Robustness, Brenton J. Prettejohn, Matthew J. Berryman, Mark D. Mcdonnell Jan 2013

A Model Of The Effects Of Authority On Consensus Formation In Adaptive Networks: Impact On Network Topology And Robustness, Brenton J. Prettejohn, Matthew J. Berryman, Mark D. Mcdonnell

Faculty of Engineering and Information Sciences - Papers: Part A

Opinions of individuals in real social networks are arguably strongly influenced by external determinants, such as the opinions of those perceived to have the highest levels of authority. In order to model this, we have extended an existing model of consensus formation in an adaptive network by the introduction of a parameter representing each agent's level of 'authority' based on their opinion relative to the overall opinion distribution. We found that introducing this model, along with a randomly varying opinion convergence factor, significantly impacts the final state of converged opinions and the number of interactions required to reach that state. …