Social and Behavioral Sciences Commons^™

Social Value And Its Impact Through Widening Participation: A Review Of Four Programs Working With Primary, Secondary & Higher Education Students, Jioji Ravulo, Shannon Said, Jim Micsko, Gayl Purchase

Faculty of Social Sciences - Papers (Archive)

In 2017 the Office of Widening Participation conducted a program- wide analysis of the Social Return On Investment (SROI) to evaluate the impact of four Widening Participation programs at Western Sydney University (WSU). The programs evaluated were Fast Forward, Strive Towards Educational Participation and Success (STEPS), First Foot Forward, and Pasifika Achievement To Higher Education (PATHE). The overlapping aim amongst the four programs is to increase higher education participation rates, particularly for students coming from low socio-economic backgrounds. The SROI framework provided a holistic analysis by intertwining qualitative and quantitative data. The analysis showed that each program-albeit with differences-produced a …

Improved Performance Of Ballasted Tracks Under Impact Loading By Recycled Rubber Mats, Ngoc Trung Ngo, Buddhima Indraratna, Cholachat Rujikiatkamjorn

Faculty of Engineering and Information Sciences - Papers: Part B

Ballasted tracks at transition locations such as approaches to bridges and road crossings experience increasing degradation and deformation due to dynamic and high impact forces, a key factor that decreases the stability and longevity of railroads. One solution to minimise ballast degradation at the transition zones is using rubber energy absorbing drainage sheets (READS) manufactured from recycled tyres. When placed beneath the ballast layer, READS distributes the load over wider area and attenuate of the load over a longer duration thus decreasing maximum stress, apart from reducing the energy transferred to the ballast and other substructure components. Subsequently, the track …

Preface: Special Issue On Environmental Impact Of Nature‐Based Tourism., Ronda J. Green, David B. Croft, Isabelle D. Wolf

Faculty of Social Sciences - Papers (Archive)

Tourism is growing rapidly throughout the world, including nature‐based tourism, but natural habitats are shrinking. How do we avoid damaging what is left as an increasing number of visitors wish to experience nature or enjoy adventure or relaxation in natural surroundings? This issue explores various environmental impact factors, from the physical effects of trampling through the disturbance of wildlife to the attitudes of visitors and how well‐run tourism ventures might modify their behavior.

Metamorphic Robustness Testing: Exposing Hidden Defects In Citation Statistics And Journal Impact Factors, Zhi Q. Zhou, T.H. Tse, Matt Witheridge

Faculty of Engineering and Information Sciences - Papers: Part B

We propose a robustness testing approach for software systems that process large amounts of data. Our method usesmetamorphic relations to check software output for erroneous input in the absence of a tangible test oracle. We use this technique to testtwo major citation database systems: Scopus and the Web of Science. We report a surprising finding that the inclusion of hyphensin paper titles impedes citation counts, and that this is a result of the lack of robustness of the citation database systems in handlinghyphenated paper titles. Our results are valid for the entire literature as well as for individual fields such …

What Is The Impact Of Professional Learning On Physical Activity Interventions Among Preschool Children? A Systematic Review, Michele Peden, Anthony D. Okely, Michelle J. Eady, Rachel A. Jones

Faculty of Social Sciences - Papers (Archive)

The purpose of this systematic review was to investigate professional learning models (length, mode, content) offered as part of objectively measured physical childcare-based interventions. A systematic review of eight electronic databases was conducted to June 2017. Only English, peer-reviewed studies that evaluated childcare-based physical activity interventions, incorporated professional learning and reported objectively measured physical activity were included. Study designs included randomized controlled trails, cluster randomized trials, experimental or pilot studies. The search identified 11 studies. Ten studies objectively measured physical activity using accelerometers; five studies used both accelerometer and direct observation tools and one study measured physical activity using direct …

Men's Perspectives On The Impact Of Female-Directed Cash Transfers On Gender Relations: Findings From The Hptn 068 Qualitative Study, Makhosazane Nomhle Khoza, Sinead Delany-Moretlwe, Fiona Scorgie, Jennifer Hove, Amanda Selin, John Imrie, Rhian Twine, Kathleen Kahn, Audrey Pettifor, Catherine L. Mac Phail

Faculty of Social Sciences - Papers (Archive)

HIV is an inherently gendered disease in eastern and southern Africa, not only because more women than men are infected, but also because socially constructed gender norms work to increase women's HIV-infection risk. The provision of cash transfers to young women alone in such a context adds another dimension to already existing complex social relations where patriarchal values are entrenched, gender inequality is the norm, and violence against women and girls is pervasive. It raises concerns about complicating young women's relationships with their male partners or possibly even setting them up for more violence. In our attempt to understand how …

Impact Of Climate Change And Human Activity On Soil Landscapes Over The Past 12,300 Years, Leo Rothacker, Anthony Dosseto, Alexander Francke, Allan Chivas, Nathalie Vigier, Anna M. Kotarba-Morley, Davide Menozzi

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

Soils are key to ecosystems and human societies, and their critical importance requires a better understanding of how they evolve through time. However, identifying the role of natural climate change versus human activity (e.g. agriculture) on soil evolution is difficult. Here we show that for most of the past 12,300 years soil erosion and development were impacted differently by natural climate variability, as recorded by sediments deposited in Lake Dojran (Macedonia/Greece): short-lived ( < 1,000 years) climatic shifts had no effect on soil development but impacted soil erosion. This decoupling disappeared between 3,500 and 3,100 years ago, when the sedimentary record suggests an unprecedented erosion event associated with the development of agriculture in the region. Our results show unambiguously how differently soils evolved under natural climate variability (between 12,300 and 3,500 years ago) and later in response to intensifying human impact. The transition from natural to anthropogenic landscape started just before, or at, the onset of the Greek 'Dark Ages' (~3,200 cal yr BP). This could represent the earliest recorded sign of a negative feedback between civilization and environmental impact, where the development of agriculture impacted soil resources, which in turn resulted in a slowdown of civilization expansion.

Health Behind Bars: Can Exploring The History Of Prison Health Systems Impact Future Policy?, Kathryn M. Weston, Louella R. Mccarthy, Isobelle Barrett Meyering, Stephen Hampton, Tobias Mackinnon

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

The value of history is, indeed, not scientific but moral … it prepares us to live more humanely in the present, and to meet rather than to foretell, the future - Carl Becker. Becker's quote reminds us of the importance of revealing and understanding historical practices in order to influence actions in the future. There are compelling reasons for uncovering this history, in particular to better inform government policy makers and health advocates, and to address the impacts of growing community expectations to 'make the punishment fit the crime'.

Impact Of Southeast Asian Smoke On Aerosol Properties In Southwest China: First Comparison Of Model Simulations With Satellite And Ground Observations, Jun Zhu, Xiangao Xia, Jun Wang, Jinqiang Zhang, Christine Wiedinmyer, Jenny A. Fisher, Christoph A. Keller

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

Smoke aerosols have been observed in Southwest China as a result of long-range transport from surrounding areas in March and April. The processes driving this transport and the resultant impact on regional aerosol optical properties are studied here through a combined use of the Goddard Earth Observing System (GEOS)-Chem chemistry transport model in conjunction with satellite and the first-ever ground-based observations in the Southwest China. The potential biomass burning source regions as well as their respective contributions to aerosol loading in Southwest China are quantified. Compared to Sun photometer observations of aerosol optical depth (AOD) at 550nm at eight stations …

A Randomized Controlled Trial To Evaluate The Impact Of A Geo-Specific Poster Compared To A General Poster For Effecting Change In Perceived Threat And Intention To Avoid Drowning 'Hotspots' Among Children Of Migrant Workers: Evidence From Ningbo, China, Yinchao Zhu, Xiaoqi Feng, Hui Li, Yaqin Huang, Jieping Chen, Guozhang Xu

Faculty of Social Sciences - Papers (Archive)

Background

Drowning among children of migrant workers is a major, though neglected public health issue in China.

Methods

A randomised controlled trial was used to examine the potential impact of viewing a preventive health poster with/without geo-located drowning events on perceptions of drowning risk among Chinese migrant children. A total of 752 children from three schools in Jiangbei district were selected by multi-stage sampling and randomly assigned to the intervention (n = 380) or control (n = 372). Multilevel models were used to analyse changes in responses to the following questions after viewing the assigned poster for 10 …

Impact Of A Type 2 Diabetes Diagnosis On Mental Health, Quality Of Life, And Social Contacts: A Longitudinal Study, Xiaoqi Feng, Thomas E. Astell-Burt

Faculty of Social Sciences - Papers (Archive)

Aims The aim was to examine whether a type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) diagnosis increases the odds of psychological distress, a worsening in overall quality of life, and a potential reduction in social contacts.

Method Longitudinal data were obtained from the 45 and Up Study (baseline 2006–2008; 3.4±0.95 years follow-up time). Fixed effects logistic and negative binomial regression models were fitted on a complete case on outcome sample that did not report T2DM at baseline (N=26 344), adjusted for time-varying confounders. The key exposure was doctor-diagnosed T2DM at follow-up. Outcome variables examined included the Kessler Psychological Distress Scale, self-rated quality …

A Contribution To Understanding The Impact Of Variations In Body Mass On Fractionating The Metabolic Burden Of Military Load Carriage, Heather Bowes, Catriona A. Burdon, Nigel A.S. Taylor

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

Purpose: The oxygen cost associated with load carriage is dependent upon both its mass and its placement about the body. For occupations in which load carriage is routinely performed, and involves identical loads for all individuals, the relative metabolic cost varies inversely with body mass. However, whilst we understand the average impact of varying load placement, our appreciation of its impact on a morphologically diverse, contemporary workforce is very limited. Methods:The relationship between load placement and body mass was evaluated in 65 men (23.0 y [SD 3.0]; 80.5 kg [SD 1.7]: range 56.0-109.8 kg), matched for height-adjusted adiposity (59.3 mm …

The Impact Of Structured Physical Activity On Glycaemic Control In Diabetes Prevention Programs: A Systematic Review, Joseph Edwards, Hassan Hosseinzadeh

Faculty of Social Sciences - Papers (Archive)

Background: Seven landmark randomised controlled trials, with some that began as early as the 1990s, observed the prediabetic state, namely, impaired glucose tolerance and impaired fasting glucose conditions, against the impact of lifestyle interventions such as physical activity, to prevent or delay the onset of type 2 diabetes mellitus. In addition to the landmark trials, this systematic review examines 14 studies that retained a focus on prediabetic individuals and measured the efficacy of physical activity on improving glucose tolerance. Results: Type, duration and intensity of structured physical activity can have unique benefits to prediabetic individuals. It is posited that diabetes …

Impact Of Structural Design Solutions On The Energy And Thermal Performance Of An Australian Office Building, Mehdi Robati, Georgios Kokogiannakis, Timothy J. Mccarthy

Faculty of Engineering and Information Sciences - Papers: Part B

Concrete is a heavyweight construction material whose high thermal mass could increase the thermal storage capacity of a building envelope and in turn affect indoor thermal comfort. Selecting an appropriate method for concrete construction and form could also affect the total energy performance and thermal comfort of a building, a fact that is often overlooked by structural engineers. This study presents the results of energy simulations of the potential impact that concrete construction forms, in particular two slab types, and structural materials have on the energy consumption of archetypal commercial office buildings in five major Australia cities (Sydney, Melbourne, Canberra, …

Impact Of A Pilot Draught Sealing Program On Public Housing Air Permeability, Craig G. Mclauchlan, Laia Ledo Gomis, Paul Cooper

Faculty of Engineering and Information Sciences - Papers: Part B

Air tightness (or permeability) is a property of a building envelope that describes how air moves though it when subjected to a pressure difference (wind, stack effect, etc.), this impacts on building performance including energy usage, thermal comfort and air quality. The NSW Land and Housing Corporation (LAHC) implemented a pilot program of simple leak (or draught) sealing measures to improve air permeability and building performance on some of its domestic building stock. The effectiveness of this program was evaluated via blower door testing to international standards including measuring overall envelope permeability, and qualitative and quantitative investigation of the leakage …

Game-Based Interventions And Their Impact On Dementia: A Narrative Review, Jiaying Zheng, Xueping Chen, Ping Yu

Faculty of Engineering and Information Sciences - Papers: Part B

Objective: The aim of this review was to examine the efficacy of game-based interventions for people with dementia. Methods: Seven studies that met the inclusion criteria were found in four databases. Their interventions and key findings were analysed and synthesised. Results: Game-based interventions for people with dementia are showing promise for improving cognition, coordination and behavioural and psychological symptoms. The generalisability of the findings is limited by weak methodology and small sample size. Conclusions: Game-based interventions can improve cognition, coordination and behavioural and psychological symptoms for people with dementia. Future research should include methodological improvement and practice guideline development.

Use Of Synthetic Inclusions For Enhanced Behaviour Of Railway Ballast Under Impact Loading, Fernanda Bessa Ferreira, Buddhima Indraratna

Faculty of Engineering and Information Sciences - Papers: Part B

Ballasted rail tracks form one of the largest worldwide networks catering to passenger and freight transportation. However, track deterioration associated with severe dynamic wheel loads is inevitable over the years leading to high maintenance costs. Geosynthetics and energy-absorbing rubber mats have increasingly been applied in rail track foundations to improve track stability and reduce the life-cycle cost of the railway system. This paper presents the results of an experimental study carried out using a high-capacity drop-weight impact testing apparatus to investigate the deformation and degradation response of railway ballast under impact loading conditions. The effectiveness of the geogrid reinforcement in …

Making An Impact: An Innovative Solution To Strengthen Strategic Publishing Decisions, Jennifer M. Lyons, Cecile Perrin

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

Research impact is at the heart of institutional performance and reputation and is increasingly gaining prominence in academic library services. University of Wollongong (UOW) Library implemented a Research Impact Analysis Service (RIAS) in 2011 to help researchers, research centres and the University strengthen their impact by providing detailed, strategic reports based on citations analysis drawn from numerous datasets. As demand intensified, consideration needed to be given to issues of scalability and capacity to sustain and grow the service. An opportunity for collaboration arose, connecting the Library's business need with the software development skills of JoindUp, a local start-up company under …

Assessing The Sustained Impact Of A School-Based Obesity Prevention Program For Adolescent Boys: The Atlas Cluster Randomized Controlled Trial, David R. Lubans, Jordan J. Smith, Ronald Plotnikoff, Kerry A. Dally, Anthony D. Okely, Jo Salmon, Philip J. Morgan

Faculty of Social Sciences - Papers (Archive)

Background: Obesity prevention interventions targeting 'at-risk' adolescents are urgently needed. The aim of this study is to evaluate the sustained impact of the 'Active Teen Leaders Avoiding Screen-time' (ATLAS) obesity prevention program. Methods: Cluster RCT in 14 secondary schools in low-income communities of New South Wales, Australia. Participants were 361 adolescent boys (aged 12-14 years) 'at risk' of obesity. The intervention was based on Self-Determination Theory and Social Cognitive Theory and involved: professional development, fitness equipment for schools, teacher-delivered physical activity sessions, lunch-time activity sessions, researcher-led seminars, a smartphone application, and parental strategies. Assessments for the primary (body mass index …

Adesão Ao Tratamento Nas Perturbações Psiquiátricas: O Impacto Das Atitudes E Das Crenças Em Profissionais De Serviços De Psiquiatria E Saúde Mental Em Portugal. Parte I: Aspetos Conceptuais E Metodológicos, Ana Cardoso, Mitchell K. Byrne, Miguel Xavier

Faculty of Social Sciences - Papers (Archive)

Introduction Among the chronic health diseases are psychiatric disorders and it is well established that within this population there is a particularly high prevalence of non‐adherence to treatment. Methods Narrative review, of relevant literature. Results The majority of the research has focused primarily on the factors related to the patient that interfere with treatment adherence. However, there are studies that seem to indicate that the responsibility for increasing adherence is more related with the health professional than the patient. Conclusions Through the identification of factors associated with clinicians, we enable the development strategies to increase skills in mental health professionals …

Effective Utilization Of Available Pev Battery Capacity For Mitigation Of Solar Pv Impact And Grid Support With Integrated V2g Functionality, Md Jan E Alam, Kashem M. Muttaqi, Danny Sutanto

Faculty of Engineering and Information Sciences - Papers: Part A

Utilizing battery storage devices in plug-in electric vehicles (PEVs) for grid support using vehicle-to-grid (V2G) concept is gaining popularity. With appropriate control strategies, the PEV batteries and associated power electronics can be exploited for solar photovoltaic (PV) impact mitigation and grid support. However, as the PEV batteries have limited capacity and the capacity usage is also constrained by transportation requirements, an intelligent strategy is necessary for an effective utilization of the available capacity for V2G applications. In this paper, a strategy for an effective utilization of PEV battery capacity for solar PV impact mitigation and grid support is proposed. A …

Biosolids Reduction By The Oxic-Settling-Anoxic Process: Impact Of Sludge Interchange Rate, Galilee U. Semblante, Faisal I. Hai, Heriberto A. Bustamante, Nelly Guevara, William E. Price, Long D. Nghiem

Faculty of Engineering and Information Sciences - Papers: Part A

The impact of sludge interchange rate (SIR) on sludge reduction by oxic-settling-anoxic (OSA) process was investigated. The sludge yield of an OSA system (a sequencing batch reactor, SBR, integrated with external anoxic reactors) was compared to that of a control (an SBR attached to a single-pass aerobic digester). SIR (%) is the percentage by volume of sludge returned from the external reactor into the main bioreactor of the OSA, and was varied from 0-22%. OSA achieved greater sludge reduction when fed with unsettled sewage (sCOD=113 mg/L) rather than settled sewage (sCOD=60 mg/L). The SIR of 11% resulted in the highest …

The Impact Of Electronic Health Records On Risk Management Of Information Systems In Australian Residential Aged Care Homes, Tao Jiang, Ping Yu, David M. Hailey, Jun Ma, Jie Yang

Faculty of Engineering and Information Sciences - Papers: Part A

To obtain indications of the influence of electronic health records (EHR) in managing risks and meeting information system accreditation standard in Australian residential aged care (RAC) homes. The hypothesis to be tested is that the RAC homes using EHR have better performance in meeting information system standards in aged care accreditation than their counterparts only using paper records for information management. Content analysis of aged care accreditation reports from the Aged Care Standards and Accreditation Agency produced between April 2011 and December 2013. Items identified included types of information systems, compliance with accreditation standards, and indicators of failure to meet …

Experimental Investigation Of The Behaviour Of Concrete Beams Reinforced With Gfrp Bars Under Static And Impact Loading, Matthew Goldston, Alex M. Remennikov, M Neaz Sheikh

Faculty of Engineering and Information Sciences - Papers: Part A

Composite materials, including Fibre Reinforced Polymer (FRP) bars, have been gaining momentum as alternatives to traditional steel reinforcements in civil and structural engineering sectors. FRP materials are non-corrosive, non-conductive, and lightweight and possess high longitudinal tensile strength, which are advantageous for their use in civil infrastructure. This paper presents the results of an experimental investigation into the effects of the use of glass FRP (GFRP) bars as internal reinforcement on the behaviour of concrete beams. Both static and dynamic (impact) behaviours of the beam have been investigated. Twelve GFRP reinforced concrete (RC) beams were designed, cast and tested. Six GFRP …

The Impact Of Social Media Policy And Use On Value Creation: A Survey Research, Uuf Brajawidagda, Akemi T. Chatfield

Faculty of Engineering and Information Sciences - Papers: Part A

Organizations need to provide effective policies in aligning their social media use with organizational goals to realize the expected benefits of social media. However, while social media use has been studied, social media policy research is lacking. This study aims to examine impacts of social media policy and active use on value creation. Drawing on the Model of IT/Business Value, we assessed the interplay between social media policy and social media use on value creation in a survey research conducted with Indonesia's disaster management agencies. Our analysis results of 124 survey responses show that social media use and social media …

Mri Geometric Distortion: Impact On Tangential Whole-Breast Imrt, Amy Walker, Peter E. Metcalfe, Gary P. Liney, Vikneswary Batumalai, Kylie L. Dundas, Carri Glide-Hurst, Geoff P. Delaney, Miriam M. Boxer, Mei Ling Yap, Jason Dowling, David Rivest-Henault, Elise M. Pogson, Lois C. Holloway

Faculty of Engineering and Information Sciences - Papers: Part A

The purpose of this study was to determine the impact of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) geometric distortions when using MRI for target delineation and planning for whole-breast, intensity-modulated radiotherapy (IMRT). Residual system distortions and combined systematic and patient-induced distortions are considered. This retrospective study investigated 18 patients who underwent whole-breast external beam radiotherapy, where both CT and MRIs were acquired for treatment planning. Distortion phantoms were imaged on two MRI systems, dedicated to radiotherapy planning (a wide, closed-bore 3T and an open-bore 1T). Patient scans were acquired on the 3T system. To simulate MRI-based planning, distortion maps representing residual system …

Impact Resistance Of Ultra-High Strength Concrete Beams With Frp Reinforcement, Alex M. Remennikov, Matthew Goldston, M Neaz Sheikh

Faculty of Engineering and Information Sciences - Papers: Part A

Composite materials, including Fibre Reinforced Polymer (FRP) bars, have been used for decades in the structural and civil engineering sectors over traditional steel reinforcement. The main reasons for this are that FRP composites possess a number of advantages. They are non-corrosive, non-conductive, and lightweight and possess high longitudinal tensile strength. This paper presents the results of an experimental investigation into the effects of the use of glass FRP (GFRP) bars as internal reinforcement on the behaviour of concrete beams with high strength concrete (HSC) and ultra-high strength concrete (UHSC). Both static and dynamic (impact) behaviours of the beam have been …

The Impact Of Marketing And Advertising On Food Behaviours: Evaluating The Evidence For A Causal Relationship, Jennifer A. Norman, Bridget Kelly, Emma J. Boyland, Anne T. Mcmahon

Faculty of Social Sciences - Papers (Archive)

The prevention of overweight in childhood is paramount to long-term heart health. Food marketing predominately promotes unhealthy products which, if over-consumed, will lead to overweight. International health expert calls for further restriction of children¿s exposure to food marketing remain relatively unheeded, with a lack of evidence showing a causal link between food marketing and children¿s dietary behaviours and obesity an oft-cited reason for this policy inertia. This direct link is difficult to measure and quantify with a multiplicity of determinants contributing to dietary intake and the development of overweight. The Bradford Hill Criteria provide a credible framework by which epidemiological …

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 …

Sticks And Stones: How Words And Language Impact Upon Social Inclusion, Kathy Mckay, Stuart Wark, Virginia Mapedzahama, Tinashe Dune, Saifur Rahman, Catherine L. Mac Phail

Faculty of Social Sciences - Papers (Archive)

Language framed as derogatory names and symbols can have implications for people and their life experiences. Within a Saussurian-inspired frame, and looking at ideas of stigma and social inclusion, this paper examines the use of language as a weapon within a social context of (changing) intent and meaning. Three examples of language use in mainstream society are analysed: 'retarded' which evolved from scientific diagnosis to insult; 'gay' as a derogatory adjective within popular culture; and, the way language around suicide is used to both trivialise and stigmatise those who are suicidal, as well as those who are bereaved.