Social and Behavioral Sciences Commons^™

Improved Workflow Modelling Using Role Activity Diagram-Based Modelling With Application To A Radiology Service Case Study, Nagesh Shukla, John Keast, Darek Ceglarek

Faculty of Engineering and Information Sciences - Papers: Part A

The modelling of complex workflows is an important problem-solving technique within healthcare settings. However, currently most of the workflow models use a simplified flow chart of patient flow obtained using on-site observations, groupbased debates and brainstorming sessions, together with historic patient data. This paper presents a systematic and semi-automatic methodology for knowledge acquisition with detailed process representation using sequential interviews of people in the key roles involved in the service delivery process. The proposed methodology allows the modelling of roles, interactions, actions, and decisions involved in the service delivery process. This approach is based on protocol generation and analysis techniques …

Improving Online Banking Quality In Developing Nations: A Libyan Case, Fouad Elgahwash, Mark Freeman, Alison E. Freeman

Faculty of Engineering and Information Sciences - Papers: Part A

While the global banking sector is one of the most up-to-date industries with regard to the use of the Internet and mobile technologies, developing countries (such as Libya) have not broadly adopted these technologies. For example, online banking is not offered or provided on a restricted basis by many banks in Libya. As developing countries now seek to catch up with the global environment, both banks and customers are likely to face challenges. Understanding the perceptions of customers with regard to online banking quality in developing countries is useful for informing future adoption strategies and hence improving relationships between banks …

Dynamic Characteristics Of A Hybrid Microgrid With Inverter And Non- Inverter Interfaced Renewable Energy Sources: A Case Study, A V. Jayawardena, L G. Meegahapola, S Perera, D A. Robinson

Dr Lasantha G Meegahapola

Microgrids are becoming important constituents of electric power distribution networks. Microgrids are typically comprised of both inverter interfaced (e.g. double-fed induction generator (DFIG), solar-photovoltaic (PV) system) and non-inverter interfaced (e.g. synchronous generator) renewable energy generators (REGs), hence their dynamic characteristics are significantly different from the conventional grids comprised of centralised synchronous generators. Different inherent characteristics of REGs, power dispatch levels, relative REG capacities, and external grid characteristics are some of the important features of significant interest in relation to microgrid dynamic behaviour. For this study a microgrid model was developed in DIgSILENT Power Factory based on the IEEE-13 bus system …

Making Things In A High-Dollar Australia: The Case Of The Surfboard Industry, Andrew Warren, Chris Gibson

Chris Gibson

In August 2011 the announcement by Bluescope Steel of mass layoffs at its Port Kembla steelworks, in the Illawarra region, sparked renewed public debate and media commentary on the future of manufacturing in Australia. The debate has since spread to cars, aluminium smelting - even Mortein fly spray - and has quickly coalesced around the unprecedented high Australian dollar, its impacts on exports, and the prospects of the production of goods shifting overseas. As Australian mining magnates such as Clive Palmer, Gina Rinehart and Twiggy Forrest attempt to remould Australia around their 'quarry vision' (Pearse, 2009) of extractive minerals exports, …

The Local Index Formula In Semifinite Von Neumann Algebras Ii: The Even Case, Alan Carey, John Phillips, Adam Rennie, F Sukochev

Associate Professor Adam Rennie

We generalise the even local index formula of Connes and Moscovici to the case of spectral triples for a ∗-subalgebra A of a general semifinite von Neumann algebra. The proof is a variant of that for the odd case which appears in Part I. To allow for algebras with a non-trivial centre we have to establish a theory of unbounded Fredholm operators in a general semifinite von Neumann algebra and in particular prove a generalised McKean-Singer formula.

An Investigation On The Impacts Of Density Currents On The Sedimentation In Dam Reservoirs Using Tcm Model; Case Study: Maroon Dam, Farhad Raof, Mohammad Naghshine, Ali Khoshrftar

Farhad Fakheri Raof

Sedimentation in dams' reservoirs is one of the most pressing concerns facing dams today. Maroon reservoir dam, located in Khuzestan Province, is one of the most important dams in this region. Since it is a new constructed dam, numerical simulation of sedimentation trend in its reservoirs could significantly help on a better utilization. To this end, TCM model which is capable to simulate density currents was used. The obtained results show that the dam loses about 91 million m3 of its reservoirs during a 50-year exploitation period.

A Taxonomy For Homework Used By Mental Health Case Managers When Working With Individuals Diagnosed With Severe Mental Illness, Peter Kelly, Frank P. Deane, Robert King, Nikolaos Kazantzis, Trevor P. Crowe

Peter Kelly

A survey was completed by 122 case managers describing the types of homework assignments commonly used with individuals diagnosed with severe mental illness (SMI). Homework types were categorized using a 12-item homework description taxonomy and in relation to the 22 domains of the Camberwell Assessment of Need (CAN). Case managers predominately reported using behaviourally based homework tasks such as scheduling activities and the development of personal hygiene skills. Homework focused on CAN areas of need in relation to Company, Psychological Distress, Psychotic Symptoms and Daytime Activities. The applications of the taxonomy for both researchers and case managers are discussed.

Macroeconomic Determinants Of Corporate Performance And Failure: Evidence From An Emerging Market The Case Of Jordan, Rami Zeitun, Gary Tian, Steve Keen

Gary Tian

This study investigates the impact of aggregate economic risk on a company’s performance and failure in a panel estimation using 167 Jordanian companies during 1989-2003. Our finding shows that unanticipated changes in interest rate negatively and significantly affect firms’ performance measured by ROA, which suggests that an interest rate rise increases the cost of borrowing and then further negatively affects a firm’s profit. We also found that both the production manufacturing index and Islamic credit facilities positively and significantly affect a firm’s performance. The positive and significant impact of Islamic credit facilities reflects the importance and the significance of the …

Statistical Indicators For Local Government Areas: A Case Study Of The Shoalhaven Lga, 1997, Nell Stetner-Houweling, David Steel, Greg Pullen

Professor David Steel

Decision makers and planers need to have relevant and reliable information to give a picture of how different areas are developing economically and socially. However, there is a perceived lack of timely and easily accessible data at the Local Government Area (LGA) level. This study produced a statistical profile of the Shoalhaven (LGA) by developing a conceptual framework, which represents the key economic, social, and population characteristics of the LGA. The statistical data available from the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) at the level of the LGA, was investigated and summarised. Other sources of information available to create a statistical …

A Review Of Consumer Involvement In Evaluations Of Case Management: Consistency With A Recovery Paradigm, Sarah L. Marshall, Trevor P. Crowe, Lindsay G. Oades, Frank F. Deane, David J. Kavanagh

Lindsay G Oades

This Open Forum examines research on case management that draws on consumer perspectives. It clarifies the extent of consumer involvement and whether evaluations were informed by recovery perspectives. Searches of three databases revealed 13 studies that sought to investigate consumer perspectives. Only one study asked consumers about experiences of recovery. Most evaluations did not adequately assess consumers' views, and active consumer participation in research was rare. Supporting an individual's recovery requires commitment to a recovery paradigm that incorporates traditional symptom reduction and improved functioning, with broader recovery principles, and a shift in focus from illness to well-being. It also requires …

The Case Study Methodology In Place Management Research And Practice, Gregory Kerr, Gary Noble, John Glynn

John J Glynn

Purpose: The purpose of this paper is to assist those in the relatively new field of place management to undertake sound and appropriate research for which there is a current need. Approach: This paper identifies and provides an interpretation of key terms associated with research in the social and behavioural sciences and then recommends the case study methodology as being appropriate for research in place management. Findings: Based on a review of the literature this paper offers a viewpoint about the meaning and application of the terms ‘methodology’, ‘methods,’ ‘ways’, ‘strategies’ and ‘approaches’ when they are applied to research. Research …

An Activity Theory Analysis Of A Case Of It-Driven Organisational Change, Wannapa Suratmethakul, Helen Hasan

Helen Hasan

The paper describes unexpected problems encountered in the automation of a scheduling process using an IT application already in use in other similar organisations. A grounded theory approach was used to collect and categorise data on the case. Activity Theory was then used to analyse the attempt by management to implement organisational change through the introduction of the system. The findings suggest that it is inadvisable to impose organisational change through the introduction of a complex IT system, particularly when this disrupts entrenched decision-making processes of the organisation.

Customer Satisfaction Measurement For State Owned Banks In Least Developed Countries- A Case Of Bangladesh, Muhammad Khondaker, Monir Mir

Muhammad S Khondaker

Customer Satisfaction has become an important dimension for performance measurement particularly for banking and finance industry. As most banks and finance organizations offer similar products and services, improving customer satisfaction and loyalty is the most important factor in maintaining as well as increasing market share for these organizations. Customer satisfaction is grossly neglected area for performance measurement in most Least Developed Countries (LDCs) including Bangladesh. Like most LDCs, Bangladesh is also facing external pressures from IMF, World Bank, ADB etc for reforming incompetent financial sector. The purpose of the paper is to identify the factors that affect and explain customer …

Customer Satisfaction Measurement For The State-Owned Banks In The Developing Countries - The Case Of Bangladesh, Muhammad Khondaker, Monir Mir

Muhammad S Khondaker

Customer Satisfaction has become an imponant aspect of measuring performance. particularly for the banking and finance industry. As most banks and finance organizations offer Similar products and services. Improving customer satisfaction and loyalty is the most important factor in maintaining as well as increasing market share for these organizations. Customer satisfaction is a grossly neglected area for performance measurement in almost all Least Developed Countries (LDCs) and Bangladesh is no exception. Like most LDCs. Bangladesh is also com:ng under pressure from the IMF. World Bank. ADB. etc. to reform its inefficient financial sector. Anecdotal evidence suggests that state·owned commercial banks …

Men's Collective Struggles For Gender Justice: The Case Of Antiviolence Activism, Michael Flood

Michael G Flood

No abstract provided.

Revitalizing Forgotten Place Brands Through Tc. The Case Of The Old London Underground Company, Melodena Balakrishnan

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

Abstract of paper presented at Touring Consumption: International Conference 2013, Karlsruhe, Germany.

Diabetes And Cognitive Deficits In Chronic Schizophrenia: A Case-Control Study, Mei Han, Xu-Feng Huang, Da Chun Chen, Meihong Xiu, Thomas R. Kosten, Xiang Yang Zhang

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

Cognitive impairment occurs in both schizophrenia and diabetes. There is currently limited understanding whether schizophrenia with diabetes has more serious cognitive deficits than schizophrenia without diabetes or diabetes only. This study assessed cognitive performance in 190 healthy controls, 106 diabetes only, 127 schizophrenia without diabetes and 55 schizophrenia with diabetes. This study was conducted from January 2008 to December 2010. Compared to healthy controls, all patient groups had significantly decreased total and five index RBANS scores (all p<0.01-p

A Case Study Of How Using Laptops In A Primary Classroom Facilitated Higher Order Thinking, Amanda Gigliotti, Lisa Carrington, Shirley Agostinho

Faculty of Social Sciences - Papers (Archive)

Research about 1:1 laptop school initiatives highlight benefits for learning, however, there is little research about the impact of such initiatives in the primary school context. This case study reports how a 1:1 laptop program facilitated Higher Order Thinking (HOT) in an upper primary classroom in Australia. The class was observed during one unit of work and Bloom's taxonomy of HOT was used as the analysis framework. Results showed that Higher Order Thinking was evident when laptop tasks encouraged students to take an active role in their learning. HOT was facilitated by students being able to make decisions on applications …

Building The Case For Independent Monitoring Of Food Advertising On Australian Television, Lesley King, Lana Hebden, Anne Grunseit, Bridget Kelly, Kathy Chapman

Faculty of Social Sciences - Papers (Archive)

Objective To provide an independent monitoring report examining the ongoing impact of Australian self-regulatory pledges on food and drink advertising to children on commercial television.

Design Analysis of food advertisements across comparable sample time periods in April/May 2006, 2007, 2009, 2010 and 2011. The main outcome measure comprised change in the mean rate of non-core food advertisements from 2006 to 2011.

Setting Sydney free-to-air television channels.

Subjects Televised food advertisements.

Results In 2011 the rate of non-core food advertisements was not significantly different from that in 2006 or 2010 (3·2/h v. 4·1/h and 3·1/h), although there were variations across …

Teaching About Diverse Families Through Case Studies And Authentic Performance Assessment, Amy Conley Wright

Faculty of Social Sciences - Papers (Archive)

Authentic performance assessment connects active learning pedagogy with assessment of student learning. For family sciences, authentic performance assessment presents an opportunity to evaluate knowledge and skills related to working with families within the classroom context. This form of assessment can be combined with popular teaching strategies, like using family case studies, to provide application and context for course content. This article reviews the literature on authentic performance assessment and its application in the family science literature, and provides an example of an authentic performance assessment in a course on understanding and working with diverse families. The discussion provides suggestions for …

A Case-Linkage Study Of Crime Victimisation In Schizophrenia-Spectrum Disorders Over A Period Of Deinstitutionalisation, Tamsin B.R. Short, Stuart Dm Thomas, Steven Luebbers, Paul E. Mullen, James R. Ogloff

Faculty of Social Sciences - Papers (Archive)

Background: Despite high rates of self-reported crime victimisation, no study to date has compared official victimisation records of people with severe mental illness with a random community sample. Accordingly, this study sought to determine whether persons with schizophrenia-spectrum disorders have higher rates of recorded victimisation than the general population, and to explore whether there have been changes in rates of recorded victimisation over a period of deinstitutionalisation.

Methods: The schizophrenia-spectrum cases were drawn from a state-wide public mental health register, comprising all persons first diagnosed with a schizophrenic illness in five year cohorts between 1975 - 2005. The criminal histories …

An Application Of Nonlinear Feature Extraction – A Case Study For Low Speed Slewing Bearing Condition Monitoring And Prognosis, Wahyu Caesarendra, Prabuono Buyung Kosasih, A K. Tieu, Craig Moodie

Faculty of Engineering and Information Sciences - Papers: Part A

This paper presents the application of four nonlinear methods of feature extraction in slewing bearing condition monitoring and prognosis: these are largest Lyapunov exponent, fractal dimension, correlation dimension, and approximate entropy methods. Although correlation dimension and approximate entropy methods have been used previously, the largest Lyapunov exponent and fractal dimension methods have not been used in vibration condition monitoring to date. The vibration data of the laboratory slewing bearing test-rig run at 1 rpm was acquired daily from February to August 2007 (138 days). As time progressed, a more accurate observation of the alteration of bearing condition from normal to …

An Investigation On The Impacts Of Density Currents On The Sedimentation In Dam Reservoirs Using Tcm Model; Case Study: Maroon Dam, Farhad Fakheri Raof, Mohammad Hossein Naghshine, Ali Khoshrftar

Faculty of Engineering and Information Sciences - Papers: Part A

Sedimentation in dams' reservoirs is one of the most pressing concerns facing dams today. Maroon reservoir dam, located in Khuzestan Province, is one of the most important dams in this region. Since it is a new constructed dam, numerical simulation of sedimentation trend in its reservoirs could significantly help on a better utilization. To this end, TCM model which is capable to simulate density currents was used. The obtained results show that the dam loses about 91 million m3 of its reservoirs during a 50-year exploitation period.

On The Correlation Between The Effectiveness Of Metamorphic Relations And Dissimilarities Of Test Case Executions, Yuxiang Cao, Zhi Quan Zhou, Tsong Yueh Chen

Faculty of Engineering and Information Sciences - Papers: Part A

Metamorphic testing (MT) is a property-based automated software testing method. It alleviates the oracle problem by testing programs against metamorphic relations (MRs), which are necessary properties among multiple executions of the target program. For a given problem, usually more than one MR can be identified. It is therefore of practical importance for testers to know the nature of good MRs, that is, which MRs are likely to have higher chances of revealing failures. To address this issue we investigate the correlation between the faultdetection effectiveness of MRs and the dissimilarity (distance) of test case execution profiles. Empirical study results reveal …

Evidence-Free Policy: The Case Of The National Injury Insurance Scheme, Mark Harrison

Faculty of Engineering and Information Sciences - Papers: Part A

The Productivity Commission report 'Disability Care and Support' recommends tort liability be replaced by a compulsory, government-run, no-fault scheme. But theory and evidence indicate moving to a no-fault scheme will increase the accident rate. Even a move from non-risk-rated third-party insurance to non-risk-rated first-party insurance reduces incentives for care. A no-fault scheme is not superior to current policies; genuine reform will need to be informed by law and economics literature.

Making Things In A High-Dollar Australia: The Case Of The Surfboard Industry, Andrew Warren, Chris Gibson

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

In August 2011 the announcement by Bluescope Steel of mass layoffs at its Port Kembla steelworks, in the Illawarra region, sparked renewed public debate and media commentary on the future of manufacturing in Australia. The debate has since spread to cars, aluminium smelting - even Mortein fly spray - and has quickly coalesced around the unprecedented high Australian dollar, its impacts on exports, and the prospects of the production of goods shifting overseas. As Australian mining magnates such as Clive Palmer, Gina Rinehart and Twiggy Forrest attempt to remould Australia around their 'quarry vision' (Pearse, 2009) of extractive minerals exports, …

Beyond Uvulopalatopharyngoplasty For Obstructive Sleep Apnoea: Single Surgeon Case Series Of Contemporary Airway Reconstruction, S G. Mackay, N Jefferson, N S. Marshall

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

Objective: Adult patients with obstructive sleep apnoea can be a therapeutic surgical challenge if other treatments fail or are rejected. We report the outcomes of a series of 17 patients for whom standard device-based treatments failed or could not be used. These patients were considered unsuitable for a lesser operation and therefore underwent multilevel upper airway reconstruction. Method: Data from 17 consecutive patients were collected prospectively. This included pre- and post-surgery findings for clinical assessments, body mass index, sleep questionnaires, and laboratory polysomnograms. Patients underwent a combination of modified uvulopalatopharyngoplasty, transpalatal advancement and various tongue reduction procedures. Results: Analyses revealed …

Performance Monitoring Of Rail Tracks Stabilized By Geosynthetics And Shock Mats: Case Studies At Bulli And Singleton In Australia, Buddhima Indraratna, Sanjay Nimbalkar, Pongpipat Anantanasakul, Cholachat Rujikiatkamjorn, Tim Neville

Faculty of Engineering and Information Sciences - Papers: Part A

Rail tracks are conventionally built on compacted ballast and structural fill embankments overlying the natural subsoil. Ballast plays an important role in providing track stiffness to support heavy traffic loads, and providing rapid drainage. However, ballast deforms and degrades progressively under the heavy cyclic loading of passenger and freight trains, which may lead to a loss of track geometry, and require costly regular maintenance. In particular, track construction requires appropriate stabilization techniques for ballast, the extent of which depends also on the type of subgrade. Comprehensive field trials were carried out on two rail lines in Bulli and recently in …

Integrating Fluent Pronunciation Use Into Content-Based Esl Instruction: Two Case Studies, Amanda Baker

Faculty of Social Sciences - Papers (Archive)

This paper examines the teaching practices of two ESL teachers who integrated pronunciation instruction into intermediate-level, content/task-based, oral communication courses in an Intensive English program. These practices are analysed according to five categories of pronunciation instruction: Language Awareness; Controlled Practice; Guided Practice, Fluency Development and Free Practice. The fourth category, Fluency Development, is defined based on the work of Nation and Newton (2009), who list, among several criteria, pressure to perform at greater speeds or at least "more smoothly" as central to improving learner fluency. Based on classroom observations, interviews with teachers and student questionnaires, the degree to which the …

Familial Analysis Of Mmn In Cannabis Users: A Case Study, Felicity Webster, Samantha Broyd, Rodney J. Croft, Hendrika H. Van Hell, Lisa-Marie Greenwood, Stuart Johnstone, Juanita Todd, Patricia Michie, Nadia Solowij

Faculty of Social Sciences - Papers (Archive)

Abstract presented at the 23rd Australasian Society for Psychophysiology Conference, 20-22 Nov 2013, Wollongong, Australia