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2007

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Perceptions Of Security And Attitudes Towards Cultural Diversity And Immigration Amongst Uk Migrants In Western Australia, Nikki Isaacson Jan 2007

Perceptions Of Security And Attitudes Towards Cultural Diversity And Immigration Amongst Uk Migrants In Western Australia, Nikki Isaacson

Theses : Honours

Psychological research conducted within the field of ethnic relations has revealed a strong relationship between an individual's perception of threat to their ethnocultural group and their attitudes towards the entrance and presence of other ethnocultural groups within a society. The relationship is such that the greater threat that an individual perceives, the more likely they are to hold negative attitudes. This paper provides a review of research that has investigated this relationship; revealing that although a distinct negative correlation exists between perceived threat and intercultural attitudes, a number of factors influence the relationship. Factors discussed throughout this review include the …

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Behavioural Activation Treatment For Depression: A Review Of The Literature ; Effects Of A Brief Behavioural Activation Treatment On Activity Levels And Depression, Debra L. Bailey Jan 2007

Behavioural Activation Treatment For Depression: A Review Of The Literature ; Effects Of A Brief Behavioural Activation Treatment On Activity Levels And Depression, Debra L. Bailey

Theses : Honours

Behavioural activation (BA) is an emergent psychological treatment for depression rooted in the tradition of behavioural theory. This paper discusses the manner in which BA arose as a result of the seminal Jacobson et al. (1996) study, which dismantled the behavioural and cognitive components of cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT; Beck, Rush, Shaw, & Emery, 1979). Published empirical studies examining the effectiveness of BA are reviewed and considerations for future research are offered. It is concluded that BA shows promise as a parsimonious, effective, and potentially cost-efficient psychological treatment for depression. However, more large-scale research is needed: in samples with low …

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Depression, Rumination And Dependency In Relation To Age And Gender, Alison J. Lee Jan 2007

Depression, Rumination And Dependency In Relation To Age And Gender, Alison J. Lee

Theses : Honours

Extensive research has been carried out in the field of depression and its relation to age and gender. This article reviews relevant literature in the field of depression, rumination and dependency and the relationships of these to age and gender. It has been shown in numerous studies that depression, rumination and dependency are related and exist in comorbidity with each other. This article also reviews some of the research that has been conducted on age and gender with relation to rumination and dependency. It has been found in relation to rumination, dependency and depression that women are more susceptible than …

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Minimal Exercise, Maximum Benefit? Comparing Incidental Physical Activity With Structured Exercise Participation On Three Measures Of Well-Being In A Group Of Corporate Employees, Warwick J. Mcglone Jan 2007

Minimal Exercise, Maximum Benefit? Comparing Incidental Physical Activity With Structured Exercise Participation On Three Measures Of Well-Being In A Group Of Corporate Employees, Warwick J. Mcglone

Theses : Honours

In response to increasingly sedentary workplaces, many organizations utilise employee well-being programmes that include physical activity. Physical activity is purported to have physiological benefits and improve overall mental well-being and is assumed will benefit the organization through reduced absenteeism rates and enhanced job satisfaction. Whilst research found associations between engagement in exercise and increased levels of well-being, conflicting support exists for reduced absenteeism and little support was found for enhanced job satisfaction. Much research has also failed to consider any mediating effects that stress may have had on the outcome. In addition, there exists little research that compared the effects …

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Teachers Experiences With Teaching Children With Learning Difficulties: A Qualitative Study, Aleesha Morton Jan 2007

Teachers Experiences With Teaching Children With Learning Difficulties: A Qualitative Study, Aleesha Morton

Theses : Honours

It is estimated that 16% of Australian primary school students suffer from a learning difficulty (LD) (Rivalland, 2000). Teachers are expected to provide these students with the specialised education they need. However, teachers have reported that they face numerous challenges to provide LD students with the support needed, which may result in them experiencing high levels of stress and anxiety. These challenges include problems with identification of the specific difficulty and the most appropriate intervention programs to implement, a lack of pre service education and training, insufficient resources and funding specific to students with LD. Awareness and understanding of these …

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Exploring And Construing Intimate Partner Violence: Gender Differences In Public Perceptions Of Male And Female Perpetrated Intimate Partner Violence, Emily Tilbrook Jan 2007

Exploring And Construing Intimate Partner Violence: Gender Differences In Public Perceptions Of Male And Female Perpetrated Intimate Partner Violence, Emily Tilbrook

Theses : Honours

Intimate partner violence, a form of domestic violence, is a social problem and as a result governments are focused on implementing policies that reduce the prevalence of intimate partner violence. The common perception, established by feminist theorising and research, is that males are more likely than females to perpetrate intimate partner violence. However, this notion has in recent years been challenged by researchers whose findings suggest that males and females are equally likely to perpetrate intimate partner violence. This contention in the literature creates problems for policy makers who are attempting to reduce, if not eradicate, the occurrence of intimate …

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Effects Of A Photoaging Appeal On Sun Protection Attitudes Of Female Adolescents, Suzanna Papasavvas Jan 2007

Effects Of A Photoaging Appeal On Sun Protection Attitudes Of Female Adolescents, Suzanna Papasavvas

Theses : Honours

Millions of people purposefully and dangerously expose themselves to the sun with the aim of attaining tan, especially female adolescents who perceive a tan as attractive. The primary consequence of such exposure is skin cancer as well as premature ageing of the skin which is known as photoaging. Empirical evidence indicates that photoaging photography, which explicitly illustrates the ageing of skin through the use of a UV -filter, as well as photoaging information, contributes to the efficacy of appearance-based health promotion interventions which aim to increase sun protection intentions and behaviours. The present literature review indicates that the effectiveness of …

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Ethnocentrism And Attitudes To Cultural Diversity And Immigration: A Review ; Ethnocentrism And Attitudes To Cultural Diversity And Immigration In Western Australia, Sophie Mounsey Jan 2007

Ethnocentrism And Attitudes To Cultural Diversity And Immigration: A Review ; Ethnocentrism And Attitudes To Cultural Diversity And Immigration In Western Australia, Sophie Mounsey

Theses : Honours

Increasing trends in immigration in the contemporary world have reaffirmed the importance of understanding intercultural relations within multifarious, plural societies. A research-based understanding of these societies is essential for their successful management. This review focuses upon how the construct of ethnocentrism and its composites are related to attitudes to immigration and diversity. Theoretical explanations of ethnocentrism and intergroup processes are provided, and ethnocentrism is discussed in relation to several precipitators and moderators of ethnocentric attitudes to immigration and diversity, including authoritarianism, social dominance, security, ethnic hierarchies, cultural distance, and social conditions. It is recommended that future research focuses on the …

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The Value Of Oil Mallee Plantations And Revegetated Farm Land In The Southern Wheatbelt Region Of Western Australia For The Conservation Of The Western Pygmy Possum (Cercartetus Concinnus), Marie Short Jan 2007

The Value Of Oil Mallee Plantations And Revegetated Farm Land In The Southern Wheatbelt Region Of Western Australia For The Conservation Of The Western Pygmy Possum (Cercartetus Concinnus), Marie Short

Theses : Honours

Revegetation has the potential to enhance conservation of wildlife in rural environments, but few studies have tested whether the proposed benefits are realized. It is important to understand the role played by farm tree plantations in the landscape and how the potential biodiversity benefits may be enhanced without interfering with economic goals (Lamb, 1998). The adoption of oil mallee farming systems across the agricultural zone in south-west Western Australia is resulting in large areas of farmland being planted to native perennial tree species (Smith, 2004). While not planted for their conservation benefit, oil mallee systems may nonetheless enhance biodiversity. The …

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Users' Perspectives And Attitudes Towards Web Application Security, Leonard Ticualu Jan 2007

Users' Perspectives And Attitudes Towards Web Application Security, Leonard Ticualu

Theses : Honours

The Internet has become an integral part of the society in many parts of the world. However, as the Internet becoming more important and useful, the problems with Web security have also increased. More people today have experienced Web security threats such as viruses, spyware, keyloggers, and phishing; and a not insignificant number have encountered financial fraud because of the online activities they conducted. This research investigated the security concerns and level of awareness of users in regards to the use of web applications, by identifying users' concerns of web applications, examining the relationship of users' technical knowledge and users' …

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Externalising Behaviour Problems And The Influence Of Classroom Environments In The Early School Years ; Student-Teacher Relationships And Teacher Discipline: Their Relation To The Externalising Behaviours Of Kindergarten To Year 1 Students, Emma Spencer Jan 2007

Externalising Behaviour Problems And The Influence Of Classroom Environments In The Early School Years ; Student-Teacher Relationships And Teacher Discipline: Their Relation To The Externalising Behaviours Of Kindergarten To Year 1 Students, Emma Spencer

Theses : Honours

Some of the most influential people in a child's life are the teachers who aid them in their transition into the education system and the complex social environment that it brings (Blancher & Eisenhower, 2006). Children who display externalising behaviours early in childhood often experience greater difficulties than other children when entering school and throughout their education experience (Hinshaw, Lahey & Hart, 1993; Liu, 2004). The student-teacher relationship established within the classroom and the disciplinary measures utilized by the teachers can have a profound impact on the child's development both academically and socially (Galen & Underwood, 1997; Hamre & Pianta, …

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Assessment Of Static Balance Ability In An Athletic Pediatric Population, Cailyn Rogers Jan 2007

Assessment Of Static Balance Ability In An Athletic Pediatric Population, Cailyn Rogers

Theses : Honours

There is a large amount of conjecture surrounding the reliability of methods of balance assessment and the outcome variables used to assess balance in pediatric populations. There has also been limited research conducted on the balance ability of an athletic pediatric population, and the factors which may affect that ability. The purpose of this research is firstly to determine the reliability of postural sway measures used to assess balance including: average displacement of the centre of pressure in the mediolateral and anterior-posterior directions relative to both the centre of the plate and the centre of the base of support; peak …

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An Investigation Into The Effectiveness Of Paired Reading With The Incorporation Of Additional Error Corrective Procedures, Kathryn Schneider Jan 2007

An Investigation Into The Effectiveness Of Paired Reading With The Incorporation Of Additional Error Corrective Procedures, Kathryn Schneider

Theses : Honours

The aim of this literature review was to examine the effectiveness of the Paired Reading (PR) intervention, a one-to-one instruction approach to improving children's fluency, accuracy, and comprehension. The effectiveness of PR in promoting a positive attitude towards reading and in increasing children's sense of self-efficacy in reading was also investigated, focusing principally on children whose level of reading was below what was expected for their chronological age. It addressed the question of how well the intervention can be implemented by parents and explored the strategies used in PR to elucidate what aspects of the intervention may contribute to its …

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An Investigation Of The Relationship Between Inhibitory Motor Control And Low And High Trait Impulsivity In Non-Clinical Adults, Lindsay Vibert Jan 2007

An Investigation Of The Relationship Between Inhibitory Motor Control And Low And High Trait Impulsivity In Non-Clinical Adults, Lindsay Vibert

Theses : Honours

Impulsivity is generally thought to refer to rapid, spontaneous and inappropriate behaviour. One causal view of impulsivity is that of executive inhibitory dyscontrol. Inhibitory control requires the suppression of an implicit or explicit response and may be assessed with laboratory behavioural tasks. Executive inhibition includes cognitive inhibition, interference control and behavioural inhibition. Impulsivity is frequently measured using self-report personality-based inventories. Investigations of the relationship between inhibitory control and impulsivity are uncommon. It is further proposed that there is a significant inverse relationship between a self-report measure of impulsivity (the Barratt Impulsiveness Scale) (Patton, Stanford, & Barratt, 1995) and a behavioural …

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Do Auditory Simulations Of Noise-Induced Hearing Loss Change Young Adults' Attitudes Towards Noise Exposure?, Claire Roockley Jan 2007

Do Auditory Simulations Of Noise-Induced Hearing Loss Change Young Adults' Attitudes Towards Noise Exposure?, Claire Roockley

Theses : Honours

Noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL), or hearing damage from regular exposure to loud noise, can profoundly affect a person's hearing capabilities and overall well-being. Many individuals continue to expose themselves to hazardous levels of noise, and, in turn, put themselves at risk of developing a NIHL. This review critically examines the existing literature presented on NIHL. Emphasis is placed on the increasing prevalence of NIHL in young adults from exposure to loud recreational noise. The effectiveness of current educational strategies that have been employed to reduce or prevent the occurrence of NIHL in this cohort is also examined. Research indicates that …

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An Evaluation Of Omg Sysml 1.0a Standard Conformance Between Modelling Tools, Andrew James Campbell Jan 2007

An Evaluation Of Omg Sysml 1.0a Standard Conformance Between Modelling Tools, Andrew James Campbell

Theses : Honours

The SysML is a recent introduction to modelling languages for the systems engineering domain. Modelling tools are offering support for its notation. Studies related to the UML have indicated that modelling tools lack compliance to the UML language. This issue may apply equally to the SysML and the aim of this research is to investigate that language compliance issue. The first phase of this research is concerned with the compliance of current modelling tools to the SysML l.0a Final Adopted Specification (PAS). It consists of a comparative evaluation of candidate tools based on an ideal framework derived from the language …

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The Human Rights And Social Justice Mandate Of Social Work: Environmental Health And Well-Being For The Yarloop Community, Steven Denton Jan 2007

The Human Rights And Social Justice Mandate Of Social Work: Environmental Health And Well-Being For The Yarloop Community, Steven Denton

Theses : Honours

Social work has a dual concern, focusing on individuals and on their environments; however the discourse of the profession tends to be limited to the social, interpersonal or familial environment. Given the prospect of the current 'ecological crisis' having significant impacts upon human well-being, this research sought to expand this conceptualisation of 'environment' to include the physical environment. This study aimed to explore whether citizens experiences of environmental problems could be understood as social justice and human rights issues. Using an unobtrusive form of qualitative research with various written and audio visual accounts from citizens from the community surrounding Yarloop …

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A Comparison Of Edge Detection Methods For Segmentation Of Skin Lesions In Mobile-Phone-Quality Images, Khanh Linh Hua Jan 2007

A Comparison Of Edge Detection Methods For Segmentation Of Skin Lesions In Mobile-Phone-Quality Images, Khanh Linh Hua

Theses : Honours

The world is faced with a rapidly increasing number of skin cancers every year. Melanoma is the most deadly type of skin cancer though it can be treated if it has been detected at an early stage. However, there is a shortage of dermatologists in rural areas. The increasing number of camera phones, together with improved coverage in rural areas gives some potential for tele-dermatology, whereby people with no local access to a dermatologist can send images of suspicious skin lesions to an expert for assessment. Merely relaying images to a human expert solves only part of the problem, there …

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An Other(Ed) Handmaid's Tale : Child Care Workers: Seen But Not Heard, Kathrine Alice Sarah Whitty Jan 2007

An Other(Ed) Handmaid's Tale : Child Care Workers: Seen But Not Heard, Kathrine Alice Sarah Whitty

Theses : Honours

Child care workers seem to have been forever assigned the lowest rung on the career ladder. Their low status has been attributed to several intractable factors: the socially devalued 'caring' nature of the role; the relatively small, disparate and non-hierarchically structured workplace; intimate association with an increasingly more marginalized group - children in their early childhoods; and an assumed complicity with a pseudo-surrogacy role of mother rendering them transgressors within a pro-natalist landscape. The institution of exclusive maternal care, for children prior to school, holds fast against the inexorable call for women to paid work. This dilemma resonates strongly within …

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Using Machine Learning Techniques To Create Ai Controlled Players For Video Games, Bhuman Soni Jan 2007

Using Machine Learning Techniques To Create Ai Controlled Players For Video Games, Bhuman Soni

Theses : Honours

This study aims to achieve higher replay and entertainment value in a game through human-like AI behaviour in computer controlled characters called bats. In order to achieve that, an artificial intelligence system capable of learning from observation of human player play was developed. The artificial intelligence system makes use of machine learning capabilities to control the state change mechanism of the bot. The implemented system was tested by an audience of gamers and compared against bats controlled by static scripts. The data collected was focused on qualitative aspects of replay and entertainment value of the game and subjected to quantitative …

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Terrorism, Millenarianism, And Death: A Study Of Hezbollah And Aum Shinrikyo, Steven Nicholls Jan 2007

Terrorism, Millenarianism, And Death: A Study Of Hezbollah And Aum Shinrikyo, Steven Nicholls

Theses : Honours

The relationship ·between death and the millennium is not an area of scholarship that has received adequate attention. Millenarian groups desire the creation of a paradise in the temporal world. The world is seen as corrupt and evil without hope of reform. This viewpoint leads millenarians to conclude that the temporal world must be completely destroyed and created a new, eliminating the corrupt and providing a utopia where the faithful can exist in peace. Hezbollah and Aum Shinrikyo are two terrorist groups which share this worldview, and believe that they can hasten the millennium by eliminating their enemies. This thesis …

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M/Others : One Lens, Multiple Maternities, Toni Wilkinson Jan 2007

M/Others : One Lens, Multiple Maternities, Toni Wilkinson

Theses : Honours

This body of photographic portraits re/presents the maternal relationship as a significant one in a cultural economy than 'downgrades motherhood', and fails to adequately recognise the contribution of mothers to society, as they struggle to uphold self and family in contemporary life. Throughout this work, which fuses religious visual art principles and photographic documentary, a more complex, powerful maternal figure emerges than the singular, passive and restrictive example of motherhood, commonly portrayed in art history. I undertake a comparative analysis between traditional Madonna and child icons and contemporary female photographers involved with maternal themes, to highlight that certain photographs facilitate …

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In The Game : An Exploration Of The Concept Of Immersion In Video-Games And Its Usage In Game Design, Cesar Manuel Saez Ojeda Jan 2007

In The Game : An Exploration Of The Concept Of Immersion In Video-Games And Its Usage In Game Design, Cesar Manuel Saez Ojeda

Theses : Honours

This thesis outlines a research project whose aim was to develop a design taxonomy for the creation of immersion in video-games. These guidelines can then be used in-sync with different stages in video-game design and development to ensure an immersive experience. Integral to this is the 'suspension of disbelief' the end user experiences when fully immersed in a video-game (Holland, 2002; Mediacollage.com, 2006). A review of the literature has identified the major contributing theory to the concept of immersion as flow (Csikszentmihalyi, 1991). Flow embodies cognitive elements of involvement such as concentration on a task, completing a challenge, having control …

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What Factors Influence Future Gps' Treatment And Referral Decisions When Managing Patients With Mental Health Disorders?, June Fern Tan Jan 2007

What Factors Influence Future Gps' Treatment And Referral Decisions When Managing Patients With Mental Health Disorders?, June Fern Tan

Theses : Honours

c:nrrenttly, mental health reform in Australia is moving towards a broader and more collaborative system of mental health care, with focus on primary mental health care. The purpose of this literature review was to discuss the management of patients with mental health disorders, in terms of treatment and referral decision-making among GPs in primary care. This literature review indicated the importance of clinical psychologists liaising with GPs to build a good working relationship, support GPs, and provide GPs with the opportunity for referral of patients to their services when needed. To date, research in the area of management of patients …

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Why Has Violence Come To Dominate Images Of Png Elections? The 2002 Elections In The Highlands Region, Krisztina Matefy Jan 2007

Why Has Violence Come To Dominate Images Of Png Elections? The 2002 Elections In The Highlands Region, Krisztina Matefy

Theses : Honours

This thesis examines the problem of election-related violence through a number of meta-theories, which have recently emerged in the social sciences to explain intrastate conflicts. By using the case study of the 2002 elections in the Highlands region of Papua New Guinea (PNG), this thesis examines the applicability and usefulness of primordialism, modernization theory and weak state theory in explaining election-related violence in PNG. Critically examining the theories, the thesis analyses a wide range of information about the historical, cultural, social and political factors that played a significant role in the surfacing of election-related violence in the PNG Highlands. By …

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Understanding Personal Carers' Experiences Of Caring For Older People In Pain, Kristi Holloway Jan 2007

Understanding Personal Carers' Experiences Of Caring For Older People In Pain, Kristi Holloway

Theses : Honours

Pain is a complex phenomenon that can be challenging for staff working in residential aged care facilities (RACFs) (Fisher et al., 2002; Twycross, 2002). A high prevalence of pain reported by older individuals has been reported and suggests that further study in this area is warranted (Higgins, Madjar & Walton, 2004). Research suggests that a significant barrier to effective pain management in the elderly is the provision of primary care by care staff who have little or no education about pain, pain assessment or pain management (Allcock, McGarry & Elkan, 2002). Studies have identified personal carers as being in a …

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An Investigation Into The Application Of Data Mining Techniques To Characterize Agricultural Soil Profiles, Rowan J. Maddern Jan 2007

An Investigation Into The Application Of Data Mining Techniques To Characterize Agricultural Soil Profiles, Rowan J. Maddern

Theses : Honours

The advances in computing and information storage have provided vast amounts of data. The challenge has been to extract knowledge from this raw data; this has led to new methods and techniques such as data mining that can bridge the knowledge gap. The research aims to use these new data mining techniques and apply them to a soil science database to establish if meaningful relationships can be found. A data set extracted from the WA Department of Agriculture and Food (DAFW A) soils database has been used to conduct this research. The database contains measurements of soil profile data from …

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Nutrition And Eating Behaviour In Older Adulthood, Catherine Helene Matringe Jan 2007

Nutrition And Eating Behaviour In Older Adulthood, Catherine Helene Matringe

Theses : Honours

In response to increasing number of older Australians (from 13% over 65 in 2004 to 28% by 2051), policy makers have been exploring strategies aimed at maintaining older adults' quality of life. Nutrition has been recognised as an effective preventive measure to promote well-being among older adults. The purpose of the current paper is to review relevant literature in the area of nutrition and eating behaviour in older adulthood. Biological issues, psychological factors, and social as well as environmental aspects are reviewed. Issues related to the ageing process, mental illness, chronic conditions, body image, social isolation and poverty represent barriers …

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Joe Stell's Life, Career, & Contributions, Susan Kelly Jan 2007

Joe Stell's Life, Career, & Contributions, Susan Kelly

Water Matters!

Representative Joe Stell's retirement after 20 years in the New Mexico Legislature has many people wondering: How will we fare without his knowledge and history ofNew Mexico water matters? Stell viewed one of his most important roles as that of helping new legislators get up to speed on w ater issues. We hope that Water Matters! may assist in this role by providing legislators with background information on some of the issues they will encounter. The Utton Center also wanted to acknowledge Joe Stell's outstanding service to New Mexico, and we have therefore included a brief sketch about his career, …

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An Empirical Investigation Of Institutional Change In Groundwater Management In Texas: The Edwards Aquifer Case, Fred O. Boadu, Bruce M. Mccarl, Dhazn Gillig Jan 2007

An Empirical Investigation Of Institutional Change In Groundwater Management In Texas: The Edwards Aquifer Case, Fred O. Boadu, Bruce M. Mccarl, Dhazn Gillig

Natural Resources Journal

No abstract provided.

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