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2008

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Low Reproductive Success Of Mallards In A Grassland-Dominated Landscape In The Sandhills Of Nebraska, Larkin A. Powell, Johann Walker, Zach Cunningham, Mark P. Vrtiska, Scott Stephens Jan 2008

Low Reproductive Success Of Mallards In A Grassland-Dominated Landscape In The Sandhills Of Nebraska, Larkin A. Powell, Johann Walker, Zach Cunningham, Mark P. Vrtiska, Scott Stephens

School of Natural Resources: Faculty Publications

The Sandhills of Nebraska comprise approximately 5,000,000 ha of native grassland interspersed with numerous groundwater-fed wetlands. A substantial population of the mallard (Anas platyrhynchos) nests in this region. Previous investigations of nest survival probability of ducks in the Sandhills have estimated surprisingly low rates of nest survival for a grassland-dominated landscape. These investigations were conducted on public lands and most nest searching took place near wetlands where activity of nest predators might be highest. We predicted that mallards would nest at varying distances from wetlands and that survival probability of a representative sample of duck nests would increase with distance …

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Creating Preservation-Ready Web Resources, Joan A. Smith, Michael L. Nelson Jan 2008

Creating Preservation-Ready Web Resources, Joan A. Smith, Michael L. Nelson

Computer Science Faculty Publications

There are innumerable departmental, community, and personal web sites worthy of long-term preservation but proportionally fewer archivists available to properly prepare and process such sites. We propose a simple model for such everyday web sites which takes advantage of the web server itself to help prepare the site's resources for preservation. This is accomplished by having metadata utilities analyze the resource at the time of dissemination. The web server responds to the archiving repository crawler by sending both the resource and the just-in-time generated metadata as a straight-forward XML-formatted response. We call this complex object (resource + metadata) a CRATE. …

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Emergent Behavior In Massively-Deployed Sensor Networks, Ekaterina Shurkova, Ruzana Ishak, Stephan Olariu, Shaharuddin Salleh Jan 2008

Emergent Behavior In Massively-Deployed Sensor Networks, Ekaterina Shurkova, Ruzana Ishak, Stephan Olariu, Shaharuddin Salleh

Computer Science Faculty Publications

The phenomenal advances in MEMS and nanotechnology make it feasible to build small devices, referred to as sensors that are able to sense, compute and communicate over small distances. The massive deployment of these small devices raises the fascinating question of whether or not the sensors, as a collectivity, will display emergent behavior, just as living organisms do. In this work we report on a recent effort intended to observe emerging behavior of large groups of sensor nodes, like living cells demonstrate. Imagine a massive deployment of sensors that can be in two states "red" and "blue". At deployment time …

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Efficient Corona Training Protocols For Sensor Networks, Alan A. Bertossi, Stephan Olariu, Cristina M. Pinotti Jan 2008

Efficient Corona Training Protocols For Sensor Networks, Alan A. Bertossi, Stephan Olariu, Cristina M. Pinotti

Computer Science Faculty Publications

Phenomenal advances in nano-technology and packaging have made it possible to develop miniaturized low-power devices that integrate sensing, special-purpose computing, and wireless communications capabilities. It is expected that these small devices, referred to as sensors, will be mass-produced and deployed, making their production cost negligible. Due to their small form factor and modest non-renewable energy budget, individual sensors are not expected to be GPS-enabled. Moreover, in most applications, exact geographic location is not necessary, and all that the individual sensors need is a coarse-grain location awareness. The task of acquiring such a coarse-grain location awareness is referred to as training. …

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The Role Of Pax7 In The Formation Of The Superior Colliculus And The Vertebrate Visual System, Jennifer A. Thompson Jan 2008

The Role Of Pax7 In The Formation Of The Superior Colliculus And The Vertebrate Visual System, Jennifer A. Thompson

Theses: Doctorates and Masters

This thesis has explored the role of Pax7 in formation and maturation of the mouse superior colliculus, an important brain region associated with topographic visual input and the capacity to evoke appropriate visuomotor responses to environmental stimuli. The research performed was explicitly targeted at understanding the relationship between Pax7 expression and the formation of the topography of the superior colliculus, including neuron specification and differentiation, boundary formation, polarisation and retinocollicular mapping. By employing histochemical, immunohistochemical and immunofluorescent techniques, together with quantification utilising Optimas Digital Image Analysis, this project assessed Pax7 expression in diverse mutant and wildtype mice …

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Improving Community Water Conservation Behavior In Chachoengsao, Thailand, Kuakul Sathapornvajana Jan 2008

Improving Community Water Conservation Behavior In Chachoengsao, Thailand, Kuakul Sathapornvajana

Theses: Doctorates and Masters

The issue of water supply throughout the world is of concern for many reasons. It is projected that by the year 2025 two-thirds of the world's population will encounter moderate to severe water shortages. As a result of unsustainable development over the past decade, Thailand has faced pollution problems as well as the depletion of many natural resources. These problems have impacted on the country's main rivers (Chaopraya River, Thachine River, and the Bangpakong River), that are crucial to a sustainable economy, society, and culture. There needs to be a concentrated effort at all levels (individual to community) to address …

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Exploring The Relationship Between Organisational Culture And Planning Processes In Selected Western Australian Sport Associations, Sooyoung Sul Tcha Jan 2008

Exploring The Relationship Between Organisational Culture And Planning Processes In Selected Western Australian Sport Associations, Sooyoung Sul Tcha

Theses: Doctorates and Masters

This study explored the effects of organisational culture on the planning processes of three state sport associations in Western Australia. Using the competing values framework of organisational culture and Chapman' s planning model, this study aimed to explore three research questions: (i) What are the demographic and organisational cultural profiles of the selected sport organisations? In particular, do professionals and volunteers share similar or different perceptions of the organisational cultures?; (ii) Wh~t are the development planning processes for each sport association? How does each association perceive the development planning processes?, and; (iii) How does organisational culture influence planning processes? To …

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A Study Of Compliance In Aged Care Facilities With Regards To Australian Standards 1851:2006 Maintenance Of Fire Protection Systems And Equipment Section 17, Robert Doleman Jan 2008

A Study Of Compliance In Aged Care Facilities With Regards To Australian Standards 1851:2006 Maintenance Of Fire Protection Systems And Equipment Section 17, Robert Doleman

Theses : Honours

The management of risk within a nursing home environment is widely viewed as an undertaking perfom1ed by the owners or managers of nursing homes. The residents of these homes are reliant upon the owners and managers to keep them safe, due in part to a traditional belief that they are the experts and have a greater understanding of risk. To establish risk it is first a requirement to have an understanding of levels of risk and risk management techniques. Risk appreciation is often influenced by heuristic representativeness, as well as social and cultural influences. The higher level of risk within …

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Exploration Of The Authentic Apology Theory: An Examination Of The Reasons Why People Reject An Apology, Stephenie Bruce Jan 2008

Exploration Of The Authentic Apology Theory: An Examination Of The Reasons Why People Reject An Apology, Stephenie Bruce

Theses : Honours

The aim of the present literature review was to explore the reasons why people reject an apology. A search of the literature revealed virtually no research focusing specifically on apology rejection, therefore, it was proposed that this lack of research may be due to the general reluctance of apology recipients to respond with rejection (Bennett & Dewberry, 1994; Bennett & Earwaker, 1994; Risen & Gilovich, 2007). Given the dearth of literature on apology rejection, it was imperative that the review also examined the literature on apology in general, in addition to literature on apology and forgiveness, in order to discover …

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Is Enough Really Enough? : Evaluation Of An Alcohol Awareness Campaign At Ecu Joondalup, Marissa Macdonald Jan 2008

Is Enough Really Enough? : Evaluation Of An Alcohol Awareness Campaign At Ecu Joondalup, Marissa Macdonald

Theses : Honours

Australian young adults aged 17-25 years old attending university are more likely to drink at levels which put themselves at risk of both short and long term alcohol-related harm. University settings are an appropriate place to target university students with alcohol education or awareness-raising campaigns. Australian research on this topic is relatively limited. This mixed methods study involved two phases. The first phase quantitatively evaluated the impact of the 'Enough is Enough' campaign, implemented by the North Metropolitan Community Drug Service Team at ECU Joondalup, on students' awareness of the consequences of excessive alcohol use and perceived acceptability of drunkenness. …

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Modulation Of Corticomotor Excitability During Passive And Active Wrist Flexion And Extension, Lilian Min Yen Chye Jan 2008

Modulation Of Corticomotor Excitability During Passive And Active Wrist Flexion And Extension, Lilian Min Yen Chye

Theses : Honours

Various mechanisms may alter corticomotor excitability to agonist and antagonist muscles during passive and active limb movement depending on parameters of movement and their functional role. A better understanding of these relationships is important for understanding basic motor control mechanisms, and may be relevant to motor rehabilitation programs after brain injury. The purpose of the present study was to compare changes in corticomotor excitability to wrist flexor and extensor muscles during different phases of movement (flexion/extension), and at rest and during actively or passively-mediated length changes. Motor evoked potentials (MEP) of the flexor carpi radialis (FCR) and extensor carpi radialis …

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Cognitive Theories Of Autism Spectrum Disorders: How Do They Impact Children's Ability To Learn In Education Settings? ; Coming Home: Exploring The Experiences Of Mothers Home Educating Their Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder, Theresa Kidd Jan 2008

Cognitive Theories Of Autism Spectrum Disorders: How Do They Impact Children's Ability To Learn In Education Settings? ; Coming Home: Exploring The Experiences Of Mothers Home Educating Their Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder, Theresa Kidd

Theses : Honours

Despite the increasing number of children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) attending mainstream school, the process of facilitating their learning and participation remains a complex and poorly understood area of education (Simpson, de Boer, & Smith-Myles, 2003). Three key cognitive theories (theory of mind, theory of weak central coherence and theory of executive function) have been posited to provide the most complete understanding of the disorder (Baron-Cohen, 1989). Presently however, the developmental effects of these cognitive theories have been largely overlooked (Happe, 1994). Through examining how these models may affect cognitive processing in children with ASD, the learning and educational …

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A Parental Perspective: The Role Of Companion Animals For Children During Separation And Divorce, Jessica Michel Jan 2008

A Parental Perspective: The Role Of Companion Animals For Children During Separation And Divorce, Jessica Michel

Theses : Honours

Children grow up in interdependent family systems, where transitions affect all members. A prevalent transition in Australian families is divorce. When divorce occurs children are exposed to significant risk factors that have the potential of affecting many developmental outcomes. However, certain protective factors may reduce the impact of life stressors and a pivotal protective factor is social support. Companion animals have been recognised as beneficial to adults and children alike for many years, however, recent research has highlighted the fact that pets may also serve as sources of social support. The current paper will review relevant literature to determine the …

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Understanding Seychelles Students' Social, Academic And Cultural Experiences During Transition To University, Sophia A. Harryba Jan 2008

Understanding Seychelles Students' Social, Academic And Cultural Experiences During Transition To University, Sophia A. Harryba

Theses : Honours

University transition is a form of change from the familiar to unfamiliar (Hellsten, 2002). According to a literature review, international students (IS) go through both positive and negative experiences due to cross- cultural learning (Grey, 2002). Findings from previous research can be broadly categorised into academic and/or socio-cultural difficulties. Academic issues included getting used to a different learning and teaching environment, a heavier study load coupled with language barriers and academic procedures (Mcinnis, 2001). Socio-cultural issues included culture shock (Townsend & Wan, 2007), language difficulties (Cannon, 2002), discrimination (Poyrazli & Lopez, 2007) and financial issues (Forbes- Mewett et al., 2007). …

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The Effects Of An Offender's Ethnicity As Well As The Type Of Crime Committed, On Public Perceptions Regarding Seriousness, And The Sentencing Principles Seen As Most Appropriate, Andrea Kysely Jan 2008

The Effects Of An Offender's Ethnicity As Well As The Type Of Crime Committed, On Public Perceptions Regarding Seriousness, And The Sentencing Principles Seen As Most Appropriate, Andrea Kysely

Theses : Honours

Public opinion has been evidenced as exerting significant influence over the development of, and alteration to, policies dealing with offenders (Roberts, 1992). Research suggests that an offender's ethnicity, as well as the seriousness of a crime, have a significant effect on public opinion regarding the appropriateness of an imposed sentence, and the goals of sentencing seen as most important (Herzog & Rattner, 2003). However whilst research in the United States and Europe has continued to expand, there is a significant lack of research directly related to the Australian context. The significant over-representation of Indigenous Australians in Australian prisons, potentially reflects …

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Developing New And Alternative Quality Of Life Indicators For Older People: A Case Study From Community Vision And A Cohort Of Their Aged Clients In Perth, Wa, Jonathan Georgiou Jan 2008

Developing New And Alternative Quality Of Life Indicators For Older People: A Case Study From Community Vision And A Cohort Of Their Aged Clients In Perth, Wa, Jonathan Georgiou

Theses : Honours

This Honours thesis explored the highly debated construct of Quality of Life and in particular, how this concept was perceived amongst a small cohort of aged clients from Community Vision, a peak Non-Government Organisation operating in the northern suburbs of Perth, W A. The Analytical Framework utilised in this Honours study consisted of two phases; an analysis of existing academic literature and the development of a new qualitative inquiry. Semi-structured interviews and electronic surveys were conducted with a group of aged clients, staff and managers from Community Vision and key informants representing three peak W A aged care service providers. …

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Dancing On The Edge Of Silence : Steps Towards Articulating The Experience Of Childhood Rape, Brenda Joy Downing Jan 2008

Dancing On The Edge Of Silence : Steps Towards Articulating The Experience Of Childhood Rape, Brenda Joy Downing

Theses : Honours

The experience and aftermath of male sexual violence is a lived reality for many girls and women. This qualitative study explores the subjective experience of childhood rape and its long-term impact focusing in particular on the implications of the silencing that continues to surround what is a deeply-felt and traumatic experience with profound life-altering consequences. The study thematically and theoretically reads the subjective experience of childhood rape within current feminist understandings of rape as a crime of violence and form of social control through the use of evocative autoethnographic writing and an exegesis.

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Factors That Influence Perception Of Seriousness Of Crime : The Application Of Race, Type Of Offence And Dispositional Empathy To An Australian Context, Giselle Larkins Jan 2008

Factors That Influence Perception Of Seriousness Of Crime : The Application Of Race, Type Of Offence And Dispositional Empathy To An Australian Context, Giselle Larkins

Theses : Honours

The perception of seriousness of crime may be altered by numerous extra-legal factors within the criminal justice system. It is of significant importance to understand the ways in which various factors contribute to the differential treatment of defendants. Prejudicial attitudes towards Indigenous people pervade all areas of Australian society, including the criminal justice system (Paradies, 2005). For instance, although Indigenous people form approximately 2.4% of the general Australian population, they contribute to 24% of the total prison population (ABS, 2007; Paradies). Despite this, few studies have actively sought to better understand the factors that may contribute to varied perceptions of …

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Exploring Young Adult Conflict Management Skill Development, Pauline Marcoux Jan 2008

Exploring Young Adult Conflict Management Skill Development, Pauline Marcoux

Theses : Honours

This paper explores conflict management skill development of young adults. Although conflict management is a life-span issue, conflict management skills are of particular importance to young adults as they develop their identity and explore romantic relationships. The study of conflict management skills is complex and is underpinned by different theoretical approaches. These complexities and theories are presented. Findings from childhood to young adulthood are reviewed and summarised. Marital conflict, parent-child interactions, family-of-origin characteristics and attachment orientation are all factors that influence the development of conflict management skills. The family-of-origin characteristics seem to provide the most meaningful results in relation to …

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An Exploration Of The Perceptions Domestic Groundwater Users Hold In Relation To Perth's Groundwater Resources, Beverley Drayton-Witty Jan 2008

An Exploration Of The Perceptions Domestic Groundwater Users Hold In Relation To Perth's Groundwater Resources, Beverley Drayton-Witty

Theses : Honours

Australia's water resources over the next few decades, and most likely beyond, will be under increasing pressures as populations enlarge and as the amount of water per person becomes more limited from a decline in rainfall across much of the continent. Perth is considered lucky among most Australian cities when it comes to water resources, in that we have an extensive groundwater network that is readily accessible both for both private (wells and bores) and public (scheme water) supplies. However, this resource has also seen substantial declines over the last few decades resulting from declining rainfall and increased use. Although …

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Knowledge And Perceptions About Hepatitis C Among Police Undertaking Training At The Western Australia Police Academy, Cerissa Papanastasiou Jan 2008

Knowledge And Perceptions About Hepatitis C Among Police Undertaking Training At The Western Australia Police Academy, Cerissa Papanastasiou

Theses : Honours

Hepatitis C (HCV) is a significant health issue in Australia with approximately 90% of new cases attributed to injecting drug use (IDU). With no vaccination for this infection it is important that preventive methods are utilised to reduce the likelihood of it being transmitted from the IDU community into the wider community. Research has suggested that people's beliefs, which are influenced by the knowledge they have, play an important role in influencing the action people take in protecting and promoting their health. While there are numerous studies which have measured the HCV-related knowledge and perceptions of other professions in the …

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Factor Structure Of The Life Orientation Test And Life Orientation Test- Revised: The Influence Of Item Framing, Jamie Moore Jan 2008

Factor Structure Of The Life Orientation Test And Life Orientation Test- Revised: The Influence Of Item Framing, Jamie Moore

Theses : Honours

Historically psychological scales have used a mix of positively keyed and negatively keyed items (balanced scales) to control for the effects of response sets. While it has been established that the use of balanced scales does effectively control for response sets such as acquiescence, issues relating to the psychometric properties of these scales emerge. The following review investigated issues surrounding the reliability, validity and factor structure of balanced scales by considering whether these issues were caused by positively and negatively keyed items measuring different aspects of a construct or whether they emerged simply due to measurement error. Both these positions …

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Evaluation Of A Community Radio Station In Tulikup, Bali: Indonesia, Dane Anthony Waters Jan 2008

Evaluation Of A Community Radio Station In Tulikup, Bali: Indonesia, Dane Anthony Waters

Theses : Honours

Community-oriented radio can be a valuable tool to mobilise communities and contribute to making positive social changes throughout the world (Dagron, 2001). Heartline Bali FM is a community-oriented radio station, which since development, has sought to positively impact the people within the community it serves. Located in the rural Balinese village of Tulikup, Indonesia, the station has responded practically to the health and social needs of the community through radio and other social development strategies since its establishment in 2003. In 2004, a base-line needs assessment was conducted within the village to help inform the radio station of the health …

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Educating Secondary School Students With Learning Difficulties: The Teacher's Perspective, Christine Potter Jan 2008

Educating Secondary School Students With Learning Difficulties: The Teacher's Perspective, Christine Potter

Theses : Honours

Educating students with learning difficulties in mainstream classrooms has been a major concern for educators (Elkins, 2007). This paper reviews the research relating to the issues teachers' experience when teaching students with learning difficulties (LD) in secondary schools. The review initially provides an overview of the definition of LD and the academic, social, and behavioural characteristics experienced by students with LD. The review explores student, teacher, and school environment factors that impact on the teachers' role when students with LD are educated in mainstream classrooms. The analysis of the research in this area showed that teacher's attitudes, views, and concerns …

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Cross-Cultural Transition, Coping, And Social Support: Relationships Among Psychological Outcomes Among British Migrants In Australia, Samantha Shooter Jan 2008

Cross-Cultural Transition, Coping, And Social Support: Relationships Among Psychological Outcomes Among British Migrants In Australia, Samantha Shooter

Theses : Honours

This review examines the relationships among coping strategies, social support, and migrant adjustment. Research suggests that due to losses of the homeland, such as loss of family, friends and community, and adjustment difficulties in the new country, migration can be a difficult experience. Several key findings in the literature however, revealed that particular coping strategies and social support are two key factors that can ameliorate the negative effects of migration. Research has typically found an association between coping strategies and psychological outcomes, such that, problem-focused or active coping strategies, whereby migrants take direct action to solve the problem, are typically …

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The Benefits Of Pet Ownership For Single Adults In Midlife, Lauren Mcgillivray Jan 2008

The Benefits Of Pet Ownership For Single Adults In Midlife, Lauren Mcgillivray

Theses : Honours

Pets are shown to enhance quality of life through support and companionship. Midlife is a time where pets may be most valuable, since it is a time that involves critical changes to intimate relationships, roles and status. In this article a critical review of the literature on midlife development and demographic trends was carried out. Further, the psychological literature on human-pet relationships was reviewed and integrated with midlife research. Evidence for the psychological and physical benefits of pets is examined and the implications and potential benefits for middle aged adults are discussed. Findings suggest that pets may help to reduce …

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An Examination Of The Influence Of Gender In Juvenile Offending, Patterns Of Crime, Sentencing And Public Opinion. An Exploratory Study Of Public Opinion On The Sentencing Of Male And Female Juvenile Offenders And An Examination Of The Respondents Gender, Sarah J. Welch Jan 2008

An Examination Of The Influence Of Gender In Juvenile Offending, Patterns Of Crime, Sentencing And Public Opinion. An Exploratory Study Of Public Opinion On The Sentencing Of Male And Female Juvenile Offenders And An Examination Of The Respondents Gender, Sarah J. Welch

Theses : Honours

The aim of this literature review was to examine public perception of juvenile crimes, laws and sentencing practices to address whether the public were content with current punishments. It also observed the methodological issues with public opinion survey research to see whether these may influence the belief that the laws and sentencing practices were inconsistent with how the public wanted juveniles to be punished. The review also examined whether the gender of the juvenile offender influenced the types of crimes committed and the types of punishments sanctioned by the courts. Additionally, it observed whether the demographics of the respondent, victim …

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What Role Can Indigenous Child Care Training Play In Ameliorating Disadvantage For Indigenous People?, Susan Teather Jan 2008

What Role Can Indigenous Child Care Training Play In Ameliorating Disadvantage For Indigenous People?, Susan Teather

Theses : Honours

The early years of children's lives are vitally important to their long term outcomes. Yet, in Australian, not all children have access to the same opportunities to enhance their development and achieve their fullest potential, as Australian Indigenous children experience considerable disadvantage in comparison to other Australian children. The multifaceted approach required to eliminate this disadvantage, and the associated oppression, has education central to it. Emancipatory education is powerful as it assists learners to develop skills and, within the context of the educational philosopher Freire, also develop their ability to confront their oppression. This research paper explores Indigenous child care …

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Experiencing Pet Loss As A Child: A Parental Perspective, Sarah Jayne Parkin Jan 2008

Experiencing Pet Loss As A Child: A Parental Perspective, Sarah Jayne Parkin

Theses : Honours

Due to the positive contributions many companion animals make to the lives of others, it is common for individuals to build strong emotional attachments to their pets. Individuals who have strong relationships with their pets are likely to experience an equally strong grief reaction following their death. Although the grief process is highly idiosyncratic, theory suggests common stages or tasks that adults progress through during grief. However, research indicates that the grief process for children may vary from that of adults. The developmental capability of a child at the time of a loss will determine their level of understanding about …

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An Exploration Of Generation Y'S Experiences Of Offshore Fly-In/Fly-Out (Fifo) Employment, Tayla Carter Jan 2008

An Exploration Of Generation Y'S Experiences Of Offshore Fly-In/Fly-Out (Fifo) Employment, Tayla Carter

Theses : Honours

Australia is currently experiencing an ageing of its population, which has the potential to significantly impact on society, namely, employment. With the entry of Generation Y (Gen Y), the Australian workforce consists of four generations who are working increasingly longer hours. Extended working hours has been recognised as a risk factor for several undesirable consequences and is distinctive of fly in/fly out (FIFO) employment. The purpose of the review is to explore the literature which addresses the impact of FIFO employment with a following emphasis on issues surrounding Gen Y. A range of published work was incorporated from the fields …

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