Digital Commons Network^™

An Unlikely Marriage: Theorizing The Corporeality Of Language At The Crossroads Of Thoreau, Heidegger And The Botanical World, John Charles Ryan

Research outputs 2011

This paper examines the relationship between language, particularly language that expresses aesthetic experiences of plant life, and corporeality. The theorisation of language is a keystone towards conceptualising participatory relationships between people and the botanical world. A comparative reading of the works of Henry David Thoreau and Martin Heidegger provides a framework for approaching language as embodied participation. Despite political differences, Thoreau and Heidegger shared a mutual conviction about the generative powers of language. Thoreau’s literary practice partly involved immersion in places such as swamps and forests. Fittingly, Heidegger’s explication of Rilke’s concept of “the Open” mirrors the participatory aesthetics of …

Plants As Objects: Challenges For An Aesthetics Of Flora, John Charles Ryan

Research outputs 2011

This paper presents the conceptual challenges to an aesthetic model of living plants based in embodied interaction with flora through smell, taste, touch, sound and sight. I argue that the science of aesthetics is deterministically visual. Drawing from theories of landscape aesthetics put forth by Carlson and Berleant, I outline four primary obstacles to an embodied aesthetics: plants as objects of sight, plants as objects of art, plants as objects of disinterestedness and plants as objects of scientific discourse. A multi-sensorial aesthetics of flora requires auto-centric proximity and degrees of intersubjectivity between the appreciator and the appreciated plant that raise …

Anthoethnography: Emerging Research Into The Culture Of Flora, Aesthetic Experience Of Plants, And The Wildflower Tourism Of The Future, John C. Ryan

Research outputs 2011

How does anthoethnography contribute to the development of understandings of aesthetic experiences of wild plants and wildflower tourism? As exemplified by the quintessentially aesthetic industry of wildflower tourism, the culture of flora represents diverse engagements between people and plants. Such complex engagements offer further avenues for research. The critical methodology of anthoethnography has been one such approach to circumscribing the values, practices and rhetoric of wildflower tourism. Interviews have revealed perceptual phenomena such as the orchid and everlasting effects as two counterpoised examples of the differences between visual aesthetic values occurring in the region. For appreciators such as Tinker, botanical …

Everyday Life In The Tourist Zone, Donell J. Holloway, David Holloway

Research outputs 2011

This article makes a case for the everyday while on tour and argues that the ability to continue with everyday routines and social relationships, while at the same time moving through and staying in liminal or atypical zones of tourist locales, is a key part of some kinds of tourist experience. Based on ethnographic field research with grey nomads (retirees who take extended tours of Australia in caravans and motorhomes) everyday life while on tour is examined, specifically the overlap and intersection between the out-of-the-ordinary “tourist zone” and the ordinariness of the “everyday zone.”

Adaptive Noise Canceller For Magnetocardiography, Valentina Tiporlini, Ngiah Nguyen, Kamal Alameh

Research outputs 2011

This paper discusses the use of adaptive noise cancellation in magnetocardiography system within unshielded environment using three algorithms: Least-Mean Squared (LMS) algorithm; normalized LMS (nLMS) algorithm and Genetic Algorithms (GA). Simulation results show that for low signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) values, the GA algorithm outperforms the other algorithms, displaying an improvement in SNR of 51.155 dB and completely suppressing the noise sources at 60 Hz and at low frequencies. However, the convergence time of the GA algorithm is longer due to the high computational complexity.

Adaptive Use Of Thresholding And Multiple Colour Space Representation To Improve Classification Of Mmcc Barcode, Siong Khai Ong, Douglas Chai, Alexander Rassau

Research outputs 2011

Colour 2D barcodes, such as the MMCC barcode, have been developed recently to improve the data capacity of monochrome barcodes. However, the use of colour imposes greater challenges in decoding the symbols correctly as different lighting conditions on the barcode vary the values of the colours significantly. Hence, it is desirable to have an adaptive classification of the data cells so as to adapt to various lighting conditions. In this paper, we propose a classification method that is able to adapt to different lighting conditions during the classification of the MMCC data cells in a mobile environment. To highlight the …

Circadian Rhythms In Exercise Performance: Implications For Hormonal And Muscular Adaptation, Weipeng Teo, Michael Newton, Michael Mcguigan

Research outputs 2011

Almost all physiological and biochemical processes within the human body follow a circadian rhythm (CR). In humans, the suprachiasmatic nucleus regulates sleep-wake cycle and other daily biorhythms in line with solar time. Due to such daily physiological fluctuations, several investigations on neuromuscular performance have reported a distinct CR during exercise. Generally, peak performances have been found to occur in the early evening, at approximately the peak of core body temperature. The increase in core body temperature has been found to increase energy metabolism, improve muscle compliance and facilitate actin-myosin crossbridging. In addition, steroidal hormones such as testosterone (T) and cortisol …

Psychological And Social Consequences Among Mothers Suffering From Perinatal Loss: Perspective From A Low Income Country, Kaniz Gausia, Allisyn C. Moran, Mohammed Ali, David Ryder, Colleen Fisher, Marge Koblinsky

Research outputs 2011

Background: In developed countries, perinatal death is known to cause major emotional and social effects on mothers. However, little is known about these effects in low income countries which bear the brunt of perinatal mortality burden. This paper reports the impact of perinatal death on psychological status and social consequences among mothers in a rural area of Bangladesh.

Methods: A total of 476 women including 122 women with perinatal deaths were assessed with the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS-B) at 6 weeks and 6 months postpartum, and followed up for negative social consequences at 6 months postpartum. Trained female interviewers …

Multi Camera Visual Saliency Using Image Stitching, Christopher Wing Hong Ngau, Li-Minn Ang, Kah Phooi Seng

Research outputs 2011

This paper presents and investigates two models for a multi camera configuration with visual saliency capability. Applications in various imaging fields each have a different set of detection parameters and requirements which would result in the necessity of software changes. The visual saliency capability offered by this multi camera model allows generic detection of conspicuous objects be it human or nonhuman based on simple low level features. As multiple cameras are used, an image stitching technique is employed to allow combination of Field-of-View (FoV) from different camera captures to provide a panoramic detection field. The stitching technique is also used …

Challenges In Implementing Wellness Approaches In Childhood Disability Services: Views From The Field, Lauren Breen, Helen Wildy, Sherry Saggers

Research outputs 2011

3.a5i4us76a0bX5i l0(i0otyn,l iDnev) elopment and Education Despite increasing demand for wellness approaches from disability advocates and consumer groups, they are not implemented routinely in childhood disability services. Interviews were conducted with 23 allied health therapists and managers working within four Australian childhood disability services. They described attempts to embed wellness approaches into their policies and practices. The participants were challenged by professional and pragmatic issues arising from moving towards wellness approaches. The professional challenges concerned changing professional identity and working collaboratively with therapists from different disciplines. In addition, they were challenged by pragmatic issues of balancing quality of care with …

Collaborating With Consumer And Community Representatives In Health And Medical Research In Australia: Results From An Evaluation, J Payne, H D'Antoine, Kathryn France, A Mckenzie, Nadine Henley, A Bartu, E Elliott, C Bower

Research outputs 2011

Objective To collaborate with consumer and community representatives in the Alcohol and Pregnancy Project from 2006-2008 http://www.ichr.uwa.edu.au/alcoholandpregnancy webcite and evaluate researchers' and consumer and community representatives' perceptions of the process, context and impact of consumer and community participation in the project. Methods We formed two reference groups and sought consumer and community representatives' perspectives on all aspects of the project over a three year period. We developed an evaluation framework and asked consumer and community representatives and researchers to complete a self-administered questionnaire at the end of the project. Results Fifteen researchers (93.8%) and seven (53.8%) consumer and community representatives …

Subtidal Macroalgal Richness, Diversity And Turnover, At Multiple Spatial Scales, Along The Southwestern Australian Coastline, David Smale, G Kendrick, Thomas Wernberg

Research outputs 2011

Patterns of species richness are governed by processes that act at vastly different spatial scales. In the marine system of southwest Australia, macroalgal assemblage structure and richness is thought to be strongly influenced by both the Leeuwin Current, which acts at large regional spatial scales, and small-scale processes such as competition, wave disturbance and habitat heterogeneity. We examined macroalgal species richness and diversity at multiple spatial scales using a three-factor hierarchal design. Spatial extents ranged from metres (between quadrats) to many hundreds of kilometres (between regions), and the study encompassed almost 2000 km of temperate coastline. Macroalgal assemblages were highly …

Spatial Patterns In Herbivory On A Coral Reef Are Influenced By Structural Complexity But Not By Algal Traits, Adriana Verges, Mathew Vanderklift, C Doropoulos, Glenn Hyndes

Research outputs 2011

No abstract provided.

Spatially Resolved Inhomogeneous Depressions Of The Excitons Zeeman Splitting In An Integrated Magnetic-Multiple Quantum Wells System, Ahmed Abdelrahman, Hoon Soo Kang, Sang Youp Yim, Mikhail Vasiliev, Kamal Alameh, Yong Lee

Research outputs 2011

We report on the generation of a nonuniform spatial distribution of the heavy and light-hole excitons in a multiple quantum wells system integrated with a localized inhomogeneous weak magnetic field. An inhomogeneous spatially resolved depression of the Zeeman splittings of the heavy-hole excitons and the light-hole excitons with respect to their translational wave vectors is observed. A localized inverted concentration of the two types of the excitons due to the inhomogeneity of the magnetic field is also measured. A simple method to integrate permanent magnetic materials with the multiple quantum wells system is used to create an accessible degree of …

Lipstick: More Than A Fashion Trend, Madeleine Ogilvie, Maria Ryan

Research outputs 2011

This paper explores and discusses why women purchase and wear lipstick and the behaviours associated with its use. Design/methodology/approach: A study of 300 female lipstick users were interviewed using a semi structured questionnaire. Findings: The study indicated that women use lipstick in a significant way to transform and present themselves; using it to reflect their daily fluctuations in moods and identity. Although lipstick is a mainstream fashion discourse, Western Australian society (where the study was located) maintains strict codes of conduct in applying and using the product. Behaviours associated with lipstick use are steeped in ritual and cultural customs. Research …

Student Opinions On Their Development Of Non-Technical Skills In It Education, W Makasiranondh, S Maj, D Veal

Research outputs 2011

It is recognized that non-technical or soft skills are a vital part of the IT curriculum and hence are considered to be core curriculum components, particularly in the USA and Australia and is also an important worldwide issue. An extensive analysis within an Australian university context found a mismatch between employer expectations and the university-based instruction in these skills. However, it was noted that this unpreparedness in soft skills may be because students may not have appreciated the importance of these skills – a result confirmed by this study, which used a questionnaire delivered to project students undertaking a range …

Prescription Drug Use Among Detainees: Prevalence, Sources And Links To Crime, Catherine Mcgregor, Natalie Gately, Jennifer Fleming

Research outputs 2011

Concern regarding the diversion and non-medical use of prescription pharmaceuticals continues to grow as anecdotal evidence and other research points to a sizeable increase in the illegal market for such drugs. Estimating the prevalence of illegal use and understanding how pharmaceutical drugs come to be traded in the illegal drug market remain key research priorities for policymakers and practitioners in both the public health and law enforcement sectors. This report is the first of its kind in Australia to examine the self-reported use of illicit pharmaceuticals among a sample of police detainees surveyed as part of the Australian Institute of …

Self-Employment: Policy Panacea For An Ageing Population?, Kate Lewis, Elizabeth Walker

Research outputs 2011

Self employment or small business ownership is often thought to be a viable alternative to mainstream employment. This is particular the case for budding small business owners who have a new product or service that they want to take to market. Many of these individuals use their specific skills and competencies to go on to become the successful operators of global organisations. Yet the growth in business start-up by mature (yet operationally naïve) people belies the notion that small business owners require any specialised skill set at all. This paper posits some questions as to why that is the case, …

Pax Genes During Neural Development And Their Potential Role In Neuroregeneration, Jennifer A. Thompson, Melanie Ziman

Research outputs 2011

Pax genes encode a family of transcription factors that have long been recognised as obligate contributors to embryonic development of the CNS, with evidence obtained from various animal models illustrating phylogenetically conserved functions. Within the CNS, Pax genes play substantial roles in cellular and regional specification, proliferation, progenitor cell maintenance, anti-apoptosis and neural differentiation. This comprehensive review details the critical functions of those Pax genes involved in pre- and post-natal CNS development, provides possible molecular mechanisms by which Pax genes contribute to proliferation and differentiation of neuronal cells, and explains observed changes in Pax gene expression in response to neurotrauma …

Researchers' Experience With Project Management In Health And Medical Research: Results From A Post-Project Review, Janet M. Payne, Kathryn E. France, Nadine Henley, Heather A. D'Antoine, Anne E. Bartu, Elizabeth J. Elliott, Carol Bower

Research outputs 2011

Project management is widely used to deliver projects on time, within budget and of defined quality. However, there is little published information describing its use in managing health and medical research projects. We used project management in the Alcohol and Pregnancy Project (2006-2008) and in this paper report researchers' opinions on project management and whether it made a difference to the project. A national interdisciplinary group of 20 researchers, one of whom was the project manager, formed the Steering Committee for the project. We used project management to ensure project outputs and outcomes were achieved and all aspects of the …

Common Currency In East Asia: An Analysis Of Currency Convergence, Lee K. Lim

Research outputs 2011

The recent global financial crisis of 2007-2009 and fears of a sovereign debt crisis in some European countries have fuelled the debates among economic analysts and policy makers on the future directions of monetary and exchange rate arrangements in the East Asian region. This paper applies both the cluster analysis and time series tests to determine whether increased trade and financial integration has led to currency convergence in the region over the period January 1990 to June 2010. The countries included in this study are the high-performing East Asian economies, namely China, Hong Kong, Japan, South Korea, Taiwan and the …

Student Enfranchisement In Business Undergraduate Studies, Gary Marchioro, Maria Ryan, Helen Cripps

Research outputs 2011

Aligning business undergraduate programs with industry skill and work requirements is reshaping higher education. This approach is now an acknowledged and strategic initiative to react to business demands in the education sphere. The framework for learning generic skills has been well developed and documented in reference to employer groups and articulated through many university programs. However, the development, monitoring and evaluation of the uptake of these skills using student views are not well documented. This paper presents university students’ perceptions of their personal generic skills capabilities. The literature addresses the need for these skills to be inclusive of personal attributes …

Transition From Long Day Care To Kindergarten: Continuity Or Not?, Lennie Barblett, Caroline Barratt-Pugh, Pamela Kilgallon, Carmel Maloney

Research outputs 2011

TRANSITION PRACTICES THAT ENSURE continuity between early childhood settings have been shown to be important in assisting children’s short-term and long-term growth and development (Vogler, Cravello & Woodhead, 2008). In Western Australia many young children move from and between long day care (LDC) settings to kindergarten. In that state, kindergarten is a non-compulsory sessional program for four-year-olds, conducted on school grounds and administered by the school principal. This paper describes the perceptions and practices of kindergarten teachers concerning transition processes and continuity of experience for the children who had attended long day care centres prior to kindergarten entry. Evidence from …

Measuring Real Capital Adequacy In Extreme Economic Conditions: An Examination Of Swiss Banking Sector, David E. Allen, Robert Powell

Research outputs 2011

The global financial crisis (GFC) has placed the creditworthiness of banks under intense scrutiny. In particular, capital adequacy has been called into question. Current capital requirements make no allowance for capital erosion caused by movements in the market value of assets. This paper examines default probabilities of Swiss banks under extreme conditions using structural modeling techniques. Conditional Value at Risk (CVaR) and Conditional Probability of Default (CPD) techniques are used to measure capital erosion. Significant increase in Probability of Default (PD) is found during the GFC period. The market asset value based approach indicates a much higher PD than external …

Informal Learning In The Workplace: A Review Of The Literature, Megan A. Le Clus

Research outputs 2011

In the last few decades, the workplace has been increasingly recognised as a legitimate environment for learning new skills and knowledge, which in turn enables workers to participate more effectively in ever-changing work environments. Within theworkplace, there is the potential for continuous learning to occur not only through formal learning initiatives that are associated with training, but also through informal learning opportunities that are embedded within everyday work activities. This paper surveys the growing body of literature on informal learning, makes some critical observations about the importance of informal learning, and explains the various ways that informal learning can occur …

Psychologists' Understanding Of Resilience: Implications For The Discipline Of Psychology And Psychology Practice, Lynne Cohen, Julie Ann Pooley, Catherine A. Ferguson, Craig A. Harms

Research outputs 2011

Current adoptions of strength-based approaches, as suggested by the positive psychology movement, asks professionals to develop different perspectives on familiar constructs. Given that we have little understanding how psychologists define and work with psychological phenomena, this current study sought to determine how Western Australian registered psychologists understand resilience. The 213 participants were asked to provide definitions and information about their understanding of resilience via an open-ended questionnaire. Demographic questions included the level and year ofqualification(s) and nature of psychological work undertaken. The definitions obtained from the participants were rated against definitions of resilience in the literature. The participants understandings of …

Resilience In Families With Same-Sex Parents [Journal Article], Natasha Griffiths, Julie Ann Pooley

Research outputs 2011

Research suggests resilience can be viewed as a dynamic process facilitating positive functioning within the context of significant adversity. A nuclear family type that remains a controversial and stigmatized group is families with same-sex parents. Same sex families face a great number of challenges, due to the presence of heterosexism in society and they are often heavily criticised within the broad public domain. The current study adopted a phenomenological methodology to identify the family resilience processes utilised by same-sex families. Five lesbian couples raising children in Perth, Western Australia were interviewed. A thematic analysis technique was then conducted. Seven family …

Computer Based Experiments For Off-Campus Teaching And Learning Of Ac Electricity, Graham Wild, Geoffrey Swan, Steven Hinckley

Research outputs 2011

In this work, we show the implementation of a computer based Digital Storage Oscilloscope (DSO) and Signal Generator (SG), using the computers soundcard for off- campus AC electronics experiments. The microphone input is used for the DSO, and the speaker jack is used as the SG. In an effort to reduce the cost of implementing the experiment, we examine software available for free online. A small number of applications were compared in terms of their interface and functionality, for both the DSO and SG. With the choice of a suitable app for both the input and the output, simple AC …

Secondary Students Research Projects In Engineering: Optical Fibre Bragg Grating Sensor Applications, Steven Hinckley, Graham Wild

Research outputs 2011

In this paper, we present a study of secondary student research projects on fibre Bragg grating (FBG) based optical fibre sensors. Our study has shown that simple experimental procedures can be developed and implemented by students with minimal prior knowledge. In these experiments, students gain a significant understanding of FBG properties and performance, as well as an understanding of research, data analysis and communications skills required by researchers. Student satisfaction and enjoyment with the programme is very high, based on feedback received. These research-based projects would be ideal for implementation into undergraduate engineering learning programmes.

Managing Multidisciplinary Student Design Teams, Martin Masek, Joo Jung, Barnard Clarkson

Research outputs 2011

The management of multidisciplinary student teams is a challenge. In this paper we describe our experience in running a shared assessment across several units. Four multidisciplinary teams were formed, and success was mixed, with one team splitting into two along discipline lines and all experiencing communication issues. The main management challenges that arose were based around difficulty in communication and the understanding of the other disciplines requirements. We outline the process we used to construct the shared assessment, and provide some insight in how the student groups dealt with issues that arose.