Showing papers by "Curtin University published in 1987"

What happens in high school science classrooms

Abstract: (1987). What happens in high school science classrooms? Journal of Curriculum Studies: Vol. 19, No. 6, pp. 549-560.

Viewpoint: choosing appropriate information systems research methodologies

Abstract: We believe we should draw attention to two disturbing tendencies in information systems (IS) research. The first relates to the primacy of traditional, empirical research more suited to the natural sciences, at the expense of less conventional approaches that nevertheless provide important contributions to our search for improved knowledge. Although the experimental design of such IS research may well be academically acceptable and internally consistent, all too often it leads to inconclusive or inapplicable results. The second relates to the tendency of some of our most respected institutions to advocate a particular mode of IS research irrespective of the particular IS topic being studied. Evidence for both these contentions can he found in the results of a study undertaken by Vogel and Wetherbe [6]. For example, they suggest that as much as 85 percent of published IS research undertaken by leading U.S. institutions is of the traditional kind. In order to gain some insight into what constitutes appropriate research in the field of IS, it is advisable first to consider the nature of information systems themselves and then to look at what we hope to gain from undertaking research in the area. Traditionally, the topic has often been viewed as residing, for the most part at least, within the province of technology. Increasingly,

Pollination biology of the Proteaceae in Australia and southern Africa

Abstract: Proteaceae are most diverse in southern Africa and Australia, especially in the south-western portions of these regions. Most genera have some species in flower at all times of the year, although generally there is a preponderance of species that flower between late winter and early summer. The one genus that is an exception to this generalization is Banksia, which either has approximately the same percentage of species in flower at various times of the year (southwestern Australia) or peaks in autumn (southeastern Australia). Within particular communities, opportunities for hybridization among congeneric species are minimized by staggered flowering times, different pollen vectors and/or various incompatibility mechanisms. Birds, mammals and arthropods have been identified as visitors to the inflorescences of many Proteaceae. The most common avian visitors to the majority of genera in Australia are honeyeaters, although lorikeets, silvereyes and approximately 40 other species sometimes may be important. Sugarbirds and sunbirds are seen most frequently at inflorescences of Protea, Leucospermum and Mimetes in southern Africa, although they rarely visit other genera. In most cases, avian visitors forage in a manner that permits the acquisition and transfer of pollen. Limited evidence supports the hypothesis that birds are selective in their choice of inflorescences, responding to morphological and/or colour changes and usually visiting those inflorescences that offer the greatest nectar rewards. Arthropods may be equally selective, although it is possible that only the larger moths, bees and beetles are important pollinators, even for those plant species that rely entirely on arthropods for pollen transfer. Mammals are pollen vectors for some Proteaceae, especially those that have geoflorous and/or cryptic inflorescences. In Australia, small marsupials may be the most important mammalian pollinators, although rodents fill this niche in at least some southern African habitats. All but two genera of Proteaceae are hermaphroditic and protandrous, the exceptions being the dioecious southern African genera Aulax and Leucadendron. For hermaphroditic species, the timing of visits by animals to inflorescences is such that they not only acquire pollen from freshly opened flowers but also brush against pollen presenters and stigmas of others that have lost self-pollen and become receptive. Birds and insects (and probably mammals) generally forage in such a way as to facilitate both outcrossing and selfing. Some species are self-compatible, although many require outcrossing if viable seed is to be formed. Regardless of which animals are the major pollen vectors, fruit set is low relative to the number of flowers available, especially in Australian habitats. Functional andromonoecy of the majority of flowers is advanced as the major cause of poor fruit set. The pollination biology and breeding systems of Australian and southern African Proteaceae resemble one another in many ways, partly because of their common ancestry, but also due to convergence. Divergence is less obvious, apart from the dichotomy between dioecious and hermaphroditic genera, and differences in the levels of seed set for Australian and African species. Future studies should concentrate on identifying the most important pollinators for various Proteaceae, the manner in which their visits are integrated with floral development and factors responsible for limiting fruit set.

Hybrid Zones in Australian Birds

Abstract: Ford, J. (1987). Hybrid zones in Australian birds. Emu 87, 158–178.Geographic patterns in positions of 79–87 avian hybrid zones and 12 parapatric contacts in Australia are analysed in the context o...

True and fair view: An empirical study of connotative meaning

Abstract: The concept “true and fair view” is central to the financial reporting function in many countries, yet it remains undefined in legislation or professional pronouncements. Recent Australian proposals to define the meaning of “true and fair view” have caused much debate. This study empirically examines the connotative meaning (and the cognitive structure within which that meaning is held) of “true and fair view” from the points of view of accountants and “private” (non-institutional) shareholders. The principal findings are that accountants and shareholders do not share the same meaning for “true and fair view” nor do they share similar cognitive structures.

Minor Isolates and Minor Geographical Barriers in Avian Speciation in Continental Australia

Abstract: Ornithologists generally believe that speciation in birds proceeds by geographical splitting of populations into isolates and subsequent divergence. This allopatric mode has been subdivided into the dumbbell or classical mechanism and the peripheral or peripatric mechanism. Speciation theory predicts that peripatric divergence should proceed more rapidly than classical allopatric differentiation. This was examined in the Australian mainland avifauna by comparing the ratios of differentiates to isolates in major and minor geographical refuges on the assumption that populations isolated in minor areas were smaller than those in major ones. An array of distinctive avian species and subspecies was found to have evolved in peripheral refuge areas of mainland Australia. However, minor regions have produced considerably fewer new forms and, moreover, at the same rate. Therefore, the prediction of speciation theory was not confirmed. Differentiates on offshore islands around Australia were also considered and found not to have contributed to species enrichment on the mainland. Birds with patchy distributions were examined and discontinuities in habitat, especially substrate and dependency on specific resources, were the main causes in the semiarid and arid parts of the Australian continent. Another active pathway of adaptation from humid to arid habitat in eastern Bassian elements was revealed: the Grey Range Divide separates some avian populations in the Lake Eyre Basin from parental populations in more coastal regions.

Use of Classroom Environment Assessments in School Psychology

Abstract: It is desirable today that school psychologists, in addition to being concerned with student achievement, give consideration to important psychosocial aspects of classroom environments. This paper makes several economical hand-scorable classroom environment instruments readily accessible to school psychologists and provides an overview of numerous past uses of these instruments including studies of the effects of classroom environment on student outcomes, use of environment variables as process criteria in evaluating educational innovations and teachers' practical attempts to use learning environment assessments to guide improvements in classrooms. Some applications of classroom environment assessments in school psychology are considered.

Output Power Controller for a Wind-Driven Induction Generator

Abstract: A constant stator power output controller for a wind-driven grid-connected induction generator is described. The load torque of the generator is controlled by varying the rotor resistance electronically. A dynamic model for the wind energy conversion system is proposed for both controlled and uncontrolled operation.The model is then used to predict the changes in shaft speed,turbine torque, and stator power output in response to change in wind speed. Data pertaining to a 60 kW commercial wind turbine generator is used in this investigation. Results based on analog computer simulation demonstrate the feasibility of the controller for scheduling a desired power output from the induction generator.Results of the tests on a laboratory induction generator driven by amicrocomputer-controlled dc motor drive simulating the characteristics of the wind turbine are included.

Effects of classroom environment on science attitudes: A cross‐cultural replication in Indonesia‡

Abstract: A three‐phase study, with a different sample for each phase, involved a total of 1125 secondary school students in Indonesia. The first phase involving 373 grade 8 and 9 students was used to develop and validate an Indonesian classroom environment instrument with eight scales based on the Individualized Classroom Environment Questionnaire and the Classroom Environment Scale. In the second phase of the study, 502 Indonesian science students in grades 11 and 12 were involved in a translation, adaptation and validation of a four‐scale Indonesian version of the Test of Science‐Related Attitudes. In the third phase, these new Indonesian attitude and environment scales were used with another sample of 250 Indonesian biology students in an investigation of the effects of classroom psychosocial environment on students’ science‐related attitudes. The finding of statistically significant associations between environment and attitudes replicated much prior work in science classrooms in developed countries. For examp...

A "muddled arrray of models": theoretical and organisational perspectives on change and development in higher education

Abstract: Understanding the change process in higher education requires the development of adequate theory. Theories are characterised by propositions which guide thinking, research and professional action. These propositions are a starting point for research, one goal of which is a contribution to the development and refinement of theory. Theory enables explanation, prediction and well-guided action to take place. An end-point to this is better understanding and influence over the change and development process in higher education.

Recent developments in double layer theory

Abstract: Recent developments in the theory of the double layer are discussed with special emphasis on results for the Primitive Model double layer obtained since 1984 and computer simulations of the behaviour of water near surfaces. Recent results for the HNC/HNC theory of the Primitive Model double layer are compared with two new approaches, which allow ion-ion correlations to change in response to a varying surface charge. Both new approaches appear very promising, and herald the imminent completion of this phase of double layer research. Computer simulation studies of point-charge models of water near simple, non-polar surfaces are then reviewed. The paper finishes with a look at the limited simulation results for water near polar surfaces and aqueous electrolyte at a non-polar surface, studies which presage a new stage of double layer theory — the simulation of the metal/aqueous electrolyte interface.

The effect of fasting on enzyme levels in the enlarged and involuting rat pancreas.

Abstract: 1. The effect on pancreatic digestive enzyme levels of fasting and changes from a diet containing trypsin inhibitor (raw soya-bean flour, RSF) to diets free of trypsin inhibitor (heated soya-bean flour, HSF, or commercial rat chow) was studied in rats for up to 7 d.2. In RSF-fed rats killed without fasting, enzyme levels were low, but after fasting for 24 h before killing there was a marked increase in all enzyme levels. Histological studies showed that pancreatic acinar cells from RSF-fed rats killed without fasting were devoid of zymogen granules, but following a 24 h fast there was a marked accumulation of zymogen granules which extend into the basal cytoplasm. Fasting either produced no change or a fall in enzyme levels in rats fasted after feeding HSF or chow continuously.3. If animals fed on RSF were changed to HSF and either fed or fasted for 24 h up to the time of killing there was an increase in amylase (EC 3. 2. 1. 1), trypsin (EC 3. 4. 21. 4), lipase (triacylglycerol lipase; EC 3. 1. 1. 3) and protein 1 d after the change, followed by a fall over the next 6 d to levels similar to those seen in rats fed on HSF continuously.4. Animals changed from RSF to chow showed similar effects as far as trypsin, lipase and protein were concerned, but amylase rose, to reach the level seen in rats fed on chow continuously (about ten times that seen in soya-bean-fed rats), after 2 d.5. These results suggest that in the rats fed on RSF, pancreatic enzyme synthesis is rapid but secretion is equally rapid and intracellular enzyme levels are low. When these animals are fasted or changed to a diet free of trypsin inhibitor the rate of secretion falls but the high rate of synthesis continues for at least 24 h and enzymes accumulate in the pancreas. In studies of pancreatic enzyme levels in rats fed on trypsin inhibitor the extent of fasting before killing the animal is therefore an important variable. Such animals should probably not be fasted before study.

Alcohol consumption and young people in Australia: problems and prevention

Abstract: THE consumption of alcohol by young people in Aus tralia is of increasing public health concern. This paper, which draws on recent studies, discusses the prevalence of teenage drinking within its social con text, and some of the problems associated with excessive alcohol consumption. It concludes with a summary of the major prevention efforts and suggests a much closer co-ordination of preventive strategies.

Is Education Enough? The Drinking and Driving Practices of 17‐30 Year Old Males

Abstract: Despite media and public awareness campaigns, drink driving is a major public health problem in Australia and contributes to a large number of deaths especially for males between the ages of 17–30. A total of 536 males aged 17–30 years were interviewed by telephone to ascertain information about their beliefs and practices related to drinking and driving. It was found that drink driving is a common occurrence amongst young adult males, with 58.5% reporting driving after drinking. This was despite considerable knowledge of alternatives to drink driving. Knowledge about the relationship between alcohol intake, driving ability and blood alcohol concentration (BAC) was poor. The frequency of drink driving was related to perception of the risk of being caught. The majority of the respondents believed that the chances of apprehension were quite low. The following recommendations are made in order of importance: firstly, that random breath testing be introduced into Western Australia with the provision that all ...

Morphophonemic Variation in Clusters in Japanese English

Abstract: This study examines the word-final, voiceless, stop-sibilant clusters formed by the attachment of [−z] morphemes to verbs and nouns in the spontaneous speech production of Japanese learners of English and finds that reduction is the favored production strategy; that noun attachments are subject to less error than are verb attachments; and that the initial consonant of the cluster affects the rate of omission An acoustic study of the same clusters follows, which finds that the length of the [−z] morpheme in Japanese L2 English is shorter in the phonetic environment where there is greatest omission and longer when attached to nouns than when attached to verbs It finds considerable evidence for post-cluster epenthesis, even when a vowel segment follows, and for mid-cluster epenthesis The study also finds evidence that reduction and epenthesis are not alternative strategies in the resolution of production difficulties in L2 clusters

Impact of pharmacist intervention on oral theophylline therapy in adult inpatients.

Abstract: The impact of clinical pharmacy services on the utilization of oral theophylline therapy was evaluated in a ten-week study involving 138 adult inpatients. The study initially involved an independent prospective five-week audit of theophylline use, in which clinical pharmacists monitored theophylline therapy and any interventions were designed so as not to influence future actions taken by medical officers with regard to oral theophylline therapy. The second part of the study involved active intervention by clinical pharmacists and a concurrent five-week audit of theophylline use. The study has demonstrated that clinical pharmacist intervention significantly increased the number of patients receiving a theophylline assay when indicated, from 43 to 83 percent; the number of assays appropriately sampled, from 58 to 85 percent; the number of appropriate dosage adjustments, from 63 to 86 percent; and the number of patients with a measured serum theophylline concentration in the therapeutic range, from 17 to 47 percent. These results show that clinical pharmacists can have a significant impact on patient care by efficient monitoring and individualizing theophylline therapy.

A Secret People of South Asia. The Origins, Evolution and Role of the Luso-Indian Goan Community from the Sixteenth to Twentieth Centuries

Abstract: Until fairly recently, histories of European imperial expansion in the Indian Ocean region have been written largely in terms of the endeavours of Europeans in creating and controlling empire. Only in the last couple of decades has recognition been given slowly to the role of the indigenous economic and political compradors, both large and small, who were vital to the evolution and sustenance of European colonial empires.

Computer menu design: An investigation of the interface between user characteristics and menu structure

Abstract: The present study investigated the interrelationship between specific user characteristics and hierarchical menu structures. Four menu structures were used, which varied in breadth from 2 to 64 and depth from one to six (26, 43, 82, 641) Previous research, investigating both speed and accuracy across different menu structures, has shown that deep menus tend to have slow search times and the greatest number of errors (Miller, 1981; Snowberry, Parkinson, & Sisson, 1983). However, the research to date has failed to investigate, in any detailed way, the relationship between specific user characteristics and performance across different menu structures. In the present study, the relationship between digit span, visual scanning, state anxiety and performance across the four menu structures was investigated. The findings supported previous research, in that fewer errors were made and search times were fastest for the broadest menus. In addition, it was found that individuals with low short-term memory capacity and those with high-state anxiety required more practice to reduce errors on deep menu structures. It is suggested that adequate consideration of user characteristics in the design of menu displays, through the implementation of help functions or on-line learning, may greatly improve user performance on menu driven tasks.

Environmental and occupational lead toxicity: some current considerations.

Abstract: The role of trace elements in human health is not well understood. Lead is generally regarded as a toxic trace element with no beneficial effects. However, the adverse effects of lead resulting from environmental and occupational exposure have been the subject of extensive research. There is still controversy over whether lead from petrol is the main source of lead for most people. There have been a number of reports of lead contamination of food, air and water, however there is some question about the accuracy of the reported data and hence the conclusions drawn.Although certain aspects of lead toxicity are reasonably well understood there is still uncertainty about the maximum acceptable safe level and also about the wide variety of factors that affect the absorption and retention, and hence toxicity, of lead. Of particular interest is the Influence of dietary factors on lead toxicity.