Showing papers by "Curtin University published in 1996"
TL;DR: It is proposed that project complexity can be defined in terms of differentiation and interdependency and that it is managed by integration.
1,102 citations
TL;DR: The high plant diversity of mediterranean-climate regions has attracted much attention over the past few years as mentioned in this paper, and a review discusses patterns and determinants of local, differential and regional plant diversity in all five regions.
Abstract: The high plant diversity of mediterranean-climate regions has attracted much attention over the past few years. This review discusses patterns and determinants of local, differential and regional plant diversity in all five regions. Local diversity shows great variation within and between regions and explanations for these patterns invoke a wide range of hypotheses. Patterns of regional diversity are the result of differential speciation and extinction rates during the Quaternary. These rates have been influenced more by the incidence of fire and the severity of climate change than by environmental heterogeneity. All regions have a high number of rare and locally endemic taxa that survive as small populations, many of which are threatened by habitat transformation.
927 citations
TL;DR: This paper found that most younger science students have difficulty separating models from reality, and that many of these students preferred models that are both discrete and concrete, such as electron shells, which enclosed and protected atoms, while electron clouds were structures in which electrons were embedded.
Abstract: This interview-based study probed 48 Grade 8–10 students' mental models of atoms and molecules and found that many of these students preferred models that are both discrete and concrete. Modeling is a powerful skill that defines much of the scientific method; however, most younger science students have difficulty separating models from reality. Language that is common to both biology and chemistry (e.g., nucleus and shells) is a major source of confusion for some students. Several students concluded that atoms can reproduce and grow and that atomic nuclei divide. Electron shells were visualized as shells that enclosed and protected atoms, while electron clouds were structures in which electrons were embedded. These, and other alternative conceptions may be generated during discussion as a result of semantic differences between teacher and student language. Students expressed a strong preference for space-filling molecular models and their conceptions of the models used in chemistry reveal much about the difficulties that students face as they try to assimilate and accommodate scientific ideas, and terminology. It is recommended that teachers develop student modeling skills and that they discuss analogical models, including shared and unshared attributes, with their students. © 1996 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
440 citations
TL;DR: The Itsaq Gneiss Complex of southern West Greenland contains the best-preserved occurrences of ⩾ 3600 Ma crust as discussed by the authors, and its known area is ∼ 3000 km2 with almost continuous exposure in some places.
437 citations
TL;DR: In this article, a quantitative assessment of the history of early metal production, which was instrumental in the development of human cultures during ancient eras, is presented, and the results show that large-scale pollution of the atmosphere of the Northern Hemisphere is attributed to emissions from the crude, highly polluting smelting technologies used for copper production during Roman and medieval times, especially in Europe and China.
Abstract: Determination of copper concentrations in Greenland ice dated from seven millennia ago to the present showed values exceeding natural levels, beginning about 2500 years ago. This early large-scale pollution of the atmosphere of the Northern Hemisphere is attributed to emissions from the crude, highly polluting smelting technologies used for copper production during Roman and medieval times, especially in Europe and China. This study opens the way to a quantitative assessment of the history of early metal production, which was instrumental in the development of human cultures during ancient eras.
361 citations
TL;DR: In this article, the authors classify fluid flow types based on scale and degree of equilibration between fluid and rock, wallrock permeability, and mode of fluid transport, and provide an understanding of key factors that control fluid flow.
Abstract: Mechanisms for kilometre-scale, open-system fluid flow during regional metamorphism remain problematic. Debate also continues over the degree of fluid flow channellization during regional metamorphism, and the mechanisms for pervasive fluid flow at depth. The requirements for pervasive long-distance fluid flow are an interconnected porosity and a large regional gradient in fluid pressure and hydraulic head (thermally or structurally controlled) that dominates over local perturbations in hydraulic head due to deformation. In contrast, dynamic or transient porosity interconnection and fluid flow accompanying deformation of heterogeneous rock suites should result in moderately to strongly channellized flow at a range of scales, of which there are many examples in the literature.
Classification of fluid flow types based on scale and degree of equilibration between fluid and rock, wallrock permeability, and mode of fluid transport contributes to an understanding of key factors that control fluid flow. Closed-system fluid behaviour, with restricted fluid flow in microcracks or cracks and limited fluid–rock interaction, occurs over a range of strains and crustal depths, but requires low permeabilities and/or small fluid fluxes. Long-distance, open-system fluid flow in channels is favoured in heterogeneous rocks at high strains, moderate (but variable) permeabilities, and moderate to high fluid fluxes. Long-distance, broad, pervasive fluid flow during regional metamorphism requires that the rocks are not accumulating high strains and have high permeabilities, low permeability contrasts, and high fluid fluxes. The ideal situation for such fluid flow is in situations where the rocks are undergoing stress relaxation immediately after a major deformation phase. In the mid-crust, fairly specific conditions are thus required for pervasive fluid flow. During active orogenesis, structurally controlled fluid flow (with focused open systems surrounding regions of closed-system behaviour) predominates in most, but not all, regional metamorphic situations, at a range of scales.
243 citations
TL;DR: In this article, the authors measure service quality from the point of view of the customer using the SERVQUAL model and find that satisfaction with the academic service was closely related to dependability whereas satisfaction with administrative services was associated with good communication.
Abstract: Measures service quality from the point of view of the customer using the SERVQUAL model. The “customers” in this instance were a group of business students at an Australian university. Obtains service quality evaluations in relation to academic and administrative aspects of the educational service. Makes significant negative evaluations in relation to the quality of administrative services. Finds that satisfaction with the academic service was closely related to dependability whereas satisfaction with administrative services was associated with good communication.
240 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors used Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) to study the film formation and destruction and the corrosion protection mechanism of a carbon dioxide (CO 2 ) corrosion inhibitor, imidazoline.
184 citations
TL;DR: In this article, the authors present the Science Centres and Science Learning: A Review of Science Education: Vol. 27, No. 1, 1996, pp. 53-98.
Abstract: (1996). Science Centres and Science Learning. Studies in Science Education: Vol. 27, No. 1, pp. 53-98.
181 citations
TL;DR: In this article, a sample of 1592 final year secondary school chemistry students in 56 classes in 28 randomly selected co-educational government schools in Singapore was used to assess the students' attitudes to chemistry.
Abstract: Associations between students’ perceptions of their chemistry laboratory classroom environment and their attitudes towards chemistry were investigated using a sample of 1592 final year secondary school chemistry students in 56 classes in 28 randomly‐selected coeducational government schools in Singapore. Students’ perceptions of their chemistry laboratory learning environment were assessed using the Chemistry Laboratory Environment Inventory (CLEI), which is a modified version of the Science Laboratory Environment Inventory (SLEI). The Questionnaire on Chemistry‐related Attitudes (QOCRA), a modified form of the Test of Science‐Related Attitudes (TOSRA), was used to assess the students’ attitudes to chemistry. Environment‐attitude associations were explored using three methods of correlational analysis (simple, multiple and canonical) and two units of statistical analysis (the individual and the class mean). Significant associations were found between the nature of the chemistry laboratory classro...
178 citations
TL;DR: While there was little evidence for birth weight or gestational age contributing to the difference in ADHD symptoms, there was a strong association between ADHD symptoms and speech and reading problems.
Abstract: Differences between twins and siblings in behaviour problems were investigated in a non-selected sample of 1938 families with children aged 4-12 years. Families were sent a questionnaire based on DSM-III-R criteria for Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD), Conduct Disorder (CD) and Separation Anxiety (SA), which was validated by formal clinical interview. The questionnaire also included measures of speech and reading problems. There were significant differences between twins and siblings for ADHD symptoms, but not for symptoms of ODD, CD or SA. Twins and siblings differed significantly for gestational age, birth weight, speech and reading problems. While there was little evidence for birth weight or gestational age contributing to the difference in ADHD symptoms, there was a strong association between ADHD symptoms and speech and reading problems.
TL;DR: In this article, the electrochemical noise analysis (ENA) was used to monitor the film formation and destruction processes of carbon dioxide (CO2) corrosion inhibitor imidazoline, which is most commonly used for protecting oil wells, gas wells and flowlines from CO2 corrosion.
TL;DR: The authors report on a longitudinal study which mapped, from the students' point of view, the transition between primary and secondary school in Western Australia, and found that science in secondary school was not what they had expected, and this experience may have long term implications for their subject and career choices.
Abstract: As students move through school, attitudes to school in general, and science in particular, become less positive. This paper reports on a longitudinal study which mapped, from the students' point of view, the transition between primary and secondary school in Western Australia. The study focused on the subject of science, and used both quantitative and qualitative methods. During the transition, there is a considerable change in the organisation of the school, the curriculum and the teacherstudent relationship. Students in this study, especially the girls, were generally disenchanted with the teaching strategies used in their secondary science classrooms, and regretted the loss of the close teacher-student relationship of their primary school years. Their perceptions were that science in secondary school was not what they had expected, and this experience may have long term implications for their subject and career choices.
TL;DR: Using SHRIMP UPb zircon geochronology the oldest events common to all terranes (including emplacement of crustally derived granites, contemporaneous metamorphism and anatexis) have been dated at 2710-2725 Ma as mentioned in this paper.
TL;DR: This paper examined the perceptions held by 120 students and seven teachers of the learning environment in their inquiry-based computer classrooms and found that teachers' perceptions generally were more positive than those of the students.
Abstract: This paper examines the perceptions held by 120 students and seven teachers of the learning environment in their inquiry‐based computer classrooms. The subjects responded to a classroom environment instrument before and after using a computerized database which has the potential for promoting inquiry skills. Generally, there was an increase in student‐perceived investigation and open‐endedness. Although teachers’ and students’ perceptions showed a similar trend, teachers’ perceptions generally were more positive than those of the students.
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors assess the efficacy of using analogies to engender conceptual change in student's science learning about the refraction of light using an interview-about-instances protocol.
Abstract: This investigation set out to assess the efficacy of using analogies to engender conceptual change in student's science learning about the refraction of light. Following instruction by the same teacher, two classes of students, one of which was taught analogically and one which was not, were interviewed three months after instruction using an interview‐about‐instances protocol. The verbatim transcripts and interviewer notes were interpreted from a constructivist perspective in an attempt to determine the status of each student's conceptions of refraction of light. The findings from this study, described in terms of class results and three case studies, illustrate the utility of an analogical teaching approach for engendering conceptual change.
TL;DR: In this article, the authors divided the Bunbury Basalt into two lava types: Casuarina and Gosselin, and inferred that the latter evolved by fractional crystallization and crustal assimilation within the upper crust.
TL;DR: Current methods for determining the influence of xylem cavitation on hydraulic conductance are limited to unbranched stem or root segments with hydraulic conductances above c.
Abstract: Current methods for determining the influence of xylem cavitation on hydraulic conductance are limited to unbranched stem or root segments with hydraulic conductances above c. 2 mmol s~1 MPa 1. Lower con
TL;DR: The richness of eucalypt communities, the rarity of many arthropod species, and the association of the richest communities with temperate, moist forests on the most productive soils suggests that eucallypt forest biodiversity will be sensitive to changes in forest structure, floristic composition, and changed levels of productivity associated with logging and broad area fuel reduction fires.
TL;DR: Critical constructivism as discussed by the authors has become a major focus of recent pedagogical reform in mathematics education, which addresses the socio-cultural contexts of knowledge construction and serves as a powerful referent for cultural reform.
Abstract: Constructivism has become a major focus of recent pedagogical reform in mathematics education. However, epistemological reform that is based on the constructivist referent of learning as conceptual change has a very limited viability in traditional mathematics classrooms because of its cultural insensitivity. By contrast, the social epistemology of critical constructivism addresses the socio-cultural contexts of knowledge construction and serves as a powerful referent for cultural reform. From this perspective, the social reality of traditional mathematics classrooms is governed by powerful cultural myths that restrain the discursive practices of teachers and students. The power of the repressive myths of cold reason and hard control is evident in the ways in which they act in concert to create a highly coherent and seemingly natural social reality. Epistemological reform of traditional mathematics classroom learning environments is, therefore, synonomous with cultural reconstruction. Critical constructivism, which has a central concern with discourse ethics and the moral agency of the teacher, draws on the social philosophy of Jurgen Habermas and argues for an alternative culture of communicative action to be established in mathematics classrooms. Teachers are expected to work collaboratively as agents of cultural change in forums beyond their classrooms. Religions, philosophies, arts, the social forms of primitive and historic man, prime discoveries in science and technology, the very dreams that blister sleep, boil up from the basic, magic ring of myth. (Joseph Campbell, The Hero With a Thousand Faces, 1968, p. 8.)
TL;DR: Inherited zircon and titanite have been identified in a syenite from the Archaean of southwestern Australia as discussed by the authors, which has a crystallisation age of 2654 ± 5 Ma.
TL;DR: In this article, the authors present data on the extent of these various land uses in each major Western Australian vegetation association and then, examples of ant diversity and community position for each land use are coupled with geographic information system data to calculate indices of diversity integrity.
Abstract: Although Western Australia is a relatively unpopulated region, considerable areas of native vegeta- tion have been modified by agricultural clearing, rangeland grazing, urbanization, road construction, and mining. Ant diversity is reduced and community composition changed by each of these land uses. Road con- struction has the greatest long-term effect on the alpha diversity of ants, followed by agricultural clearing, mining, urbanization, and rangeland grazing. We present data on the extent of these various land uses in each major Western Australian vegetation association. Then, examples of ant diversity and community com- position for each land use are coupled with geographic information system data on the extent of each land use in the various vegetation associations to calculate indices of '~iodiversity integrity." The extent of biodi- versity integrity in each region concurs with a subjective opinion of the condition of each unit. Agricultural clearing, followed by rangeland grazing, were found responsible for the greatest loss of ant biodiversity integ- rity. The findings relate to Australia in general and may serve as a framework for estimating losses of biodi- versity integrity in other regions of the world in taxa other than ants.
TL;DR: It is shown that the preventive paradox disappears when consideration is given to the amount of alcohol consumed on either the day of highest alcohol intake out of the last four, or the day on which acute alcohol-related harm occurred.
Abstract: Kreitman's discussion of the preventive paradox in relation to the prevention of alcohol problems has had profound implications for alcohol policy and has generated considerable controversy [1]. It is argued here that although Kreitman should be credited with the important observation that alcohol-related harm is not confined to a few dependent drinkers, none the less an apparent paradox is not an ideal platform from which to recommend policy. Furthermore, Kreitman's own data and data from an Australian survey of drinking are used to demonstrate that a commonplace truth underlies his apparently paradoxical findings. It is shown that the preventive paradox disappears when consideration is given to the amount of alcohol consumed on either (i) the day of highest alcohol intake out of the last four, or (ii) the day on which acute alcohol-related harm occurred. Episodic heavy consumption by people whose average alcohol intake can be classified as ‘low’ or ‘medium’ risk contributes to the bulk of such experienc...
TL;DR: In this article, the authors examined the current situation facing Australian higher education institutions engaged in the export of their services Considers current trends in the world market for international education services, as well as current and future developments in the Australian Higher Education system Recent research evidence suggests that the international market for education is reaching maturity.
Abstract: Examines the current situation facing Australian higher education institutions engaged in the export of their services Considers current trends in the world market for international education services, as well as current and future developments in the Australian higher education system Recent research evidence suggests that the international market for education is reaching maturity Contends that Australia’s international education sector, especially in the area of higher education, requires greater differentiation and more careful marketing in order to deal with this trend Outlines some suggestions as to appropriate future strategies for the Australian international education sector
TL;DR: Alterations in proprioception as a result of bracing may be partly responsible for the improvement in knee injury statistics reported in some studies.
TL;DR: In this article, the authors report the adaptation of the high school version of the Questionnaire on Teacher Interaction for use in elementary schools based on an eight-sector circumplex defined by the two axes of Dominance-Submission and Cooperation-Opposition, the questionnaire assesses interpersonal behavior of teachers and students for the eight dimensions of Leadership, Helping-Friendly, Understanding, Student Responsibility-Freedom, Uncertain, Dissatisfied, Admonishing, and Strict behavior.
Abstract: This article is a report of the adaptation of the high school version of the Questionnaire on Teacher Interaction for use in elementary schools. Based on an eight-sector circumplex defined by the two axes of Dominance-Submission and Cooperation-Opposition, the questionnaire assesses interpersonal behavior of teachers and students for the eight dimensions of Leadership, Helping-Friendly, Understanding, Student Responsibility-Freedom, Uncertain, Dissatisfied, Admonishing, and Strict behavior. When the revised questionnaire was administered to 1,512 students in 39 fifth-grade classes of 13 randomly selected elementary schools in Singapore, each scale exhibited satisfactory internal consistency reliability and predictive validity for two levels of analysis (the student and the class mean) and differentiated between classes. Girls consistently rated the teachers' interpersonal behavior more favorably than did boys.
TL;DR: An experiment was carried out to examine the effect of language accents on children's evaluations and stereotyping as mentioned in this paper, and 40 10-year-old and 40 12-year old Australian children from monocultural and multi-ethnic families were compared.
Abstract: An experiment was carried out to examine the effect of language accents on children's evaluations and stereotyping. Forty 10-year-old and 40 12-year-old Australian children from monocultural and mu...
TL;DR: Isohexylalkylbenzenes have been identified in a suite of crude oils derived from a range of locations, source types, palaeoenvironments, and ages.
TL;DR: The model of electric current which is universally accepted is one of moving electrons in a wire, responding to a difference in potential across the ends of the wire as discussed by the authors, however, this is not the most useful model.
Abstract: Research findings indicate that students’ understanding of electric current in simple circuits is confused by many alternative conceptions. The model of current which is universally accepted is one of moving electrons in a wire, responding to a difference in potential across the ends of the wire. Remedial teaching strategies have all sought to clarify this model, to enable students to predict circuit behaviour and solve circuit problems. It is possible, however, that this is not the most useful model. An examination of expert images has shown that many experts hold a field concept rather than a particle one. This paper addresses the relevance of these findings for classroom practice.
TL;DR: A recent seismic, gravity and magnetic traverse across the western margin of the Yilgarn Craton, undertaken approximately 110 km north of Perth, together with new Rb-Sr and USr geochronological data from the southwestern portion of the craton, has led to a re-evaluation of the geological relationships and to the development of a terrane accretion model for the region as discussed by the authors.