Showing papers by "Edith Cowan University published in 1993"

Nutrient concentrations of foliage and soil in South-western Australia

Abstract: SUMMARY The element found in highest concentration in the shoots of the South-western Australian plants surveyed is N followed by K ≤ Ca ≤ Cl ≤ Mg ≤ P ≤ Mn ≤ Zn ≤ Cu. The oligotrophic families (mainly primitive Australian pioneer families Proteaceae, Casuarinaceae, Restionaceae and Epacridaceae) have the lowest nutrient concentrations. The nitrogen-fixing Mimosaceae and Papilionaceae have the highest N concentrations though the nitrogen-fixing Casaurinaceae have relatively low N concentrations. The native shrubs have lower tissue concentrations than the introduced species. Certain families possess a great variation in the concentration of tissue Mn (e.g. Proteaceae, Casuarinaceae) with certain individuals containing high concentrations compared to the average South-west Australian species. Increased amounts of soil nutrients can cause an increase in shoot concentration of the species found growing there, e.g. rich habitats (limestone heath) tend to have higher concentrations than those found on depleted habitats (sandplain heaths). There was no correlation found between shoot concentrations and mean annual rainfall.

Facilitating conceptual change in chemical equilibrium using a CAI strategy

Abstract: A computer‐assisted instructional (CAI) package, based on a conceptual change model, was developed to challenge student misconceptions of chemical equilibrium. The CAI package used simulation to create cognitive conflict in students and promote accommodation of their conceptions. Use of the package produced significant and lasting conceptual changes in Year 12 chemistry students in the Maldives.

Early jump-out corner detectors

Abstract: The authors present two new corner detectors. One works by using dissimilarity, along the contour direction to detect curves in the image contour, and the other estimates image curvature along the contour direction. These operators are fast, robust to noise, and require no subjective thresholding. >

Mechanisms of resistance to Phytophthora cinnamomi in clonal, micropropagated Eucalyptus marginata

Abstract: Plants of the eucalypt. Eucalyptus marginata. selected through a glasshouse screening procedure for resistance or susceptibility to Phytophthora cinnamomi, were established in tissue culture and micropropagated. After inoculation with P. cinnamomi, root lesions in clonal lines selected as resistant (RR) to P. cinnamomi were restricted and became contained within four days after inoculation while lesions in roots of those lines susceptible (SS) to P. cinnamomi continued to extend rapidly. Activity of phenylalanine ammonialyase (PAL) was increased above controls in root segments of the RR lines 48 h after inoculation with P. cinnamomi while activity in unselected seedlings and the SS lines was reduced or unchanged. After inoculation, lignin concentration was increased and reached high levels compared with uninoculated control levels in roots of the two RR lines tested. Constitutive levels of phenolics in roots of the RR lines were up to 94% higher than in seedling roots and levels were further increased after inoculation. Levels of phenolics in the other lines and seedlings were unaltered by inoculation. A line derived from resistant seedlings from a susceptible family (RS) had the highest constitutive levels of lignin, which were further increased after inoculation. Resistance to P. cinnamomi in clonally propagated E. marginata seedlings is based on similar mechanisms to those of field resistant species.

An evaluation of comparative strategies for teaching breast self-examination

Abstract: This study addresses the issue of breast self-examination (BSE) in female nurses, as nurses who perform BSE are more likely to promote BSE to their clients. The purpose of the study is twofold: first, to assess the effects of three alternative methods of BSE instruction on nurses’ BSE practice; and second, to determine the influence of nurses’ health beliefs on their practice of BSE. Previous studies have indicated that various teaching strategies have improved BSE practice. However, the three methods of BSE instruction to be assessed on this study which includes booklet with written instruction, film and group discussion, and to one-to-one discussion, modelling and rehearsal have not been previously researched collectively in a single day. The study is guided by the Health Belief Model (HBM) which attempts to explain preventative health behaviour in terms of attitudes, values and beliefs. The following hypotheses have been formulated for investigation: (a) there will be a significant difference in the effectiveness of BSE practice in the experimental groups at follow-up twelve weeks post intervention; and (b) the health belief scores of nurses who do practise BSE will be higher than the health belief scores of nurses who do not practise BSE.

Two distinct mutations in a single dystrophin gene: identification of an altered splice-site as the primary Becker muscular dystrophy mutation.

Abstract: A single base change in the 5′ splice-site of intron 19 has been identified as the cause of the Becker muscular dystrophy in a family which had previously been deduced to carry both a major deletion and another, at that stage unidentified, mutation in the same dystrophin gene [Laing et al., 1992]. RNA from a muscle biopsy of one of the Becker muscular dystrophy patients in the family was analysed using the reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) to study the mature gene transcript. Exon 19 was deleted from the dystrophin mRNA but present at the genomic level. The loss of exon 19 in the mature mRNA was found to be, associated with an A to C mutation in the 5′ splice site of intron 19. Deletion of exon 19 should alter the reading frame of the mRNA and be associated with a severe from of muscular dystrophy; however, low levels of normal-size dystrophin message and dystrophin were present in this patient. The distance between the splice-site mutation and the secondary deletion in the dystrophin gene is such that it would seem unlikely that the initial base change could act as permutation for the deletion. Specific primers to detect the splice-site mutation have been designed and used to genotype all relatives.

Union Participation in Occupational Health and Safety in Western Australia

Abstract: Recent Australian legislation has established a consultaive-participatory ap proach at the workplace and a tripartite policy-making process at state and national levels for occupational health and safety. This paper presents the findings of a survey of union officials on unions' participation in occupational health and safety matters. Data are presented on: occupational health and safety resources and activities; occupational health and safety information dissemination; common occupational health and safety issues; health and safety representatives (election, training, effectiveness, turnover and discrimination); relations with management on occupational health and safety; relations with the government advisory and en forcement agency; industrial disputation on occupational health and safety issues; and views on the functioning of the new legislation. Several unions have full-time occupational health and safety officers and are examined more closely. Some specific problems are identified but, in general, ...

Measuring Hierarchical Levels of Programming Knowledge

Abstract: This article describes the development and implementation of the Algorithmic Process Test (APT), an instrument that measures the achievement of semantic programming knowledge among novice programmers. The APT measures three distinct components of semantic programming knowledge, the attributes of which are discussed in detail in the article. An implementation among 101 sixteen-year-old novice programmers provided strong evidence of developmental levels among the three knowledge components of the APT. Among this sample of students, it was also found that there was strong achievement in the lower levels of semantic programming knowledge, but few students demonstrated achievement at the highest level despite its critical importance for programming success.

The application of multimedia CD‐ROMs in schools

Abstract: Multimedia represents a radical change in how information can be presented or communicated and, more importantly, in how learners can access and retrieve information. Multimedia CD-ROM technology enables learners actively to engage more of their senses in the learning process as well as to develop their information searching skills and strategies.

Dual Careers, Dual Loyalties: Management Implications of the Work/Home Interface

Abstract: Despite major changes in the labour-force characteristics over the past three decades, resulting in significantly more women not only working but pursuing careers, employers have frequently failed to address the organizational implications of these trends. As dual-career couples become more prevalent, employees' conflicting demands of home and work are exacerbated when both partners strive for upward career progression, and the resulting pressures may adversely affect their work performance, since home and work cannot be compartmentalized. Employers should now face the reality of structural changes in the workforce, and acknowledge the conflicting loyalties facing dual-career couples juggling multiple demands. More flexible employer responses to the work/ home interface have been shown to achieve more effective utilization of human resources, generating both individual and organizational benefits.

Monitoring Standards in Media Studies: Problems and Strategies:

Abstract: Over the past decade, attention has been given to media studies syllabus development and there is now considerable international consensus about the objectives of media studies. The objectives focu...

Evaluation of the efficacy of an instructional programme in the self-management of patients with asthma

Abstract: The restrictions imposed on patients with asthma is problematic to them, in that their physical disability interferes with personal, interpersonal and/or professional goals. Twenty-three patients under the care of general practitioners were surveyed by interview in their homes, doctors' surgery or at work to determine their current control of selected variables related to their asthma: exercise, use of drugs and related factors. An instructional programme was offered to interested participants to assist in complying with their prescribed medication regimens and to tailor exercise to their tolerance levels. Findings showed that 18 patients experienced moderate to severe restrictions when troubled with asthma. Although over one-half of the patients exercised regularly for fitness, including seven with aerobic exercise, some chose sports they thought could provoke an asthmatic attack. Half took precautionary measures when exercising. All patients used bronchodilators to relieve their asthma, yet one-third did not keep their inhalers accessible. None of the most troubled 18 lived in a smoke-free environment, and one-third kept furry animals as pets. Recommendations are made for further study of the effects of instructional programme to improve compliance to a healthy lifestyle.

A comparison of students' information technology skills in 1985 and 1991

Abstract: This article reports on a replication of an earlier (1985) study that assessed the development of information technology (IT) skills in upper primary and lower secondary school students in a city school district in Western Australia. The 1985 study compared the effectiveness of the informal computing curriculum in two primary schools to the formalised courses in the junior classes of a secondary school. A replication of this study in 1991 found that despite a significant increase in computer usage among primary school students, the secondary school computing agenda had changed very little. A comparison of results from both studies revealed that instructional uses of computers in schools is an effective means of developing students' IT skills, a finding that questions the place of formal computer literacy courses in schools. There is a need however, to be aware of the needs of all students. In both studies, discrete groups within the student population were found to have significantly different IT skills. Summary and conclusions The replication of a 1985 study of students' IT skills in 1991 revealed interesting results. The 1991 data showed little change to the computing programme in the secondary school since 1985 despite large changes to students' prior exposure to computers. There were significant differences found between the students in all the cognitive and affective measures employed. The increased exposure to, and use of computers between, the two samples of students resulted in increased computer knowledge and changes in attitudes towards using computers. The gender differences that were observed among primary students in the 1985 study were still evident in 1991. However fewer gender differences were evident in the secondary population in 1991 when compared to that in 1985. The data gathered from both studies indirectly supports the view that the need for formal courses of computer literacy has diminished as computer usage has become more commonplace. Both studies provided evidence that questioned the capacity of formal courses of instruction as a means of developing IT skills among all students. For many students, formal courses of instruction were not successful in developing appropriate levels of computer knowledge. Primary students in the 1991 study had developed similar levels of computer knowledge merely through informal exposure to computers as had the secondary students in 1985 through formal courses of computer instruction. There was a learning advantage to students exposed to the formal course of instruction in the secondary school but informal use of computers in this setting would also have provided an advantage. Of concern was the finding that there were still many students who lacked a basic knowledge of computers and technology. It appeared that neither a formal course nor informal use of computers was sufficient to develop IT skills among sections of the student population. There was no evidence of any measures being taken to overcome this problem. Unless specific moves are taken, such results will likely be found in a similar study in 1998.

Dependency/space/policy: An introduction to a dialogue with Harold Innis

Abstract: (1993). Dependency/space/policy: An introduction to a dialogue with Harold Innis. Continuum: Vol. 7, Dependency/Space/Policy, pp. 5-15.

Perceptions of the judiciary and intellectual disability

Abstract: People with intellectual disability are a group who experience negative stereotyping and who often have major skill and reasoning deficits resulting from their disability. These characteristics make them vulnerable when coming into contact with the law, and there is evidence that they are over-represented in the criminal justice system. There are several explanations for this over-representation, with the perceptions and beliefs of criminal justice system personnel likely to be influential. A sample of Supreme Court Judges, District Court Judges and Magistrates was interviewed to examine their perceptions and beliefs in relation to explanations of over-representation, with the interviews followed up by a questionnaire. It was found that the members of the judiciary saw people with intellectual disability as having several characteristics which would disadvantage them when in contact with the law and they were supportive of measures to ameliorate the disadvantage.

The impact of word processing on the preparation and submission of written essays in a tertiary course of study

Abstract: This study investigated whether the use of word processing in the creation and submission of written essays by tertiary students, resulted in the achievement of higher grades compared with conventional methods. The study was conducted among 240 student teachers in the first year of a degree course and studying a pre-service unit in teacher education. Students' marks in an essay were gathered along with details of the submission method used; word processed, typed or hand-written. Initial statistical tests showed that students who used word processing as a method for essay submission scored significantly higher essay marks that students whose essays were typed or hand-written. Further tests, however, revealed than it was the level of revision carried out rather than the submission method that accounted for the differences in achieved scores. Increasingly writers are using word processors as writing tools. The advantages of word processing over conventional means of writing appear readily apparent, even to novices. The word processor facilitates both the process and product of writing through powerful editing functions and high quality display and print capabilities. In tertiary institutions where a significant part of student assessment is based on submitting essays, increasing numbers of students are using word processors as writing tools. There appears to be a general impression amongst students that those who use word processors to prepare and produce written essays, gain an advantage over others who use conventional writing means. The advantage appears to manifest itself in several ways. For example, it is felt that enhanced output provided by word processors can unconsciously influence a marker. Well presented text may give the impression of being a better quality piece of work than the equivalent in hand written form. It is also considered that the use of the editing functions of a word processor facilitates the production of text of advanced semantic, syntactic and aesthetic qualities. If it can be shown that there is substance to these impressions of word processing among tertiary student users, then serious equity implications must arise for tertiary institutions. It is an untenable situation that achievement can be influenced by the use of writing tools which are not equally accessible to all students. On the other hand, if it can be shown that an advantage does not exist, then the current concerns among students can be dispelled.

The Eschatology of Manichaeism as a Coherent Doctrine

Abstract: Apres avoir rappele le syncretisme forme par le manicheisme, l'A. presente une etude de ses enseignements eschatologiques, se fondant entre autres sur quelques passages de Kephalaia de Mani

Conceptions of water-related phenomena

Abstract: Water is an important resource. Surprisingly, research into students' conceptions of water has been confined largely to studies of change of state. This paper reports the results of interviews about underground water, water pollution, the water cycle, and change of state). There were 45 students interviewed about these phenomena: all were in Year 9 or Year 10 in Western Australia from three schools, two country, on emetropolitan. In addition, 715 students in Years 9 and 10 in five government schools, three metropolitan and two country, completed a teacher-made, water topic test. Students appear to have a good understanding of some water-related phenomena, such as the water cycle, but have conceptions about other phenomena, such as the water table, which are not in accord with scientific views. As others have reported, interviews reveal that students often use scientific language without understanding.

Teaching Mathematics Through ‘Thinking Actively in a Social Context’

Abstract: Thinking actively in a Social Context (TASC) is a multi-phase model of problem-solving incorporating Cognitive Resources and Cognitive Strategies. It provides a flexible framework for designing problem-solving courses according to the needs and experiences of the participants. The general aim for the pupil is to maximise the ability to make sense of, and to learn from, experience. The general aim for teachers is to improve the effectiveness of teachers as facilitators of children's ‘learning how to learn’. There is considerable emphasis on the transfer of skills and strategies to new contexts; cooperative learning in small groups; and the development of meta-cognitive knowledge (Wallace and Adams, 1987; Adams and Wallace, 1990; Hildebrand, Lehman, Maltby, Matters and Shadbolt, 1991 ).Using the framework of TASC*NOTE: for a detailed exposition on the TASC model for curriculum development see GEI Vol. 5, 1–3. a three day course in Mathematics was developed for high ability children in Grades 5, 6 and 7. The...

Youth theory: Marx or foucalt—A response to Tait

Abstract: Responding to Tait (1992), this article applauds Tait's emphasis on the importance of theory in our understanding of youth and youth behavior. In this context, however, it argues that both the more traditional and the new perspectives are needed if we are to achieve the needed deeper and more comprehensive level of understanding.

The Effects of Instruction in Courseware Preview Methodology on the Predictive Validity of Teacher Preview Ratings

Abstract: The purpose of the study was to investigate the effects of instruction in courseware preview methodology on the predictive validity of the courseware preview ratings of primary (elementary) school teachers. The term predictive validity in this context refers to the confidence with which a teacher's preview rating before classroom trialling can be used to predict his or her postview rating after classroom trialling. It was found that a high level of instruction in courseware preview methodology is likely to increase the predictive validity of the courseware preview ratings of primary school teachers. The results of the study demonstrated that such instruction has the potential to substantially reduce the need for classroom trialling of courseware by teachers as a prelude to purchase decisions. Highly trained teachers have reason to be confident about using their preview-based estimates of courseware merit as a basis for selecting courseware for themselves, their school, or larger populations with which they are familiar, in the sense that their choice is likely to agree with the decision they would make if they were to conduct classroom trialling prior to selection. The implication for educational practice is that instructional courses for teachers in courseware preview methodology are worthwhile, provided they are substantial and of high quality.

Introduction to Innis' “history of communication”

Abstract: (1993) Introduction to Innis' “history of communication” Continuum: Vol 7, Dependency/Space/Policy, pp 121-131

Effect of context and gender on application of Science Investigation Skills

Abstract: Two parallel versions of a Test of Science Investigation Skills were developed to assess students' application of science investigation skills in biology and physics contexts. Repeated pilot testing and critical appraisal were used to ensure the validity of the tests and their equivalence. Both versions of the test were administered to 112 Year 10 science students. The results indicated a satisfactory level of test reliability, the test set in a physics context proved to be significantly more difficult than the test set in a biology context, and mean scores for male and female students were not significantly different.