Edith Cowan University

About: Edith Cowan University is a education organization based out in Perth, Western Australia, Australia. It is known for research contribution in the topics: Population & Tourism. The organization has 4040 authors who have published 13529 publications receiving 339582 citations. The organization is also known as: Edith Cowan & ECU.

Eight grand challenges in socio-environmental systems modeling

Abstract: Modeling is essential to characterize and explore complex societal and environmental issues in systematic and collaborative ways. Socio-environmental systems (SES) modeling integrates knowledge and perspectives into conceptual and computational tools that explicitly recognize how human decisions affect the environment. Depending on the modeling purpose, many SES modelers also realize that involvement of stakeholders and experts is fundamental to support social learning and decision-making processes for achieving improved environmental and social outcomes. The contribution of this paper lies in identifying and formulating grand challenges that need to be overcome to accelerate the development and adaptation of SES modeling. Eight challenges are delineated: bridging epistemologies across disciplines; multi-dimensional uncertainty assessment and management; scales and scaling issues; combining qualitative and quantitative methods and data; furthering the adoption and impacts of SES modeling on policy; capturing structural changes; representing human dimensions in SES; and leveraging new data types and sources. These challenges limit our ability to effectively use SES modeling to provide the knowledge and information essential for supporting decision making. Whereas some of these challenges are not unique to SES modeling and may be pervasive in other scientific fields, they still act as barriers as well as research opportunities for the SES modeling community. For each challenge, we outline basic steps that can be taken to surmount the underpinning barriers. Thus, the paper identifies priority research areas in SES modeling, chiefly related to progressing modeling products, processes and practices.

Inter-annual rainfall variability of arid Australia: greater than elsewhere?

Abstract: The often espoused view that Australia's arid zone experiences more variable rainfall over time than areas of similar climates elsewhere was tested using annual rainfall data from 407 localities spread throughout 14 arid areas, including 68 Australian sites. This represents an updated and more comprehensive analysis than previously completed. Four measures of inter-annual rainfall variability were calculated. Two of these are commonly used in the literature: the variability index (spread of the 90th and 10th percentiles divided by the median rainfall) and the coefficient of variability (standard deviation as a percentage of the mean). In addition, two simpler measures not divided by the average annual rainfall were used: the difference between the 90th and 10th percentiles, and the standard deviation of the mean. Linear relationships between rainfall variability and average annual rainfall enabled analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) to be employed, with appropriate post hoc testing of adjusted means,...

Couples' experiences of infertility: a phenomenological study

Abstract: If nurses are to work effectively with families in contemporary society, their practice activities must be appropriately informed. Families exposed to new technologies, such as in vitro fertilization (IVF) require care that is sensitive to their particular experience. Infertile couples have been the subject of a substantial body of research, however, most studies to date focus on the physiological effects of infertility and do not take into account the context in which the experience takes place, or the meanings that people assign to this experience. The purpose of this study was to examine in-depth the experience of couples undergoing IVF treatment for infertility. A phenomenological approach was adopted for the study. A purposive sample of six couples was selected for interview. Data were generated from taped interviews and the researcher's observational field notes. Data analysis was in accordance with the procedure outlined by Colaizzi (1978). Interview responses were categorized by examining the participants' transcripts and identifying significant statements and meanings. Themes which emerged from the statements were then identified, and cross-case comparisons were made to confirm or modify these themes. Four key themes emerged from the data: life changes; powerlessness; hope-disappointment cycle; and social isolation. All couples undergoing infertility treatment experienced life changes which included: lifestyle changes, various physical and emotional changes, and changes in their relationships. There was a perceived loss of control over many aspects of their lives. Couples also described a cycle, alternating feelings of hope and disappointment. Most of the couples reported feelings of social isolation associated with being infertile, that were intensified by having to deal with the inappropriate responses of others. Findings from this study will add to the knowledge base on infertility, and contribute to recommendations for improving the way nurses guide, counsel, and support infertile couples.

Effect of species richness and relative abundance on the shape of the species accumulation curve

Abstract: We explain how species accumulation curves are influenced by species richness (total number of species), relative abundance and diversity using computer-generated simulations. Species richness defines the boundary of the horizontal asymptote value for a species accumulation curve, and the shape of the curve is influenced by both relative abundance and diversity. Simulations with a high proportion of rare species and a few abundant species have a species accumulation curve with a low 'shoulder' (inflection point on the ordinate axis) and a long upward slope to the asymptote. Simulations with a high proportion of relatively abundant species have a steeply rising initial slope to the species accumulation curve and plateau early. Diversity (as measured by Simpson's and Shannon-Weaver indices) for simulations is positively correlated with the initial slope of the species accumu- lation curve. Species accumulation curves cross when one simulation has a high proportion of both rare and abundant species compared with another that has a more even distribution of abundance among species.