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 & Context (language use). The organization has 4040 authors who have published 13529 publications receiving 339582 citations. The organization is also known as: Edith Cowan & ECU.

Use of δ15N signatures of different functional forms of macroalgae and filter-feeders to reveal temporal and spatial patterns in sewage dispersal

Abstract: We examined whether δ 15 N levels of marine biota with different nutrient uptake character- istics can be used to trace the dispersal of sewage effluent in highly mixed, nitrogen-limited waters, and whether they can reveal the dispersal of sewage over different timescales. We hypothesised that macro- algal species with fast uptake rates would display a spatial pattern in δ 15 N levels reflecting recent sewage dispersal while those with slower rates would provide a signal integrated over a longer time period. Filter- feeding sponges and ascidians were also sampled to see if they reflected patterns in the dispersal of sewage particulate organic matter (POM). A laboratory experiment was performed to test whether the δ 15 N level of 3 macroalgal species (Ulva australis, Vidalia sp. and Ecklonia radiata) and 2 filter-feeding species (Clathria sp. and Pyura australis) was altered after cultivation in sewage nitrogen. We then sampled each organism along transects radiating away from the outlet of a wastewater treatment plant north of Perth, Western Australia, to determine spatial patterns in δ 15 N. U. australis and Vidalia sp. developed higher iso- topic signatures when exposed to low concentrations of sewage nitrogen (1:500 dilution in seawater) for 7 d in the laboratory. U. australis and Vidalia sp. showed an increase of 1.7 and 1.4‰ in treatments respectively. In the field, macroalgae sampled north and south of the sewage outlet generally had higher δ 15 N levels than those sampled west of the outlet and at the reference site, and algae within 500 m of the outfall tended to have lower values than at 1000 m or more from the outfall. These trends are consistent with our current knowledge of plume dynamics: a predominantly northerly drift of effluent as a buoyant plume that tends not to be fully mixed in the water column for the first 500 m. The results confirmed that the δ 15 N signature of macroalgae could be used to trace sewage disposed in well-mixed waters. The strength of the spatial trends varied between algae, with E. radiata, the species with the lowest nutrient uptake rates and affin- ity, having the least spatial variability. We interpret this as reflecting a wider regional dispersal of sewage in the longer time frame, but a strong northerly drift in the short term, which was reflected in the δ 15 N values of the species with the fastest nitrogen uptake rates. The results were consistent with our hypothesis and are suggestive of a relationship between algal functional form and isotopic signatures that can be applied to determine the dispersal of sewage over different timescales. The δ 15 N values of benthic filter feeders did not provide strong evidence to suggest that they can be used to represent the dispersal of sewage POM, but trends found in the field experiment for Clathria sp. warrant further investigation.

A rework reduction model for construction projects

Abstract: Rework is an endemic problem in building construction projects and is an area of research that has received limited attention. Recent research has shown that rework is the primary cause of time and schedule overruns in projects and that rework levels do not significantly differ between current procurement methods despite calls from government for the use of more integrated procurement approaches such as design-and-construct to improve project performance. To reduce the incidence of rework throughout the construction supply chain, data from 161 completed projects were gathered using a questionnaire survey. Stepwise multiple regression was used to determine the significant variables that contributed to rework in projects. In conjunction with previously reported research, these variables were used to develop an alternative procurement model for reducing rework in projects. It is suggested that the proposed model could be used to stimulate interorganizational relations and promote teambuilding during the formative stages of a project, which is essential for reducing design-related reworking.

Knowledge and attitudes about attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD): a comparison between practicing teachers and undergraduate education students.

Abstract: The knowledge and attitudes of practicing teachers regarding ADHD were compared with those of undergraduate education students. Key elements of studies of American and Canadian teachers by Jerome, Gordon, and Hustler (1994) and Jerome, Washington, Laine, and Segal (1999) were replicated. Information was gathered about participants' demographic background (training in ADHD), attitudes towards ADHD, and knowledge about its diagnosis and treatment. Results confirmed the existence of some knowledge gaps, although both practicing teachers and undergraduate education students possessed sound information about ADHD. Misconceptions about ADHD primarily concerned dietary treatment. Attitudes and knowledge were significantly correlated and most participants regarded ADHD as a valid diagnosis with implications for the school setting, and expressed a desire for comprehensive training. Despite similar results for both samples, teachers achieved higher accuracy on knowledge-based questions. These results are discrepant from those of Jerome et al. (1999) who found teachers and students to be similar in factual knowledge. Implications of these findings for curriculum development in academia and in-service teacher training are highlighted.

Authentic Learning at Work

Abstract: This chapter describes models of work-based learning and outlines key features of the authentic learning pedagogy that informs its application. It contextualises work-based learning in the political and economic imperatives driving curriculum change in universities in the Western world. In so doing, it refers to curriculum development based on generic skills and notes analyses of the role of universities in contemporary society, with particular reference to the relative importance of practical and theoretical training. Innovative case studies provide practical examples of the implementation of authentic learning pedagogies through work-based university programs. The key to successful implementation is assessment, which links theory and practice. The underlying message of the chapter is that what counts are not the teaching and learning tools you have, but the way that you use them. There can be nothing more real than real, and this is the strength of work-based university learning: it offers authentic or situated learning environments that reflect the way knowledge will be used in real life.

Critical Success Factors for Wine Tourism

Abstract: Generic factors influencing the development and marketing of wine tourism, both in destinations and at wineries, are examined. Results of surveys of wine and tourism industry professionals in Australia and in Washington State, USA, are presented, enabling identification of critical success factors. These are grouped as quality (of wine, service and experiences), wine country appeal, winery appeal, and developmental and marketing factors. Agreement on certain critical success factors did emerge, with quality considered to be the most important success factor, but some significant differences existed between respondents from the two countries examined. Recommendations for ongoing research on wine tourism are made.