Showing papers by "Queensland University of Technology published in 1999"
TL;DR: The malnutrition screening tool (MST), which consisted of two questions regarding appetite and recent unintentional weight loss, is a simple, quick, valid, and reliable tool which can be used to identify patients at risk of malnutrition.
736 citations
TL;DR: The major assumptions associated with phenomenographic research are presented and an example of the way in which research outcomes are presented is included to emphasize its distinctiveness.
Abstract: Phenomenography is a little-known qualitative research approach that has potential for health care research, particularly when people’s understanding of their experience is the goal. Phenomenography is explained as a qualitative, nondualistic research approach that identifies and retains the discourse of research participants. This article seeks to present the major assumptions associated with phenomenographic research. An example of the way in which research outcomes are presented is included to emphasize its distinctiveness. It is noted that phenomenography has potential in the area of qualitative health research and will benefit from ongoing development and application.
398 citations
TL;DR: In this article, the authors proposed two new methods for conditional distribution estimation based on locally fitting a logistic model and an adjusted form of the Nadaraya-Watson estimator.
Abstract: Motivated by the problem of setting prediction intervals in time series analysis, we suggest two new methods for conditional distribution estimation. The first method is based on locally fitting a logistic model and is in the spirit of recent work on locally parametric techniques in density estimation. It produces distribution estimators that may be of arbitrarily high order but nevertheless always lie between 0 and 1. The second method involves an adjusted form of the Nadaraya–Watson estimator. It preserves the bias and variance properties of a class of second-order estimators introduced by Yu and Jones but has the added advantage of always being a distribution itself. Our methods also have application outside the time series setting; for example, to quantile estimation for independent data. This problem motivated the work of Yu and Jones.
354 citations
TL;DR: In this article, the FT-IR and FT-Raman spectroscopy were used to characterize synthetic Mg-, Ni- and Co-hydrotalcite, and they showed that the composition changes brought about by changing the divalent metal result in small but significant changes in band positions of the modes related to the hydroxyl groups.
333 citations
TL;DR: A number of single-phase smectite synthesis methods have been proposed in the literature as mentioned in this paper, including those performed under moderate hydrothermal conditions and in the presence of fluoride.
Abstract: Smectites are one of the most important groups of phyllositicates found in soils and sediments, and certainly one of the most difficult to study. New information about the formation mechanisms, impact of structural features on surface properties, and long-term stability of smectites can best be gained from the systematic study of single-phase specimens. In most instances, these specimens can only be obtained through synthesis under controlled conditions. Syntheses of smectites have been attempted (1) at ambient pressure and low-temperature ( 1000~ or pressures >10 kbars), and (4) in the presence of fluoride. Of these approaches, syntheses performed under moderate hydrother- mal conditions are the most numerous and the most successful in terms of smectite yield and phase- purity. Using hydrothermal techniques, high phase-purity can be obtained for beidellites and several transition-metal smectites. However, synthesis of montmorillonite in high purity remains difficult. Starting materials for hydrothermal syntheses include gels, glasses, and other aluminosilicate minerals. The pres- ence of Mg 2+ seems to be essential for the formation of smectites, even for phases such as montmorillonite which contain low amounts of Mg. Highly crystalline smectites can be obtained when extreme temper- atures or pressures are used, but other crystalline impurities are always present. Although the correlation between synthesis stability fields and thermodynamic stability fields is good in many instances, metastable phases are often formed. Few studies, however, include the additional experiments (approach from under- and over-saturation, reversal experiments) needed to ascertain the conditions for formation of thermody- namically stable phases. Thorough characterization of synthetic products by modern instrumental and molecular-scale techniques is also needed to better understand the processes leading to smectite formation.
309 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, an electrochemically roughened silver surface, in conjunction with a Raman microprobe spectrometer, was used to obtain SER spectra of a suite of 19 l -amino acids.
294 citations
294 citations
TL;DR: The authors investigated the use of reflective journals to facilitate student learning during a teacher education practicum and found that students found it easier to write an experiential than a cognitive journal, there were no overall differences in the quality of reflection achieved under the two conditions.
Abstract: This paper investigates the use of reflective journals to facilitate student learning during a teacher education practicum. Thirty‐five student teachers undertaking a 1‐year Graduate Diploma of Education submitted weekly journal entries during their 11‐week practicum and were interviewed at several stages about their educational beliefs and practices. Students were randomly assigned to four intervention conditions which varied the content of journalling (experiential or cognitive) and the context (provision of reflective dialogue based on journal entries or self‐analysis). The evidence reported here includes the focus and level of students’ reflections, the effects of the intervention conditions, and students’ perceptions of the value of journalling. Although there was some evidence that students found it easier to write an experiential than a cognitive journal, there were no overall differences in the quality of reflection achieved under the two conditions. Students receiving supervised dialogue...
288 citations
TL;DR: In this article, the authors examine the relationship between employee perceptions of involvement and organizational climate, and find that organizational climate is one of the key factors that may influence employees' perception of involvement.
Abstract: One of the key factors that may influence employees’ perceptions of involvement is organizational climate. This article examines the relationship between employee perceptions of involvement and org...
274 citations
TL;DR: The idea of information literacy, broadly defined as the ability to recognise information needs and identify, evaluate and use information effectively, has been of growing concern in the education sectors for a number of years; whilst in the workplace, employers and managers have perhaps attended more to the need for computer and information technology skill as discussed by the authors.
260 citations
TL;DR: Major depressive disorder as defined by DSM-III-R was more heritable in women as compared with men, and the relative contributions of genetic and environmental factors in the development of depression were similar for varying definitions of depression.
Abstract: Background: Depression affects more women than men and often aggregates in families. Using a communitybased sample of twins, we examined the contributions of genetic and environmental factors to the risk of developing major depressive disorder and the effect of sex and different definitions of depression on the relative contributions of genetic and environmental effects. Sex differences in genetic effects were also studied. Methods: A volunteer sample of Australian twins (2662 pairs) was interviewed using an abbreviated version of the Semi-Structured Assessment for the Genetics of Alcoholism, a semi-structured lay interview designed to assess psychiatric disorders. Depression was defined using 3 different criteria sets: DSM-III-R major depressive disorder, DSM-IV major depressive disorder, and severe DSM-IV major depressive disorder. Genetic and environmental contributions to the liability to develop depression were estimated using genetic model fitting. Results: Lifetime prevalences were 31% in women and 24% in men for DSM-III-R major depressive disorder, 22% in women and 16% in men for DSM-IV major depressive disorder, and 9% in women and 3% in men for severe DSM-IV major depressive disorder. In women, the simplest model to fit the data implicated genetic factors and environmental factors unique to the individual in the development of depression, with heritability estimates ranging from 36% to 44%. In men, depression was only modestly familial, and thus individual environmental factors played a larger role in the development of depression. For DSM-III-R major depressive disorder, there were statistically different estimates for heritability for men vs women. For both sexes, the relative contributions of genetic and environmental factors were stable using different definitions of depression. Conclusions: There was moderate familial aggregation of depression in women and this primarily was attributable to genetic factors. In men, there was only modest familial aggregation of depression. For both men and women, individual environmental experiences played a large role in the development of depression. Major depressive disorder as defined by DSM-III-R was more heritable in women as compared with men. The relative contributions of genetic and environmental factors in the development of depression were similar for varying definitions of depression, from a broad definition to a narrow definition. Arch Gen Psychiatry. 1999;56:557-563
TL;DR: The hypothesis that 'biomodels in addition to standard imaging had greater utility in the surgery performed than the standard imaging alone' was tested and biomodels were found to improve measurement accuracy significantly.
Abstract: Stereolithographic (SL) biomodelling is a new technology that allows three-dimensional (3-D) computed tomography (CT) data to be used to manufacture solid plastic replicas of anatomical structures (biomodels). A prospective trial with the objective of assessing the utility of biomodelling in complex surgery has been performed. Forty-five patients with craniofacial, maxillofacial, skull base cervical spinal pathology were selected. 3-D CT or MR scanning was performed and the data of interest were edited and converted into a form acceptable to the rapid prototyping technology SL. The data were used to guide a laser to selectively polymerize photosensitive resin to manufacture biomodels. The biomodels were used by surgeons for patient education, diagnosis and operative planning. An assessment protocol was used to test the hypothesis that 'biomodels in addition to standard imaging had greater utility in the surgery performed than the standard imaging alone'. Biomodels significantly improved operative planning (images 44.09%, images with biomodel 82.21%, P < .01) and diagnosis (images 65.63%, images with biomodel 95.23%, P < .01). Biomodels were found to improve measurement accuracy significantly (image measurement error 44.14%, biomodel measurement error 7.91%, P < .05). Surgeons estimated that the use of biomodels reduced operating time by a mean of 17.63% and were cost effective at a mean price of $1031 AUS. Patients found the biomodels to be helpful for informed consent (images 63.53%, biomodels 88.54%, P < .001). Biomodelling is an intuitive, user-friendly technology that facilitated diagnosis and operative planning. Biomodels allowed surgeons to rehearse procedures readily and improved communication between colleagues and patients.
TL;DR: Babies fed formula with and without LCPUFA did not differ in cognitive or motor development, growth, infection, atopy or tolerance, and there was no evidence of a beneficial or adverse effect on cognitive and motor development or growth up to 18 months.
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors present the latest version of TransPore, a unique 3D drying model that is able to deal with the heat and mass transfer in porous media.
TL;DR: In this article, the authors developed and validated a new partner abuse screening questionnaire (Composite Abuse Scale; CAS), which measured the three areas of partner abuse were extracted from four published scales: Conflict Tactics Scale, Measure of Wife Abuse, Inventory of Spouse Abuse, and Psychological Maltreatment of Women Inventory.
Abstract: The lack of definitional consistency about domestic violence and the absence of a well-validated comprehensive abuse screening questionnaire have been major methodological flaws in domestic violence research. While there are several screening questionnaires in use, they either are narrowly defined and do not have discrete measures of physical, emotional, and sexual abuse or have not been validated on both abused and nonabused samples. This study presents the development and preliminary validation of a new partner abuse screening questionnaire (Composite Abuse Scale; CAS). Items measuring the three areas of partner abuse were extracted from four published scales: the Conflict Tactics Scale, Measure of Wife Abuse, Inventory of Spouse Abuse, and Psychological Maltreatment of Women Inventory. A survey using these items was sent to all nurses working at a large Australian public, inner-city teaching hospital. Factor analyses of the responses of 427 participants revealed four dimensions: Severe Combined Abuse, Emotional Abuse, Physical Abuse, and Harassment. Preliminary evidence is presented on validity and a high scale reliability is reported for each subscale.
TL;DR: In this paper, the surface enhanced Raman (SER) spectra of a range of small peptides and proteins were obtained from an electrochemically roughened silver surface using a Raman microprobe spectrometer, and from analysis of these spectra the orientations of these molecules on the silver were elucidated.
TL;DR: The author draws on twenty-three case studies from the United States and Australia, a survey of 285 Australian stakeholders and the literature to produce a framework for IEM, which identifies 20 elements that-if attained-will increase the likelihood of successful operationalization of IEM.
Abstract: / Integrated environmental management (IEM) is a holistic and goal-oriented approach to environmental management that addresses interconnections through a strategic approach. Although no models of IEM have emerged, practitioners throughout the world are forging ahead with the concept. The literature indicates that stakeholder collaboration and public involvement are central to operationalizingthis model, because this interaction produces a more integrated approach and generates support for implementation. However, it is not clear what steps and conditions are necessary for successful translation of IEM into operation. The author draws on twenty-three case studies from the United States and Australia, a survey of 285 Australian stakeholders and the literature to produce a framework for IEM. The framework identifies 20 elements that-if attained-will increase the likelihood of successful operationalization of IEM. These elements address structuring of an integrated approach, operation of stakeholder processes, and outputs and outcomes. The elements do not constitute a formula for success, but a generic set of attributes that constitute a foundation for effective practice.KEY WORDS: Integrated environmental management; Stakeholder collaboration; Ecosystem managementhttp://link.springer-ny.com/link/service/journals/00267/bibs/24n2p151.html
TL;DR: In this article, a gradient-descent-based search algorithm is incorporated with the TDFC to estimate the time-delay constant for tracking unstable periodic orbits, and the established theoretical results and estimation method are further clarified via a case study of the typical chaotic Rossler system with computer simulations.
Abstract: A time-delayed feedback control (TDFC) system is, by nature, a rather special version of the familiar autoregressive moving-average (ARMA) control or the canonical state-space control systems. Despite some of its inherent limitations, TDFC can be quite successful in many chaos control applications. To understand to what extent the TDFC method is useful, some analytic (sufficient) conditions for chaos control from the TDFC approach are derived in this paper for both stabilization and tracking problems. A gradient-descent-based search algorithm is incorporated with the TDFC to estimate the time-delay constant for tracking unstable periodic orbits. The established theoretical results and estimation method are further clarified via a case study of the typical chaotic Rossler system with computer simulations.
TL;DR: In this paper, a more definitive model of the corporate identity management process is presented, which places greater emphasis on organizational culture, corporate strategy, corporate communication, and integrated communication and the implications for managers and consultants.
Abstract: Various writers have developed conceptual models of corporate image formation and corporate identity management. These models reflect the way in which corporate identity and corporate image have been conceptualised over the past three decades. This paper explores the significance of the various models as a rich foundation for the conceptual thinking on corporate identity, and draws from these models a more definitive model of the corporate identity management process. The model developed reflects current thinking, which places greater emphasis on organizational culture, corporate strategy, corporate communication and integrated communication. The implications for managers and consultants are discussed. A significant implication for both is that the increase in complexity of the model indicates that more variables need to be systematically taken into account when planning a corporate identity program.
TL;DR: An overview of some of the more important methods for the estimation of crtical gaps at unsignalized intersections is given and the maximum likelihood procedure and the method developed by Hewitt can be recommended for practical application.
Abstract: Many different methods for the estimation of critical gaps at unsignalized intersections have been published in the international literature. This paper gives an overview of some of the more important methods. These methods are described by their characteristic properties. For comparison purposes a set of quality criteria has been formulated by which the usefulness of the different methods can be assessed. Among these one aspect seems to be of primary importance. This is the objective, that the results of the estimation process should not depend on the traffic volume on the major street during the time of observation. Only if this condition is fulfilled, the estimation can be applied under all undersaturated traffic conditions at unsignalized intersections. To test the qualification of some of the estimation methods under this aspect a series of comprehensive simulations has been performed. As a result the maximum likelihood procedure, as it has been described by Troutbeck, and the method developed by Hewitt can be recommended for practical application.
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors measured individuals' attitudes to inequality aversion using survey data, based on the leaky-bucket experiment, for several groups of students in Australia and Israel.
Abstract: Individuals' attitudes to inequality aversion are measured using survey data, based on the leaky-bucket experiment, for several groups of students in Australia and Israel. Three forms of social welfare function are estimated. It is found that measures of inequality aversion can be obtained with some precision and that these estimates are substantially lower than the values typically used by those measuring inequality and examining optimal tax structures. Furthermore, a welfare function based on the Gini inequality measure is generally found to give a better fit than forms based on constant relative or constant absolute inequality aversion.
JEL Classification: C91; D63
TL;DR: In this article, an investigation of the cutting performance and erosive process in abrasive waterjet (AWJ) machining of polymer matrix composites is presented, which shows that AWJ cutting can produce good quality kerf at high production rates if the cutting parameters are properly selected.
Abstract: An investigation of the cutting performance and erosive process in abrasive waterjet (AWJ) machining of polymer matrix composites is presented. It shows that AWJ cutting can produce good quality kerf at high production rates if the cutting parameters are properly selected. Plausible trends of the cutting performance are discussed, as assessed by the various kerf geometry and quality measures, with respect to process parameters. The traverse speed, water pressure and abrasive flowrate are found to have a profound effect on the total depth of cut and kerf taper angle, while the first two variables also have a large effect on the kerf width. The study shows that the optimum jet forward impact angle in the cutting plane is about 80° which increases the total depth of cut only marginally, and has little effect on the other kerf characteristics. It is found that good quality kerf without delamination can be achieved if through cut is attained. A scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analysis of the cut surfaces reveals that the erosive process for the matrix material (resin) involves shearing and ploughing as well as intergranular cracking. Shearing or cutting is found to be the dominant process for cutting the fibres in the upper cutting region, but the fibres are mostly pulled out in the lower region. Mathematical models for the total depth of cut are finally developed and verified, together with empirical models for the other kerf geometrical features.
TL;DR: A systematic audit of all articles in 12 public health and health promotion journals for the 1994 calendar year suggests a need to more systematically monitor research input and research output (publications), and to develop a more explicit focus on the relevance of the stages of research innovation and development.
Abstract: To examine the extent to which health promotion research is providing an empirical basis for the diffusion and institutionalization of effective interventions, we conducted a systematic audit of all articles in 12 public health and health promotion journals for the 1994 calendar year. We identified empirical/non-empirical and health promotion/non-health promotion articles. For each study, the health behaviours or outcomes studied, the target group, gender and setting were categorized. Each study was also categorized as belonging to one of four stages: basic research and development, innovation development, diffusion research, and research into institutionalization or policy implementation. Of all articles coded (n J 1210), 33.9% were identified as non-research, 39.5% were health promotion research and 26.6% were non-health promotion research. The vast majority of studies fell within the basic research and development stage (89.6%), with less than 1% categorized as diffusion research and only 5% as institutionalization or policy implementation research. The published studies reviewed provide a limited empirical basis for diffusion and institutionalization of health promotion programs. These findings suggest a need to more systematically monitor research input (funding) and research
TL;DR: In this paper, the influence of a major arterial road on concentration levels of airborne fine particles in its vicinity was assessed by using two scanning mobility particle sizers (SMPS).
TL;DR: Genetic Algorithm techniques are used to reduce container handling/transfer times and ships' time at the port by speeding up handling operations and subsequent sensitivity analysis is applied to the alternative plant layouts, storage policies and number of yard machines.
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors reviewed the relationship between the sensor characteristics and the associated data and explained how the sensor design influences the data and why a realistic appreciation of clinical findings requires a preliminary understanding of the chosen sensor.
Abstract: The sole of the foot acts as the interface between the ground and the body and is subjected to changing patterns of stress. These stresses will be accompanied by temporary or permanent strains within the tissues and may therefore be linked with those foot conditions which involve some degree of structural failure. One method of investigating the stresses is to measure the pressure distribution at the sole; an apparently simple task that continues to test scientific ingenuity and technological progress. Recent attempts to quantify shear stresses show that this extra goal may be even more challenging. Previous reviews describe the technology but not the relationship between the sensor characteristics and the associated data. The apparent lack of understanding of this relationship is reflected in some published reports and has meant that clinical findings can be misinterpreted. This report reviews those sensor characteristics that have been recorded in the literature. It also shows how the sensor design influences the data and explains why a realistic appreciation of clinical findings requires a preliminary understanding of the chosen sensor.
TL;DR: In this article, both infrared absorption and emission spectroscopy have been used to assign the vibrational bands of brucite, and the intensity of these bands decreases upon thermal treatment corresponding to the dehydration and dehydroxylation of the brucites.
TL;DR: The malnutrition screening tool is a simple, quick, valid tool that can be used to identify radiation oncology outpatients who are at risk of malnutrition.
Abstract: Nutrition screening identifies individuals who are malnourished or at risk of becoming malnourished and who may benefit from nutrition support. The aim of this study was to validate a new malnutrition screening tool (MST) in cancer patients undergoing radiotherapy. The MST was compared with the subjective global assessment (SGA) of nutritional status. One hundred and six patients attending two cancer care centres in Australia were independently rated as well nourished or malnourished using SGA and at risk or not at risk of malnutrition using the MST. Convergent validity of the MST was established by determining the ability of the MST to predict SGA. According to SGA, 89% of the patients were well nourished and 11% were moderately malnourished. According to the MST, 28% of patients were at risk of malnutrition. The MST had a sensitivity of 100% and a specificity of 81%. The positive predictive value was 0.4 and the negative predictive value was 1.0. The MST is easy to use and is a strong predictor of nutritional status. The malnutrition screening tool is a simple, quick, valid tool that can be used to identify radiation oncology outpatients who are at risk of malnutrition.
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors present a business perspective to the role of operational facilities and explain the need for strategic business planning to incorporate and, indeed, integrate the facilities dimensions of business delivery.
Abstract: “Facilities management” (FM) has been described as a hybrid management discipline that combines people, property and process management expertise to provide vital services in support of the organisation. Attempts by academics and practitioners to define the scope and content of FM inevitably incurred the displeasure of some quarters of this emerging FM industry that has shown signs of rapid growth in North America, Europe, and Australia and New Zealand, and the Far East in the last two decades. This paper represents a personal view based on a study that covered a multi‐sector survey of five industrial and commercial sectors in the UK in 1996. The focus of the research is to provide a business perspective to the role of operational facilities. One of the objectives of the research is to explain the need for strategic business planning to incorporate and, indeed, integrate the facilities dimensions of business delivery. Whilst conceptual in its presentation, there is increasing evidence that the views and models contained within this paper are worthy of serious consideration by practitioners in the field
TL;DR: The concept of equipotentials in line with the proximal aspects of the upper (and lower) limbs along the contralateral limbs was investigated and the utility of this concept in the measurement of segmental bioimpedance was investigated.
Abstract: Recent advances in the application of bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) have indicated that a more accurate approach to the estimation of total body water is to consider the impedance of the various body segments rather than simply that of the whole body. The segmental approach necessitates defining and locating the physical demarcation between both the trunk and leg and the trunk and arm. Despite the use of anatomical markers, these points of demarcation are difficult to locate with precision between subjects. There are also technical problems associated with the regional dispersion of the current distribution from one segment (cylinder) to another of different cross-sectional area. The concept of equipotentials in line with the proximal aspects of the upper (and lower) limbs along the contralateral limbs was investigated and, in particular, the utility of this concept in the measurement of segmental bioimpedance. The variation of measured segmental impedance using electrode sites along these equipotentials was less than 2.0% for all of the commonly used impedance parameters. This variation is approximately equal to that expected from biological variation over the measurement time. It is recommended that the electrode sites, for the measurement of segmental bioelectrical impedance in humans, described herein are adopted in accordance with the proposals of the NIH Technology Assessment Conference Statement.