Showing papers by "Queensland University of Technology published in 2009"

The graduate attributes we’ve overlooked: enhancing graduate employability through career management skills

Abstract: Recent shifts in education and labour market policy have resulted in universities being placed under increasing pressure to produce employable graduates. However, contention exists regarding exactly what constitutes employability and which graduate attributes are required to foster employability in tertiary students. This paper argues that in the context of a rapidly changing information- and knowledge-intensive economy, employability involves far more than possession of the generic skills listed by graduate employers as attractive. Rather, for optimal economic and social outcomes, graduates must be able to proactively navigate the world of work and self-manage the career building process. A model of desirable graduate attributes that acknowledges the importance of self-management and career building skills to lifelong career management and enhanced employability is presented. Some important considerations for the implementation of effective university career management programs are then outlined.

Psychological predictors of young adults’ use of social networking sites

Abstract: Young people are increasingly using social networking sites (SNSs) like MySpace and Facebook to engage with others. The use of SNSs can have both positive and negative effects on the individual; however, few studies identify the types of people who frequent these Internet sites. This study sought to predict young adults' use of SNSs and addictive tendency toward the use of SNSs from their personality characteristics and levels of self-esteem. University students (N = 201), aged 17 to 24 years, reported their use of SNSs and addictive tendencies for SNSs use and completed the NEO Five-Factor Personality Inventory and the Coopersmith Self-Esteem Inventory. Multiple regression analyses revealed that, as a group, the personality and self-esteem factors significantly predicted both level of SNS use and addictive tendency but did not explain a large amount of variance in either outcome measure. The findings indicated that extroverted and unconscientious individuals reported higher levels of both SNS use and addictive tendencies. Future research should attempt to identify which other psychosocial characteristics explain young people's level of use and propensity for addictive tendencies for these popular Internet sites.

An Efficient Photocatalyst Structure: TiO2(B) Nanofibers with a Shell of Anatase Nanocrystals

Abstract: A new efficient photocatalyst structure, a shell of anatase nanocrystals on the fibril core of a single TiO2(B) crystal, was obtained via two consecutive partial phase transition processes In the first stage of the process, titanate nanofibers reacted with dilute acid solution under moderate hydrothermal conditions, yielding the anatase nanocrystals on the fiber In the subsequent heating process, the fibril core of titanate was converted into a TiO2(B) single crystal while the anatase crystals in the shell remained unchanged The anatase nanocrystals do not attach to the TiO2(B) core randomly but coherently with a close crystallographic registry to the core to form a stable phase interface For instance, (001) planes in anatase and (100) planes of TiO2(B) join together to form a stable interface Such a unique structure has several features that enhance the photocatalytic activity of these fibers First, the differences in the band edges of the two phases promote migration of the photogenerated holes fr

Evaluation of polycaprolactone scaffold degradation for 6 months in vitro and in vivo.

Abstract: The use of polycaprolactone (PCL) as a biomaterial, especially in the fields of drug delivery and tissue engineering, has enjoyed significant growth. Understanding how such a device or scaffold eventually degrades in vivo is paramount as the defect site regenerates and remodels. Degradation studies of three-dimensional PCL and PCL-based composite scaffolds were conducted in vitro (in phosphate buffered saline) and in vivo (rabbit model). Results up to 6 months are reported. All samples recorded virtually no molecular weight changes after 6 months, with a maximum mass loss of only about 7% from the PCL-composite scaffolds degraded in vivo, and a minimum of 1% from PCL scaffolds. Overall, crystallinity increased slightly because of the effects of polymer recrystallization. This was also a contributory factor for the observed stiffness increment in some of the samples, while only the PCL-composite scaffold registered a decrease. Histological examination of the in vivo samples revealed good biocompatibility, with no adverse host tissue reactions up to 6 months. Preliminary results of medical-grade PCL scaffolds, which were implanted for 2 years in a critical-sized rabbit calvarial defect site, are also reported here and support our scaffold design goal for gradual and late molecular weight decreases combined with excellent long-term biocompatibility and bone regeneration.

The Theory of Planned Behavior Applied to Young People's Use of Social Networking Web Sites

Abstract: Despite the increasing popularity of social networking Web sites (SNWs), very little is known about the psychosocial variables that predict people's use of these Web sites. The present study used an extended model of the theory of planned behavior (TPB), including the additional variables of self-identity and belongingness, to predict high-level SNW use intentions and behavior in a sample of young people ages 17 to 24 years. Additional analayses examined the impact of self-identity and belongingness on young people's addictive tendencies toward SNWs. University students (N = 233) completed measures of the standard TPB constructs (attitude, subjective norm, and perceived behavioral control), the additional predictor variables (self-identity and belongingness), demographic variables (age, gender, and past behavior), and addictive tendencies. One week later, they reported their engagement in high-level SNW use during the previous week. Regression analyses partially supported the TPB: attitude and su...

International epidemiology of prostate cancer: geographical distribution and secular trends.

Abstract: This review outlines current international patterns in prostate cancer incidence and mortality rates and survival, including recent trends and a discussion of the possible impact of prostate-specific antigen (PSA) testing on the observed data. Internationally, prostate cancer is the second most common cancer diagnosed among men (behind lung cancer), and is the sixth most common cause of cancer death among men. Prostate cancer is particularly prevalent in developed countries such as the United States and the Scandinavian countries, with about a six-fold difference between high-incidence and low-incidence countries. Interpretation of trends in incidence and survival are complicated by the increasing impact of PSA testing, particularly in more developed countries. As Western influences become more pronounced in less developed countries, prostate cancer incidence rates in those countries are tending to increase, even though the prevalence of PSA testing is relatively low. Larger proportions of younger men are being diagnosed with prostate cancer and living longer following diagnosis of prostate cancer, which has many implications for health systems. Decreasing mortality rates are becoming widespread among more developed countries, although it is not clear whether this is due to earlier diagnosis (PSA testing), improved treatment, or some combination of these or other factors.

Identification of seven new prostate cancer susceptibility loci through a genome-wide association study

Abstract: Prostate cancer (PrCa) is the most frequently diagnosed cancer in males in developed countries To identify common PrCa susceptibility alleles, we previously conducted a genome-wide association study in which 541,129 SNPs were genotyped in 1,854 PrCa cases with clinically detected disease and in 1,894 controls We have now extended the study to evaluate promising associations in a second stage in which we genotyped 43,671 SNPs in 3,650 PrCa cases and 3,940 controls and in a third stage involving an additional 16,229 cases and 14,821 controls from 21 studies In addition to replicating previous associations, we identified seven new prostate cancer susceptibility loci on chromosomes 2, 4, 8, 11 and 22 (with P = 16 x 10(-8) to P = 27 x 10(-33))

Health-related quality of life in obese children and adolescents.

Abstract: Objective: This review addresses the effect of overweight and obese weight status on pediatric health-related quality of life (HRQOL). Method: Web of Science, Medline, CINAHL, Cochrane Library, EMBASE, AMED and PubMed were searched for peer-reviewed studies in English reporting HRQOL and weight status in youth (<21 years), published before March 2008. Results: Twenty-eight articles were identified. Regression of HRQOL against body mass index (BMI) using pooled data from 13 studies utilizing the Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory identified an inverse relationship between BMI and pediatric HRQOL (r=−0.7, P=0.008), with impairments in physical and social functioning consistently reported. HRQOL seemed to improve with weight loss, but randomized controlled trials were few and lacked long-term follow-up. Conclusions: Little is known about the factors associated with reduced HRQOL among overweight or obese youth, although gender, age and obesity-related co-morbidities may play a role. Few studies have examined the differences in HRQOL between community and treatment-seeking samples. Pooled regressions suggest pediatric self-reported HRQOL can be predicted from parent proxy reports, although parents of obese youths tend to perceive worse HRQOL than children do about themselves. Thus, future research should include both pediatric and parent proxy perspectives.

Extraction of lignin from lignocellulose at atmospheric pressure using alkylbenzenesulfonate ionic liquid

Abstract: Lignocellulosic materials are a potentially valuable source of both aromatic compoundsvia the lignin component and sugars from the cellulose and hemicellulose components. However, efficient means of separating and depolymerising the components are required. An ionic liquid mixture containing the 1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium cation and a mixture of alkylbenzenesulfonates with xylenesulfonate as the main anion was used to extract lignin from sugarcane plant waste at atmospheric pressure and elevated temperatures (170–190 °C). The lignin was recovered from the ionic liquid by precipitation, allowing the ionic liquid to be recycled. An extraction yield exceeding 93% was attained. The lignin produced had a molecular weight of 2220 g/mol after acetylation. The regenerated ionic liquid showed good retention of structure and properties. The other product of the extraction was a cellulose pulp, which can be used in further processing.

Social influence in the theory of planned behaviour: The role of descriptive, injunctive, and in‐group norms

Abstract: The present research investigated three approaches to the role of norms in the theory of planned behaviour (TPB). Two studies examined the proposed predictors of intentions to engage in household recycling (Studies 1 and 2) and reported recycling behaviour (Study 1). Study 1 tested the impact of descriptive and injunctive norms (personal and social) and the moderating role of self-monitoring on norm-intention relations. Study 2 examined the role of group norms and group identification and the moderating role of collective self on norm-intention relations. Both studies demonstrated support for the TPB and the inclusion of additional normative variables: attitudes; perceived behavioural control; descriptive; and personal injunctive norms (but not social injunctive norm) emerged as significant independent predictors of intentions. There was no evidence that the impact of norms on intentions varied as a function of the dispositional variables of self-monitoring (Study 1) or the collective self (Study 2). There was support, however, for the social identity approach to attitude-behaviour relations in that group norms predicted recycling intentions, particularly for individuals who identified strongly with the group. The results of these two studies highlight the critical role of social influence processes within the TPB and the attitude-behaviour context.

Perceptions of aging across 26 cultures and their culture-level associates.

Abstract: College students (N=3,435) in 26 cultures reported their perceptions of age-related changes in physical, cognitive, and socioemotional areas of functioning and rated societal views of aging within their culture. There was widespread cross-cultural consensus regarding the expected direction of aging trajectories with (a) perceived declines in societal views of aging, physical attractiveness, the ability to perform everyday tasks, and new learning; (b) perceived increases in wisdom, knowledge, and received respect; and (c) perceived stability in family authority and life satisfaction. Cross-cultural variations in aging perceptions were associated with culture-level indicators of population aging, education levels, values, and national character stereotypes. These associations were stronger for societal views on aging and perceptions of socioemotional changes than for perceptions of physical and cognitive changes. A consideration of culture-level variables also suggested that previously reported differences in aging perceptions between Asian and Western countries may be related to differences in population structure.

The mechanism of breath aerosol formation.

Abstract: Background: Aerosol production during normal breathing is often attributed to turbulence in the respiratory tract. That mechanism is not consistent with a high degree of asymmetry between aerosol production during inhalation and exhalation. The objective was to investigate production symmetry during breathing. Methods: The aerosol size distribution in exhaled breath was examined for different breathing patterns including normal breathing, varied breath-holding periods, and contrasting inhalation and exhalation rates. The aerosol droplet size distribution measured in the exhaled breath was examined in real time using an aerodynamic particle sizer. Results and Conclusions: The dependence of the particle concentration decay rate on diameter during breath holding was consistent with gravitational settling in the alveolar spaces. Also, deep exhalation resulted in a four- to sixfold increase in concentration, and rapid inhalation produced a further two- to threefold increase in concentration. In contra...

Crowd Counting Using Multiple Local Features

Abstract: In public venues, crowd size is a key indicator of crowd safety and stability. Crowding levels can be detected using holistic image features, however this requires a large amount of training data to capture the wide variations in crowd distribution. If a crowd counting algorithm is to be deployed across a large number of cameras, such a large and burdensome training requirement is far from ideal. In this paper we propose an approach that uses local features to count the number of people in each foreground blob segment, so that the total crowd estimate is the sum of the group sizes. This results in an approach that is scalable to crowd volumes not seen in the training data, and can be trained on a very small data set. As a local approach is used, the proposed algorithm can easily be used to estimate crowd density throughout different regions of the scene and be used in a multi-camera environment. A unique localised approach to ground truth annotation reduces the required training data is also presented, as a localised approach to crowd counting has different training requirements to a holistic one. Testing on a large pedestrian database compares the proposed technique to existing holistic techniques and demonstrates improved accuracy, and superior performance when test conditions are unseen in the training set, or a minimal training set is used.

Literacy and Identity: Examining the Metaphors in History and Contemporary Research.

Abstract: In this review, the authors interrogate the recent identity turn in literacy studies by asking, How do particular views of identity shape how researchers think about literacy and, conversely, how does the view of literacy taken by a researcher shape meanings made about identity? To address this question, the authors review various ways of conceptualizing identity by using five metaphors for identity documented in the identity literature: Identity as (a) difference, (b) sense of self/subjectivity, (c) mind or consciousness, (d) narrative, and (e) position Few literacy studies acknowledge this range of perspectives on and views for conceptualizing identity, and yet, subtle differences in identity theories have widely different implications for how one thinks about both how literacy matters to identity and how identity matters to literacy They offer this review to encourage more theorizing of both literacy and identity as social practices and, most important, of how the two breathe life into each other تلخيص البحث:في هذه المراجعة يستجوب المؤلفون انعطاف الهوية المؤخر في دراسات تعليم معرفة القراءة والكتابة بطرح السؤال: كيف تشكل وجهات نظر معينة من الهوية الطريقة التي يفكر فيها الباحثون عن معرفة القراءة والكتابة وعلى نقيض من ذلك، كيف تشكل وجهة النظر هذه من معرفة القراءة والكتابة المأخوذة من باحث ما المعاني عن الهوية ومن أجل معالجة هذا السؤال، يراجع المؤلفون طرقا مختلفة لتصور الهوية بواسطة خمسة تعابير مجازية للهوية المسجلة في أدب الهوية وهي: الهوية كـ (ا) الاختلاف و(ب) حاسة النفس/الموضوعية و(ج) الذهن أو الوعي و(د) النثر و(ي) الموقف ويعترف قليل من دراسات معرفة القراءة والكتابة بمدى وجهات التظر عن تصور الهوية ومع ذلك فأن اختلافات دقيقة في نظريات هوية لها أعقاب مختلفة بشأن الطريقة التي يفكر المرء فيها عن أهمية معرفة القراءة والكتابة للهوية والعكس أي أهمية الهوية لمعرفة القراءة والكتابة ويقدمون هذه المراجعة لتشجيع تنظير معرفة القراءة والكتابة والهوية كممارسات اجتماعية وأهم من ذلك الطريقة التي ينفس فيها كلاهما الحياة في الآخر 在本评论中，作者就近今读写文化研究中之身份认同转向现象提出以下两个问题：某些特殊的身份认同观点如何塑造研究人员对读写文化的想法？反过来说，研究人员对读写文化所持的观点又如何塑造身份认同的意义？为回答这两个问题，作者探究有关身份认同的文献，并使用五种隐喻来归纳出文献中五种身份认同概念化的方式：身份认同就是：差异、自我∕主体感觉、意或意识、叙述、定位。很少有关读写文化的研究承认有这一系列的身份认同观点及身份认同概念化的看法。然而，各身份认同理论之间的微妙差异，却对我们考量读写文化与身份认同对彼此之重要性这些问题上带来极不一样的启示。本评论旨在鼓励更多有关视读写文化与身份认同为社会实践的理论研究，尤其至为重要的，是有关这两者如何为彼此赋予生机的理论研究。 Dans cette revue de question, les auteurs examinent le recent changement d'identite dans les etudes de litteratie en se demandant comment des conceptions particulieres de l'identite faconnent la facon dont les chercheurs considerent l'identite et, reciproquement, comment la conception de la litteratie qu'adopte un chercheur faconne la facon dont il concoit l'identite Pour traiter cette question, les auteurs passent en revue differentes facons de conceptualiser l'identite en utilisant cinq metaphores de l'identite que l'on peut trouver dans la litterature sur l'identite: l'identite comme (a) difference, (b) sentiment de soi/subjectivite, (c) esprit ou conscience, (d) narration, et (e) position Quelques etudes de litteratie reconnaissent cet ensemble de perspectives et de facons de concevoir l'identite, et cependant de subtiles differences dans les theories de l'identite ont d'importantes consequences sur la facon dont on considere a la fois de quelle facon la litteratie importe a l'identite et la facon dont l'identite importe a la litteratie Les auteurs presentent cette revue afin d'inciter a plus de theorisations a la fois de la litteratie et de l'identite comme pratiques sociales et, ce qui est le plus important, de quelle facon l'une et l'autre se nourrissent l'une de l'autre Авторов данного обзора интересуют наметившиеся в последнее время изменения в исследованиях грамотности, а именно – поворот к проблемам идентичности Они задаются следующими вопросами: Как определенные представления об идентичности формируют представления исследователей о грамотности? И, наоборот, как представления того или иного исследователя о грамотности определяют его понимание идентичности? Чтобы разобраться с этими вопросами, авторы рассматривают различные пути концептуализации идентичности на основе пяти метафор, существующих в литературе, посвященной идентичности, а именно: идентичность как (а) инакость, (б) осознание самости/ субъективности, (в) сознание или разум, (г) нарратив, (д) позиция Лишь в немногих исследованиях грамотности признается существование этого набора ракурсов для осмысления идентичности, в то время как даже весьма тонкие различия в представлениях об идентичности влияют на представления о взаимоотношениях грамотности и идентичности Цель статьи – привлечь внимание авторов-теоретиков к этой проблематике, чтобы появилось больше исследований, посвященных грамотности и идентичности как социальным практикам и, что самое важное, их взаимообусловленности En esta resena, los autores cuestionan el reciente giro hacia la identidad en los estudios de competencias preguntandose como es que las perspectivas individuales de identidad afectan la forma en que los investigadores piensan sobre el aprendizaje y, a la inversa, como es el sentido de la identidad afectado por la perspectiva que los investigadores adoptan sobre el aprendizaje Para contestar esta pregunta, los autores repasan varias maneras de conceptualizar la identidad usando cinco metaforas que han sido documentadas en la literatura sobre la identidad: La identidad como (a) diferencia, (b) el sentido del ser/la subjetividad, (c) la mente o el estar consciente, (d) la narrativa, y (e) la posicion Pocos estudios literarios reconocen esta gama de perspectivas sobre el concepto de la identidad, y sin embargo, diferencias sutiles en teorias sobre la identidad tienen implicaciones muy diferentes para la forma de pensar sobre tanto la importancia del aprendizaje a la identidad como la importancia de la identidad al aprendizaje Ofrecen esta resena para incentivar mas teorias sobre la ensenanza y la identidad como practicas sociales y, aun mas importante, sobre como ambas se complementan

Tax morale affects tax compliance: Evidence from surveys and an artefactual field experiment

Abstract: Our working hypothesis is that cross-cultural differences in tax compliance behavior have foundations in the institutions of tax administration and citizen assessment of the quality of governance. Tax compliance being a complex behavioral issue, its investigation requires use of a variety of methods and data sources. Results from artefactual field experiments conducted in countries with substantially different political histories and records of governance quality demonstrate that observed differences in tax compliance levels persist over alternative levels of enforcement. The experimental results are shown to be robust by replicating them for the same countries using survey response measures of tax compliance.

Tissue engineering of articular cartilage with biomimetic zones.

Abstract: Articular cartilage damage is a persistent and increasing problem with the aging population, and treatments to achieve biological repair or restoration remain a challenge. Cartilage tissue engineering approaches have been investigated for over 20 years, but have yet to achieve the consistency and effectiveness for widespread clinical use. One of the potential reasons for this is that the engineered tissues do not have or establish the normal zonal organization of cells and extracellular matrix that appears critical for normal tissue function. A number of approaches are being taken currently to engineer tissue that more closely mimics the organization of native articular cartilage. This review focuses on the zonal organization of native articular cartilage, strategies being used to develop such organization, the reorganization that occurs after culture or implantation, and future prospects for the tissue engineering of articular cartilage with biomimetic zones.

Socioeconomic differences in lack of recreational walking among older adults: the role of neighbourhood and individual factors

Abstract: People with a low socioeconomic status (SES) are more likely to be physically inactive than their higher status counterparts, however, the mechanisms underlying this socioeconomic gradient in physical inactivity remain largely unknown. Our aims were (1) to investigate socioeconomic differences in recreational walking among older adults and (2) to examine to what extent neighbourhood perceptions and individual cognitions regarding regular physical activity can explain these differences. Data were obtained by a large-scale postal survey among a stratified sample of older adults (age 55–75 years) (N = 1994), residing in 147 neighbourhoods of Eindhoven and surrounding areas, in the Netherlands. Multilevel logistic regression analyses assessed associations between SES (i.e. education and income), perceptions of the social and physical neighbourhood environment, measures of individual cognitions derived from the Theory of Planned Behaviour (e.g. attitude, perceived behaviour control), and recreational walking for ≥10 minutes/week (no vs. yes). Participants in the lowest educational group (OR 1.67 (95% CI, 1.18–2.35)) and lowest income group (OR 1.40 (95% CI, 0.98–2.01)) were more likely to report no recreational walking than their higher status counterparts. The association between SES and recreational walking attenuated when neighbourhood aesthetics was included in the model, and largely reduced when individual cognitions were added to the model (with largest effects of attitude, and intention regarding regular physical activity). The assiation between poor neighbourhood aesthetics and no recreational walking attenuated to (borderline) insignificance when individual cognitions were taken into account. Both neighbourhood aesthetics and individual cognitions regarding physical activity contributed to the explanation of socioeconomic differences in no recreational walking. Neighbourhood aesthetics may explain the association between SES and recreational walking largely via individual cognitions towards physical activity. Intervention and policy strategies to reduce socioeconomic differences in lack of recreational walking among older adults would be most effective if they intervene on both neighbourhood perceptions as well as individual cognitions.

Causes of delays in Saudi Arabian public sector construction projects

Abstract: Many public construction projects have been undertaken throughout the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia as part of the government's national development plans in the past three decades, with significant public expenditure involved. One of the critical problems concerning these projects is the frequent and lengthy delays that occur. In order to improve the situation, it is first necessary to identify the major causes involved. Several studies have already been reported which do this but all use different sets of variables. Also, none has attempted to identify the extent to which improvements are possible in practice. A new survey is reported that uses all the variables from the previous work and measures for both current degree of effect on delays and the extent to which each can be practically improved. These are contained in seven groupings: client, contractor, consultant, materials, labour, contract and relationship‐related causes. The survey covers a sample of 86 clients, contractors and consultants working in t...

Beyond the user: use and non-use in HCI

Abstract: For many, an interest in Human-Computer Interaction is equivalent to an interest in usability. However, using computers is only one way of relating to them, and only one topic from which we can learn about interactions between people and technology. Here, we focus on not using computers -- ways not to use them, aspects of not using them, what not using them might mean, and what we might learn by examining non-use as seriously as we examine use.

From business process models to process-oriented software systems

Abstract: Several methods for enterprise systems analysis rely on flow-oriented representations of business operations, otherwise known as business process models. The Business Process Modeling Notation (BPMN) is a standard for capturing such models. BPMN models facilitate communication between domain experts and analysts and provide input to software development projects. Meanwhile, there is an emergence of methods for enterprise software development that rely on detailed process definitions that are executed by process engines. These process definitions refine their counterpart BPMN models by introducing data manipulation, application binding, and other implementation details. The de facto standard for defining executable processes is the Business Process Execution Language (BPEL). Accordingly, a standards-based method for developing process-oriented systems is to start with BPMN models and to translate these models into BPEL definitions for subsequent refinement. However, instrumenting this method is challenging because BPMN models and BPEL definitions are structurally very different. Existing techniques for translating BPMN to BPEL only work for limited classes of BPMN models. This article proposes a translation technique that does not impose structural restrictions on the source BPMN model. At the same time, the technique emphasizes the generation of readable (block-structured) BPEL code. An empirical evaluation conducted over a large collection of process models shows that the resulting BPEL definitions are largely block-structured. Beyond its direct relevance in the context of BPMN and BPEL, the technique presented in this article addresses issues that arise when translating from graph-oriented to block-structure flow definition languages.