Showing papers by "University of South Australia published in 1995"

Progress with gene‐product mapping of the Mollicutes: Mycoplasma genitalium

Abstract: A protein map of the smallest known self-replicating organism, Mycoplasma genitalium (Class: Mollicutes), revealed a high proportion of acidic proteins. Amino acid composition was used to putatively identify, or provide unique parameters, for 50 gene products separated by two-dimensional gel electrophoresis. A further 19 proteins were subjected to peptide-mass fingerprinting using matrix-assisted laser desorption ionisation-time of flight (MALDI-TOF) mass spectrometry and 4 were subjected to N-terminal Edman degradation. The majority of M. genitalium proteins remain uncharacterised. However, the combined approach of amino acid analysis and peptide-mass fingerprinting allowed gene products to be linked to homologous genes in a variety of organisms. This has allowed proteins to be identified prior to detection of their respective genes via the M. genitalium sequencing initiative. The principle of ‘hierarchical’ analysis for the mass screening of proteins and the analysis of microbial genomes via their protein complement or ‘proteome’ is detailed. Here, characterisation of gene products depends upon the quickest and most economical technologies being employed initially, so as to determine if a large number of proteins are already present in both homologous and heterologous species databases. Initial screening, which lends itself to automation and robotics, can then be followed by more time and cost intensive procedures, when necessary.

A survey of schema versioning issues for database systems

Abstract: Schema versioning is one of a number of related areas dealing with the same general problem—that of using multiple heterogeneous schemata for various database related tasks. In particular, schema versioning, and its weaker companion, schema evolution, deal with the need to retain current data and software system functionality in the face of changing database structure. Schema versioning and schema evolution offer a solution to the problem by enabling intelligent handling of any temporal mismatch between data and data structure. This survey discusses the modelling, architectural and query language issues relating to the support of evolving schemata in database systems. An indication of the future directions of schema versioning research is also given.

Energy-Efficient Train Control

Abstract: Over the past decade, the Scheduling and Control Group has conducted an extensive program of research into the theory and practice of energy-efficient train control. Two distinct systems have been developed for providing train drivers with advice on energy-efficient driving strategies. In normal operation, the Metromiser system for suburban railways is achieving fuel savings in excess of 13% and dramatic improvements in timekeeping. The Long-Haul Fuel Conservation System provides driving advice and dynamic rescheduling on long-haul rail networks. The paper outlines the theoretical basis for our work, and illustrates results with selected examples.

Global positioning systems in the time domain: How useful a tool for intelligent vehicle-highway systems?

Abstract: Much of the research and development work in intelligent vehicle-highway systems (IVHS) relies on the availability of methods for locating and monitoring vehicles (e.g. “probe vehicles”) in real time across a road network. This paper considers the use of the global positioning system (GPS) as one method for obtaining information on the position, speed and direction of travel of vehicles. It reports the results of a series of field studies, in which real-time GPS data were compared to data collected by an instrumented vehicle, under a range of physical and traffic conditions. The field studies and consequent data analysis provide a picture of the reliability and usefulness of GPS data for traffic monitoring purposes, and hence the possibilities for the use of GPS in IVHS projects. The use of GPS receivers tailored for mobile applications, and able to provide direct observations of vehicle speed and travel direction, coupled with database management using geographic information systems (GIS) software, was found to provide a reliable and efficient system for vehicle monitoring. Field data collection under “ideal” GPS conditions indicated that accurate speed and position data were readily obtained from the GPS. Under less favourable conditions (e.g. in downtown networks), data accuracy decreased but useful information could still be obtained. In addition, the conditions and situations under which GPS data errors could be expected were noted. The finding that it is possible to relate standard GPS signal quality indicators to increased errors in speed and position provides an enhanced degree of confidence in the use of the GPS system for real-time traffic observations.

A potential role for interferon-α in the pathogenesis of hiv-associated dementia

Abstract: Previous studies in patients receiving interferon-α (IFN-α) therapy and patients with systemic lupus erythematosus have demonstrated that elevated cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) levels of IFN-α are associated with cognitive dysfunction. We measured IFN-α levels in CSF and blood by ELISA in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-positive patients with ( n = 21) and without ( n = 23) dementia and HIV-negative controls ( n = 48). IFN-α was significantly elevated in the CSF of HIV-positive patients with dementia compared to those without dementia and controls. An increasing amount of IFN-α in the CSF was correlated with the clinical parameter of increasing Memorial Sloan Kettering scores; although these correlations were not statistically significant, they further suggest an association of increased CSF IFN-α with neurocognitive dysfunction in AIDS. Immunocytochemical staining of brains demonstrated IFN-α-positive macrophages and astrocytes in frontal cortex and white matter and IFN-α mRNA was detected by reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction, further indicating that IFN-α is made by cells within the brain and suggesting that the significant increases of IFN-α protein found in the CSF of patients with HIV-associated dementia complex are derived from intrinsic brain cells such as macrophages and astrocytes. Increased local production of IFN-α during HIV infection may contribute directly or indirectly to the pathogenesis of HIV-associated dementia.

Neural network applications

Abstract: Artificial neural networks, also called neural networks, have been used successfully in many fields including engineering, science and business. This paper presents the implementation of several neural network simulators and their applications in character recognition and other engineering areas. >

Advanced nursing practice: new ideas and new perspectives

Abstract: The authors of this paper contend that advanced nursing practice differs substantially from other forms of nursing practice, such as expert and specialist practice. Additionally, they contend that the difference residues in the way that advanced nurse practitioners think about, see and experience clinical practice. Historically, nursing in Australia has been strongly influenced by events and ideas generated in North America. The authors argue this has led to the development of an emphasis on the nature, role and function of specialist and expert nursing practice to the detriment of ascertaining and fostering the notion and nature of advanced nursing practice. This influence of North American nursing has also significantly directed and influenced the way in which we use and understand the term 'advanced nursing practice', and further, that the way in which we use the term does not give full regard to the context of Australian nursing. The authors outline some of the key issues and ideas emerging in South Australia with respect to advanced nursing practice and in particular offer beginning theorizations into the different ways in which advanced nurse practitioners think, see and experience nursing practice.

An Exploration of the Outcomes of Gastric Bypass Surgery for Morbid Obesity: Patient Characteristics and Indices of Success

Abstract: Background: The search for replicable predictors of the outcomes of surgical intervention for obesity has proven challenging, with patient selection being a recurrent theme in bariatric literature. Methods: In this study, 20 gastric bypass patients were interviewed at an average of 2 years following surgery. Subjects provided extensive data relating to their characteristics and experiences. Results: Statistical analyses were undertaken to establish likely predictors of success, both in terms of percentage of excess weight lost and in broader terms. It was found that self-esteem, some scales of the Adjective Checklist, and valuing of food and eating related to a successful outcome. Conclusion: Recommendations are made regarding an interview schedule for pre-operative assessment, and a prospective study to evaluate its predictive power is proposed.

A comparison of strategies for reducing variations

Abstract: Most building contracts make provisions for the contract administrator to issue orders for variations from the original design. Often, these changes involve additional cost and disruption to work already under way, leading to cost and time overruns. Thus, reducing variations is one of the prerequisites of keeping the cost within budget and completing the project on time. The main objective of this paper is to investigate methods of reducing variations. A series of structured interviews were carried out with the practitioners in the construction industry to identify the prevailing strategies for variation reduction. The identified strategies then formed the basis of a questionnaire which was sent randomly to 100 construction firms in Australia and Malaysia, respectively. The respondents were asked to rank the relative usefulness of the identified strategies for variation reduction. Thirty-two sets of questionnnaires from Australia and 33 sets from Malaysia were returned, respectively, which represented an ...

Play position is influenced by knowledge of SIDS sleep position recommendations.

Abstract: Objective : This study determined whether knowledge of sleeping in the prone position as a risk factor for sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) influences caregivers' positioning of their infants for play and sleep. Methodology : One hundred caregivers attending Adelaide metropolitan Child Adolescent and Family Health Services (CAFHS) were surveyed by self-administered questionnaire. Results : Ninety-three per cent of parents reported that their knowledge of SIDS influenced infant positioning for sleep and 84% reported they never put their infant in the prone position for sleep. Thirty-seven per cent reported that SIDS knowledge did influence play positioning and 26% reported never placing their infant prone for play. There was a significant association (P= 0.002) between the influence of SIDS knowledge on play positioning and avoidance of the prone position for play. Conclusions : Community educators may need to clarify that prone positioning for play is not a risk factor for SIDS and that it is desirable for infants to spend supervised wakeful time in the prone position.

An integrated system for process planning and cost estimation in hole making

Abstract: The process planning function plays a critical role not only in computer integrated manufacture, but also in the economics of batch manufacturing. This paper describes the development of a generic knowledge-based system for process planning and cost estimation in the hole making process. The main function of the system, besides estimating the cost of production, is to recommend appropriate processes, their sequence and their respective machining conditions in order to obtain the required product specifications. The system has been implemented in a manufacturing organisation. The results obtained have indicated that in addition to cost savings the system also preserves the consistency in planning and cost estimation.

The occupational brain: A theory of human nature

Abstract: This paper, which was presented at the18th Federal and inaugral Pacific Rim Conference in Hobart, Tasmania July 1995, proposes a theory of human nature based on the idea that humans are occupational beings and that indeed the human brain can be described as an occupational brain. Based on the idea that the brain is primarily concerned with healthy survival, it argues that there is a three way link between survival, health and occupation, in that occupation provides the mechanism for people to fulfil basic human needs essential for survival, to adapt to environmental changes, and to develop and exercise genetic capacities according to social and cultural values in order to maintain health.

Trait anxiety, work demand, social support and psychological distress in correctional officers.

Abstract: This study examined the role of social support in the relationship between work demand and psychological distress (GHQ 12) in correctional officers (N=419), a high stress occupational group. Work demands were positively associated with strain. There was no evidence that social support buffered the negative impact of work demands. Rather, consistent with most previous research findings, support showed direct benefits and these were discussed in the context of worker participation and control. The hypothesis that officers high in negative affectivity, as measured by trait anxiety would show greater reactivity to work demands was not supported. However, trait anxiety appeared to inflate the relationship between work stressors (work demand and work support) and psychological distress supporting recent suggestions that the role of trait anxiety in occupational stress should not be disregarded. Trait anxiety combined additively with work demand to predict individual differences in psychological distres...

Explanatory Style, Ego‐orientation and Primary School Mathematics Achievement

Abstract: This project was concerned with the relationship between children's explanatory style (optimism vs pessimism) and achievement in mathematics indexed by the Progressive Achievement Test. A total of 145 children from Grades 4, 6 and 7 (aged 8 to 12 years) participated as subjects. The Children's Attributional Styles Questionnaire (CASQ) correlated significantly (r= 0.34) with current achievement and scores on the negative subscale of the CASQ correlated with achievement data collected 2 and 3 years previously. On a further questionnaire concerned with motives for learning, optimistic children endorsed task‐orientation goals, whereas ego‐orientation goals were endorsed by both optimistic and pessimistic children. Significant sex differences were found on the CASQ, with a greater number of boys displaying a relatively depressogenic pattern.

Implementation and performance of a serial MAP decoder for use in an iterative turbo decoder

Abstract: A MAP decoding algorithm is described that can greatly speed up computer simulations of turbo coding schemes and which allows the practical implementation of turbo codes in their most powerful form.

Mental illness: media perpetuation of stigma

Abstract: Content analysis of 83 newspaper articles from February 1991 to January 1993 was the chosen method to determine the role of newspapers in the portrayal of the mentally ill.Two emergent themes arose: the closure of a mental health hospital was viewed negatively; and the stereotypical perception of the mentally ill as violent and unpredictable was reinforced. Over the two year period of the study the shift in focus from the ideology of de-institutionalisation, funding issues, crisis and chaos in the mental health hospital eventuated in an emphasis on the negativity associated with mental illness.

Animating direct manipulation interfaces

Abstract: If judiciously applied, the techniques of cartoon anima-tion can enhance the illusion of direct manipulation thatmany human computer interfaces strive to present. Inparticular, animation can convey a feeling of substancein the objects that a user manipulates, strengtheningthe sense that real work is being done. This paper sug-gests some techniques that application programmers canuse to animate direct manipulation interfaces, and it de-scribes tools that programmers can use to easily incor-porate the effects into their code.Our approach is based on suggesting a range of ani-mation effects by distorting the view of the manipu-lated object. To explore the idea, we added a warpingtransformation capability to the Interviews user inter-face toolkit and used the new transformation to build asimple drawing editor that uses animated feedback. Theeditor demonstrates the effectiveness of the animationfor simple operations, and it shows that the techniqueis practical even on standard workstation hardware.