Search

As a trending mobility choice, e-scooters have become popular in many cities. A number of authorities have initiated shared e-scooter trial schemes to assess the feasibility of the vehicles prior to enacting official legalisation. This paper aims to provide an evidence review of shared e-scooters and investigate how existing evidence may inform long-term policies. This carries significant relevance for jurisdictions that are in a conflicting position with e-scooters, such as New South Wales (NSW), Australia whose context motivates this study. The evidence review focuses on three themes derived from experience with shared e-scooters within the broader micromobility landscape, namely: safety; where shared e-scooters fit into the modal landscape; and the environmental impacts. Findings confirm that ensuring the safety of shared e-scooters requires complex solutions, which may include a clear regulatory framework for e-scooters, safety education and skill training, innovative data collection and analysis methods, and an approach to safety management that is user-based, location-based, and time-based. In terms of modal fit policymakers should encourage first and last-mile combinations with public transport, with consideration of user characteristics; while climate impact is strongly correlated to the mode replaced by e-scooter trips. The paper provides insights for policymakers on the regulation and positioning of shared e-scooters. • Many jurisdictions are struggling to determine policies for e-scooters. • Existing e-scooter evidence sheds light on possible long-term policies. • Safety management should consider different users, locations, and times. • First and last-mile combinations with public transport should be encouraged. • Climate impact is strongly correlated to the mode replaced by e-scooter trips. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents the results of the project conducted within the Research embedded in teaching initiative in collaboration with NostraData. The main objective of the research was to analyse if the peak values of such weather conditions, like rainfall and wind speed, can impact the drug purchase transactions within shorts time periods (one, three, and five days) of time, after the peak values of the weather parameters have appeared. The basis for the automated analysis were the data collected over more than six years, restricted to the Melbourne region in Australia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: While it is widely acknowledged that airport re-organisation from destination to dedicated airline group terminals makes passenger travel more seamless, more efficient and also more profitable for both airlines and airports, there is little known about the impacts of such change on freight and in particular belly-hold cargo chains. Our analysis includes data from all airports in Australia but focuses primarily on the proposed re-organisation of Sydney Kingsford Smith airport. This paper reveals a significant relationship between international freight volumes, terminal organisation and freighter operations. However, our interview results only confirm the volume/aircraft type relationship. The paper aims to contribute to the general discussion on the impact of passenger terminal organisation on belly-hold freight operations and more specifically to the consultation process around airport master planning. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: In perennial and natural vegetation systems, monitoring changes in vegetation over time is of fundamental interest for identifying and quantifying impacts of management and natural processes. Subtle changes in vegetation cover can be identified by calculating the trends of a vegetation density index over time. In this paper, we apply such an index-trends approach, which has been developed and applied to time series Landsat imagery in rangeland and woodland environments, to continental-scale monitoring of disturbances within forested regions of Australia. This paper describes the operational methods used for the generation of National Forest Trend (NFT) information, which is a time-series summary providing visual indication of within-forest vegetation changes (disturbance and recovery) over time at 25m resolution. This result is based on a national archive of calibrated Landsat TM/ETM+ data from 1989 to 2006 produced for Australia''s National Carbon Accounting System (NCAS). The NCAS was designed in 1999 initially to provide consistent fine-scale classifications for monitoring forest cover extent and changes (i.e. land use change) over the Australian continent using time series Landsat imagery. NFT information identifies more subtle changes within forested areas and provides a capacity to identify processes affecting forests which are of primary interest to ecologists and land managers. The NFT product relies on the identification of an appropriate Landsat-based vegetation cover index (defined as a linear combination of spectral image bands) that is sensitive to changes in forest density. The time series of index values at a location, derived from calibrated imagery, represents a consistent surrogate to track density changes. To produce the trends summary information, statistical summaries of the index response over time (such as slope and quadratic curvature) are calculated. These calculated index responses of woody vegetation cover are then displayed as maps where the different colours indicate the approximate timing, direction (decline or increase), magnitude and spatial extent of the changes in vegetation cover. These trend images provide a self-contained and easily interpretable summary of vegetation change at scales that are relevant for natural resource management (NRM) and environmental reporting. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Using the notion that research should ‘enlighten’ policy responses, this paper considers the complex locational factors that affect and underlie patterns of Indigenous student mobility in Queensland, Australia. The paper presents data, captured through an action research project, to explore mobility ‘in and through’ two environments. In so doing, it argues that the complexity of local sites and experiences, and distinct ‘push-pull’ factors in remote, regional and urban settings, are critical considerations when developing a ‘policy package’ in response to Indigenous student mobility. In this regard, more effective use and analysis of administrative data are required. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Promoting greater dispersal of tourists and their spending is important to the regional economic development goals of both developed and developing economies. However, while the concept of dispersal is not complex, in practise existing approaches towards dispersal measurement are largely confined to dispersal description (such as dispersal ratios) without the consideration of causal structure. Using Australia as a context, the goal of this paper is to bridge the gap between descriptive and causal approaches to dispersal, using a publicly available, secondary source of data – the International Visitor Survey (IVS). In so doing, the paper empirically validates factors associated with tourist dispersal, and constructs individual dispersal propensities which are structurally linked with, and provide supplementary information to, dispersal ratios. This research shows that, suitably manipulated, existing surveys of international visitors can be a rich source of information about dispersal. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: For young people with refugee backgrounds, establishing a sense of belonging to their family and community, and to their country of resettlement is essential for wellbeing. This paper describes the psychosocial factors associated with subjective health and wellbeing outcomes among a cohort of 97 refugee youth (aged 11–19) during their first three years in Melbourne, Australia. The findings reported here are drawn from the Good Starts Study, a longitudinal investigation of settlement and wellbeing among refugee youth conducted between 2004 and 2008. The overall aim of Good Starts was to identify the psychosocial factors that assist youth with refugee backgrounds in making a good start in their new country. A particular focus was on key transitions: from pre-arrival to Australia, from the language school to mainstream school, and from mainstream school to higher education or to the workforce. Good Starts used a mix of both method and theory from anthropology and social epidemiology. Using standardized measures of wellbeing and generalised estimating equations to model the predictors of wellbeing over time, this paper reports that key factors strongly associated with wellbeing outcomes are those that can be described as indicators of belonging – the most important being subjective social status in the broader Australian community, perceived discrimination and bullying. We argue that settlement specific policies and programs can ultimately be effective if embedded within a broader socially inclusive society – one that offers real opportunities for youth with refugee backgrounds to flourish. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Curtailment of distributed photovoltaic (PV) and battery energy storage systems will have significant implications for power system transition around the world. Australia offers a unique case study as it has highest installation rate of distributed-PV and growing fleet of battery energy storage systems. Distributed-PV and battery inverters in Australia are required to exhibit voltage-responsive power-quality response modes to prevent excessive voltage rise caused by increasing day-time energy exports, but these modes can curtail power output and limit the value that can be gained from the renewable energy assets. For the first time in Australia, this paper studies all three inverter power-quality response modes and develops novel algorithms to assess curtailment. The algorithms are applied to a real-world dataset of 1-sec distributed-PV and battery power measurements from 1300 residential households; therefore, data resolution is higher and sample size is larger than previous related studies. Using these datasets, the study compares the experienced curtailment between distributed-PV only sites and distributed-PV coupled with battery sites for the first time. The study investigates and quantifies the energy loss due to curtailment within the South Australia region with over 40% distributed-PV penetration which has the highest uptake in the world. The results show that average curtailment loss was 1.5% for distributed-PV only sites and 0.2% for distributed-PV coupled with battery sites, however, some sites were heavily impacted losing up to 25% of generation. The reasons for the larger curtailment loss were identified as wiring and network connection faults and high voltage set-points at households' respective local substations. Other potential reason for the heavily impacted sites is being located towards the end of the low voltage feeder, however this couldn't be verified due to lack of spatial data. The large variation in curtailed generation across sites raises concerns for system owners and suggests further inquiry into the power-quality response mode design and regulations. The study also examines inverter conformance using real-world operational data for all three power quality response modes for the first time, and the results showed a low rate of conformance according to the Australian Standards and there were various discrepancies in the execution of these modes which raises concerns considering the increasing importance of distributed-PV and battery inverter fleet in supporting network operations and security. The results therefore warrant further investigation into the reasons behind these discrepancies and devising appropriate mechanisms to tighten inverter conformance checks. • Energy curtailment is calculated for D-PV only and D-PV coupled with BESS sites • Average loss due to curtailment is less than 2% of total D-PV generation • Curtailment is greater for D-PV only sites than D-PV coupled with BESS sites • Some sites lose up to 25% of generation due to curtailment • The large variation of curtailment losses across sites raises concerns • Inverters showed low conformance in power quality response mode standards [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mineral exploration and mining are data-driven industries. Here, we emphasize the role of “ data upcycling ” as a significant contributor to modern exploration. Upcycling can take three basic forms, all aimed at enhancing the veracity of data: (1) re-collection of data, (2) collection of complimentary data, and (3) assessment and innovative portrayal/integration of data. Upcycling of previously collected (or legacy) data allows information to be integrated into modern datasets. This paper offers perspectives and examples on how data upcycling benefits mineral exploration, with short case studies from Western Australia highlighting the role of government, service providers and resource explorers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary Background Emergency nurses have a key role in managing the large numbers of patients that attend Australian emergency departments (EDs) annually, and require adequate educational preparation to deliver safe and quality patient care. This paper provides a detailed profile of nursing resources in Australian EDs, including ED locations, annual patient attendances, nurse staffing including level of education, and educational resources. Methods Data were collected via online surveys of emergency Nurse Unit Managers and Nurse Educators and the MyHospitals website. Data were analysed by hospital peer group and state or territory. Comparisons were made using the Kruskal–Wallis Test and Spearman Rank Order Correlation. Results In 2011–2012, there were a median of 36,274 patient attendances to each of the 118 EDs sampled (IQR 28,279–46,288). Most of the nurses working in EDs were Registered Nurses (95.2%). Organisations provided educational resources including Clinical Nurse Educators (80.6%), learning packages (86%) and facilitation of postgraduate study (98%), but resources, both human and educational varied substantially between states and territories. One-third of emergency nurses held a relevant postgraduate qualification (30%). Conclusion There are important variations in the emergency nursing resources available between Australian states and territories. The high percentage of RNs in Australian EDs is a positive finding, however strategies to increase the percentage of nurses with relevant postgraduate qualifications are required. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of our paper is to analyse the effects of government-supported farm-investment activities on structural change in agriculture. Our method comprises combining direct covariate matching with a difference-in-difference (DiD) estimator . In order to capture the dynamics and the heterogeneity of structural effects, we have developed time and farm-group specific models. We apply our model in Austria, where we analyse the Integrated Administration and Control System (IACS) data of 98,000 farms within the time period of 2000–2011. Our results show that farms adapt their numbers of livestock very quickly, whereas, the increase in agricultural area seems to be fairly decoupled from the investment activity itself. Effects tend to be farm-group specific; e.g. farm size initially increases (and drops) on pig farms to a greater extent than on cattle farms. Furthermore, government-supported farm-investment activities not only influence structural change but also tend to increase production intensity and reduce diversification on arable land – perhaps counteracting, therefore, the goals of agri-environmental schemes. However, our results indicate that investing (cattle) farmers are more likely to enter the organic farming programme and tend rather to remain in animal husbandry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: The determinants of health and mortality inequalities in New Zealand and Australia have been subjected to research, with the influence of a range of socio-economic and demographic influences (deprivation, social class, ethnicity) receiving notable attention. Both countries are considered privileged, positioned amongst the world leaders in rankings of mortality and life expectancy. This paper reports on observed rates of mortality and views how the countries have fared over time with respect to one another. Study design, observational, methods: This study derives comparable rates of mortality for both New Zealand and Australia, disaggregated by age and sex for the time period 1948-2008. The age-standardised rates are visualised using the Lexis mapping software program, showing the relative differences between the countries over time whilst simultaneously highlighting age, period and cohort effects. Results: Relative to Australia, New Zealand had advantageous rates of mortality across almost all age groups between the years 1948 and 1980 (approximately). For both sexes, a dramatic reversal of fortunes in New Zealand has followed relative to Australia. For example, for younger males in New Zealand, the reversal is startling. Over the time period observed, males aged 10-20 years in New Zealand have moved from an advantageous position of having a mortality rate 20% lower than Australia to a relative position of 50% higher. Conclusions: The social and economic forces in both New Zealand and Australia which may have driven the divergence require further scrutiny. It is argued here, that the changing fortunes of the populations are linked to the process of selective migration and the largescale population movements between the countries facilitated by the Trans-Tasman Travel Arrangement. These findings have important implications for policy formation and service planning, if the inequality in mortality between the areas of study is to be addressed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Traditional methods for assessing coastal hazards have not typically incorporated a rigorous treatment of uncertainty. Such treatment is necessary to enable risk assessments which are now required by emerging risk based coastal zone management/planning frameworks. While unresolved issues remain, relating to the availability of sufficient data for comprehensive uncertainty assessments, this will hopefully improve in coming decades. Here, we present a modelling framework which integrates geological, engineering and economic approaches for assessing the climate change driven economic risk to coastal developments. The framework incorporates means for combining results from models that focus on the decadal to century time scales at which coasts evolve, and those that focus on the short term and seasonal time scales (storm bite and recovery). This paper demonstrates the functionality of the framework in deriving probabilistic coastal hazard lines and their subsequent use to establish an economically optimal setback line for development at a case study site; the Narrabeen–Collaroy embayment in Sydney, New South Wales. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Background: The practice environment of the emergency department (ED) refers to both the people and physical factors (architecture) in the environment in which health care is provided. ED triage practice environments are the very places where caring or the delivery of health care often begins. This paper examines the implications of the emergency department triage practice environment on the triage practice of nurses who triage clients with a mental illness. Methods: An observational ethnographic approach inclusive of participant observation, formal and informal semi structured interviews, examination of documents and the collation of field notes were the means of data collection. Data was analysed through constant comparison and theoretical coding. Results: Nurses who work in ED triage are cognisant of environmental impacts as they undertake rapid client assessment and manage busy and noisy waiting rooms. The triage environment does influence the ED triage assessment and the management of clients who present seeking mental health care. Conclusions: Tensions arise when the architectural environment of an ED triage area affects client behaviour, the capacity to provide optimal client care and the ability to conduct a triage assessment that obtains the best data possible. Understanding the impact of the ED triage practice environment on people with a mental illness facilitates an understanding of how people from this client group can be better supported in a complex and busy ED environment. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Summary: A large part of the world faces the problem of aridity, e.g. in Australia, the semi-arid and arid regions occupy about 50–75% of the country. There is a serious lack of data on many key hydrological processes in the arid regions, which makes it difficult to understand the hydrological processes in these regions. Although arid regions are characterised by a very low mean annual rainfall, it can experience severe flooding causing widespread damage. In hydrological literature, there is a limited presence of the application of regional flood frequency analysis (RFFA) studies for the world arid regions due to limited data availability. This paper presents a RFFA study for the semi-arid and arid regions of Australia using the most up-to-date data set and compares the results with that of the world data. It has been found that arid catchments exhibit a higher loss and lower runoff coefficient values as expected. Based on four model selection criteria and L-moments ratio diagram, it has been found that a Generalised Pareto distribution is preferable to the Exponential distribution to fit the partial duration series flood data in the arid regions of Australia. It has also been found that the arid region exhibits much steeper flood frequency growth curve than that of the humid region and the growth curve gets steeper with the decreasing mean annual rainfall. The developed growth curve for the semi-arid and arid region of Australia is found to be similar to other typical semi-arid and arid regions of the world. The developed prediction equation for the mean annual flood in the semi-arid and arid region of Australia uses two readily obtainable predictor variables (catchment area and design rainfall intensity), which can be used along with the developed growth curve to estimate design floods for the ungauged catchments in these regions with reasonable accuracy. The growth curve developed in this study is primarily applicable to the semi-arid and arid regions of Australia; however, this may be adapted to other similar regions of the world along with the locally developed prediction equation for the scaling factor (i.e. mean annual flood in this case) to derive preliminary design flood estimates. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: This paper presents a numerical simulation study that demonstrates history matching and production prediction for an actual horizontal coalbed methane (CBM) well located in Australia. A brief analysis of limited core analysis and well log data is presented. Numerical reservoir simulation is used to carry out a manual history matching to the field data of gas and water production rates and well bottomhole pressure. The matching parameters are porosity, relative permeability and skin factor. The reported field data show that there are sharp changes in the well bottomhole pressure and water and gas rates. This response of the reservoir is matched with a numerical model that has a varying skin factor along the horizontal well. This is deemed reasonable given that the drilling fluid has longer contact with the formation at the heel of the well, causing more formation damage. But the field data indicates that the formation damage is mitigated quickly with production. This is explained by the fact that the invaded mud is forced back during water and gas production and coal shrinkage. The production predictions show that skin factor and coal shrinkage have important effects on the CBM production of a horizontal well. However, the coal formation damage controls the gas rate more than the shrinkage for the examined case study with the assumed coal shrinkage parameters. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The precursory effects from several earthquakes upon the two subionospheric transmitted signals, one 19.8kHz from North West Cape, Australia (lat: 21.82°S; long: 114.16°E) and the other 40kHz from Fukushima, Japan (lat: 37.37°N; long: 140.85°E), are studied from the recorded data at Kolkata (lat: 22.56°N, long: 88.5°E). Some spiky transients are observed. Spike height and spike intensity are dependent on the depth of epicenter, distance of the epicenter from the propagation path and also from the observing station. The earthquakes occurring during the period of March 20, 2010–May 31, 2010 have been considered. Among 22 earthquakes, the analyses are made for only 13 earthquakes all having M>6. Earthquake induced time-series observations of the spikes and their analyses are presented in this paper. Attempts are made to determine the possible visual study between M/D ratio and spike height. From this ratio, the probable sensitivity of the signals from different earthquakes may be studied. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Summary: In this article, an approach using Bayesian Generalised Least Squares (BGLS) regression in a region-of-influence (ROI) framework is proposed for regional flood frequency analysis (RFFA) for ungauged catchments. Using the data from 399 catchments in eastern Australia, the BGLS-ROI is constructed to regionalise the flood quantiles (Quantile Regression Technique (QRT)) and the first three moments of the log-Pearson type 3 (LP3) distribution (Parameter Regression Technique (PRT)). This scheme firstly develops a fixed region model to select the best set of predictor variables for use in the subsequent regression analyses using an approach that minimises the model error variance while also satisfying a number of statistical selection criteria. The identified optimal regression equation is then used in the ROI experiment where the ROI is chosen for a site in question as the region that minimises the predictive uncertainty. To evaluate the overall performances of the quantiles estimated by the QRT and PRT, a one-at-a-time cross-validation procedure is applied. Results of the proposed method indicate that both the QRT and PRT in a BGLS-ROI framework lead to more accurate and reliable estimates of flood quantiles and moments of the LP3 distribution when compared to a fixed region approach. Also the BGLS-ROI can deal reasonably well with the heterogeneity in Australian catchments as evidenced by the regression diagnostics. Based on the evaluation statistics it was found that both BGLS-QRT and PRT-ROI perform similarly well, which suggests that the PRT is a viable alternative to QRT in RFFA. The RFFA methods developed in this paper is based on the database available in eastern Australia. It is expected that availability of a more comprehensive database (in terms of both quality and quantity) will further improve the predictive performance of both the fixed and ROI based RFFA methods presented in this study, which however needs to be investigated in future when such a database is available. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Background: The migration of registered nurses as a response to a global nurse shortage has seen a growth in research interest in this area. Much of the research focuses on differences in language and culture which are posed as the attributes of the immigrant nurse. Objectives: In reporting on an analysis of data drawn from China-educated nurses working in the Australian health care system, this paper explores the social construction of difference and the related intersection of difference and racialisation. Design: A symbolic interactionist approach informed 46 in-depth interviews with 28 China-educated nurses. The method of analysis was initial and focused coding and constant comparison of data. The focus of interpretation was on human action and interaction as contextual and thus structural factors were critical to the analysis. Results: Two levels of meaning were depicted in this study: difference as “you are you and I am I” and difference as “incompetence”. Negative meanings were ascribed to difference which in turn legitimised inequality and held the potential to perpetuate racism. Conclusions: We argue that it is problematic to conceptualise difference as individual attributes. Difference needs to be contextualised and thus explored as a complex and socially constructed concept that in its application has social and political implications for immigrant nurses in Australia and elsewhere. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: One key initiative to reducing the environmental impact of motor vehicles is to identify the number and types of vehicle in the vehicle stock which are likely to excessively contribute to air pollution. Such an assessment is dependent on quantifying vehicle scrappage which, in turn, relies on the provision of temporally consistent motor vehicle registration data. There exist a number of issues that adversely impact on the temporal accuracy of motor vehicle registration data. This paper identifies these issues and proposes a cost effective correction framework for motor vehicle registration time series data. An application to Australian data is used to demonstrate the efficacy of the framework, identifying the need to introduce an additional vehicle category into the data, adjusting annual vehicle counts and removing the erroneous incidence of the number of vehicles in a vintage class that increase substantially beyond 2years after the year of manufacture. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Since the call for a National Cardiac Procedures Database in 2001, much work has been accomplished in both cardiac surgery and interventional cardiology in an attempt to establish a unified, systematic approach to data collection, defining a common minimum dataset pertinent to the Australian context, and instituting quality control measures to ensure integrity and privacy of data. In this paper we outline the aims of the Australasian Society of Cardiac and Thoracic Surgeons (ASCTS) and the Melbourne Interventional Group (MIG) registries, and propose a comprehensive set of standardised data elements and their definitions to facilitate transparency in data collection, consistency between these and other data sets, and encourage ongoing peer-review. The aims are to improve outcomes for patients by determining key performance indicators and standards of performance for hospital units, to allow estimation of procedural risks and likelihood of outcomes for patients, and to report outcomes to relevant stake-holders and the public. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: This paper presents results from a modelling study carried out to investigate whether the calibrated parameter values for rainfall–runoff models based on historical observed data can be used to reliably predict runoff responses to changes in future climate inputs. The modelling experiments are carried out for four rainfall–runoff models using long records of historical daily climate and streamflow data from 61 catchments in southeast Australia. The results indicate that the models, when calibrated using more than 20years of data, can generally be used for climate impact studies where the future mean annual rainfall is not more than 15% drier or 20% wetter than the mean annual rainfall in the model calibration period. It is generally more difficult for a model calibrated over a wet period to predict runoff over a dry period compared to a model calibrated over a dry period to predict runoff over a wet period. For southeast Australia, there is a good reason to use the recent records to calibrate rainfall–runoff models to represent the current prolonged drought over the region and for climate change impact studies where the large majority of climate models predict a drier future across this region. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The goal of this paper is to examine the determinants of oil consumption for a panel consisting of six Australian States and one territory, namely Queensland, New South Wales, Victoria, Tasmania, South Australia, Western Australia, and the Northern territory, for the period 1985–2006. We find that oil consumption, oil prices and income are panel cointegrated. We estimate long-run elasticities and find that oil prices have had a statistically insignificant impact on oil consumption, while income has had a statistically significant positive effect on oil consumption. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: This paper demonstrates the use of non-linear decomposition for identifying discrimination in referral to a cardiac rehabilitation (CR) program. The application is important because the methods are not commonly applied in this context. A secondary data analysis was conducted on a cohort of 2375 patients eligible for referral (as defined) to an Australian hospital outpatient CR program (1 July 1996 to 31 December 2000) on the basis of inpatient discharge diagnosis codes. Data from a population-based disease register were linked to hospital inpatient statistics and CR program records. Cohort selection was established in accordance with first register recorded hospital separations having specified cardiac inpatient diagnoses for which CR was recommended. Using the existing literature as a guide, multivariate logistic regression methods tested the strength of statistical association between independent variables (or ‘endowments’) and CR referral. Compared with males, females had 40% fewer odds of being referred. Non-linear decomposition was performed as a post-logistic regression technique to show the extent to which the sex-based inequality in referral (as defined here) was due to group characteristics (the relative distribution of endowments) compared with other influences not adjusted for in the model. The results showed that approximately 18% of the male–female inequality in referral was not explained by group characteristics, and on this basis was ‘discriminatory’. The extent to which individual endowments contributed to the explained part of the inequality was also of interest. The methods offer potentially useful tools for informing researchers, policy makers, clinicians and others about unfair discriminatory processes that influence access to health and social services. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The dynamic interaction between building systems and external climate is extremely complex, involving a large number of difficult-to-predict variables. In order to study the impact of climate change on the built environment, the use of building simulation techniques together with forecast weather data are often necessary. Since most of building simulation programs require hourly meteorological input data for their thermal comfort and energy evaluation, the provision of suitable weather data becomes critical. In this paper, the methods used to prepare future weather data for the study of the impact of climate change are reviewed. The advantages and disadvantages of each method are discussed. The inherent relationship between these methods is also illustrated. Based on these discussions and the analysis of Australian historic climatic data, an effective framework and procedure to generate future hourly weather data is presented. It is shown that this method is not only able to deal with different levels of available information regarding the climate change, but also can retain the key characters of a “typical” year weather data for a desired period. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

• Investigating a dataset of UAV accidents and incidents in Australia. • Using univariate and bivariate distributions to identify incident patterns. • The main causes of the accidents are equipment issues or/and lack of coordination. • The findings support that necessitating regular safety inspections for UAVs. Unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV) have made life easier in many ways, and their applications in civil practice are increasing rapidly. However, this benefit is not entirely risk-free, as unwanted accidents and incidents can cause serious harm and interrupt other aerial activities. In this paper, we investigate a dataset of UAV accidents and incidents in Australia and put up some precautionary exercises to reduce the risk of future events. To that end, univariate and bivariate distributions of past events are analysed, and the exploratory factor analysis technique is used to identify frequent accident and incident patterns. The findings show that equipment issues or/and lack of coordination between aerial activities are two of the accidents and incidents categories; therefore, necessitating regular safety inspections for UAVs and establishing an integrated monitoring system for aerial activities are expected to reduce the risk of accidents and incidents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• The impacts of COVID lockdown on six aged care communities' energy and peak demand are studied. • The lockdown period was compared with the same period of similar temperature in previous years. • The impacts of COVID lockdown varied enormously in different climate regions. • Effectiveness and limitations of existing energy KPIs are discussed. In late March to April 2020 residential aged care facilities (RAC) in Australia were under COVID-19 lockdown. This paper explores whether the resultant restrictions on entry and exit and elimination of site group activities within RACs impacted on the total electricity use, peak demand and electrical load profiles. Six RACs in four different climate zones are analysed, comparing historical electricity load and demand profiles with the lockdown period. The facilities in warm regions showed largest reductions in energy use and peak demands. There was a peak demand timing shift in temperate regions and hot regions' changes were negligible for energy use or peak demands. This study revealed the limitations of using aggregate data as the key performance indicator (KPI) – energy use per bed. Also, KPIs in relation to cooling degree days (or total cooling and heating degree days) have been examined and are not recommended for temperate regions or temperate seasons. The potential CO 2 emission reduction from onsite renewable generation is quantified. Further research is to investigate energy use changes at circuit levels under lockdowns, and develop more nuanced KPIs that include the rate of energy use and the timing of that use. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Whilst it is widely accepted that the ability to critique, interpret and integrate research is an integral part of the evidence-based practice of nursing and midwifery, teaching such skills to undergraduate students is equally recognised as challenging. From a student's perspective the theoretical aspects, concepts and language of research design may seem far removed from the imperative of developing skills and gaining clinical experience. Simulation has been widely demonstrated as an effective pedagogical approach to engage students in learning and developing practical skills. The 'hands-on' approach provides a cognitive link between theory and practice that is immediately relevant to the student. Simulation training has also been used in other areas of healthcare such as communication and ethics. However, the use of simulation to demonstrate the theoretical and practical aspects of research design to midwifery and nursing students has not been explored. This paper describes a novel approach to teaching undergraduate students fundamental concepts of randomised controlled trial design through their participation in a simulated research trial. Students experienced aspects such as consent, randomisation, intervention, data collection, analysis and interpretation. Post workshop evaluations suggest that students found the approach engaging, increased their knowledge and understanding of research and evidenced-based practice. • Students may find understanding concepts of research design challenging. • Simulation that provides hands-on experience improves knowledge and critical thinking skills. • Participating in a simulated trial improved students understanding of randomised controlled design concepts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]