Search

Technical ceramics is characterised by high bending strength, high melting temperature. It has high thermal and wear resistance but its usage is limited to some extent due to its low resistance to cracking and bad electric conductivity. The introduction of carbon fillers in ceramic matrices is an effective approach to solving these problems. The present paper reports for the manufacturing of ceramic samples based on barium titanate with added graphene structures obtained from three different graphene sources. The barium titanate ceramics is synthesised by the method of solid state sintering. For the characterisation of the initial blends and the ceramic samples prepared from them, the methods of X-ray phase analysis, infrared spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy and visual microscopy were used. Besides, the basic physicochemical properties of the samples synthesised on the basis of barium titanate were determined, e.g. water absorption (WA, %), apparent density (AD, %) and apparent (open) porosity (Pa, %). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper provides an overview of the policies of school autonomy in Australian public education from the Karmel report in 1973 to the present day. The key focus is on the social justice implications of this reform. It tracks the tensions between policy moves to both grant schools greater autonomy and rein in this autonomy with the increasing instatement of external forms of regulation. Utilising Nancy Fraser's concepts of dis-embedding and re-embedding markets, we track key policy moments in three Australian states (Victoria, Western Australia and New South Wales) along with federal interventions. We draw attention to the redistributive and representative justice implications arising from these policy moments as occurring within a consistent trajectory towards a market agenda and argue that future policy needs to consider the effect of past policy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Virtual power plants (VPPs) are an effective platform for attracting private investment and customer engagement to speed up the integration of green renewable resources. In this paper, a robust bidding strategy to participate in both energy and ancillary service markets in the wholesale electricity market is proposed for a realistic VPP in Western Australia. The strategy is accurate and fast, so the VPP can bid in a very short time period. To engage customers in the demand management schemes of the VPP, the gamified approach is utilized to make the exercise enjoyable while not compromising their comfort levels. The modelling of revenue, expenses, and profit for the load-following ancillary service (LFAS) is provided, and the effective bidding strategy is developed. The simulation results show a significant improvement in the financial indicators of the VPP when participating in both the LFAS and energy markets. The payback period can be improved by 3 years to the payback period of 6 years and the internal rate of return (IRR) by 7.5% to the IRR of 18% by participating in both markets. The accuracy and speed of the proposed bidding strategy method is evident when compared with a mathematical method. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper reports on changes in the social‐emotional well‐being of 6‐ to 12‐year‐old children tested before the COVID‐19 pandemic and during 2020 and 2021. Well‐being was assessed using a video game that empowers children to report their own well‐being, including school attachment, social and emotional well‐being, behavioural conformity and family support. We compared well‐being over time for two groups of children in government schools in Queensland, Western Australia and Tasmania. The treatment group of 580 children were tested in 2019 (Time 1) and a second time in mid‐late 2020 and early 2021 (Time 2). The comparison group of 841 children were tested twice before the pandemic. Results showed that children in the treatment group reported significantly lower family support at Time 2 than those in the comparison group. This reduction in perceived family support was stronger for girls. In addition, children in the treatment group who reported lower levels of family support at Time 1 reported a steeper decline in family support by Time 2. Finally, boys in the treatment group reported significantly better behavioural conformity and emotional well‐being relative to girls over time. Results highlight the varied impacts of the pandemic lockdowns and the need to provide continued support to vulnerable families. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The COVID-19 outbreak in Australia led to a period of economic crisis. In response, Commonwealth and State Governments targeted the construction sector for concentrated economic stimulation. Planning systems, and their reform, were identified as levers to stimulate economic activity. This paper explores early COVID-19-initiated planning system reforms in New South Wales and Western Australia. It explores key reforms in each state and provides a comparative analysis of reform objectives, the influence of key stakeholders, reform innovations and possibilities for future reform. COVID-19-induced reforms emerge as both the continuation of the long-term reform agenda and reactionary interventions to immediate economic challenges. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There has been significant investment by police agencies in the use of body-worn cameras (BWCs). Preliminary evidence suggests that when used in the context of domestic and family violence, BWC footage may strengthen evidential cases and prosecutions. There is, however, a paucity of research examining the merits of and risks posed by the use of BWC footage in DFV incidents and legal proceedings. Notably absent in much of the literature are the views and experiences of police officers who, as initial owners of BWC footage, are likely to affect how it is produced and interpreted. This paper presents findings from the first Australian study to examine how police officers, as users and operators of BWC technology, perceive the use of BWC footage in DFV-related civil and criminal legal proceedings in two Australian state jurisdictions: Western Australia and Queensland. While broadly supportive of BWC technology, police respondents, especially those from specialised DFV units, identified various benefits and limitations to using BWC footage in the context of DFV, including that BWCs have the potential to capture DFV upon police call-outs, but can be limiting insofar as they do not show ongoing patterns of violence. Our findings highlight the importance of exercising domain-specific, rather than a 'one size fits all' approach when it comes to understanding the benefits and limitations of BWC technology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Myopia is a significant cause of visual impairment which may lead to many complications. However, the understanding of the mechanisms of myopia is still limited. In this paper, in order to investigate the development and the treatment of myopia, we analyzed the biological structure parameters of mice eyes, obtained from optical coherence tomography (OCT), and the optical performance of mice eyes calculated using ZEMAX software (ZEMAX Development Corporation, Kirkland, WA, USA) in which the optical model was built on the segment-by-segment optically corrected OCT 3D-images. Time-serial evaluation of three groups of mice eyes (form-deprivation myopia mice eyes, normal mice eyes, and atropine-treated myopia mice eyes) was performed. In addition to the biological structure parameters, imaging performance with the development of root-mean-square wavefront aberration at six filed angles was compared and analyzed. Results show that the biological structure parameters of the eye are closely related to the development of myopia. The peripheral defocus of the retina has a significant impact on inducing myopia, which verifies the new theory of myopia development. The delaying effect of atropine solution on myopia development is shown to verify the therapeutic effect of the medicine. This study provides technical support for the investigation of the myopia mechanism. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Factors affecting fertilizer decisions made by grain growers are changing in the context of changing climatic conditions and growing volatility in global fertilizer and grain markets. To ensure sustainable development of grain industries in light of this uncertainty, research, development, extension, and adoption activities associated with growers' fertilizer decisions need to be focused on factors to which they are most sensitive. The aim of this paper is to understand the factors that have the greatest influence on grain producer's fertilizer strategies, how these factors have changed over recent years, and what is the relative importance of agronomic, socioeconomic, and logistical factors affecting these strategies. A telephone survey of 425 grain-growing businesses in Western Australia was conducted, and survey results were analyzed statistically. We show for the first time that grain growers' fertilizer decisions are most sensitive to agronomic factors (especially the amount and distribution of rainfall). Logistic factors (such as difficulties fertilizing increasing areas in short periods of time) are growing in influence as farm size, cropping areas, and the number of fertilizer applications within seasons increase. Fertilizer decisions have become less sensitive to socioeconomic factors over the last 10 to 15 years. To ensure sustainable development of grain production, research through to adoption activities should focus on agronomic issues (such as seasonal forecasting) and logistic issues (such as improving planning, organizational, and technical capacity for developing and implementing fertilizer strategies). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims: This study compared two dose frequency conditions of an explicit intervention with 50 trials per session designed to improve past tense marking in early school‐aged children with developmental language disorder (DLD). The influence of allomorphs on intervention effects was also examined. Methods: Data from previously conducted intervention studies were combined and analysed. Participants included nine children (mean age = 6;5 years) who received 20–30‐min intervention sessions provided twice per week for 10 weeks (1000 trials; 400–600 min) and 20 children (mean age = 6;6) who received 20–30‐min intervention sessions provided once per week for 10 weeks (500 trials; 200–300 min). Repeated measures included criterion‐referenced probes for production of untrained past tense verbs collected throughout baseline, intervention, and maintenance phases. The rate of progress in each phase was analysed using logistic regression. The proportion of participants who produced past tense allomorphs correctly at pre‐intervention, post‐intervention, and maintenance testing points was analysed. Results: Logistic regression showed a stable baseline, highly significant progress during the intervention phase, and a marginally significant shallow decline during the maintenance phase. Those in the twice per week group showed a greater rate of progress during the intervention phase leading to significantly higher scores in the maintenance period when compared with the once per week group. The allomorphic category of past tense verbs did not appear to influence outcomes. Conclusions: Participants receiving intervention twice per week appeared to demonstrate a greater rate of progress with intervention than those receiving it once per week, although once per week was also effective. However, these results should be interpreted with caution. Limitations to study design indicate that a larger randomised controlled trial is required. All past tense allomorphs improve to a similar degree when treated with this intervention. What this paper adds: What is already known on the subject: Understanding the parameters of dosage and intensity are important for clinical practice.Research evaluating the efficacy and/or effectiveness of interventions delivered in different dose/intensity conditions is scarce.There appears to be different interpretations of what constitutes dosage and intensity in published research. What this paper adds to existing knowledge: This study retrospectively compared dosage and intensity conditions of intervention provided twice per week to intervention provided once per week. Both dose frequencies could be delivered in clinical settings.Results from this study were analysed by grouping data from multiple testing points, rather than comparing pre‐post results. This approach demonstrated the variability of individual performance that would otherwise be lost with conventional methods of analysis.This study demonstrated that all past tense allomorphs improve to a similar degree when treated with this intervention. What are the potential or actual clinical implications of this work?: Parameters of dosage and intensity are still not clearly defined well enough for translation to clinical practice. In consideration of current research, this intervention may be more effective if delivered twice per week.If clinicians are treating past tense, all allomorphs should be considered as priorities for intervention targets. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Evidence suggests that Aboriginal babies in Western Australia are not receiving adequate primary health care in their first 3 months of life, leading to questions about enablers and constraints to delivering such care. This paper presents findings from a qualitative research project investigating health providers' perceptions and experiences of best and current practice in discharge planning, postnatal care and health education for Aboriginal mothers and their newborn babies. Methods: Constructivist grounded theory guided this research involving 58 semi-structured interviews conducted with health providers who deliver care to Aboriginal mothers and infants. Participants were recruited from hospital-based and primary health sites in metropolitan Perth, and regional and remote locations in Western Australia. Results: Structural factors enabling best practice in discharge planning, postnatal care, and health education for mothers included health providers following best practice guidelines and adequate staffing levels. Organisational enablers included continuity of care throughout pregnancy, birth and postnatally. In particular, good communication between services around discharge planning, birth notifications, and training in culturally respectful care. Structural and organisational constraints to delivering best practice and compromising continuity of care were identified as beyond individual control. These included poor communication between different health and social services, insufficient hospital staffing levels leading to early discharge, inadequate cultural training, delayed receipt of birth notifications and discharge summaries received by Aboriginal primary health services. Conclusion: Findings highlight the importance of examining current policies and practices to promote best practice in postnatal care to improve health outcomes for mothers and their Aboriginal babies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Australian hummock genus Triodia R.Br. is currently undergoing taxonomic revision in light of new collections from surveys of remote Australia and increased resolution provided by molecular methods. This paper describes four new species of Triodia from the Pilbara and adjacent IBRA bioregions: T. avenoides M.D.Barrett, T. degreyensis M.D.Barrett, T. karijini M.D.Barrett & S.J.Dillon, and T. lutiteana M.D.Barrett & P.-L. de Kock. All four species are 'soft' spinifexes with elongate glumes and lemma lobes subulate to awned, and are only known from the Pilbara and adjacent Carnarvon and Gascoyne regions of Western Australia. Triodia degreyensis is known from a single range system in the north-eastern Pilbara. The taxon formerly known by the phrase name T. sp. Karijini (S. van Leeuwen 4111) is formally described here as T. karijini, and is restricted to mountains above 900 m altitude in the eastern Hamersley Range. Triodia lutiteana is only known from shale substrates north-west of Tom Price, and may be a polyploid species. The new species T. avenoides is segregated from T. schinzii (Henrard) Lazarides based on morphological and molecular differences and a disjunct distribution on sand sheets and dunes of the Carnarvon basin. The central Australian species T. helmsii (C.E.Hubb.) Lazarides is newly synonymised with T. schinzii, since no clear morphological or genetic differences between the two could be established. An amended description of T. schinzii is provided to accommodate these alterations to the species concept. Diagnostic character combinations for each species are given to allow discrimination from all other Triodia species. Triodia degreyensis, T. karijini and T. lutiteana are known from between one and four localities, and have priority conservation statuses, while T. avenoides and T. schinzii are not considered threatened. With the species described here, a total of 29 species and one hybrid are now known from the Pilbara bioregion and its immediate surrounds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: To describe post‐neonatally acquired (PNN) cerebral palsy (CP) in terms of temporal trends in prevalence, clinical and sociodemographic profiles, known causes and associations between causes, and sociodemographic variables. Method: Numerator data, a count of children with PNN‐CP confirmed at 5 years of age (n = 523), was drawn from two Australian state CP registers (birth years 1973–2012). Poisson regression was used to investigate temporal trends in the prevalence of PNN‐CP by 5‐year intervals, calculated per 10 000 live births. Using data from all state and territory Australian CP registers (n = 469), distributions of clinical characteristics, PNN‐CP causes, and sociodemographic factors were tabulated (birth years 1995–2012). χ2 and logistic regression analyses were used to assess associations between sociodemographic profile, Australian reference data, and known causes. Results: A significant temporal decline in PNN‐CP in Victoria (p = 0.047) and Western Australia (p = 0.033) was observed. The most common proximal causes of PNN‐CP were cerebrovascular accidents (34%, n = 158), infection (25%, n = 117), and non‐accidental injuries (12%, n = 58). Children born to teenage mothers, Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander mothers, or children born in remote areas were over‐represented in this cohort compared with reference data (all p ≤ 0.001). Infectious causes were strongly associated with teenage motherhood (odds ratio 3.0 [95% confidence interval 1.1–8.2], p = 0.028) and remote living (odds ratio 4.5 [95% confidence interval 2.0–10.2], p < 0.001). Interpretation: Although prevalence of PNN‐CP has declined, the over‐representation of priority populations, and the relative severity of a condition that is largely preventable, suggest the need for more specific primary preventive measures and support. What this paper adds: Prevalence of post‐neonatally acquired (PNN) cerebral palsy (CP) in Australia significantly declined between 1973 and 2012.Cerebrovascular accidents are the most common proximal cause of PNN‐CP.Children born in remote areas are at greater risk of PNN‐CP. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dinosaur fossils of the Lower Cretaceous (Aptian–Albian) Eumeralla Formation (Otway Basin) of Victoria provide insights into the faunal and ichnofaunal diversity of southern hemisphere high latitude dinosaurs during the initial separation of Australia from Antarctica. To date, at least eight dinosaur fossil locations have been reported from this formation. In this paper, we describe a new tracksite locality along the coastline of Wattle Hill that represents the most westerly occurrence of dinosaur fossils in the state. Some of the Wattle Hill prints resemble tracks attributed to ornithopodan trackmakers from neighbouring tracksites of the Eumeralla Formation (Knowledge Creek, Browns Creek), while others resemble bird prints. The site also preserves a large non-avian theropod footprint that resembles Megalosauropus prints from the Lower Cretaceous (Valanginian–Barremian) Broome Sandstone, Western Australia that if correct, extends the temporospatial range of this ichnogenus. The Wattle Hill tracks vary in their erosion between and within tracksites, from a natural mould (concave epirelief), transmitted tracks, possibly penetrative tracks and infilled reliefs that resemble (but differ from) natural casts. With the constant weathering of the Eumeralla Formation exposures, it seems likely that additional dinosaur tracks fossils will be discovered with continued Victorian coastal explorations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: This paper aims to derive the time-varying relative export competitiveness (REC) of the Nigerian cocoa sector against Nigeria's share of world agricultural exports (REC_WA) and world merchandise exports (REC_WM) from 1995 to 2018. By concentrating on different factors such as demand and supply capacity, price factors and exchange rate, the authors examine the determinants of REC. Design/methodology/approach: The authors calculated three different REC indexes. The authors also developed the relative symmetric export competitiveness index for comparative advantage calculation and avoiding the possible bias. The determinants of REC for Nigerian cocoa were captured using the short-run regression (SRR) model. Findings: The study showed that Nigeria's cocoa exports are still competitive despite experiencing some declining stages. Based on the SRR model, higher per capita income had a positive effect on the REC, while higher domestic prices significantly reduced the REC of cocoa. Further, the African Growth Opportunity Act agreement adversely affected the REC of cocoa. Originality/value: This study provides a foundation for future research and enhances the literature on agricultural trade. This research makes a few contributions both from a scientific and a policy perspective. First, it is the first study on the REC analysis for the Nigerian cocoa industry. Second, a wide range of comparisons of REC among the world's largest cocoa exporters was provided following implications of the various economic policies and local policy strategies. Third, the latest 24-year data sets were covered. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Burden of disease studies measure the impact of disease at the population level;however, methods and data sources for estimates of prevalence vary. Using a selection of cardiovascular diseases, we aimed to describe the implications of using different disease models and linked administrative data on prevalence estimation within three Australian burden of disease studies. Methods: Three different methods (A = 2011 Australian Burden of Disease Study; B = 2015 Australian Burden of Disease Study; C = 2015 Western Australian Burden of Disease Study), which used linked data, were used to compare prevalence estimates of stroke, aortic aneurysm, rheumatic valvular heart disease (VHD) and non-rheumatic VHD. We applied these methods to 2015 Western Australian data, and calculated crude overall and age-specific prevalence for each condition. Results: Overall, Method C produced estimates of cardiovascular prevalence that were lower than the other methods, excluding non-rheumatic VHD. Prevalence of acute and chronic stroke was up to one-third higher in Method A and B compared to Method C. Aortic aneurysms had the largest change in prevalence, with Method A producing an eight-fold higher estimate compared to Method C, but Method B was 10–20% lower. Estimates of VHD varied dramatically, with an up to six-fold change in prevalence in Method C due to substantial changes to disease models and the use of linked data. Conclusions: Prevalence estimates require the best available data sources, updated disease models and constant review to inform government policy and health reform. Availability of nation-wide linked data will markedly improve future burden estimates. What is known about the topic? Accurate prevalence and subsequent burden estimates that reflect population-level disease burden are an important resource and are necessary for informing health policy decisions and resource distribution. What does this paper add? For cardiovascular disease, the comparison between direct use of linked data and other population-wide data sources highlighted the significant differences in the methods between Australia-wide and Western Australian-based studies in calculating prevalence estimates. What are the implications for practitioners? Continued, effective collaboration for improved disease models and subsequent burden estimates are necessary for appropriately informed decisions about health and resource distribution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper describes the transactional patterns of Ebook Library (EBL), one of the aggregator platforms owned by ProQuest, e-book titles at the Edith Cowan University (ECU), Western Australia to know the way and extent of usage. This study is longitudinal, involving three years’ worth of EBL usage data, investigating information seeking behavior by scholarly users of e-books employing statistical log analysis of the metadata datasets (logs) that describe e-book use. This study compares three years’ transaction logs for EBL e-book titles used by the ECU community. The metrics used include aggregate trends, views, minutes spent, titles used, users, academic calendar, sessions, searches, and item type. This paper may be useful for librarians to make evidence-based informed decisions while selecting the e-book acquisition model of aggregator/supplier platforms. The e -book researchers may also find this paper useful to explore further metrics of e -book user behavior. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: To assess whether adding clinical information and written discharge documentation variables improves prediction of paediatric 30-day same-hospital unplanned readmission compared with predictions based on administrative information alone. Methods: A retrospective matched case-control study audited the medical records of patients discharged from a tertiary paediatric hospital in Western Australia (WA) between January 2010 and December 2014. A random selection of 470 patients with unplanned readmissions (out of 3330) were matched to 470 patients without readmissions based on age, sex, and principal diagnosis at the index admission. Prediction utility of three groups of variables (administrative, administrative and clinical, and administrative, clinical and written discharge documentation) were assessed using standard logistic regression and machine learning. Results: Inclusion of written discharge documentation variables significantly improved prediction of readmission compared with models that used only administrative and/or clinical variables in standard logistic regression analysis (χ217 = 29.4, P = 0.03). Highest prediction accuracy was obtained using a gradient boosted tree model (C-statistic = 0.654), followed closely by random forest and elastic net modelling approaches. Variables highlighted as important for prediction included patients' social history (legal custody or patient was under the care of the Department for Child Protection), languages spoken other than English, completeness of nursing admission and discharge planning documentation, and timing of issuing discharge summary. Conclusions: The variables of significant social history, low English language proficiency, incomplete discharge documentation, and delay in issuing the discharge summary add value to prediction models. What is known about the topic?: Despite written discharge documentation playing a critical role in the continuity of care for paediatric patients, limited research has examined its association with, and ability to predict, unplanned hospital readmissions. Machine learning approaches have been applied to various health conditions and demonstrated improved predictive accuracy. However, few published studies have used machine learning to predict paediatric readmissions. What does this paper add?: This paper presents the findings of the first known study in Australia to assess and report that written discharge documentation and clinical information improves unplanned rehospitalisation prediction accuracy in a paediatric cohort compared with administrative data alone. It is also the first known published study to use machine learning for the prediction of paediatric same-hospital unplanned readmission in Australia. The results show improved predictive performance of the machine learning approach compared with standard logistic regression. What are the implications for practitioners?: The identified social and written discharge documentation predictors could be translated into clinical practice through improved discharge planning and processes, to prevent paediatric 30-day all-cause same-hospital unplanned readmission. The predictors identified in this study include significant social history, low English language proficiency, incomplete discharge documentation, and delay in issuing the discharge summary. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Kimberley Mum's Mood Scale (KMMS) was co-designed with Aboriginal women and healthcare professionals to improve culturally appropriate screening practices for perinatal depression and anxiety. This paper describes the implementation of the KMMS across the remote Kimberley region of Western Australia from January 2018 to December 2021. We used the Dynamic Sustainability Framework to progress the implementation and assess at the intervention, practice setting and ecological system level using a mixed methods approach to analyse implementation. Rates of administration and results of screening were described using a retrospective audit of electronic medical records. Analyses of KMMS training registry, stakeholder engagement and sustainability initiatives were descriptive. KMMS acceptability was assessed using qualitative descriptive approaches to analyse patient feedback forms (n = 39), healthcare professional surveys (n = 15) and qualitative interviews with healthcare professionals (n = 6). We found a significant increase in overall recorded perinatal screening (pre-implementation: 30.4% v Year 3: 46.5%, P < 0.001) and use of the KMMS (pre-implementation: 16.4% v Year 3: 46.4%, P < 0.001). There was improved fidelity in completing the KMMS (from 2.3% to 61.8%, P < 0.001), with 23.6% of women screened recorded as being at increased risk of depression and anxiety. Most healthcare professionals noted the high levels of perinatal mental health concerns, stress, and trauma that their patients experienced, and identified the KMMS as the most appropriate perinatal screening tool. Aboriginal women reported that it was important for clinics to ask about mood and feelings during the perinatal period, and that the KMMS was appropriate. Aboriginal women consistently reported that it was good to have someone to talk to. This study demonstrates that innovation in perinatal depression and anxiety screening for Aboriginal women is possible and can be implemented into routine clinical care with the support of a sustained multi-year investment and strong partnerships. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Health research priorities are commonly identified and resourced by strategic leaders. The importance of recognising the expertise of clinician-researchers is being prioritised by a national funding shift towards applied research. There is a dearth of evidence regarding research priorities for maternity care in rural and remote health in Australia. This study aimed to develop an evidence-based consensus of maternity research priorities in regional, rural, and remote areas of Australia's largest rural health service (by land area) in Western Australia. Methods: A three-phased Delphi method was selected to achieve an interdisciplinary, evidence-based consensus on maternity research priorities within Western Australian Country Health Service. Results: Across three study phases, 432 participants responded. Representation was from seven regions and all stakeholder roles within the regions. Phase 1 included 173 responses yielding 53 concepts categorised under five domains. Phase 2 involved 161 participants who prioritised concepts under domains of (i) workforce and education; (ii) health equity; (iii) Aboriginal health; (iv) logistics and health systems; and (v) clinical. Phase 3 included 96 participants revealing 15 maternity research priorities with the top four ranked concepts: 'recruitment and retention of staff'; 'care for women and families with vulnerabilities', 'models of care offering continuity' and 'systems efficiencies'. Conclusions: The novel evidence provided in this study, in conjunction with a strong consensus on research priorities and an interdisciplinary approach, strengthens the findings of this study and amplifies the mandate of action without delay. What is known about the topic? Research priorities in health are often set by strategic leaders that are not always able to capture or reflect the views and perspectives of clinicians involved with service delivery. What does this paper add? This research delivers the first ever evidence-based consensus of maternity research priorities identified by those who deliver or coordinate maternity care in regional, rural, and remote areas of Australia's largest rural health service (by land area) in Western Australia. What are the implications for practitioners? Demand-driven research identified by those who provide maternity care in this unique setting ensures that research strategy and resourcing can be targeted with confidence and translated without delay. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To enhance the accessibility and acceptability of evidence-based parenting programs in Indigenous communities, there is a need to build a confident and skilled workforce within these diverse settings. For training to be effective, the complex histories, traditional values and practices of the communities in which a program will be delivered must be appreciated. In this paper, we investigate the efficacy of a community-adapted, professional training program to deliver the evidence-based Indigenous Triple P - Positive Parenting Program (Triple P) in remote Aboriginal communities in the Fitzroy Valley, Western Australia. Extensive consultation with community leaders, a project advisory group, and local Aboriginal organizations and service providers guided modifications to the program. Repeated measures analyses were used to assess parent coach (N = 38) knowledge and confidence prior to and immediately post training and at an accreditation workshop two months following training. Parent coaches who completed the tailored Triple P practitioner training reported high rates of satisfaction with the training, a significant increase in capacity to deliver parenting support, significantly increased confidence in their parent consultation skills, and significantly increased perceived empowerment within communities, the workplace and home. These results were maintained at two months post-training. Qualitative results indicate that training was well received and beneficial. Post-training support by an experienced Triple P practitioner residing in the community for an extended period was critical to supporting program implementation and sustainability. Highlights: Training in evidence-based parenting support programs for Indigenous Peoples. Program co-designed and implemented with community input, led to a high rate of accreditation in a cohort of local workers. Community-led program choice, training model and peer support increased empowerment of parent coaches. Collaborative and flexible approach informs best practice in bringing any evidence-based program to Indigenous communities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hydrogen is considered a key energy vector and carrier for the decarbonization of global energy systems. However, the economics of green hydrogen systems hinder their widespread application. This paper presents a techno-economic analysis of a green hydrogen production system using high-temperature water electrolysis integrated with a concentrated solar power system (CSP-SOEC) for Western Australia. Real-time solar resource data with 30-min resolution for a typical meteorological year were used to assess the performance of the entire system. The intermittent nature of solar resources is accounted for by integrating the system with a thermal energy storage medium and performing the analysis in off-design mode. The validity of the electrolysis stack model is crucial for overall system performance, which was confirmed through experimental testing conducted on a 15-cell stack. The system was designed to generate a 1 MWe output, and the results showed that a field area of 29,000 m2 and thermal energy storage capacity of 382,500 kWh can fulfil the design criteria. The system generates 0.86 tonne/day of hydrogen at a cost of 8.87 US$/kg-H 2 with a solar-to-hydrogen efficiency of 13.80 %. The cost breakdown revealed that the storage medium has the most significant contribution. Moreover, the sensitivity of the system to the production capacity was analyzed, which showed that larger-scale hydrogen production systems have the potential to further reduce the cost. An 8 MWe system has the capacity to produce 7.18 tonne/day of hydrogen at a cost of 6.1 US$/kg-H 2. The molten salt is currently utilized only 39.3 % for the hydrogen production process. To optimize resource utilization, a cogeneration system is devised and assessed for simultaneous steam and hydrogen production. The results reveal that the cogeneration system can achieve an LCOH reduction of 9 % by reaching 8.07 US$/kg-H 2. These findings are invaluable for academic and industry stakeholders in making informed decisions and fostering the green hydrogen sector in Australia. • A techno economic assessment of green H 2 production for Australia is done. • The electrolysis model is corroborated using experimental results. • The cost of green H 2 for such system in Australia is 8.87 US$/kg-H 2. • Higher production capacity favors the system economics. • The cogeneration system reduces the cost by 9 %. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The valorization of secondary sands is crucial for fostering a circular economy within the construction sector. One significant obstacle in this endeavor stems from the high water absorption (WA) rates commonly reported for secondary sands. This high WA leads to increased water and cement demand in cementitious mixes and elevates costs. The only widely standardized method to measure the WA of fine aggregates is the cone method, which has proven ill-suited for fine aggregates with angular particles or a high content of fines. This study undertakes a comparative evaluation of the cone method and seven alternative methods: immersion, centrifugation, paper sheet, colorimetric, volumetric flask, continuous drying, and electrical conductivity. Tests were performed on natural river sand and three types of secondary sand. Findings reveal that the continuous drying and electrical conductivity methods demonstrates the greatest potential in terms of reliability and applicability. Also the volumetric flask and centrifugation methods show some potential, provided that critical refinements are made to the corresponding test protocols. • Flaws of water absorption methods for secondary sands are exposed. • Caution should be taken in the interpretation of water absorption data from the literature. • There is an urgent need for improved water absorption assessment of secondary sands. • Electrical conductivity and continuous drying methods are recommended. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents a case study on the tensions present between the regulation of liquor regulation and the ways in which contemporary music venues are able to support local original contemporary music activity in Western Australia. It draws on qualitative semi-structured interviews with the owners, managers and bookers of ten live music venues in order to explore the ways in which their operations are impacted, not only by the Liquor Control Act (1988), but how it is administered and applied in-situ. As this paper argues, this application and in-situ enactment, does not allow for the flexibility the sector needs in order to meet demands, and ultimately results in a failing of the Act in being able to adequately support live original music activity, one of its secondary objectives. Recommendations such as areas in need of further research, as well as changes to the administration of the LCA which can support a more open and supportive dialogue and policies between government and industry are also made. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper demonstrates knowledge-guided fuzzy logic modeling of regional-scale surficial uranium (U) prospectivity in British Columbia (Canada). The deposits/occurrences of surficial U in this region vary from those in Western Australia and Namibia; thus, requiring innovative and carefully-thought techniques of spatial evidence generation and integration. As novelty, this papers introduces a new weighted fuzzy algebraic sum operator to combine certain spatial evidence layers. The analysis trialed several layers of spatial evidence based on conceptual mineral system model of surficial U in British Columbia (Canada) as well as tested various models of evidence integration. Non-linear weighted functions of (a) spatial closeness to U-enriched felsic igneous rocks was employed as U-source spatial evidence, (b) spatial closeness to paleochannels as fluid pathways spatial evidence, and (c) surface water U content as chemical trap spatial evidence. The best models of prospectivity created by integrating the layers of spatial evidence for U-source, pathways and traps predicted at least 85% of the known surficial U deposits/occurrences in >10% of the study region with the highest prospectivity fuzzy scores. The results of analyses demonstrate that, employing the known deposits/occurrences of surficial U for scrutinizing the spatial evidence layers and the final models of prospectivity can pinpoint the most suitable critical processes and models of data integration to reduce bias in the analysis of mineral prospectivity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To describe patterns of use of the available Government-subsidised mental health services among people living in Australian residential aged care facilities. Methods: A retrospective population-based trend analysis was conducted, including all non-Indigenous people living in an Australian facility between 2012 and 2017. Adjusted incidence proportions and trends were estimated for four groups of mental health services. Results: The use of Medicare-subsidised mental health services was very low overall. The proportion of residents who accessed primary care mental health services increased from 1.3% in 2012/2013 to 2.4% in 2016/2017, while psychiatry service use increased from 1.9 to 2.3%. Claims for clinical psychology increased from 0.18 to 0.26%, and claims for a registered psychologist, occupational therapist or social worker rose from 0.45 to 1.2%. People with dementia were less likely than people without dementia to access all services aside from psychiatry services. Conclusions: Less than 3% of residents accessed funding subsidies for mental health services and people with dementia experienced pronounced barriers to service access. Mental health care is a pillar of the publicly-funded health system in Australia, and low use of these services among aged care residents indicates a need for organisational and policy changes to improve access. What is known about the topic? People living in residential aged care facilities report very high rates of mental health conditions, including depression and anxiety. What does this paper add? We demonstrate very low use (<3%) of Government-funded mental health services among people living in residential aged care facilities in Australia, with only small increases in use over time. What are the implications for practitioners? Practitioners should routinely assess the mental health needs of people living in residential aged care and refer for in-reach mental health services where needed, noting that facility staff are usually not trained for this role. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The concept of professional judgement underpins the way in which an occupational hygienist assesses an exposure problem. Despite the importance placed on professional judgement in the discipline, a method of assessment to characterise accuracy has not been available. In this paper, we assess the professional judgement of four occupational hygienists ('experts') when completing exposure assessments on a range of airborne contaminants across a number of job roles within a surface mining environment in the Pilbara region of Western Australia. The job roles assessed were project driller, mobile equipment operator, fixed plant maintainer, and drill and blast operator. The contaminants of interest were respirable crystalline silica, respirable dust, and inhalable dust. The novel approach of eliciting exposure estimates focusing on contaminant concentration and attribution of an exposure standard estimate was used. The majority of the elicited values were highly skewed; therefore, a scaled Beta distribution were fitted. These elicited fitted distributions were then compared to measured data distributions, the results of which had been collected as part of an occupational hygiene program assessing full-shift exposures to the same contaminants and job roles assessed by the experts. Our findings suggest that the participating experts within this study tended to overestimate exposures. In addition, the participating experts were more accurate at estimating percentage of an exposure standard than contaminant concentration. We demonstrate that this elicitation approach and the encoding methodology contained within can be applied to assess accuracy of exposure judgements which will impact on worker protection and occupational health outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper describes the archaeology of one family's tolerance to the stressors associated with the settlement of a new place. Artifacts associated with the maintenance of clothing suggest that a British family newly arrived at the Swan River colony in the southwest of Australia had the ability to remain composed during a period of reduced resources and psychological strain. The family's ability to resist stress was probably the result of the social knowledge gained during previous experiences with internal migration in the British Isles during a time of high social dislocation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

One of significant advancement of techniques in the construction industry is off-site construction (OSC) technique that has existed for long but only recently gaining leverage from the advances in manufacturing. OSC carries much potential and even termed as the modern method of construction. OSC has been identified as an effective solution to address speed expectations and quality issues facing the global construction industry. Particular to the housing sectors such as in Western Australia (WA), implementing OSC holds significant potentials but has also been considered risky by local builders, hence its lower uptake in WA. However, risks are often double-edged and rewards may be waiting for builders willing to take on the risks and become the main OSC providers. This paper presents the findings from a research project aiming to explore OSC adoption as a potential source of competitive advantage through the first mover advantage (FMA). The data collection was designed to capture potentials of gaining competitive advantage based on the existing characteristics of the sector. While confirming the potential of OSC adoption as a source of competitiveness, findings also revealed the barriers and enablers in adopting OSC in WA followed by identifying the critical success factors of OSC adoption in WA to gain competitive advantage. Findings from the data analysis were then aggregated to form a holistic framework showing the interconnectedness between differentiation/focus, cost leadership and FMA. This novel framework is considered the main contribution of the research that can be used to support house builders in gaining competitive advantage by implementing OSC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sheep stocking rate influences farm profit significantly; however determining the optimal stocking rate is a difficult task. In this paper, we address this challenge through three main steps. First, we review the definition of stocking rate; second, we examine prior research relevant to the review topic and highlight the factors that need to be considered when determining the optimal stocking rate; and third, we make recommendations for improvements in research on establishing the optimal sheep stocking rate. Inconsistency in the definition of stocking rate can lead to miscommunication among researchers, advisers and farmers. If 10 dry sheep equivalents (DSE)/ha is optimal for one flock, it may not be optimal for another flock because the DSE measure does not fully capture the nuances of different patterns of nutritional requirements among sheep classes and feed availabilities and their respective prices and costs. The optimal stocking rate occurs when the marginal economic benefit of an additional animal equals its marginal cost. Determining this point requires an understanding of the quantity and quality of feed available throughout the year, the optimal liveweight profile throughout the year, the impact of seasonal variation, the impact of labour availability, the cost of alternative feeds, prices of livestock and livestock products, the risk preferences of the farmer, and any emission policies relating to greenhouse gases. Farmers tend to use their own judgement to set their stocking rates, with the aim of maximising utility. However, the complexities listed make it a challenging task. Thus, researchers have used various simulation and programming models to aid decision-making over optimal stocking rates, but most farmers continue to rely on their own personal judgement. Moreover, often a focus of this modelling is for sheep systems in eastern Australia. Generalising this research across Australia is difficult due to differences in climatic conditions and markets across Australia. Often farmers are unaware of the profits they are foregoing when choosing either an overly conservative or excessive stocking rate. Our research has shown that foregone income of up to AUD50 per hectare can occur when a stocking rate 30% below or above the optimum is selected. Thus, despite the complexities that underpin the stocking rate decision, we believe that there are potential rewards from further research on the optimisation of stocking rates. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Younger granite bodies form two arches, the western and the eastern (WA, EA), which extend from the south northwards from the Meatique, ophiolitic group-island arc rocks, to the large older granite outcrop to the north. This paper concerns the feasibility of exploration in the El-Erediya-Ria El-Garah-El-Gidami-El-Missikat Y Gr regions. Fieldwork and remote sensing, together with geochemical, petrochemical, and mineralogical studies, are used to show the controlling factors, routes, and the origins of the deposits. Remote sensing is used to delineate the different rock units. Normal and strike–slip NW, NNE faults, veins, fractured ENE shear zones, and alteration zones of magmatic-hydrothermal fluids are discussed. Granites are considered using petrochemical diagrams as resources. These rocks are categorized as syeno- and alkali feldspar granites. Geochemical binary relationships recognized the granites are highly fractionated calc-alkaline-altered Monzo-, syeno-, and alkali feldspar granites formed in the active continental margin. The observed positive Ga vs. Cu, Zn, and Ni correlations are used for epithermal-magmatic-hydrothermal polymetallic veins and mineralized greisen zones. Negative Cu vs. Mo correlation patterns show probable Mo-porphyry deposits in the deeper zones at the contact point between porphyritic perthite and perthite granitic El-Erediya mass. The Zr/Sr between 1.65 to 2.93 plus fluorites in El-Missikat and up to 5.48 plus fluorites in El-Erediya show both U-poor at El-Missikat and U-rich deposits at El-Erediya. The recorded U, Th, Cu, and Pb vertical zoning sequence of deposition differentiates U aureole and deposit zones. The estimated lateral zoning sequences of deposition of these elements define the centers of U deposits. Pathfinders for the deposit of the examined area include the positive Fe2O3 vs. Mg O and Fe2O3 vs. Ca O correlations, and also negative Rb/Sr vs. K/Na and Rb vs. Sr ones, can be applied to future prospecting for similar U-F-Au-W-Mo deposits in the Eastern Desert of Egypt. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Substance use is a public health issue with a greater burden in rural areas. Barriers to accessing services are exacerbated for rural substance users, with confidentiality concerns, longer travel distances, workforce issues and limited availability of services. This paper presents results from a study exploring substance users' experiences of accessing services in Western Australia's South West. Methods: This qualitative study was informed by phenomenology, and drew from social determinants and socio‐ecological theories. Data were collected through 22 semi‐structured telephone interviews with current and past substance users residing in the South West. Interviews were audio‐recorded and transcripts were subjected to thematic analysis. Results: Two themes were identified: readiness to engage as a three‐way street; and building an ecosystem of recovery networks. Effective engagement with services required multi‐level readiness. Individual readiness was strongly influenced by the social environment, while service readiness required trustworthiness and responsiveness. A number of local access barriers were identified that hindered broader system readiness. Participants experienced recovery as on‐going and require an ecosystem of support with peer support at the centre and a network of healthy relationships established through meaningful connections. Discussion and Conclusions: An effective ecosystem of support for alcohol and other drugs users in the South West should include expanded access to health, community and welfare services, with an emphasis on peer‐led support programs, and strong cross‐sector collaboration to mitigate the access barriers operating at the broader community level. Lessons from our study can inform the development of rural ecosystems of support for alcohol and other drugs users. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: A point prevalence survey was conducted across Western Australia to monitor adherence to evidence-based practices to prevent falls in hospitals. Study design and methods: A state-wide point prevalence survey of patients and their medical records was conducted across 20 hospitals, over 17 days during May 2014. The survey determined rates of: provision of verbal information to patients; completion of a falls risk screening tool and age based cognitive testing. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression was utilised to determine key risks and opportunities to improve. Results: Information was collected from 2,720 patients. The provision of verbal information to prevent falls, as recalled by patients was 60% (hospital range 35--88%). This was significantly higher for patients with a stay of six or more days or involved in rehabilitation care. Perinatal women were three times less likely to be provided with verbal falls prevention information. A falls risk screening tool was completed for 82% of patients (range 28-98%). Perinatal women, and both adult and paediatric patients compared to older adults, were significantly less likely to have a complete falls risk screening tool. Thirty seven percent of patients within the recommended age ranges had cognitive testing (range 0--87%). Short-term patients and those not involved in rehabilitation, were significantly less likely to have been tested. Discussion: The survey identified differences in patient care and supporting processes across all hospitals. The results have highlighted areas for improvement. Conclusion: There were wide variations across all the hospitals in the provision of falls information, completion of falls risk screening tools and cognitive testing. At significant risk of missing out on falls prevention strategies were short stay patients and perinatal women. Five hospitals had significantly low rates of cognitive testing, indicating a hospital- wide issue rather than specific patient cohorts. Subsequently, the importance of ensuring that falls prevention strategies are conducted is vital to reduce preventable inpatient falls in all care settings. Implications for research, policy and practice: * This was the first state-wide point prevalence study in WA and it has informed the need for further research into the implication of falls risk inpatients. * It was found that falls risk assessment was not conducted for each patient who met the screening criteria. A review of the criteria, and practicability to carry out the assessment may need to be further investigated to determine if the practice should be refined. What is already known about the topic? * Falls in hospitals are a frequent and largely considered preventable health concern. * Falls that occur in hospitals are associated with an increased length of stay and use of health resources. What this paper adds: * This paper offers a comprehensive insight into the variation in hospital falls prevention strategies, from a state-wide perspective. It also identifies perinatal women as a high-risk group who are missing out on falls prevention strategies despite having the potential to fall. * It also gives an insight to health services that not all at risk patients are being screened and those screened are not screened early in their inpatient stay which can be a risk to both patient and staff. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Department of Water and Environmental Regulation of Western Australia (DWER) assesses applications for prescribed premises under the Western Australian Environmental Protection Act 1986. In assessing these applications for new facilities or changes to existing facilities, DWER considers the likely risk of odour impacts to the amenity of sensitive receptors using various tools. To facilitate this assessment, a new Odour Guideline has been developed which guides the proponent in providing information on the nature of the activity and proposed odour control measures, activity location, distances to sensitive receptors, existing ambient odour impacts. This paper presents the Department’s new Odour Guideline, which includes a two-tiered analysis approach (screening and detailed analysis) and associated tools that can provide the information needed to assess the odour risk of the proposed application. The paper also shows how some of the tools included in the Guideline can be used by the proponent as management tools for the activity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Low power cache memory in a system on chip is in high demand today. With the lowering of MOSFET's channel length, low-power SRAM design has become a more challenging task. This paper presents differential 8T SRAM cell with minimum power utilization. The proposed cell has one pair of transmission gate as access switches. Due to use of TG instead of pass gate access transistor its write access time (TWA) is short. The low power consumption of the cell is due to stacking effect. This paper compares design metrics of the proposed cell with conventional 6T (CON6T) and ZIGZAG 8T (ZG8T) SRAM cells. The proposed 8T SRAM cell shows 1.15×/1.17× improvement in TWA as compared to CON6T/ZG8T at a penalty of 2.65×/2× in read access time (TRA). The proposed cell consumes 3.22× less hold power compared to both CON6T and ZG8T SRAM cells. And the proposed cell consumes 4.41× (4.44×) less write power as compared to CON6T (ZG8T) SRAM cell. Our proposed cell takes 1.37× lower chip area as compared to ZG8T cell at the expense of 1.49× higher area as compared to CON6T SRAM cell. The proposed cell also achieves 1.5×/3× higher stability during write operation as compared to CON6T/ZG8T SRAM cell, respectively. Read static margin of the proposed cell is same as CON6T but 3.2× lower than ZG8T SRAM cell. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, the d-dimensional quantum harmonic oscillator with a pseudo-differential time quasi-periodic perturbation i ψ ̇ = (− Δ + V (x) + ϵ W (ω t , x , − i ∇)) ψ , x ∈ R d is considered, where ω ∈ (0,2π)n, V (x) ≔ ∑ j = 1 d v j 2 x j 2 , v j ≥ v 0 > 0 , and W(θ, x, ξ) is a real polynomial in (x, ξ) of degree at most two, with coefficients belonging to Cℓ in θ ∈ T n for the order ℓ satisfying ℓ ≥ 2n + β, 0 < β < 1. Using the techniques developed by Bambusi et al. [Anal. PDE 11(3), 775–799 (2018)] and Rüssmann ["On optimal estimates for the solutions of linear partial differential equations of first order with constant coefficients on the torus," in Dynamical Systems, Theory and Applications, Lecture Notes in Physics Vol. 38 (Rencontres, Battelle Research Institute, Seattle, WA, 1975), pp. 598–624], this paper shows that for any ϵ small enough, there is a set D ϵ ⊂ (0 , 2 π) n with a big Lebesgue measure such that for any ω ∈ D ϵ , the system is reducible. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, the aging relationship between holding time and the interfacial solid solution was utilized to prepare high-performance agglomerated white fused alumina (AWA) abrasives. The influence of holding time on the interfacial solid solution and mechanical properties of AWA abrasives were systematically investigated, and the grinding performance was thoroughly analyzed. The results showed that increasing the holding time caused the Al 2 O 3 to violently infiltrate the interface between the white fused alumina (WA) particles and the vitrified bond, which led to the precipitation of a large amount of β-spodumene and monoclinic celsian in the vitrified bond and transformed the simple mechanical bonds between the WA particles and the vitrified bond into stronger chemical bonds. Thus, it was possible to control the mechanical properties of the AWA abrasives by adjusting the holding time. Specifically, after sintering at 760 °C for 4h, the single particle compressive strength and impact toughness reached the maximum values of 26 N and 63%, respectively. In comparison with the WA grinding wheel, the grinding ratio of the AWA grinding wheel was increased by 17.9% and the workpiece surface roughness was reduced by 21.1%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Conservation practitioners require cost-effective and repeatable remotely sensed data for assistive monitoring. This paper tests the ability of standard remotely piloted aircraft (DJI Phantom 4 Pro) imagery to discriminate between plant species in a rangeland environment. Flights were performed over two 0.3–0.4 ha exclusion plot sites, established as controls to protect vegetation from translocated animal disturbance on Dirk Hartog Island, Western Australia. Comparisons of discriminatory variables, classification potential, and optimal flight height were made between plot sites with different plant species diversity. We found reflectance bands and height variables to have high differentiation potential, whilst measures of texture were less useful for multisegmented plant canopies. Discrimination between species varied with omission errors ranging from 13 to 93%. Purposely resampling c. 5 mm imagery as captured at 20–25 m above terrain identified that a flight height of 120 m would improve capture efficiency in future surveys without hindering accuracy. Overall accuracy at a site with low species diversity (n = 4) was 70%, which is an encouraging result given the imagery is limited to visible spectral bands. With higher species diversity (n = 10), the accuracy reduced to 53%, although it is expected to improve with additional bands or grouping like species. Findings suggest that in rangeland environments with low species diversity, monitoring using a standard RPA is viable. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: To assess the degree to which timely audiological assessment of congenital hearing loss is achieved at our institution ‐ Perth Children's Hospital, Western Australia, and to review cases which breached this timeframe in order to address barriers to timely assessment. The benchmark used to determine timely assessment is that set out by The Joint Committee on Infant Hearing (JCIH) in which diagnostic audiological testing occurs by three months of age for those who do not pass newborn hearing screening. Methods: A retrospective chart review of infants who underwent diagnostic auditory assessment at Perth Children's Hospital between 2016‐2019. A total of 151 children were identified as meeting the inclusion criteria and their medical files were reviewed. Time to first dABR was the time point for whether testing was achieved within the 3 month timeframe. Results: Of the 151 children who underwent dABR assessments, 1 was identified as having breached the 90 day time limit (tested on day 91) for which no valid reason for delay could be identified. The timely delivery of dABR assessments in 99.3% of cases within this cohort compares favourably with the literature. Conclusions: Conclusion Timely diagnostic audiological assessment is achievable for children with congenital hearing loss. The reasons for patients breaching this timeframe are explored in the paper along with factors which may help avoid delays. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: This study investigated the link between socioeconomic status and unplanned dental presentations at the Perth Children's Hospital (PCH), as well as the link between the socioeconomic status of unplanned dental patients and any previous admissions to the PCH. Methods: Records of 351 unplanned visits to the PCH were collected, including reason for attendance (infection, trauma, other), the patient's residential location (suburb) and the history of any previous presentations at the PCH. The socioeconomic status of each patient was based on the Index of Relative Socio-Economic Disadvantage, divided into quintiles. Geographic information systems (GIS) were used to spatially map the residential locations of the patients with unplanned dental presentations. QGIS was used to map and geocode the data. Analysis of variance and Chi-squared tests were used to determine associations between subgroups and other variables. Results: 'Unplanned dental presentation' in this study refers to patients who present without an appointment, including by referral from the emergency department of the PCH or outside the PCH. Approximately two-thirds of unplanned dental presentation among patients from low socioeconomic groups were for dental infection, whereas the major reason for presentation among patients from higher socioeconomic groups was trauma. More than half the patients in low socioeconomic groups had at least one previous presentation at the PCH due to other medical issues. Conclusion: Children from low socioeconomic groups, or from outside of Perth, were more likely to present with dental infections, which are mostly preventable at the primary care level; these patients often presented a more significant burden to the health system. Public health interventions should aim to promote preventive oral health care, especially for children from low socioeconomic groups. What is known about the topic?: In Western Australia, the most common dental problems requiring hospitalisation among children is dental caries, and children from the lowest socioeconomic backgrounds have the highest prevalence of dental hospitalisations. What does this paper add?: Children from lower socioeconomic backgrounds were more likely to have an unplanned presentation at the only tertiary children's hospital in Western Australia due to dental infection. What are the implications for practitioners?: Improved access to public dental services, especially in low socioeconomic areas, and the development of more strategies to reduce unplanned dental presentations at a tertiary hospital are needed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper addresses the ontological differences between modern water, the dominant way of thinking about water in the industrialised West, and Living Waters, a concept used by Aboriginal Australians to talk about water(s) and water bodies. Working collaboratively with Aboriginal experts and state government water planners in the Kimberley region of Western Australia we developed two social-ecological conceptual models to compare propositions about the ontological character of water. One model represents a modern water paradigm, upon which state systems of water management are based, and the other represents a customary system of management: a Living Waters paradigm that depicts the relationships between people, other beings, and the waters of the Martuwarra/Fitzroy River catchment. The models are intended to inform water governance processes and influence negotiations between State and customary institutions. We use the models here to analyse water policy tools and their ability to support the relationships particular groups have with their waters. We identify gaps in existing policy for the sustainability of Living Waters. We discuss the implications of the differences between these two conceptual models for water justice, as well as for sustainability research and socio-ecological modelling as it applies to rivers and their waters in Australia and elsewhere, or to other human-environment relationships. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper proposes a method to probabilistically quantify the moments (mean and variance) of excavated material during excavation by aggregating the prior moments of the grade blocks around the given bucket dig location. By modelling the moments as random probability density functions (pdf) at sampled locations, a formulation of the sums of Gaussian-based uncertainty estimation is presented that jointly estimates the location pdfs, as well as the prior values for uncertainty coming from ore body knowledge (obk) sub-block models. The method was tested in a region situated in the Brockman Iron Formation of the Hamersley Province, Western Australia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Longitudinal cohort studies have made significant contributions to medical discoveries and provide the impetus for health interventions which reduce the risk of disease. Establishing and maintaining these cohorts is challenging and costly. While some attrition is unavoidable, maintaining a sufficient number of participants ensures that results remain representative and free from bias. Numerous studies have investigated ways to reduce attrition but few studies have sought to understand the experience of participants, and none have examined this through a social marketing framework. This first paper in a two part-series describes participants' experiences according to: benefits, barriers, motivators and influencers. The second paper uses this understanding to address issues relating to the 4Ps (product, price, place, promotion) of social marketing.Methods: Participants were recruited from the Raine Study, a pregnancy cohort study that has been running in Western Australia since 1989. Qualitative interviews were conducted with 29 active and inactive participants from the Generation 2 cohort, who were originally enrolled in the Raine Study at birth by their parents (Generation 1). 'Active' participants (n = 17) were defined as those who agreed to attend their 27 year follow-up, while 'inactive' (n = 12) participants were defined as those who had not attended either of the past two follow-ups (at 22 and 27 years).Results: There were considerable differences between active and inactive participants, with active participants perceiving far more personal and collective benefits from their participation. Inactive participants described being constrained by structural barriers around work and life, whereas active participants were able to overcome them to attend follow-ups. Inactive participants also described the value of extrinsic incentives which might motivate their attendance, and active participants described the role of their parents as significant influencers in their propensity to remain in the study.Conclusions: This paper provides rich descriptions of what participation in a long-running study means to participants. Use of a social marketing framework ensured that participants were constructed as 'human consumers' who are influenced by individual and broader social systems. Understanding participants in this way means that differentiated strategies can be tailored to enhance retention. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of this paper is to demonstrate that the gradient-constrained discounted Steiner point algorithm (GCDSPA) described in an earlier paper by the authors is applicable to a class of real mine planning problems, by using the algorithm to design a part of the underground access in the Rubicon gold mine near Kalgoorlie in Western Australia. The algorithm is used to design a decline connecting two ore bodies so as to maximize the net present value (NPV) associated with the connector. The connector is to break out from the access infrastructure of one ore body and extend to the other ore body. There is a junction on the connector where it splits in two near the second ore body. The GCDSPA is used to obtain the optimal location of the junction and the corresponding NPV. The result demonstrates that the GCDSPA can be used to solve certain problems in mine planning for which currently available methods cannot provide optimal solutions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: This study assessed the effect of the frequency of general practitioner (GP) visitation in the 12 months before a 21% consumer copayment increase in the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS; January 2005) on the reduction or discontinuation of statin dispensing for tertiary prevention. Methods: The study used routinely collected, whole-population linked PBS, Medicare, mortality and hospital data from Western Australia. From 2004 to 2005, individuals were classified as having discontinued, reduced or continued their use of statins in the first six months of 2005 following the 21% consumer copayment increase on 1 January 2005. The frequency of GP visits was calculated in 2004 from Medicare data. Multivariate logistic regression models were used to determine the association between GP visits and statin use following the copayment increase. Results: In December 2004, there were 22 495 stable statin users for tertiary prevention of prior coronary heart disease, prior stroke or prior coronary artery revascularisation procedure. Following the copayment increase, patients either discontinued (3%), reduced (12%) or continued (85%) their statins. Individuals who visited a GP three or more times in 2004 were 47% less likely to discontinue their statins in 2005 than people attending only once. Subgroup analysis showed the effect was apparent in men, and long-term or new statin users. The frequency of GP visits did not affect the proportion of patients reducing their statin therapy. Conclusions: Patients who visited their GP at least three times per year had a lower risk of ceasing their statins in the year following the copayment increase. GPs can help patients maintain treatment following rises in medicines costs. What is known about the topic?: Following the 21% increase in medication copayment in 2005, individuals discontinued or reduced their statin usage, including for tertiary prevention. What does this paper add?: Patients who visited their GP at least three times per year were less likely to discontinue their statin therapy for tertiary prevention following a large copayment increase. What are the implications for practitioners?: This paper identifies the important role that GPs have in maintaining the continued use of important medications following rises in medicines costs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The AHI-FSA (Advanced Himawari Imager - Fire Surveillance Algorithm) is a recently developed algorithm designed to support wildfire surveillance and mapping using the geostationary Himawari-8 satellite. At present, the AHI-FSA algorithm has only been tested on a number of case study fires in Western Australia. Initial results demonstrate potential as a wildfire surveillance algorithm providing high frequency (every 10 minutes), multi-resolution fire-line detections. This paper intercompares AHI-FSA across the Northern Territory of Australia (1.4 million km2) over a ten-day period with the well-established fire products from LEO (Low Earth Orbiting) satellites: MODIS (Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer) and VIIRS (Visible Infrared Imaging Radiometer Suite). This paper also discusses the difficulties and solutions when comparing high temporal frequency fire products with existing low temporal resolution LEO satellite products. The results indicate that the multi-resolution approach developed for AHI-FSA is successful in mapping fire activity at 500 m. When compared to the MODIS, daily AHI-FSA omission error was only 7%. High temporal frequency data also results in AHI-FSA observing fires, at times, three hours before the MODIS overpass with much-enhanced detail on fire movement. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims: This paper examines the role that mental health services (MHS) performed in the management and provision of medical care and treatment of problematic users of alcohol in Western Australia (WA) over the period since 1900. Methods: The research involved an examination of legislative enactments and regulations, records of parliamentary debates in Hansard, administrative records in the State Records Office, and other sources of public information, such as departmental annual reports, reviews of services, studies and newspapers. Results: This research identified three eras of policy involving problematic users. The first, from 1900 to the mid 1970s, focussed on controls in inebriates and lunacy legislation to create a regime of civil commitment, designed to confine and compel 'inebriates', as well as 'convicted inebriates,' to 'dry out' and rehabilitate. The second, between 1975 and the late 1990s, involved the creation of a state-wide system of specialist service providers to provide treatment and recovery for problematic users. The system involved a spectrum of services that included a detoxification hospital, outpatient clinics and community-based regional services established and operated by a statutory public health agency, the Alcohol and Drug Authority (ADA). The third era, which commenced in the late 1990s, involved the transfer of all community-based services from the ADA to 'not-for-profit' non-government organisations (NGOs). The end result of this devolution was the ADA retained only a limited treatment role, as the operator of the inpatient detoxification facility. The balance of its functions were redefined in relation to the prevention of the use of alcohol and other drugs, primarily through support of mass public education programs, as well as oversight of funded NGO programs. The paper concludes with a consideration of a recent major development which involved administrative and legislative actions in 2015 to abolish the statutory body which had operated since 1975 and transfer administrative responsibility for drug and alcohol services into the Mental Health Commission. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper discusses the findings of a qualitative research project conducted in 2017 that explored practitioners' experiences and perceptions of the provision of play pedagogies in contemporary Western Australian early childhood education contexts. Interviews were conducted with four play-based learning teachers and an open-ended survey was completed by 40 early childhood educators who were members of the audience at a Western Australia conference in 2017. The study participants discussed beliefs and values pertaining to quality play-based learning and tensions associated with the diminishing role of play in the early years of schooling and its impact on young children. They also highlighted several enablers and barriers that influence and shape current early childhood education practice. The findings of this study provide further evidence for the issues identified in recent Early Childhood Australia (Western Australia) discussion papers and in other research surrounding play-based learning in the current social-political context. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper describes an empirical case study of the Subiaco town centre in Western Australia. The research method employs geospatial mapping of archival and contemporary data sources to explore the town centre's changing spatial structure and high street morphology at the micro-scale over the past century. Once a thriving retail and business centre, Subiaco's (and possibly the state's), premier retail high street destination is now being compromised as the disruptive influence of online retailing gains further traction in the marketplace. Retail disruption provides the paper's conceptual foundation. Agents of disruption include the processes of creative destruction and innovation diffusion, which together with macro-economic factors help to explain the centre's evolution over time and space. The paper examines changes in the town centre's morphological character including residential gentrification, a growing dominance of fast food outlets, an overabundance of comparison stores and a more gendered offering in retail and personal services establishments. The paper also refers to the potential of the town centre to regain its past residential status as a means of fostering economic growth and renewal and suggests that this will only be achieved with radical intervention at the policy and planning level. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Plastic mulch is commonly used to produce many vegetable crops because of its potential to decrease days to harvest, control weeds, and improve soil moisture conservation. However, use of plastic mulch is relatively new for sweet corn (Zea mays L.) in North America. We compared five plastic soil-biodegradable mulches [BDMs; Bio360, Organix AG, Clear Organix AG, Naturecycle, and Experimental polylactic acid/polyhydroxyalkanoates (Metabolix, Inc., Cambridge, MA)] and a paper mulch (WeedGuardPlus) against standard black polyethylene (PE; nonbiodegradable) mulch and bare ground cultivation for growth, yield, and quality of sweet corn cultivar Xtra Tender 2171. This field experiment was carried out in Mount Vernon, WA, which has a Mediterranean-type climate with an average air temperature of 16.1 °C during the 2017 and 2018 growing seasons. The experiment was drip irrigated; and in both years, preemergence herbicides were applied to the entire experimental area 1 to 2 days after seeding, and post-emergence herbicides were applied to alleys. While most mulches remained intact until the end of the growing season, Clear Organix AG started to split shortly after laying, resulting in significant weed pressure by midseason in both 2017 and 2018. Plant height toward the end of the season was lowest for plants grown on bare ground, intermediate for Clear Organix AG and WeedGuardPlus, and highest for the black plastic BDM and PE mulch treatments both years, except for Bio360 in 2018 where plant height was intermediate. Days to 50% tasseling and 50% silking were delayed 9 and 13 days, respectively, for bare ground and WeedGuardPlus compared with all other treatments in both years. Marketable ear yield was highest with the black plastic BDMs and PE mulch and lowest with bare ground, WeedGuardPlus, and Clear Organix AG treatments in both years. Total soluble solid content of kernels, and length and diameter of ears grown on the plastic BDM and PE mulch treatments were equal to or greater than, but never lower than, bare ground and WeedGuardPlus. These results indicate that growth, yield, and quality of sweet corn grown with black plastic BDMs are comparable to PE mulch, making black plastic BDMs an effective alternative to black PE mulch for sweet corn production in a Mediterranean-type climate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Carnaby's cockatoo, Calyptorhynchus latirostris , is endemic to south-western Australia. It has undergone a major decline in range and abundance as a result of extensive removal of breeding and foraging habitat. It is now classified as endangered by the State of Western Australia, the Australian government, and internationally. In order to plan effective conservation management for the species it is important to assess the success of breeding populations throughout its range. In this paper we examine the efficacy of using the relationship between growth in the length of a nestling's folded left wing and body mass to assess nestling condition, and examine known breeding failure in relation to nestling condition in two breeding populations: one at Coomallo Creek (studied from 1970–2017), and the other at Manmanning (1969–76). Results demonstrated that the lighter the nestlings, the higher the rate of breeding failure. Data from the Coomallo Creek population were used to prepare a table of nestling folded left wing length and body mass as a benchmark for assessing nestling condition in 10 other breeding populations, based on data collected from 1970 to the present. Following extensive clearing that removed foraging and breeding habitat, two of the 10 populations produced nestlings that were significantly lighter than the benchmark, and both populations subsequently declined to extinction. The commencement of egg-laying each season at Coomallo Creek was strongly influenced by total rainfall in the first half of autumn. The length of the egg-laying period between 1970–76 and 2009–17 increased by 5.2 weeks (40%). This increase was related to changes in rainfall and temperature over more than four decades. Despite the lengthening of the egg-laying period, nestling condition was unaffected, suggesting that, at least in the short term, the Carnaby's cockatoo population at Coomallo Creek is coping with the effects of climate change. This paper examines the efficacy of using the relationship between growth in the length of nestling folded left wing and body mass of Carnaby's cockatoo Calyptorhynchus latirostris to assess nestling condition, and assesses nestling condition in 11 breeding populations throughout the species' range. The lighter the nestling, the higher the rate of breeding failure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]