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A report issued in 1996 commemorated the 10th Anniversary of this Fund, outlining its origins and purpose, briefly identifying the 21 recipients of grants from the Fund up to that time, and describing the projects for which the grants were awarded and outcomes of those grants (IPAA/UC 1996). The Fund has now run for more than another five years, and it is appropriate to report again on its activities; the Management Committee is grateful to the editors of AJPA for making space available for this report. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Comments on John Quiggin's survey of the environmental issues of the Murray-Darling basin in Canberra, Australian Capital Territory and his proposed eclectic approach to their solution, published in the December 2002 issue of 'The Australian Journal of Agriculture and Resource Economics.' Elements of Quiggin's preferred policy framework; Link between tax remedies and the advocacy of reforms in property rights.

Summary • Will changes in nutritive values and N-relations offset initial gains in forage productivity under potential climate change observed for grass–legume pastures of south-eastern Australia? • Herbage nutritive value and symbiotic nitrogen fixation were investigated for pure and mixed swards of subterranean clover (Trifolium subterraneum ) and phalaris (Phalaris aquatica ) in field tunnels at ambient and 690 µmol mol-1 CO2 concentrations and at ambient and warmed (+3.4°C) air temperatures. • Elevated CO2 increased the nonstructural carbohydrate content of herbage whereas warming tended to decrease it. These effects were mainly on soluble carbohydrates in phalaris and starch in clover herbage. The N concentration of both species was decreased by elevated CO2 but unaffected by warming. The proportion of clover-N derived from N2 fixation was increased by 12% under elevated CO2 but decreased by 6% under warming. • Concurrent warming and high-CO2 conditions are expected to lead to improved herbage nutritive value for ruminants due to increased nonstructural soluble carbohydrate content. Longer term effects on nutritive value and N-dynamics via species persistence and competition require further study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Much concern about the negative environmental consequences of agricultural development in Australia, including salinisation, waterlogging and algal blooms, has focused on the problems of the Murray-Darling Basin. The aim of this article is to provide an overview of the environmental problems of the Murray-Darling Basin from an economic perspective, and a selective survey of the relevant economic literature, including theoretical analysis, modelling and contributions to the development of water policy. In attempting to understand the complex problems of the Murray-Darling Basin, an eclectic approach drawing on externality, sustainability and property rights perspectives seems most appropriate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims. To identify risk factors for depression and anxiety that are more prevalent in abstainers than in moderate drinkers and to estimate their contribution to U-shaped relationships of depression and anxiety with alcohol consumption. Design. Cross-sectional general population sample. Setting. Canberra, Australia. Participants. 2725 subjects completed questionnaires, including 1128 men and 1258 women aged 18-59 years. Measurements. Consumption categories from AUDIT quantity/frequency items: (1) non-drinkers (no alcohol in the past year), (2) occasional drinkers (monthly or less), (3) lower-level drinkers (up to 14 standard drinks per week for men and seven for women), (4) higher-level drinkers (up to 28 and 14 standard drinks per week, respectively), and (5) those drinking at hazardous or harmful levels (over 28 and 14 standard drinks per week, respectively). Goldberg and DSSI/sAD depression and anxiety scales. A range of demographic, socio-economic, socio-environmental and personality factors. Findings. Non-drinkers were more likely than lower-level drinkers to have low status occupations, poor education, current financial hardship, poor social support and recent stressful life events, and scored lower on extraversion, fun-seeking and drive. Many of these characteristics also applied to hazardous/harmful drinkers. In multivariate models, these risk factors accounted for a substantial part of the higher depression and anxiety scores of non-drinkers and occasional drinkers relative to lower-level drinkers. Conclusions. Abstainers have a range of characteristics known to be associated with anxiety, depression and other facets of ill health, and these factors may contribute significantly to their elevated levels of depression and anxiety. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Provides information on the transformation of the departmental machinery of Canberra, Australian Capital Territory government since 1987. Background and character of the 1987 government policy settlement; Factors affecting the stability of the machinery; Support of departments for ministers, policy development and monitoring and appraisal and evaluation.

J.W. Davidson, the foundation Professor of Pacific History at the Australian National University (1950-73) is best remembered as the scholar-activist who championed the cause of indigenous self-determination in the Pacific. His most important assignment involved being the Samoans' Constitutional Adviser in the run-up to independance (1959-61), and much of his later reputation rests on his book recounting the experience. What is not realised is that Davidson faced considerable obstruction from his Vice-Chancellor, who attached little importance to such work. When demands for Davidson's services in Western Samoa kept escalating, the University handed the problem to Sir John Crawford, the Director-Elect of the Research School of Pacific Studies. Instead of siding with the University, Crawford acted decisively on Davidson's behalf. Inexplicably, Crawford failed to go one step further and develope a policy covering the outside earnings of ANU academics - a problem that had just been highlighted by the Davidson affair. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Expectiles have gained considerable attention in recent years due to wide applications in many areas. In this study, the k-nearest neighbours approach, together with the asymmetric least squares loss function, called ex- k N N , is proposed for computing expectiles. Firstly, the effect of various distance measures on ex- k N N in terms of test error and computational time is evaluated. It is found that Canberra, Lorentzian, and Soergel distance measures lead to minimum test error, whereas Euclidean, Canberra, and Average of (L 1 , L ∞) lead to a low computational cost. Secondly, the performance of ex- k N N is compared with existing packages er-boost and ex-svm for computing expectiles that are based on nine real life examples. Depending on the nature of data, the ex- k N N showed two to 10 times better performance than er-boost and comparable performance with ex-svm regarding test error. Computationally, the ex- k N N is found two to five times faster than ex-svm and much faster than er-boost, particularly, in the case of high dimensional data. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article examines the way in which national law firms lobby the federal government from their Canberra offices. It is based on extensive interviews with lobbyists from those law firms, other commercial lobbyists in Canberra and legal professional bodies. The article begins by establishing the unique nature of law firm lobbying. In particular, it looks at the technical skills law firm lobbyists possess, their access to specialist legal knowledge and their preference for administrative, over political, lobbying. The development of law firm lobbying is then discussed. This centres around changes to the legal profession, federal business laws and federal government decision-making. The article concludes by suggesting that law firm lobbying both reflects and stimulates changes in government decision-making and will grow in importance as the legal profession in Canberra grows. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The author presents a study involving the significant impact of the new design of the Parliament House on the manner in which Parliament operates and the inter-relationships between elements of the Parliament, particularly concerning the Executive Government in Canberra, Australian Capital Territory. The results indicated that members and senators were enthusiastic about the new building before the move, but now have concerns about its scale and distance, about its potential isolation, and about how the Ministral Wing may affect relationships between the Parliament and the Executive.

Evaluates the adaptive significance of host preferences and searching behavior in Vancouver and Canberra populations of the cabbage butterfly Pieris rapae. Evolution of the migratory habit in butterflies; Temperature requirements of some aphids and their parasites; Effects of age and weather on egg-laying in Pieris rapae.

Studies the population dynamics of bush flies by researchers from Canberra, Australian Capital Territory. Influence of seasonal changes on the development and fertility of flies; Examination of the role of climate in the population dynamics of the bush fly; Elucidation of the sequence of population events involved.

Studies host specificity of insects in a community of three co-dominant Eucalyptus species by researchers from Canberra, Australian Capital Territory. Indications showing a strong host preference of phytophagous insects to three Eucalyptus species; Examination of the degree of host specificity that might be expected when most potential hosts are members of a single genus; Assessment of the potential of insects with host preferences to affect the dynamics of plant communities.

Studies the relationships of factors affecting the population dynamics of insects in Canberra, Australian Capital Territory. Examination of way the temperature-mediated processes of development and locomotor activity in insects interact with the availability of essential resources; Exploration of ways in which laboratory-derived relationships may be applied in the interpretation of field results; Elucidation of the potentiality of mechanisms used by insects to reduce life-time fecundity.

Reports on the development systems modeling in insect ecology and pest management by researchers from Canberra, Australian Capital Territory. Discussion of conditions governing progress in specific modeling from Australian examples; Emphasis placed on the inductive approach to the study of ecological systems; Significance of the study on the immediate future of prescriptive modeling of particular systems for pest control.

Presents a study of a subalpine boundary between woodlands and grasslands by researchers from Canberra, Australian Capital Territory. Reasons behind the absence of trees on flat valley-bottoms in the subalpine regions of the continent; Measurement of temperature changes with height above terrain at grassland and woodland sites; Indications showing temperature as the primary cause of the absence of trees in grasslands below subalpine woodlands.

"Canberra is the only really modern city in the world. Not that that has been made obvious to the casual glance, but a structure can only be truly modern when the foundations are properly laid for that particular thing. . . . For this science . . . had died out and was no longer practiced." (Marion Mahony Griffin, 'Canberra, its Designer and its Plan', The Centennial Anniversary of the Founding of Australia, Magic of America, Federal Battle, p. 380.). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article focuses on the parasitism of uredospores of Melampsora larici-populina Kleb. by Cladosporium species. Conidia of Cladosporium sp. are frequently present in large numbers in collections of uredospores of Melam psora larici-populina made in the field at Canberra in late autumn. The presence of these conidia considerably reduces the viability of the uredospores and consequently infection of leaves of Populus nigra var. italica under controlled conditions. Lysis of germinated and ungerminated uredospores under experimental conditions by the myceliurn of Cladosporium has been demonstrated. The potential for control of leaf rust of poplar by hyperparasitism is discussed.

An existing model of light and water use by crops (RESCAP) was adapted and evaluated for trees. In the model, growth on any given day is determined either by the amount of intercepted radiation (by means of the light utilization coefficient, ε) or by the maximum rate of water extraction by roots (a function of root biomass and soil water content). In either case, transpiration and growth are related by the water-use efficiency (q), which is inversely proportional to the daily mean saturation vapor pressure deficit (D). The model was applied to two Pinus radiata (D. Don) stands (control (C) and fertilized (F)) growing near Canberra, Australia, using data collected during the Biology of Forest Growth experiment (1983–1988). For both stands, predicted and measured soil water contents were in close agreement (r2 > 0.9) over a 4-year period involving several wet–dry cycles. The parameter combination ε/qD was estimated to be 0.28 and 0.26 kg H2O (MJ total)−1 kPa−1 for the C and F stands, respectively. Because of the close physiological link between water use and CO2 uptake, the results suggest that tree growth may be realistically simulated by simple models based on conservative values for ε and qD. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

In contrast to the USA and the UK, vasectomy is less popular than tubal ligation in Australia, and this may reflect differences in husband-wife communication. Using data from the 1979 Canberra Population Survey, it seemed that although a majority of respondents would use sterilization, female sterilization would be preferred, largely because males were more resistant to the idea than females. Respondents born outside Australia, the UK, and Eire were more resistant to the idea of sterilization, but reported higher use of tubal ligation. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

The article discusses the Brancusi Birds, sculptures of black and white marbles carved by Brancusi which are displayed at the Australian National Gallery in Canberra. It mentions that being top heavy of these two arc-shaped forms, they appear to be off balance, tapering downwards to a narrow neck and a small cross section at their round collar supports. These collars supports, according to the author, are an integral part of the balance structure to ensure that the sculptures are kept erect while maintaining the illusion of being airborne. Photos of the sculptures, its diagram and a table showing how the Brancusi Birds were constructed are also presented.

Research in various countries has shown that journalists are politically inclined to the left rather than the right. However, little attention has been paid to political journalists' values. This study draws on the results of a national survey to explore the political views of Australian journalists who specialise in politics, while also evaluating the journalists' background characteristics and professional values. It is found that political journalists are more likely to come from an elite background and to be more professional in outlook. They are, however, less concerned with some ethical principles. Political journalists are more left-wing in their political views and more likely to vote Labor. Canberra political journalists are more professional, more likely to vote Labor and more left-leaning than are other political journalists. Pro-Labor bias cannot be proven from these findings, and it has been argued that journalists' professional commitments override personal political views. On the other hand, a shared liberal consensus among political journalists, especially those in the national capital, may result in general acceptance by them of a liberal agenda. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article sets forth principles for assessing betterment under a public premium leasehold system of land tenure. Canberra, Australia, is employed as a case study. Recovery of the betterment which results as the city grows has been an important objective of public land ownership in Canberra. Up-front premiums and betterment charges replaced land rents in 1970. Betterment charges are applicable when permission to change land use is granted and there is an increase in the value of the lease. Different definitions used over time have failed to measure betterment correctly. A correct definition is derived, and it is argued that a 100% charge should be levied to maintain the government's ownership of development rights. Such a charge would not stifle redevelopment but would remove the subsidy it currently receives. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents a discussion of the numerical analysis of complex rain forest communities in New South Wales. The article implies that the numerical analysis was used to measure the quantitative data gathered from Canberra metric and three forms of partitioned diversity of species. Complete data were acquired in large sites and diverse forest types, homogeneous sites, and sites with soil discontinuity. The results of the study is discussed in the article using a general context of floristic primary survey of tropical and subtropical rain forest.

Analyzes the factors effecting the survival time of rabbits in a winter epizootic of myxomatosis at Canberra, Australia. Description of the epizootic; Effect of sex, age and time of infection on the duration of observed symptoms of myxomatosis; Impact of ambient temperature on the duration of observed symptoms of myxomatosis.

The article focuses on the Australian Prime Ministers Centre (APMC) which opened as the Museum of Australian Democracy in Canberra, Australian Capital Territory in June 2007. The building was designed by Commonwealth Government architect John Smith as a temporary or provisional home for the Australian Parliament. The Research Library at APMC is highlighted which houses a collection of more than 21,000 items.

The article offers information on the Australian National University (ANU) located in Canberra, Australian Capital Territory, its Research School of Physics and Engineering (RSPE) and its Department of Theoretical Physics. It states that university was established in 1946 whereas its former department established in 1950. It further discusses the research area of the university which includes research on mathematical physics, statistical mechanics and solitan theory.

Comments on the Institute of Public Administration (IPAA) National Conference, held in Canberra, Australian Capital Territory. Choice of author Andrew Leigh a presenter for the Sir Robert Garran Memorial Oration; Four themes outlined by Leigh which he considered absent from popular debate; His argument that economic inequity in Australia had increased; Other presentors.

Highlights the symposium, National Identity in Australian Cinema, held at the National Film and Sound Archive in Canberra, Australian Capital Territory in late October 2000. Presentation on the growth of republicanism in Australia; Presentation on the 1927-'28 Royal Commission into the Australian film industry; Screening of extracts from the early works of filmmakers, Martha Ansara and Tom Zubrycki; Panel discussions.

Small angle x-ray scattering was used to study the morphology of conical structures formed in thin films of amorphous SiO2. Samples were irradiated with 1.1 GeV Au ions at the GSI UNILAC in Darmstadt, Germany, and with 185, 89 and 54 MeV Au ions at the Heavy Ion Accelerator Facility at ANU in Canberra, Australia. The irradiated material was subsequently etched in HF using two different etchant concentrations over a series of etch times to reveal conically shaped etched channels of various sizes. Synchrotron based SAXS measurements were used to characterize both the radial and axial ion track etch rates with unprecedented precision. The results show that the ion energy has a significant effect on the morphology of the etched channels, and that at short etch times resulting in very small cones, the increased etching rate of the damaged region in the radial direction with respect to the ion trajectory is significant. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Paolo Tombesi's intriguing article (7/2, pp140-154) on the genesis of Australia's Parliament House inevitably raises the question of possible comparisons with Scotland's Parliamentary saga. The differences, of course, are as striking as the similarities. Tombesi's position is that the Canberra building's design, which he dislikes, is explicable by the commissioning process, and the desire of the Australians to have reliability and delivery on time. Apart from the obvious formality of plan and pomposity of approach (although we are not altogether exempt from recent exemplars of either in twenty-first-century Britain), he takes it for granted that the architecture is entirely mediocre. Yet I would have been intrigued to know whether the spaces between the curved walls of the gathering spaces building and the Chambers and offices on either side, had any qualities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background A recent meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials of abdominal fascial closures concluded that in order to reduce incisional hernia rates without increasing wound pain, or the rate of dehiscence slowly absorbable continuous sutures appear to achieve the best results in abdominal fascial closures. We surveyed the techniques for abdominal fascial closure among general surgeons in Canberra, Australia. Methodology 49 out of 80 surgeons responded to the survey by form. The information collected included the seniority of the surgeon, the frequency of laparotomy closure, surgical technique and suture material utilised in abdominal fascial closure. Results 34 (69%) of the surgeons surveyed preferred a non-absorbable monofilament suture material for abdominal fascial closure with nylon being the most popular. Most (38, 78%) also preferred a non-absorbable monofilament suture in emergency surgery. 12 (24%) surgeons preferred to use slowly absorbable suture. The majority of surgeons (37, 76%) preferred continuous suture technique, whilst only 2 (4%) used continuous followed by interrupted suture closures. Only 5 (10%) complied with the dual recommendation of continuous suture technique and slowly absorbable suture. Conclusion The majority of surgeons preferred non-absorbable monofilament suture rather than slowly absorbable suture. Only 1 in 10 surgeons complied with both components of evidence base, which supports the use of slowly absorbable suture material and a continuous technique in abdominal fascial closure. A definitive RCT would confirm this observation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Reports that the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists has received funding from Pfizer to broadcast the 36th Congress over the Internet in Canberra, Australian Capital Territory. Internet cafe which will be on site at the center where the Congress will be held; Prize for the most spectacular Powerpoint presentation trasnferred on to the Internet.

Presents the fourth report on the RIPAA-University of Canberra Public Administration Trust Fund's status as of June 1995. Developments of past year; Research grant awardees; Publications funded by grants from Fund; Sam Richardson Award for most important article published in Australian Journal of Public Administration.