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Objectives: Among Aboriginal children, the year between birth and 1 year of age has the highest mortality rate compared with any other age. Prompt administration of cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) leads to better outcomes and a lower likelihood of ongoing sequalae. Current education on infant CPR is not provided to parents except in certain circumstances in a neonatal intensive care unit. Currently, there are no identified CPR education courses specifically available for Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander people, meaning that current infant CPR education courses are not culturally responsive. Design: Partnering with an Aboriginal community from the Bindjareb region of the Western Australian Noongar nation, the researchers used a co-design approach and an Aboriginal Participatory Action Research (APAR) design to explore how to deliver culturally safe and responsive infant CPR community education. This resulted in the development of the Koolangka Infant Life Saving Education Framework (KILSEF), which can be used to guide future planning and delivery of culturally safe and responsive community level infant CPR education. Results: The study findings identified that members of the Aboriginal community were very interested in receiving infant CPR education, but the barriers identified from mainstream CPR course delivery need to be removed for the community to benefit from culturally responsive ways of learning. Culturally responsive community CPR education should be provided in culturally safe places and the focus of learning should be on the practical applications of CPR and less on the academic pre-reading and written requirements. Explanations should be provided in lay terms and patience is required to communicate ideas in ways that facilitate understanding, and the course may need to be delivered over several days to accommodate community participant availability. Conclusion: Addressing Aboriginal community concerns and barriers allowed for the implementation of culturally responsive infant resuscitation education which was highly valued by community members and led to increased community confidence and participation in CPR education.

The relationship between teaching and research in the modern university has been the subject of vigorous scholarly enquiry in the education literature for several decades. Few international comparative studies are reported in the literature. This study compares and discusses the teaching-research nexus (TRN) in accounting in three international regions: the UK and Ireland (UKI); Australia and New Zealand (ANZ); and South Africa (SA). The purpose of this study is to provide evidence of that the TRN empirical model operates in the different regions, and more so to describe the TRN that remains challenging for the accounting academic profession globally. Positive synergies from the TRN are evident in all jurisdictions in this study but are largely ignored by academic institutions and professional accounting bodies (PABs) that influence the university accounting curriculum. Formal government research assessment measures, coupled by PABs pressures, result in accounting becoming more a teaching-led rather than research-informed academic discipline. This has implications for: the status of accounting academics; the public perception of the professional standing of accounting in society; and the learning experiences of accounting students.

Information graphics such as plots, maps, plans, charts, tables and diagrams form an integral part of the student learning experience in many disciplines. However, for a vision impaired student accessing such graphical materials can be problematic. This research seeks to understand the current state of accessible graphics provision in Australian higher education. We conducted an online survey of 71 vision-impaired university students and semi-structured interviews with 44 key stakeholders (students, academics, disability liaison officers and accessible graphics providers). We found that difficulty in accessing graphical materials was a barrier to many vision-impaired students and that there were systemic problems with current processes for accessible graphics provision. Recommendations are made on ways to address these concerns in order to provide a more equitable higher education experience.

This paper presents an exploratory study into the nature and patterns of usage of accounting education research. The study adopts the most accessible metric, "Google Advanced Scholar" citations, to analyse the impact of research published in the six principal English-language accounting education journals. The analysis reveals a global readership for these journals but evidence of relatively low citation levels. However, papers tended to be cited more than expected in cross-disciplinary education journals, discipline-specific education journals, and non-education journals. Guidance is offered to authors seeking to maximise the impact of their research, and issues of concern are identified for editors and publishers. This is the first paper to look beyond content at the usefulness of research in accounting education as indicated by citations. In doing so, it contributes to the current debate on the quality of this research, and of research in accounting and finance in general.

With the increase in the overweight and obese population, it is critical that pharmacy staff are able to provide weight management advice to women at different stages of their life. This study utilized case vignettes to identify pharmacists' and pharmacy assistants' current weight management recommendations to women of different ages, life stages and co-morbidities. A total of 537 pharmacist and 403 pharmacy assistant responses were received. In the case of the pre-pregnancy vignette, only 57% (46/80) of pharmacy assistants were able to correctly identify a woman's weight category based on her body mass index, which was significantly fewer than 86% (86/108) of pharmacists (P < 0.001). In the pregnancy vignette, both pharmacists and pharmacy assistants were able to identify the risks of using a herbal weight loss medication in pregnancy. The need for a "multi-disciplinary team approach" was seen in the menopause case vignette with pharmacists, highlighting the need for the involvement of other health care professionals for successful weight loss outcomes. Australian pharmacists and pharmacy assistants are currently providing weight management services to their consumers, however, not all of their recommendations are evidence-based. There is a need for pharmacy weight management educational resources to be developed and implemented across community pharmacies.

Employing the language management framework, this paper reports on multilingual use among the staff of a major metropolitan university in Melbourne and covers both simple and organised management. It describes a top-down attempt to survey staffs' (academic and general) background in Languages other than English (LOTE), LOTE usage and evaluative behaviour towards LOTE usage and communication in intercultural contexts within the university. Although the study of LOTE by Australian university students has been covered in various reports in the past, this paper focuses upon academic and administrative staff. Despite being a seemingly monolingual university, the recent survey revealed that a large number of languages are known by staff members of the community, either as first, second or other languages, and that these languages serve a wide variety of functions.

Introduction: New technologies such as the Internet offer an increasing number of options for the delivery of continuing education (CE) to community pharmacists. Many of these options are being utilized to overcome access- and cost-related problems. This paper identifies learning preferences of Australian community pharmacists for CE and identifies issues with the integration of these into contemporary models of CE delivery. Methods: Four focus group teleconferences were conducted with practicing community pharmacists (n = 15) using a semistructured format and asking generally about their CE and continuing professional development (CPD) experiences. Results: Pharmacists reported preferences for CE that were very closely aligned to the principles of adult learning. There was a strong preference for interactive and multidisciplinary CE. Engaging in CPD was seen as valuable in promoting reflective learning. Discussion: These results suggest that pharmacists have a strong preference for CE that is based on adult learning principles. Professional organizations should take note of this and ensure that new CE formats do not compromise the ability of pharmacists to engage in interactive, multidisciplinary, and problem-based CE. Equally, the role of attendance-based CE in maintaining peer networks should not be overlooked. (Contains 2 tables.)

This paper reports on a case study of organised support for students who experience problems with language or academic study skills at a pharmacy faculty of an Australian university. Employing the Language Management Theory (LMT), this study exemplifies organised management and explores the various processes involved, such as the noting of students' problems, and the design and implementation of adjust support programmes. The reiterative nature of the process and the involvement of multiple participants are two of the features indicative of the complex nature of the organised management system.

The continued downturn across the agri-sector evident by indicators such as loss of farm income, low produce prices relative to retail prices, increased management costs of production and declining contribution of agriculture to the National Gross Domestic Product. During this period it has become evident that the importance of grassland farming is not just limited to production of livestock products for the food chain. This article discusses the importance of integrating education, extension and research for the development of sustainable grazing systems. The experiences of the Australian Landcare movement and the PROGRAZE[TM] training programmes offer clear models of successful technology and knowledge transfer processes across the livestock sector that could be potentially used globally.

Discusses measures language teachers can use to maintain and develop their communicative language ability. Introduces strategies teachers can adopt and mentions ways in which educational systems and universities can assist teachers. The model presented is relevant to teachers of any language. (13 references) (Author/CK)

The article surveys the development of Japanese language courses in Australia, noting a variety of factors contribute to the growth and recent intensification of interest in the subject. It examines problems within Japanese language teaching and discusses further innovative course development, differentiation of needs, employer perceptions, and future prospects. (SM)

Summary: A consistent pattern has emerged from research in Northern Hemisphere populations indicating differences in the seasonality of birth between patients with epilepsy and the general population. This is the first study using similar methodology to look at Southern Hemisphere data. The population studied is composed of patients discharged from Australian hospitals with a diagnosis of epilepsy, in the period 1998–1999. The results show a significantly higher incidence of epilepsy in the patients born during the Australian winter and summer and a deficit of patients born during the spring and fall. This pattern is consistent with the Northern Hemisphere findings. This study provides further evidence of the existence of a seasonal aetiological agent(s) for epilepsy acting in the perinatal period. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Danshen (Salvia miltiorrhiza Bunge, Lamiaceae) is a commonly used and highly valued Chinese medicinal herb grown widely in China. In the present work, we studied cultivar variations of Australian-grown Danshen in order to select optimal cultivars for local herbal production. Root yields of seven cultivars, V1-V7, were monitored in a one-year field trial, and bioactive markers, including cryptotanshinone, tanshinone I, tanshinone IIA, and salvianolic acid B, were quantitatively determined using a validated RP-HPLC method. Significant variations were found in root yields, root production efficiencies, and contents of the bioactive marker compounds. Linear correlations were observed among the contents of three tanshinones but not among those of tanshinones and salvianolic acid B. Among the cultivars, V6 was the best cultivar for production of tanshinones, and V4 and V5 were best for production of salvianolic acid B. The findings indicate that it is possible to achieve optimal root yields, and high contents of tanshinones and salvianolic acid B by selecting specific Danshen cultivars.

This paper presents a brief review of the international scientific literature of polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) and polybrominated biphenyls (PBBs) in sewage sludge and a survey of these compounds in sewage sludge from 16 Australian wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs). The SigmaPBDE mean concentration in the Australian study was 1137microgkg(-1) dry weight (d.w.) (s.d. 1116) and ranged between 5 and 4 230microgkg(-1)d.w. The urban mean of 1308microgkg(-1) (s.d. 1320) and the rural mean of 911microgkg(-1) (s.d. 831) are not statistically different and are similar to levels in European sludges. Principal components analysis was performed on the data set and revealed that 76% of the data variation could be explained by two components that corresponded to overall concentration of the pentaBDE and the decaBDE commercial formulations. An analysis of variance was performed comparing PBDEs levels at three WWTPs over the years 2005 and 2006, finding differences between treatment plants (BDE-47) but no significant difference in PBDE levels in the years 2005 and 2006. Low levels of BB-153 were detected in all samples of this survey (n=16); mean 0.6microgkg(-1)d.w. (s.d. 0.5). This compound has rarely been reported in any other study of sewage sludges undertaken outside Australia. This work highlights the need for a risk assessment of PBDEs in sewage sludge when used for land application, taking into account typical levels found in Australian sludges and soils.

An Australian survey of dioxin-like compounds in sewage sludge was conducted in two parts (a) a national survey, and (b) a time-study. All sewage sludge samples analysed as part of these studies had low overall concentrations of dioxin-like compounds. Out of 37 samples, all except one, were within the reported concentration range of soil within the Australian environment. The mean concentration of dioxin-like compounds in the Australian sewage sludge survey of 2006 was found to be 5.6 (s.d. 4.5) ng WHO(05) TEQkg(-1) (n=14) and were within the range of 1.2-15.3 ng WHO(05) TEQ kg(-1). All the Australian sewage sludge samples cited in these studies were below the Victorian EPA "investigation limit" of 50 ng WHO(98) TEQ kg(-1), and well below the European proposed guidelines of 100 ng I-TEQ kg(-1). The burden of dioxin-like compounds in Australian sewage sludge is low and its land application as biosolids is not likely to pose a problem. A general positive relationship was found between population of the town producing the waste and both dioxin-like PCDD/Fs and dioxin-like PCBs. The one exception to this trend was sludge from a town that had a history of smelting and had a relatively high burden of dioxin-like compounds. Sludge from one rural WWTP also had a higher burden of dioxin-like compounds. The treatment plant services a geographically isolated town with a low population and no known emitters of dioxin-like compounds. However, this sample also had a relatively high burden of dioxin-like PCBs, which could be the source of the dioxin-like PCDD/Fs found in this sludge. The time study analyzing sludges from three WWTP from the same city between the years 2002 and 2006 found no apparent difference between WWTPs, but a statistically significant decline of 1.49 ng WHO(05) TEQ kg(-1) per year. Also, a comprehensive review of the scientific literature, presents typical levels and sources of dioxin-like compounds in international sewage sludges.

Landscape disturbance frequently results in reduced pollination and reproduction of animal‐pollinated plants. However, few studies globally, and no studies in Australia, have focused on the impact(s) on plants with nocturnal moth pollinators. This study measured natural levels of reproduction of the common, nocturnally moth‐pollinated plant Stackhousia aspericocca Schuch. ssp. Cylindrical inflorescence (W.R.Barker 1418) (Celastraceae) across a range of reserves of varying sizes within a fragmented landscape of southern Australia. We hypothesized that plant reproduction would show a positive relationship with reserve area. Nocturnal pollinator surveys confirmed that night‐flying settling moths of the families Geometridae and Noctuidae visited flowers of S. aspericocca ssp. Cylindrical inflorescence in the study region, and 8 out of 16 captured, flower‐visiting moths carried more than 100 pollen grains of the study species (overall mean ± SD: 616.69 ± 1155.70). Two individuals of the common geometrid moth Oenochroma vinaria each carried over 3000 pollen grains. Thus, visiting moths may remove and carry large amounts of pollen. In contrast to our initial hypothesis, however, plant reproduction, measured as proportional fruit‐set and mean seed number per fruit, showed no relation to reserve area across two consecutive years, and mean levels of plant reproduction were spatially similar throughout the fragmented landscape of the study region. It is hypothesized that the reproductive resilience of S. aspericocca ssp. Cylindrical inflorescence in the study region is due to effective pollination by common, night‐flying moths, which may utilize both the reserves and their surrounding matrix to complete their life cycle(s). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Three aspects of treatment with injectable neuroleptics, are presented. An individualized approach to the dosage of Fluphenazine decanoate must be practiced in conjunction with, and taking into account the time spent in treatment and the sex and age variables reported. Our flexible approach to the interval between injections, indicated a large group could be maintained at intervals of 5 to 8 weeks. Complex and challenging problems can be found with antiparkinsonian drugs; 30% of nearly 400 outpatients still require these drugs.

Conceptualising the quality of higher education as fitness for purpose begs the question of whose purpose? Thus, understanding who has dominance over Australia's higher education system, and what purpose it is seen to fulfil, is important for ensuring that current quality assurance methods are effective. This paper presents the findings of a discourse analysis conducted to explore the unspoken purpose contained in the documents published by the Australian higher education regulator and quality assurance agency. Through the analysis of the Act, newsletter articles published by the agency, and selected relevant documents, the paper shows that the national system is positioned as an export service industry. The paper highlights some of the implications this has on the methods employed to assure the quality of the national system, including the risk posed to the system by a singularity of purpose, and discusses some of the current conditions which may have led to this state. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A financial awareness education program was implemented with construction industry apprentices in Victoria, Australia. The program included face-to-face delivery of education around a range of financial management issues that apprentices face as they begin their apprenticeship. The paper reports on an evaluation of the program, which included surveys at completion of the presentation, as well as focus group follow-up two months later. Both intended behaviour change and actual behaviour change, including knowledge retention, are noted in the results. The program evaluation highlights factors such as relevance and immediacy of need as crucial to determining appropriate content and successful implementation. The paper concludes by recommending inclusion of financial awareness in vocational education curricula on an ongoing basis, rather than as ad hoc delivered programs, to ensure sustainable knowledge gains and behaviour change outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study, undertaken at an Australian university, investigates undergraduate accounting students' conceptions of accounting work and discusses the relevance of such conceptions for the work readiness of graduates. Findings based on a phenomenographic investigation show variations in students' awareness of the functional and human aspects of accounting work. This awareness ranges from seeing accounting work as being predominantly technical and routine to a keen awareness of the more complex aspects of contemporary accounting work including its ethical aspects. We argue that these findings suggest the need for new kinds of curriculum resources to develop students' conceptions of accounting work to better align them with the needs of professional practice today. It is argued that students will benefit from critically reflecting on their future professional roles in light of the profession's core values and societal obligations, especially in what are widely seen as challenging times for the accounting profession. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to identify the underlying motivations of Australian and international students for studying accounting and entering the accounting profession. Design/methodology/approach – The study reports results from a cohort of second-year accounting students drawing on the theory of reasoned action (TRA) to assess intentions and behaviours in making decisions, particularly in relation to employment choice. The study utilises a validated attitude to accounting scale (AAS) which measures how the accounting profession is viewed by students generally, and more specifically, differences in attitudes towards accounting and the accounting profession between Australian and international students. Findings – The study finds that students have a positive attitude towards accounting as a profession. However, there are significant differences between Australian and international students' levels of interest in accounting and attitudes towards the work of accountants. Research limitations/implications – It is recognised that the differences in attitudes towards accounting between Australian and international students may be linked with motivations to pursue accounting based on personal, cultural and social influences. A limitation of the study is that international students are treated as a homogeneous group. Practical implications – The findings of the study have implications for marketing accounting education internationally; in particular, acknowledging the impact of different attitudes towards accounting by international students. Originality/value – The study not only addresses motivation to study accounting but also attitudes towards the accounting profession. By applying the TRA, the study has identified that government policy may influence motivation of international students towards accounting and the accounting profession. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Within the context of debate about the state of accounting education in general, introductory accounting subjects have been the target of considerable criticism, particularly in terms of narrow content, technical focus, use of transmissive models of teaching, and inattention to the development of students' generic skills. This paper reports on the results of an exploratory study of these issues in introductory accounting which involved the review of subject outlines and prescribed textbooks, and the conduct of a cross-sectional survey of the introductory accounting teaching coordinators in Australian universities (n = 21). The primary aims of the study were to establish and apply benchmarks in evaluating existing curricula with respect to subject orientation, learning objectives, topics, teaching delivery, learning strategies, and assessment. The results of the study suggest that traditional approaches to subject content and delivery continue to dominate, with limited indicators of innovations to enhance the diversity and quality of learning experiences and learning outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper examines the influences on the potential supply of accounting graduates in Australia with reference to the personal and social influences on the decision to major in accounting using the Theory of Reasoned Action and focusing on differences between local and international students. Responses from 437 accounting majors’ found that personal attitudes linked to ‘intrinsic interest’ and ‘extrinsic interest’ was influential in choice of major. ‘Reference groups’ were an important social influence for international students. The findings have implications for government policy and the accounting profession in terms of attracting students and particularly international students, who are sufficiently interested in accounting as a career choice to address the skill shortage in Australia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this comprehensive commentary, Australian essential oils and their components are listed and discussed in the context of their value to industry and aesthetics. The historic and cultural significance of endemic essential oils is explained. Several promising candidates are identified that have commercial potential and will enter the marketplace in the not-too-distant future. This text elaborates on the current progress in research, and explains the up-to-date view of 'bioactive,' with reference to insect repellence, antimicrobial activity, anti-inflammatory activity, and potential toxicity. The concept of chemotypes and chemophenetics is explained in detail to justify why chemically variable species in Australia require standardisation practices to ensure reproducibility of their derived natural products: standardisation practice includes cultivar development and authentication protocols. Thereafter, some of the more significant essential oils are defined and some background information provided. This review concludes with a comprehensive table of aromatic species that were studied by Joseph Brophy over the last 30 years, thereby providing the most comprehensive overview available, on the chemistry of Australian essential oil yielding species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose — An important aim of this paper is to ascertain the extent to which students held realistic expectations about the work cultures they were soon to enter. The paper also aims to investigate the link between value congruence (in relation to both work and work-family values) and "expected" job satisfaction and organisational commitment, in the case of the students, and "actual" job satisfaction and organisational commitment, in the case of the professionals. Design/methodology/approach — A questionnaire was used to survey a sample of final year BCom students from the University of Adelaide (n = 52) and accounting professionals from the same city (n = 50). Findings — Significant person-culture fit discrepancies, in relation to both work and work-family values, were observed for both groups. For accountants, these were negatively associated with job satisfaction and organisational commitment. Students also expected to enter organisational cultures that supported work values that were significantly more supportive of these values than were the actual organisational cultures described by the accountants. For work-family values, students' expectations, surprisingly, fell significantly short of what the accountants' actual experience suggested they would be likely to encounter. Originality/value — A life stage interpretation of the findings for work-family values is offered and consideration is given to their implications for a broadening of traditional conceptualisations of reality shock. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study explores the influential factors that affect business students' selection of a major course of study at the tertiary level in Australian universities. The present research examined the differences in the impact that various influential factors had on the decision to major in accounting among students studying at Australian universities. The sample was collected from a survey of undergraduate and graduate students studying at two large Australian universities in November 2005. A total of 46 domestic and 68 international students participated in this study. The results showed that domestic students possessed higher levels of creativity and were more likely to select majors in subjects other than accounting. Conversely, it was found that although Chinese students possessed relatively lower levels of creativity, they were more likely to major in accounting when studying in Australia. Another finding from this study was that Asian students other than Chinese perceived the accounting profession as a career with less procedural characteristics so they were more likely to major in accounting compared to domestic Australian students who regarded the profession as one that had greater procedural characteristics. This paper contributes to a better understanding of the differences in students' creativity and procedural images of the accounting profession among domestic and international students and of how these factors influenced their choice of an accounting major. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study examined the main fields of employment as well as attitudes toward continuing professional development (CPD) and preferred employment of recent Australian accounting graduates. Responses from 310 accounting graduates provide revealing information for professional accounting bodies, academics and the accounting profession. It is apparent that accounting graduates are focused on CPD and have greater ambition than the current industry structure appears to be able to accommodate. The study included analysis of graduates' CPD intentions along with the disparity between respondents' expected and ideal sectors of employment, thus providing further insights into graduates' employment destinations. The results of the study unearthed concerns about the employment satisfaction of many graduates if their ambitions cannot be realistically fulfilled. Coupled with the very strong trend of accounting graduates shifting away from public practice, the ramifications of this research may be timely and relevant for the accounting profession in the new millennium. In particular, the research should be of interest to professional accounting bodies, academics and prospective employers in terms of graduates' perceptions of the need for postgraduate studies and preference for specific professional accounting qualifications as a feature of CPD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study examines the use of financial and non-financial performance measures in small and medium size manufacturing enterprises (SMEs) in Australia. The paper argues that SMEs in general make greater use of financial than non-financial measures of performance, and also non-owner managed firms make greater use of formal measurement systems than owner-managed firms. This study is based on data collected in 2004 from a survey of 86 manufacturing SMEs and semistructured interviews conducted with managers in eight SMEs in Western Sydney metropolitan area in Australia. The data were analysed using two sample t-tests, regression analysis and chi-square test. The study found that SMEs place a greater reliance on financial measures of performance, although with increase in size there is a tendency to make more use of non-financial measures. Also, SMEs with non-owner managers make greater use of multiple performance measures than those with owner managers. It also reveals that for planning, control, and decision making purposes, SMEs use information generated from performance measurement systems (PMSs) to varying degrees. Time and resource constraints were noted by the respondents as the main factors that inhibit effective use of PMSs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Revisitation studies enable long-term changes in vegetation to be deciphered and insights into plant community succession to be gained. This is particularly important when assessing the effects of fire exclusion in ecosystems where fire is thought to have once been common. Using two adjacent coastal Banksia integrifolia forest stands in southern Victoria, Australia initially surveyed in 1975 by Hazard and Parsons, we document the changes that occurred in the stand structure between 1975 and 2000. Western Park (WP) has now remained unburnt for over 100 years while Cerberus Naval Base (CNB) was most recently burnt in 1942. Banksia integrifolia densities have decreased at both sites over the 25-years period by an average of 42–77%, as have other coastal native shrubs (e.g. Leptospermum laevigatum, Leucopogon parviflorus). Trees at WP appear to have died due to old age while mortality at CNB is presumed to be due to stand thinning in response to intense competition for light. Successful recruitment by Banksia has been minimal; trees less than 9 cm girth over bark at breast height (GBBH) were absent at CNB while no trees <19 cm GBBH were observed at WP. The long-term absence of disturbance such as fire is suspected to be one of the causes of regeneration failure of the stand at WP. Gap phase regeneration is not apparent in B. integrifolia and hence, long-term succession to a more grassy community is likely when fire is excluded for long periods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, first year commerce students in Australia were surveyed about their perceptions of their accounting studies and their perceptions of the attributes required of professional accountants. The paper specifically addresses the factors important in determining whether first year students intend to become accountants. The study uses a logistic regression model incorporating demographic and academic factors, as well as students' perceptions of the work of accountants, to predict intention to become an accountant. The results show that the perception of importance of generic skills, intrinsic interest in the discipline area, and course satisfaction were significant in determining intention to pursue a career as an accountant. As many students formed their judgments about the work of accountants from their accounting studies, the findings have implications for accounting educators in terms of the enthusiasm and motivation required in teaching accounting, as well as curriculum development that reflects the skill set required for an increasingly sophisticated business environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract The pathogen Phytophthora cinnamomi causes extensive ‘dieback’ of Australian native vegetation. This study investigated the distribution of infection in an area of significant sclerophyll vegetation in Australia. It aimed to determine the relationship of infection to site variables and to develop a predictive model of infection. Site variables recorded at 50 study sites included aspect, slope, altitude, proximity to road and road characteristics, soil profile characteristics and vegetation attributes. Soil and plant tissues were assayed for the presence of the pathogen. A geographical information systyem (GIS) was employed to provide accurate estimations of spatial variables and develop a predictive model for the distribution of P. cinnamomi . The pathogen was isolated from 76% of the study sites. Of the 17 site variables initially investigated during the study a logistic regression model identified only two, elevation and sun-index, as significant in determining the probability of infection. The presence of P. cinnamomi infection was negatively associated with elevation and positively associated with sun-index. The model predicted that up to 74% of the study area (11 875 ha) had a high probability of being affected by P. cinnamomi. However, the present areas of infection were small, providing an opportunity for management to minimize spread into highly susceptible uninvaded areas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Zinc is a heavy metal commonly detected in urban estuaries around Australia. Boscalid is a fungicide found in estuaries, both in water and sediment, it enters the system predominantly through agricultural run-off. Zinc is persistent while boscalid breaks down, with a half-life of 108 days. Both contaminants are widely distributed and their effects on ecosystems are not well understood. Objectives: The aim of this study was to determine the metabolite changes in Simplisetia aequisetis (an estuarine polychaete) following laboratory exposure to a sub-lethal concentration of zinc or boscalid over a 2-week period. Methods: Individuals were collected at six time points over a 2-week period. Whole polychaete metabolites were extracted and quantified using a multi-platform approach. Polar metabolites were detected using a semi-targeted GC–MS analysis and amine containing compounds were analysed using a targeted LC–MS analysis. Total lipid energy content was also analysed for Simplisetia aequisetis. Results: The pathways that responded to zinc and boscalid exposure were alanine, aspartate and glutamate metabolism (AAG); glycine, serine and threonine metabolism (GST) and metabolites associated with the tricarboxylic acid cycle (TCA). Results showed that changes in total abundance of some metabolites could be detected as early as 24-h exposure. Changes were detected in the metabolites before commonly used total lipid energy assays identified effects. Conclusion: A multi-platform approach provided a holistic overview of the metabolomic response to contaminants in polychaetes. This approach shows promise to be used in biomonitoring programs to provide early diagnostic indicators of contamination and exposure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]