Official 2013 Collection - UQ eSpace

Evaluating the economics of the Australian National Hand Hygiene Initiative

2013-04-12T15:12:02Z

The National Hand Hygiene Initiative, implemented in Australia in 2009, is currently being evaluated for effectiveness and cost-effectiveness by a multidisciplinary team of researchers. Data from a wide range of sources are being harvested to address the research questions. The data are observational and appropriate statistical and economic modelling methods are being used. Decision makers will be provided with new knowledge about how hand hygiene interventions should be organised and what investment decisions are justified. This is novel research and the authors are unaware of any other evaluation of hand hygiene improvement initiatives. This paper describes the evaluation currently underway.

Evaluating the impact of cancer on complementary and alternative medicine use, distress and health related QoL among Australian women: A prospective longitudinal investigation

2012-03-14T09:54:20Z

Evaluating the impact of community-based treatment options on methamphetamine use: findings from the Methamphetamine Treatment Evaluation Study (MATES)

2012-09-14T12:52:34Z

Evaluating the performance impact of protocol parameters on ad-hoc network routing protocols

2013-04-03T17:03:58Z

Routing protocols are used to discover, maintain, and repair routes between pairs of nodes in wireless ad-hoc networks. In order to handle dynamic network topologies caused by node mobility, many routing protocols are designed with multiple features and parameters to effectively discover routes and to quickly detect link breaks. In this paper, we compare the performance of four popular routing protocols, AODV, DYMO, OLSR and HWMP, in terms of the Packet Delivery Ratio (PDR) metric, and analyse the various reasons for packet loss in scenarios where nodes are mobile. We also explore key protocol parameters and how their choice impacts the protocol performance. Based on our simulation results, we find that the way in which protocols detect link breaks is critical for overall network performance. We therefore specifically explore how the choice of link break detection parameters can improve protocol performance. We further explore other protocol variations and features and their potential for performance improvements.

Evaluating transport in irregular pore networks

2012-08-05T00:03:19Z

A general approach for investigating transport phenomena in porous media is presented. This approach has the capacity to represent various kinds of irregularity in porous media without the need for excessive detail or computational effort. The overall method combines a generalized effective medium approximation (EMA) with a macroscopic continuum model in order to derive a transport equation with explicit analytical expressions for the transport coefficients. The proposed form of the EMA is an anisotropic and heterogeneous extension of Kirkpatrick's EMA which allows the overall model to account for microscopic alterations in connectivity (with the locations of the pores and the orientation and length of the throat) as well as macroscopic variations in transport properties. A comparison to numerical results for randomly generated networks with different properties is given, indicating the potential for this methodology to handle cases that would pose significant difficulties to many other analytical models.

Evaluation and application of the diffusive gradients in thin films technique (DGT) using a mixed-binding gel layer for measuring inorganic arsenic and metals in mining impacted water and soil

2012-12-06T10:30:33Z

Evaluation framework for translational research: case study of Australia’s Get Healthy Information and Coaching Service®

2013-01-08T13:25:04Z

The Get Healthy Information and Coaching Service® (GHS), a free government-funded telephone-delivered information and coaching service was launched in February 2009 by the Australian New South Wales state government. It represents the translation of research evidence applied in the real world (T4 or Phase 4 translation), aimed at addressing the modifiable risk factors associated with the overweight and obesity. In controlled settings, it has been established that telephone-based lifestyle counseling programs are efficacious in reducing anthropometric and behavioral risk factors. This article presents the GHS case study as a population-wide intervention and describes the quasi-experimental evaluation framework used to evaluate both the process (statewide implementation) and impact (effectiveness) of the GHS in a real-world environment. It details the data collection, measures, and statistical analysis required in assessing the process of implementation—reach and recruitment, marketing and promotion, service satisfaction, intervention fidelity, and GHS setting up and operations costs—and in assessing the impact of GHS—increasing physical activity, improving dietary practices, and reducing body weight and waist circumference. The comprehensive evaluation framework designed for the GHS provides a method for building effectiveness evidence of a rare translation of efficacy trial evidence into populationwide practice.

Evaluation of a cobalt-molybdenum-boron catalyst for hydrogen generation of alkaline sodium borohydride solution-aluminum powder system

2013-02-10T01:32:15Z

Evaluation of an Australian primary care telephone cognitive behavioural therapy pilot

2013-01-17T08:27:09Z

A telephone-based cognitive behavioural therapy pilot project was trialled from July 2008 to June 2010, via an Australian Government-funded primary mental health care program. A web-based minimum dataset was used to examine level of uptake, sociodemographic and clinical profile of consumers, precise nature of services delivered, and consumer outcomes. Key informant interviews with 22 project officers and 10 mental health professionals elicited lessons learnt from the implementation of the pilot. Overall, 548 general practitioners referred 908 consumers, who received 6607 sessions (33% via telephone). The sessions were delivered by 180 mental health professionals. Consumers were mainly females with an average age of 37 years and had a diagnosis of depressive and/or anxiety disorders. A combination of telephone and face-to-face sessions of 1 h in duration were conducted, delivering behavioural and cognitive interventions, usually with no cost to consumers. Several implementation issues were identified by project officers and mental health professionals. Although face-to-face treatment is preferred by providers and consumers, the option of the telephone modality is valued, particularly for consumers who would not otherwise access psychological services. Evidence in the form of positive consumer outcomes supports the practice of multimodal service delivery.

Evaluation of an online (opt-in) panel for Public Participation Geographic Information Systems (PPGIS) surveys

2012-01-18T10:21:17Z

Online panels are increasingly being used in market, social, psychological, and medical research (Callegaro & DiSogra, 2008). With decline in survey response rate across all modes of delivery (Curtin, Presser, & Singer, 2005; de Leeuw & de Heer 2002; Hansen 2006), online panels may appear an attractive option for conducting public participation geographic information systems (PPGIS) surveys despite limitations compared with probability sampling methods including undercoverage of the target population, high nonresponse within the panel, and self-selection bias (see Baker et al., 2010). This research evaluates the use of an online, opt-in panel (Couper, 2000) for conducting PPGIS surveys as an alternative to random household sampling, on-site survey recruitment, or self-selected (river) sampling. We evaluate the use of the online panel against several criteria of survey data quality: participation rate, mapping effort, and usability of survey responses. We discuss the implications of the results for future PPGIS survey research.

Evaluation of a reduced-tillering (tin) gene in wheat lines grown across different production environments

2012-05-21T22:37:37Z

Post-anthesis water deficit and increasing vapour pressure deficit are common and can result in reduced grain yield and the development of small or shrivelled wheat kernels (screenings) that reduce grain value. Previous studies suggest incorporation of a tiller inhibition (tin) gene to restrict tiller number and thereby slow water use and promote the development of larger, fertile spikes to increase kernel weight. This paper reports on the influence of the tin gene on grain yield and screenings in multiple wheat genetic backgrounds assessed in field experiments in 2005 and 2006. Across environments, grain yield ranged from 0.90 to 5.50t/ha and screenings from 4 to 20%. The effect of tin on grain yield and screenings varied with environment and genetic background. Grain yield was unchanged in tin lines derived from varieties Brookton, Chara, and Wyalkatchem assessed in southern Australian environments. However, there was a 31 and 10% advantage of free-tillering over tin-containing Silverstar lines for the 2005 western and 2006 northern experiments, respectively, resulting in an average 12% reduction in grain yield of Silverstar tin lines. In northern experiments, where screenings ranged from 4 to 12%, Silverstar-based tin lines produced significantly fewer screenings than free-tillering sister lines. Reduction in screenings was associated with a higher kernel weight (+10%) and a tendency for lower grain yield, although individual Silverstar tin progeny with grain yield equivalent to the parent were readily identified. The incorporation of the tin gene has considerable potential to reduce the incidence of screenings in commercial wheat crops. Variation in grain yield associated with the tin gene was dependent on genetic background, with potential for selection of higher yielding tin progeny for commercial line development.

Evaluation of a suicide prevention training program for mental health services staff

Donald, Maria og Dower, Jo og Bush, Robert — 2012-03-06T19:10:27Z

Training for health services staff often focuses on improving individual practitioner's knowledge and skills, with less emphasis given to the broader organizational context, in particular those elements that support successful implementation of changes post-training. This paper compares the effectiveness of a standard training model for suicide prevention to an enhanced training model. The training involved the public mental health workforce throughout the State of Queensland, Australia and was developed in collaboration with the State health department and as such took place within a policy and practice context. The standard training involved participation in a one-day training workshop, which provided information on evidence-based suicide prevention strategies. The enhanced model took an organizational development approach and incorporated a focus on creating and strengthening networks to enhance the capacity of mental health service staff to undertake preventive strategies. Findings suggest that multi-component organizational approaches for suicide prevention produces benefits that should now be trialled through experimental approaches.

Evaluation of Bro Online: an internet-based HIV prevention initiative for gay and bisexual men

2012-12-11T13:43:21Z

The objective of this study is to evaluate the effectiveness of Bro Online, an Internet-based HIV health prevention intervention encouraging a condom culture among gay and bisexual men, in achieving its short-term outcomes (member profiles promoting condom use, members having knowledge of high-risk behaviour and how to reduce risk and members having better access to condoms) and medium-term outcome (being a social space with a norm of condom use). The study design is a programme theory-based evaluation using evaluative rubrics. The method used involves review of Bro Online user profiles, existing site management and Google analytic data, and online survey of data completed by 91 members. The findings show that overall Bro Online achieved mixed results for the four evaluated outcomes with one very good, two good and one poor outcome rating. We conclude that Bro Online is a promising HIV prevention intervention. Development of the website to strengthen the intervention is recommended. Further evaluation will contribute to building the HIV prevention evidence.

Evaluation of chromosome 6p22 as a breast cancer risk modifier locus in a follow-up study of BRCA2 mutation carriers

2012-11-19T22:18:47Z

Evaluation of clinical, histological and immunological changes and qPCR detection of Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae in tissues during the early stages of mycoplasmal pneumonia in pigs after experimental challenge with two field isolates

2013-02-01T14:26:48Z

Differences in Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae strain virulence and infection patterns will affect experimental challenge systems used to evaluate vaccine efficacy. Two strains (Hillcrest and Beaufort) were assessed by experimental pig challenge for their ability to induce clinical and pathological lesions and cytokine responses. Tracheobronchial lavage fluid (TBLF) was collected before and 17-18 days after challenge with Hillcrest (n=8), Beaufort (n=8) or no organisms (n=3). Coughing was assessed twice daily, and at slaughter 21 (n=9) or 28 (n=10) days post-challenge, gross and histopathology of lungs were quantified and a quantitative PCR (mhp183 qPCR) was applied to detect M. hyopneumoniae DNA in tissues and TBLF. Hillcrest was clearly superior to Beaufort in its ability to induce coughing and pneumonic lesions. At 17-18 days, interleukin (IL)-1β and IL-6 concentrations in TBLF were only significantly higher (8.7 and 5.1 fold respectively) than controls (P< 0.001) in Hillcrest-challenged pigs. Lungs of all Hillcrest-challenged pigs were qPCR positive at either slaughter date, but only at day 28 in Beaufort-challenged pigs. M. hyopneumoniae DNA was highest in concentration in lungs 21 days after Hillcrest challenge, and was detected in the spleen, kidney and/or liver of Hillcrest-challenged pigs, but not in Beaufort pigs. While M. hyopneumoniae DNA concentration in TBLF was elevated following Hillcrest and Beaufort challenge, there was no significant difference in mean mycoplasmal DNA concentration detected in TBLF from pigs challenged with either isolate (P> 0.05). Thus a suitable challenge strain, coupled with lung pathology and cytokine assays, are valuable in assessing post-challenge responses. Assessment of M. hyopneumoniae DNA in lung and abdominal tissues by mhp183 qPCR, in conjunction with histopathology, were valuable in confirming M. hyopneumoniae infection.

Evaluation of COMU as a coupling reagent for in situ neutralization Boc solid phase peptide synthesis

2012-03-20T12:18:52Z

Evaluation of detemir in diabetic cats managed with a protocol for intensive blood glucose control

Roomp, Kirsten og Rand, Jacquie — 2013-01-20T00:07:26Z

Evaluation of exertion and capture stress in serum of wild dugongs (Dugong dugon)

2012-04-09T11:54:50Z

Evaluation of flexible route bus transport for older people

2012-07-23T16:44:09Z

Evaluation of Immune Responses to Influenza Vaccination in Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease

2012-07-11T15:32:41Z

Evaluation of iron deficiency anaemia in tertiary hospital settings: Room for improvement?

Khadem, G. og Scott, I. A. og Klein, K. — 2012-03-07T13:55:57Z

Evaluation of Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG and Lactobacillus acidophilus NCFM encapsulated using a novel impinging aerosol method in fruit food products

2012-11-15T00:00:00Z

Evaluation of medication-related problems in medication reviews: a comparative perspective

2012-11-15T15:54:52Z

Evaluation of mental health first aid training in a diverse community setting

2013-02-24T01:05:04Z

Mental health first aid (MHFA) training has been disseminated in the community and has yielded positive outcomes in terms of increasing help-seeking behaviour and mental health literacy. However, there has been limited research investigating the effectiveness of this programme in multicultural communities. Given the increasing levels of multiculturalism in many countries, as well as the large number of barriers presented to these groups when trying to seek help for mental illnesses, the present study aimed to investigate the effectiveness of MHFA in these settings. A total of 458 participants, who were recruited from multicultural organizations, participated in a series of MHFA training courses. Participants completed questionnaires pre and post the training course, and 6-month follow-up interviews were conducted with a subsample of participants. Findings suggested that MHFA training increased participant recognition of mental illnesses, concordance with primary care physicians about treatments, confidence in providing first aid, actual help provided to others, and a reduction in stigmatizing attitudes. A 6-month follow up also yielded positive long-term effects of MHFA. The results have implications for further dissemination and the use of MHFA in diverse communities. In addition, the results highlight the need for mental health training in health-care service providers.

Evaluation of methods for cultivating limbal mesenchymal stromal cells

2012-11-15T15:24:26Z

Evaluation of MODS culture in diagnosis of pulmonary tuberculosis

2012-03-12T12:10:19Z

Evaluation of novel Streptococcus pyogenes vaccine candidates incorporating multiple conserved sequences from the C-repeat region of the M-protein

2012-05-14T21:02:54Z

Evaluation of pancreatic allografts with sonography

2012-09-03T00:15:19Z

Evaluation of rumen fatty acid hydrogenation intermediates and differences in bacterial communities after feeding wheat- or corn-based dried distillers grains to feedlot cattle1

2012-09-09T09:30:48Z

Evaluation of saliva collection devices for the analysis of proteins

2012-06-25T09:58:51Z

Evaluation of subgrade modulus using weighted depth profiles

2013-04-04T13:23:18Z

Evaluation of the effects of Botulinum toxin A injections when used to improve ease of care and comfort in children with cerebral palsy whom are non-ambulant: A double blind randomized controlled trial

2012-08-17T12:21:21Z

Evaluation of the 'healthy start to pregnancy' early antenatal health promotion workshop: a randomized controlled trial

Wilkinson, Shelley A. og McIntyre, H. David — 2012-11-26T15:05:43Z

Evaluation of the modified S-transform for time-frequency synchrony analysis and source localisation

Assous, Said og Boashash, Boualem — 2012-07-23T00:00:00Z

This article considers the problem of phase synchrony and coherence analysis using a modified version of the S-transform, referred to here as the Modified S-transform (MST). This is a novel and important time-frequency approach to study the phase coupling between two or more different spatially recorded entities with non-stationary characteristics. The basic method includes a cross-spectral analysis to study the phase synchrony of non-stationary signals, and relies on some properties of the MST, such as phase preservation. We demonstrate the usefulness of the technique using simulated examples and real newborn EEG data. The results show the advantage of using the cross-MST in the study of the connectivity between different signals using the time-frequency coherence. The MST led to improvements in resolution of almost twofold over the standard S-Transform in the examples presented in the article.

Evaluation of the synergetic gas-enrichment and higher-permeability regions for coalbed methane recovery with a fuzzy model

2012-05-07T19:08:30Z

Determination of the synergetic region with both coalbed methane (CBM) enrichment and higher permeability and its distribution is fundamentally crucial to optimize well design and pattern arrangement for CBM recovery from coal. To address this issue, a predictive model was developed based on fuzzy theory by taking into account the main geological factors that affect the gas enrichment and permeability in coal reservoirs. Following the statistical analysis on a number of geological parameters, Euclid approach degree (a comprehensive evaluation coefficient) and fuzzy matter-elements were determined and integrated into the model. The information entropy method was used to evaluate the effect weight of each geologic factor on overall object of the synergetic gas-enrichment and higher-permeability region. The model was applied to the coal seam No. 3 of a developing coal block in the south of Qinshui basin as an example. The results show that the geological factors such as coal rank, gas saturation, coping thickness, transitional coal structure, and volatile content determine the distributions of the synergetic gas-enrichment and higher-permeability region with higher weight coefficients over 9%. Compared with these key factors, the factors such as coal thickness, gas content, methane concentration, ash content, principal stress difference, fracture density, porosity, and burial depth have only the weight coefficients of <5% and their effects on the synergetic region are very limited. The other factors including reservoir temperature, groundwater level, minimum principal stress, and water content exhibit the moderate impact featured by the weight coefficients varying from 5% to 9%. The model prediction provided a flood/contour map to visualize the synergetic gas-enrichment and higher-permeability regions. With this map, the selected coal block can be classified as extremely favorable, favorable, relatively favorable and unfavorable areas for CBM recovery based on the Euclid approach degree. The extremely favorable and favorable areas mainly distribute in the center and the southwest of the coal block; the relatively favorable area locates in most part of the coal block; unfavorable area dispersedly distributes in the south along the east-west direction. The distribution of the synergetic regions is obviously controlled by the coal structure. The prediction results were verified with the distributions of most CBM wells performed in the same coal block, showing that the model prediction is reasonably agreeable with reality. The model developed in this study can be used as a feasible tool to predict the favorable well locations and optimize the well patterns for CBM recovery.

Evaluation of the tuberculosis programme in Ningxia Hui Autonomous region, the People's Republic of China: a retrospective case study

2013-02-10T01:03:11Z

Evaluation of the uptake of the Australian standardized terminology and definitions for texture modified foods and fluids

2012-06-05T03:19:59Z

Evaluation of vehicle emissions models for micro-simulation modelling: using CO2 as a case study

Zhu, Sicong og Ferreira, Luis — 2012-12-09T00:20:58Z

Evaluation of virtual reality training using affect

Tichon, Jennifer — 2012-11-26T12:32:29Z

Evaluation of 10 years stability of concentrated arsenic-sulfide tailings

2013-03-01T14:19:28Z

Arsenic (As) stability in gold mining tailings has been evaluated. The tailings consist of a sulfide flotation concentrate containing predominately pyrite, arsenopyrite and minor scorodite, which have been submitted to cyanidation. This material was disposed of in tanks prepared with an (iron) Fe and aluminium (Al)- enriched oxisol used as a liner and barrier for As remobilization. After approximately 10 y of disposal, both the sulfide tailings and the liner have been collected and analyzed. Sequential extraction analyses were combined with Electronic Microscopy, X-ray Diffraction, and X-ray Absorption Spectroscopy analyses, aiming at identifying the constituents of the tailings and As speciation. The results indicated that arsenic is present in the tailings as arsenopyrite, and also as As(V) species, possibly scorodite. This finding together with the concentration of the remaining sulfur indicates that no significant oxidation of the pyrite/arsenopyrite concentrates has taken place over the ten-year period. Finally, the identification of As(V) in the soil samples combined with measurements of As concentration in the monitoring wells in the surrounding area confirmed the soil’s role as an effective chemical barrier to prevent As mobilization and transport to the environment.

Evaluation on the microbial interactions of anaerobic ammonium oxidizers and heterotrophs in Anammox biofilm

2012-07-23T17:31:21Z

Evaluations of epistemic components for resolving the muddy children puzzle

Kline, J. Jude — 2012-11-19T18:17:32Z

We evaluate the 3 child muddy children puzzle using the epistemic logic of shallow depths GLEF . This system is used to evaluate what components are necessary for a resolution. These components include the basic beliefs of a child, the necessary depths of the epistemic structures, and the observations about the inactions of others added after a stage. These are all given explicitly, and their necessity is examined. We formulate the concept of a resolution as a process of inferences, actions, observations, and belief changes. We give three main theorems. The first one gives a very specific resolution, in which no common knowledge is involved. The second theorem states that any resolution has length of at least 3. The third theorem shows that the resolution given in the first theorem is minimal in various senses. In this manner, the necessary components for a resolution of the puzzle are evaluated. A final theorem gives a resolution for the n-child case.

Evaporation and salt transport under variable climatic conditions

Baumgartl, T. og Richards, B. G. — 2012-12-13T23:04:56Z

The association of specific plants and plant communities with soils developed over underlying superficial orebodies and mineralisation has been long recognised. It has given rise to the use of plant indicators for geobotanical exploration as a regular component of primary minerals reconnaissance where there is an undisturbed vegetation cover. That the chemical composition of indicator plants is a measure of their soil environment has further led to biogeochemical prospecting methods for minerals and its use in the mapping of underlying ore deposits. Where there is a strong surface expression of metal and metalloid anomalies, concentrations of potentially phytotoxic elements may reach a level at which they have strong selective impacts on plant populations. In such circumstances, natural selection has operated in the development of a unique flora composed of plant species and individuals with genetically-based tolerances to the stressed environment in which they continue to survive. These plants are called metallophytes.

Evapotranspiration on a mine cover system in central New South Wales, Australia

2012-12-10T09:21:42Z

Event coding and motor priming: How attentional modulation may influence binding across action properties

2012-05-28T23:25:41Z

Event-related advertising and the special case of sponsorship-linked advertising

2012-03-23T13:17:09Z

Corporate sponsorship is a valuable brand-building platform, typically leveraged by advertising and promotion. While advertising often ‘uses news’ to connect to meaningful events, sponsorship contracts create a special category of advertisers that have official rights to event affiliation. In fact, sponsorship-linked marketing creates two special categories of advertiser: those officially linked to the event and those that seek association with the event but have no legitimate link (i.e. ‘ambushers’). We examine the prevalence and nature of sponsorship-linked advertising (SLA) as a leveraging strategy employed by both sponsors and ambushers. SLA includes advertising that communicates a sponsorship link or tie, as well as advertising that demonstrates a theme that links to sponsorship. Two content analytic studies find extensive use of SLA by ambushers and true sponsors. We propose a diagnostic method to identify ambushing attempts. Practical implications for sponsoring brands, potential ambushing brands and policy makers are discussed.

Event studies: discourses and future directions

Getz, Donald — 2012-09-28T14:05:40Z

The field of event Studies is described and its evolution considered, with specific reference to three general subdivisions or discourses. Event tourism, event management, and disciplinary perspectives are all quite different in terms of their approach to studying planned events, the concepts of interest, and related public and policy discourse. Major concepts being discussed in event management and event tourism are identified (both being highly instrumentalist in nature), while sociological and anthropological themes are examined to illustrate the disciplinary approach. In particular, major differences between the three discourses are observable in the context of how event impacts are addressed, and this is reflected in public and political discourse. The article concludes with a discussion of future directions and the need for interdisciplinary theory building.

Evidence about effectiveness of central auditory processing intervention

Wilson, Wayne J. og Arnott, Wendy — 2012-05-18T12:05:21Z

Evidence and decision making: tobacco control policy and legislation in Vietnam

2012-09-21T08:43:05Z

The Ministry of Health (MOH) in Vietnam is currently drafting the Tobacco Harm Prevention Law. The government requested the MOH to provide evidence on the strategies proposed in the draft law as part of its submission to the National Assembly. This study examines the availability and strength of evidence and its relationship to policy stakeholders' positions towards policy instruments proposed in the law. Several qualitative methods were employed including documentary analysis, key informant interviews, focus group discussion and a key stakeholders' survey. Contradictory findings were identified over the role of evidence. While there is high demand for local evidence, the availability and strength of evidence are not always aligned with stakeholders' positions with respect to different strategies. Stakeholders' positions are shaped by competing interests on the basis of their perceptions of the socioeconomic implications and health consequences of tobacco control. Claims of limited availability of evidence are often used to justify the maintenance of the status quo, a position that is seen to protect the state-owned tobacco industry and state revenue. Local evidence of the impact of tobacco on population health is argued to be 'one-sided' and evidence of selected interventions discounted. Compelling and comprehensive local evidence, including those addressing economic concerns, is acutely needed in order to proceed with the current legislation process. For evidence to play a critical role, it needs to engage those ministries responsible for the tobacco industry itself and the economic development.

Evidence-based couple therapy: current status and future directions

Snyder, Douglas K. og Halford, W. Kim — 2012-11-15T15:26:53Z