National and state-level politics on social media : Twitter, Australian political discussions, and the online commentariat

This paper examines the use of Twitter for long-term discussions around Australian politics, at national and state levels, tracking two hashtags during 2012: #auspol, denoting national political topics, and #wapol, which provides a case study of state politics (representing Western Australia). The long-term data collection provides the opportunity to analyse how the Twitter audience responds to Australian politics: which themes attract the most attention and which accounts act as focal points for these discussions. The paper highlights differences in the coverage of state and national politics. For #auspol, a small number of accounts are responsible for the majority of tweets, with politicians invoked but not directly contributing to the discussion. In contrast, #wapol stimulates a much lower level of tweeting. This example also demonstrates that, in addition to citizen accounts, traditional participants within political debate, such as politicians and journalists, are among the active contributors to state-oriented discussions on Twitter.

Reconnecting theory and practice in a pluralistic organizing context : issues and Aristotelian considerations

The overall purpose of this paper is to contribute to the theory - practice gap debate in organization studies, especially in pluralistic contexts such as project organizing. We briefly outline some of the current debates, i.e. modernist and postmodernist proposals, and the prevalent dichotomous thinking stance assumptions to better move beyond it, anchoring our contribution in the Aristotelian ethical and practical philosophy. We introduce the current state of the debate, part of the broad question of “science that matters”, and the various discourses between practice and academia within social sciences and more specifically organizational studies. We briefly critically summarize some main features of the two main philosophical stances (modernism, postmodernism), before presenting some key aspects, for the purpose of this paper, of the Aristotelian pre-modern practical and ethical philosophy. Then, we build on the foundations above established, discussing propositions to reconnect theory and practice according the Aristotelian ethical and practical philosophy, and some key implications for research notably in the following areas: roles played by practitioners and scholars, emancipatory praxeological style of reasoning, for closing the “phronetic gap” and reconnecting means and ends, facts and values, relation between collective praxis, development of “good practice” (standards), ethics and politics. We conclude highlighting the role of the suggested shift to an Aristotelian emancipatory style of reasoning for reconciling theory and practice.

A mass spectrometry study of XCO+, X = Si, Ge : Is SiCO+ a main group carbonyl? Comments on the bonding in ground state SiCO and the Si,C,O (+) potential energy surface

The cation\[Si,C,O](+) has been generated by 1) the electron ionisation (EI) of tetramethoxysilane and 2) chemical ionisation (CI) of a mixture of silane and carbon monoxide. Collisional activation (CA) experiments performed for mass-selected \[Si,C,O](+), generated by using both methods, indicate that the structure is not inserted OSiC+; however, a definitive structural assignment as Si+-CO, Si+-OC or some cyclic variant is impossible based on these results alone. Neutralisation-reionisation (+NR+) experiments for EI-generated \[Si,C,O](+) reveal a small peak corresponding to SiC+, but no detectable SiO+ signal, and thus establishes the existence of the Si+-CO isomer. CCSD(T)//B3LYP calculations employing a triple-zeta basis set have been used to explore the doublet and quartet potential-energy surfaces of the cation, as well as some important neutral states The results suggest that both Si+-CO and Si+ - OC isomers are feasible; however, the global minimum is (2)Pi SiCO+. Isomeric (2)Pi SiOC+ is 12.1 kcal mol(-1) less stable than (2)Pi SiCO+, and all quartet isomers are much higher in energy. The corresponding neutrals Si-CO and Si-OC are also feasible, but the lowest energy Si - OC isomer ((3)A") is bound by only 1.5 kcal mol(-1). We attribute most, if nor all, of the recovery signal in the +NR' experiment to SiCO+ survivor ions. The nature of the bonding in the lowest energy isomers of Si+ -(CO,OC) is interpreted with the aid of natural bond order analyses, and the ground stale bonding of SiCO+ is discussed in relation to classical analogues such as metal carbonyls and ketenes.

State of the art reviews : measurement of physical activity in children and adolescents

To date, a wide range of methods has been used to measure physical activity in children and adolescents. These include self-report methods such as questionnaires, activity logs, and diaries as well as objective measures of physical activity such as direct observation, doubly labeled water, heart rate monitoring, accelerometers, and pedometers. The purpose of this review is to overview the methods currently being used to measure physical activity in children and adolescents. For each measurement approach, new developments and/or innovations are identified and discussed. Particular attention is given to the use of accelerometers and the calibration of accelerometer output to units of energy expenditure to developing children.

Pressure state response-based method for evaluating social benefits from smart grid development

In this paper, the inherent mechanism of social benefits associated with smart grid development is examined based on the pressure state response (PSR) model from resource economics. The emerging types of technology brought up by smart grid development are regarded as pressures. The improvements of the performance and efficiency of power system operation, such as the enhanced capability of accommodating renewable energy generation, are regarded as states. The effects of smart grid development on society are regarded as responses. Then, a novel method for evaluating social benefits from smart grid development is presented. Finally, the social benefits from smart grid development in a province in northwest China are carried out by using the developed evaluation system, and reasonable evaluation results are attained.

Curse or cure? Revisiting state, capital and resources

WA’s experience, as portrayed in this volume, not only highlights the changeable nature of the mining industry, the volatility of global commodity markets and the impact of global capital on people and place, it also draws into question the promise of lasting value derived from resource development as currently practiced. It is in this context that Chapter 18 revisits WA's resource boom and assesses the sustainability of resource-led development in the state, to arrive at an answer to the question of ‘curse or cure?’. Opening up the discourse beyond the dominant developmentalist narrative invites discussion on new perspectives of economic sustainability that include well-being, equity and the protection of people, culture and place.

Nowhere to hide: informal disease surveillance networks tracing state behaviour

Since the revisions to the International Health Regulations (IHR) in 2005, much attention has turned to how states, particularly developing states, will address core capacity requirements attached to the revised IHR. Primarily, how will states strengthen their capacity to identify and verify public health emergencies of international concern (PHEIC)? Another important but under-examined aspect of the revised IHR is the empowerment of the World Health Organization (WHO) to act upon non-governmental reports of disease outbreaks. The revised IHR potentially marks a new chapter in the powers of ‘disease intelligence’ and how the WHO may press states to verify an outbreak event. This article seeks to understand whether internet surveillance response programs (ISRPs) are effective in ‘naming and shaming’ states into reporting disease outbreaks.

Policing in Context : An Introduction to Police Work in Australia

Policing in Context is a well structured introductory text that gives students the practical information they need to grasp the diverse roles, duties, powers and problems of policing in Australia. This book approaches policing in three key sections, creating a natural flow of information. The first section sets up the basic knowledge needed for understanding the history, context and structure of policing in Australia. The second section provides a description of the core skills, tasks and operations of police work. In the final section, chapters cover and reflect on contemporary and emerging issues.

Promoting posttraumatic growth in police recruits : preliminary results of a randomised controlled resilience intervention trial

Recent research has demonstrated that the same experiences that may elicit symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in emergency service personnel can also provide a catalyst for positive personal changes such as posttraumatic growth (PTG). In this research newly recruited police officers (N = 412) participated in a randomised control trial of a program specifically designed to promote mental health. On entry to the academy, new recruits were randomly allocated, by classrooms, to either a treatment as usual condition (i.e., existing psychoeducation program) or to the intervention group. The Promoting Resilient Officers (PRO) program is a resilience building intervention adapted from an earlier resilience building program in collaboration with the police service. The PRO program also includes additional components on trauma and PTG. The current research included the participants who had experienced trauma prior to or during the research period (N = 246). It was hypothesised that participation in the PRO program would increase levels of PTG and lower levels of PTSD when compared to recruits in the control condition. Using multilevel modelling and post-hoc analyses, results indicated there were significantly higher levels of PTG across multiple dimensions when compared to the control group. There was no effect on PTSD symptoms with both conditions showing a floor effect. The research indicated the potential value of developing interventions that elicit reflections on the potential for positive as well as negative outcomes of experiencing traumatic and other highly challenging events.

Wellness programs at firefighter and police workplaces : a systematic review

Objectives This systematic review summarizes the literature on the health effects of wellness programs at police and firefighter workplaces. The review also considers process outcomes and economic evaluations of such programs. Methods A systematic search of articles published from January 1, 2000 through September 1, 2012 in 13 databases was conducted. Data on 7 studies from 9 articles were extracted. An assessment of the methodological quality of the studies was conducted. Results Studies showed acceptable completion rates and high satisfaction with programs, but mixed results for changes in individual outcomes. Conclusion Empirical evidence for effective health and wellness programs in police and firefighter populations is scarce. Better evaluation and documentation of such programs is needed to advance this field of research.

Multiband photoluminescence from carbon nanoflakes synthesized by hot filament CVD: towards solid-state white light sources

Carbon nanoflakes (CNFLs) are synthesized on silicon substrates deposited with carbon islands in a methane environment using hot filament chemical vapor deposition. The structure and composition of the CNFLs are studied using field emission scanning electron microscopy, high-resolution transmission electron microscopy, micro-Raman spectroscopy, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. The results indicate that the CNFLs are composed of multilayer graphitic sheets and the area and thickness of CNFs increase with the growth time. The photoluminescence (PL) of CNFLs excited by a 325 nm He-Cd laser exhibits three strong bands centered at 408, 526, and 699 nm, which are related to the chemical radicals terminated on the CNFLs and the associated interband transitions. The PL results indicate that the CNFLs are promising as an advanced nano-carbon material capable of generating white light emission. These outcomes are significant to control the electronic structure of CNFLs and contribute to the development of next-generation solid-state white light emission devices. © 2014 the Partner Organisations.

Structure, bonding state and in-vitro study of Ca–P–Ti film deposited on Ti6Al4V by RF magnetron sputtering

Experimental investigation of functionally graded calcium phosphate-based bio-active films on Ti-6A1-4V orthopaedic alloy prepared in an RF magnetron sputtering plasma reactor is reported. The technique involves concurrent sputtering of Hydroxyapatite (HA) and Ti targets, which results in remarkably enhanced adhesion of the film to the substrate and stability of the interface. The films have been characterized using X-ray diffraction (XRD) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). The XPS data show that the films are composed of O, Ca, P and Ti, and reveal the formation of O=P groups and hybridization of O-Ca-P. The XRD pattern shows that the Ca-P thin films are of crystalline calcium oxide phosphate (4CaO·P2O5) with preferred orientation varying with processing parameters. High-resolution optical emission spectra show that the emission of CaO is dominant. The CaO, PO and CaPO species are strongly influenced by deposition conditions. The introduction of Ti element during deposition provides a stable interface between bio-inert substrates Ti-6A1-4V and bioactive HA coating. In-vitro cell culturing tests suggest excellent biocompatibility of the Ca-P-Ti films.

Volatile properties of CNG and Diesel bus emissions produced during steady state and transient driving modes

An analysis of the emissions from 14 CNG and 5 Diesel buses was conducted during April & May, 2006. Studies were conducted at both steady state and transient driving modes on a vehicle dynamometer utilising a CVS dilution system. This article will focus on the volatile properties of particles from 4 CNG and 4 Diesel vehicles from within this group with a priority given to the previously un-investigated CNG emissions produced at transient loads. Particle number concentration data was collected by three CPC’s (TSI 3022, 3010 & 3782WCPC) having D50 cut-offs set to 5nm, 10nm & 20nm respectively. Size distribution data was collected using a TSI 3080 SMPS with a 3025 CPC during the steady state driving modes. During transient cycles mono-disperse “slices” of between 5nm & 25nm were measured. The volatility of these particles was determined by placing a thermodenuder before the 3022 and the SMPS and measuring the reduction in particle number concentration as the temperature in the thermodenuder was increased. This was then normalised against the total particle count given by the 3010 CPC to provide high resolution information on the reduction in particle concentration with respect to temperature.

Nanoparticle emissions from a fleet of CNG buses in transient and steady state operation

Particle emission measurements from a fleet of 14 CNG and 5 Diesel buses were measured both for transient and steady state mode s on a chassis dynamometer with a CVS dilution system. Several transient DT80 cycles and 4 steady sate modes (0, 25, 50 100% of maximum load) were measured for each bus tested. Particle number concentration data was collected by three CPC’s (TSI 3022, 3010 3782WCPC) having D50 cut-offs set to 5, 10 and 20nm respectively. The size distributions were measured with a TSI 3080 SMPS with a 3025 CPC during the steady state modes. Particle mass emissions were measured with a TSI Dustrak. Particle mass emissions for Diesel buses were upto 2 orders of magnitude higher than for CNG buses. Particle number emissions during steady state modes for Diesel busses were 2 to 5 times higher than for CNG busses for all of the tested loads. On the other hand for the DT80 transient cycle particle number emissions were up to 3 times higher for the CNG buses. More detailed analysis of the transient cycles revealed that the reason for this was due to high particle number emissions from CNG busses during the acceleration parts of the cycles. Particles emitted by the CNG busses during acceleration were in the nucleation mode with the majority being smaller than 10nm. Volatility measurements have also shown that they were highly volatile.

Steady state and transient dynamometer vehicle emission measurements using a DiSC

Analysis of the particulate size and number concentration emissions from a fleet of inner city medium duty CNG buses was conducted using the newly available Diffusion Size Classifier in comparison with more traditional SMPS's and CPC's. Studies were conducted at both steady state and transient driving modes on a vehicle dynamometer utilising a CVS dilution system. Comparative analysis of the results showed that the DiSC provided equivalent information during steady state conditions and was able to provide additional information during transient conditions, namely, the modal diameter of the particle size distribution.