The culture of the journey as structure of the landscape: an inquiry on mobility facilities and identity of place

The structure of the travel, meant as cultural activity, is proposed as a key to read and design the urban or rural landscape.

Anatomy of a submarine pyroclastic flow and associated turbidity current : July 2003 dome collapse, Soufrière Hills volcano, Montserrat, West Indies

The 12 to 13 July 2003 andesite lava dome collapse at the Soufrière Hills volcano, Montserrat, provides the first opportunity to document comprehensively both the sub-aerial and submarine sequence of events for an eruption. Numerous pyroclastic flows entered the ocean during the collapse, depositing approximately 90% of the total material into the submarine environment. During peak collapse conditions, as the main flow penetrated the air–ocean interface, phreatic explosions were observed and a surge cloud decoupled from the main flow body to travel 2 to 3 km over the ocean surface before settling. The bulk of the flow was submerged and rapidly mixed with sea water forming a water-saturated mass flow. Efficient sorting and physical differentiation occurred within the flow before initial deposition at 500 m water depth. The coarsest components (∼60% of the total volume) were deposited proximally from a dense granular flow, while the finer components (∼40%) were efficiently elutriated into the overlying part of the flow, which evolved into a far-reaching turbidity current.

The emerging role of private health care provision in China : a critical analysis of the current health system

China continues to face great challenges in meeting the health needs of its large population. The challenges are not just lack of resources, but also how to use existing resources more efficiently, more effectively, and more equitably. Now a major unaddressed challenge facing China is how to reform an inefficient, poorly organized health care delivery system. The objective of this study is to analyze the role of private health care provision in China and discuss the implications of increasing private-sector development for improving health system performance. This study is based on an extensive literature review, the purpose of which was to identify, summarize, and evaluate ideas and information on private health care provision in China. In addition, the study uses secondary data analysis and the results of previous study by the authors to highlight the current situation of private health care provision in one province of China. This study found that government-owned hospitals form the backbone of the health care system and also account for most health care service provision. However, even though the public health care system is constantly trying to adapt to population needs and improve its performance, there are many problems in the system, such as limited access, low efficiency, poor quality, cost inflation, and low patient satisfaction. Currently, private hospitals are relatively rare, and private health care as an important component of the health care system in China has received little policy attention. It is argued that policymakers in China should recognize the role of private health care provision for health system performance, and then define and achieve an appropriate role for private health care provision in helping to respond to the many challenges facing the health system in present-day China.

An interpretation of current progress towards an industry model for Queensland's surveying and mapping industry

A strongly progressive surveying and mapping industry depends on a shared understanding of the industry as it exists, some shared vision or imagination of what the industry might become, and some shared action plan capable of bringing about a realisation of that vision. The emphasis on sharing implies a need for consensus reached through widespread discussion and mutual understanding. Unless this occurs, concerted action is unlikely. A more likely outcome is that industry representatives will negate each other's efforts in their separate bids for progress. The process of bringing about consensual viewpoints is essentially one of establishing an industry identity. Establishing the industry's identity and purpose is a prerequisite for rational development of the industry's education and training, its promotion and marketing, and operational research that can deal .with industry potential and efficiency. This paper interprets evolutionary developments occurring within Queensland's surveying and mapping industry within a framework that sets out logical requirements for a viable industry.

Using process models to support design of airport terminals

The complex design process of airport terminal needs to support a wide range of changes in operational facilities for both usual and unusual/emergency events. Process model describes how activities within a process are connected and also states logical information flow of the various activities. The traditional design process overlooks the necessity of information flow from the process model to the actual building design, which needs to be considered as a integral part of building design. The current research introduced a generic method to obtain design related information from process model to incorporate with the design process. Appropriate integration of the process model prior to the design process uncovers the relationship exist between spaces and their relevant functions, which could be missed in the traditional design approach. The current paper examines the available Business Process Model (BPM) and generates modified Business Process Model(mBPM) of check-in facilities of Brisbane International airport. The information adopted from mBPM then transform into possible physical layout utilizing graph theory.

A review of current statistical methodologies for in storage sampling and surveillance in the grains industry

Effective, statistically robust sampling and surveillance strategies form an integral component of large agricultural industries such as the grains industry. Intensive in-storage sampling is essential for pest detection, Integrated Pest Management (IPM), to determine grain quality and to satisfy importing nation’s biosecurity concerns, while surveillance over broad geographic regions ensures that biosecurity risks can be excluded, monitored, eradicated or contained within an area. In the grains industry, a number of qualitative and quantitative methodologies for surveillance and in-storage sampling have been considered. Primarily, research has focussed on developing statistical methodologies for in storage sampling strategies concentrating on detection of pest insects within a grain bulk, however, the need for effective and statistically defensible surveillance strategies has also been recognised. Interestingly, although surveillance and in storage sampling have typically been considered independently, many techniques and concepts are common between the two fields of research. This review aims to consider the development of statistically based in storage sampling and surveillance strategies and to identify methods that may be useful for both surveillance and in storage sampling. We discuss the utility of new quantitative and qualitative approaches, such as Bayesian statistics, fault trees and more traditional probabilistic methods and show how these methods may be used in both surveillance and in storage sampling systems.

An approach for current balancing in distribution networks with rooftop PVs

Current unbalance is a significant power quality problem in distribution networks. This problem increases further with the increased penetration of single-phase photovoltaic cells. In this paper, a new approach is developed for current unbalance reduction in medium voltage distribution networks. The method is based on utilization of three single-phase voltage source converters connected in delta configuration between the phases. Each converter is controlled to function as a varying capacitor. The combination of the load and the compensator will result in a balanced load with unity power factor. The efficacy of the proposed current unbalance reduction concept is verified through dynamic simulations in PSCAD/EMTDC.

Current status and future prospects for cultured limbal tissue transplants in Australia and New Zealand

Cultured limbal tissue transplants have become widely used over the last decade as a treatment for limbal stem cell deficiency (LSCD). While the number of patients afflicted with LSCD in Australia and New Zealand is considered to be relatively low, the impact of this disease on quality of life is so severe that the potential efficacy of cultured transplants has necessitated investigation. We presently review the basic biology and experimental strategies associated with the use of cultured limbal tissue transplants in Australia and New Zealand. In doing so, we aim to encourage informed discussion on the issues required to advance the use of cultured limbal transplants in Australia and New Zealand. Moreover, we propose that a collaborative network could be established to maintain access to the technology in conjunction with a number of other existing and emerging treatments for eye diseases.

Physical access control administration using building information models

Physical access control systems play a central role in the protection of critical infrastructures, where both the provision of timely access and preserving the security of sensitive areas are paramount. In this paper we discuss the shortcomings of existing approaches to the administration of physical access control in complex environments. At the heart of the problem is the current dependency on human administrators to reason about the implications of the provision or the revocation of staff access to an area within these facilities. We demonstrate how utilising Building Information Models (BIMs) and the capabilities they provide, including 3D representation of a facility and path-finding can reduce possible intentional or accidental errors made by security administrators.

What do current planning students and recent graduates think planners do?

A planner’s view of the purpose of their actions, the role they play, the focus of their work and in whose interest they operate greatly influence their approach to planning and the outcome of their work. However there is no common and established understanding within the profession on these themes. Contemporary planning theory, practice and education is characterised by the parallel existence of multiple, often contradictory schools of thought. What values and perspectives are held by the next generation of planning professionals as they emerge from contemporary planning programs? This preliminary investigation seeks to identify the views and perspectives of early career planners on the purpose and role of planning, the degree to which planning is oriented on the future and the nature of the public interest, using various schools of planning thought as a thematic framework. In the current phase of a larger project, extant students and recent graduates from planning courses at three Queensland universities were surveyed electronically to ascertain their views, with plans to undertake a broader study of similar populations across Australia. Within the current pilot, students and graduates did not identify strongly with a single school of planning thought, but favoured contrasting rational and collaborative definitions of the role and purpose of planning and the public interest and pragmatic concepts of partial knowledge of the future and the value of experience in managing present issues.

Supporting and impeding factors for partnering in construction – a China study

Partnering has drawn attention from both academics and practitioners in the construction industry in the context of construction and facilities management. The past decades have seen a number of articles reporting the application of partnering in construction. The Chinese construction industry is one of the largest industries in the world; however, to the authors’ best knowledge, no project in mainland China has adopted this procurement approach in a formal and systematic manner as yet. This study employed a qualitative approach to investigate the factors that support or impede the implementation of partnering in mainland China. The findings indicate that the partnering practice is feasible in the construction industry of China due to the large demand brought about by China’s strong economic growth and government support. However, the implementation of partnering in the Chinese construction industry is being impeded by the restrictions of the current Chinese regulatory framework and tender evaluation framework, the incompatible features of Chinese culture and the general lack of trust. Six strategies that help to facilitate the implementation of partnering in China have been developed. This study offers a useful reference to implement collaborative contracting models such as partnering in developing countries.

A portable approach for the surveillance of dengue virus-infected mosquitoes

Dengue virus is the most significant human viral pathogen spread by the bite of an infected mosquito. With no vaccine or antiviral therapy currently available, disease prevention relies largely on surveillance and mosquito control. Preventing the onset of dengue outbreaks and effective vector management would be considerably enhanced through surveillance of dengue virus prevalence in natural mosquito populations. However, current approaches to the identification of virus in field-caught mosquitoes require relatively slow and labor intensive techniques such as virus isolation or RT-PCR involving specialized facilities and personnel. A rapid and portable method for detecting dengue virus-infected mosquitoes is described. Using a hand held battery operated homogenizer and a dengue diagnostic rapid strip the viral protein NS1 was detected as a marker of dengue virus infection. This method could be performed in less than 30 min in the field, requiring no downstream processing, and is able to detect a single infected mosquito in a pool of at least 50 uninfected mosquitoes. The method described in this study allows rapid, real-time monitoring of dengue virus presence in mosquito populations and could be a useful addition to effective monitoring and vector control responses.

The current workforce status of prehospital care in China

Abstract The Chinese Emergency Medicine System is primarily composed of three sectors; prehospital care, emergency department in a city hospital, and intensive care unit ward. While all sectors are integral to the system, the prehospital care system is less developed than the others. There are many possible contributors to the under-development of the prehospital care system, however, workforce issues may play a significant role. Firstly, there is no officially recognised paramedic profession in China. The staff members working in the prehospital care system are medical doctors, registered nurses, patient-carriers, and drivers. Secondly, these doctors and nurses are either over-qualified or under-qualified for practicing in the prehospital care system. Lastly, Chinese health professionals have taken actions to improve the current workforce status with initiatives such as short-term training workshops for doctors and nurses, implementation of a trial unit in a university, and development of a Major Degree of Emergency Medicine in a medical university. All of these actions are important steps toward improving the current workforce status in the prehospital care system. However, a long term workforce development plan is still essential for the Chinese system, and implementation of a professional paramedic education system in a medical university/college in China, may provide the solution. Keywords: China; emergency medicine system; health services; prehospital care system; workforce; service delivery

Investigation of decision making issues in the use of current clinical information systems

Clinical information systems have become important tools in contemporary clinical patient care. However, there is a question of whether the current clinical information systems are able to effectively support clinicians in decision making processes. We conducted a survey to identify some of the decision making issues related to the use of existing clinical information systems. The survey was conducted among the end users of the cardiac surgery unit, quality and safety unit, intensive care unit and clinical costing unit at The Prince Charles Hospital (TPCH). Based on the survey results and reviewed literature, it was identified that support from the current information systems for decision-making is limited. Also, survey results showed that the majority of respondents considered lack in data integration to be one of the major issues followed by other issues such as limited access to various databases, lack of time and lack in efficient reporting and analysis tools. Furthermore, respondents pointed out that data quality is an issue and the three major data quality issues being faced are lack of data completeness, lack in consistency and lack in data accuracy. Conclusion: Current clinical information systems support for the decision-making processes in Cardiac Surgery in this institution is limited and this could be addressed by integrating isolated clinical information systems.

Positive impacts of environmental characteristics on health and wellbeing in health-care facilities : a review

Well-designed indoor environments can support people’s health and welfare. In this literature review, we identify the environmental features that affect human health and wellbeing. Environmental characteristics found to influence health outcomes and/or wellbeing included: environmental safety; indoor air quality (e.g. odour and temperature); sound and noise; premises and interior design (e.g. construction materials, viewing nature and experiencing nature, windows versus no windows, light, colours, unit layout and placement of the furniture, the type of room, possibilities to control environmental elements, environmental complexity and sensory simulations, cleanliness, ergonomics and accessibility, ‛‛wayfinding’’); art, and music, among others. Indoor environments that incorporate healing elements can, for instance, reduce anxiety, lower blood pressure, lessen pain and shorten hospital stays.