Adapting a generic BEAMnrc model of the BrainLAB m3 micro-multileaf collimator to simulate a local collimation device

This work is focussed on developing a commissioning procedure so that a Monte Carlo model, which uses BEAMnrc’s standard VARMLC component module, can be adapted to match a specific BrainLAB m3 micro-multileaf collimator (μMLC). A set of measurements are recommended, for use as a reference against which the model can be tested and optimised. These include radiochromic film measurements of dose from small and offset fields, as well as measurements of μMLC transmission and interleaf leakage. Simulations and measurements to obtain μMLC scatter factors are shown to be insensitive to relevant model parameters and are therefore not recommended, unless the output of the linear accelerator model is in doubt. Ultimately, this note provides detailed instructions for those intending to optimise a VARMLC model to match the dose delivered by their local BrainLAB m3 μMLC device.

Marking the liminal for true blue Aussies : the generic placement of Aboriginality in Australian soap operas.

This paper addresses a previously unconsidered history — that of Aboriginal characters in Australian soap operas. Rejecting critical approaches which have obtained even into the 1990s, it refuses to judge these characters as 'good' or 'bad' manifestations of indigeneity. Rather, using the idea that genre is a way of closing down interpretive possibilities, the paper looks at the manner in which generic expectations around soap operas produce particular valences for these representations of Aboriginality. It points to the many ways in which these indigenous characters are insistently constructed as liminal in soap operas' structural communities - simultaneously inside and outside of the group. This is seen to accord with the suggestions of Jakubowicz et al about the ways in which Aboriginal people are positioned by wider social discourses.

A generic implementation framework for stereo matching algorithms

Traditional area-based matching techniques make use of similarity metrics such as the Sum of Absolute Differences(SAD), Sum of Squared Differences (SSD) and Normalised Cross Correlation (NCC). Non-parametric matching algorithms such as the rank and census rely on the relative ordering of pixel values rather than the pixels themselves as a similarity measure. Both traditional area-based and non-parametric stereo matching techniques have an algorithmic structure which is amenable to fast hardware realisation. This investigation undertakes a performance assessment of these two families of algorithms for robustness to radiometric distortion and random noise. A generic implementation framework is presented for the stereo matching problem and the relative hardware requirements for the various metrics investigated.

A generic framework and runtime environment for development and evaluation of behavioral biometrics solutions

Increasing use of computerized systems in our daily lives creates new adversarial opportunities for which complex mechanisms are exploited to mend the rapid development of new attacks. Behavioral Biometrics appear as one of the promising response to these attacks. But it is a relatively new research area, specific frameworks for evaluation and development of behavioral biometrics solutions could not be found yet. In this paper we present a conception of a generic framework and runtime environment which will enable researchers to develop, evaluate and compare their behavioral biometrics solutions with repeatable experiments under the same conditions with the same data.

The challenge of generic competences to science education

Since 2000 there has been pressure on education systems for develop in students a number of competences that are described as generic. This pressure stems from studies of the changing nature of work in the Knowledge Society that is now so dominant. The DeSeCo project identified a number of these competences, and listed them under the headings of communicative, analytical and personal. They include thinking, creativity, communication skills, knowing how to learn, working in teams, adapting to change, and problem solving. These competences pose a substantial challenge to the manner in which education as a whole, and science education in particular, has hitherto been generally conceived. It is now common to find their importance acknowledged in new formulation of the curriculum. The paper reviews a number of these curriculum documents and how they have tried to relate these competences to the teaching and learning of Science, a subject with its own very specific content for learning. It will be suggested that the challenge provides an opportunity for a reconstruction of the teaching and learning of science in schools that will increase its effectiveness for more students.

Autonomous movement-driven place recognition calibration for generic multi-sensor robot platforms

In this paper we present a method for autonomously tuning the threshold between learning and recognizing a place in the world, based on both how the rodent brain is thought to process and calibrate multisensory data and the pivoting movement behaviour that rodents perform in doing so. The approach makes no assumptions about the number and type of sensors, the robot platform, or the environment, relying only on the ability of a robot to perform two revolutions on the spot. In addition, it self-assesses the quality of the tuning process in order to identify situations in which tuning may have failed. We demonstrate the autonomous movement-driven threshold tuning on a Pioneer 3DX robot in eight locations spread over an office environment and a building car park, and then evaluate the mapping capability of the system on journeys through these environments. The system is able to pick a place recognition threshold that enables successful environment mapping in six of the eight locations while also autonomously flagging the tuning failure in the remaining two locations. We discuss how the method, in combination with parallel work on autonomous weighting of individual sensors, moves the parameter dependent RatSLAM system significantly closer to sensor, platform and environment agnostic operation.

Plasma nanoscience : from controlled complexity to practical simplicity

Plasma Nanoscience is a multidisciplinary research field which aims to elucidate the specific roles, purposes, and benefits of the ionized gas environment in assembling and processing nanoscale objects in natural, laboratory and technological situations. Compared to neutral gas-based routes, in low-temperature weakly-ionized plasmas there is another level of complexity related to the necessity of creating and sustaining a suitable degree of ionization and a much larger number of species generated in the gas phase. The thinner the nanotubes, the stronger is the quantum confinement of electrons and more unique size-dependent quantum effects can emerge. Furthermore, due to a very high mobility of electrons, the surfaces are at a negative potential compared to the plasma bulk. Therefore, there are non-uniform electric fields within the plasma sheath. The electric field lines start in the plasma bulk and converge to the sharp tips of the developing one-dimensional nanostructures.

Specialist versus generic models of psychiatry training and service provision for people with intellectual disabilities

Background  Models of service provision and professional training differ between countries. This study aims to investigate a specialist intellectual disabilities model and a generic mental health model, specifically comparing psychiatrists’ knowledge and competencies, and service quality and accessibility in meeting the mental health needs of people with intellectual disabilities. Method  Data were collected from consultant and trainee psychiatrists within a specialist intellectual disabilities model (UK) and a generic mental health model (Australia). Results  The sample sizes were 294 (UK) and 205 (Australia). Statistically significant differences were found, with UK participants having positive views about the specialist intellectual disabilities service model they worked within, demonstrating flexible and accessible working practices and service provision, responsive to the range of mental health needs of the population with intellectual disabilities, and providing a wide range of treatments and supports. The UK participants were knowledgeable, well trained and confident in their work. They wanted to work with people with intellectual disabilities. In all of these areas, the converse was found from the Australian generic mental health service model. Conclusions  The specialist intellectual disabilities model of service provision and training has advantages over the generic mental health model.

Are Australia’s universities in deficit? A tale of generic managers, audit culture, and casualisation

Managerial changes to Australian universities have had considerable impact on employees. In this paper we consider some of these changes and apply a theory known as the democratic deficit to them. This theory was developed from the democratic critique of managerialism, as it has been applied in the public sector in countries with Westminster-type political systems. This deficit covers the weakening of accountability through politicisation, the denial of public values through the use of private sector performance practices, and the hollowing out of the state through the contracting out and privatisation of public goods and services, and the redefinition of citizens as customers and clients. We suggest that the increased power of managers, expansion of the audit culture, and the extensive use of contract employment seem to be weakening the democratic culture and role of universities in part by replacing accountability as responsibility with accountability as responsiveness.

Cytokine mRNA expression and IFN-γ production of immunised nematode resistant and susceptible lambs against natural poly-generic challenge

IL-2, IL-4 and IFN-γ mRNA expression, and production of IFN-γ was examined in mesenteric lymph node cells (MLNC) and CD4+ enriched T cell populations of nematode resistant (R) and susceptible (S) line lambs by use of RT-PCR and ELISA. Five R and S line lambs that were immunised by repeated oxfendazole-abbreviated infections and 5 non-immunised R and S line lambs were used. All lambs grazed nematode infected pasture for 107 days. Immunisation enhanced the resistant status in both R and S lambs. MLNC obtained from slaughtered animals were stimulated with Con A or T. colubriformis specific antigen. Non-stimulated MLNC of immunised lambs expressed higher levels of IL-4 mRNA and lower levels of IL-2 mRNA than non-immunised lambs. MLNC of immunised R and S line lambs stimulated with antigen for 24 h expressed detectable amounts of IL-4 mRNA that was not seen in non-immunised controls. CD4+ T cell enriched cell populations of immunised R and S lambs and non-immunised R lambs expressed moderate to high levels of IL-4 mRNA. Con A stimulated MLNC of immunised R and S lambs expressed high levels IFN-γ mRNA and produced high amounts of IFN-γ. Lower levels were present in non-immunised controls. The results indicate that R line lambs and immunised S line lambs respond to natural nematode challenge with a predominating IL-4 cytokine response when compared to non-immunised S lambs.

Broadening generic skills development: Improving financial literacy of university students

Research has demonstrated the importance of financial literacy as one of the key life skills for sound financial decision-making. Despite the vast availability of educational resources, young adults were consistently found to have low levels of financial capability. Of particular concern is that many of these young people do not have adequate money skills to manage their freedom during university time, which may contribute to suboptimal financial behaviours. This study surveyed university students by assessing their financial literacy and perception of the financial education they received in school. Illiteracy across different domains of financial topics was evident. Results also indicate that majority of respondents viewed that high school has not taught them financial knowledge that will prepare them for adult life. Accordingly, it is proposed that graduate skills development in higher education should be broadened to incorporate financial literacy to help university students to navigate the financial maze.