3D reconfigurable autopilot flight system for both general aviation and unmanned aerial systems

This research project investigated and designed a modular architecture for a 3D Reconfigurable Autopilot Flight System that could be used to control actuators in both manned and unmanned aircraft. The system is based on a CAN Bus interface and allows seamless control of different types of actuators. During the course of the research the differences and similarities of autopilots for fixed-wing general aviation aircraft and unmanned aircraft were analysed focusing on the actuator interfaces. This project suggests that software and hardware used in commercial-of-the-shelf avionics could be used in manned and unmanned aviation.

Links between unlicensed and unregistered driving (Data analysis). Report to Queensland Department of Transport and Main Roads

There is a current lack of understanding regarding the use of unregistered vehicles on public roads and road-related areas, and the links between the driving of unregistered vehicles and a range of dangerous driving behaviours. This report documents the findings of data analysis conducted to investigate the links between unlicensed driving and the driving of unregistered vehicles, and is an important initial undertaking into understanding these behaviours. This report examines de-identified data from two sources: crash data; and offence data. The data was extracted from the Queensland Department of Transport and Main Roads (TMR) databases and covered the period from 2003 to 2008.

There and back again: Is there a need for GLAM education? (GLAM = Galleries, Libraries, Archives and Museums)

Conferences addressing emerging commonalities in the information professions were being held as far back as the early 1980s. At that time, there appeared to be two differing thoughts on the future of the information professions: one that saw the increasing diversification, the other favouring the professions’ convergence. Nearly thirty-five years later, we are still discussing the various advantages and disadvantages that a convergence of the information professions and professionals may bring; yet there has been very little empirical evidence gathered to enable us to move forward in this discussion. This conceptual paper uses existing literature to argue that the convergence of galleries, libraries, archives and museums is not a new concept to these institutions, but that they have been linked – philosophically and intellectually at least - for millennia. The intention of this paper is not to articulate what should be included in a GLAM curriculum, or to identify the skills and knowledge required of an information professional in a converged environment, but rather to demonstrate that this research is needed in order to provide an evidence base from which these may be developed.

New paradigm, new educational requirements? Australian viewpoints on education for digital libraries

The rise in popularity of the digital library has lead to studies addressing digital library education and curricula development to emanate from the United States and Europe. However, to date very little research has been conducted with an Australian focus. Additionally, very few studies worldwide have sought the opinions of practitioners and the influence that these opinions may have on developing appropriate digital library curricula. The current paper is drawn from a larger study which sought to determine the skills and knowledge required of library and information professionals to work in a digital library environment. Data were collected via an online questionnaire from two target groups: practitioners working in academic libraries and Library and Information Science (LIS) educators across Australia. This paper examines in depth the findings from the survey specifically relating to the following topics. Firstly, whether or not there is a need for an educational programme to be targeted solely at the digital library environment. Secondly, the preferred delivery options for such a programme, and preferred models of digital library education. In addition, a determination on the elements which should be included in the curricula of a digital library education programme are discussed. Findings are compared and discussed with reference to the literature which informed the study. Finally, implications for the sustainability of library education programmes in Australia are identified and directions for further research highlighted.

Association between single-nucleotide polymorphisms in growth factor genes and quality of life in men with prostate cancer and the general population

Purpose Improved survival for men with prostate cancer has led to increased attention to factors influencing quality of life (QOL). As protein levels of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) have been reported to be associated with QOL in people with cancer, we sought to identify whether single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of these genes were associated with QOL in men with prostate cancer. Methods Multiple linear regression of two data sets (including approximately 750 men newly diagnosed with prostate cancer and 550 men from the general population) was used to investigate SNPs of VEGF and IGF-1 (10 SNPs in total) for associations with QOL (measured by the SF-36v2 health survey). Results Men with prostate cancer who carried the minor ‘T’ allele for IGF-1 SNP rs35767 had higher mean Role-Physical scale scores (≥0.3 SD) compared to non-carriers (p < 0.05). While this association was not identified in men from the general population, one IGF-1 SNP rs7965399 was associated with higher mean Bodily Pain scale scores in men from the general population that was not found in men with prostate cancer. Men from the general population who carried the rare ‘C’ allele had higher mean Bodily Pain scale scores (≥0.3 SD) than non-carriers (p < 0.05). Conclusions Through identifying SNPs that are associated with QOL in men with prostate cancer and men from the general population, this study adds to the mapping of complex interrelationships that influence QOL and suggests a role for IGF-I in physical QOL outcomes. Future research may identify biomarkers associated with increased risk of poor QOL that could assist in the provision of pre-emptive support for those identified at risk.

Quality of discharge summaries sent by a regional hospital to general practitioners

Background A comprehensive hospital discharge summary sent to the patient's general practitioner in a timely manner can ease patient transition between care settings. Aim To investigate the quality of discharge summaries sent by a regional hospital to GPs; and to evaluate GPs' satisfaction with the medication list contained in the discharge summary. Method A questionnaire was mailed to a sample of 80 Gold Coast GPs who had made more than five referrals to the Gold Coast Hospital during June 2009. Results 18 responses (23% response rate) were received from September to October 2009. The majority (67%) of GPs received discharge summaries from the hospital and they were mostly in an electronic format with attached medication lists. The reasons for changing medications were not well explained and the timeframe for receiving summaries was considered unsatisfactory. Overall, the majority of GPs were satisfied with the quality of the discharge summaries. Conclusion GPs mostly received the discharge summaries and the majority received them electronically. The majority of GPs indicated that the medication lists were often attached to the discharge summaries and changes to medications recorded.

Submission to KPMG review of the Federal Government Initiative to “analyse dementia program and services funded by the Department of Social Services"

The comments I make are based on my nearly twenty years involvement in the dementia cause at both a national and international level. In preparation, I read two papers namely the Ministerial Dementia Forum – Option Paper produced by KPMG Management Consultants (2014) and Analysis of Dementia Programmes and Services Funded by the Department of Social Services: Conversation Starter prepared by KPMG as a preparation document for those attending a workshop in Brisbane on April 22nd 2015. Dementia is a complex “syndrome” and as is often said, “when you meet one person with dementia, you have met one” meaning that no two persons with dementia are the same. Even in dementia care, Australia is a “lucky country” and there is much to be said for the quality and diversity of dementia care available for people living with dementia. Despite this, I agree with the many views expressed in the material I read that there is scope for improvement, especially in the way that services are coordinated. In saying that, I do not purport to have all the solutions nor claim to have the knowledge required to comment on all the programs covered by this review. If I appear to be a “biased” advocate for Alzheimer’s Australia across the States and Territories, it is because I have seen constant evidence of ordinary people doing extraordinary things with inadequate resources. Dementia care is not cheap and if those funding dementia services are primarily only interested in economic outcomes and benefits, the real purpose of this consultation will be defeated. In addition, nowhere in the material I have read is there any recognition that in many instances program funding is a complex mix of government (at all levels) and private funding. This makes reviewing those programs more complex and less able to be coordinated at a Departmental level. It goes without saying therefore that the Federal Government is not” the only player in this game”. Of all those participating in this review, Alzheimer’s Australia is best placed to comment on programs as it is more connected to people living with dementia and has probably the best record of consulting with them. It would appear however that their role has been reduced to that of a “bit player”. Without wanting to be critical, the Forum Report which deals with the comments made at a gathering of 70 individuals and organisations, only three (3) or 4.28% were actual carers of people living with dementia. Even if it is argued that a number of organisations present represented consumers, the percentage goes up only marginally to 8.57% which is hardly an endorsement of the forum being “consumer driven”. The predominance of those present were service providers, each with their own agenda and each seeking advantage for their “business”. The final point I want to make before commenting on more specific, program related issues, is that many programs being reviewed have a much longer history than is reflected in the material I have read. Their growth and development was pioneered by Alzheimer’s Australia organisations across the country often with no government funding. Attempts to bring about better coordination of programs were often at the behest of Alzheimer’s Australia but in the main were ignored. The opportunity to now put this right is long overdue.

Where do ED patients come from?

A lack of access to primary care services, decreasing numbers of general practitioners (GPs) and free of charge visits have been cited as factors contributing to the rising demand on emergency departments. This study aims to investigate the sources of patients' referrals to emergency departments and track changes in the source of referral over a six-year period in Queensland. Data from Queensland Emergency Departments Information Systems were analyzed based on records from 21 hospitals for the periods 2003–04 to 2008–09. The emergency department data were compared with publicly available data on GPs services and patients attendance rates. In Queensland, the majority of patients are self-referred and a 6.6% growth between 2003–04 and 2008–09 (84.4% to 90% respectively) has been observed. The number of referrals made by GPs, hospitals and community services decreased by 29.4%, 40%, 42% respectively during the six-year period. The full-time workload equivalent GPs per 100,000 people increased by 4.5% and the number of GP attendances measured per capita rose by 4% (4.25 to 4.42). An examination of changes in the triage category of self-referred patients revealed an increase in triage category 1-3 by 60%, 36.2%, and 14.4% respectively. The number of self-referred patients in triage categories 4–5 decreased by 10.5% and 21.9% respectively. The results of this analysis reveal that although the number of services provided by GPs increased, the amount of referrals decreased, and the proportion of self-referred patients to emergency departments rose during the six-year period. In addition, a growth in urgent triage categories (1–3) has been observed, with a decline in the number of non-urgent categories (4–5) among patients who came directly to emergency departments. Understanding the reasons behind this situation is crucial for appropriate demand management. Possible explanations will be sought and presented based on patients' responses to an emergency department users' questionnaire.

A new approach to kimberlite facies terminology using a revised general approach to the nomenclature of all volcanic rocks and deposits: Descriptive to genetic

Although kimberlite pipes/bodies are usually the remains of volcanic vents, in-vent deposits, and subvolcanic intrusions, the terminology used for kimberlite rocks has largely developed independently of that used in mainstream volcanology. Existing kimberlite terminology is not descriptive and includes terms that are rarely used, used differently, and even not used at all in mainstream volcanology. In addition, kimberlite bodies are altered to varying degrees, making application of genetic terminology difficult because original components and depositional textures are commonly masked by alteration. This paper recommends an approach to the terminology for kimberlite rocks that is consistent with usage for other volcanic successions. In modern terrains the eruption and emplacement origins of deposits can often be readily deduced, but this is often not the case for old, variably altered and deformed rock successions. A staged approach is required whereby descriptive terminology is developed first, followed by application of genetic terminology once all features, including the effects of alteration on original texture and depositional features, together with contact relationships and setting, have been evaluated. Because many volcanic successions consist of both primary volcanic deposits as well as volcanic sediments, terminology must account for both possibilities.

Educating cultural heritage information professionals for Australia's galleries, libraries, archives and museums: A grounded Delphi study

This research explored the knowledge, skills, qualities, and professional education needs, of information professionals in galleries, libraries, archives and museums (GLAM) in Australia. The findings revealed that although full convergence of these sectors is unlikely, many of the skills, knowledge and qualities would be required across all four sectors. The research used the Grounded Delphi Method, a relatively new methodological extension of the Delphi method that incorporates aspects of Grounded Theory. The findings provide the first empirically based guidelines around what needs to be included in an educational framework for information professionals who will work in the emerging GLAM environment. As the first study of GLAM education requirements in Australia and the wider Asia-Pacific region to take a holistic approach by engaging information professionals across all four sectors, this thesis makes a contribution to the GLAM research field and to information education generally.

General practice coordinated chronic disease management to reduce avoidable hospital admission

Chronic disease accounts for about 80 per cent of the total disease burden in Australia, and its management accounts for 70 per cent of all current health expenditure.1 Effective prevention and management of chronic disease requires a coordinated approach between primary health care, acute care services, and the patients.2 However, what is not clear is whether improvements in primary healthcare management can have a clear benefit in the cost of care of patients with chronic disease. We recently completed a pilot study in rural Western Australia to ascertain the feasibility of a coordinated general practice-based approach to managing chronic respiratory and cardiovascular conditions, and to determine the direct cost savings to the public insurer through reduction in avoidable hospital admission. The aim of this correspondence is to share our preliminary findings and encourage debate on how such a project may be scaled up or adapted to other primary healthcare settings.

Public use and perceptions of emergency departments: A population survey

Objectives To inform demand management strategies aimed at reducing congestion in EDs by: (i) identifying public use of EDs, decision-making and reasons; and (ii) measuring acceptance of alternative care models. Methods A cross-sectional telephone survey of a random sample of Queensland population aged 18 years or older residing in a dwelling unit in Queensland that could be contacted on a land-based telephone service was conducted. One person per household was selected according to a predetermined algorithm to ensure sex and regional balance were interviewed. The main outcome measures were: ED use, attitudes towards ED staff and services, and alternative models of care. Results The final sample included a total of 1256 respondents (response rate = 40.3%). Twenty-one per cent attended EDs in the preceding 12 months. The decision to attend was made by patients (51%), health and medical professionals (31%), and others (18%). The main reasons included perceived severity of the illness (47%), unavailability of alternative services (26%) and better care (11%). Most respondents agreed with more flexible care models of service delivery including incentives for general practitioners (90%), private health insurance coverage for ED use (89%), and enhanced roles for paramedics and nurses. Conclusions Main reason for attending ED is perceived severity of illness, followed by lack of alternative care. The majority of both consumers and the public are in favour of more flexible care models. However, further research is necessary to detail those alternatives and to test and validate their effectiveness.

Canadian rhapsody: Copyright law and research libraries

This article considers the ground-breaking Supreme Court of Canada decision in The Law Society of Upper Canada v CCH Canadian Limited. The matter involved legal publishers bringing an action for copyright infringement against the Law Society of Upper Canada for operating a photocopy and custom copy service at the Great Library of Osgoode Hall. The Supreme Court of Canada decision laid down important precedents in relation to originality, authorisation, and the defence of fair dealing. The ruling has been hailed as ’one of the strongest pro-user rights decisions from any high court in the world, showing what it means to do more than pay mere lip service to balance in copyright'. This decision will have important implications for the regulation of new technologies. The approach has been applied in two decisions dealing copyright law and the Internet - the Canadian Federal Court case of BMG Canada v John Doe, and the Supreme Court of Canada ’Tariff 22' case. The Supreme Court of Canada decision in The Law Society of Upper Canada v CCH Canadian Limited provides an impetus to reconsider the judicial interpretation of user rights in Australian jurisprudence.

Confirmatory factory analysis of the Neck Disability Index in a general problematic neck population indicates a one-factor model

BACKGROUND CONTEXT: The Neck Disability Index frequently is used to measure outcomes of the neck. The statistical rigor of the Neck Disability Index has been assessed with conflicting outcomes. To date, Confirmatory Factor Analysis of the Neck Disability Index has not been reported for a suitably large population study. Because the Neck Disability Index is not a condition-specific measure of neck function, initial Confirmatory Factor Analysis should consider problematic neck patients as a homogenous group. PURPOSE: We sought to analyze the factor structure of the Neck Disability Index through Confirmatory Factor Analysis in a symptomatic, homogeneous, neck population, with respect to pooled populations and gender subgroups. STUDY DESIGN: This was a secondary analysis of pooled data. PATIENT SAMPLE: A total of 1,278 symptomatic neck patients (67.5% female, median age 41 years), 803 nonspecific and 475 with whiplash-associated disorder. OUTCOME MEASURES: The Neck Disability Index was used to measure outcomes. METHODS: We analyzed pooled baseline data from six independent studies of patients with neck problems who completed Neck Disability Index questionnaires at baseline. The Confirmatory Factor Analysis was considered in three scenarios: the full sample and separate sexes. Models were compared empirically for best fit. RESULTS: Two-factor models have good psychometric properties across both the pooled and sex subgroups. However, according to these analyses, the one-factor solution is preferable from both a statistical perspective and parsimony. The two-factor model was close to significant for the male subgroup (p<.07) where questions separated into constructs of mental function (pain, reading headaches and concentration) and physical function (personal care, lifting, work, driving, sleep, and recreation). CONCLUSIONS: The Neck Disability Index demonstrated a one-factor structure when analyzed by Confirmatory Factor Analysis in a pooled, homogenous sample of neck problem patients. However, a two-factor model did approach significance for male subjects where questions separated into constructs of mental and physical function. Further investigations in different conditions, subgroup and sex-specific populations are warranted.

Mind what you say-general and specific mechanisms for monitoring in speech production

For most people, speech production is relatively effortless and error-free. Yet it has long been recognized that we need some type of control over what we are currently saying and what we plan to say. Precisely how we monitor our internal and external speech has been a topic of research interest for several decades. The predominant approach in psycholinguistics has assumed monitoring of both is accomplished via systems responsible for comprehending others' speech. This special topic aimed to broaden the field, firstly by examining proposals that speech production might also engage more general systems, such as those involved in action monitoring. A second aim was to examine proposals for a production-specific, internal monitor. Both aims require that we also specify the nature of the representations subject to monitoring.