Letter to a dead playwright : daily grind, Vicki Reynolds, and archive fever

’Nothing is less reliable, nothing is less clear today than the word “archive”,’ observed Jacques Derrida in his book Archive Fever: a Freudian Impression (1996). This paper reflects on the unsettling process of establishing (or commencing) an archive for the Melbourne Workers Theatre, to form part of the AusStage digital archive which records information on live performance in Australia. Glenn D'Cruz's paper juxtaposes two disparate but connected registers of writing: an open letter to a deceased Australian playwright, Vicki Reynolds, and a critical reflection on the politics of the archive with reference to Derrida's account of archive fever, which he characterizes as an ‘irrepressible desire to return to the origin, a homesickness, a nostalgia for the return to the most archaic place of absolute commencement’. Using Derrida's commentary on questions of memory, authority, inscription, hauntology, and heritage to identify some of the philosophical and ethical aporias he encountered while working on the project, D’Cruz pays particular attention to what Derrida calls the spectral structure of the archive, and stages a conversation with the ghosts that haunt the digitized Melbourne Workers Theatre documents. He also unpacks the logic of Derrida's so-called messianic account of the archive, which ‘opens out of the future’, thereby affirming the future-to-come, and unsettling the normative notion of the archive as a repository for what has passed. Glenn D’Cruz teaches at Deakin University, Australia. He is the author of Midnight's Orphans: Anglo-Indians in Post/Colonial Literature (Peter Lang, 2006) and editor of Class Act: Melbourne Workers Theatre 1987–2007 (Vulgar Press, 2007).

The Melbourne Diabetes Prevention Study (MDPS) : study protocol for a randomized controlled trial

Background
Worldwide, type 2 diabetes (T2DM) prevalence has more than doubled over two decades. In Australia, diabetes is the second highest contributor to the burden of disease. Lifestyle modification programs comprising diet changes, weight loss and moderate physical activity, have been proven to reduce the incidence of T2DM in high risk individuals.

As part of the Council of Australia Governments, the State of Victoria committed to develop and support the diabetes prevention program ‘Life! Taking action on diabetes’ (Life!) which has direct lineage from effective clinical and implementation trials from Finland and Australia. The Melbourne Diabetes Prevention Study (MDPS) has been set up to evaluate the effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of a specific version of the Life! program.

Methods/design
We intend to recruit 796 participants for this open randomized clinical trial; 398 will be allocated to the intervention arm and 398 to the usual care arm. Several methods of recruitment will be used in order to maximize the number of participants. Individuals aged 50 to 75 years will be screened with a risk tool (AUSDRISK) to detect those at high risk of developing T2DM. Those with existing diabetes will be excluded. Intervention participants will undergo anthropometric and laboratory tests, and comprehensive surveys at baseline, following the fourth group session (approximately three months after the commencement of the intervention) and 12 months after commencement of the intervention, while control participants will undergo testing at baseline and 12 months only.

The intervention consists of an initial individual session followed by a series of five structured-group sessions. The first four group sessions will be carried out at two week intervals and the fifth session will occur eight months after the first group session. The intervention is based on the Health Action Process Approach (HAPA) model and sessions will empower and enable the participants to follow the five goals of the Life! program.

Discussion
This study will determine whether the effect of this intervention is larger than the effect of usual care in reducing central obesity and cardiovascular risk factors and thus the risk of developing diabetes and cardiovascular disease. Also it will evaluate how these two options compare economically.

List of colonial era Papua New Guinea legislation

This dataset is a list of all Papua New Guinean legislation (Acts and Regulations) during Australia's colonial administration of the country. It includes data on legislation from 1925 through to 1974 and identifies the act/regulation title, the act number, the act commencement date and chapter number.

Variation of phloem turgor pressure in Hevea brasiliensis: An implication for latex yield and tapping system optimization

Phloem turgor pressure (PTP) is the initial driving force for latex flow after a rubber tree is tapped and therefore plays an important role in rubber tree latex production. Variation in PTP with rubber tree clone, age, yield potential and commonly used Ethrel (an ethylene releaser) stimulation have, however, not been comprehensively studied to date. The aim of this study was to investigate these relations and examine whether PTP can be used as an index for rubber tree clone assessment and tapping system optimization. The results showed that: (1) the daily change of PTP in the foliation season suggests that a high PTP can ensure a high latex yield and tapping could be moved forward to midnight or earlier in the night; (2) the decrease of PTP from the basal to distal stem indicates the benefit of a controlled upward tapping system; (3) the logarithmic increase in PTP with rubber tree planting age and age-based mean girth suggests that the preferred age for the commencement of rubber tree tapping is eight years; (4) the change of PTP with regenerated bark age suggests that the regenerated bark could be exploited again after the second year; (5) PTP is positively related to the yield potential of rubber tree clones; (6) although Ethrel stimulation could not significantly increase the initial PTP of a rubber tree, it delays the recovery of PTP after tapping. Therefore, PTP is an indicator of rubber tree latex yield and can be used for tapping system optimization. © 2014 Elsevier B.V.

A tailored, supportive care intervention using systematic assessment designed for people with inoperable lung cancer: a randomised controlled trial

Objective : People with inoperable lung cancer experience higher levels of distress, more unmet needs and symptoms than other cancer patients. There is an urgent need to test innovative approaches to improve psychosocial and symptom outcomes in this group. This study tested the hypothesis that a tailored, multidisciplinary supportive care programme based on systematic needs assessment would reduce perceived unmet needs and distress and improve quality of life.

Methods : A randomised controlled trial design was used. The tailored intervention comprised two sessions at treatment commencement and completion. Sessions included a self-completed needs assessment, active listening, self-care education and communication of unmet psychosocial and symptom needs to the multidisciplinary team for management and referral. Outcomes were assessed with the Needs Assessment for Advanced Lung Cancer Patients, Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, Distress Thermometer and European Organization of Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Q-C30 V2.0.

Results : One hundred and eight patients with a diagnosis of inoperable lung or pleural cancer (including mesothelioma) were recruited from a specialist facility before the trial closed prematurely (original target 200). None of the primary contrasts of interest were significant (all p > 0.10), although change score analysis indicated a relative benefit from the intervention for unmet symptom needs at 8 and 12 weeks post-assessment (effect size = 0.55 and 0.40, respectively).

Conclusion : Although a novel approach, the hypothesis that the intervention would benefit perceived unmet needs, psychological morbidity, distress and health-related quality of life was not supported overall.

Prevalence of cardiovascular and metabolic events in patients prescribed clozapine: a retrospective observational, clinical cohort study

BACKGROUND: The efficacy of clozapine for the treatment of schizophrenia has been demonstrated. However, a range of adverse events have been associated with its use. To date, there remains a paucity of data regarding the prevalence of clozapine-induced cardiovascular (CV) and parameters associated with the development of metabolic syndrome, alongside associated risk factors for their development. METHODS: An observational, clinical cohort study design of 355 clozapine patients who were enrolled in the Barwon Health Clozapine Program at Geelong Hospital, Victoria, Australia, between 2008-12. Medical records were accessed retrospectively. Multivariate logistic regression was used to determine associations with adverse event(s). RESULTS: Older age of commencement with clozapine was consistently associated with increased risk of CV abnormalities, with the exception of tachycardia where older age was protective (Odds Ratio [OR]: 0.97; 95% Confidence Intervals [CI]: 0.95, 0.99). Males had significantly greater odds of most metabolic disturbances with the exception of being obese (BMI: ≥30 OR: 0.45; 95% CIs: 0.24, 0.85). Older age of commencement was a significantly associated variable with High- Density Lipoprotein-cholesterol (OR: 1.03; 95% CIs: 1.01, 1.07) and fasting glucose (OR:1.04; 95% CIs: 1.02, 1.07). An increase in BMI was consistently and significantly associated with all metabolic events. CONCLUSION: Male patients who are obese at any point during treatment and older at treatment commencement may be the most vulnerable to adverse CV and metabolic events. While future studies using a matched case-control design may be required to verify these findings, we recommend that treating clinicians consider these risks when assessing patient suitability to clozapine therapy.

Association between serum concentration of 25-hydroxyvitamin D and the risk of hip arthroplasty for osteoarthritis: result from a prospective cohort study

OBJECTIVES: There is ongoing debate regarding the optimal serum concentrations of 25-hydroxy-vitamin D for musculoskeletal health, including osteoarthritis (OA). The aim of this prospective cohort study was to determine whether serum 25-hydroxy-vitamin D concentrations were associated with the risk of hip arthroplasty for OA. DESIGN: This study examined 9135 participants from the Australian Diabetes, Obesity and Lifestyle Study who had serum 25-hydroxy-vitamin D measured in 1999-2000 and were aged ≥40 years at the commencement of arthroplasty data collection. The incidence of hip arthroplasty for OA during 2002-2011 was determined by linking cohort records to the Australian Orthopaedic Association National Joint Replacement Registry. RESULTS: Over an average 9.1 (standard deviation (SD) 2.7) years of follow-up, 201 hip arthroplasties for OA were identified (males n = 90; females n = 111). In males, a one-standard-deviation increase in 25-hydroxy-vitamin D was associated with a 25% increased incidence (HR 1.25, 95% CI 1.02-1.56), with a dose response relationship evident by quartiles of 25-hydroxy-vitamin D concentration (P for trend 0.04). These results were independent of age, body mass index (BMI), ethnicity, smoking status, physical activity, season of blood collection, latitude, hypertension and diabetes, area level disadvantage or after excluding those with extreme low 25-hydroxy-vitamin D concentrations. No significant association was observed in women (HR 1.10, 95% CI 0.87, 1.39). CONCLUSIONS: Increasing serum 25-hydroxy-vitamin D concentrations were associated with an increased risk of hip arthroplasty for OA in males, while no significant association was observed in females. The mechanism for the association warrants further investigation.

The role of optimistic news stories in IPO pricing

This study investigates the influence of optimistic news stories on first-day pricing of initial public offerings (IPOs) in Australia between 1995 and 2005. Unlike the United States, Australia has no quiet-period regulation limiting the dissemination of information from media before IPO listing dates. We find that optimistic news stories are negatively associated with IPO underpricing. Results from a relative valuation model show that IPOs which received positive news stories ahead of the first trading day are not overpriced relative to their industry benchmarks. These results suggest that optimistic news stories mitigate information asymmetry and adverse selection problems. However, optimistic news stories do not appear to inflate the share price on the first day of trading. Our findings suggest that regulation mandating a 'quiet period' before the commencement of trading in IPOs is neither necessary nor desirable in the Australian environment.

The impact of a suicide prevention strategy on reducing the economic cost of suicide in the New South Wales construction industry

BACKGROUND: Little research has been conducted into the cost and prevention of self-harm in the workplace. AIMS: To quantify the economic cost of self-harm and suicide among New South Wales (NSW) construction industry (CI) workers and to examine the potential economic impact of implementing Mates in Construction (MIC). METHOD: Direct and indirect costs were estimated. Effectiveness was measured using the relative risk ratio (RRR). In Queensland (QLD), relative suicide risks were estimated for 5-year periods before and after the commencement of MIC. For NSW, the difference between the expected (i.e., using NSW pre-MIC [2008-2012] suicide risk) and counterfactual suicide cases (i.e., applying QLD RRR) provided an estimate of potential suicide cases averted in the post-MIC period (2013-2017). Results were adjusted using the average uptake (i.e., 9.4%) of MIC activities in QLD. Economic savings from averted cases were compared with the cost of implementing MIC. RESULTS: The cost of self-harm and suicide in the NSW CI was AU $527 million in 2010. MIC could potentially avert 0.4 suicides, 1.01 full incapacity cases, and 4.92 short absences, generating annual savings of AU $3.66 million. For every AU $1 invested, the economic return is approximately AU $4.6. CONCLUSION: MIC represents a positive economic investment in workplace safety.

Nutritional intervention to prevent weight gain in patients commenced on olanzapine: a randomized controlled trial

Objective: Olanzapine is the most commonly prescribed atypical antipsychotic medication in Australia. Research reports an average weight gain of between 4.5 and 7 kg in the 3 months following its commencement. Trying to minimize this weight gain in a population with an already high prevalence of obesity, mortality and morbidity is of clinical and social importance. This randomized controlled trial investigated the impact of individual nutrition education provided by a dietitian on weight gain in the 3 and 6 months following the commencement of olanzapine.


Method: Fifty-one individuals (29 females, 22 males) who had started on olanzapine in the previous 3 months (mean length of 27 days ± 20) were recruited through Peninsula Health Psychiatric Services and were randomly assigned to either the intervention (n = 29) or the control group (n = 22). Individuals in the intervention group received six 1 hour nutrition education sessions over a 3-month period. Weight, waist circumference, body mass index (BMI) and qualitative measures of exercise levels, quality of life, health and body image were collected at baseline at 3 and 6 months.


Results: After 3 months, the control group had gained significantly more weight than the treatment group (6.0 kg vs 2.0 kg, p ≤ 0.002). Weight gain of more than 7% of initial weight occurred in 64% of the control group compared to 13% of the treatment group. The control group's BMI increased significantly more than the treatment group's (2 kg/m2vs 0.7 kg/m2, p ≤ 0.03). The treatment group reported significantly greater improvements in moderate exercise levels, quality of life, health and body image compared to the controls. At 6 months, the control group continued to show significantly more weight gain since baseline than the treatment group (9.9 kg vs 2.0 kg, p ≤ 0.013) and consequently had significantly greater increases in BMI (3.2 kg/m2vs 0.8 kg/m2, p ≤ 0.017).

Bennett Archambault Portrait

Portrait of Bennett Archambault who was a speaker at the evening school graduation of the New York Trade School in 1949. From a press release attached to the portrait: "Walter Weir, Inc., 250 West 57th Street, New York 19, N.Y., John Black, Public Relations & Publicity Department, Plaza 7-0140, May 23, 1949, For Release: Friday, May 27, 1949, BENNETT ARCHAMBAULT: Member of the Board of Trustees, New York Trade School, and Treasurer, The M.W. Kellogg Company, who reviewed the school's long history and drew an impressive picture of its future, in an address at the 68th Annual Evening School Graduation, held last night (May 26) in the school building on East 67th Street, New York." Black and white photograph.

Joseph Mamarella accepting Stripping Award

Stripping Award is being presented to Joseph Mamarela by Philip Zeiger, member of the Joint Apprenticeship Committee. This took place at the May 13, 1995 commencement ceremony of the New York Trade School. Black and white photograph.

Herbert M. Sussman presenting award

Herbert Sussman (left) is shown presenting the John P. Mullen award. Herbert M. Sussman was the College's fifth president. He was inaugurated on June 8, 1972 and the school's commencement ceremony. He served from 1972-1977. By this time, New York City Community College of Applied Arts and Sciences was part of the CUNY system and had merged with the Vorhees Technical Institute.

Herbert M. Sussman

Portrait of Herbert M. Sussman, president 1972-1977. Herbert M. Sussman was the College's fifth president. He was inaugurated on June 8, 1972 and the school's commencement ceremony. He served from 1972-1977. By this time, New York City Community College of Applied Arts and Sciences was part of the CUNY system and had merged with the Vorhees Technical Institute.

Perspective: LaGuardia Community College Newsletter Vol. 1, No. 5

A newsletter published periodically to keep the faculty, students, staff, and community informed about the activities taking place on the campus of LaGuardia Community College. Cover article: SONY SHIFT SCHEDULED SOON, SPOKESMAN SAYS. Other entries include: CUNY TEACHING EXCELLENCE AWARD TO PROFESSOR MILLER; CHILD CARE LEAVE ADOPTED BY BHE; NINETY SENIOR CITIZENS RECEIVE CERTIFICATES; COLLEGE COMMENCEMENT TO BE HELD AT QUEENS COLLEGE AUDITORIUM; DEAN PALMER TO SING AT SEPT. 16, COMMENCEMENT; FOUR MORE PARAPROFESSIONALS COMPLETE DEGREES.”