ePublications@SCU

Resilience building using art therapy with adolescents in Australia

Joanne Kelly — Thu, 09 May 2013 22:35:35 PDT

Risk factors for problem gambling among indigenous Australians: an empirical study

Nerilee Hing et al. — Thu, 09 May 2013 22:00:34 PDT

Despite a long history of gambling amongst many Indigenous peoples, knowledge about contemporary Indigenous gambling is sparse. In Australia, previous studies of Indigenous gambling have been severely limited in number, scope and rigour. The research reported in this paper is based on the first Indigenous-specific quantitative gambling research undertaken in Australia since 1996 and draws on the largest sample to date. This study examined numerous aspects of gambling among Indigenous Australians. After appropriate consultations and permission, the study collected surveys from 1,259 self-selected Indigenous adults in 2011 at three Indigenous festivals, online and in several Indigenous communities. This paper draws on these data to identify problem gambling risk factors by comparing selected socio-demographic characteristics, early exposure to gambling, gambling motivations, gambling behaviour, gambling cognitions, and substance use while gambling, amongst non-problem, low risk, moderate risk and problem gamblers. A logistic regression investigated the difference between problem gamblers and all other PGSI groups. Risk factors associated with being a problem gambler were: being older, commencing gambling when under 10 years old, always being exposed to adults gambling as a child, using alcohol and/or drugs while gambling, having family and friends who gamble, having an addiction to gambling and not gambling to socialise, having a high expenditure on commercial gambling, and living in a state or territory other than NSW or QLD. Public health measures to address these risk factors are identified.

The gambling behavior of Indigenous Australians

Nerilee Hing et al. — Thu, 09 May 2013 22:00:30 PDT

The gambling activities of minority groups such as Indigenous peoples are usually culturally complex and poorly understood. To redress the scarcity of information and contribute to a better understanding of gambling by Indigenous people, this paper presents quantitative evidence gathered at three Australian Indigenous festivals, online and in several Indigenous communities. With support from Indigenous communities, the study collected and analyzed surveys from 1,259 self-selected Indigenous adults. Approximately 33 % of respondents gambled on card games while 80 % gambled on commercial gambling forms in the previous year. Gambling participation and involvement are high, particularly on electronic gaming machines (EGMs), the favorite and most regular form of gambling. Men are significantly more likely to participate in gambling and to gamble more frequently on EGMs, horse/dog races, sports betting and instant scratch tickets. This elevated participation and frequency of gambling on continuous forms would appear to heighten gambling risks for Indigenous men. This is particularly the case for younger Indigenous men, who are more likely than their older counterparts to gamble on EGMs, table games and poker. While distinct differences between the gambling behaviors of our Indigenous sample and non-Indigenous Australians are apparent, Australian Indigenous behavior appears similar to that of some Indigenous and First Nations populations in other countries. Although this study represents the largest survey of Indigenous Australian gambling ever conducted in New South Wales and Queensland, further research is needed to extend our knowledge of Indigenous gambling and to limit the risks from gambling for Indigenous peoples.

All mixed up together: women’s experiences of problem gambling, comorbidity and co-occurring complex needs

Louise Holdsworth et al. — Thu, 09 May 2013 22:00:26 PDT

While there has been minimal recent gendered gambling research conducted in Australia and elsewhere, there is some evidence to suggest that gender differences do exist in various ways including gambling motivations such as gambling used as a coping strategy to alleviate or ‘escape’ from stress and anxiety, help-seeking and prevalence of comorbidity. In this Australian qualitative study we explored the experiences and concerns of 20 women electronic gaming machine players through in-depth interviews. Ten women self-identified as recreational gamblers and 10 had received help for their gambling. We present findings as they relate to specific issues of comorbidity and complex needs. For the 10 women who had received gambling help the range of comorbid issues was extensive. Greater understandings of the range of complex issues often involved for women who gamble problematically will assist in the identification of moving from recreational to problem gambling and in the implementation of effective treatment strategies.

Employee stress and stressors in gambling and hospitality workplaces

Margaret Tiyce et al. — Thu, 09 May 2013 22:00:21 PDT

Employee stress has harmful effects for employees, organizations, families and society. However, employee stress, and the workplace stressors that create it, go largely unaddressed by organizations. Hospitality workplaces, including gaming venues, appear especially conducive environments for employee stress, although little research has focused on stressors in gaming venues. Through qualitative analysis of data from a previous study of gaming venue employees, the authors of this study investigated stressors in gambling workplaces. The analysis revealed that employment conditions, shift work, demanding work roles, emotional labor, patron interactions, uncertainty and lack of control, legal responsibilities, ethical concerns, and super-charged environments are key stressors for employees in gambling workplaces. In this regard, gaming venue employees may face additional stressors to hospitality employees more generally. Policy and practical implications for human resource managers are discussed.

Looking towards Asia: an analysis of Australian Asian-themed postgraduate tourism disseratations

Gary Lacey et al. — Thu, 09 May 2013 21:08:37 PDT

Australia is increasingly focusing on the Asian region, including the export of education and research, and the field of tourism is illustrative of this focus and growth. Aside from the large number of Asian students who are attracted to undergraduate and postgraduate coursework tourism programs in Australia, there has been a notable growth in the number of Asian students enrolling in and completing higher degree (masters and PhD) research qualifications, as well as increasing interest by both local and international students in undertaking Asian-themed tourism research. The aim of this paper is to report and critically evaluate trends and patterns in Asian-themed Australian higher degree tourism research dissertations as evidence of the contribution to knowledge about tourism in Asia and the preparation of academics, researchers and scholars who can teach and conduct Asian-themed tourism research. An analysis of Australian tourism dissertations illustrates that studies in the field of business, and especially economics and marketing, have been the main focus of Asian-themed tourism research, with a number of disciplines and topics having been largely or wholly neglected. Patterns vary for individual countries, and the paper draws on socio-demographic trends and government policy to explain these as well as the more macro patterns and trends.

Postgraduate tourism research in Australia: a trend analysis 1969-2005

Jennifer Laing et al. — Thu, 09 May 2013 21:08:33 PDT

This paper draws on an archival analysis of 461 dissertations completed by research Masters and PhD students in Australia over the past forty years primarily to identify patterns, trends and gaps in postgraduate tourism research, as well as to explore the contributions that different disciplines make to postgraduate tourism research. The results reveal an uneven distribution of research both geographically and with respect to discipline, with a noticeable emphasis on business-related dissertations and an increasing focus on environmental topics. In terms of trends over time, there have been periods of slow growth, rapid growth and, more recently, slight decline in the numbers of postgraduate tourism theses. Also revealing are the gaps with respect to disciplinary context and focus, providing a valuable platform for new research.

Anchorage of externally bonded FRP strengthening systems

Scott T. Smith — Thu, 09 May 2013 16:17:46 PDT

Tests on structurally deficient RC slabs strengthened with fibre reinforced polymer (FRP) composites

Scott T. Smith et al. — Thu, 09 May 2013 16:17:40 PDT

QTLs for phosphorus deficiency tolerance detected in upland NERICA varieties

Yohei Koide et al. — Wed, 08 May 2013 20:10:48 PDT

Phosphorous (P) deficiency is a major yield limiting factor in rice (Oryza sativa L.) production. The interspecific New Rice for Africa (NERICA) varieties combine general stress tolerance from African cultivated rice (Oryza glaberrima Steud) with characteristics associated with high yield from O. sativa. However, little is known about their ability to tolerate P deficiency. Here, we examined the variation for tolerance to P deficiency among the 18 upland NERICAs and their parents in multi-year field experiments. The good performance under P deficiency of the O. glaberrima parent CG 14 and some NERICAs suggested that these tolerant NERICAs contain loci associated with P deficiency tolerance inherited from CG 14. Additionally, four QTL clusters for P deficiency tolerance were detected on chromosomes 4, 6 and 11 using F₃ lines derived from the cross between the P deficiency tolerant variety NERICA10 and a Japonica-type sensitive variety ‘Hitomebore’. These QTLs represent the first step in identifying stress tolerance genes from O. glaberrima that could subsequently be used to enhance P deficiency tolerance in O. sativa.

The effect of temperature on larval pre-settlement duration and metamorphosis for the sponge, Rhopaloeides odorabile

Steve W. Whalan et al. — Wed, 08 May 2013 18:54:57 PDT

Rising sea temperatures may potentially affect the dispersive larval phase of sessile marine invertebrates with consequences for the viability of adult populations. This study demonstrated that the planktonic larvae of Rhopaloeides odorabile, a common Great Barrier Reef sponge, survived and metamorphosed when exposed to temperatures up to 9°C above the annual maximum (~29°C). Planktonic larval duration of 54 h, at ambient temperatures (~28°C), were reduced to 18 h for larvae exposed to elevated temperatures (32–36°C). Moreover, at ambient temperatures larvae began metamorphosing after 12 h, but at 32–36°C this reduced to only 2 h. Larvae survived and could still metamorphose at temperatures as high as 38°C, but were no longer functional at 40°C. These results imply that predicted increases in sea surface temperature may reduce planktonic larval duration and dispersal capabilities, thereby contributing to population subdivision of the species.

Larval vertical migration and hierarchical selectivity of settlement in a brooding marine sponge

Steve W. Whalan et al. — Wed, 08 May 2013 18:54:52 PDT

Knowledge of larval behaviours of sessile marine invertebrates from release to recruitment and of the role these behaviours play in determining adult distributions is limited. In manipulative experiments using larvae from the Great Barrier Reef sponge Rhopaloeides odorabile, we quantified larval behaviours associated with vertical migration, phototaxis and swimming ability. We also measured settlement responses to cues associated with light, settlement surface micro-topography, coral rubble and biofilms. Following an afternoon release, the majority of larvae (72%) migrated vertically to the surface (light) for 6 to 18 h. After 24 h, 55% of active larvae had moved from the surface to the bottom and maintained this position for up to 54 h before settling. Larvae did not display gregarious settlement patterns, or a preference for settlement surface topographies, but did preferentially settle to light-exposed surfaces. Initial settlement to biofilms or coral rubble was higher than in controls with no cue. However, the transition from initial settlement and attachment to metamorphosis was much higher when treatments comprised a combination of biofilm and coral rubble compared to biofilm-only treatments (49 vs. 9%). Overall, this demonstrates that hierarchical cues contribute to selective settlement. Vertical migration to surface waters facilitates passive dispersal via wind-driven surface currents and contributes to wide-scale dispersal, while a subsequent demersal phase, where larvae actively explore the benthos for settlement sites, enables dispersal over fine, micro-geographic spatial scales.

A hierarchy of settlement cues influences larval behaviour in a coral reef sponge

Piers Ettinger-Epstein et al. — Wed, 08 May 2013 18:54:46 PDT

For sessile marine invertebrates, processes contributing to larval release, dispersal, and settlement in favourable habitats are central to patterns of distribution and community structure. We quantified larval release patterns, phototactic behaviour, and settlement in response to environmental cues for the coral reef sponge Luffariella variabilis. Individual sponges released up to 830 larvae d^–1. Larvae displayed phototactic behaviours by swimming upwards after release for brief periods (40 min), after which time most larvae (>95%) exhibited negative phototaxis. Light played a role in determining numbers and rates of larval settlement. Light levels of 56 µmol s^–1 m^–2 reduced the rate of settlement and inhibited larval settlement by 60% compared to dark controls. However, at lower light levels (0.7 to 0.34 µmol s^–1 m^–2), both time to settlement and numbers of larvae settling were consistent with settlement in dark controls. Larval settlement increased in the presence of other larvae, with >95% of larvae settling when placed in treatments with 50 individuals, compared to 50% settlement for treatments containing only 1 individual. The gregarious settlement of L. variabilis larvae was associated with conspecific larval settlement cues. Settlement in ‘conditioned’ water from which 200 larvae had previously settled and subsequently been removed was 80%, compared to 20% in controls. Our study unequivocally demonstrates that a conspecific cue not related to adults or other biotic or abiotic factors induces settlement in larvae. Our observations, the preference of larvae to settle in response to low light levels and of settlement increased by gregariousness, correspond with the cryptic and clumped distribution of L. variabilis in the field.

Spatial variability in community structure of Dictyoceratida sponges across Torres Strait, Australia

A R. Duckworth et al. — Wed, 08 May 2013 18:54:41 PDT

Spatial variability in community structure of dictyoceratid sponges (class Demospongiae; order Dictyoceratida) was examined on coral reefs in Torres Strait, an archipelago of islands and reefs between northern Queensland, Australia, and Papua New Guinea. Dictyoceratid sponge abundances and environmental factors were recorded at four locations, separated by 50–220 km. Each location was subdivided into 5–7 sites, each ⩾2 km apart. At each site, four 50×2 m belt transects were quantitatively surveyed, recording the dictyoceratid numbers, substrate type (rock, rubble and sand), water clarity, degree of reef slope and depth. Dictyoceratid abundance was similar among locations over large spatial scales, averaging 15.5 individuals per 100 m², but varied significantly among sites within particular locations (i.e. small scale heterogeneity). Twenty-three dictyoceratid species were recorded in Torres Strait, with approximately half (12/23) found in only one location. The canonical correspondence analysis determined that the measured environmental factors explained only 26% of the spatial variation. Cluster analysis revealed a complex dictyoceratid community structure with similarities among neighbouring sites and among sites separated by hundreds of kilometres. Conversely the abundance and composition of dictyoceratids could vary greatly between neighbouring sites 2 km apart and on the same reef complex. The results of this study suggest that spatial variability of dictyoceratid sponges in Torres Strait is influenced by a combination of environmental, biological and stochastic processes.

Diversity and mode of transmission of ammonia-oxidizing archaea in marine sponges

Doris Steger et al. — Wed, 08 May 2013 18:54:35 PDT

The model marine crenarchaeote ‘Cenarchaeum symbiosum’ is until now the only ammonia-oxidizing archaeon known from a marine sponge. Here, phylogenetic analyses based on the 16S rRNA and ammonia monooxygenase subunit A (amoA) genes revealed the presence of putative ammonia-oxidizing archaea (AOA) in a diverse range of sponges from the western Pacific, Caribbean and Mediterranean. amoA diversity was limited even between different oceans, with many of the obtained sequences (75.9%; n_total = 83) forming a monophyletic, apparently sponge- (and coral-) specific lineage, analogous to those previously inferred from comparative 16S rRNA gene studies of sponge-associated microbes. The presence of AOA in sponge larvae, as detected by 16S rRNA and amoA PCR assays as well as by fluorescence in situ hybridization, suggests they are vertically transmitted and thus might be of importance for ammonia detoxification within the sponge.

FRP anchors: recent advances in research and understanding

Scott T. Smith — Wed, 08 May 2013 18:38:51 PDT

The effectiveness of strengthening reinforced concrete (RC) members with externally bonded fibre-reinforced polymer (FRP) composites may be compromised by premature debonding failure of the FRP prior to its ultimate strength being reached. An anchorage system which can delay or even eliminate debonding failure is therefore of most importance in order to improve the efficiency, reliability and safety of FRP strengthening. Anchors made from FRP (known as FRP anchors) are an attractive form of anchorage as they are non-corrosive and can be applied to a wide variety of structural elements. Surprisingly, little research has been undertaken on the characterisation of such anchors though and it is this limitation in knowledge which is prohibiting their rational design and wide-scale use. This paper in turn presents recent advances in research and understanding of the strength and behaviour of FRP anchors. In addition, future research needs are also identified.

Deep sequencing reveals exceptional diversity and modes of transmission for bacterial sponge symbionts

Nicole S. Webster et al. — Wed, 08 May 2013 18:26:34 PDT

Marine sponges contain complex bacterial communities of considerable ecological and biotechnological importance, with many of these organisms postulated to be specific to sponge hosts. Testing this hypothesis in light of the recent discovery of the rare microbial biosphere, we investigated three Australian sponges by massively parallel 16S rRNA gene tag pyrosequencing. Here we show bacterial diversity that is unparalleled in an invertebrate host, with more than 250 000 sponge-derived sequence tags being assigned to 23 bacterial phyla and revealing up to 2996 operational taxonomic units (95% sequence similarity) per sponge species. Of the 33 previously described ‘sponge-specific’ clusters that were detected in this study, 48% were found exclusively in adults and larvae – implying vertical transmission of these groups. The remaining taxa, including ‘Poribacteria’, were also found at very low abundance among the 135 000 tags retrieved from surrounding seawater. Thus, members of the rare seawater biosphere may serve as seed organisms for widely occurring symbiont populations in sponges and their host association might have evolved much more recently than previously thought.

Exploring the role of microorganisms in the disease-like syndrome affecting the sponge Ianthella basta

Heidi M. Luter et al. — Wed, 08 May 2013 18:26:28 PDT

A disease-like syndrome is currently affecting a large percentage of the Ianthella basta populations from the Great Barrier Reef and central Torres Strait. Symptoms of the syndrome include discolored, necrotic spots leading to tissue degradation, exposure of the skeletal fibers, and disruption of the choanocyte chambers. To ascertain the role of microbes in the disease process, a comprehensive comparison of bacteria, viruses, fungi, and other eukaryotes was performed in healthy and diseased sponges using multiple techniques. A low diversity of microbes was observed in both healthy and diseased sponge communities, with all sponges dominated by an Alphaproteobacteria, a Gammaproteobacteria, and a group I crenarchaeota. Bacterial cultivation, community analysis by denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis (Bacteria and Eukarya), sequencing of 16S rRNA clone libraries (Bacteria and Archaea), and direct visual assessment by electron microscopy failed to reveal any putative pathogens. In addition, infection assays could not establish the syndrome in healthy sponges even after direct physical contact with affected tissue. These results suggest that microbes are not responsible for the formation of brown spot lesions and necrosis in I. basta.

Prevalence of tissue necrosis and brown spot lesions in a common marine sponge

Heidi M. Luter et al. — Wed, 08 May 2013 18:26:23 PDT

Sponges form a highly diverse and ecologically significant component of benthic communities. Despite their importance, disease dynamics in sponges remain relatively unexplored. There are reports of severe disease epidemics in sponges from the Caribbean and the Mediterranean; however, extensive sponge mortalities have not yet been reported from the Great Barrier Reef (GBR) and Torres Strait, north-eastern Australia. Marine sponge surveys were conducted in the Palm Islands on the central GBR and Masig Island, Torres Strait, to determine the health of the Demosponge Ianthella basta. Using tissue necrosis and the presence of brown lesions as a proxy of health, sponges were assigned to predetermined disease categories. Sponges with lesions were present at all sites with 43 and 66% of I. basta exhibiting lesions and symptoms of necrosis in the Palm Islands and Torres Strait, respectively. Sponges from the Torres Strait also showed a greater incidence of significant and extensive necrosis in comparison to sponges from Palm Island (11.5 v. 6%). These results indicate the widespread distribution of a disease-like syndrome affecting the health of I. basta, and highlight the critical need for regular monitoring programs and future research to assess patterns in disease dynamics and ascertain the etiological agents of infection.

Low genetic variability within and among populations of the brooding sponge Rhopaloeides odorabile on the central Great Barrier Reef

Steve W. Whalan et al. — Wed, 08 May 2013 18:26:17 PDT

The population genetic structure of the brooding sponge Rhopaloeides odorabile (Dictyoceratida) was examined at 3 polymorphic allozyme loci and the partial mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase sub-unit 1 gene (CO1) sequence (528 bp) from multiple sites across the central Great Barrier Reef (GBR), Australia. Distances between sampled sites ranged from a few 100 metres to 140 km. Observed levels of allozyme variation were generally low, and there were only minor differences in allozyme allele frequencies evident between sites. Likewise, levels of polymorphism for mtDNA CO1 were also low, with only 3 haplotypes found at this locus and with 1 of the 3 haplotypes present at all sites with frequencies ranging from 0.55 to 1.00. There was no obvious partitioning or structuring of the observed allozyme or CO1 genetic variance with spatial positioning of populations and no evidence in this sponge species for genetic differentiation between inner- and mid-reef sites. However, there was evidence against complete genetic panmixia across the central GBR, with 2 pairs of inner-reef sites sampled in 2004 genetically differentiated from most other pairwise site comparisons, and both pairs were also different from single sites within a few 100 metres sampled in the previous year. When viewed together, nuclear and mtDNA markers indicate large-scale genetic admixture in this species, although there is some evidence for small, localised, genetic differences between some populations that might be determined by reef-specific hydrodynamics. This pattern is consistent with the endogenous recruitment expected from a brooding species and with dispersal that is infrequent enough to prevent divergence among populations.

Strengthening of concrete, metallic and timber construction materials with FRP composites

Scott T. Smith — Wed, 08 May 2013 18:16:41 PDT

Closing the lifecycle for the sustainable aquaculture of the bath sponge Coscinoderma matthewsi

M A. Abdul Wahab et al. — Wed, 08 May 2013 17:06:25 PDT

Aquaculture of the bath sponge Coscinoderma matthewsi relies on collection of seed stock from the wild. This study investigated the potential of larval culture as a sustainable source of seed stock by quantifying reproduction, larval metamorphosis, and juvenile survival and growth of C. matthewsi. The accuracy of using surface area (2-dimensional) measurements as a proxy for juvenile growth was also assessed against volumetric (3-dimensional) data. Coscinoderma matthewsi is gonochoric and releases parenchymellae larvae over several weeks, corresponding with increasing sea surface temperatures, over the Austral summer (26.6 °C in November and 29.1 °C in January). Sexual maturity is size dependent and smaller individuals (1267.78 cm³ ± 405.66) were non-reproductive. There were no size differences between males and females and both sexes occur in equal proportions. Male reproductive output (ROI) (4.33% ± 0.75) was higher than females (1.62% ± 0.15). Larval metamorphic success was 98.0% ± 2 after 72 h post-release. Juvenile survival over seven months was independent of settlement density and ranged between 18% and 30%. Using surface area underestimated growth of juvenile sponges by approximately half in comparison to volume estimates. This study demonstrates larval culture as a sustainable source of seed stock to support large scale aquaculture operations.

The marine sponge Ianthella basta can recover from stress-induced tissue regression

Heidi M. Luter et al. — Wed, 08 May 2013 17:06:21 PDT

Sponges often exhibit tissue regression in response to stressful conditions. This study investigated whether handling stress invoked tissue regression in Ianthella basta and assessed whether sponges could recover from this regressed tissue state. Six necrotic specimens and 12 healthy explants were collected at Orpheus Is. Australia and transported to aquarium facilities. Sponges were photographed daily and an integrated density (ID) measurement was used to quantify tissue regression. Histological samples were taken from sponge explants to compare cellular organization. Bacterial communities of regressed and recovered tissue were compared using Denaturing Gradient Gel Electrophoresis (DGGE). After 12 h both necrotic and healthy sponges displayed substantial tissue regression. However, within 72 h all sponges recovered to their original condition. The ID of the sponge tissue doubled, confirming tissue recovery in I. basta. Sponges affected by tissue regression had significantly fewer choanocyte chambers and more densely packed granulated cells than recovered sponges. DGGE revealed the same microbial symbionts in both regressed and recovered sponges. Handling stress associated with collection and transportation is sufficient to invoke tissue regression in this species, but sponges can rapidly recover. This study contributes to our understanding of how sponges respond to environmental pressures, influencing population resilience and persistence.

Thermal and sedimentation stress unlikely causes of brown spot syndrome in the coral reef sponge, Ianthella basta

Heidi M. Luter et al. — Wed, 08 May 2013 17:06:17 PDT

Background

Marine diseases are being increasingly linked to anthropogenic factors including global and local stressors. On the Great Barrier Reef, up to 66% of the Ianthella basta population was recently found to be afflicted by a syndrome characterized by brown spot lesions and necrotic tissue.

Methodology/Principal Findings

Manipulative experiments were undertaken to ascertain the role of environmental stressors in this syndrome. Specifically, the effects of elevated temperature and sedimentation on sponge health and symbiont stability in I. basta were examined. Neither elevated temperature nor increased sedimentation were responsible for the brown spot lesions, but sponges exposed to 32°C developed substantial discoloration and deterioration of their tissues, resulting in death after eight days and a higher microbial diversity in those samples. No shifts in the microbial community of I. basta were observed across a latitudinal gradient or with increased sedimentation, with three previously described symbionts dominating the community of all sponges (Alphaproteobacteria, Gammaproteobacteria and Thaumarchaea).

Conclusions/Significance

Results from this study highlight the stable microbial community of I. basta and indicate that thermal and sedimentation stress are not responsible for the brown spot lesions currently affecting this abundant and ecologically important sponge species.

Bacterial community dynamics in the marine sponge Rhopaloeides odorabile under in situ and ex situ cultivation

Nicole S. Webster et al. — Wed, 08 May 2013 17:06:12 PDT

Cultivation of sponges is being explored to supply biomaterial for the pharmaceutical and cosmetics industries. This study assesses the impact of various cultivation methods on the microbial community within the sponge Rhopaloeides odorabile during: (1) in situ cultivation under natural environmental conditions, (2) ex situ cultivation in small flow-through aquaria and (3) ex situ cultivation in large mesocosm systems. Principal components analysis of denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis profiles indicated a stable microbial community in sponges cultured in situ (grown in the wild) and in sponges cultured ex situ in small flow-through aquaria over 12 weeks. In contrast, a shift in the microbial community was detected in sponges cultivated ex situ in large mesocosm aquaria for 12 months. This shift included (1) a loss of some stable microbial inhabitants, including members of the Poribacteria, Chloroflexi and Acidobacteria and (2) the addition of new microbes not detected in the wild sponges. Many of these acquired bacteria had highest similarity to known sponge-associated microbes, indicating that the sponge may be capable of actively selecting its microbial community. Alternatively, long-term ex situ cultivation may cause a shift in the dominant microbes that facilitates the growth of the more rare species. The microbial community composition varied between sponges cultivated in mesocosm aquaria with different nutrient concentrations and seawater chemistry, suggesting that these variables play a role in structuring the sponge-associated microbes. The high growth and symbiont stability in R. odorabile cultured in situ confirm that this is the preferred method of aquaculture for this species at this time.

Hepatic coenzyme Q redox balance of fish as a potential bioindicator of environmental contamination by polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons

Ghitarina Hasbi et al. — Wed, 08 May 2013 17:06:08 PDT

In this communication, we introduce a novel biomarker of aquatic contamination based on the xenobiotic-induced response of the hepatic coenzyme Q (CoQ) redox balance of fishes to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). The method is demonstrated by comparing changes in the liver CoQ redox balance with that measured using the CYP1A-based, 7-ethoxyresofurin-O-deethylase activity assay, on administration of benzo[a]pyrene (BaP) and β-naphthoflavone (BNF) to Barramundi (Lates calcarifer). Both assays showed comparable dose-dependent effects in fish treated with BaP or BNF. Perturbation in the constitutive hepatic CoQ redox balance of fishes may thus provide a simple biomarker of aquatic PAH contamination.

Use it and lose it: lipofuscin accumulation in the brain of a coral reef fish

M Gagliano et al. — Wed, 08 May 2013 17:06:04 PDT

Lipofuscin, an autofluorescent biomarker of physiological wear-and-tear, was concentrated in those areas of a fish's midbrain responsible for visual performance, suggesting a potentially strong link between physiological specialization, ecological adaptation and senescence.

The study of the physiological trade-offs and costs underlying the potential for animal adaptation to changing environments is clearly emerging as a common theme in connection with the impact of global climate change on the biogeography, community composition and food web structures of natural populations (Pörtner & Farrell, 2008). Physiological trade-offs are typically thought to result from the partitioning of finite energetic resources among competing biological functions, where the higher performance of one activity generates negative consequences in other activities (Zera & Harshman, 2001). Costs of living and senescence can be understood within this allocation framework, where the process of ageing inevitably leads to changes in an organism's physiological priorities and hence its subsequent ecological performance. The result is often seen by the trade-off between energetic investments in present day activities (i.e. current reproduction and growth) balanced against an uncertain future (i.e. the possibility of a premature death leading to a reduced lifetime reproductive output).

The cumulative costs of living may be quantified by measuring the aggregation of ‘waste material’ such as lipofuscin that naturally accumulates in animals as a consequence of physiological trade-offs and random damage. Lipofuscin is an intracellular protein aggregation, which forms due to iron-catalyzed oxidation and polymerization of proteins and lipids in the lysosome (Terman & Brunk, 2004). It accumulates over time because it cannot be exocytosed nor be degraded, most likely due to the presence of peptides cross-linked by aldehydes into plastic-like structures (Kikugawa et al., 1989). Because it accumulates over time, lipofuscin has long been known as the autofluorescent ‘age pigment' and given that it is phylogenetically the most widespread cellular manifestation of ageing, it is a recognized hallmark of physiological ageing (Brunk & Terman, 2002). Contrary to chronological ageing which is defined by the passage of time since birth, physiological ageing is characterized by the progressive change in tissues and organs of the body, associated with a decrease in physiological function and increased susceptibility to disease and death (Harman, 2001). Given how obsessed humans are with finding ways to elude the signs of ageing and extend the length of life, it is understandable that so much research effort on physiological ageing and lipofuscin has been largely focused on its underlying causes and concentrated on humans (and relatively few model organisms in laboratory conditions). Nevertheless, exploring variation in physiological ageing within species and among species in nature could not only reveal the influence of biological mechanisms that have evolved in response to variations in the environment to facilitate adaptation (Ricklefs, 2008) but also the extent to which the ageing process itself may be an intrinsic part of this adaptation process (Borup et al., 2008).

Fishes have been identified as offering a tremendous scientific opportunity for gerontological investigations and several small short-lived tropical fish species, such as guppies Poecilia reticulata Peters (Poeciliidae), killifishes (Nothobranchiidae, Rivulidae and Fundulidae) and zebrafish Danio rerio (Hamilton) (Cyprinidae) have indeed been adopted as models and have already facilitated significant progress in the understanding of specific age-related disorders (Gerhard, 2007). Previous studies have examined the accumulation of lipofuscin in these freshwater species (Strauss, 1999; Kishi et al., 2003; Terzibasi et al., 2008), but they have mostly used individuals from laboratory strains maintained under artificial conditions in captivity. These studies have provided invaluable knowledge of the biological processes at play; however, the costs incurred by animals as they experience life within the complexity of their natural environment still need to be explored. Because the behavioural abilities and feats of an organism seem to be governed largely by what it needs in order to pursue its life, this study focused on a common coral reef fish species Thalassoma lunare (L.), which leads a particularly active diurnal life even for a reef fish (Fulton, 2007; Gagliano et al., 2009). It is often observed darting around reef crests and down the front slope, carrying out an array of visually mediated tasks including foraging, predator avoidance and communication (Barry & Hawryshyn, 1999). Does life for such a visually dependent animal come at a cost detectable in those areas of the brain directly orchestrating its visual performance? The accumulation of lipofuscin in the brain of this coral reef fish was examined in relation to its ecology and behaviour in nature. After previous studies have shown that specific parts of the brain may accumulate selectively greater amounts of this pigment, this study specifically examined whether lipofuscin is accumulated uniformly throughout the fish midbrain, where visual and motor control as well as olfactory (Hofmann & Meyer, 1992) and auditory (Bell & Maler, 2005) processing occur.

To do this, a total of 23 individuals of T. lunare (Fig. 1) were collected at Lizard Island in the northern Great Barrier Reef. Fish were captured from shallow reefs using a combination of a monofilament barrier net and hand-nets and immediately transported to the laboratory, where they were humanely sacrificed, their size (standard length, L_S) and wet mass recorded. Brains were immediately dissected, fixed with formaldehyde-acetic acid-calcium chloride (FAAC) and stored for subsequent lipofuscin analyses. Fish brains were dehydrated through an automatic tissue processor (Shandon Embedding Centre; www.thermoscientific.com), embedded in paraffin wax and sectioned at 5 µm. To check for autofluorescent lipofuscin-like granules, unstained serial coronal sections (n = 15 slides for each fish brain) were mounted in DPX medium for confocal microscopy and examined using a Leica DM IRE 2 (Leica microsystems; www.leica-microsystems.com) and a ×40 objective (numerical aperture 1·30). Sections were excited with a 488 nm laser and their fluorescence emissions were collected over the spectral range 490–700 nm and followed by spectral unmixing (Fig. 2). The presence of lipofuscin autofluorophores identified by confocal microscopy was then histochemically confirmed by positive staining with Sudan black B (Fig. 3; Lomovasky et al., 2002; Lema, 2008).

Larval behaviour and settlement cues of a brooding coral reef sponge

M A. Abdul Wahab et al. — Wed, 08 May 2013 17:05:59 PDT

Patterns of larval release, dispersal and settlement in sponges are poorly understood despite their significance in explaining adult ecology. Time of release, swimming speeds, phototaxis and vertical migration were quantified for larvae of the dictyoceratid sponge Coscinoderma matthewsi. The influence of cues associated with biofilms and coral rubble on larval settlement and metamorphosis was also measured. C. matthewsi is a brooding sponge and releases tufted parenchymellae larvae during the day. Upon release, larvae (>90%) have no phototactic response, maintaining their position at the water surface for 80 min ± 0 (mean ± SE) regardless of a light cue (natural daylight) before exhibiting negative phototaxis. At 28 h post-release, the majority of larvae (94.7% ± 6.1) exposed to light from the surface migrated to the bottom and assumed a demersal phase. Without light, larvae occupied the surface for up to 28 h post-release (89.3% ± 1.8) before migrating to the bottom. Larvae did not settle gregariously and began to settle and metamorphose after 28 h post-release without a cue. Settlement and metamorphosis were faster in the presence of a biofilm (settlement = 15.0% ± 8.7 and metamorphosis = 12.5% ± 9.5 at 28 h post-release), while the addition of coral rubble accelerated metamorphosis further (settlement = 10.0% ± 4.1 and metamorphosis = 27.5% ± 10.3 at 28 h post-release) compared to controls (sterile surfaces) (settlement = 0% and metamorphosis = 0% at 28 h post-release). However, both biofilms and coral rubble decrease total metamorphosis (control = 92.5% ± 4.8, biofilms = 67.5% ± 7.5 and coral rubble = 55.0% ± 13.2) due to mortality after 76 h post-release.

Incongruence between the distribution of a coral reef sponge and phototrophism

R J. Bannister et al. — Wed, 08 May 2013 17:05:55 PDT

Symbiosis between coral reef fauna and microorganisms drives the growth, maintenance and diversity of coral reef habitats. Sponges, a key faunal component of coral reefs, form complex symbiotic relationships with microorganisms which may supply over half of their nutritional requirements through photosynthesis. The habitat distribution of the coral reef sponge Rhopaloeides odorabile correlates with light availability, suggestive of photosynthesis. The present study directly investigated the hypothesis that habitat distribution of R. odorabile is correlated with photosynthesis. Results of photorespirometry trials of 30 ind. exposed to light intensities between 0 and 900 µmol photons m^–2 s^–1 showed no evidence of photosynthesis. Furthermore, no photopigments were present in these sponges and no cyanobacteria could be detected within the tissue. These results did not vary between sponges collected from nutrient rich inner- and mid-shelf reefs, or from oligotrophic outer-shelf reefs. These findings demonstrate that R. odorabile is not a phototrophic sponge and that habitat distributions clearly correlated with light can be due to factors other than photosynthesis.

Optimising settlement assays of pediveligers and plantigrades of Mytilus galloprovincialis

C Carl et al. — Wed, 08 May 2013 17:05:51 PDT

The mussel Mytilus galloprovincialis is a common aquaculture species, and also a major fouling organism that has negative economic impacts. There are no standard assay conditions for this important species and therefore, this study quantified the effect of key factors on the settlement of pediveligers and plantigrades. Density dependent settlement did not occur for either pediveligers or plantigrades. Settlement increased in drop assays in a 12 h light:12 h dark cycle, while bottom shade had no effect of any magnitude. In addition, settlement was significantly enhanced by storing pediveligers for between 4 and 24 days at 4°C. Overall, these data provide the template to optimise and standardise static laboratory settlement assays for mussels in order to develop materials that either enhance settlement for the aquaculture industry, or deter settlement for antifouling applications. Furthermore, simple mechanisms such as storage at 4°C can enhance settlement beyond current methods used in aquaculture hatcheries.

The larval sponge holobiont exhibits high thermal tolerance

Nicole S. Webster et al. — Wed, 08 May 2013 17:05:46 PDT

Marine sponges are critical components of benthic environments; however, their sessile habit, requirement to filter large volumes of water and complex symbiotic partnerships make them particularly vulnerable to the effects of global climate change. We assessed the effect of elevated seawater temperature on bacterial communities in larvae of the Great Barrier Reef sponge, Rhopaloeides odorabile. In contrast to the strict thermal threshold of 32°C previously identified in adult R. odorabile, larvae exhibit a markedly higher thermal tolerance, with no adverse health effects detected at temperatures below 36°C. Similarly, larval microbial communities were conserved at temperatures up to 34°C with a highly significant shift occurring after 24 h at 36°C. This shift involved the loss of previously described symbionts (in particular the Nitrospira, Chloroflexi and a Roseobacter lineage) and the appearance of new Gammaproteobacteria not detected at lower temperatures. Here, we demonstrated that sponge larvae maintain highly stable symbioses at seawater temperatures exceeding those that are predicted under current climate change scenarios. In addition, by revealing that the shift in microbial composition occurs in conjunction with necrosis and mortality of larvae at 36°C we have provided additional evidence of the strong link between host health and the stability of symbiont communities.

Field testing of RC slabs with openings strengthened with CFRP

H M. Seliem et al. — Wed, 08 May 2013 16:50:30 PDT

Introducing openings in existing reinforced concrete (RC) slabs can severely weaken the slabs due to the cut out of both concrete and reinforcing steel. There are several traditional approaches to strengthen RC slabs with openings; however these approaches can be cumbersome, expensive, and may require significant usable floor area. This paper reports field tests on the use of Carbon Fiber Reinforced Polymers (CFRP) strengthening alternatives to restore the flexural capacity of the RC slab after having large openings cut out in the positive moment region. The uniqueness of this study is that the tests were performed on an existing multi-storey RC structure that was scheduled for demolition. Testing a real structure allowed incorporating factors and boundary conditions that typically cannot be simulated in the laboratory. Five tests on five different slabs were conducted to evaluate the ability of the CFRP strengthening alternatives to restore the flexural capacity of the slab after introducing the openings. Three different strengthening techniques were investigated to determine the most effective system for strengthening. The three different strengthening techniques are the use of externally bonded (EB) CFRP laminates, EB CFRP laminates with CFRP anchors, and Near Surface Mounted (NSM) CFRP strips. Test results showed that the three strengthening techniques enhanced the load-carrying capacities of the slabs with openings with the NSM technique more effective than the EB technique. Use of CFRP anchors with EB laminates prevented complete detachment, and hence enabled the slab to restore its full flexural capacity.

Same, same but different: symbiotic bacterial associations in GBR sponges

Nicole S. Webster et al. — Wed, 08 May 2013 15:44:20 PDT

Symbioses in marine sponges involve diverse consortia of microorganisms that contribute to the health and ecology of their hosts. The microbial communities of 13 taxonomically diverse Great Barrier Reef (GBR) sponge species were assessed by DGGE and 16S rRNA gene sequencing to determine intra and inter species variation in bacterial symbiont composition. Microbial profiling revealed communities that were largely conserved within different individuals of each species with intra species similarity ranging from 65–100%. 16S rRNA gene sequencing revealed that the communities were dominated by Proteobacteria, Chloroflexi, Acidobacteria, Actinobacteria, Nitrospira, and Cyanobacteria. Sponge-associated microbes were also highly host-specific with no operational taxonomic units (OTUs) common to all species and the most ubiquitous OTU found in only 5 of the 13 sponge species. In total, 91% of the OTUs were restricted to a single sponge species. However, GBR sponge microbes were more closely related to other sponge-derived bacteria than they were to environmental communities with sequences falling within 50 of the 173 previously defined sponge-(or sponge-coral) specific sequence clusters (SC). These SC spanned the Acidobacteria, Actinobacteria, Proteobacteria, Bacteroidetes, Chloroflexi, Cyanobacteria, Gemmatimonadetes, Nitrospira, and the Planctomycetes-Verrucomicrobia-Chlamydiae superphylum. The number of sequences assigned to these sponge-specific clusters across all species ranged from 0 to 92%. No relationship between host phylogeny and symbiont communities were observed across the different sponge orders, although the highest level of similarity was detected in two closely related Xestospongia species. This study identifies the core microbial inhabitants in a range of GBR sponges thereby providing the basis for future studies on sponge symbiotic function and research aiming to predict how sponge holobionts will respond to environmental perturbation.

A complex life cycle in a warming planet: gene expression in thermally stressed sponges

N Webster et al. — Wed, 08 May 2013 15:33:32 PDT

Sponges are abundant, diverse and functionally important components of aquatic biotopes with crucial associations for many reef fish and invertebrates. Sponges have strict temperature optima, and mass mortality events have occurred after unusually high temperatures. To assess how sponges may adapt to thermal stress associated with a changing climate, we applied gene expression profiling to both stages of their bipartite life cycles. Adult Rhopaloeides odorabile are highly sensitive to thermal stress (32 °C), yet their larvae can withstand temperatures up to 36 °C. Here, we reveal the molecular mechanisms that underpin these contrasting thermal tolerances, which may provide sponges with a means to successfully disperse into cooler waters. Heat shock protein 70 was induced by increasing temperature in adult sponges, and genes involved in important biological functions including cytoskeleton rearrangement, signal transduction, protein synthesis/degradation, oxidative stress and detoxification were all negatively correlated with temperature. Conversely, gene expression in larvae was not significantly affected until 36 °C when a stress response involving extremely rapid activation of heat shock proteins occurred. This study provides the first transcriptomic assessment of thermal stress on both life history stages of a marine invertebrate facilitating better predictions of the long-term consequences of climate change for sponge population dynamics.

Rural New Zealand childhoods: social constructions and lived experiences

Mary Ann Powell — Tue, 07 May 2013 23:43:21 PDT

Rural New Zealand holds a place of unparalleled importance in the affection of New Zealanders, with mythologised aspects incorporated into the national identity. Although rural families make up a significant proportion of New Zealand's diverse and rapidly changing population, rural children have received little specific research attention. The aim of this qualitative research project, framed within Childhood Studies theory, was to explore the perspectives and lived experiences of children and parents in a diverse range of rural environments. Data was collected from 36 children (21 girls and 15 boys), aged between 6 and 11 years, and 36 of their parents. The participants were recruited from four specific rural locations, ranging from 'rural with high urban influence', 'rural with moderate urban influence', 'rural with low urban influence' to 'highly rural/remote'. Several data collection methods were used including interviews with children and parents, children's construction of artwork and photographs, and follow-up interviews with children one year later. An initial interview was developed to obtain children's informed consent, address other ethical concerns, and help structure the research process with child participants. The range of localities highlighted the commonalities and diversity of rural childhood and family experiences. Consistent with other Minority world research, the findings indicated that constructions of rural childhood predominantly accord with a discourse of the rural idyll. However, in New Zealand, the rural childhood idyll has a specific character, different aspects of which are emphasised in particular rural contexts. Farming parents and those in more remote areas, placed great importance on community, self reliance and practical skills, whereas parents in rural areas near urban centres emphasised the importance of spatial freedom for children. All the parents tended to be satisfied with rural living and what it offered their children, emphasizing perceived benefits and the fostering of skills and attributes, and downplaying negative aspects. However, alternative constructions of rural childhood and family life were also evident, related to the geographical isolation and low population density of rural areas and exacerbated by other social variables, such as financial hardship. A discourse of social isolation emerged, related to difficulties accessing services and facilities, and social and economic deprivation. Children were generally positive about rural living. Their constructions of rural childhood, focused on being outdoors and the social aspects of rural life. Children creatively maximized opportunities for social participation, in multiple relationships, across a range of contexts. They expressed their agency and competency in complex, sometimes challenging conditions, in partnership with others, particularly parents, negating dominant discourses of childhood which perceive children as passive, immature and dependent. However, children also experienced aspects of rural life that were dull, dangerous or difficult. The modernistic dualisms of rural and urban, and childhood and adulthood, were challenged as more complex and nuanced constructions of rural childhood were uncovered. These findings have implications for policy, which could potentially be obscured by the dominant construction of the rural idyll. This study highlights the importance of including rural children as research participants, with their voices contributing to more robust and authentic constructions of childhood.

Behaviour and strength of FRP-strengthened RC structures: a state-of-the-art review

J G. Teng et al. — Tue, 07 May 2013 23:12:54 PDT

Extensive research has been carried out in recent years on the use of fibre-reinforced polymer (FRP) composites in the strengthening of reinforced concrete (RC) structures. This paper provides a concise review of existing research on the behaviour and strength of FRP-strengthened RC structures, with a strong focus on those studies which contribute directly to the development of strength models. Topics covered include flexural and shear strengthening of beams, flexural strengthening of slabs, and strengthening of columns subject to both static and seismic loads. For each of the topics covered, the methods of strengthening are first explained, followed by a description of the common failure modes. Available strength models are then summarised and discussed.

A rich TILLING resource for studying gene function in Brassica rapa

Pauline Stephenson et al. — Tue, 07 May 2013 22:58:34 PDT

Background

The Brassicaceae family includes the model plant Arabidopsis thaliana as well as a number of agronomically important species such as oilseed crops (in particular Brassica napus, B. juncea and B. rapa) and vegetables (eg. B. rapa and B. oleracea).

Separated by only 10-20 million years, Brassica species and Arabidopsis thaliana are closely related, and it is expected that knowledge obtained relating to Arabidopsis growth and development can be translated into Brassicas for crop improvement. Moreover, certain aspects of plant development are sufficiently different between Brassica and Arabidopsis to warrant studies to be carried out directly in the crop species. However, mutating individual genes in the amphidiploid Brassicas such as B. napus and B. juncea may, on the other hand, not give rise to expected phenotypes as the genomes of these species can contain up to six orthologues per single-copy Arabidopsis gene. In order to elucidate and possibly exploit the function of redundant genes for oilseed rape crop improvement, it may therefore be more efficient to study the effects in one of the diploid Brassica species such as B. rapa. Moreover, the ongoing sequencing of the B. rapa genome makes this species a highly attractive model for Brassica research and genetic resource development.

Results

Seeds from the diploid Brassica A genome species, B. rapa were treated with ethyl methane sulfonate (EMS) to produce a TILLING (Targeting Induced Local Lesions In Genomes) population for reverse genetics studies. We used the B. rapa genotype, R-o-18, which has a similar developmental ontogeny to an oilseed rape crop. Hence this resource is expected to be well suited for studying traits with relevance to yield and quality of oilseed rape. DNA was isolated from a total of 9,216 M₂ plants and pooled to form the basis of the TILLING platform. Analysis of six genes revealed a high level of mutations with a density of about one per 60 kb. This analysis also demonstrated that screening a 1 kb amplicon in just one third of the population (3072 M₂ plants) will provide an average of 68 mutations and a 97% probability of obtaining a stop-codon mutation resulting in a truncated protein. We furthermore calculated that each plant contains on average ~10,000 mutations and due to the large number of plants, it is predicted that mutations in approximately half of the GC base pairs in the genome exist within this population.

Conclusions

We have developed the first EMS TILLING resource in the diploid Brassica species, B. rapa. The mutation density in this population is ~1 per 60 kb, which makes it the most densely mutated diploid organism for which a TILLING population has been published. This resource is publicly available through the RevGenUK reverse genetics platform http://revgenuk.jic.ac.uk.

Interfacial stresses in plated beams

Scott T. Smith et al. — Tue, 07 May 2013 22:55:35 PDT

Fibre-reinforced plastic (FRP) or steel plates can be bonded to the soffit of a beam as a means of retrofitting the beam. In such plated beams, tensile forces develop in the bonded plate and these have to be transferred to the original beam via interfacial shear and normal stresses. Consequently, debonding failure may occur at the plate ends due to a combination of high shear and normal interfacial stresses. This paper starts with a review of approximate closed-form solutions for interfacial stresses, identifying their assumptions and limitations, thereby clarifying the differences between these solutions. This review also establishes the need for a similar but more accurate solution, and such a solution is presented next in the paper. This new solution is intended for application to beams made of all kinds of materials bonded with a thin plate, while all existing solutions have been developed focusing on the strengthening of reinforced concrete (RC) beams, which allowed the omission of certain terms. Finally, numerical comparisons between the existing solutions and the present new solution enable a clear appreciation of the effects of various parameters.

Traditionally used Thai medicinal plants: in vitro anti-inflammatory, anticancer and antioxidant activities

N Siriwatanametanon et al. — Tue, 07 May 2013 22:50:29 PDT

AIMS OF THE STUDY:

In order to assess traditional Thai claims about the therapeutic potential of medicinal plants and to select plants for future phytochemical research, nine plant species with anti-inflammatory uses were selected from Thai textbooks and assessed for their in vitro anti-inflammatory, antiproliferative and antioxidant activities.

METHODS:

Nuclear factor-kappaB (NF-kappaB) inhibitory effects in stably transfected HeLa cells were determined by luciferase assay, and effects on LPS-induced pro-inflammatory mediators prostaglandin E2 (PGE2), interleukin (IL)-6, IL-1beta, and tumour necrosis factor (TNF)alpha in primary monocytes were assessed by ELISA. Cytotoxic activities were examined against HeLa cells, human leukaemia CCRF-CEM cells and the multidrug-resistant CEM/ADR5000 subline using the MTT and XTT tests. However, a redox status has been linked with both inflammation and cancer, antioxidant effects were also assessed using the DPPH, lipid-peroxidation, and Folin-Ciocalteau methods.

RESULTS:

Among all the nine species, Gynura pseudochina var. hispida and Oroxylum indicum showed the most promising NF-kappaB inhibitory effects with the lowest IC(50) values (41.96 and 47.45 microg/ml, respectively). Muehlenbeckia platyclada did not inhibit the NF-kappaB activation but effectively inhibited the release of IL-6, IL-1beta and TNF-alpha with IC(50) values ranging between 0.28 and 8.67 microg/ml. Pouzolzia indica was the most cytotoxic against CCRF-CEM cells and the multidrug-resistant CEM/ADR5000 cells (9.75% and 10.48% viability, at 10 microg/ml, respectively). Rhinacanthus nasutus was the most potent cytotoxicity against HeLa cells (IC(50) 3.63 microg/ml) and showed specific cytotoxicity against the multidrug-resistant CEM/ADR5000 cells (18.72% viability at 10 microg/ml, p<0.0001 when compared to its cytotoxicity against CCRF-CEM cells). Moreover, Oroxylum indicum showed a high level of antioxidant activity by inhibiting lipid-peroxidation (IC(50) 0.08 microg/ml).

CONCLUSIONS:

This study provides in vitro evidence for the use of the Thai plants, most importantly Gynura pseudochina var. hispida, Oroxylum indicum and Muehlenbeckia platyclada as Thai anti-inflammatory remedies and these plants are now a priority for further phytochemical research.

Strain localization and its impact on the ductility of reinforced concrete slabs containing welded wire reinforcement

R I. Gilbert et al. — Tue, 07 May 2013 22:45:23 PDT

Welded wire fabric (WWF) is commonly used in reinforced concrete (r.c.) slabs. WWF is classified in Australia as Class L or low ductility reinforcement and, as such, the characteristic strain at peak stress (termed the uniform elongation) is not less than 0.015 and the ratio of tensile strength to yield stress (0.2% proof stress) is not less than 1.03. A r.c. slab containing low ductility steel usually fails in bending by fracture of the tensile reinforcement at the critical section, well before the concrete in the compression zone becomes overstressed, and the conventional understanding of ductile under-reinforced flexural failure is not valid. The failure is brittle and results in complete collapse of the span, often with little or no warning. This paper explores the collapse load behaviour of slabs containing WWF, highlighting the great significance of strain localization in lightly reinforced slabs and its adverse impact on ductility. The results of tests on several simply-supported and continuous one-way slabs reinforced with WWF are used to illustrate the discussion.

Pullout strength models for FRP anchors in uncracked concrete

Seo Jin Kim et al. — Tue, 07 May 2013 22:20:33 PDT

Mechanical anchorage can delay or even prevent premature debonding failure in externally bonded fiber-reinforced polymer (FRP) composite strengthening systems. A promising type of anchor made from FRP, which is known as a FRP spike anchor or FRP anchor among other names, is noncorrosive and can be applied to a wide range of structural elements and externally bonded FRP strengthening schemes. Experimental investigations have shown FRP anchors to be effective under tension (pullout) and shear loading, however, few analytical models exist to date. This paper in turn presents analytical models to quantify the pullout strength of FRP anchors. As existing research on the pullout behavior of metallic anchors is partially relevant to FRP anchors, this paper first presents a review of current pullout strength models for metallic anchors. These models are then assessed with experimental data of FRP anchors and modified and recalibrated where appropriate. As a result, simple and rational pullout strength models for FRP anchors are proposed which can also be used in design. Finally, parametric studies are undertaken and the influence of key variables is identified.

Constructions of rural childhood: challenging dominant perspectives

Mary Ann Powell et al. — Tue, 07 May 2013 22:08:59 PDT

This article reviews research on the lives and experiences of children and young people living in rural Minority world environments. The literature reviewed has focused on constructions of rurality in relation to children's experiences, most notably the rural idyll. Alternative constructions of rural childhood, characterised by dullness, horror and deprivation, are also apparent, and associated with insufficient rural activities, resources and transport, marginalisation and social exclusion. The more recent inclusion of children's perspectives on rural living provides a deeper understanding of rural childhood and challenges the dominant perspectives.

Deflection calculation of FRP-strengthened reinforced concrete flexural members

Scott T. Smith et al. — Tue, 07 May 2013 22:06:20 PDT

Externally bonded fibre-reinforced polymer (FRP) composite plates can enhance the flexural strength, as well as stiffness to a limited degree, of reinforced concrete (RC) flexural members. Understanding the behaviour of these strengthened members at the serviceability and ultimate load ranges of response is of particular importance to engineers. The description of such behaviour is best described via plotting of the complete moment-curvature, as well as load-deflection responses from initial load to member failure. Based on the assumption of a tri-linear momentcurvature relationship, closed-form analytical solutions are presented in this paper for calculating the complete load-deflection response of FRP flexurally-strengthened one-way RC slabs and beams, which are simply-supported (three- and four-point bending), as well as cantilevered (free-end point load). The analytical predictions compare well with test results and the basis of a new "quad-linear" moment-curvature relationship is proposed that may better capture a so-called "pseudo-ductile" response occasionally observed in experiments. The influence of anchorage of the FRP strengthening for the prevention or delaying of debonding and a procedure for its inclusion in the analytical model is also discussed. Finally, the results of parametric studies are presented.

Eucalypts for biofuel production in Northern Australia: identifying species from current and future testing programs

Mervyn Shepherd et al. — Tue, 07 May 2013 22:05:38 PDT

This RIRDC project identifies research needed to better define the choice of species and production systems for Eucalypts as a source of biomass for biofuel. This publication focuses on the unique opportunities for extensive areas available for Eucalypt production in Northern Australia. Small landholders and major forest producers could produce biofuels from Eucalypts.

Children's participation rights in research

Mary Ann Powell et al. — Tue, 07 May 2013 21:51:17 PDT

This article explores children's participation in research, from the perspectives of researchers who have conducted research with children. Researchers' reports, gained using an email interviewing method, suggest that children's participation rights are particularly compromised when the potential child participants are considered vulnerable and the topic of the research is regarded as sensitive. Such perceptions result in stringent gatekeeping procedures that prevent some children from participating in research. This article concludes that children should be viewed, not as vulnerable passive victims, but as social actors who can play a part in the decision to participate in research. Such a view would result in more careful attention to communicating effectively with children about research, and ensuring that they may have a more central role in decision-making about participation.

FRP-strengthened RC slabs anchored with FRP anchors

Scott T. Smith et al. — Tue, 07 May 2013 21:39:52 PDT

An abundance of tests over the last two decades has shown the bending capacity of flexural members such as reinforced concrete (RC) beams and slabs to be enhanced by the bonding of fibre-reinforced polymer (FRP) composites to their tension face. The propensity of the FRP to debond, however, limits its effectiveness. Different types of anchorages have therefore been investigated in order to delay or even prevent debonding. The so-called FRP anchor, which is made from rolled fibre sheets or bundles of lose fibres, is particularly suitable for anchoring FRP composites to a variety of structural element shapes. Studies that assess the effectiveness of FRP anchors in anchoring FRP strengthening in flexural members is, however, limited. This paper in turn reports a series of tests on one-way spanning simply supported RC slabs which have been strengthened in flexure with tension face bonded FRP composites and anchored with different arrangements of FRP anchors. The load–deflection responses of all slab tests are plotted, in addition to selected strain results. The behaviours of the specimens including the failure modes are also discussed. The greatest enhancement in load and deflection experienced by the six slabs strengthened with FRP plates and anchored with FRP anchors was 30% and 110%, respectively, over the unanchored FRP-strengthened control slab. The paper also discusses the strategic placement of FRP anchors for optimal strength and deflection enhancement in FRP-strengthened RC slabs.

Ethical guidelines for research with children: a review of current research ethics documentation in New Zealand

Mary Ann Powell et al. — Tue, 07 May 2013 21:30:09 PDT

Children’s rights to participate in matters affecting them, including research, have gained increasing recognition over recent decades. This recognition, and the growth in research with children as participants, has given rise to greater attention from researchers to ethical issues related to child research. This article reviews the current ethics documentation in New Zealand. The findings indicate that considerable variation exists between ethical codes and guidelines in relation to research with children. The dominant focus is on attending to issues of consent and protection from harm, at the outset of the research, rather than recognition of the ongoing nature of ethical issues throughout the research process. Although the findings indicate an increase in the consideration of ethical issues, the existing documentation is inconsistent and inadequate in attending to specific child-related issues. Suggestions are made to enhance children’s participation in research and demonstrate a respect for their participation rights.

Influence of FRP anchor fan configuration and dowel angle on anchoring FRP plates

H W. Zhang et al. — Tue, 07 May 2013 21:26:36 PDT

To enhance the strain capacity of fibre-reinforced polymer (FRP) plates which have been bonded onto reinforced concrete (RC) members for strengthening purposes, FRP anchors can be utilised. Research on the characterisation of FRP anchors is still quite limited though despite the increasing use of FRP anchors in practice. In order to reduce such a knowledge gap, this paper reports the results of 30 single-shear FRP-to-concrete joint tests of which 26 joints were anchored with FRP anchors of differing geometric configurations and four joints were unanchored controls. More specifically for the anchored joints, the connection of the FRP anchor to the FRP plate via so called fan fibres was varied in addition to the angle of anchor insertion and these test parameters represent fundamentally important anchor components which have not been researched to date. Failure modes, joint strengths, load–slip responses as well as FRP plate strain distributions are reported and a relationship relating the influence of anchor insertion angle to joint strength is provided. A maximum increase in joint strength of 160% on average above the unanchored control joints was achieved. In addition, the maximum strain resisted by the FRP plate, relative to its elongation capacity, was increased on average from 25% for unanchored control joints to 67% for some anchored joints.

Place attachment, place satisfaction and pro-environmental behaviour: a comparative assessment of multiple regression and structural equation modelling

Haywantee Ramkissoon et al. — Tue, 07 May 2013 21:20:32 PDT

Using data collected from 452 visitors at the Dandenong Ranges National Park, Australia, this paper applies multiple regression (MR) and structural equation modelling (SEM) approaches to test the relationships between the respective sub-constructs of place attachment (place dependence, place identity, place affect, place social bonding), place satisfaction, and visitors' pro-environmental behavioural intentions. Findings revealed differences in strength and magnitude of the regression paths. The SEM analysis further reveals insignificant regression paths between place identity and place satisfaction, and place social bonding and low-effort pro-environmental behavioural intentions in contrast to the MR results. An empirical comparison of the MR and SEM results is expected to shed light on the application of these two powerful techniques in tourism research.

Ethical Principles, dilemmas and risks in collecting data on violence against children: a review of available literature

Mary Ann Powell — Tue, 07 May 2013 21:09:39 PDT

Proceedings of the first Asia-Pacific conference on FRP in structures: APFIS 2007

Scott T. Smith — Tue, 07 May 2013 20:39:43 PDT

FRP: strengthened RC structures

J G. Teng et al. — Tue, 07 May 2013 20:21:43 PDT

Visitors' attitudes towards responsible fossil collecting behaviour: a structural attitude-based segmentation approach

Aise KyoungJin Kim et al. — Tue, 07 May 2013 20:07:17 PDT

The purpose of this study was to examine visitors' attitudes towards an environmentally-responsible tourist behaviour – fossil collecting – and towards the visitor management strategies for managing this behaviour at an environmentally sensitive tourism destination. In particular, a market segmentation approach based on environmental attitudes was applied to identify distinct types of tourist groups and understand differences between segments in terms of demographic, attitudinal and behavioural characteristics. Data from 453 visitors were collected from the Charmouth coastal area, located in the South West of England, which is popular for fossil collection. The results of the research highlight that such nature-based areas tend to attract tourists who have favourable environmental attitudes and support management approaches related to responsible fossil collection. However, further analysis reveals that two distinct types of environmental attitude-based market segments exist that are significantly different in terms of gender, age and usage patterns of on-site interpretation. This study suggests that targeting the two segments (namely, the “high environmental attitude” versus “low environmental attitude” groups) with different on-site communication strategies is not only possible, but may prove to be a more efficient and effective approach to visitor and site management.

From memorable to meaningful: tour guiding as a tool for sustainable tourism

Betty Weiler — Tue, 07 May 2013 20:07:13 PDT

Saving our national parks from experience extinction

Betty Weiler — Tue, 07 May 2013 20:07:10 PDT

Testing the dimensionality of place attachment and its relationships with place satisfaction and pro-environmental behaviours: a structural equation modelling approach

Haywantee Ramkissoon et al. — Tue, 07 May 2013 19:48:43 PDT

Drawing on literature from environmental psychology, the present study examined place attachment as a second-order factor and investigated its relationships with place satisfaction and visitors' low and high effort pro-environmental behavioural intentions. Confirmatory factor analysis and structural equation modelling were used to test a model using a sample of 452 visitors at the Dandenong Ranges National Park, in Australia. Results supported the four-dimensional second-order factor of place attachment and indicated (a) positive and significant effects of place attachment on both low and high effort pro-environmental behavioural intentions of park visitors, (b) a significant and positive influence of place attachment on place satisfaction, (c) a significant and positive effect of place satisfaction on low effort pro-environmental behavioural intentions, and (d) a negative and significant influence of place satisfaction on high effort pro-environmental behavioural intentions. The main theoretical contribution relates to the inclusion of the four dimensions of place attachment in a single model. Findings are discussed with respect to their applied and theoretical relevance.

Quantifying retained acidity in acid sulfate soil materials: an evaluation of routine methods

Chamindra Vithana et al. — Tue, 07 May 2013 19:31:31 PDT

Retained Acidity is an important aspect of acid sulfate soil (ASS) but techniques for the quantification of this property have not yet been systematically assessed. In this study, the utility of routine techniques for quantifying the Retained Acidity fraction will be examined. The relatively insoluble minerals such as jarosite and schwertmannite are major contributors to Retained Acidity in ASS. Known quantities of synthetic and natural jarosites and schwertmannite will be added to two non-acid sulfate soil samples plus to one quartz sand sample. By using SNAS in the chromium suite and SRAS in the SPOCAS suite (Ahern et al. 2004), the Retained Acidity fraction of the spiked samples will be assessed. The method introduced by Li et al. (2007) and the acidified ammonium oxalate method (Regenspurg et al. 2004) will be undertaken to recover the added jarosite and schwertmannite, respectively. The mineralogy of the samples will be characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD). In the second part of this study, the potential interference from

xOrganisations and management in social work: everyday action for change

Mark Hughes et al. — Tue, 07 May 2013 19:12:31 PDT

Nursing Management Challenges in the Northeast of Brazil

Silvia A. Nelson — Tue, 07 May 2013 19:01:51 PDT

This paper uses Social Exchange Theory as the framework to examine the interaction between supervisor-subordinate relationships, training and affective commitment across generational cohorts for Northeast Brazilian public sector professional nurses. Quantitative data was collected from 550 public hospital nurses in North-Eastern Brazil. Path and multivariate analysis were used to test the hypotheses. The data demonstrate a significant impact of LMX and training on affective commitment and revealed significant differences between generational cohorts. Northeastern Brazilian health managers need to manage the training investment better and seek to optimise LMX to enhance the commitment of all cohorts and improve patient care.

Domesticating native tree species for development in small island nations

A G. Bartlett et al. — Tue, 07 May 2013 19:01:14 PDT

Young children's play experiences in contemporary environments

Amy N. Cutter-Mackenzie — Tue, 07 May 2013 18:41:33 PDT

This keynote presents arguments associated with young children's play experiences in contemporary environments. The notion of 'nature deficit disorder' and the changing role of nature in young children's lives is examined and problematized within an early childhood education context. The phenomenon of the ecological continuum is considered, alongside the perceived role of environmental education in the early years as a response to children's contemporary play experiences.

Spacing affects stem form, early growth and branching in young whitewood (Endospermum medullosum) plantations in Vanuatu

Kevin S. Glencross et al. — Tue, 07 May 2013 18:32:03 PDT

This paper investigates the early growth response, branching and stem quality of Endospermum medullosum (whitewood) at different spacings. Whitewood plantings were established at stockings of 400–833 trees per hectare and early growth, tree stem quality and branching were quantified up to age 3 years. Growth, number of live branches and branch size were negatively correlated with stocking. The stocking of trees of acceptable quality had high spatial variation. Initial spacing in whitewood plantations can be used to manipulate branch size, crown rise and stem size; all of which are important for development of pruning and thinning regimes to produce high quality logs. If unimproved whitewood stock is used, to ensure that there are 300 stems per hectare of acceptable quality to produce sawlogs, more than 600 trees per hectare should be established at planting.

Food for thought: the hunger for satisfaction in a world of increasing choice

Robert J. Smith — Tue, 07 May 2013 16:15:56 PDT

Constraints to whitewood (Endospermum medullosum) plantation development on Santo Island, Vanuatu

Rodney Aru et al. — Tue, 07 May 2013 00:09:19 PDT

Valuable timber trees in accessible sites in Vanuatu have been mostly removed by logging. There are large areas where plantations would likely be successful. Yet plantation establishment among landholders in Vanuatu has been limited to date, even with considerable extension support. There has been little systematic investigation of why this has occurred. The purpose of this research was to identify constraints to whitewood (Endospermum medullosum) plantation development. A participatory social research approach was used on Espiritu Santo Island to look for trends in attitudes toward plantations. This was achieved through the use of mixed methods social research to survey 139 local landholders from 42 villages. Most landholders on Santo Island were not convinced that there are good reasons to plant whitewood, at least not in large extensions. Future efforts should be focused on the development of local capacity for plantation establishment, maintenance, processing and export marketing, at a variety of scales.

A review of site-preparation, fertilizer and weeding practices for tropical plantation species with recommendations for whitewood (Endospermum medullosum) in Vanuatu

RGB Smith et al. — Mon, 06 May 2013 23:20:57 PDT

The development of plantations with a new species, such as is occurring with the endemic tree Endospermum medullosum (whitewood) in Vanuatu, requires the resolution of appropriate establishment techniques. Site preparation, fertilisation and weed control have a very large impact on plantation productivity and represent major risks to plantation success. Establishment techniques for tropical species are reviewed and preliminary site preparation and fertilisation trials for whitewood reported. Trials were established at a site on Espiritu Santo island using available general purpose fertiliser with and without micronutrients at two rates. There was no effect of fertiliser over various rates of complete fertiliser with and without micronutrients, designed to provide adequate phosphorus in volcanic ash soils. Ripping had no significant effect on growth, however insufficient hand clearing of vegetation resulted in lower growth due to competition and complete machine clearing of vines results in high temperatures and decreased survival. A serious issue for whitewood establishment in single species plantations is weed management, especially vine control (Merremia spp). The time needed for weed control is influenced by initial planting density and spacing. When inter-planted with mixed gardens of food crops, weed control is not an issue due to more regular tending.

A strategy of Ca2+ alleviating Na+ toxicity in salt-treated Cyclocarya paliurus seedlings: photosynthetic and nutritional responses

Ruiling yao et al. — Mon, 06 May 2013 22:09:33 PDT

Cyclocarya paliurus seedlings were subjected to 85 mM NaCl and 0, 6, 12 or 18 mM Ca(NO₃)₂ treatments to study changes in plant growth, photosynthetic parameters and distribution and/or accumulation of organic and inorganic solutes. Na⁺ toxicity symptoms were observed in plants non-treated with Ca(NO₃)₂, while 12 mM Ca(NO₃)₂ supplementation produced a significant promotion of shoot growth; meanwhile chlorophyll content, photosynthetic rate and optimum quantum yield of photosystem II (PSII), represented by the F_v/F_m ratio and pigments content as well as proline and soluble sugars, significantly increased. Ca(NO₃)₂ supply increased K⁺ and Ca²⁺ concentration, whereas the Na⁺ transport to the shoot was inhibited. There was a strong increase in the K⁺/Na⁺ ratio in shoot of Ca(NO₃)₂-treated plants. X-Ray microanalysis of roots showed that K⁺, Ca²⁺ and Na⁺ accumulated mainly in the epidermal cells and cortical cells of roots with 12 mM Ca(NO₃)₂ supply, and low accumulation was observed in stelar parenchyma, indicating exogenous Ca²⁺ possibly induced or strengthened effects of Casparian bands on ion transport. These results suggest that Ca(NO₃)₂ supplement increased inorganic and organic solutes accumulation in shoot and leaf, and restricted Na⁺ transport to the shoot by reinforcing barrier effects for attenuating salt injuries in plants, which could be a strategy of Ca²⁺ alleviating Na⁺ toxicity in C. paliurus seedlings subjected to salt stress.

Towards the inquiry into aged care and beyond: the promise of a new era in LGBTI ageing in Australia

Mark Hughes — Mon, 06 May 2013 19:59:47 PDT

Contemporary issues in Australian literacy teaching

Jenny L. Johnston — Mon, 06 May 2013 18:39:21 PDT

Africa- EU partnership on energy

Michael B. Charles et al. — Sun, 05 May 2013 23:45:33 PDT

Effects of catchment and riparian landscape setting on water chemistry and seasonal evolution of water quality in the upper Han river basin, China

Siyue Li et al. — Sun, 05 May 2013 22:30:51 PDT

Six-year (2005–2010) evolution of water chemistry (Cl⁻, NO₃⁻, SO₄²⁻, HCO₃⁻, Na⁺, K⁺, Ca²⁺and Mg²⁺) and their interactions with morphological properties (i.e., slope and area), land cover, and hydrological seasonality were examined to identify controlling factors and processes governing patterns of stream water quality in the upper Han River, China. Correlation analysis and stepwise multiple regression models revealed significant correlations between ions (i.e., Cl⁻, SO₄²⁻, Na⁺ and K⁺) and land cover (i.e., vegetation and bare land) over the entire catchment in both high- and low-flow periods, and in the buffer zone the correlation was much more stronger in the low-flow period. Catchment with steeper slope (>15°) was negatively correlated with major ions, largely due to multicollinearity of basin characteristics. Land cover within the buffer zone explained slightly less of major elements than at catchment scale in the rainy season, whereas in the dry season, land cover along the river networks in particular this within 100 m riparian zone much better explained major elements rather than this over the entire catchment. Anthropogenic land uses (i.e., urban and agriculture) however could not explain water chemical variables, albeit EC, TDS, anthropogenic markers (Cl⁻, NO₃⁻, SO₄²), Na⁺, K⁺ and Ca²⁺ significantly increased during 2005–2010, which was corroborated by principal component analyses (PCA) that indicated anthropogenic inputs. Observations demonstrated much higher solute concentrations in the industrial-polluted river. Our results suggested that seasonal evolution of water quality in combined with spatial analysis at multiple scales should be a vital part of identifying the controls on spatio-temporal patterns of water quality.

AMS dating of ancient plant residues from experimental stone tools: a pilot study

Andrea Yates et al. — Sun, 05 May 2013 21:59:08 PDT

Residue analyses on stone artefacts have contributed to resolving functional questions in stone tool research. Although identifying the function of tools through the analysis of their micro-residues is possible, the establishment of a sound numerical chronology for stone tools lacking a clear stratigraphic sequence, such as surface scatters, remains a challenge. While radiocarbon dating of blood residue on stone artefacts has been published previously (Loy 1987, 1990, 1993; Loy et al., 1990; Nelson et al.1986), this paper reports on an experiment designed to assess the possibility of directly dating residues on stone artefacts by accelerator mass spectrometry (AMS) based radiocarbon measurements. Innovative with this approach is (1) the use of mid and late Holocene pre-dated plant material (wood and peat), processed with contemporarily manufactured stone flakes under controlled laboratory conditions and (2) the use of very small carbon masses (less than 22 μg) for radiocarbon dating. The ¹⁴C results of the wood residues are in excellent agreement with the original sample, whereas the ¹⁴C results of the peat residues yield a wider age variation as expected due to the inhomogeneity of the material, but nevertheless, provided dates within an expected age range. Preliminary results demonstrate the feasibility of dating very small amounts of plant residue on lithics directly when contaminants are confined.

Looking for direction: climate change education: engaging, understanding and listening to children and young people

Amy N. Cutter-Mackenzie — Sun, 05 May 2013 21:57:31 PDT

Fractured culture: educare as a healing approach to indigenous trauma

Tanietta Delauney — Sun, 05 May 2013 20:58:16 PDT

In Australia, governments of various persuasions spend many millions of dollars 'tackling' drug and alcohol abuse, high incarceration rates, violence, and other social problems in Indigenous communities. Research shows that trauma and addiction go hand in hand, and Intergenerational Trauma, a complex form of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, is expressed as violence and drug and alcohol abuse, with poor health, and high rates of injury, death, and imprisonment. Educare, education as healing, is an Indigenous pedagogical approach that uses culturally sensitive protocols and utilises ‘cultural medicine'.

A major strength of this approach is the use of Indigenous cultural tools. Weaknesses include the limited number of trained Indigenous practitioners. The importance of this program relies on cultural safety, Educaring and Dadirri as spiritual and holistic healing methods. Research suggests that many social problems are associated with disconnection from traditional cultural and spiritual ways of being. Indigenous peoples have a role to play in developing and implementing culturally safe healing practices. The Indigenous program creates the relational milieu needed for genuine safety and is a recognized psychosocial variable in epidemiological patterns of disease. Healing via educaring is culturally safe, and is a genuine Indigenous pedagogical platform used for engaging with culture.

Deviant near-infrared spectra allows identification of Corymbia hybrids

M Abasolo et al. — Sun, 05 May 2013 20:37:11 PDT

Gambling impacts on Aboriginal communities in New South Wales, Australia: community leaders’ perspectives

Helen Breen et al. — Sun, 05 May 2013 18:59:43 PDT

Gambling affects communities in many ways, yet relatively little research has investigated community level impacts of gambling in the context of Indigenous communities. To help address this gap in research, this research investigates the impacts of gambling on Aboriginal communities across New South Wales, Australia. Thirteen Aboriginal community leaders were interviewed by an Aboriginal member of the research team. Interviews were semi-structured, in-depth and conducted by telephone. The results showed some culturally distinctive positive and negative gambling impacts were being experienced across different Aboriginal communities. Positive impacts were reported as collective socialising and the opportunity to win money. Negative impacts were said to be community deprivation and cultural obligations not being fulfilled. Several important public health strategies to reduce negative gambling impacts were suggested. These were to enable self-recognition of gambling difficulties by the gambler, to use already established Aboriginal support groups to assist in this process, and to design and provide culturally appropriate public education and gambling awareness programs targeted at a community level. Recognising differences between communities, involvement by local Aboriginal people in developing and providing public health programs is recommended.

Indigenous Australian gambling crime and possible interventions: a qualitative study

Helen Breen et al. — Sun, 05 May 2013 18:32:04 PDT

This paper has two purposes. First, we examine crime associated with the consequences of card and commercial gambling by Indigenous Australians in two states, in north Queensland (QLD) and in northern New South Wales (NSW). Second, we identify public health interventions potentially useful for reducing harmful gambling consequences. Permission was granted by Indigenous Elders and a university ethics committee to conduct this research. Using qualitative methods and purposeful sampling, interviews were conducted with 229 Indigenous Australians and 79 non-Indigenous gambling help counsellors, gaming venue managers and others. Thematic analysis was used to analyse the interviews. Results show two types of crime were most evident, those committed to support a gambling habit (fraud and theft) and family dysfunction. Potential interventions reported to hold promise for minimising some harmful gambling consequences include: appropriate community education and awareness campaigns targeting Indigenous gamblers, families and their communities; the provision of Indigenous gambling outreach services; and culturally appropriate gambling counselling and treatment services. As gambling issues are interlinked with cultural, social and economic influences, the real challenge is to work with regional Indigenous communities to develop and deliver relevant holistic interventions appropriate to their needs.

Adaptive capacity of the habitat modifying sea urchin Centrostephanus rodgersii to ocean warming and ocean acidification: performance of early embryos

Shawna Foo et al. — Sun, 05 May 2013 17:41:17 PDT

Background

Predicting effects of rapid climate change on populations depends on measuring the effects of climate stressors on performance, and potential for adaptation. Adaptation to stressful climatic conditions requires heritable genetic variance for stress tolerance present in populations.

Methodology/Principal Findings

We quantified genetic variation in tolerance of early development of the ecologically important sea urchin Centrostephanus rodgersii to near-future (2100) ocean conditions projected for the southeast Australian global change hot spot. Multiple dam-sire crosses were used to quantify the interactive effects of warming (+2–4°C) and acidification (−0.3−0.5 pH units) across twenty-seven family lines. Acidification, but not temperature, decreased the percentage of cleavage stage embryos. In contrast, temperature, but not acidification decreased the percentage of gastrulation. Cleavage success in response to both stressors was strongly affected by sire identity. Sire and dam identity significantly affected gastrulation and both interacted with temperature to determine developmental success. Positive genetic correlations for gastrulation indicated that genotypes that did well at lower pH also did well in higher temperatures.

Conclusions/Significance

Significant genotype (sire) by environment interactions for both stressors at gastrulation indicated the presence of heritable variation in thermal tolerance and the ability of embryos to respond to changing environments. The significant influence of dam may be due to maternal provisioning (maternal genotype or environment) and/or offspring genotype. It appears that early development in this ecologically important sea urchin is not constrained in adapting to the multiple stressors of ocean warming and acidification. The presence of tolerant genotypes indicates the potential to adapt to concurrent warming and acidification, contributing to the resilience of C. rodgersii in a changing ocean.

Sequential reduction–oxidation for photocatalytic degradation of tetrabromobisphenol A: kinetics and intermediates

Yaoguang Guo et al. — Thu, 02 May 2013 23:28:38 PDT

C Br bond cleavage is considered as a key step to reduce their toxicities and increase degradation rates for most brominated organic pollutants. Here a sequential reduction/oxidation strategy (i.e. debromination followed by photocatalytic oxidation) for photocatalytic degradation of tetrabromobisphenol A (TBBPA), one of the most frequently used brominated flame retardants, was proposed on the basis of kinetic analysis and intermediates identification. The results demonstrated that the rates of debromination and even photodegradation of TBBPA strongly depended on the atmospheres, initial TBBPA concentrations, pH of the reaction solution, hydrogen donors, and electron acceptors. These kinetic data and byproducts identification obtained by GC–MS measurement indicated that reductive debromination reaction by photo-induced electrons dominated under N2-saturated condition, while oxidation reaction by photoexcited holes or hydroxyl radicals played a leading role when air was saturated. It also suggested that the reaction might be further optimized for pretreatment of TBBPA-contaminated wastewater by a twostage reductive debromination/subsequent oxidative decomposition process in the UV-TiO2 system by changing the reaction atmospheres.

A critical evaluation of Retained Acidity (AR) estimating methods in Acid Base Account (ABA) approach for Acid Sulfate Soils (ASS)

Chamindra Vithana et al. — Thu, 02 May 2013 22:43:47 PDT

Understanding the behaviour of schwertmannite and jarosite in acid sulfate soils

Chamindra Vithana et al. — Thu, 02 May 2013 22:38:35 PDT

Readily available acidity in schwertmannite

Chamindra Vithana et al. — Thu, 02 May 2013 22:11:19 PDT

Schwertmannite and jarosite are considered as less soluble ironhydroxy sulfate minerals which are present in highly acidic environments (pH < 3). These minerals release acidity in the long run as they weather by hydrolysis [1]. However, 1M KCl extraction of soil samples (Clarence and Quartz) spiked with those two minerals showed that schwertmannite has some acidity that may be readily available.

Controls of Caribbean surface hydrology during the mid- to late holocene: insights from monthly resolved coral records

Cyril Giry et al. — Thu, 02 May 2013 22:07:21 PDT

Several proxy-based and modeling studies have investigated long-term changes in Caribbean climate during the Holocene, however, very little is known on its variability on short timescales. Here we reconstruct seasonality and interannual to multidecadal variability of sea surface hydrology of the southern Caribbean Sea by applying paired coral Sr/Ca and δ¹⁸O measurements on fossil annually banded Diploria strigosa corals from Bonaire. This allows for better understanding of seasonal to multidecadal variability of the Caribbean hydrological cycle during the mid- to late Holocene. The monthly resolved coral Δδ¹⁸O records are used as a proxy for the oxygen isotopic composition of seawater (δ¹⁸O_sw) of the southern Caribbean Sea. Consistent with modern day conditions, annual δ¹⁸O_sw cycles reconstructed from three modern corals reveal that freshwater budget at the study site is influenced by both net precipitation and advection of tropical freshwater brought by wind-driven surface currents. In contrast, the annual δ¹⁸O_sw cycle reconstructed from a mid-Holocene coral indicates a sharp peak towards more negative values in summer, suggesting intense summer precipitation at 6 ka BP (before present). In line with this, our model simulations indicate that increased seasonality of the hydrological cycle at 6 ka BP results from enhanced precipitation in summertime. On interannual to multidecadal timescales, the systematic positive correlation observed between reconstructed sea surface temperature and salinity suggests that freshwater discharged from the Orinoco and Amazon rivers and transported into the Caribbean by wind-driven surface currents is a critical component influencing sea surface hydrology on these timescales.

Assessing heavy metal pollution in the water level fluctuation zone of China’s Three Gorges Reservoir using geochemical and soil microbial approaches

Chen Ye et al. — Thu, 02 May 2013 21:51:39 PDT

The water level fluctuation zone (WLFZ) in the Three Gorges Reservoir is located in the intersection of terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems, and assessing heavy metal pollution in the drown zone is critical for ecological remediation and water conservation. In this study, soils were collected in June and September 2009 in natural recovery area and revegetation area of the WLFZ, and geochemical approaches including geoaccumulation index (I _geo) and factor analysis and soil microbial community structure were applied to assess the spatial variability and evaluate the influence of revegetation on metals in the WLFZ. Geochemical approaches demonstrated the moderate pollutant of Cd, the slight pollutant of Hg, and four types of pollutant sources including industrial and domestic wastewater, natural rock weathering, traffic exhaust, and crustal materials in the WLFZ. Our results also demonstrated significantly lower concentrations for elements of As, Cd, Pb, Zn, and Mn in the revegetation area. Moreover, soil microbial community structure failed to monitor the heavy metal pollution in such a relatively clean area. Our results suggest that revegetation plays an important role in controlling heavy metal pollution in the WLFZ of the Three Gorges Reservoir, China.

Birds calling in cloud valley

Michael Francis Hannan — Thu, 02 May 2013 19:09:50 PDT

Track 2 of 5'12" duration.

Zen variations

Michael Francis Hannan — Thu, 02 May 2013 19:09:47 PDT

Three movement work.

Audio tracks (8-10) of 1'51", 1'53" and 4'24" duration.

Sample available from:

http://www.australianmusiccentre.com.au/product/a-little-variation

Mood variations

Michael Francis Hannan — Thu, 02 May 2013 19:09:44 PDT

Audio tracks (3-5) of 2'04", 1'13" and 0'44" duration.

Birds calling in cloud valley

Michael Francis Hannan — Thu, 02 May 2013 19:09:40 PDT

3 pages; Solo piano, 5'30" duration

Trois gymnopédies d'après satie

Michael Francis Hannan — Thu, 02 May 2013 19:09:37 PDT

Solo piano. Level of difficulty - intermediate. Three Gymnopédies is in the style of Satie with basic textural format of his famous piano pieces (composed in 1888) but the composer has used different kinds of harmonic strategics such as quartal harmony in the first piece and jazz extended chords in the third. Composed 2005

8 pages, 5" duration.

The use of ePortfolios to facilitate students’ understanding of diversity

Hilary Gallagher et al. — Thu, 02 May 2013 18:46:54 PDT

In the utter darkness

Michael Francis Hannan — Thu, 02 May 2013 18:41:50 PDT

Solo flute, c10'30. Level of difficulty - advanced. In three movements this work reflects alignment to the tradition of Australian composers using the Japanese haiku poetic form as a central inspiration for pieces and the honkyoku repertoire of Japanese shakuhachi music with phrasal design and ornamental detail. Composed 1983

Catzniteout

Michael Francis Hannan et al. — Thu, 02 May 2013 18:41:47 PDT

Audio track 11: 2'53" duration

Improvisations and comprovisations

Michael Francis Hannan et al. — Thu, 02 May 2013 18:41:43 PDT

A collaboration of "comprovisation" practice engaged by Michael Hannan and Mic Deacon and "improvisation" techniques by virtuoso trumpet performer, Scott Tinkler resulting in more inventive and adventurous works. The recording includes both unedited improvisations as well as heavily edited comprovisations.

Full length CD containing 12 tracks totalling 55 minutes duration.

Ancient cedar trees impro 3

Michael Francis Hannan et al. — Thu, 02 May 2013 18:41:40 PDT

Audio track 8 of 6'48" duration.

African polyphony

Michael Francis Hannan et al. — Thu, 02 May 2013 18:41:37 PDT

Audio track 12 of 4'36" duration.

Ancient cedar trees impro 1

Michael Francis Hannan et al. — Thu, 02 May 2013 18:41:33 PDT

Audio track 7 of 7'51" duration.

Quaquaversal

Michael Francis Hannan et al. — Thu, 02 May 2013 18:41:30 PDT

Audio track 4 of 7'03" duration.

Beespeak

Michael Francis Hannan et al. — Thu, 02 May 2013 18:41:27 PDT

Audio track 2 of 2'50" duration.

Whale song

Michael Francis Hannan et al. — Thu, 02 May 2013 18:41:23 PDT

Audio track 1 4'25" duration.

Ancient cedar trees

Michael Francis Hannan — Thu, 02 May 2013 18:41:17 PDT

Audio track 6 of 3'19" duration.

Beespeak remix

Michael Francis Hannan et al. — Thu, 02 May 2013 18:41:09 PDT

Audio track 3 of 2'51" duration.

Chaconnery

Michael Francis Hannan — Thu, 02 May 2013 18:41:05 PDT

Bassoon Duet. Beginner to intermediate level of difficulty. Six short pieces in styles and approaches which are not well represented in Australian bassoon repertoire. Composed 2010

6 pages; 5'30" duration.

13 ways of looking at a butcherbird

Michael Francis Hannan — Thu, 02 May 2013 17:30:18 PDT

13 short pieces for solo piano. Level of difficulty - intermediate. Each movement is based melodically on transcribed butcherbird calls. Most pieces are transcribed from recordings in various locations around NSW and Queensland. The approach to the harmonic accompaniment to these movements varies according to the intervallic implications of the tunes. Composed 2005

Engaging young people in environment

Amy N. Cutter-Mackenzie — Thu, 02 May 2013 16:51:23 PDT

Environmental education reforms in India: teacher educators’ experiences, issues, and the policy-practice gap

S Almeida et al. — Thu, 02 May 2013 16:51:19 PDT

Creating our next creative steps in research: getting published in the Australian Journal of Environmental Education

Amy N. Cutter-Mackenzie — Thu, 02 May 2013 16:51:15 PDT

This highly interactive workshop provides a unique opportunity for researchers (including early career researchers and research students) and aspiring writers to work with the Editor and Editorial Board members of the Australian Journal of Environmental Education in ‘getting published’. We will initially discuss the past, current and future directions of the Journal, followed by an interactive writing workshop. Participants are encouraged to bring their abstract, conference paper or other ideas to the workshop, along with ideas for furthering and advancing the Association’s journal.

Listening to children’s voices: teaching/learning environment through children’s literature

Amy N. Cutter-Mackenzie et al. — Thu, 02 May 2013 16:51:12 PDT

Cutter-Mackenzie et al* claim that children’s literature provides “some of the first and possibly most formative engagements that some children may have with ‘nature’” 253). They go on to say that children’s literature can: … afford openings for dialogue both with and against dominant cultural texts, images, narratives and figurations of eco-cultural relations, and may offer incompatible as well as compelling understandings of childhood, adulthood, place and nature. It may also encourage a ‘comparing and AAEE National Conference 2012, 30 September – 3 October, Melbourne Page 31 contrasting’ of these alongside questions of the ecologies and cultures depicted in children’s literature, including children’s and adults’ conceptions and constructions of environment that might be experienced with or through them, their senses of an eco-identity, -citizenship or -responsibility related to such places and nature, and the significance that immersive pedagogies might play in engaging these themes and their challenges (254). Their book contains the only dedicated research in environmental education that deals with how children experience environment through children’s literature. Through their own admission though they note that their work (to date) has not seriously considered children’s voices of/about/in environment. This trend can be seen in environmental education research more broadly where much of the work on children’s voices is over two decades old, not taking stock of the pace of today’s society and ever-changing environment. In this highly interactive workshop we will explore ways to understand and enable children’s environmental voices through the creation and sharing of child-framed children’s books. The session will feature examples from the Environmental Education program at Berwick Fields Primary School where students have begun to develop their own texts which express their experience of the environment. What do they produce and what does it tell us about the ways they see their future?

Generating new knowledge in early childhood education: aligning contemporary health, wellbeing and sustainability issues with research into children's play

Helen Skouteris et al. — Thu, 02 May 2013 16:51:07 PDT