bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Threshold field of phase change memory materials measured using phase change bridge devices
Authors: Krebs Daniel , Raoux Simone , Rettner Charles T. , Burr Geoffrey W. , Salinga Martin , Wuttig Matthias
Published: August 2009

The threshold switching effect of phase change memory devices is typically parameterized by the threshold voltage at which this breakdown occurs. Using phase change memory bridge devices of variable length, we prove unambiguously that the important parameter for threshold switching is a critical electrical field and not a threshold voltage. By switching phase change bridge devices from the amorphous-as-deposited state, we obtain threshold fields for Ge15Sb85, Ag- and In-doped Sb2Te, Ge2Sb2Te5, and 4 nm thick Sb devices of 8.1, 19, 56, and 94 V/μm, respectively.
Effects of thickness on the cation segregation in epitaxial (001) and (110) La2/3Ca1/3MnO3 thin films
Authors: Estradé S. , Rebled J. M. , Arbiol J. , Peiró F. , Infante I. C. , Herranz G. , Sánchez F. , Fontcuberta J. , Córdoba R. , Mendis B. G. , Bleloch A. L.
Published: August 2009

Electron-energy-loss spectroscopy is used to map composition and electronic states in epitaxial La2/3Ca1/3MnO3 (LCMO) films of various thicknesses grown on SrTiO3 (001) and (110) substrates. For relatively thick films (≥20 nm), epitaxial tensile strain in (001) films promotes a compositional La/Ca gradient across the film thickness, being the interface La rich, while the relaxed (110) films are chemically homogeneous. In contrast, much thinner (001) and (110) LCMO films display a different La/Ca distribution, being La rich at the free surface. The observed distinct thickness-dependent composition gradient behavior reflects a balance between strain-induced elastic energy minimization and kinetic effects during growth.
Unraveling the fluctuations of animal motor activity
Authors: Anteneodo C. , Chialvo D. R.
Published: August 2009

Human and animal behavior exhibits power law correlations whose origin is controversial. In this work, the spontaneous motion of laboratory rodents was recorded during several days. It is found that animal motion is scale-free and that the scaling is introduced by the inactivity pauses both by its length as well as by its specific ordering. Furthermore, the scaling is also demonstrable in the rates of event’s occurrence. A comparison with related results in humans is made and candidate models are discussed to provide clues for the origin of such dynamics.
Protein/carbon nanotubes interaction: The effect of carboxylic groups on conformational and conductance changes
Authors: Mahendra Wijaya I. Putu , Gandhi Sonu , Ju Nie Tey , Wangoo Nishima , Rodriguez Isabel , Shekhawat G. , Suri C. Raman , Mhaisalkar Subodh G.
Published: August 2009

Detailed understanding of interaction between biomolecules and single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) is important in the design and applications of biosensors that employ SWCNTs for transduction of the analytes response. Reciprocal interactions of SWCNT with bovine serum albumin are investigated here with pristine and carboxylated nanotubes. Carboxylic functionalization was found to inflict a deeper change on protein conformation, than their pristine counterparts, accompanied with a change in nanotube conductance. This observation has significant implications for biosensors in highlighting the need to take into account the surface functionalization state of the active materials.
Highly parallel measurements of interaction kinetic constants with a microfabricated optomechanical device
Authors: Bates Steven R. , Quake Stephen R.
Published: August 2009

We used mechanical trapping of molecular interactions to demonstrate a highly parallel approach to measure the kinetics of biomolecular interactions. This approach consumes 25 fmol of material per measurement and permits 320 measurements in a single experiment. We measured association and dissociation curves for the interactions of 6-His and T7 epitope tags with their antibodies, from which we determined the off rates, on rates, and dissociation constants.
On the importance of incorporating dipole reradiation in the modeling of surface enhanced Raman scattering from spheres
Authors: Ausman Logan K. , Schatz George C.
Published: August 2009

Surface enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) enhancement factors G for nanoparticles consisting of a single Ag sphere or a dimer of Ag nanospheres are calculated using a T-matrix method that rigorously incorporates dipole reradiation (DR) effects. A comparison with the commonly used plane wave (PW) approximation, |Eloc(ω)|2|Eloc(ω′)|2, which for zero Stokes shift is |Eloc(ω)|4, is made so as to determine the error associated with using the PW enhancement factor instead of DR in modeling SERS intensities. Calculations for the single sphere are performed for various molecule locations, detector locations, and sphere sizes, while the dimer calculations consider the effects of molecule and detector locations for 50 nm diameter spheres with a 2 nm gap. In both the single sphere and dimer calculations, excellent agreement (<0.3%) is found between the PW approximation and DR calculations when the molecule is located along the incident field polarization direction and with the detector along an axis that is orthogonal both to the polarization and wave vector directions. The errors for other molecule locations, different detector locations, and larger sphere sizes can be considerably larger. A qualitative description of the nature of the errors is developed based on interferences between radiation emitted by the sphere and by the molecule and on quadrupole excitation in the metal spheres. An average over molecule and detector locations for both the single sphere and dimer results leads to DR enhancement factors that differ by factors of 2–3 (sometimes higher, sometimes lower) from the PW results. This indicates that for quantitative field enhancement factor calculations, the more rigorous DR result is important.
Plasma transport and turbulence in the Helimak: Simulation and experiment
Authors: Li B. , Rogers B. N. , Ricci P. , Gentle K. W.
Published: August 2009

The Helimak experiment produces a toroidal plasma with a helical magnetic field. A simulation-experiment comparison of turbulence in this device is presented, focusing on parameter regimes in which the turbulence is dominated by interchange modes with k∥≃0. The numerical simulations are based on a two-dimensional electrostatic two-fluid model that evolves the full radial profiles of plasma density, the electric potential, and the electron temperature. The simulation results are compared with the experiment and general agreement is found for the plasma profiles, the autocorrelation functions, the frequency spectra, the cross-correlation functions, and the probability density functions. Some quantitative differences between the simulation and experimental data are also discussed.
Rayleigh–Taylor instability in ion beam driven ablation fronts
Authors: Piriz S. A. , Piriz A. R. , Tahir N. A.
Published: August 2009

A physical model for the linear stage of Rayleigh–Taylor instability in ablation fronts is presented. The model allows for direct physical interpretation and for retrieving the well known results for the instability growth rate in ablation fronts driven by thermal diffusion. The model is applied to ablation fronts directly driven by intense ion beams and the instability growth rate is found. We show that ablation by itself still provides a mechanism for growth rate reduction but the cutoff wave number above which the front becomes stable, does no exist in ion beam driven ablation fronts.
Nonlinear electric metamaterials
Authors: Powell David A. , Shadrivov Ilya V. , Kivshar Yuri S.
Published: August 2009

We propose and design a new type of nonlinear metamaterials exhibiting a resonant electric response at microwave frequencies. By introducing a varactor diode as a nonlinear element within each resonator, we are able to shift the frequency of the electric mode stop band by changing the incident power without affecting the magnetic response. These elements could be combined with the previously developed nonlinear magnetic metamaterials in order to create negative index media with a control over both electric and magnetic nonlinearities.
Excitonic mechanism of the photoinduced surface restructuring of copper
Authors: Molotskii Michel
Published: August 2009

An explanation for the photoinduced reconstruction of Cu single-crystal surfaces that was observed by Ernst et al. [Science 279, 679 (1998)] under the influence of visible light is proposed. It is suggested that reconstruction can be attributed to the energy released during the nonradiative decay of excitons that were excited by light irradiation and captured on surface active centers. The estimates performed show that exciton decay on surface steps and adatoms releases enough energy to create surface defects.
Highly dense amorphous Nb2O5 films with closed nanosized pores
Authors: Vinnichenko M. , Rogozin A. , Grambole D. , Munnik F. , Kolitsch A. , Möller W. , Stenzel O. , Wilbrandt S. , Chuvilin A. , Kaiser U.
Published: August 2009

This study is focused on tailoring the porosity of Nb2O5 films during reactive pulsed magnetron sputtering. Dense amorphous films containing nanopores only in deeper regions have been grown at a high rate using substrate temperatures below 60 °C. The films exhibit a high refractive index, n400=2.54, a low extinction coefficient, k400∼6×10−4, a low mechanical stress (−90 MPa), and a negligible thermal shift. The specific depth distribution of the nanopores is believed to be the reason for the optimum trade-off between a high refractive index and low mechanical stress.
Thermal-magnetic noise measurement of spin-torque effects on ferromagnetic resonance in MgO-based magnetic tunnel junctions
Authors: Guan Y. , Sun J. Z. , Jiang X. , Moriya R. , Gao L. , Parkin S. S. P.
Published: August 2009

Thermal-magnetic noise at ferromagnetic resonance (T-FMR) can be used to measure magnetic perpendicular anisotropy of nanoscale magnetic tunnel junctions (MTJs). For this purpose, T-FMR measurements were conducted with an external magnetic field up to 14 kOe applied perpendicular to the film surface of MgO-based MTJs under a dc bias. The observed frequency-field relationship suggests that a 20 Å CoFeB free layer has an effective demagnetization field much smaller than the intrinsic bulk value of CoFeB, with 4πMeff=6.1±0.3 kOe. This value is consistent with the saturation field obtained from magnetometry measurements on extended films of the same CoFeB thickness. In-plane T-FMR on the other hand shows less consistent results for the effective demagnetization field, presumably due to excitations of more complex modes. These experiments suggest that the perpendicular T-FMR is preferred for quantitative magnetic characterization of nanoscale MTJs.
Performance analysis of InP nanowire band-to-band tunneling field-effect transistors
Authors: Khayer M. Abul , Lake Roger K.
Published: August 2009

Understanding the effect of material choice and nanowire (NW) diameter on drive current and leakage current is critical for a NW band-to-band tunneling (BTBT) field-effect transistor (FET) in the cold carrier injection regime. This letter presents theoretical investigation on drive currents and leakage currents of prototypical InP NW BTBT FETs based on calculating the imaginary wave vector in the bandgap as a function of NW diameter. The tunneling current in InP NW BTBT FETs, which show potential for applications in high-speed, high-power electronic devices, is investigated as a function of NW diameter and electric field.
Fabrication of graphene layers from multiwalled carbon nanotubes using high dc pulse
Authors: Kim Woo Sik , Moon Sook Young , Bang Sin Young , Choi Bong Geun , Ham Heon , Sekino Tohru , Shim Kwang Bo
Published: August 2009

Graphene layers are fabricated from multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) with a high direct current pulse through a pulsed current sintering process. We confirm the transformation of the structure from MWCNTs to graphene layers. Graphene layers are analyzed by field emission scanning electron microscopy, high resolution transmission electron microscopy, high resolution Raman, and x-ray diffraction.
Substrate dependent charge injection at the V2O5/organic interface
Authors: Helander M. G. , Wang Z. B. , Greiner M. T. , Qiu J. , Lu Z. H.
Published: August 2009

Charge injection at the interface between V2O5 and N,N′-diphenyl-N,N′-bis-(1-naphthyl)-1-1′-biphenyl-4,4′-diamine (α-NPD) was studied. It is found that the energy-level alignment at the V2O5/α-NPD is dependent on the underlying substrate, in contrast to previous reports. This phenomenon is consistent with interface dipole theory for weakly pinning interfaces. V2O5 is found to weakly pin the Fermi level, such that the underlying substrate still influences the dipole between V2O5 and α-NPD. The charge neutrality level of V2O5 is also found to be 5.35 eV.
Shape Processing Area LO and Illusory Contours
Authors: de-Wit Lee H , Kentridge Robert W , Milner A David
Published: August 2009

Recent functional MRI has demonstrated that illusory contours can activate the primary visual cortex. Our investigation sought to demonstrate whether this correlation reflects computations performed in the primary visual cortex or feedback effects from shape processing area LO. We explored this in a patient who has a bilateral lesion to LO, but a functionally spared V1. Our data indicate that illusory contours are unable to influence behaviour without visual area LO. Whilst we would not claim that our data provide evidence for the ‘cognitive’ nature of illusory contours, they certainly suggest that illusory contours are dependent upon the computations involved in extracting shape representations in LO. Our data highlight the importance of neuropsychological research in interpreting the role of feedforward and feedback effects in the generation of visual illusions.
The Misuse of Insulin by Body Builders: Raising Awareness of the Dangers of this Practice and the Need for Education Resources
Authors: Gannon Jenelle , E. Kewming Kim
Published: August 2009

Harm minimisation strategies aim to reduce the deleterious health and social consequences to the individual in drug use and abuse and the potential financial burden to the community. Harm minimisation is the guiding principle of the Steroid Peer Education Program (SPEP). This is an outreach program funded by the Department of Human Services (DHS) which provides counselling, education and needle exchange facilities for body-builders who inject with anabolic steroids. In 1998, SPEP became aware that a substantial number of clients were misusing insulin in an attempt to enhance muscle growth. It appears that these athletes were unaware of the dangers of insulin use, such as hypoglycaemia, and the potentially fatal consequences of this practice. Research was carried out which highlighted the need for education material as a harm reduction strategy. Such education material could be used to raise awareness of the dangers of non-medical insulin use and outline how to prevent and treat a hypoglycaemic episode. It appears pertinent to raise awareness of the non-medical use of insulin especially preceding the Sydney 2000 Olympic Games. In addition to the dangers inherent in insulin use as an anabolic enhancement agent, its use cannot be detected by existing control measures. Finally, the long term health consequences of this practice are largely unknown and represent, therefore, an area for future investigation.
General Practitioners and Nurses Collaborating in General Practice
Authors: Lockwood Anne , Maguire Fiona
Published: August 2009

In 1998 the Fremantle Regional Division of General Practice (FRDGP), Silver Chain and the Health Department of Western Australia (HDWA) initiated an eleven-month trial which aimed to increase clinical integration by establishing professional partnerships between GPs and nurses. The project placed nurse in four general practices where they consulted with patients and undertook other activities that helped clarify nurse and GP roles within these partnerships. In addition to exploring some of the processes underlying development of partnerships, the project reported direct benefits for all stakeholders. For patients these included improved access and better quality of care. At an organisational level Silver Chain and general practices reported increased service provision and efficiency, additional promotion and marketing opportunities, improved networks with other providers, and opportunities for new business developments in service provision. From the professional practitioner perspective, doctors and nurses reported improved knowledge about the other profession and that the trial was an opportunity to explore role developments in the general practice context. Implications for expansion and development of a nursing role in general practice were discussed. The results suggest that further development of effective nurse/GP partnerships requires collaborative planning, close monitoring, and ongoing support for the processes of improved teamwork.
A Community-based Health Service Census: Describing the Client Base
Authors: o E. Comin , n E. Sulliva , s E. Harri , n D. Killia , Jiang C.Y.
Published: August 2009

This paper describes the results of a census of newly registered clients attending community-based health services in a large health region on the south western outskirts of Sydney to enumerate the client base of these services and to investigate the reach to population groups. Two questionnaires, one for adults and the other for children were administered to all new clients of community, allied and dental health services. These questionnaires collected enhanced demographic information during a three month period that was compared with the resident population. 10,734 new clients were registered. These included 2,638 adults and 3,047 children who were attending community health services. Older adults were over-represented in the adult client population while adults accompanying children to services were largely aged 20-39 years. The data suggest good reach of services to ethnic minority groups when country of birth was considered (32.3% NESB versus 30.4% in the resident population). When language spoken at home was used those who spoke a language other that English at home were under-represented in these data (31.6%) compared to the resident population (39.7%). Adults attending with a child were more likely to be married and to have stayed at school until at least 17 years. The study was the first attempt in NSW to enumerate the client base of community-based health services and was important in demonstrating to staff the value of adequate systems to monitor the use and reach of services. The data suggest a bias of services to more advantaged groups.
On What Basis do Australian Men Make Informed Decisions about Diagnostic and Treatment Options for Prostate Cancer?
Authors: A. Laws Tom , Drummond Murray , Polijak-Fligic Jelena
Published: August 2009

Men rely on general practitioners (GPs), other medical and nursing staff to provide them with information on prostate cancer and urinary symptoms. This paper identifies several problems encountered by Australian men in gaining information necessary for making an informed decision with respect to the detection and treatment of prostate cancer. An examination of disparities between national guidelines for screening and screening practices of GPs reveals that complex medical issues exist in relation to the supply of screening tests. Similar complexities exist for Australian men trying to make an informed decision about prostate cancer treatments. In particular, there is very little evidence to show that any treatment option or combination of treatments has better outcomes. Thus, it is unlikely that Australian men, even those who are assertive and information literate, make fully informed decisions when consenting to screening procedures and treatment for prostate cancer. Men with limited use of English and poor literacy skills, such as older migrants are further disadvantaged in terms of gaining information, and are likely to remain largely uninformed on even the basic issues relating to prostatic symptoms and prostate cancer. The task facing nurses is to research the needs of men and their communities as a basis for the development of accessible information resources. This approach will provide evidence in support of holistic nursing practice as well as increasing the likelihood that men's consent to prostate screening and treatment constitutes an informed decision.
Safe Dreaming Trail to School: Community Participation and Indigenous Culture
Authors: Morriss Mary , Mann Susan , Byrnes Tess
Published: August 2009

The Safe Dreaming Trail to School initiative was an injury prevention project, that used the school as the setting, and students as agents for change, in a cross cultural, collaborative approach to addressing community safety hazards. Students developed skills in identifying and reporting safety hazards in their school and local community, with opportunities to learn from indigenous safe community practices through Dreaming Stories. This learning process was captured by an original piece of Aboriginal art created by a local Aboriginal artist and included enthusiastic assistance from students. The core components of the project involved: fostering collaborative links between health, education, local service providers and community members; providing information on community safety and indigenous culture; developing a process for positive action on community safety hazards; and encouraging increased understanding and respect for different cultures using art and Dreaming Stories as the medium.
Guest Editorial
Authors: Smith Mavis
Published: August 2009

The Second International Primary Health Care 2000 Conference drew together leading policy makers and experienced practitioners from Canada, the United Kingdom, South Africa, New Zealand and all States of Australia to explore primary health care service models and programs emerging in response to the economic and social pressures of the twenty-first century.
Equity and Health in Primary Health Care
Authors: McClelland Alison
Published: August 2009

Health is one of the most significant factors affecting people's present enjoyment and participation in life as well as future wellbeing. There is a special community concern about equity and health. This concern has at least three facets. The first facet is equity and health status. Although it is unrealistic to expect equal health outcomes amongst individuals, there is an equity problem if people's socio-economic backgrounds have a significant impact on capacity to have good health. The second aspect is equity and access to health care. As access to health care can impact on the suffering connected with poor health as well as influencing the prospect of good health, there is an equity concern if people's backgrounds influence their ability to access appropriate, quality health care according to need. The third aspect concerns the cost and the financing of health care. We are concerned if the cost of health care acts as a barrier to access according to need. There is also a problem if the cost of health care substantially undermines people's capacity to have a decent standard of living by reducing disposable incomes, especially for those who are on low incomes and finding it difficult 'to make ends meet'.
A Model to Describe the Role of Health Promotion in Creating Healthy Communities
Authors: Smith Sherryl
Published: August 2009

Health promotion theory and practice is grounded in the belief that health is far more than the absence of disease. In order to influence most effectively the health of communities, Community Health Centres must balance their attention and resources amongst medical, lifestyle/behavioural, and socioenvironmental approaches to health promotion. This discussion will include an overview of these approaches to health promotion based on current literature. Community Health Centres need to incorporate a variety of complementary health promotion approaches into their core services and activities. An analysis of one model, which integrates health promotion and population health, is provided with a discussion of its application in creating healthy communities.
Integrating Services in the Recognition and Management of Postpartum Depression
Authors: Buist Anne , Milgrom Jeannette , Morse Carol , Durkin Sarah , Rolls Colleen
Published: August 2009

Our study, completed in 1999, linking a mother-baby unit with Maternal and Child Health Nurses (MCHNs) with education, liaison and prioritised tertiary assessment and admission is presented, and issues of service delivery and satisfaction are highlighted. Two hundred and forty three women were recruited antenatally and followed to up to nine months postpartum, 133 forming the study group and 110 the control. MCHNs in the study group were offered an intensive education package, with ongoing six weekly liaison meetings. The intervention was welcomed and feedback positive. Women in the study and control group did not differ in their levels of depression throughout the study. Differences, however, in adjustment to motherhood emerged between women in well-supported affluent areas and those in under-resourced lower socioeconomic areas. MCHNs were seen by women in all areas as the key people to turn to. Those in the lower socioeconomic areas reported greater difficulties in providing a service, and women in these areas were less likely to access services external to their region. Implications for the development of further services and the linking of these supports are discussed.
The Family and Baby Program: Becoming More Accountable
Authors: Jordan Julie , Bishop Lola , Hunt Robynne
Published: August 2009

The aim of this paper is to discuss briefly Child and Youth Health's (CYH) Family and Baby Program (FAB). CYH is a statewide community health service for young South Australians funded by the State Government. The organisation has a primary health care focus and works in partnership with individuals, families and communities to enhance the health status of children and young people in South Australia, focusing on the promotion of health and the prevention of ill health. CYH has two divisions, the Child and Family Health Service (which offers health services to families of children aged 0 to 12 years) and The Second Story (which serves the health needs of young people aged 12 to 25 years). It also has a Parent Helpline, a statewide telephone information and support service for parents of both children and young people.
Community-based Early Childhood Assessment and Intervention in Rural Settings: Transdisciplinary Case Management of Developmental Delay in Children
Authors: Hawke Melanie , Byrne Joe
Published: August 2009

This paper reports on an assessment of the need for early intervention services for children aged 0-8 years in the Southern Fleurieu sub-region of South Australia and an evaluation of the efficacy of utilising a generic community health service to provide the therapeutic and case management services to appropriately address those needs. Previous studies in regional South Australia estimated the incidence of developmental delay in children to be 5% of the total population aged 0-8 years (Barossa Valley, 1997). This estimate indicated a client group of over 130 in the Southern Fleurieu sub-region. The project team adopted a transdisciplinary model for early identification and intervention, with over half the children on the program aged less than five years, indicating that the program addressed needs of children at an early age. Outcomes have demonstrated the appropriateness of using a transdisciplinary approach in a regional setting and the community health service as the auspice has shown an increase in the capacity for therapists to provide the wide variety of programs that are essential in addressing early childhood delay.
Integrating Community Capacity Building and Enhanced Primary Health Care Services
Authors: Baugh Littlejohns Lori , GermAnn Kathy , Smith Neale , Bopp Judie , Bopp Michael , Reichel Connie , Harcus Sue , Goldthorp Janet , Hoppins Yvonne
Published: August 2009

The purpose of this study was to design, test and evaluate a community capacity assessment process within a Healthy Communities Initiative (HCI) in conjunction with model development for enhanced primary health care (PHC) services in small rural communities. This paper describes the HCI planning process and community capacity assessment methods and tools, in the context of a small rural community that identified enhanced PHC as a key priority area. A PHC demonstration project was developed and a model integrating community action with the PHC team and the services they provide was created. It is the community action component of the model that we highlight in this paper in order to further knowledge development of strategies to strengthen community action. The key learnings from this study are threefold. The assessment process appears to: (a) be effective in raising awareness, stimulating dialogue, and fostering learning about community capacity (both on the part of community participants and outside professional helpers), (b) be promising in terms of helping communities take action to build capacity in targeted areas, and (c) provide a forum for integrating the HCI and the PHC project, thereby allowing equal attention to be given to primary health care service delivery and to strengthening community action.
I Care about Eye Care: Don't Say Goodbye to Your Eyes
Authors: Scherrer S. L. , e C. Wiltshir , n D. D'Agosti
Published: August 2009

Eye injury can occur at home, on the farm, or at school, either in the playground or classroom. Eye injuries might cause visual disability, blindness and even loss of the eye, thus having major implications for future schooling and quality of life. The video target group chosen were children over eight years of age, as they are increasingly able to take more responsibility for their play. The paper discusses the process from the initial idea, a request from Year 5 students, to the end product, the video for sale and distribution. The Video, I care about eye care, don't say goodbye to your eyes, is an excellent resource for anyone involved in educating children on the importance of looking after their eyes, including school health nurses and school teachers.
Getting it Together: A Rural Health Promotion Program
Authors: Callister Valerie , Geilman Julie
Published: August 2009

The Getting It Together Rural Health Promotion project was established by a group of community health providers in Gippsland, Victoria. The overall aim of Getting It Together was to extend and improve health promotion practice amongst participating organisations. This was achieved through collaboration around health promotion training and planning. Complementary strategies addressing Cardio-Vascular Disease (CVD) were developed across four Local Government Areas (LGAs). Central resourcing was provided for coordination of the project, and for marketing and network support tasks. The project was based on an integrated and coordinated health promotion model, which contained overlapping strategies combining to create a broadly based partnership of action. At the commencement of the project, health promotion workers from each LGA were provided with a three-day training course conducted by the Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology University (RMIT). Participants developed Action Plans based around the three driving strategies of community wide-strategies, targeted strategies and marketing. A special feature of Getting It Together was a common media strategy, to support and reinforce action at the local level. An overall slogan was adopted, 'Slicker Ticker - A Gippsland Healthy Heart Project'. Uniting themes included 'Stress Less Week' and 'Gippsland Get Up and Go'. Latrobe Community Health Service facilitated the project and senior managers from the partnering agencies formed a Steering Committee, which met at key intervals to monitor the project.
Preventable Hospitalisations for Diabetic Complications in Rural and Urban Victoria
Authors: Ansari M. Z. , s D. Simmon , Hart W. G. , i F. Cicuttin , Carson N. J. , A. G. Brand N. I. , Ackland M. J. , Lang D. J.
Published: August 2009

The objective of the study was to describe and explain variations in rates of hospital admissions for long-term complications of diabetes mellitus in rural and urban Victoria as an indicator of the adequacy of ambulatory care services. The Victorian Inpatient Minimum Database (VIMD), Health Insurance Commission data for 1998, Medical Labour Force Annual Survey 1998, Socioeconomic Indexes for Areas 1996 (SEIFA) and Accessibility/Remoteness Index of Australia (ARIA) were merged to determine the extent to which hospitalisation for complications of diabetes can be predicted from accessibility and utilisation of general practitioner services. The rural and urban differentials for long-term diabetic complications and their strong relationship with GP services, the degree of remoteness, lack of insurance, and Aboriginality reflect issues related to equity and access, patient and GP education, and inclination to seek care, all of which have implications for planning of primary health services in rural areas. This study describes a model for the analysis of ambulatory care sensitive conditions, and illustrates the important use of routine databases combined with other sources of information in quantifying the impact of factors related to primary care services.
"Chasing Money" and "Damaged Health": Korean Men in Australia, Part I, "Amnesty Migrants"
Authors: Han Gil-Soo , Chesters Janice
Published: August 2009

This paper is the first of two papers that explore subjective explanations for ill health among Korean migrant men in Australia. The "amnesty" and "skilled" migrants believe they have suffered from physical ill health because of their heavy involvement in manual work and the stress of migrant life. Business migrants say they enjoy better physical health because they spend considerable amounts of time on sporting activities, such as golf. However, all three groups reported experiencing mental health problems. The focus of this paper is Korean "amnesty migrants".
Infant Feeding Practices: The Case of Thai Immigrant Women in Australia
Authors: Liamputtong Pranee , Naksook Charin
Published: August 2009

This paper examines the perceptions and experiences of infant feeding among 30 Thai women in Australia. Ethnographic interviews and participant observation were used to elicit information in the study. Most Thai mothers breastfed their infants, but there were some women who chose bottlefeeding or mixfeeding. Their main reasons were the health and wellbeing of their infants as well as their own needs and illnesses. Nearly all mothers offered water after each feed in order to prevent jaundice and dehydration in their infants. Mothers who breastfed also offered early supplementary foods but continued to breastfeed past one year. The introduction of solid food was in accordance with recommendations of health care providers but some mothers commenced it earlier. The paper argues that infant feeding practices must be considered within the context of Thai culture and women's social situations. This will prevent misunderstanding and only then can health services and care be made more meaningful to the many women who want to implement best feeding practices for their children in their new homeland.
Community Health and General Practice: The Impact of Different Cultures on the Integration of Primary Care
Authors: Swerissen Hal , Macmillan Jenny , Biuso Catuscia , Tilgner Linda
Published: August 2009

This study examined the existing relationship between community health centres and General Practice Divisions in the State of Victoria, including the nature of joint working arrangements and the identification of barriers to greater collaboration. Improved integration of primary health care services has been advocated to improve consumer and population health outcomes and to reduce inappropriate use of acute and extended care services. General practitioners (GPs) and community health centres are two key providers of primary health care with potential for greater integration. The current study conducted telephone interviews with 20 community health centre CEOs and 18 Executive Officers of divisions, which were matched according to catchment boundaries. Results suggest, while some joint planning is occurring, especially on committees, working parties and projects, there is an overall low level of satisfaction with the relationship between community health centres and GPs and GP divisions. Major barriers to greater integration are the financial or business interests of GPs and misunderstanding and differences in perceived roles and ideology between GPs and community health centres. Improved communication, greater contact and referral and follow-up procedures are identified as a means of improving the relationship between GPs, GP divisions and community health centres. Community health centres and general practitioners (GPs) are key providers of primary care (Australian Community Health Association, 1990).
Nonfinite Loss and Grief as Counterparts
Authors: J. Bruce Elizabeth , L. Schultz Cynthia
Published: August 2009

The excerpts selected from the book Nonfinite Loss and Grief: A Psychoeducational Approach (Bruce & Schultz, 2001) demonstrate support for Rochlin's (1965) statement that "acceptance of loss in emotional life is probably neither a clinical fact nor a human characteristic" (p.131). Traditional assumptions are challenged and the argument advanced that loss and grief are counterparts; neither can be adequately explained in isolation from the specifics relating to the other. The book is concerned with explaining and presenting the particular and unique grief responses, which characterise nonfinite losses. It further questions an overly simplistic approach to grief and loss which fails to fully consider the implications inherent in the cumulative nature of loss in many situations, including bereavement. Finally, it emphasises the need for a critical approach to the conceptualisation of loss and the resulting application of grief theory to practice.
Negotiating Medical Dominance: The Social Construction of the Care Coordinator within the Tasmanian Coordinated Care Trials
Authors: Kitto Simon
Published: August 2009

State and corporate induced changes to health care systems are occurring globally. These changes are altering the environment, which previously supported the medical profession's dominance over all health matters. Health care occupations, in conjunction with systemic health care changes, also threaten the autonomy of general practitioners through new opportunistic attempts to expand their occupational territory. Using a symbolic interactionist approach in tandem with Bucher's natural history framework to trace the emergence of an occupation, this paper analyses the social processes involved in the construction of the care coordinator occupation within the context of the Coordinated Care Trial in Tasmania. An analysis of both the occupational encroachment and defensive strategies employed by government health agencies, general practitioners, nurses, and pharmacists during the construction of the position description of the care coordinator is undertaken. Specifically, the focus of this paper is on how the general practitioners acted to retain their preeminent position within the health care system when facing a dual challenge from above (the state) and below (nursing, pharmacy).
A Qualitative Investigation into the Use of Health Services among Melbourne Chinese
Authors: H-H. Hsu-Hage Bridget , Tang K. C. , Jie Li Rebecca , Lin Vivian , Chow Tony , Thien Frank
Published: August 2009

Understanding health service utilisation by community groups can be used to enhance cost-effective service delivery planning. In an inquiry into general health needs, and experiences with health service utilisation by Chinese living in Melbourne, we conducted a series of focus group discussions to explore community health-seeking behaviour. Seven focus groups were drawn from community groups and bilingual health workers in the period September-October 1999. Discussions were carried out in dialect familiar to the participants, facilitated by trained multilingual researchers, tape recorded and transcribed in Chinese and then translated into English. Cross validation was carried out by an independent researcher. Themes that emerged from these discussions included common pathways to care seeking, barriers to the use of health care services, general health concerns, and perceived validity of health information sources. Participants opt for self care when feeling unwell if the condition is perceived as ?not severe?. Use of over-the-counter medication is usually the first course of action. There is a tendency to ?wait and see? when feeling unwell. The use of Traditional Chinese Medicine Practitioners (TCMP) is common, while continuing to see Orthodox Western Medicine practitioners. There are, however, common concerns about the quality of care provided by TCM practitioners and their qualifications. Language, transport, and cost are among other barriers that undermine the use of health care services. Participants reported diabetes, heart disease risk factors, peptic ulcer, hay fever and asthma, poor vision, dental problems, social isolation, and gambling among the most common health concerns. Participants accepted health information from a wide range of sources and placed greater trust in material disseminated by SBS Chinese Radio Programs and the Chinese Health Foundation; an established community organisation run by voluntary health professionals. In conclusion, the study confirmed a number of patterns by which the Chinese community sought and utilised health services and associated factors.
Carnarvon Partysafe: Designing a Community Mobilisation Project in Western Australia's Remote North West
Authors: Cooper Martin , Midford Richard , Anne Jaegar Julie-
Published: August 2009

Recent studies are increasingly shifting away from viewing drug and alcohol problems as individual medical disorders and recognising the significant role of environmental and community factors. In keeping with this, the Partysafe project, being implemented in the remote North West town of Carnarvon in Western Australia (WA), is utilising a community mobilisation approach to reducing harm associated with alcohol consumption in private residences. Carnarvon, like most rural communities in WA, has a higher rate of alcohol consumption than in the metropolitan region, hence its selection as the target site. An additional reason for selecting a remote town was the belief that national and state level prevention strategies cannot always be successfully implemented due to a region?s unique social and environmental influences. This paper discusses the community mobilisation methodology, giving a practical insight into the specific interventions and evaluation techniques developed for the Partysafe project. The process of identifying community-based alcohol issues and the problems associated with implementation and evaluation are illustrated. A combination of archival quantitative data and community based qualitative data will be used to assess the project?s success. Collection and use of this data is also practically depicted.
A HIV/AIDS Prevention Program for Married Women in Rural Northern Thailand
Authors: Tripiboon Dinlaga
Published: August 2009

HIV/ AIDS transmission is a major threat to married women around the world and especially in developing areas such as rural northern Thailand. Heterosexual transmission is the dominant route by which this disease is acquired. Married women routinely have unprotected sex with their husbands and have limited ability to change this behaviour to protect themselves. Specific intervention is needed to enable married women to take action to protect themselves from HIV/AIDS. The study aims to develop, conduct and evaluate the effectiveness of an HIV/AIDS prevention and intervention program in rural northern Thailand. It used a community development model to enable married women to improve their internal factors of self-efficacy, self-esteem and hope and to increase their behavioural skills for negotiation of safe sex practices and condom use with their husbands. The method was used in which eight villages were randomly assigned to either treatment or control conditions, with the village as the unit of randomisation. The intervention program was delivered by health volunteers and trained as agents of change to motivate and mobilise married women in the program. The intervention was implemented through community mobilisation and a grass roots community-based initiative. Pretest and post-test questionnaires were administered to assess internal factors and behaviour skills among 607 married women aged between 18-49 who were living in the villages participating in the study. The results of the intervention program showed enhanced internal factors among the married women. Most importantly, the number of married women demonstrating ability in negotiation skills increased from 33% to 92%, and the percentage of couples using condoms more frequently increased from 24% to 59%. In conclusion, the trial demonstrated that HIV/AIDS prevention intervention increases married women?s ability to protect themselves against HIV infection. This inexpensive education and skills building package to help the prevention level of HIV/AIDS could be widely implemented throughout Thailand and in other developing countries, which have similar social structures
Editorial
Authors: Swerissen Hal
Published: August 2009

In Australia, policy for primary health and community care has been developed through a range of Commonwealth and State initiatives. Many of these overlap and the boundaries are not always distinct.
Implications of Hospital Deinstitutionalisation for Primary Health and Community Support Services
Authors: Swerissen Hal
Published: August 2009

Interest in expanding and reforming the role of primary health and community support services is increasing. In part this reflects the steadily building evidence that stronger primary health care services lead to better health outcomes. But probably more importantly substitution, prevention and diversion through primary health and community support are seen as a way of reducing the pressure and costs of expensive secondary and tertiary services in hospitals and residential institutions. There is considerable interest in limiting growth in demand and expenditure for hospital and residential care services.
Primary Health and The Problem with Men?
Authors: Hayes Rick
Published: August 2009

It would be a brave health promotion coordinator who would suggest to Primary Care Partnership health promotion sub-committee members that just providing "information" to "people who are problems" is a "best-practice" approach (Legge et aI., 1996). One, and only one, of the many reasons for the change has been the creation and dissemination of the Men's Health Promotion Strategic Framework (Hayes, 1999). This framework was developed through a project funded by the Victorian Health Promotion Foundation and commissioned by the North East Health Promotion Centre (NEHPC), Melbourne.
Access to Bulk-Billing General Practitioners in Tasmania
Authors: Madden Kelly
Published: August 2009

Access to basic health care services is one of the fundamental rights enshrined in the United Nations Declaration on Human Rights. Imposition of fees for service restricts access to care, particularly for people on low incomes. In recent years there has been a slight national decline in bulk-billing by general practitioners that has been more pronounced in Tasmania. Evidence from Tasmania suggests significant numbers of general practitioners in some areas of the state are charging gap fees to Health Care and Pension Concession Cardholders. Local qualitative and quantitative data indicate that low-income earners are delaying or avoiding seeking health care because they are unable to afford the cost.