bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Investigation of a cluster of Staphylococcus aureus invasive infection in the Top End of the Northern Territory
Authors: Skull S. A. , Krause V. , Coombs G. , Pearman J. W. , Roberts L. A.
Published: March 2008

Introduction: Staphylococcus aureus invasive infection remains a serious condition associated with considerable morbidity and mortality. Following notification of five cases at Royal Darwin Hospital (RDH), we searched for related cases, determined their epidemiological characteristics and attempted to identify the source of this apparent cluster.

Methods: We reviewed RDH microbiology records between June 1996 and April 1997 for S. aureus isolates with similar antibiograms to notified cases. We used antibiotic resistance patterns, bacteriophage typing and two molecular typing techniques to subtype implicated isolates. Hospital records were reviewed for admission details and associated costs were estimated.

Results: Fifty‐four cluster‐related isolates occurred in 47 separate presentations. The peak incidence was in the wet season. The most important risk factor for staphylococcal invasive infection was the presence of skin sores/scabies in 17/54 cases (31%), followed by intravascular line use in 14/54 (26%), open trauma in 11/54 (20%), underlying end stage renal failure and alcoholism each in ten of 54 (18%). The mean admission length was 30 days and antibiotics were given for an average of 23 days. Death due to S. aureus infection occurred in eight of 47 (17%) presentations. S. aureus pneumonia was community acquired in 12/13 patients (92%) and six of 13 (46%) died. Ten of 13 (80%) pneumonia patients had at least one other focus of S. aureus infection. The cost of antibiotics and hospital bed per presentation was approximately $16,000. Presentations with skin sores/scabies cost considerably more ($31,000). No common epidemiologic features were found for community or hospital acquired cases.

Conclusion: Considerable mortality and cost was attributable to cases of S. aureus invasive infection during this cluster; particularly those with community acquired pneumonia or skin sores/scabies. Staphylococcal antibiotic cover should be considered early for unwell patients presenting to hospital with pneumonia and other signs of potential S. aureus infection. It is appropriate to target public health efforts to prevent skin sores and to provide adequate treatment when they occur.
A comparison of the plasma disappearance of iohexol and 99m Tc‐DTPA for the measurement of glomerular filtration rate (GFR) in diabetes
Authors: Houlihan C. , Jenkins M. , Osicka T. , Scott A. , Parkin D. , Jerums G.
Published: March 2008

Background: Changes in glomerular filtration rate (GFR) provide a valuable indicator of the progression of diabetic nephropathy. GFR is most commonly measured by the plasma clearance of radioisotopes, however, use of iohexol, a non‐ionic radiocontrast medium, is a recently described alternative and has shown good agreement with inulin clearance. A one‐compartment model is used for calculating GFR in most Australian centres but a two‐compartment model is more accurate.

Aims: To set up a non‐radioisotopic method for assessment of GFR using iohexol, and to compare this with the currently used 99mTc‐diethylene‐triamine‐penta‐acetic acid (DTPA) method. Secondly, to compare GFR results using an unmodified one‐compartment model with a one‐compartment model subjected to the Brochner‐Mortensen modification.

Methods: Twenty‐one patients with diabetes had assessment of GFR with simultaneous measurements of 99mTc‐DTPA and iohexol plasma clearance. Plasma clearance was determined by the slope intercept method and then modified according to the Brochner‐Mortensen equation. Plasma iohexol concentrations were determined by capillary electrophoresis.

Results: There was no significant difference between iohexol and 99mTc‐DTPA derived GFR values, difference 4.3±7.7 mL/minute (mean±SD). This was despite 99mTc‐DTPA protein binding demonstrated in the range of 5–10%. Comparison of GFR results using an unmodified one‐compartment model with a Brochner‐Mortensen corrected one‐compartment model showed higher GFR values with the former, in the range of 20–30% for GFR values > 100 mL/minute.

Conclusion: Iohexol provides an efficient alternative to radioisotopic methods for serial measurement of GFR in diabetic patients with hyperfiltration, incipient and overt nephropathy. A one‐compartment model with its inherent overestimation of GFR should be replaced by the Brochner‐Mortensen modified one‐compartment model.
Proximal shift of colorectal cancer in the Australian Capital Territory over 20 years
Authors: Miller A. , Gorska M. , Bassett M.
Published: March 2008

Background: Several studies in other countries have demonstrated a change in subsite distribution of colorectal cancer, with increasing proximal cancers. Confirmation of such a change in Australia would have implications for screening and diagnosis of colorectal cancer.

Aims: To determine whether there has been an increase in the proportion of proximal colorectal cancers in Australia, and whether there have been changes in other clinical and pathological aspects of colorectal cancer.

Methods: A study of the hospital files of patients with colorectal cancer diagnosed and treated at all hospitals in the Australian Capital Territory (ACT) between 1989 and 1995 was compared with data from a published study of patients diagnosed between 1969 and 1976.

Results: There was a proximal shift of cancers with a significant increase in the proportion of tumours in the hepatic flexure, ascending colon and caecum, more marked for females than males. There was a corresponding reduction in distal colorectal cancers. Time from onset of symptoms to diagnosis decreased, risk factors for colorectal cancer were noted more frequently, and endoscopy replaced barium enema X‐ray as the main diagnostic modality. The resectability of cancers increased, stay in hospital and 30 day mortality declined. Despite apparent earlier presentation and improved surgical resectability, the proportion of patients with localised disease (Dukes' stage A and B) had not changed significantly.

Conclusions: We have detected a number of changes in clinical and pathological aspects of colorectal cancer over a 20 year period in the ACT, including a proximal shift in the subsite distribution of colorectal cancer. These changes suggest that proximal and distal colorectal cancers may have a different aetio‐pathogenesis, and have implications for the investigation of patients with suspected colorectal cancer and in screening high‐risk groups.
Management of Graves' disease in Australia
Authors: Walsh J. P.
Published: March 2008

Background: Surveys of physicians in Europe, the USA and elsewhere have shown marked international differences in the management of Graves' disease. There are no comparable data on clinical practice in Australia.

Aims: To examine the current management of Graves' disease by Australian endocrinologists, particularly controversial aspects of management.

Methods: A questionnaire, modified from previous studies, was sent to members of the Endocrine Society of Australia, asking how they would manage a 43‐year‐old female with a first episode of Graves' disease. Eight variations on this index case (goitre size, age, sex, severity, recurrent disease) were then introduced. A novel ninth variation, recurrent Graves' disease accompanied by moderate ophthalmopathy, was added.

Results: Responses from 130 endocrinologists who regularly managed Graves' disease in adults were analysed. For the index case, medical treatment with antithyroid drugs was recommended by 81% of respondents and radioiodine by 19%. Most respondents also recommended medical treatment for a patient aged 19 years, a patient with a large goitre, no goitre or severe hyperthyroidism. For an older patient aged 71 years, however, 57% of endocrinologists recommended radioiodine, and the remainder medical treatment. For recurrent Graves' disease after previous medical treatment, 76% of respondents recommended radioiodine, 22% medical treatment and 2% surgery. By contrast, for an identical case accompanied by moderate ophthalmopathy, 54% recommended medical treatment, 27% surgery and only 19% radioiodine.

Conclusions: Most endocrinologists in Australia recommend medical treatment for a first episode of Graves' disease. Radioiodine is used mainly in older patients and for recurrent disease. In the presence of significant ophthalmopathy, most endocrinologists avoid the use of radioiodine.
Fasting plasma glucose in non‐diabetic elderly women predicts increased all‐causes mortality and coronary heart disease risk
Authors: Simons L. A. , Friedlander Y. , McCallum J. , Simons J.
Published: March 2008

Aim: To confirm the hypothesis that upper normal plasma glucose levels in non‐diabetic subjects are independently predictive of mortality and cardiovascular disease (CVD).

Methods: ’The study reports on 113 months’ follow‐up in a prospective study of CVD in the Australian elderly, The Dubbo Study. The cohort, first examined in 1988–89, consisted of 2805 men and women 60 years and older. Of the cohort, 2419 (86%) were defined as non‐diabetic. The prediction of outcomes by quartile of fasting plasma glucose was examined in a Cox proportional hazards model, after linkage to hospital and death records.

Results: All‐causes mortality increased progressively across quartile of fasting plasma glucose in both sexes, reaching statistical significance only in women. Coronary heart disease (CHD) incidence increased similarly, the increases being proportionately greater in women. Ischaemic stroke did not show a consistent gradient with fasting plasma glucose. After adjustment for age and other risk factors, all‐causes mortality, CHD and ischaemic stroke incidence were not significantly related to plasma glucose in men. In women, all‐causes mortality and CHD incidence showed a significant gradient with glucose quartile. Hazard Ratio (95% confidence intervals) for death in glucose Quartile IV (5.3–6.0 mmol/L) was 1.49 (1.03–2.14) and for CHD incidence was 1.52 (1.08–2.15). Subjects in the upper quartiles of fasting plasma glucose showed a clustering of overweight, hypertension, elevated serum triglycerides, reduced high density lipoprotein cholesterol and excess of small dense low density lipoprotein, suggestive of the Insulin Resistance Syndrome.

Conclusion: Fasting plasma glucose levels in the upper normal range in non‐diabetic elderly subjects appear to be associated with increased all‐causes mortality and CHD, especially in women.
Treatment of Chinese acromegaly with a combination of bromocriptine and octreotide
Authors: Li J. K. Y. , Chow C. C. , Yeung V. T. F. , Mak T. W. L. , Ko G. T. C. , Swaminathan R. , Chan J. C. N. , Cockram C. S.
Published: March 2008

Background: Good results have been reported with combined use of octreotide and bromocriptine in acromegalic Caucasians. Data concerning the efficacy and tolerability of this combination treatment in Chinese acromegalic patients are scanty.

Aim: The aim of this study was to assess the efficacy and tolerability of combined therapy using bromocriptine and octreotide in the treatment of acromegaly in Chinese patients and to compare the cost‐effectiveness of various regimes.

Methods: Sixteen Chinese acromegalic patients with growth hormone (GH) concentration not suppressible to below 5 mU/L (2 μg/L) during an extended OGTT were recruited to undergo four phases of the study. During the study period, the patients were given bromocriptine alone, bromocriptine and low dose octreotide, bromocriptine and medium dose octreotide, and medium dose octreotide alone. Plasma concentrations of GH and insulin‐like growth factor‐1 (IGF‐1) were measured before and after the completion of each phase.

Results: The number of patients reaching target GH concentrations was significantly higher when treated with octreotide compared to baseline (p<0.05). Bromocriptine alone had a significant effect but not to the extent of octreotide alone. A combination of low dose octreotide and bromocriptine is as efficacious in the treatment of acromegaly as high dose octreotide. None of the patients suffered from serious adverse effects.

Conclusion: The results confirmed the usefulness and tolerability of bromocriptine and octreotide in Chinese acromegalics. The most cost‐effective regime in this study was a combination of low dose octreotide and bromocriptine.
A prospective study of atropine premedication in flexible bronchoscopy
Authors: Hewer R. D. , Jones P. M. , Thomas P. S. , Mckenzie D. K.
Published: March 2008

Aim: This study aimed to assess the effect of atropine premedication prior to flexible bronchoscopy. The rationale for using atropine is that it will dry secretions and allow a better view of the bronchial tree. There is also the theoretical benefit of protection against vasovagal episodes and bronchospasm.

Methods: Twenty patients were randomised in a double‐blind manner to receive either 500 meg of atropine intramuscularly or 1 mL of 0.9% saline intramuscularly 30 minutes prior to bronchoscopy. Both groups received a standard dose of intramuscular pethidine. Variables studied included a pre‐procedure electrocardiograph, a rhythm strip during the procedure, serial measurements of blood pressure, continuous pulse oximetry, and spirometry pre‐ and post‐bronchoscopy. Subjective measures recorded were a secretion score, rated 0–3 by the bronchoscopist using a four point visual analogue scale. A patient questionnaire was designed to establish the presence or absence of symptoms, including those related to atropine.

Results: There were no significant differences recorded in the duration of procedure, percentage fall in FEV1, secretion scores, or other physiological measures. The only significant difference between the two groups was dry mouth in the atropine group (p<0.001). There was a fall in forced vital capacity from baseline which was significant in the saline group (p<0.005), and not the atropine group, but it was not significant when compared between groups. A ß2 adrenergic agonist would, however, be more appropriate to prevent such a fall in spirometry.

Conclusions: These results fail to demonstrate a benefit of intramuscular atropine as premedication for fibreoptic bronchoscopy.
Use of a peripherally implanted subcutaneous permanent central venous access device for chemotherapy – the Singapore General Hospital experience
Authors: Ang P. , Chia K. H. , Teoh M. K. , Wong K. K. Y.
Published: March 2008

Background: Venous access for chemotherapy patients at the Singapore General Hospital has conventionally been via an externalised (Hickman) catheter. A peripherally implanted permanent subcutaneous central venous access device (P.A.S.Port) was introduced in 1996.

Aims: We review its use, complications and cost competitiveness with other chemotherapy delivery systems.

Methods: A retrospective study of clinical records was conducted with follow up interviews of patients and nursing staff.

Results: Twelve patients had the P.A.S.Port inserted for administration of chemotherapy as an outpatient procedure. Immediate complications were pain (8%) and bruising (8%). One port‐related infection (8%) one week following insertion was reported and one patient complained of interference with elbow movement as a late complication. Cost analysis was favourable for P.A.S.Port over an externalised Hickman catheter or chest‐placed port at one year. Patient and nursing staff acceptance was high.

Conclusion: P.A.S.Port insertion is a safe outpatient procedure and is an alternative for permanent venous access.
Phaeochromocytomas discovered during coronial autopsies in Sydney, Melbourne and Auckland
Authors: McNeil A. R. , Blok B. H. , Koelmeyer T. D. , Burke M. P. , Hilton J. M.
Published: March 2008

Background: The diagnosis of phaeochromocytoma can be difficult and previous autopsy studies have found that many of these tumours are not recognised during life.

Aim: To determine the incidence of phaeochromocytoma during coronial autopsies and the characteristics of the individuals concerned.

Method: Review of coronial autopsy records from Auckland (1981–97), Melbourne (1991–97) and Sydney (1991–97).

Results: Twenty‐two patients were found giving an incidence of 0.05% (one tumour per 2031 autopsies) with similar figures in each centre. Thirteen of the patients were men, 12 were overweight (body mass index >25 kg/m2) and three of the seven Auckland patients were Maori. Fourteen of the tumours were left‐sided, one was extra‐adrenal and none had metastasised. The one patient with bilateral tumours had multiple endocrine neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN‐2) which had not been recognised during life. The heart weight was increased in 95% of the patients. The tumour may have contributed to the patient's death in up to 50% of the cases, although the true significance of these lesions as a cause of death remains unclear. Three patients died soon after general anaesthetics had been given for unrelated reasons.

Conclusions: Even though phaeochromocytomas are uncommon, we fail to diagnose a significant number of these tumours during life. Methods are needed to increase the detection of phaeochromocytoma and to distinguish functional and non‐functional tumours.
A serological re‐evaluation of acute non‐A non‐B hepatitis from the early 1970s
Authors: Binotto E. , Boughton C. R. , Vollmer‐Conna U. , Hawkes R. , Robertson P. , Whybin R. , Duffy Y. , Lloyd A. R.
Published: March 2008

Background: The epidemiology and natural history of recently discovered viruses, which may be responsible for cases of seronegative infectious hepatitis, are currently being investigated. Retrospective studies of stored sera can provide a historical perspective of these infections.

Aims: To re‐evaluate the serological, demographic and clinical characteristics of patients hospitalised in the early 1970s with acute hepatitis.

Methods: The stored sera of 57 patients hospitalised between 1971 and 1974 with acute hepatitis, designated at that time as non‐A non‐B (NANB) hepatitis, were re‐tested using commercially available enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assays (ELISAs) for the presence of anti‐hepatitis A virus (HAV) IgM, hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg), anti‐hepatitis C virus (HCV) IgG, and anti‐hepatitis E virus (HEV) IgG. Stored sera from a group of 57 patients concurrently hospitalised for other conditions were also tested. Detailed records of the original epidemiological interviews were examined to compare patient demographics, risk factors for infectious hepatitis and clinical data for the NANB hepatitis group and an original control group of 604 hospitalised patients.

Results: Serum from 15 of the 57 (26%) previously designated NANB hepatitis cases had elevated anti‐HAV IgM and are likely to represent missed cases of hepatitis A. Thirteen (23%) of cases previously designated as NANB hepatitis had positive hepatitis C antibody tests. These patients were younger and significantly more likely to have used intravenous drugs than control patients. Three NANB hepatitis and two hospital control patients were anti‐HEV IgG antibody positive. All of these individuals were born in, or had travelled to, developing countries. Serum from 27 (47%) of the NANB hepatitis patients were negative on all tests. These hepatitis non‐A‐E cases included children and elderly adults, but as a group were significantly more likely to have used intravenous drugs than hospitalised control patients.
Overriding the co‐limiting import of carbon and energy into tuber amyloplasts increases the starch content and yield of transgenic potato plants
Authors: Zhang Lizhi , Häusler Rainer E. , Greiten Christian , Hajirezaei Mohammad‐Reza , Haferkamp Ilka , Neuhaus H. Ekkehard , Flügge Ulf‐Ingo , Ludewig Frank
Published: March 2008

Transgenic potato (Solanum tuberosum) plants simultaneously over‐expressing a pea (Pisum sativum) glucose‐6‐phosphate/phosphate translocator (GPT) and anArabidopsis thalianaadenylate translocator (NTT1) in tubers were generated. Double transformants exhibited an enhanced tuber yield of up to 19%, concomitant with an additional increased starch content of up to 28%, compared with control plants. The total starch content produced in tubers per plant was calculated to be increased by up to 44% in double transformants relative to the wild‐type. Single over‐expression of either gene had no effect on tuber starch content or tuber yield, suggesting that starch formation within amyloplasts is co‐limited by the import of energy and the supply of carbon skeletons. As total adenosine diphosphate‐glucose pyrophosphorylase and starch synthase activities remained unchanged in double transformants relative to the wild‐type, they cannot account for the increased starch content found in tubers of double transformants. Rather, an optimized supply of amyloplasts with adenosine triphosphate and glucose‐6‐phosphate seems to favour increased starch synthesis, resulting in plants with increased starch content and yield of tubers.
A NOTE ON OPTIMUM STRATIFICATION IN SAMPLING WITH VARYING PROBABILITIES1
Authors: Singh Ravindra
Published: March 2008

Singh and Sukhatme [4] have considered the problem of optimum stratification on an auxiliary variable x when the units from the different strata are selected with probability proportional to the value of the auxiliary variable and the sample sizes for the different strata are determined by using Neyman allocation method. The present paper considers the same problem for the proportional and equal allocation methods. The rules for finding approximately optimum strata boundaries for these two allocation methods have been given. An investigation into the relative efficiency of these allocation methods with respect to the Neyman allocation has also been made. The performance of equal allocation is found to be better than that of proportional allocation and practically equivalent to the Neyman allocation.
THE PREDICTION OF INDOOR HEAT DISCOMFORT
Authors: Marshall Ann
Published: March 2008

In recent years there has been a tendency for an ‘international’ style of architecture to come into existence. —Address at the opening of the Australian Architectural Convention. 1963.
THE MONEY THAT GROWS ON TREES
Authors: BROOKFIELD H. C.
Published: March 2008

From a paean of praise to the innovator:

When you first brought these trees and told us we should grow them, we scoffed at you and said ‘We have plenty of trees already; what use are these new ones?’ But now we see we were wrong: money grows on those trees.

On the indivisibility of systems:

No one part of the model‐system is more important than any other part. We may consider each model as a vital link in a communications system. We may identify feedback effects. Every change in technology or change in aspiration levels will lead to a re‐appraisal of the environment. Every movement of knowledge over space will need to be checked against environment and environment itself will change as a result of the decisions made. Changes in social structure may lead to changes in organizational behaviour and so on.
POLYNESIAN POPULATIONS: REVIEW
Authors: Pirie Peter
Published: March 2008

Island Populations of the Pacific, by Norma McArthur
MAPPING AUSTRALIAN SOLS: REVIEW
Authors: Ollier C.D.
Published: March 2008

The Atlas of Australian Soils.
Time and human geography
Authors: WALMSLEY D. J.
Published: March 2008

A review and discussion of Tommy Carlstein, Don Parkes and Nigel Thrift (eds). Making Sense of Time (Arnold, 1978, $29.80), Human Activity and Time Geography (Arnold, 1978, $52.40), and Time and Regional Dynamics (Arnold, 1978, S29 80).
Human thermal climates of Australia
Authors: AULICIEMS ANDRIS , KALMA JETSE D.
Published: March 2008

Apart from early studies by Griffith Taylor, very little work has been carried out to describe the variety of thermal environments experienced by man in Australia. Previous studies are reviewed and new models are developed to quantify energy exchanges at specific times of the year within a continuum of possible responses to maintain homeothermy. Maps are presented of cold and heat stress to naked man, of work rates to achieve neutrality, and of clothing insulation requirements. Estimates are also made of primary energy inputs necessary to reach comfortable indoor temperatures by space heating and cooling within standard housing. It is further suggested that the success of settlement is associated with the relevance of human responses to the thermal environment.
The garden city idea in Australia
Authors: FREESTONE ROBERT
Published: March 2008

Ebenezer Howard's Garden City idea occupies an important place in the history of British planning, and in various guises it made a significant international impact. A preliminary exploration of the history of the idea in Australia is attempted, focussing on its meaning as a schema for social reform and on its impact on the landscape. The first two ‘phases’ saw the rise of ‘garden city principles’ to describe a model house and garden suburbia which was to redeem urban Australia. In the 1920s these ‘town planning principles’ were used mainly to sell land, but in a fourth phase beginning in the early 1930s they were refined into neighbourhood planning ideas, combining with previously neglected concepts of the satellite town and green belt to approach more closely the original vision of a garden city. This reformist text emerged as town planning was finally accorded professional respectability; however, with the ambiguous exception of Canberra, the promise of neither has been realized.
Capital accumulation and regional economic performance: the Australian experience
Authors: STILWELL F. J. B.
Published: March 2008

The accumulation of capital is the driving force of the capitalist economy. Various conditions are necessary for accumulation to proceed and each has important spatial aspects. The paper demonstrates that an analysis of these aspects provides a potentially useful framework for understanding the relationship between regional development and economic growth, with particular reference to the Australian experience. Moreover, it is shown that spatial restructuring plays an important role during periods of economic recession in re‐establishing the conditions for further growth. This analysis also illuminates some of the limitations of more conventional regional growth theories and debates on convergence versus divergence in regional economic performance.
Spatial organisation and local unemployment rates in Metropolitan Adelaide: significant issue or spatial fetish?
Authors: FORSTER CLIVE
Published: March 2008

This paper examines variations in local unemployment rates within metropolitan Adelaide and relates them to patterns of residential segregation, selection and allocation processes in rental housing and variations in accessibility to job opportunities. Adult male unemployment rates are highest in the inner and older suburbs characterised by areas of cheap privately‐rented accommodation. Adult female and junior unemployment rates are generally highest in outer suburbs with high percentages of dwellings rented from the South Australian Housing Trust, and remote from job opportunities. Implications for housing, metropolitan planning and transport policies are considered. Although in the absence of an overall increase in the demand for labour such policies may be regarded as merely ameliorative, they are still worth pursuing if the opportunities to do so arise.
Postgraduate education and thesis writing in Australian geography: a critique
Authors: WADLEY DAVID
Published: March 2008

This paper argues that the present structuring of postgraduate degrees in Australian geography is a recent phenomenon and could be altered. A case is made for more coursework and alternative forms of submission of research findings. The current dissemination of thesis information is criticised and a call made for better management to benefit readers and geography as a whole. The possibility is canvassed of a wider role for postgraduates in advancing human geography.
The Second Ash Wednesday: 16 February 1983
Authors: BARDSLEY K. L. , FRASER A. S. , HEATHCOTE R. L.
Published: March 2008

A brief factual account of the events associated with bushfires in Australia on 16 February 1983 is provided. General information on the setting for the fires and their immediate impacts on South Australia and Victoria is followed by brief accounts of the major fire areas in South Australia. Finally some questions are raised on the vulnerability of the Australian community to bushfire disasters.
Telephone traffic dispersion and nodal regionalisation in the Australian states
Authors: HOLMES J. H.
Published: March 2008

Telephone traffic is shown to be a reliable indicator of functional ties, with morning peak calls concentratedalong hierarchical pathways andevening peak calls more sensitive to population and distance. Traffic dispersion incident to each centre is systematically related to the size of the centre and to the size and spacing of interacting centres. Metropolitan orientation has a powerful effect on traffic dispersion in all situations and, in the more centralised states, negates the relationship between centre size and dispersion and converts the customary distance‐decay cones into an elevated surface of strong metropolitan orientation, broken by inverted cones around a few regional centres. Middle‐order nodal regions are delineated and intra‐regional flows analysed using primary linkage and standardised scores. Three distinctive systems of regional‐ordering are described, namely metropolitan‐dominated, provincial‐city dominated and multi‐ordered.
The regional consequences of a dualistic industrial structure: the case of Australia
Authors: TAYLOR M. J. , THRIFT N. J.
Published: March 2008

This article is a preliminary attempt to consider the spatial consequences of business organisation segmentation in the Australian economy. The first section outlines a framework that can be employed in an analysis of business organisation segmentation. The second section applies this framework in the context of the Australian economy. This section is in three parts. First, it is shown that conventional sectoral data can be used to approximate business organisation segmentation. Second, the labour market consequences of this empirical exercise are documented. Finally, the spatial consequences of the exercise are shown by way of a series of maps.
Australian local government in the 1970s
Authors: WALMSLEY D. J.
Published: March 2008

Australian local government was the subject of a great deal of debate in the 1970s as attention focused on geographical boundaries, legal and constitutional jurisdiction, and financial imbalance. Little came of moves to reform boundaries or to alter the scope of activities. More success was achieved in applying the principle of fiscal equalisation to local government's parlous financial situation. Stability and resistance to change are however the overwhelming characteristics of Australian local government. The paper surveys the scope and function of local government in the 1970s. The recently developed radical critique of the local state is found to have little relevance to Australian local government because of the small and fragmented scale of local government social policy.
Potential impacts of sand and gravel extraction on the Hunter River, New South Wales
Authors: ERSKINE WAYNE D. , GEARY P.M. , OUTHET D.N.
Published: March 2008

A number of investigations have been undertaken by the New South Wales Water Resources Commission to determine the regional and compound effects of large scale extractive industries on the stability of the Hunter River, New South Wales. Sedimentologic studies of bed material suggest that the Hunter River upstream of Denman has an armoured gravel bed that is immobile during regulated releases from Glenbawn Dam but is disrupted by moderate but less than bankfull flows. Annual bedloadyields have been computed by the bedload rating‐flow duration technique for five river gauging stations. Approximate sand and gravel budgets for selected reaches of the Hunter River demonstrate that the present annual extraction rate from temporary sediment storages within the channel greatly exceeds the transport rate upstream of Denman and is approximately equal to the transport rate downstream of Denman. River degradation is imminent if extractive industries continue operating in the channel of the Hunter River
Rhythms in urban pathological events: some spatial patterns
Authors: TRANTER PAUL
Published: March 2008

Geographical research has demonstrated that there is a marked spatial variability in the ‘incidence’ of many types of pathological events—disruptive events which are unwanted by society. This article extends the scope of this research through the analysis of spatial variability in the characteristics of rhythms in pathological events—‘pathology rhythms’. The approach adopted here is to examine the impact of increasing distance from the Central Business District (CBD)‐a major source of timing—on the shape of twenty‐four hour pathology rhythms in Newcastle, New South Wales. This is achieved by analysing rhythms for selected types of pathological events, in four zones around the CBD. The results suggest that spatial variability in the shape of pathology rhythms does exist.
A Taxonometric Analysis of Landform–Soil Particle Size Relationships in the Catchment of Linthorpe Creek, Darling Downs Southeast Queensland
Authors: EAST JON
Published: March 2008

Cluster analysis of randomly sampled soil materials on the basis of their detailed particle size properties shows that the materials form statistical clusterings–called here ‘textural groups’. Soil materials comprising the textural groups are also clustered spatially, and are hence mappable. Textural groups with geomorphic significance are recognizable at two hierarchical levels in the Q‐mode cluster dendrograms, and indicate that the spatial variability of soil particle size can be envisaged as existing at two levels of scale. All textural groups demonstrate a consistent relationship to five landform types of crests, hillslopes, pediments, flood plain and infilled channels. At the higher hierarchical level, two major groups divide valley‐side slopes at the pediment head into two topographically and genetically distinct zones–one of crests and hillslopes, and the other occupying pediments and flood plain system. At the lower hierarchical level, soil materials from crests, hillslopes and infilled channels form largely separate groups, while the pediment and flood plain deposits combine to form a further group. Boundaries between groups at both higher and lower hierarchical levels represent major and minor discontinuities respectively in the downslope variation in soil particle size properties.
Hydrological Characteristics and Classification of Tasmanian Rivers
Authors: HUGHES JOCELYNE M. R.
Published: March 2008

Annual flow records, monthly flow records, peak and low flow records were used to derive an objective hydrological regionalization for 77 Tasmanian rivers. Twelve hydrological indices were determined, and the 12 × 77 matrix was analysed using principal coordinates analysis and complete linkage cluster analysis. Four groups were determined for Tasmania, with the south‐east region of the island exhibiting hydrological regimes similar to those of the drier areas of mainland Australia. The wettest areas, in the south and west, have regimes with no analogue elsewhere within mainland Australia. Significant least‐squares relationships between the variables enables catchment area, mean annual runoff and coefficient of variation of annual flows to be used to extrapolate other hydrological indices.
The Influence of Headland Alignment on the Plan Shape of Modelled Zeta‐Form Beaches
Authors: EPPS W. R.
Published: March 2008

The east coast of Australia includes many beaches exhibiting a zeta‐form or log spiral curve when viewed in plan. It has already been established that there is a relationship between the orientation of such beaches and their curvature. This paper extends understanding by examining the relationship of the upswell headland and the curvature of model beaches. A wave tank model simulates the variation in beach orientation relative to wave approach direction and examines the response in beach curvature to changes in headland alignment.
‘Trouble in Paradise“: The perception of New Caledonia in the Australian Press
Authors: CONNELL JOHN
Published: March 2008

Australian perceptions of the South Pacific are largely shaped by promotional tourist reports. Australian press coverage of violent conflict in New Caledonia erupting late in 1984, during the Kanak struggle for independence, produced a very different image of one part of the region. The Australian media coverage focused on violent events, used evocative language and dramatic headlines and stressed the threat that violence posed for Australian tourism. In subsequent months tourist numbers slumped and never regained earlier peak levels while press coverage dwindled as violent events became fewer. In New Caledonia the conservative press argued that biased Australian media coverage had encouraged local economic collapse to enable Australia to exert greater hegemony in the region and that the nationalist movement was merely a socialist or terrorist minority and that nationalist sentiments were stirred up by overseas media interest. Inevitable media distortion, through oversimplification in a complex socio‐economic context and the lack of continuous coverage, did contribute to a biased perception, whose legacy remained beyond the duration of the period of violence.
Social Change and Residential Differentiation: Perth 1971‐81
Authors: HOUGHTON STEWART
Published: March 2008

Despite the continuing interest in urban residential patterns in Australia, few studies have dealt with changes over time. Using a variety of social indicators, this paper examines spatial differentiation in Perth between 1971 and 1981, focussing in particular on the proposition that, over time, social inequality within an urban area has a tendency to increase (Stilwell and Hardwick, 1973). However, although the results provide only limited evidence of this, structural changes in the workforce are clearly reflected in changing patterns of residential differentiation. The findings also illustrate the effects of social change in inner city areas and have important theoretical implications.
Politics and the Cultural Landscape: The Case of Aboriginal Land Rights
Authors: JACOBS JANE M.
Published: March 2008

In this paper Aboriginal land rights are analysed from the perspective of a disadvantaged group seeking access to a scarce resource controlled by external agents. The Aboriginal participants in land rights politics are found to be actively seeking ways in which their interest in the land can most effectively be communicated to external groups which have constructed well‐formed, but often distorted images of what constitutes a genuine Aboriginal interest in the land These externally constructed notions of Aboriginality and what constitutes a valid land claim are influencing the concepts used by Aboriginal groups in the public political arena to demonstrate their unique interest in the land In this paper three examples of this process are explored‐ the emphasis of a specific gender model, the emphasis on spatially discrete sacred sites and the emphasis on the bounded tribal territory.
Windspeed Maps for Tasmania and Their Use in Wind Energy Assessment
Authors: KALMA J. D. , CHIN A. K.
Published: March 2008

Laplacian smoothing spline functions have been used in a detailed spatial analysis of monthly and annual mean windspeed values in Tasmania. The techniques used here have been described in detail by Hutchinson et aL and the present paper significantly extends their results for Tasmania. The windspeed maps are discussed in detail with particular emphasis on their use for the assessment of Tasmania's wind energy potential
Australian Federal Government Road Funding 1972–1986
Authors: CLARK R. G.
Published: March 2008

Increasing Commonwealth Government desire to establish national priorities for road expenditure was successfully thwarted by constitutionally powerful State Governments until the early 1980s Political considerations interfered with the consistently efficiency‐orientated national priorities suggested by the Commonwealth Government's advisory organisation. The paper evaluates efficiency, equality and equity as potential bases for road funding, before analysing what happened over the period 1972‐86. The 1982 ABRD program allowed the Commonwealth to impose its priorities in an area of State constitutional authority.
Challenges to Riverine Planning in Australia
Authors: DAY DIANA G.
Published: March 2008

Australia's riverine resources have been statutoralty unrecognised and unprotected and as a consequence seriously degraded by land use practices in many regions since European settlement There is now an urgent need to modify and manage river systems for increasingly complex and diverse water requirements. This is not easy. A framework of important components in a river management system shows the muti‐faceted and complex nature of the biophysical and institutional environment
Filipino Migration to Australia: The Image and a Geographer's Dissent
Authors: JACKSON R. T.
Published: March 2008

The Filipino population of Australia now exceeds 50,000 persons and has shown consistently high growth rates, doubling every four years since 1961. Almost no research on their population as a whole is available; but a substantial literature exists on that female portion of it which migrated to Australia for marriage. That portion b approximately one‐third and is declining in relative significance. Results of analysis of 1986 Census data and a survey of 350 Filipino households are reported There appear to be significant differences in the distributional patterns of wholly and partly Filipino households which have implications for future growth and which are themselves apparently based on long‐standing distributional variations in Australian masculinity ratios
Migration and Population Change in the Northern Territory
Authors: TAYLOR JOHN
Published: March 2008

This paper provides a descriptive analysis of recent population changes in the Northern Territory with particular emphasis on the pattern and impact of migration. As a preliminary, methodological problems in allocating inter‐censal change to different migration flows are discussed and discrepancies in demographic accounting are highlighted Following several years of rapid population growth, the Territory has entered a phase of zero to negative growth characterised by net migration losses. This is linked to recent cuts in per capita Commonwealth grants and underlines the significance of government spending in maintaining a population base in Australia's North.
‘Not without Art, but yet to Nature true’. A re‐evaluation of organic thought in urban planning and geography
Authors: AUSTER M. L.
Published: March 2008

Organic theories and analogies, historically, have had a place not only in geographical thought but in the urban planning tradition. The organic city, though rarely defined with any rigour, has been advocated as an ideal Organicism has been subjected to frequent and well‐deserved criticism. It is argued here that, nevertheless, organic modes of thought are unlikely to disappear. The appeal of organic language, and of the political position which it tends to reflect, remains considerable.
Recent Trends in the Internationalisation of the New Zealand Economy
Authors: Britton Stephen
Published: March 2008

Over the last decade, but particularly since 1984 when the fourth Labour Government came to power, New Zealand has become something of an experimental test bed for the implementation of monetarist ideas of political and economic management. A noticeable outcome of the policy regime recently put in place has been a dramatic ‘opening up’ of the economy as markets are deregulated, protection barriers lowered, and restrictions on movement of capital in and out of the country removed One consequence has been a quantitative and qualitative change in the internationalisation of the economy. This paper traces the nature and extent of this process, and speculates on some policy implications. Four key dimensions of the internationalisation process are surveyed: the expansion of New Zealand capital off‐shore, increased levels of foreign investment in New Zealand, the impact of reductions in border protection, and closer economic relations between Australia and New Zealand.
Fluvial Sediment Supply to the North‐East Queensland Coast, Australia
Authors: Pringle Ada W.
Published: March 2008

Rivers play a dominant role in supplying sediment to the mainly siliceous sandy north‐east Queensland coast. The interaction of geology and the seasonally wet tropical climate in the coastal catchments results under natural conditions in a high, but seasonally variable river discharge and sediment yield. These are examined in the sample catchments of the Barron, Mulgrave‐Russell and Burdekin Rivers Peak sediment delivery occurs with major river floods produced by tropical cyclones. The initial erosive impact of these floods and subsequent constructional effects are examined along the Burdekin and Barron delta coasts. Human interference in the coastal catchments has caused increased sediment yield especially with extensive clearance of tropical rainforest and with some agricultural practices; but when dams and weirs trap sediment and sand is extracted from river beds a decrease occurs.
Dimensions of Global Economic Restructuring and the Idea of Decentralisating Labour Relations in Australia
Authors: CLARK GORDON L.
Published: March 2008

Though always more exposed than many other countries to the vicissitudes of international competition, Australia seems to have become increasingly vulnerable to the pressures accompanying global restructuring. This much is evident in the pattern of foreign debt, the balance of payments and trade, and fluctuations in our exchange rate. Media paranoia over the day‐to‐day pegormance of macro‐indicators obscures, however, the pressures global restructuring has brought against the integrity and efficacy of our major institutions Not only have there been serious questions raised about the usefulness of the centralised arbitration system in the context of global restructuring, the Australian labour movement itself faces an uncertain future. Notwithstanding the claimed virtues of an enterprise‐based labour relations system, there are good reasons to suppose that a decentralised system would have its own problems in accommodating rapid economic change. In this respect, the search for an American‐style decentralised institutional regime may be ill‐advised; more useful may be an enhanced capacity to adjust within the current framework of Australian labour relations.
Economic Restructuring and Regional Change in Australia
Authors: TAYLOR MICHAEL
Published: March 2008

This paper examines geographical dimensions of the actual and potential impacts of economic restructuring on individual regions in Australia from the perspective of the jobs and services that support people and families. Four examples are discussed:

The discussion raises four sets of concerns for the future: potential social dislocation in rural and remote communities; the erosion of the employment and service bases of those same communities; the vulnerability of sections of society, especially women and disadvantaged ethnic groups; and the imprecision involved in disentangling webs of cross subsidy and community service obligations in Australia.

rural community decline;

the impact of tariff reduction on the textiles, clothing and footwear industries;

ailway restructuring and potential job loss;

telecommunications restructuring and the aspects of funding community service obligations (CSOs).