1. travel
2. tourist destinations
3. australia and new zealand

Successful 2002 Linkage Projects and
Linkage APAI only Grants by
Institution - contents
Australian Capital Territory
16
New South Wales
154
Northern Territory
1
Queensland
88
South Australia
30
Tasmania
13
Victoria
122
Western Australia
45
TOTAL NUMBER OF GRANTS
469
Australian Capital Territory
The Australian National University
The Australian National University – IAS
University of Canberra
TOTAL NUMBER OF GRANTS
8
6
2
16
New South Wales
Australian Catholic University
Charles Sturt University
Macquarie University
Southern Cross University
The University of New England
The University of New South Wales
The University of Newcastle
The University of Sydney
University of Technology, Sydney
University of Western Sydney
University of Wollongong
TOTAL NUMBER OF GRANTS
3
5
6
5
5
49
16
25
11
9
20
154
Northern Territory
Northern Territory University
TOTAL NUMBER OF GRANTS
1
1
Queensland
Central Queensland University
Griffith University
James Cook University
Queensland University of Technology
The University of Queensland
University of the Sunshine Coast
University of Southern Queensland
TOTAL NUMBER OF GRANTS
4
17
10
18
37
2
0
88
South Australia
The Flinders University of South Australia
The University of Adelaide
University of South Australia
TOTAL NUMBER OF GRANTS
5
9
16
30
Tasmania
University of Tasmania
TOTAL NUMBER OF GRANTS
13
13
Victoria
Deakin University
La Trobe University
Monash University
RMIT University
Swinburne University of Technology
The University of Melbourne
University of Ballarat
Victoria University of Technology
TOTAL NUMBER OF GRANTS
25
5
17
15
12
34
3
11
122
Western Australia
Curtin University of Technology
Edith Cowan University
Murdoch University
The University of Western Australia
TOTAL NUMBER OF GRANTS
6
3
13
23
45
Australian Capital Territory
University of Canberra
LP0219571
Administering Organisation: University of Canberra
Prof AM Harding
Ms AE Walker
Title: Developing a Socio-Economic Model of the Australian Pharmaceutical Market: an
Advanced Decision Support Tool
2002: $81,000
2003: $72,000
2004: $65,000
Category: 2404 - OPTICAL PHYSICS
Industry Partner(s):
Australian Pharmaceutical Manufacturers Association
Summary:
While current tensions arising from rapid increases in expenditures on pharmaceuticals are likely to
become more prominent in future, decision support tools to help policy makers respond to these
issues in the most socially and economically efficient way are scarce. Our proposal aims to fill this
gap, by gradually extending a prototype model concerning subsidised prescribed pharmaceuticals
into a complex economic model of the total Australian pharmaceutical market. The new model will
be able to project the impact of policy and other changes affecting all pharmaceuticals, as well as
their distributional impact on patients. Expenditures by government and patients, as well as sales by
industry, will be separately identified; the effects of the introduction of new drugs monitored; and the
benefits of using pharmaceuticals estimated in terms of their impact on the health of Australians.
***
LP0214980
Administering Organisation: University of Canberra
Rev EB MacKinlay
Ms CA Trevitt
Ms M Coady
Ms S Hobart
Title: Finding meaning in the experience of dementia: The place of spiritual reminiscence
work.
2002: $27,000
2003: $25,000
2004: $20,000
Category: 3211 - NURSING
Industry Partner(s):
Wesley Gardens Georgian Aged Care
Mirinjani Retirement Village
Anglican Retirement Community Services
Summary:
This project will use spiritual reminiscence work to study the experience of dementia and the
spiritual dimension focussing on how people with dementia find meaning and develop coping
strategies. Dementia is a significant issue for an ageing society where estimates of prevalence
indicate a rise of 254% from 1995-2041. The greatest challenge to people diagnosed with dementia
is their search for meaning leading to the development of effective coping strategies as their memory
loss and confusion progresses. Outcomes will impact on persons with dementia, staff and carers,
with improved quality of life for all
***
The Australian National University
LP0211898
Administering Organisation: The Australian National University
Prof JC Altman
Mr BE Harvey
Dr JP Nieuwenhuysen
Title: Indigenous community organisations and miners: Partnering sustainable regional
development?
2002: $112,000
APA(I) Award(s):
2003: $112,000
2004: $94,000
2
Category: 3402 - APPLIED ECONOMICS
Industry Partner(s):
Rio Tinto Ltd
Committee for Economic Development of Australia
Summary:
The project applies an innovative social sciences framework to an analysis of how Indigenous
community organisations in remote Australia can better develop capacity to maximise the sustainable
benefits of adjacent long-life mines. The roles of mining companies, governments and other
stakeholders, as well as Indigenous organisations, in maintaining social capital within communities
experiencing development strain associated with economic, social and environmental impacts of
mining will be investigated. The project will make an important theoretical contribution to refining an
emerging framework that includes the key element 'social capital'. Practical recommendations for
policy change that facilitate better socio-economic outcomes will be provided.
***
LP0219667
Administering Organisation: The Australian National University
Prof MJ Dodgson
Mr D Scott-Kemmis
Dr JH Matthews
Dr K Bryant
Dr AJ Jones
Title: Innovation in Australia: Measurement, performance, systems, dynamics and change
2002: $120,000
2003: $100,000
2004: $60,000
APA(I) Award(s):
1
Category: 3602 - POLICY AND ADMINISTRATION
Industry Partner(s):
Australian Business Foundation Ltd
Department of Agriculture Fisheries and Forestry Australia
Department of Industry Science and Resources
Summary:
This project will produce a comprehensive, integrated analysis of Australia?s national innovation
system. Through a combination of recent theoretical and conceptual insights and robust empirical
analysis the partners will address one of the most pressing issues confronting Australian industrial
and research policy. The project will analyze the changes occurring in Australia?s innovation system
and the drivers behind them. It will examine the inter-relationships in the development of the
innovation system and particular important industrial clusters within it. It will study the impact of
globalization, and will compare Australia?s innovation system and performance with that of Finland
and Canada.
***
LP0212083
Administering Organisation: The Australian National University
Prof S Dowrick
Dr TS Breusch
Title: The Determinants of Australia's Productivity Performance
2002: $22,545
2003: $22,545
APA(I) Award(s):
2004: $22,545
1
Category: 3402 - APPLIED ECONOMICS
Industry Partner(s):
Productivity Commission
Summary:
Productivity growth is the key to increasing prosperity for all Australians. The scholar will survey
the theoretical and empirical literature pertinent to explaining trends and cycles in the productivity of
the Australian economy over the past thirty years. The scholar will then select specific areas for
focused research which will lead to academic papers and the submission of a PhD thesis.
***
LP0209633
Administering Organisation: The Australian National University
Prof NA Gunningham
Title: Regulatory design for water quality management in urban catchments
2002: $108,270
APA(I) Award(s):
2003: $103,096
1
2004: $113,209
Category: 3901 - LAW
Industry Partner(s):
Department of Environmental Protection, Western Australia
Water Corporation
Water and Rivers Commission
Summary:
This project aims, through empirical research (i) to evaluate the effectiveness of current regulatory,
quasi-regulatory and other policy strategies for water quality management in urban catchments
(including total/integrated catchment management); (ii) to provide practical policy prescriptions
concerning how through judicious regulatory and institutional design, those problems may be best
addressed for the future; and (iii) advance regulatory theory by developing a framework for
understanding the relative effectiveness of different regulatory regimes in the context of urban
catchment management. Its empirical focus is on the Swan-Canning river in Western Australia.
***
LP0210509
Administering Organisation: The Australian National University
Prof EM Papadakis
Title: New Environmental Policy Instruments and Government-Industry Strategies in
Queensland
2002: $20,000
2003: $23,000
2004: $27,000
Category: 3601 - POLITICAL SCIENCE
Industry Partner(s):
Department of Premier and Cabinet
Summary:
This study will examine the hypothesized benefits of environmental policy instruments such as
voluntary agreements, taxes and incentives, which augment or supplant traditional regulatory
approaches. It will focus on a State experiencing economic prosperity by exporting resources, and
designing new institutional responses to the challenges of creating a sustainable society. The
anticipated outcomes are to provide research perspectives to central State government agencies that
offer strategic policy advice and coordination, and concepts for understanding and influencing
changes aimed at balancing the imperatives for economic development and environmental protection
as well as redefining the relationship between government and industry.
***
LP0215945
Administering Organisation: The Australian National University
Dr JC Pezzey
Prof I White
Title: Analysis of Possible Rules for Interstate Water Trading by the Australian Capital
Territory
2002: $22,545
2003: $22,545
2004: $22,545
APA(I) Award(s):
1
Category: 3402 - APPLIED ECONOMICS
Industry Partner(s):
Water Research Foundation of Australia
Environment ACT, Department of Urban Services
Summary:
Rules will be studied and modelled for allowing ACT water trading with other states, within an
agreed abstraction cap. The aim is to find administrative, constraining and price-setting rules that
maximise the economic gain of trading to Australia, bearing in mind environmental constraints,
infrastructure costs, transaction costs, and equity. Innovative challenges for the rules will be allowing
ACT to sell water now but buy it back later, thus providing for long term population growth; and
handling the differences between ACT's spare storage capacity and urban uses, and the downstream
irrigation uses with which trade is most likely.
***
LP0218849
Administering Organisation: The Australian National University
Prof MJ Spriggs
Dr MA Smith
Title: Anthropological perspectives on ethnographic collecting by Australian colonial
administrators in Papua and New Guinea and their contribution to museum collections.
2002: $22,545
APA(I) Award(s):
2003: $22,545
2004: $22,545
1
Category: 4301 - HISTORICAL STUDIES
Industry Partner(s):
National Museum of Australia
Summary:
Australian colonial administrators in PNG built up large ethnographic collections. This study will
examine the contexts in which 'ethnographic' objects were acquired from Indigenous peoples in PNG
with particular emphasis on the role of Sir Hubert Murray. This will be the first study to examine the
historical and cultural context of the large PNG collections now held by the National Museum of
Australia. It will provide a new perspective on Australia's role as a colonial power in the Pacific
using ethnographic objects to explore the relationship between key figures in the Administration and
Indigenous people.
***
LP0214963
Administering Organisation: The Australian National University
Dr C Turner
Ms A Carroll
Ms M Neale
Title: The Other Within: Visual Culture through Indigenous, tribal, minority,"subaltern"
and multicultural displays in Asia-Pacific museums today.
2002: $25,228
2003: $25,011
Category: 4203 - CULTURAL STUDIES
Industry Partner(s):
National Musem of Australia
Summary:
The reseach project will analyse and assess current practice and developing modes of museum
representation and inclusion in the changing societies of the Asia-Pacific. Comparative research will
be undertaken into Indigenous, tribal, minority, 'subaltern' and multicultural displays in eight
museums and four cultural festivals. The research will focus on the Industry Partner, the National
Museum of Australia. It will develop a model for a non-Eurocentric approach. It will have practical
outcomes for all the Investigators in consolidating networks, and producing colloquia, exhibitions,
publications and a multimedia presentation.
***
Australian National University - Institute of Advanced
Studies
LP0218720
Administering Organisation: Australian National University - Institute of Advanced Studies
Prof SF COX
Title: Development and Application of Stress Transfer Modelling for Area Selection in
Mesothermal Gold Systems
2002: $65,000
2003: $65,000
Category: 2601 - GEOLOGY
Industry Partner(s):
AMIRA International
Summary:
Many mesothermal gold systems are hosted by low displacement faults and shear zones which
develop adjacent to high displacement, crustal-scale faults and shear zones. By analogy with modern,
seismogenic fault systems, the gold-hosting structures are interpreted as aftershock arrays whose
formation is related to stress redistribution and fluid flow after major slip events on high
displacement faults. This project will test and develop Coulomb stress transfer modelling techniques,
currently used for aftershock risk assessment, for predicting the distribution of low displacment,
gold-hosting structures around crustal-scale shear systems. The technique is expected to provide a
powerful tool to assist area selection in fault-related epigenetic ore systems.
***
LP0210650
Administering Organisation: Australian National University - Institute of Advanced Studies
Prof PF McDonald
Dr S Khoo
Prof G Hugo
Title: Temporary Overseas Migration to Australia
2002: $65,000
2003: $40,000
Category: 3705 - DEMOGRAPHY
Industry Partner(s):
Department of Immigration and Multicultural Affairs
Summary:
A recent development in immigration policy is the shift to temporary entry arrangements for business
and skill migration. Together with an increase in other types of temporary visitors, this has resulted
in a significant rise in temporary migration and the number of temporary residents in Australia. The
project will examine the key features of temporary overseas migration to Australia and the
socioeconomic circumstances of temporary migrants. It will improve understanding of the factors
motivating temporary migration, the labour market experiences and residential intentions of
temporary migrants and assist the industry partner in assessing the demographic implications of
Australia's immigration policies.
***
LP0210102
Administering Organisation: Australian National University - Institute of Advanced Studies
Dr GO Wasteneys
Dr PC John
Dr AS Betzner
Dr JA Glover
Title: Control of meiosis and embryogenesis as a means to induce higher plants to reproduce
asexually through seed
2002: $74,000
2003: $68,597
2004: $68,597
Category: 2701 - BIOCHEMISTRY AND CELL BIOLOGY
Industry Partner(s):
Groupe Limagrain Pacific Pty. Limited
Summary:
New plant meiosis-control genes will be isolated and characterised. These will be used, together with
cell proliferation control genes characterised in the applicant's laboratory, to control gamete
formation and embryo development in higher plants, and hence plant reproduction. This research will
provide a platform for genetic fixation of hybrid vigour and repeat propagation of F1 hybrid seed
without attenuation of vigour. The technology will increase yield and profitability for Australian
agriculture, and ensure access to technology that the industry partner will otherwise develop
overseas. The technology benefits most major crops that are bred and grown to meet increasing
demand for food and speciality products for pharmaceutical or industrial purposes.
***
LP0219475
Administering Organisation: Australian National University - Institute of Advanced Studies
Prof I White
A/Prof MD Melville
Dr BC Macdonald
Prof D Waite
Dr OT Denmead
Mr MP Tunks
Mr RN Beattie
Title: Interactions between sulfur, nitrogen, and iron cycles in the sustainable management
and use of acid sulfate soils.
2002: $80,000
APA(I) Award(s):
2003: $137,000
2004: $137,000
2
Category: 2605 - HYDROLOGY
Industry Partner(s):
NSW Sugar Milling Co-operative Limited
Tweed Shire Council
Summary:
Acid Sulfate Soils (ASS) can cause major land management and environmental problems. It has been
proposed that the linkages between the Sulfur, Nitrogen, and Iron biogeochemical cycles deterrmine
the environmental and crop production hazards associated with use of ASS. In order to develop best
management practices for ASS, it is important to research those linkages and determine their
contribution to fluxes of materials exported from these soils. This project will carry out that research
and will transfer results to industry partners to improve land management practices and identify
appropriate landuses in ASS landcapes.
***
LP0210146
Administering Organisation: Australian National University - Institute of Advanced Studies
Prof JW White
Dr PA Reynolds
Dr MJ Henderson
Dr RJ Goodridge
Dr DE Yates
Title: High Internal Phase Emulsions - Structure and Rheology Control
2002: $100,000
2003: $120,000
2004: $120,000
Category: 2599 - OTHER CHEMICAL SCIENCES
Industry Partner(s):
ORICA Australia Pty Ltd
Summary:
Our first SPIRT Grant with ORICA Australia Ltd has successfully identified nanostructures in high
internal phase emulsions which confer useful stability and robustness on these industrially important
systems. The aim now is to ramify those discoveries both scientifically and technologically in the
design of emulsion structure using our, now established, techniques. In particular, the objective is
to control both nanoscale and mesoscale structure in emulsion formulation, as well as the rheology
and stability of emulsion preparations. To do this we plan to use mixed surfactant systems and to
study intersurfactant synergic effects on the structure and fluidity of the interfacial material. We
believe that the proposed work is unique and that the outcomes will be scientifically novel and also
valuable for Australian industry.
***
LP0211640
Administering Organisation: Australian National University - Institute of Advanced Studies
Prof RE Williamson
Dr T Arioli
Dr CH Hocart
Title: Discovery of new genes for plant cellulose biosynthesis and improved fibre production
2002: $136,467
2003: $128,953
2004: $128,953
Category: 2701 - BIOCHEMISTRY AND CELL BIOLOGY
Industry Partner(s):
Aventis CropScience Pty Ltd
Summary:
Cellulose, the world?s most abundant biopolymer, is important to the cotton and forest industries
and for human and animal nutrition. Before biotechnology can manipulate cellulose, we must identify
the enzymes of the synthesis pathway and understand how their properties determine the properties
of the cellulose they produce. Not all enzymes are known and any relationships to cellulose
properties remain unexplored. This study extends our successful mutational analysis of cellulose
synthesis in Arabidopsis and initiates the molecular analysis of organisms making cellulose with
distinctive properties. It will significantly advance knowledge of cellulose biosynthesis and identify
novel genes for fibre improvement.
***
New South Wales
Australian Catholic University
LP0211906
Administering Organisation: Australian Catholic University
Prof PA Duignan
A/Prof J Butcher
Title: Socially Responsible Indicators for Policy, Practice and Benchmarking in Service
Organisations
2002: $72,000
2003: $60,000
Category: 3702 - SOCIAL WORK
Industry Partner(s):
2004: $56,000
Catholic Education Office, Parramatta
Catholic Education Office, Diocese of Wollongong
Centacare
Summary:
The Australian Government, while attempting to limit the spiralling costs of the welfare state, has
encouraged market principles and practices in service organisations. This has raised value dilemmas
and administrative tensions for education and welfare organisations who, while committed to social
justice and social responsibility, have to operate efficiently and effectively. This research aims,
through the identification and analysis of tensions between social and economic value orientations in
the workplace, to develop a values framework and key socially responsible indicators for the
improvement of policy, decision making and practice within the Industry Partners and the wider
service sectors.
***
LP0219802
Administering Organisation: Australian Catholic University
A/Prof G Naughton
Dr J Currie
Dr M Booth
Title: Critical Windows: Health-related Behaviour in Children After School
2002: $22,545
APA(I) Award(s):
2003: $22,545
2004: $22,545
1
Category: 3212 - PUBLIC HEALTH AND HEALTH SERVICES
Industry Partner(s):
Health Promotion Branch, New South Wales Health
Western Sydney Area Health Promotion
National Heart Foundation, NSW Division
The Children's Hospital
Adolescent Medicine, The Children's Hospital
Royal Children's Hospital
Summary:
Global concerns for increasing body fatness and insufficient physical activity in children highlight the
importance of health promoting behaviour in younger populations. A critical window for healthy
behaviour is created after school. We aim to improve the ability to assess healthy behaviour during 3
pm-7 pm and subsequently to describe activity and nutritional practices in Grade 5 children
(randomly selected) from Western Sydney. Psychosocial and environmental correlates and the extent
to which seasons and annual growth influence behaviour will be considered. Outcomes involve an
effective instrument for future research and an enhanced understanding of healthy behaviour in
Western Sydney children.
***
LP0234617
Administering Organisation: Australian Catholic University
A/Prof RP Webber
Dr JC Bessant
Father P Hansen
Title: The impact of illicit drug users on family members and non-using siblings
2002: $22,545
APA(I) Award(s):
2003: $22,545
2004: $22,545
1
Category: 3212 - PUBLIC HEALTH AND HEALTH SERVICES
Industry Partner(s):
Mary of the Cross Centre
Summary:
This research is a continuation and expansion of the pilot study conducted in 2001 that focussed on
the effect on siblings of illicit drug use by a family member from the Vietnamese community. This
research will include other ethnic groups and seek to discover the availability of and demand for drug
and family support services for non-using family members. Additionally, the research will draw on
the knowledge of drug and family workers, in order to develop guidelines on how they can improve
services for young people who have a sibling with an illicit drug addiction.
***
Charles Sturt University
LP0210267
Administering Organisation: Charles Sturt University
Prof HJ Gibb
Ms S Morrow
Ms C Hardwick
Title: Developing a Community Partnership for supporting Aboriginal and remote students in
nursing through distance education
2002: $87,000
2003: $85,000
2004: $80,000
Category: 3701 - SOCIOLOGY
Industry Partner(s):
Mid Western Area Health Service
Macquarie Area Health Service
Aboriginal Health Branch NSW Health
Summary:
Remote and Aboriginal students are culturally isolated in the distance education (DE) environment.
With the critical need to increase numbers of registered nurses in isolated communities, Area Health
and Aboriginal Health are collaborating with CSU to identify problems faced by nursing students
under DE conditions. The study will use a critical theoretical approach to identifying resource
(including social capital) deficits to this group. It will develop and evaluate a partnership model
involving health services, university and local community. This partnership will construct a network
of support to systematically address these deficits. This model would be transferable to all remote
learning.
***
LP0212023
Administering Organisation: Charles Sturt University
Prof DG Green
Prof TR Bossomaier
Dr D Jarratt
Dr DJ Cornforth
Mr P Marshall
Mr M Primrose
Mrs M Beacroft
Title: Spatial data mining with intelligent agents for E-commerce
2002: $67,635
2003: $67,635
APA(I) Award(s):
2004: $67,635
3
Category: 2910 - GEOMATIC ENGINEERING
Industry Partner(s):
Land and Property Information Centre
Land and Property Information Centre
Land and Property Information Centre
Summary:
The current explosion of spatial data enables many new kinds of queries, but also raises technical
issues. This project investigates such questions for online spatial data mining within the NSW Land
and Property Information. The LPI will place its cadastral and land title information online during
2001 and plans to develop links to outside data holdings. These activities raise three key questions,
with widespread relevance to other systems: finding practical approaches to processing queries in a
distributed data warehouse; using adaptive agents to create robust, flexible spatial query systems;
and identifying organizational models for commercialization of online spatial queries.
***
LP0216837
Administering Organisation: Charles Sturt University
Dr M Kavakli
Prof TR Bossomaier
Dr M Cooper
Title: Cognitive Modelling of Computer Games Pidgins
2002: $22,545
2003: $22,545
APA(I) Award(s):
2004: $22,545
1
Category: 2801 - INFORMATION SYSTEMS
Industry Partner(s):
Ratbag Games Pty Ltd
Summary:
This project develops a pidgin language for use in computer games and models the way human users
exploit such languages. It has implications also for computer assisted collaborative work and other
educational or entertainment interactive environments like computer games. By developing minilanguages for games environments we can dramatically simplify the speech recognition problem and
make recognition robust across different speech cultures and backgrounds. We use protocol analysis
and markup techniques for modelling dialogues between human player and reactive agents in
computer games.
***
LP0212109
Administering Organisation: Charles Sturt University
A/Prof D McKinnon
Prof PC Burnett
Mr D Hill
Title: Improving the reliability of assessment in higher education: The place of computerassisted techniques.
2002: $20,000
2003: $20,000
Category: 3301 - EDUCATION STUDIES
Industry Partner(s):
Mindtrail Software Pty Ltd
Summary:
This project investigates whether computer-assisted assessment (CAA) can play a significant part in
increasing the reliability of assessment in higher education and ultimately influence student
performance. Increasing numbers of part-time external markers has exacerbated the issue of
reliability of assessment and quality of feedback to students. Outcomes include: enhanced
understandings of the value of CAA in both quantitative and qualitative assessment in tertiary
education; understanding of the impact of quality feedback produced using CAA on students'
learning; how academics' workload can be reduced using CAA; and international recognition and
sale of the instrument.
***
LP0211420
Administering Organisation: Charles Sturt University
A/Prof FM Vanclay
Ms R Lane
Dr P Sinclair
Title: Activating and maintaining community participation in natural and cultural resources
initiatives in the Murray-Darling Basin
2002: $85,000
2003: $100,000
APDI - Dr P Sinclair
APA(I) Award(s):
1
Category: 3701 - SOCIOLOGY
Industry Partner(s):
Murray Darling Basin Commission
2004: $87,000
National Museum of Australia
Summary:
The project goes beyond the rhetoric of participation to discover what factors activate communities
and individuals to become involved in programs and voluntary initiatives for natural resource
management. It assesses the effectiveness of existing communication channels and develops new
models for more effective and representative participation. It combines the National Museum of
Australia's expertise in environmental history and public communication with the imperative of the
Murray-Darling Basin Commission to improve community participation in natural resource
management. The potential for harnessing communications technology to facilitate new channels for
participation is assessed through carefully evaluated pilot programs.
***
Macquarie University
LP0215935
Administering Organisation: Macquarie University
Prof PL Bergquist
Dr HK Nevalainen
Dr CA Hutton
Dr D Williams
Dr T Brush
A/Prof R Kazlauskas
Title: Enhanced biocatalysis in organic solvents for pharmaceutical biotransformation
2002: $98,982
2003: $85,601
2004: $85,601
Category: 2708 - BIOTECHNOLOGY
Industry Partner(s):
Extreme Biotech Inc.
Summary:
Enzymes such as hydrolases play an important role in biotechnology because of their extreme
versatility with respect to substrate specificity and stereoselectivity. The use of lipases as catalysts
for optical isomer-specific organic reactions is often limited by unacceptably low
enantioselectivities. We will investigate recombinant enzymes cloned from thermophilic lipolytic
bacteria for synthetic reactions in organic solvents, especially chiral resolution of mixtures in the
production of pharmaceutical intermediates. Genetic improvement of lipase enantiospecificity and
regioselectivity will be achieved using in vitro evolution by recombination and screening. The
outcome will be cost-effective production superior biocatalysts with specifically enhanced
regiospecific, enantioselective and hydrolytic characteristics.
***
LP0214975
Administering Organisation: Macquarie University
Dr J Bowes
A/Prof AV Sanson
Ms S Wise
Dr JA Ungerer
Mrs LJ Harrison
Dr J Watson
Ms T Simpson
Title: Effects on young children?s development of multiple and changeable childcare
arrangements
2002: $97,000
2003: $90,000
APA(I) Award(s):
2004: $57,000
1
Category: 3801 - PSYCHOLOGY
Industry Partner(s):
NSW Department of Community Services
Summary:
Consistency of care is considered important for children?s development in the first thee years. The
study will investigate a concerning recent trend in childcare in Australian rural/regional and urban
areas: the use of multiple and changeable care arrangements (MCC). Information from the study of
the effects of MCC on children?s development up to school age will inform policy on flexible
childcare provision to assist families, to ensure optimal development in children, and to reduce later
educational and social costs.
***
LP0219459
Administering Organisation: Macquarie University
Prof DW Cooper
Dr A Try
Dr A Gidley-Baird
Dr T Trigg
Title: Humane Chemical Methods for Population Management of Highly Valued Large
Mammals
2002: $53,560
2003: $60,395
2004: $60,395
Category: 2702 - GENETICS
Industry Partner(s):
Bioquest Limited
Peptech Animal Health
Summary:
In many countries valued wild and feral animals are nonetheless too numerous. Their population
numbers must be controlled through fertility. Examples are koalas in Australia, deer and seals in
North America, cattle in India and dogs in Thailand. We aim to develop benign implants for
castration based upon the gonadotrophin releasing hormone (GnRH). These implants are easily
administered. The outcomes will be to protect Australia?s ?green? image , worldwide market
opportunities for the Australian companies involved in this application and valuable intellectual
property for Macquarie. The methodology will in time allow us to apply it to the treatment of
cancer.
***
LP0230963
Administering Organisation: Macquarie University
A/Prof EM Deane
Dr PE Cowan
Mr G Fry
Mr W Meikle
Title: Urban Possum: Defining and developing an effective, humane strategy for management
of urban wildlife populations
2002: $22,545
2003: $22,545
APA(I) Award(s):
2004: $22,545
1
Category: 2707 - ECOLOGY AND EVOLUTION
Industry Partner(s):
Zoological Parks Board of NSW
Summary:
This project will provide fundamental information on the factors, which influence possum
movements and behaviour in urban environments and the effectiveness of current possum relocation
strategies. The project is of significance to Zoological Parks as possums at present cause extensive
damage to vegetation and pose a threat to animals in the collection through possible transmission of
disease. This project will lead to the development and trial of new methods for management of these
populations.
***
LP0230543
Administering Organisation: Macquarie University
Prof V Varadharajan
Title: Security Techniques against Denial of Service Attacks in Networked Systems
2002: $22,545
APA(I) Award(s):
2003: $22,545
2004: $22,545
1
Category: 2805 - DATA FORMAT
Industry Partner(s):
Global Business Solutions
Summary:
As more and more business opportunities are created over the Internet, dealing with network-based
intrusions and denial of service (DoS) attacks is becoming increasingly critical (as witnessed recently
last year). The proposed research addresses systematically the theory and analysis of DoS attacks
and develops new techniques and practical solutions to counteract them. We will investigate a hybrid
method to counteract DoS, propose a new technique to identify malicious packets in the Internet to
handle distributed DoS, consider a new approach using smart packets and develop enhancements to
intrusion detection systems using data mining. Proposed techniques are analysed in practical
situations.
***
LP0219675
Administering Organisation: Macquarie University
A/Prof JM Whalley
A/Prof D Love
Title: A New Recombinant Subunit Vaccine against Equine Herpesviruses 1 and 4
2002: $104,734
2003: $97,007
2004: $97,007
Category: 3005 - VETERINARY SCIENCES
Industry Partner(s):
CSL Animal Health
Woodlands Stud (A Division of Inghams Enterpises)
Summary:
Equine herpesviruses 1 and 4 (EHV-1 and EHV-4) cause respiratory disease, abortion and
myeloencephalitis in horse populations worldwide. Despite extensive use of whole virus vaccines,
these two viruses continue to circulate among Australian horses and are a continuing threat to
brading, and to racing performance. The current vaccines are expensive and are marked in Australia
by an overseas company. The project will assess the ability of a new subunit vaccine produced by
recombinant DNA technology to 1) provide horses with high levels of protective immune responses
and 2) to prevent or limit EHV-1 and EHV-4 infection following experimental challenge.
***
Southern Cross University
LP0212037
Administering Organisation: Southern Cross University
Dr MW Clark
A/Prof DM McConchie
Em/Prof RD Schuiling
A/Prof GB Jones
Title: Pelletisation of seawater-neutralised bauxite refinery residues (Bauxsol?) for
construction of permeable reactive barriers to treat flowing acid mine waters
2002: $91,000
2003: $67,000
2004: $67,000
Category: 3008 - ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES
Industry Partner(s):
Virotec International
Summary:
Acid mine drainage (AMD) occurs where sulphides (mostly pyrite, but also sulphides of other
metals) are exposed to oxygen and water; the estimated global liability from AMD is over US$300
billion. There is currently no cost-effective way to prevent the release of acid and heavy metals from
exposed sulphide minerals especially at abandoned mine sites. This study investigates the
pelletisation and use of neutralised bauxite refinery residues (Bauxsol?) to treat flowing metal-rich
acid mine drainage waters using reactive-barriers that will neutralise acid and remove heavy metals
without impeding flow.
***
LP0212075
Administering Organisation: Southern Cross University
Dr BD Eyre
Dr J Kirkwood
Mr A Ferguson
Title: The Impact of Trawling on Nitrogen Removal through Sediment Denitrification in
Western Moreton Bay
2002: $71,184
2003: $90,186
2004: $73,000
APDI - Mr A Ferguson
Category: 2603 - GEOCHEMISTRY
Industry Partner(s):
South East Queensland Regional Water Quality Management Strategy
Queensland Environmental Protection Agency
Department of Primary Industries
Summary:
Nutrient enrichment of coastal waters is a national problem requiring urgent action. Sediment
denitrification is one of the few natural processes capable of counteracting the process of
eutrophication. Although trawling is undertaken in coastal water bodies around Australia the impact
on sediment denitrification and the nitrogen budgets of coastal systems has never been considered.
Many hundred?s of millions of dollars are likely to be spent over the next ten years on the
management of nitrogen enrichment of Australia?s coastal waters. This study will quantify the impact
of trawling on sediment denitrification; information which is critical for the efficient allocation of
management resources.
***
LP0219471
Administering Organisation: Southern Cross University
A/Prof LA Sullivan
Dr L Davison
Dr P Slavich
Mr AP Warner
Dr K Bolton
Title: Wetland regeneration for effluent reuse, acid sulfate soil management and carbon
credits.
2002: $111,000
2003: $100,186
2004: $100,000
APDI - Dr K Bolton
Category: 2911 - ENVIRONMENTAL ENGINEERING
Industry Partner(s):
Byron Shire Council
Wollongbar Agricultural Institute
Summary:
This project will research and develop a full-scale effluent reuse wetland to manage acid sulfate soils,
regenerate wetlands and sequester atmospheric carbon. Many rural communities worldwide are
affected by acid sulfate soils, unsustainable effluent disposal and wetland degradation, and the
Greenhouse Effect threatens all coastal areas worldwide. This project is located at Byron Bay, a
coastal and predominantly rural electorate in northern NSW that is strongly affected by this
combination of environmental stresses, causing serious degradation of water quality culminating in
regular fish kills. The technology developed from this project will be readily transferable to other
rural coastal communities worldwide.
***
LP0219724
Administering Organisation: Southern Cross University
A/Prof LA Sullivan
Dr P Slavich
Mr RT Bush
Title: Drains in acid sulfate soils: behaviour and management for optimal water quality
2002: $83,729
2003: $85,512
2004: $85,512
APDI - Mr RT Bush
APA(I) Award(s):
1
Category: 3001 - SOIL AND WATER SCIENCES
Industry Partner(s):
NSW Agriculture
Summary:
Water draining from acid sulfate soil (ASS) into rivers via drains is often severely polluted, resulting
in massive fish kills and chronic environmental and economic damage. Effective drain management
techniques to minimise the export of acidity and deoxygenating drain oozes will be developed. The
basic processes that affect hydraulic functioning, acidity and toxic drain ooze export in ASS drainage
systems will be addressed. This project will provide the basis for the environmentally sound
management of these drains. The technology developed here will be applicable throughout Australia
and can be exported overseas, especially to south-east Asia.
***
LP0220171
Administering Organisation: Southern Cross University
Prof JK Vanclay
Dr JD Nichols
Dr C Stone
Title: Pest Status and Management of a Creiss psyllid in Eucalyptus plantations
2002: $22,545
APA(I) Award(s):
2003: $22,545
2004: $22,545
1
Category: 3006 - FORESTRY SCIENCES
Industry Partner(s):
Research Division, State Forests of New South Wales
Summary:
Research studies are required on the ecology and epidemiology of a Creiis psyllid, recently found
causing significant damage in young Eucalyptus dunnii plantations. The susceptibility to psyllid
damage to a range of selected clonal types will be examined. With increasing community concerns
associated with insecticide usage and to reduce costs, exploitation of natural resistance is an avenue
that counters economic threat from herbivorous insects. Since Australia is currently planting 100,000
ha of eucalypts per year results from this project are essential to build better management strategies
for reduce the impact of this and all pests on tree survival and growth.
***
The University of New England
LP0219002
Administering Organisation: The University of New England
Prof I Davidson
Mr S Porter
Title: Kamilaroi resources and resource management in the Namoi, Gwydir and Border
Rivers catchments, northern NSW.
2002: $129,939
2003: $124,790
2004: $100,789
Category: 2707 - ECOLOGY AND EVOLUTION
Industry Partner(s):
Department of Land and Water Conservation
Summary:
This project will develop a database of modern and historical knowledge of resources, resource-use
and resource management in the country of the Kamilaroi (Gamilaraay) people. This will allow
routine assessment of Indigenous values when deciding about land and water management, including
clearance or other major impacts.
There will be the opportunity for Indigenous groups to identify commercially exploitable wild foods,
including expanding option through comparison with other parts of Australia.
There will be nominations of Aboriginal Places and for joint management of National Parks, Nature
Reserves and Aboriginal Places under relevant NSW legislation.
***
LP0219460
Administering Organisation: The University of New England
Prof B Green
Dr N McCulla
Dr C Boylan
Dr C McConaghy
Dr T Maxwell
Dr A Wallace
Prof RJ Meyenn
Mr WW Chandler
Dr P Brock
Title: Productive Partnerships for Teaching Quality: Quality Improvement, SchoolCommunity Practice and Teacher Education in and for Rural and Remote Settings
2002: $120,000
2003: $120,000
2004: $138,430
Category: 3301 - EDUCATION STUDIES
Industry Partner(s):
NSW Department of Education & Training
Summary:
This project aims to develop a partnership between two teacher-education institutions and eleven
school districts in NSW, in researching quality improvements in teaching for rural and remote areas.
These areas and their communities, including schools, are clearly under pressure, given global
economic developments. Using various forms of data analysis, case-studies, interviews, Webnetworks and school-based action research, the project will identify successful strategies for building
rural teacher and community capacity, improving educational outcomes for all children, and
appropriately preparing and retaining teachers for rural schools. The project will make
recommendations for general educational policy and practice and for teacher education.
***
LP0218607
Administering Organisation: The University of New England
Prof AR Kiernander
Mr S Russo
Miss O Patchett
Title: A cultural and historical analysis of Australian live theatre recordings preserved in the
archives of ABC Television and Channel Nine.
2002: $45,090
2003: $45,090
APA(I) Award(s):
2004: $45,090
2
Category: 4101 - PERFORMING ARTS
Industry Partner(s):
ABC
Channel Nine
Summary:
This project aims to enhance the study of Australian theatre history with two PhD theses identifying
and analysing the motion-picture records of live theatre in the archives of ABC Television and
Channel Nine. At a time when Australian theatre practitioners are gaining worldwide recognition,
this project will assist scholars to analyse Australian theatre history with a focus on live performance
and production. The project will result in a detailed database/directory of material showing
Australian live theatre on film and video, as well as two dissertations providing an in-depth scholarly
description and cultural analysis of that material.
***
LP0211607
Administering Organisation: The University of New England
Dr SW Walkden-Brown
Dr PJ Groves
Dr PL Young
Dr KE Arzey
Mr AF Islam
Dr GJ Underwood
Title: Molecular approaches to solving current and emerging problems in the epidemiology
and diagnosis of Marek?s disease in Australia
2002: $176,655
2003: $127,304
2004: $127,304
APDI - Mr AF Islam
APA(I) Award(s):
1
Category: 3005 - VETERINARY SCIENCES
Industry Partner(s):
Bioproperties (Australia) Pty Ltd
Baiada Poultry Pty. Limited
Summary:
Marek?s disease (MD) is a ubiquitous viral disease of chickens that is currently controlled in meat
chickens by blanket vaccination of all chickens. However, as has happened overseas, the efficacy of
the HVT vaccine being used in Australia is breaking down resulting in subclinical and clinical losses
due to MD. To assist industry deal with this situation we propose to develop novel molecular
methods for the quantification of Marek's disease viruses (MDV) in the host and the environment, to
use these methods to design effective early monitoring systems for MD in broilers that predict
disease and performance outcomes, and to develop an epidemiological model that will predict the
spread and severity of MD as failure of vaccinal protection progresses.
***
LP0209699
Administering Organisation: The University of New England
Dr VE Wright
Mr RW Cooksey
Mr DG Williams
Ms AL Chennell
Title: Personality or Context: A study of innovation and adoption in agriculture
2002: $77,000
2003: $70,000
2004: $70,000
Category: 3009 - LAND, PARKS AND AGRICULTURE MANAGEMENT
Industry Partner(s):
Department of Natural Resources and Environment
Summary:
Consumer behaviour theory suggests that most farmers should be highly motivated, discriminating
purchasers of agricultural technology. This suggests that most farmers can be innovators and
therefore, differences in farmers' adoption behaviour reflect real differences in farming contexts and
experiences. This project will test a consumer behaviour model of innovation adoption in agriculture
using horticulure as a case study. The project will assist agencies working in this area to develop a
better understanding of the principles governing the adoption of agricultural innovations and provide
more effective extension programs.
***
The University of New South Wales
LP0235210
Administering Organisation: The University of New South Wales
A/Prof AP Avolio
Dr NH Lovell
Title: Analysis of non-invasive central aortic pressure using a Web-based international
database
2002: $22,545
2003: $22,545
APA(I) Award(s):
2004: $22,545
1
Category: 3210 - CLINICAL SCIENCES
Industry Partner(s):
PWV Medical Pty Ltd
Summary:
Blood pressure is measured conventionally with a cuff around the upper arm. A marked difference
exists between pressure at the heart (central aorta) and that in the arm. Technology developed by the
industrial partner allows non-invasive measurement of aortic pressure, a value relevant for many
forms of heart conditions. We will develop a web-based system and software protocols to provide a
facility for epidemiological analysis of aortic pressure. This facility will provide, for the first time in
the history of epidemiology of blood pressure in humans, the means to relate normal and abnormal
aging changes to pressure at the heart.
***
LP0235892
Administering Organisation: The University of New South Wales
Dr S Bandyopadhyay
A/Prof AB Yu
Title: Optimum control of the in-use performance of talc-based compositions
2002: $22,545
APA(I) Award(s):
2003: $22,545
1
2004: $22,545
Category: 2601 - GEOLOGY
Industry Partner(s):
Johnson & johnson Pacific
Summary:
It is important to improve the quality of their Talcom body powder, baby powder and other cosmetic
products involving talc. The areas that can and need to be improved are shining characteristics,
assessing the slip properties as well as developing the cosmetic chemistry of talc and other additives.
The proposed project will generate: a) simple but reliable test methods for measuring slip and shine,
b) methods for control of the physical and chemical characteristics of talc blends, c) mathematical
model(s) for property and process control, which is useful to improvement of the final talc properties
and in-use service.
***
LP0211978
Administering Organisation: The University of New South Wales
Dr GF Barrett
Prof JR Piggott
Prof AD Woodland
Title: The Labour Supply and Saving of Older Australians: Behavioural Responses and
Economic Impact
2002: $101,000
2003: $90,000
2004: $90,000
Category: 3402 - APPLIED ECONOMICS
Industry Partner(s):
Commonwealth Department of Family & Community Services
Summary:
This project aims to enhance our understanding of the economic impacts of labour force
participation and saving behaviour of those in the retirement "window" (55-65 years), through
econometric investigation, economy-wide modelling, and stochastic simulation. Such analysis is
important because demographic transition is triggering volatile change in retirement related policies.
Neither saving behaviour under a mandatory retirement saving regime nor labour supply in the
retirement window is well understood. Aggregate labour supply and saving response to policy
change have major implications for both government obligations and market efficiency. The
outcomes of the project are thus expected to better inform policy formulation.
***
LP0214127
Administering Organisation: The University of New South Wales
Prof WP Birkett
Prof RH Chenhall
Prof G Marchant
Prof R Willett
A/Prof PF Luckett
Title: Strategic Resource Management in the Twenty-First Century: an Australian
Perspective
2002: $80,000
APA(I) Award(s):
2003: $80,000
2004: $80,000
3
Category: 3501 - ACCOUNTING, AUDITING AND ACCOUNTABILITY
Industry Partner(s):
The Institute of Chartered Accountants in Australia
Summary:
Strategic resource management (SRM) is evolving rapidly due to the information revolution. Much
is claimed for 'good' SRM but there is little hard evidence to support these claims. This project will
develop theoretical frameworks to codify the multi-disciplinary nature of SRM, empirically gather
data on SRM practices by questionnaire and interview surveys, benchmark firms and identify
exemplars of best practice. The results of the research will be published annually in a monograph for
dissemination to Australian senior management. Significant findings will be published in academic
journals.
***
LP0215940
Administering Organisation: The University of New South Wales
Mr MP Bittman
Ms CM Thomson
Title: Reaching Isolated Carers: Contacting Carers with Unmet Needs for Information and
Support
2002: $46,000
2003: $46,000
Category: 3702 - SOCIAL WORK
Industry Partner(s):
NSW Department for Women
NSW Ageing and Disability Department
NSW Department of Community Services
NSW Health
Carers NSW
Summary:
The proposed study ?Reaching Isolated Carers? is an extensive collaboration between the Social
Policy Research Centre, a consortium of the relevant New South Wales government departments and
Carers NSW. The project aims to use an innovative method for identifying isolated carers (i.e. carers
who do not self-identify) and their needs. Isolated carers may be unaware of support services and the
way these services can satisfy their needs. The project proposes evidence-based strategies to develop
an effective policy for reducing the isolation of these carers. Informing isolated carers about support
services would lead to significant improvements in carers? lives.
***
LP0228795
Administering Organisation: The University of New South Wales
Prof DS BLACK
Dr N KUMAR
Title: Synthesis of pyrroloquinoline analogues of isoflavone metabolites
2002: $22,545
2003: $22,545
APA(I) Award(s):
2004: $22,545
1
Category: 2503 - ORGANIC CHEMISTRY
Industry Partner(s):
Novogen Limited
Summary:
Cancer and heart disease are the two main diseases that affect our society indiscriminately and put
enormous drains on healthcare resources. The intake of high dietary isoflavonoid phytoestrogens has
been linked to low prevalence of cancers and heart disease. Novogen Limited is pioneering the
development of novel drug candidates based on phytoestrogen metabolites. This collaborative
research project deals with the development of synthetic methodologies for the preparation of new
analogues of phytoestrogen metabolites as potential drug candidates. The target compounds will be
evaluated for possible therapeutic use by the industry partner.
***
LP0219003
Administering Organisation: The University of New South Wales
A/Prof TR Blackburn
Mr P Taylor
Adj/Prof RE James
Title: The development of new techniques for partial discharge monitoring and location in
high voltage underground power cables
2002: $77,077
APA(I) Award(s):
2003: $61,000
2004: $69,800
1
Category: 2909 - ELECTRICAL AND ELECTRONIC ENGINEERING
Industry Partner(s):
Electricity Supply Association of Australia Ltd
Summary:
Increased utilization factors have caused a significant increase in the loading of high voltage
distribution cables. This increased loading subjects cable insulation to increased stress which can
degrade the insulation, cause cable failure and power loss to consumers. On-line cable insulation
monitoring is required and partial discharge monitoring in cables provides a viable technique, but
technical problems have prevented its application in on-line operation.
This project will develop techniques for such on-line monitoring. High frequency electrical sensors
will be used to reduce interference and improve signal levels. Both a coarse alarm and a higher
sensitivity monitor will be developed.
***
LP0212048
Administering Organisation: The University of New South Wales
Asst Prof RA Bryant
Dr L Williams
Prof MJ Brammer
Title: Identifying Malingered Posttraumatic Stress Disorder: Biological Markers for Legal
Assessment
2002: $162,856
2003: $141,162
2004: $141,162
Category: 3210 - CLINICAL SCIENCES
Industry Partner(s):
Brain Resource Company
Specialist Medical Imaging
Summary:
Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is the most common psychiatric disorder that is claimed in
compensation claims in Australia. There are currently no reliable means to distinguish malingered
from genuine PTSD. This project aims to develop the most accurate means of identifying
malingered PTSD by using the most recent technology to index biological responses, including
fMRI, in participants with PTSD, without PTSD, and malingered PTSD. This study will lead to a
biological assessment that can objectively index PTSD and be resistant to intentional feigning. These
data will significantly enhance legal assessments of PTSD and facilitate compensation resolution.
***
LP0219695
Administering Organisation: The University of New South Wales
Dr JE Cotter
Dr NB Mason
Title: NOVEL REAR-SURFACE DESIGNS FOR HIGH-EFFICIENCY COMMERCIAL
SILICON SOLAR CELLS
2002: $125,989
2003: $125,605
2004: $126,305
Category: 2909 - ELECTRICAL AND ELECTRONIC ENGINEERING
Industry Partner(s):
BP Solar - European Technology Centre
Summary:
The aim of this collaboration between the University of New South Wales and BP Solar, both world
leaders in high-efficiency commercial photovoltaic technologies, is to develop the rear surface of
silicon solar cells to enable commercially competitive photovoltaic modules to exceed 20 percent
efficiency. The project will develop new technologies for the rear surface that enable excellent light
trapping, low recombination and good electrical interconnection that allow the substantial cost and
efficiency benefits promised by the use of silicon wafers approaching 150 microns in thickness.
***
LP0212094
Administering Organisation: The University of New South Wales
Prof TP Davis
Dr F Rasoul
Dr PA Kambouris
Title: Controlled Grafting of Polymer Surfaces for Biotechnology Applications
2002: $95,000
2003: $105,000
2004: $105,000
Category: 2505 - MACROMOLECULAR CHEMISTRY
Industry Partner(s):
Polymerat PTY LTD
Summary:
The aim of this project is to utilise novel polymerization methods to create highly functional polymer
surfaces. We anticipate that the resultant structures will be useful for a number of applications
including solid-phase organic synthesis and proteomics.
***
LP0212098
Administering Organisation: The University of New South Wales
Prof TP Davis
Dr JP Heuts
Dr E Evans
Dr LJ Foster
Title: Novel Coatings For Steel
2002: $93,000
APA(I) Award(s):
2003: $91,000
2004: $91,000
1
Category: 2505 - MACROMOLECULAR CHEMISTRY
Industry Partner(s):
BHP Innovation PTY LTD
Summary:
The aim of this project is to design coatings for steel that have high flexibility and high resistance to
scatching and hardness. This will be achieved by the introduction of liquid crystalline phases in the
coatings. The outcome will be a new generation of steel coatings with novel properties
***
LP0219315
Administering Organisation: The University of New South Wales
Prof TP Davis
Dr HJ Muller
Dr HM Kapfenstein-Doak
Title: Low Fouling Hollow Fibre Membranes
2002: $22,545
2003: $22,545
APA(I) Award(s):
2004: $22,545
1
Category: 2505 - MACROMOLECULAR CHEMISTRY
Industry Partner(s):
Memcor Australia
Summary:
The aim is to obtain hydrophilic water-filtration membranes. This is important as making the
filtrations more hydrophilic reduces fouling. We expect the outcome to be a new type of water
filtration membrane with improved properties over existing commercial membranes.
***
LP0210873
Administering Organisation: The University of New South Wales
Prof IW Dawes
Dr PJ Rogers
Title: Application of genome-wide transcriptional analysis to identifying genetic markers for
industrial fermentation processes
2002: $83,369
2003: $75,634
APA(I) Award(s):
2004: $75,634
1
Category: 2702 - GENETICS
Industry Partner(s):
Carlton & United Breweries
Summary:
This project aims to identify yeast genes involved in the response of commercial strains to stress, to
determine their role in fermentation and the genetic pathways through which they operate. The
ultimate goals are to determine the impact on fermentation activity of stress, and to develop
predictive methods for assessing such conditions. This has significance since stress during
fermentation represents a significant commercial loss. The outcomes of this work will be a better
understanding of how yeast responds to stress, and the identification of genes that can be used by the
commercial partner to monitor and ensure fermentation efficiency.
***
LP0221224
Administering Organisation: The University of New South Wales
A/Prof MR Edwards
Dr FV Gilroy
Title: Biological phosphorous removal for wastewater treatment
2002: $22,545
APA(I) Award(s):
2003: $22,545
1
2004: $22,545
Category: 2703 - MICROBIOLOGY
Industry Partner(s):
Vivendi Water
Summary:
The aim is to provide a scientific basis for understanding how phosphorous can be removed in
wastewater treatment plants, using environmentally safe biological methods rather than by using
chemicals. This is expected to lead to improved performance in wastewater treatment plants, which
will be of economic and environmental benefit, particularly to regional communities in inland
Australia.
***
LP0219306
Administering Organisation: The University of New South Wales
Prof R Fell
Title: Cracking of Embankment Dams Under Normal Operating, and Flood Conditions, and
the Implications for Internal Erosion and Piping Failure
2002: $59,000
APA(I) Award(s):
2003: $47,000
2004: $22,545
1
Category: 2908 - CIVIL ENGINEERING
Industry Partner(s):
NSW Department of Public Works and Services
SA Water
Goulbourn-Murray Water
Dams Safety Committee of New South Wales
Department of Natural Resources and Environment
Summary:
Internal erosion and piping causes half of embankment dam failures and accidents. Historically about
two percent of dams have been affected. The most common cause of initiation of erosion is in
cracks or by hydraulic fracture in low stress zones. This project will develop methods for predicting
the opening width and depth of desiccation and stress induced cracking in the dam crest, and for
assessing whether the cracks will close before erosion begins as the reservoir water rises, or whether
erosion will self limit or continue.
***
LP0212012
Administering Organisation: The University of New South Wales
Dr M Ferry
Dr K Mukunthan
Title: Optimising the Formability of Strip-Cast Low Carbon Steel
2002: $22,545
APA(I) Award(s):
2003: $22,545
1
2004: $22,545
Category: 2913 - METALLURGY
Industry Partner(s):
BHP Minerals Technology
Summary:
Recent advances in strip casting of low carbon steel have the potential for producing formable sheet
products at a fraction of the cost of conventional slab casting and secondary processing. The aim of
the project is to develop a deeper understanding of the effect of solidification microstructure of stripcast steel on the development of microstructure and texture following cold rolling and annealing in
an attempt to improve the formability of the final strip product. The project is also expected to
produce an outstanding Australian researcher relevant to industry with expertise in ferrous physical
metallurgy.
***
LP0214841
Administering Organisation: The University of New South Wales
Dr SP Fowell
Prof SR Elliot
Prof IF Wilkinson
Prof KM Langfield-Smith
Title: Supply Chain Management and eProcurement
2002: $130,500
2003: $83,850
APA(I) Award(s):
2004: $84,294
2
Category: 2801 - INFORMATION SYSTEMS
Industry Partner(s):
QPA Australia Pty Ltd
Summary:
This project will assist Australian firms assess the impact of emerging Internet-enabled electronic
business (e-business) initiatives in the area of procurement and supply chain management. The aims
are to identify factors that constrain/enable e-procurement in creating sustained value; describe key
elements of suceses in the development, application and effective use of e-procurement; provide the
basis for assessing progress in understanding and use of successive waves of innovation in areas of eprocurement and supply chain management; and develop industry benchmarks for critical dimensions
of effectiveness in these areas.
***
LP0218948
Administering Organisation: The University of New South Wales
Dr M Hassan
Dr SK Jha
Title: Quality of Service in 3G Wireless Systems with Hybrid Networks
2002: $22,545
2003: $22,545
2004: $22,545
APA(I) Award(s):
1
Category: 2917 - COMMUNICATIONS TECHNOLOGIES
Industry Partner(s):
Vodafone Network Pty Ltd
Summary:
The increasing demand of providing Internet-based services over the mobile handsets has led to the
transition from circuit-based 2G systems to packet-based network architectures in the emerging 3G
systems. A major technical challenge for this paradigm shift is maintaining quality of services (QoS)
for the existing data and voice and future Internet services such as streaming multimedia over such
packet switching networks. This project aims to investigate end-to-end QoS solutions in the 3G
systems. Australian mobile Internet and voice carriers will significantly benefit from this technology.
***
LP0219619
Administering Organisation: The University of New South Wales
Prof BK Hebblewhite
Title: An investigation into the relationships between geology, geometry and wind blast
magnitude & intensity in underground coal mining
2002: $77,000
2003: $69,000
2004: $69,000
Category: 2907 - RESOURCES ENGINEERING
Industry Partner(s):
Coal Operations Australia Limited
Summary:
In some underground coal mines where the roof comprises massive rock, the roof strata do not cave
regularly as extraction progresses but hang up, leading to extensive areas of unsupported roof. These
areas can suddenly collapse, compressing the air beneath and forcing it out of the void through
surrounding openings giving rise to a potentially hazardous phenomenon known as wind blast. The
aim is to develop a fundamental understanding of the phenomenon and thus provide a basis on which
to develop strategies to mitigate the hazard. Outcomes are expected to be improved levels of mining
safety, technical viability and economics.
***
LP0234923
Administering Organisation: The University of New South Wales
A/Prof G Heiser
Title: High-performance real-time OS framework for low-power applications
2002: $22,545
2003: $22,545
APA(I) Award(s):
2004: $22,545
1
Category: 2803 - COMPUTER SOFTWARE
Industry Partner(s):
Cisco Systems Wireless Networking (Aust) Pty Ltd
Summary:
Wireless network adapters, as they are being developed by Cisco, will find widespread use in the
near future, as they are the basis of all mobile or otherwise disconnected intelligent devices. These
devices must process data very rapidly, yet operate with minimal power consumption. We will
develop operating system kernels that will support the secure, efficient and protected execution of
the core processing firmware, and provide application frameworks for the controlling higher
software layers. We will also investigate and design hardware mechanisms that support the software
while keeping power consumption minimal.
***
LP0211985
Administering Organisation: The University of New South Wales
Dr JP Heuts
Prof TP Davis
Dr DJ Irvine
Ms L Ryan
Title: Polymers for Novel Surfactants
2002: $110,000
2003: $110,000
Category: 2505 - MACROMOLECULAR CHEMISTRY
Industry Partner(s):
Uniqema
Summary:
The aim of the proposed research is to develop novel surface-active polymers with complex
architectures and more efficient strategies for the synthesis of surface-active polymers in general.
We will exploit the polymerization characteristics of the novel catalytic chain transfer and radical
addition-fragmentation transfer polymerization techniques to achieve polymerization control that has
been virtually impossible hitherto. The proposed research will thus make accessible a wide range of
novel surface-active polymers that have been impossible to synthesise to date, and which we expect
to be more efficient and hence leads to greener technologies.
***
LP0219465
Administering Organisation: The University of New South Wales
Dr E Jarnecic
A/Prof A Frino
Prof T Brailsford
A/Prof H Berkman
Title: What Is the Optimal Level of Transparency and Should Off-Market Block Trading
exist in Futures Markets?
2002: $57,000
2003: $55,000
2004: $45,000
Category: 3503 - BANKING, FINANCE AND INVESTMENT
Industry Partner(s):
Sydney Futures Exchange
Summary:
The aims of this project are twofold; to assess (i) what level of transparency is optimal and (ii)
whether off-market block trading should be allowed in futures markets. Transparency refers to how
much of the trading process is made visible to participants. The issue has been researched only very
recently and findings have been limited. Off-market block trading procedures allow large trades to
be executed away from the market. This project will undertake the first study of large trades on
futures markets and will also compare the impact of large trades on market quality when executed
on- and off-market.
***
LP0219247
Administering Organisation: The University of New South Wales
Prof DR Jeffery
Title: Achieving Tailored Industrial Software Process Improvement with Experience
Repositories and Electronic Process Guides
2002: $99,385
2003: $101,744
2004: $103,147
Category: 2803 - COMPUTER SOFTWARE
Industry Partner(s):
Allette Systems (Australia) Pty Ltd
Summary:
There is a well-recognised need for organisations to improve their software development processes
in order to achieve higher software quality and greater efficiencies in development. The use of
electronic process guides and experience repositories have been two technologies independently
proposed to achieve these aims. This research will develop a framework, methods and tools to allow
integration of experience repositories and electronic process guides to facilitate process tailoring,
process improvement, and project management. The result will be significant improvements in
software development productivity and quality.
***
LP0219276
Administering Organisation: The University of New South Wales
Dr DJ Kennedy
Prof Dr PL Bohle
Prof Dr MA Fiatarone-Singh
Prof Dr WJ Evans
Mrs L Alway
Title: A consumer-adoption study: Exercise training for the healthy elderly in an Australian
retirement community setting
2002: $58,000
2003: $52,000
Category: 3502 - BUSINESS AND MANAGEMENT
Industry Partner(s):
Primelife Corporation Limited
Summary:
Investigates the consumer-adoption process (knowledge, persuasion, decision, implementation, and
confirmation) for an exercise training service in a retirement village. This project will evaluate the
psychological and physical impacts of the new exercise service. From a consumer behaviour
perspective it will examine behavioural outcomes (adoption vs non-adoption), as well as the
individual differences that distinguish adopters from non-adopters. Finally, it will examine customer
intentions (i.e. intention to stay, intention to recommend). The project will establish the
product/service effectiveness and acceptability in Australia, as well as the marketing potential of the
program for Australian retirement villages in general.
***
LP0210513
Administering Organisation: The University of New South Wales
A/Prof AR Lloyd
Dr PA White
A/Prof WD Rawlinson
Dr G Vesey
Title: Development of SELEX technology (Systematic Evolution of Ligands by EXponential
enrichment)
2002: $55,419
2003: $45,392
2004: $45,392
Category: 2708 - BIOTECHNOLOGY
Industry Partner(s):
BTF Pty Ltd
Summary:
A recently developed in vitro genetic selection technique has allowed the isolation of
oligonucleotides that can bind target molecules with high affinity and specificity. The strategy know
as SELEX (Systematic Evolution of Ligands by EXponential enrichment) uses protein biochemistry
and PCR technology, with subsequent repeated rounds of selection and amplification, to screen vast
libraries of oligonucleotides (RNA or DNA) for their ability to bind target proteins. This procedure
will be developed by UNSW in collaboration with the biotech company BTF Plc., Ltd., to be used in
two applications. The first is the research interest of UNSW and involves the development of
aptamers against hepatitis C virus. The second lies within the interests of BTF and will involve the
development of aptamers against the water borne pathogen Cryptosporidium parvum.
***
LP0220231
Administering Organisation: The University of New South Wales
A/Prof SR Lo
Dr CT Gnanendran
Mr CV Wijeyakulasuriya
Title: Characterisation of granular base and sub-base pavement materials under cyclic
loading
2002: $22,545
2003: $22,545
APA(I) Award(s):
2004: $22,545
1
Category: 2908 - CIVIL ENGINEERING
Industry Partner(s):
Queensland Department of Main Roads
Summary:
Pavement construction is a high cost item in road construction. Until very recently, pavements were
designed based on empirical rules and restrictive material prescriptions. With the introduction of
rational mechanistic pavement design methodology, it has become necessary to reliably characterise
the behaviour of road foundation materials under cyclic loading. This project is focused on the
characterisation of unbound granular base and sub-base materials. Since these are geo-materials,
geotechnical concepts such as the influence of stress path will be used. This project will lead to
better roads at lower cost, and significant leap in know-how in pavement design and material
specification.
***
LP0218846
Administering Organisation: The University of New South Wales
Dr IL Maclaine-cross
Prof E Leonardi
Title: Performance of Centrifugal Chillers using Hydrocarbons
2002: $22,545
2003: $22,545
APA(I) Award(s):
2004: $22,545
1
Category: 2905 - MECHANICAL AND INDUSTRIAL ENGINEERING
Industry Partner(s):
HyChill Australia Pty Ltd
Summary:
Centrifugal chillers cool most large buildings. Their energy consumption and fluorocarbon emissions
are a global environmental concern. A 40% increase in rotational speed and replacement of the
fluorocarbon refrigerant by a hydrocarbon is proposed. Over 4% energy savings with no
performance changes is predicted. The aims are to prepare a conversion protocol, measure chiller
performance before and after conversion, develop a new model of evaporator heat transfer and
correlate the model with chiller measurements. The capital cost of compliance with the Montreal
Protocol for a large building will be reduced by $10,000 with about $5,000 in annual energy cost
savings.
***
LP0219628
Administering Organisation: The University of New South Wales
Dr IL Maclaine-Cross
Dr SS Leong
Title: Reduction of Legionnaires' Disease from Cooling Towers
2002: $22,545
2003: $22,545
APA(I) Award(s):
2004: $22,545
1
Category: 2905 - MECHANICAL AND INDUSTRIAL ENGINEERING
Industry Partner(s):
Marley Temcel Australia Pty Ltd
Summary:
Inhaled water droplets containing Legionella bacteria can cause potentially fatal Legionnaires?
disease. Algae are the main source of organic matter in cooling towers on which Legionella feed. If
droplets are prevented from leaving the tower they cannot cause disease. If no light enters a cooling
tower no algae grow. This project aims to identify and develop designs and measurement methods
for cooling towers which give low levels of droplets leaving and light entering. The new designs will
reduce Legionnaires? disease infections by hundreds of times which eliminates a major urban hazard
in Australia.
***
LP0226446
Administering Organisation: The University of New South Wales
A/Prof CV Madhusudana
Mr J Chabo
Title: Research into techniques for enhancing the heat transfer performance of finned-tube
heat exchangers
2002: $22,545
2003: $22,545
APA(I) Award(s):
2004: $22,545
1
Category: 2918 - INTERDISCIPLINARY ENGINEERING
Industry Partner(s):
Kirby Heat Transfer
Summary:
This project explores several methods for enhancing the heat transfer performance of mechanically
bonded finned tube heat exchangers. The methods would be analysed experimentally, and using finite
elements, numerically. Any increase in heat transfer efficiency would contribute to the conservation
of energy, and therefore, of natural resources. An improved design of heat exchangers would give a
definite competitive edge to the Australian manufacturer. An equally significant outcome would be
the training of a research person in industry-related research and skilled both in experimental and
numerical procedures.
***
LP0221344
Administering Organisation: The University of New South Wales
Dr SM Mahler
Dr CP Marquis
Ms HA Pearson
Title: Engineering of anti-platelet antibodies for the diagnosis and therapy of infants with
bleeding disorders
2002: $22,545
2003: $22,545
APA(I) Award(s):
2004: $22,545
1
Category: 2708 - BIOTECHNOLOGY
Industry Partner(s):
Australian Red Cross Blood Service
Summary:
Foeto-maternal alloimmune thrombocytopenia (FMAIT) is a serious clinical condition where infants
suffer potentially fatal bleeding disorders from 14 weeks gestation to 1-2 weeks post delivery. The
cause of the disease is through maternal antibodies destroying foetal platelets. Our aim is to produce
human antibodies, which will be used as diagnostic agents to screen for the condition in pregnant
women, and to further develop such antibodies for therapy. Identification of mothers at risk of
FMAIT and the development of a specific therapy are vital to the management and prevention of this
serious condition.
***
LP0220232
Administering Organisation: The University of New South Wales
Em/Prof BE Milton
Prof M Behnia
Mr RA Davies
Title: Development of a gas-diesel engine injection system using a hydraulically actuated,
electronically controlled unit injector (HEUI) for flexible dual-fuel operation
2002: $45,090
2003: $45,090
APA(I) Award(s):
2004: $45,090
2
Category: 2999 - OTHER ENGINEERING AND TECHNOLOGY
Industry Partner(s):
Origin Energy Limited
Summary:
Achieving targets for greenhouse gas reduction will require practical, easily implemented alternative
fuels for vehicles. Converting existing truck/bus diesel engines to dual-fuel systems using natural gas
is important. In particular, for long distance application, these systems need to allow flexible
switching from sole diesel to dual-fuel operation and good gas substitution at low loads within cities.
An earlier ARC funded project allowed UNSW to develop the world's most compact, flexible HEUI
diesel injector. This project aims to develop, test and explore dual-fuel combustion using a compact
single unit, combined NG/HEUI injector which will have considerable combustion and operational
advantages.
***
LP0211992
Administering Organisation: The University of New South Wales
Prof GL Morrison
Prof M Behnia
Mr J Urch
Title: Design and Optimisation of Novel Enthalpy Heat Exchangers
2002: $22,545
2003: $22,545
APA(I) Award(s):
2004: $22,545
1
Category: 2905 - MECHANICAL AND INDUSTRIAL ENGINEERING
Industry Partner(s):
Air-Change
Summary:
This project deals with the thermal design and optimisation of a novel type of latent energy heat
exchanger. This new heat exchanger overcomes the practical implementation problems of previous
latent energy heat exchangers such as heat-wheels. The main application of this innovative heat
exchanger will be to improve the capacity and efficiency of air conditioning systems. As the new heat
exchanger is very compact it will be ideally suited for integration with air conditioning coils. Existing
latent heat wheels are very bulky and are difficult to integrate into standard air conditioner
installations.
***
LP0212040
Administering Organisation: The University of New South Wales
Prof J Nevile
Dr T Eardley
Title: A Review of Work for the Dole as a Labour Market Program
2002: $21,500
Category: 3402 - APPLIED ECONOMICS
Industry Partner(s):
Anglicare Australia
Committee for Economic Development of Australia
Summary:
The project will review the Work for the Dole program in terms of its first formal objective (to install
work habits in young people)and in the wider context of giving young unemployed people the skills
and confidence that will increase their chances of finding employment. The principal research tools
used will be sample surveys and in-depth interviews. An independent substantial review will give a
firm basis for discussions of the program, including how it can be improved and whether or not,
given the political imperatives to retain it,it is desirable to increase expenditure on it.
***
LP0228735
Administering Organisation: The University of New South Wales
Prof OI Ostrovski
Title: Carbothermal solid state reduction of manganese ore in hydrogen atmosphere
2002: $22,545
2003: $22,545
APA(I) Award(s):
2004: $22,545
1
Category: 2913 - METALLURGY
Industry Partner(s):
Tasmanian Electrometallurgy Company
Summary:
The aim of the project is to establish mechanisms of solid-state reduction of manganese ore by
carbon in hydrogen and effects of gas atmosphere and other operation parameters on the reduction
rate. The project will examine carbothermal reduction of manganese ore in hydrogen, helium and
argon at different temperatures, ore compositions and sizes. The project's outcomes will be the
reduction extent, rate and mechanisms. They will be used to assess the feasibility of solid-state
reduction technology. This will be of importance to Australian manganese industry.
***
LP0220056
Administering Organisation: The University of New South Wales
Dr LA Poole-Warren
Dr RA Odell
Title: Development and characterisation of novel hydrogel systems for drug delivery
2002: $22,545
2003: $22,545
APA(I) Award(s):
2004: $22,545
1
Category: 2915 - BIOMEDICAL ENGINEERING
Industry Partner(s):
BioCure Inc.
Summary:
The aims of this project are to develop and characterise hydrogel formulations for delivery of active
agents, such as protein drugs, and to examine the biological responses to drug loaded hydrogels. In
many medical and industrial fields, it is advantageous to control the release of active agents.
Controlled release can decrease the dose of active that must be administered, sustain a more constant
level of the agent in the environment and can localise the agent at the site where it is needed. This
project will advance the theoretical knowledge of polymer degradation combined with protein
release, will develop controlled release hydrogel technology that can be applied to medical devices
and will train a postgraduate student in biomaterials and drug delivery.
***
LP0211586
Administering Organisation: The University of New South Wales
A/Prof WD Rawlinson
Prof J Lawson
Prof GT Maine
Title: Molecular and antibody analysis of cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection of fetal and
placental cells
2002: $47,489
2003: $45,095
2004: $45,095
Category: 2703 - MICROBIOLOGY
Industry Partner(s):
Abbott Laboratories Inc
Summary:
CMV is a beta herpesvirus with many unknown molecular mechanisms associated with cellular
infection. The virus infects placental cells in vivo, although pathogenesis of viral damage to these
cells has been extremely difficult to study in vitro. We have commenced a study to i) demonstrate the
molecular accompaniments of infection of placental cells in vitro, ii) determine the genotypic
characteristics of congenital CMV infections, in collaboration with Abbott Diagnostics, and iii)
produce an in vivo model of CMV infection to demonstrate the pathogenesis of cellular injury. The
combination of molecular expertise at UNSW with monoclonal antibody expertise from Abbott
Diagnostics mean this project is unique worldwide.
***
LP0219251
Administering Organisation: The University of New South Wales
A/Prof V Sahajwalla
Title: Fundamental Investigation of Kinetics of Ferro-Silicon Reactions in Cupola Scrap
Melting Processes
2002: $59,000
2003: $59,000
2004: $59,000
Category: 2913 - METALLURGY
Industry Partner(s):
Tyco Water
Summary:
The aims of this project include development of fundamental understanding of Ferro-silicon reactions
in cupola scrap melting processes. This project will advance the scrap melting processes by
enhancing their economic viability and environmental compatibility by optimising the reactions of
Ferro-silicon which is one of the major sources of operating problems. Specifically the project will
achieve optimisation of Ferro-silicon utilisation, reduction in refractory consumption, minimisation of
industrial slag waste generation, improved product composition control. The scientific outcomes
include data and mechanisms of Ferro-silicon reactions with gas and graphite phases, kinetic models
to describe the influence of Ferro-silicon and process variables.
***
LP0211417
Administering Organisation: The University of New South Wales
Prof RA Sammut
Dr AV Buryak
Title: Novel multi-channel and nonlinear Bragg grating devices
2002: $60,000
2003: $61,495
2004: $64,416
Category: 2917 - COMMUNICATIONS TECHNOLOGIES
Industry Partner(s):
Redfern Optical Components Pty. Ltd.
Summary:
High capacity and reliable telecommunications links are essential for many aspects of modern life and
work. Optical fibres offer essentially unlimited capacity, but their optimal use requires the
transmission of multiple wavelength channels simultaneously. This, in turn, requires the development
of special-purpose fibre devices for multiplexing and de-multiplexing these channels, as well as for
other optical filtering and switching tasks. Fibre Bragg gratings are central to many of these devices,
and the aim of this project is to develop novel designs for linear and nonlinear Bragg grating devices
which may significantly widen the current range of their applications.
***
LP0230597
Administering Organisation: The University of New South Wales
Prof PG Saunders
Dr J Cashmore
Title: The Costs of Foster Care in Australia
2002: $22,545
APA(I) Award(s):
2003: $22,545
2004: $22,545
1
Category: 3701 - SOCIOLOGY
Industry Partner(s):
Association of Childrens Welfare Agencies
Summary:
The aim of the study is to determine adequate and appropriate levels of reimbursement for carers by
undertaking empirical research on the economic and social costs associated with fostering. For the
first time in Australia the indirect costs to carers will be examined and a model developed for
reimbursing foster carers similar to other paid carers in the community. In collaboration with the
Industry Partner it will explore the feasibility of using budget standards methodology to estimate the
direct costs of care of children by refining and adapting budgets to reflect costs specific to different
types of foster care.
***
LP0216273
Administering Organisation: The University of New South Wales
Prof AP Seneviratne
Title: PROVISION OF ARBITARY COMPLEX SERVICES ON THE MOBILE INTERNET
2002: $22,545
APA(I) Award(s):
2003: $22,545
2004: $22,545
1
Category: 2917 - COMMUNICATIONS TECHNOLOGIES
Industry Partner(s):
Vodafone Australia Pty Ltd
Summary:
Within the next few years, mobile and wireless access to the Internet will very likely become the
norm. These networks will use widely different networking technologies. Moreover, the services
provided, will be accessed by the users using a wide variety of devices, with significantly different
capabilities. Thus to provide seamless access, the system must adapt it self to the operating
environment. These adaptations need to occur at different levels of the system, in isolation. This
project is aimed at investigating the implications of adaptation decisions being taken in isolation at
different levels on the system stability and performance.
***
LP0229431
Administering Organisation: The University of New South Wales
Dr A Sharma
Prof SJ Sheather
Title: Multi-site generation of daily rainfall for catchment water management studies
2002: $22,545
APA(I) Award(s):
2003: $22,545
2004: $22,545
1
Category: 2605 - HYDROLOGY
Industry Partner(s):
Department of Land and Water Conservation (DLWC)
Summary:
This project aims to develop new approaches for stochastic generation of daily precipitation at
multiple locations within a catchment. Traditional stochastic generators are found lacking at daily
time-steps, offering a poor representation of observed distributional, seasonal and persistence
characteristics. Ongoing research has resulted in approaches for generating daily rainfall at a single
location that do not suffer from the above problems. This project will formulate approaches for
rainfall generation at multiple locations within a catchment. The generated data will allow risk-based
management and more reliable evaluation of the hydrologic, environmental and socioeconomic
impacts of alternative water resource management planning scenarios.
***
LP0211599
Administering Organisation: The University of New South Wales
Prof IG Sharpe
Prof Dr P Kofman
Dr N Esho
Title: Risk and Prudential Regulation and Supervision of Australian Financial Institutions
2002: $60,000
2003: $60,000
2004: $60,000
Category: 3503 - BANKING, FINANCE AND INVESTMENT
Industry Partner(s):
Australian Prudential Regulatory Authority
Summary:
The project seeks to enhance the effectiveness of prudential regulation and supervision of financial
institutions (FIs) by examining the risk of FIs, as reflected in default risk premiums on FI
international debt issues and variability of revenue/profitability measures, and the effect of
broadening FI activities and the shift towards fee/commission income on FI risk. This forms the basis
for the development and testing of statistical early warning systems of impending financial problems
in Australian FIs. The models are compared with examiner rating systems currently used in
prudential supervision.
***
LP0220017
Administering Organisation: The University of New South Wales
Prof SM Shaver
Title: The Smith Family VIEW Clubs of Australia: From Philanthropy towards Social
Enterprise
2002: $22,545
2003: $22,545
APA(I) Award(s):
2004: $22,545
1
Category: 3702 - SOCIAL WORK
Industry Partner(s):
The Smith Family
Summary:
This project offers the opportunity to do original and innovative research with one of Australia's
most successful women's community service organisations, The Smith Family VIEW (Voice,
Interests and Education of Women) Clubs. The research will investigate the clubs' response to The
Smith Family plan for them to play a new role in social development and social change, and whether
this response differs among clubs in rural and regional and metropolitan areas. Conducted in
collaboration with a major national community organisation, the project will provide multidisciplinary training in social policy in the specialist research environment of the Social Policy
Research Centre.
***
LP0235259
Administering Organisation: The University of New South Wales
Dr R Sheikholeslami
Dr J Schrotter
Mr K Craig
Title: The Study of Pretreatment Options for Composite Fouling of Reverse Osmosis
Membranes Used in Water Treatment and Production
2002: $22,545
APA(I) Award(s):
2003: $22,545
2004: $22,545
1
Category: 2906 - CHEMICAL ENGINEERING
Industry Partner(s):
Vivendi Water Australia
Summary:
It is recognised worldwide that fouling is a major impediment in operation of Reverse Osmosis units
used for production, purification and treatment of water. This project is aimed at studying pretreatment options for composite fouling which is the main type of fouling present in RO units by
using both model feed systems and actual field water. The project outcomes are to understand and
develop pre-treatment strategies and to use those to develop a hybrid pre-treatment technology. This
project will significantly impact water production in general and its outcomes will have far-reaching
implications in treatment of water both within Australia and globally.
***
LP0212081
Administering Organisation: The University of New South Wales
A/Prof A Sowmya
Dr T Zrimec
Prof PJ Compton
Dr G Kossoff
Dr P Wilson
Dr PE Lucas
Title: Learning Medical Image Knowledge
2002: $132,974
2003: $96,998
2004: $101,224
Category: 2802 - ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE AND SIGNAL AND IMAGE PROCESSING
Industry Partner(s):
Medical Imaging Australasia Ltd (Pittwater Radiology Pty Ltd)
Marconi Medical Systems Australia Pty Ltd
Summary:
We aim to develop Machine Learning and Knowledge Acquisition techniques for automated
recognition of features in medical images, and to provide decision support for diagnosis from
medical images. The project is innovative in its use of layered learning, where the computer first
learns to recognise low-level image features that are then used to learn more complex features. The
project is also innovative in combining a variety of automatic learning methods, including relational
learning, with human-assisted knowledge acquisition methods. The expected outcomes will be new
techniques for image understanding, particularly for our test domain, namely, High Resolution
Computed Tomography scans of the lung.
***
LP0219596
Administering Organisation: The University of New South Wales
Dr IM Suthers
Mr S Fielder
Title: Environmental impact and survival of re-stocked mulloway fingerlings into NSW
estuaries
2002: $22,545
APA(I) Award(s):
2003: $22,545
2004: $22,545
1
Category: 2707 - ECOLOGY AND EVOLUTION
Industry Partner(s):
NSW Fisheries Research Institute
Summary:
NSW estuaries are subject to significant commercial and increasing recreational fishing pressure.
Increasing the relative abundance of fish by restocking is a popular concept with many anglers,
aquaculture businesses and politicians, especially with the recent introduction of a marine angling
license in NSW. It is also an emotive concept to estuary management committees and some fishing
groups, but there is little information on the possible impacts. This proposal will examine the
environmental impact of releasing juvenile mulloway - a top level predator - on local forage species
in two target estuaries, and thus make predictions for management of restocking.
***
LP0210803
Administering Organisation: The University of New South Wales
Prof GJ Williams
Mr GD Orr
Title: Australian Electoral Law: Building a System for the 21st Century
2002: $77,506
2003: $32,561
Category: 3901 - LAW
Industry Partner(s):
Electoral Council of Australia
Summary:
An effective regime of electoral law and regulation is vital to the integrity of any democratic system.
The litigation arising from the recent US Presidential election clearly demonstrates this. But electoral
law is a neglected discipline in Australia. This impedes best practice electoral administration and the
orderly development and modernisation of electoral law norms and rules. With the involvement and
backing of Electoral Council of Australia (representing all Australian electoral authorities), this
project will produce leading scholarship that will assist the ongoing development of an appropriate
regime of electoral law for Australia in the 21st century.
***
LP0219417
Administering Organisation: The University of New South Wales
A/Prof AB Yu
Dr R Zou
Title: Experimental and numerical studies of the packing of alumina powders
2002: $50,000
2003: $45,000
2004: $45,000
Category: 2907 - RESOURCES ENGINEERING
Industry Partner(s):
Alcoa World Alumina
Summary:
This project is to investigate the packing of alumina powders at both microscopic and macroscopic
levels by means of physical and numerical experiments, aiming to develop a comprehensive
understanding of the underlying physics and computer models for predicting the packing properties
under conditions corresponding to different operations in alumina refining and smelting processes. It
will generate an effective method to solve the complex packing problems for process and/or property
control in alumina/aluminium industry.
***
LP0219580
Administering Organisation: The University of New South Wales
Dr AB Yu
Dr P Zulli
Title: Model studies of solid flow and size segregation in ironmaking blast furnace
2002: $59,000
APA(I) Award(s):
2003: $53,000
2004: $53,000
1
Category: 2913 - METALLURGY
Industry Partner(s):
BHP Steel Research Laboratories
Summary:
The proposed project will investigate the fundamentals governing the flow and segregation of
particles in relation to permeability distribution, the optimisation of which is critical for stable
operations of a modern blast furnace (BF). A mathematical model will be developed to describe bed
permeability at a particle-scale level; this model will be validated using detailed analysis of
microscopic and macroscopic data from concurrent physical experiments. Outcomes of the project
will provide a fundamental basis for upgrading BHP BF process models. Through superior BF
control strategies and lower costs, this project will assist in improving the competitiveness of
Australia's steel industry.
***
The University of Newcastle
LP0219327
Administering Organisation: The University of Newcastle
Prof RJ Aitken
Dr DB Rylatt
Title: Use of Gradipore technology to develop novel methods for the preparation and
segregation of mammalian spermatozoa
2002: $22,545
2003: $22,545
APA(I) Award(s):
2004: $22,545
1
Category: 2706 - PHYSIOLOGY
Industry Partner(s):
Gradipore
Summary:
The purpose of this project is to harness the expertise available within an Australian biotechnology
company, Gradipore, to develop novel methods for the preparation of mammalian spermatozoa and
the segregation of these cells into X-and Y- bearing populations. This technology will find
application in: (1)clinical andrology, where rapid, safe protocols for the preparation and segregation
of human spermatozoa are being actively sought in the context of assisted conception and the
management of sex-linked genetic diseases and (2) agriculture, particularly the cattle industry, where
a capacity to predetermine the sex of the offspring would be extremely valuable.
***
LP0214165
Administering Organisation: The University of Newcastle
A/Prof J Burgess
Dr J Connell
Mr P Cooper
Title: HIGH LABOUR TURNOVER IN REGIONAL CALL CENTRES
2002: $22,545
2003: $22,545
APA(I) Award(s):
2004: $22,545
1
Category: 3502 - BUSINESS AND MANAGEMENT
Industry Partner(s):
Advanced Dynamics
Summary:
The number of call centres and call centre employment is rapidly expanding in Australia. Many call
centres are being developed on regional green field sites (new sites). Call centres are becoming an
important IT based source of employment in regional areas. One persistent problem with call centre
operations is the reported high labour turnover. This research investigates the possible reasons for
the reported high turnover of labour in regional call centres. Through the research, companies may
be able to reduce labour turnover by initiating remedial training, human resources management and
organisational management measures. This will generate potential gains for call centre operators and
for call centre employees.
***
LP0219252
Administering Organisation: The University of Newcastle
A/Prof BZ Dlugogorski
Dr EM Kennedy
Dr RJ Goodridge
Title: Gassing Mechanism and Stability of Foamed Explosive Emulsions
2002: $22,545
2003: $22,545
APA(I) Award(s):
2004: $22,545
1
Category: 2906 - CHEMICAL ENGINEERING
Industry Partner(s):
Orica Explosives
Summary:
Mining of minerals such as coal involves crushing the surrounding rock strata, or the mineral ore
itself, with emulsion explosives. One of the most important properties determining suitability of an
emulsion explosive to a particular mining operation is its velocity of detonation, which can be
adjusted by varying the number and size of air bubbles distributed in the emulsion matrix. The
present project aims to develop new ways of generating air bubbles, to gain fundamental
understanding of the foaming mechanism in currently used gassing techniques, and to invent ways to
stabilise large bubbles within the emulsion. The project will provide scientific underpinning for the
development of a new range of emulsion explosives manufactured by Orica for Australian and
international markets, maintaining the Orica's position as a leader in the field of emulsion explosives.
***
LP0218930
Administering Organisation: The University of Newcastle
A/Prof GM Evans
Dr P Zulli
Title: Free Surface Instability and Gas Entrainment during Blast Furnace Drainage
2002: $35,000
2003: $33,000
2004: $34,000
Category: 2913 - METALLURGY
Industry Partner(s):
BHP Steel Research Laboratories
Summary:
Iron and Steelmaking operations have underpinned Australia's industry base for many years. To
remain competitive in a global market BHP has undertaken considerable research and development
to constantly improve process performance. An area of on-going concern is the unexpected release
of gas during Blast Furnace drainage resulting in hazardous conditions for the operators and overall
loss of production. This project aims to identify the causes of gas release and to devise operational
strategies and design modifications to prevent this occurrence. Once implemented the outcomes of
the research will be a more stable operation leading to increased production and less environmental
emissions.
***
LP0219570
Administering Organisation: The University of Newcastle
A/Prof GM Evans
Dr B Moghtaderi
Dr SR Biggs
Mr PD Dennis
Title: Combined Ozonation-Flotation for the Treatment of Potable Water
2002: $49,000
2003: $51,000
APA(I) Award(s):
2004: $52,000
1
Category: 2906 - CHEMICAL ENGINEERING
Industry Partner(s):
Hunter Water Australia
Summary:
Water Authorities are tightly regulated to guarantee removal of pollutants such as algal cells and
toxins, cryptosporidium oocysts, and geosmin from drinking water. Processing options such as
membrane filtration are effective but become very expensive when continuously operated to protect
against occasional contamination events. This project aims to develop a fully-integrated process
combining flotation and ozonation which can be operated continuously when required in a number
of different modes to provide a barrier against a range of contamination events. The process utilises
much of the existing water treatment infrastructure reducing capital and operating costs.
***
LP0214978
Administering Organisation: The University of Newcastle
Mr PM Geary
Dr R Drysdale
Title: The Sustainable Effluent Irrigation Project - Effects of effluent irrigation on soil
sodicity and groundwater quality.
2002: $22,545
APA(I) Award(s):
2003: $22,545
2004: $22,545
1
Category: 3001 - SOIL AND WATER SCIENCES
Industry Partner(s):
Hunter Water Corporation
Summary:
The land application of recycled municipal effluent is now regularly practised by a number of local
authorities and agencies responsible for centralised collection of wastewater, its treatment and
disposal. Treated municipal effluent is often land applied and used to grow hardwood plantations.
Hardwood plantations are very effective in producing large amounts of biomass and also assist
agencies in off-setting wastewater treatment and disposal costs associated with advanced wastewater
treatment to remove nutrients. This project will examine the effects of effluent irrigation on soil
chemistry and groundwater quality at two hardwood plantations in the Hunter Valley, NSW. It is
increasingly clear that large-scale reuse schemes, particularly those involving hardwood plantations,
must be designed to be sustainable and have no significant impact on soil chemistry (increasing
sodicity) and groundwater. This project will develop irrigation regimes for hardwood plantations
which will promote soil productivity and optimize effluent application rates for pollutant removal and
biomass production.
***
LP0212035
Administering Organisation: The University of Newcastle
Prof MG Jones
Dr R Pan
Em/Prof AW Roberts
Mr CW Benjamin
Mr AC Burleigh
Mr J Nemeth
Ms LE Plambeck
Title: Optimisation of Mass Flow Bin Design Using 3D Parametric Modelling
2002: $46,000
2003: $56,000
2004: $61,000
Category: 2905 - MECHANICAL AND INDUSTRIAL ENGINEERING
Industry Partner(s):
Gulf Conveyor Holdings Pty Ltd
Summary:
The storage, feeding and transfer of bulk solids are of vital importance to the resource and process
industries. The current techniques used for the design of storage vessels are reliable but time
consuming and limit the degree of optimisation that can be achieved. This project will develop a
design methodology for bulk solids storage vessels such that it can be integrated with the parametric
design system developed by Gulf Conveyor Holdings to provide a reliable, accelerated design
process that provides a high degree of optimisation. This will lead to greater use of the technique in
industry and a consequent increase in reliability and cost effectiveness.
***
LP0211206
Administering Organisation: The University of Newcastle
A/Prof GA Kuczera
Mr P Coombes
Dr RH Dunstan
Prof JD Kalma
Dr BL Berghout
Mr I Grimster
Title: Optimal Source Control in Urban Water Cycle Management
2002: $116,274
2003: $118,057
APDI - Mr P Coombes
2004: $118,057
APA(I) Award(s):
2
Category: 2908 - CIVIL ENGINEERING
Industry Partner(s):
Hunter Water Corporation
Gosford-Wyong Council's Water Authority
Hunter Region Organisation of Councils
Hunter Public Health Unit
Summary:
Major opportunities exist to improve the management of the urban water cycle by better use of
source control technology such as the use of rainwater tanks and water-sensitive design. This
program will optimise the use of this technology at three scales, allotment, subdivision and regional,
using genetic algorithms, parallel computing and shadow pricing. The aim is to minimise community
lifecycle costs subject to sustainable use of ecosystems and maintenance of public health standards.
The benefits include national savings of the order of $2 billion and significantly reduced demand on
water supply and stormwater infrastructure and its supporting ecosystems.
***
LP0214188
Administering Organisation: The University of Newcastle
Dr KL Mengersen
Mr C Witte
Title: A toolkit of statistical methodology for a state-of-the-art software and decision support
system for forest assessment using new airborne data
2002: $45,245
APA(I) Award(s):
2003: $32,145
2004: $32,745
1
Category: 2302 - STATISTICS
Industry Partner(s):
Department of Natural Resources, Forest Ecosystem Research&Assesst
Summary:
The aim is to develop statistical methods for efficient collection and interpretation of airborne laser
data and videography, used to describe characteristics of the forest such as tree species, stand history
and vertical distribution of foliage, and hence biodiversity and biomass. This is significant for meeting
Australia?s international and national environmental obligations, providing quality information to
farmers and industry, and hence developing potential jobs in regional areas. Outcomes include a
toolkit of statistical methods applicable to spatial modelling and analysis of very large datasets, a
statistically valid software product, marketable estimation methods in carbon accounting, technology
transfer, training, publications.
***
LP0210468
Administering Organisation: The University of Newcastle
Dr B Moghtaderi
A/Prof KP Galvin
Dr J Ashton
Title: Application of a Novel Reflux Classifier for Separating Nut Shell Fragments from
Powdered Food Mixtures
2002: $22,545
APA(I) Award(s):
2003: $22,545
2004: $22,545
1
Category: 2906 - CHEMICAL ENGINEERING
Industry Partner(s):
Sanitarium Heath Food Company
Summary:
An important operation in the food industry is the physical separation of valuable particles from a
mixture containing waste materials, such as shell fragments. The purpose of this study is to
investigate the application of a novel gas-solid fluidised bed system, utilising parallel inclined plates
to radically amplify the differential segregation rates to produce separations based on particle size.
Our aim is to develop a fundamental understanding of the principles governing the nature of this
system. The project should result in considerable technological and economic benefits for the food
industry, a well trained and educated person at the postgraduate level, and a stronger collaborative
link between the University and Sanitarium.
***
LP0211210
Administering Organisation: The University of Newcastle
Dr BM Ninness
Dr SR Weller
Dr CJ Nicol
Dr LM Davis
Title: Advanced Space-Time Coded Multiuser Wireless Communications via Test-bed
Development
2002: $62,659
APA(I) Award(s):
2003: $59,380
2004: $72,246
1
Category: 2917 - COMMUNICATIONS TECHNOLOGIES
Industry Partner(s):
Bell Labs (Lucent Technologies)
Summary:
Meeting the global demand for mobile and wireless communications depends critically on reliable
and high rate data transfer. Unfortunately, communications medium idiosyncrasies pose formidable
challenges. Very recently, in combatting this, major breakthroughs have been achieved whereby the
use of multiple antennas allows for drastic data-rate increases. These advances use sophisticated
Space-Time coding methods, and while they are causing great excitement in terms of their simulation
performance, it is not clear how they will perform in practice, or in fact how they are to be
realistically implemented. This project will address this issue by building a world-first testbed that
implements a high rate wireless communications system using Space-Time and other coding
methods.
***
LP0211994
Administering Organisation: The University of Newcastle
Dr PM O'Neill
Dr PM McGuirk
Dr KJ Mee
Title: Effective public housing management strategies for rural and regional Australia
2002: $62,000
2003: $62,000
APA(I) Award(s):
2004: $45,090
2
Category: 3704 - HUMAN GEOGRAPHY
Industry Partner(s):
NSW Department of Housing, Hunter and Central Coast Region
Summary:
Public housing authorities face growing demand for low cost housing from a diversifying range of
households. This project addresses three parts of this problem for an emblematic region. It develops
robust geographic information systems models to predict low-cost housing demand in rural and
regional areas. This major technical advance is situated within studies of institutional behaviours
affecting operations of housing authorities. Further the project evaluates public sector influence on
housing markets in rural and regional NSW in order to enhance intervention practices. Output also
includes three PhDs and applied knowledge of use to public housing authorities alongside academic
research outcomes.
***
LP0219641
Administering Organisation: The University of Newcastle
Prof JW Patrick
Mr MA Cole
Dr MJ Mahony
A/Prof CE Offler
Mr GW Marschke
Title: Rebuilding Sustainable and Functional Biodiversity following Coal Mining
2002: $22,545
2003: $22,545
APA(I) Award(s):
2004: $22,545
1
Category: 3008 - ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES
Industry Partner(s):
Thiess Contractors P/L
Summary:
Open-cut mines are a significant land-use in Australia and generate considerable GDP. Poor
management prior to mining has caused much topsoil to be lost and microbes vital to sustainable
nutrient cycling reduced to <10% that of a sustainable forest. To address this problem we are
developing a rehabilitation model using Mount Owen open-cut coal mine which passes through a
Upper Hunter forest. This project will discover ways of utilizing microbe-derived nitrogen vital to a
sustainable supply for native forests. Our aim is to reestablish these microbes in mine soils and
determine their impact on forest community development.
***
LP0214182
Administering Organisation: The University of Newcastle
Em/Prof AW Roberts
Prof M Jones
Mr SJ Wiche
Mr RR Law
Mr LI Burrell
Mr GL James
Title: Advancements in Belt Conveying
2002: $92,000
2003: $91,000
2004: $93,000
Category: 2905 - MECHANICAL AND INDUSTRIAL ENGINEERING
Industry Partner(s):
Engineering Services and Supplies Pty Ltd
Control Systems Technology Pty Ltd
Bechtel Services (Australia) Pty Ltd
Summary:
Belt conveyors are of considerable importance in bulk material handling operations worldwide. This
research will be undertaken in collaboration with three industry partners and will develop
fundamental models to predict and improve the performance and reliability in the areas of belt
cleaning, belt weighing and belt indentation resistance. A collective approach to the research will
significantly enhance the project outcomes due to the strong interrelation of fundamental parameters.
The research outcomes will significantly enhance the fundamental knowledge of belt conveying, and
strengthen Australia's international standing in the field of bulk materials handling research and
industrial application.
***
LP0219565
Administering Organisation: The University of Newcastle
Dr AS Sajeev
Title: A Generic Software Architecture for Web-Based Applications on Micro-Mobile Systems
2002: $22,545
APA(I) Award(s):
2003: $22,545
2004: $22,545
1
Category: 2803 - COMPUTER SOFTWARE
Industry Partner(s):
Total Internet Centre Pty Ltd
Summary:
The next generation of computers that will capture the imagination of the society are likely to be
micro-mobile devices such as personal digital assistants, mobile phones, smartcards and chips
embedded in home and office items. Developing applications for information processing using a
wireless network of such devices is an emerging challenge. This project will develop and evaluate a
generic architecture for web-based applications on micro-mobile devices. This will make it easy to
design applications that can seamlessly interact with different kinds of devices. The project will be
carried out in partnership with Total Internet Centre, a Newcastle based regional enterprise.
***
LP0234271
Administering Organisation: The University of Newcastle
Dr L Wang
Mr R Peirce
Title: Optimisation and Control of Bagasse Handling System in a Sugar Mill.
2002: $22,545
2003: $22,545
APA(I) Award(s):
2004: $22,545
1
Category: 2906 - CHEMICAL ENGINEERING
Industry Partner(s):
CSR LTD
Summary:
Bagasse, the fibre residue from sugar cane, is used as fuel in suspension fired boilers for energy
production for the sugar milling process. The use of bagasse as a fuel is currently gaining more
prominence as the sugar industry looks to co-generation joint ventures with traditional electricity
supply and generation authorities. This project is aimed at applying optimisation and control
techniques to bagasse handling system in a CSR sugar mill so that the fibre residue from sugar cane
can be used to gain maximum efficiency in generating energy supplies in the sugar mill. If the project
succeeds, other sugar mills from CSR would implement the advanced control system.
***
The University of Sydney
LP0209231
Administering Organisation: The University of Sydney
Dr JL Blows
Dr SC Fleming
Dr S French
Dr P McNamara
Dr W Xu
Mr P Blazkiewicz
Title: Optical parametric amplifiers with exceptional qualities using highly nonlinear optical
fibre
2002: $163,869
2003: $153,479
2004: $153,479
APDI - Dr JL Blows
APDI - Mr P Blazkiewicz
APA(I) Award(s):
1
Category: 2917 - COMMUNICATIONS TECHNOLOGIES
Industry Partner(s):
Nortel Networks (Photonics)
Summary:
Current optical fibre networks use only a fraction of their capacity. This is in part because optical
amplifiers with enough bandwidth do not exist. However, it will soon become necessary to exploit all
of this capacity. This project will create a new highly nonlinear optical fibre with very low loss and
tailored dispersion properties. This will then be used to make an optical fibre parametric amplifier
with a world record bandwidth, which will enable the full capacity of optical fibre to be exploited.
***
LP0211670
Administering Organisation: The University of Sydney
Dr CM de Sterke
Prof LC Botten
Dr AL Carter
Title: Mechanical stresses in holey fibres
2002: $80,000
2003: $82,000
APA(I) Award(s):
2004: $84,000
1
Category: 2402 - THEORETICAL AND CONDENSED MATTER PHYSICS
Industry Partner(s):
Nufern Inc.
Summary:
The development of holey fibres constitutes arguably the most exciting development in fibre optics in
recent years. We will analyze the mechanical stresses in these fibres, which, together with the optical
calculations and associated experiments, will allow us to design novel fibre-based devices. This will
allow Nufern to develop new products based on holey fibres.
***
LP0211940
Administering Organisation: The University of Sydney
A/Prof G Evans
Dr L Gillan
A/Prof WM Maxwell
Dr SW Ashworth
Dr EM Gregory
Ms SJ Rindfleish
Dr M Trowbridge
Title: In vitro prediction tests of fertility of frozen semen of sheep and cattle
2002: $72,634
2003: $72,781
2004: $73,467
APDI - Dr L Gillan
Category: 3004 - ANIMAL PRODUCTION
Industry Partner(s):
Total Livestock Genetics Pty Ltd
Livestock Breeding Services Pty Ltd
AllStock Technology Pty Ltd
Brecon Breeders Pty Ltd
Summary:
Variation in fertility after artificial insemination (AI) of frozen semen is high and leads to economic
loss. Routine assessment of the quality of frozen semen relies on crude, simple tests of motility and
morphology of sperm. More sophisticated sperm ultrastructural and function tests have recently
been developed, but it is not known how these tests relate to fertility in the field. In this project we
will test a range of in vitro methods of assessment of motility and morphology of sperm and compare
them with fertility of frozen semen samples after AI, leading to more objective methods of semen
analysis.
***
LP0211430
Administering Organisation: The University of Sydney
Dr JH Field
Prof M Archer
Mr A Border
Title: Riversleigh and Cuddie Springs: Unravelling Key Factors in the Extinction of the Late
Pleistocene Megafauna
2002: $140,225
2003: $129,500
2004: $144,264
Category: 4302 - ARCHAEOLOGY AND PREHISTORY
Industry Partner(s):
Australian Museum
Environmental Protection Agency
Summary:
The project will construct a clear picture of faunal change during the Late Pleistocene, a period of
well documented extinctions of giant animals (megafauna). Archaeological excavation at
Riversleigh, in north-west Queensland and palaeontological excavation at Cuddie Springs, in
northern N.S.W. will complete a picture of the animals, people and environment of the prehistoric
period at each site. With this information, the roles of climate and people in the extinction process
can be assessed. This study will complement the current research direction and public education
programs of the Australian Museum and the EPA's management plans for the World Heritage
Riversleigh site.
***
LP0212029
Administering Organisation: The University of Sydney
Dr JL Finkelstein
Ms M Powell
Title: Sailing into the Future: Training Australia's digital generation for the future demands
of the new economy
2002: $22,545
2003: $22,545
APA(I) Award(s):
2004: $22,545
1
Category: 3701 - SOCIOLOGY
Industry Partner(s):
Department of Defence
Summary:
The Young Endeavour tall ship in association with the Department of Navy provides a team-building
and skill development training scheme for all Australian youth. The purpose of the training is to
provide young people with life-long skills; to provide a positive experience that will resonate through
the adult life of those who sail on the ship, and to prepare these individuals for a future that is always
and already undergoing changes both enconomic and social. The purpose of this research project is
to ensure that the aims of the Young Endeavour Youth Scheme are met, and to create a long-term
planning strategy that will improve and expand the work of the training scheme in anticipation of the
next 10 years.
***
LP0215947
Administering Organisation: The University of Sydney
Prof L Gething
Mr W Johnston
Title: Post retirement support solutions for people with intellectual disabilities and their
parents/carers
2002: $65,000
2003: $61,000
2004: $52,000
Category: 3212 - PUBLIC HEALTH AND HEALTH SERVICES
Industry Partner(s):
Centacare
Summary:
The current generation is the first to contain a substantial number of people with intellectual
disabilities who have survived to old age. Policy makers have yet to focus on their wellbeing
following retirement from supported employment. Evidence cited by agencies such as Centacare, the
Industry Partner, indicates that these older people and their ageing parents experience severe
disadvantage and worry about retirement. The project aims to redress this situation by investigating
ways of preparing people for retirement and mechanisms for enabling supported employment
agencies to provide services and supports that optimise post retirement wellbeing.
***
LP0211048
Administering Organisation: The University of Sydney
A/Prof TW Hambley
Prof GB Deacon
Dr LK Webster
Title: Design, Evaluation, and Selection of Novel Pt(IV) Complexes as Anticancer Agents
2002: $80,000
2003: $105,000
2004: $110,000
Category: 2502 - INORGANIC CHEMISTRY
Industry Partner(s):
Instutite of Drug Technology Australia Limited
Summary:
Platinum anticancer drugs are arguably the most widely used anticancer agents in the world but
serious problems remain with toxicity and resistance. Platinum(IV) compounds have numerous
advantages in terms of stability and thereby, lower toxicity. In this project we will exploit these
advantages along with others that we have discovered recently and our understanding of the
chemistry and biology of platinum(IV) to develop novel platinum(IV) compounds to the point where
the industry partner can commercialise them.
***
LP0222406
Administering Organisation: The University of Sydney
Dr DF Hochuli
Dr DA Keith
Title: Does Ecological Restoration Work? Invertebrate Diversity And Fundamental
Ecological Processes In Restored Remnants Of Agricultural Landscapes
2002: $22,545
APA(I) Award(s):
2003: $22,545
2004: $22,545
1
Category: 2707 - ECOLOGY AND EVOLUTION
Industry Partner(s):
NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service
Summary:
The restoration of native vegetation is critical to ensuring the success of long-term biodiversity
conservation in Australia. Despite massive effort and expenditure on revegetation in damaged
ecosystems, little is known of the effectiveness of different approaches. This project assesses the
success of current practices of native vegetation restoration in agricultural landscapes using insects
and their ecological roles as indicators of the sustainability of restoration efforts. By describing the
extent to which fundamental ecological processes have returned to restored areas this project will
generate assessment techniques and data identifying priorities for future restoration efforts.
***
LP0231065
Administering Organisation: The University of Sydney
Mr CL James
A/Prof J Lea
Mr PA Pholeros
Title: Improving thermal performance of low-cost houses for better health of occupants and to
reduce costs of temperature control.
2002: $22,545
2003: $22,545
APA(I) Award(s):
1
Category: 3102 - BUILDING
Industry Partner(s):
Healthabitat
Summary:
Recent projects in rural and remote Australian Indigenous communities show that internal house
temperatures can vary from accepted temperature ranges that promote well-being, particularly in
young children, by up to 20ºC in both summer and winter.
Low-cost housing with poor thermal performance often results in reliance on 'active', often costly-torun, heating and cooling appliances.
Measured internal temperatures, energy and water-use data from Indigenous houses will be analysed
to demonstrate the link between low-cost house design and poor thermal performance. A
methodology and prioritised guidelines for improving temperature control in existing and new lowcost housing will be formulated.
***
LP0209578
Administering Organisation: The University of Sydney
A/Prof JS Jin
A/Prof J Xue
Mr Y Zhong
Title: A scheme of local compilation of mobile collectors for image and video search engines
2002: $45,000
2003: $38,803
2004: $35,687
Category: 2801 - INFORMATION SYSTEMS
Industry Partner(s):
HYPERSOFT International
Summary:
The object collector is an important component in a Web search engine. A collector collects Web
objects (text, image, video, etc), extracts their features and builds an index file for the search engine.
Sending each object to the collector is always the worst option with respect to resource usage
because it is the feature, not the entire object, which will be used in indexing and retrieval. An
alternative is to send a collector to the source site, which has an advantage of distributing
computational load and performing summarization and compression. This project proposes a locally
compiled mobile collector for image and video search engines.
***
LP0218848
Administering Organisation: The University of Sydney
Prof IR Kennedy
Dr GW O'Hara
Dr JG Howieson
A/Prof A Sessitsch
Ms R Deaker
Title: POLYMER-BASED COATINGS TO INCREASE THE SURVIVAL OF MICROBIAL
INOCULANTS APPLIED TO AGRICULTURAL SEEDS
2002: $72,000
2003: $72,186
2004: $72,000
APDI - Ms R Deaker
Category: 2703 - MICROBIOLOGY
Industry Partner(s):
Bio-Care Technology Pty Ltd
Council of Grain Grower Organisation Ltd
Ballard Seeds
Summary:
World-wide, there is much active research to maximise the use of Rhizobium for legumes and to
develop a new range of growth-promoting micro-organisms for application to agricultural crops
including cereals. However, very poor survival of inoculant bacteria after application to seed severely
limits their effectiveness. New polymer coatings on seed may enhance survival of inoculants. By
collaboration between chemists, rhizobiologists and the inoculant and seed-coating industries,
innovative technology can now be generated, improving inoculum potential, giving higher crop yields
using less fertilisers. The technology will generate a rural service industry providing coated seed
products that reduce farmers' input costs and help maximise their income.
***
LP0209078
Administering Organisation: The University of Sydney
Dr CJ Kepert
Dr SJ Thomson
Dr OA Matthews
Mr TP Anderson
Title: Porous Mineral Formulations for Controlled-Release Applications
2002: $90,000
2003: $95,186
2004: $97,000
APDI - Dr SJ Thomson
APA(I) Award(s):
1
Category: 2502 - INORGANIC CHEMISTRY
Industry Partner(s):
Crop Care Australasia Pty Ltd
Summary:
The controlled release of biologically active agents from host materials is a process that is used
routinely in pharmaceuticals delivery but has received only limited attention in large-scale, low-cost
areas such as the agrochemicals industry. Here we identify a number of rare tubular mineral phases
as having great potential for low-cost controlled release. These little-studied minerals, for which high
quality deposits exist in Australia, consist of hollow tubules of nanoscale dimension. This project
involves the first ever studies of the kinetics of guest release from these fascinating hosts, and
promises to generate important new technologies in agrochemical delivery.
***
LP0210715
Administering Organisation: The University of Sydney
Dr TA Langrish
Dr DF Fletcher
Dr SJ Sykes
Prof RG Prince
Title: Design and Optimisation of Spinning Cone Columns
2002: $52,000
2003: $56,000
2004: $56,000
Category: 2906 - CHEMICAL ENGINEERING
Industry Partner(s):
Vamhire Pty Ltd T/A Flavourtech Research
Summary:
This project will optimise the design and operation of spinning cone columns, a novel industrial
distillation technology that has been developed in Australia. Novel and significant outcomes include
applying Computational Fluid Dynamics to the design and optimisation of food processing
equipment, understanding fundamental modelling issues in simulating strongly swirling flows, and
allowing scale-up to be performed reliably from first principles. The result will be a "virtual model"
of the equipment, allowing design and optimisation of the equipment to be performed from first
principles.
***
LP0219336
Administering Organisation: The University of Sydney
A/Prof GM Llewellyn
Prof TR Parmenter
Mr JB Chan
Title: Classifying support needs of people with disabilities
2002: $81,000
APA(I) Award(s):
2003: $77,000
2004: $77,000
1
Category: 3212 - PUBLIC HEALTH AND HEALTH SERVICES
Industry Partner(s):
Centre for Developmental Disability Studies
Royal Rehabilitation Centre Sydney
Summary:
The aim of this research is to develop a valid and reliable assessment and classification system of the
support needs of people with diverse disabilities. Current methods are found wanting due to neglect
of the complex interactions between health condition, activity and context and inability to account
for type and intensities of supports needed. The development of a robust system which can be used
to assess and classify the support needs of people with a wide range of disabilities and across settings
will enable human service agencies to be responsive and tailor their services to individual needs.
***
LP0225352
Administering Organisation: The University of Sydney
A/Prof GM Llewellyn
A/Prof J Wangmann
Title: Inclusion of young children with disabilities in mainstream early childhood services
2002: $22,545
APA(I) Award(s):
2003: $22,545
2004: $22,545
1
Category: 3212 - PUBLIC HEALTH AND HEALTH SERVICES
Industry Partner(s):
Department of Community Services (NSW)
Summary:
The aim of this APAI doctoral project is to investigage the barriers to, and factors which facilitate
effective inclusion of young children with disabilities in mainstream early childhood services in the
Australian funding, policy and practice context. The proposed project combines quantitative and
qualitative methods to examine the process and outcomes of inclusion in long day care, preschool
and family day care. The findings will inform policy and practice by enabling early childhood
agencies to be more responsive and to better tailor their services to individual child and family needs.
***
LP0219791
Administering Organisation: The University of Sydney
Dr MD McLeod
A/Prof DD Ridley
Dr S Stanley
Dr S Westwood
Title: A New Synthesis of Steroid Conjugates for Illicit Drug Detection
2002: $22,545
APA(I) Award(s):
2003: $22,545
2004: $22,545
1
Category: 2503 - ORGANIC CHEMISTRY
Industry Partner(s):
NSW Thoroughbred Racing Board
Summary:
The prevention of drug abuse in horse racing is vital to preserve the large contribution to
employment, Government revenue and to economic activity provided by the Racing Industry. This
collaboration aims to develop new highly sensitive analytical procedures for the detection of
performance enhancing drugs in horses. The project will develop novel chemistry for the production
of standard compounds that are essential for this testing program and are currently unavailable by
other means. The methods developed will have wider application to the testing of drugs in athletes
and the detection of recreational drugs.
***
LP0229120
Administering Organisation: The University of Sydney
Dr GA Meagher
Dr KE Healy
Mr RW Urquhart
Title: Currencies of Care: Establishing the scope of performance indicators in child and
family welfare services
2002: $22,545
2003: $22,545
APA(I) Award(s):
2004: $22,545
1
Category: 3702 - SOCIAL WORK
Industry Partner(s):
Uniting Care Burnside
Summary:
This project aims to establish the scope of performance indicators for assessing outcomes in welfare
services in urban, regional and rural contexts. Its significance lies in the analysis of outcomes, in
addition to service outputs, and in advancing understanding of performance assessment beyond a
narrow focus on urban service delivery environments. The project combines UnitingCare Burnside's
experience in and commitment to delivery of high quality services with the CIs' interdisciplinary
expertise in evaluation of caring work. Anticipated outcomes include development of a conceptual
framework for performance assessment which will be used by the industry partner in managing and
delivering services.
***
LP0211846
Administering Organisation: The University of Sydney
Dr D Mills
Prof GL Morrison
Dr CJ Dey
Mr MJ Roberts
Mr M Perinasso
Prof BS Haynes
Title: Multi Tower Solar Array (MTSA) for combined heat and power applications in urban
areas
2002: $130,000
2003: $130,186
2004: $110,000
APDI - Dr CJ Dey
APA(I) Award(s):
1
Category: 2404 - OPTICAL PHYSICS
Industry Partner(s):
Solahart Industries
Management Engineering and European Consulting (MEEC)
Summary:
The MTSA is a highly compact, middle-scale (0.5 - 10 MW) solar power concept designed for urban
areas. It comprises an array of small towers with high mounted receivers which collect sunlight from
a very densely packed reflector field below. Reflectors can be aimed at different towers during the
day to minimise blocking and shading losses. A prototype MTSA system to be constructed will test
new reflector modules developed in conjunction with Solahart Industries (Perth). Innovative
receivers incorporating spectral control, and both photovoltaic and thermal electricity generation
paths will also be developed.
***
LP0211226
Administering Organisation: The University of Sydney
Dr KM Owen
Dr C O'Donnell
Dr GR Griffith
Ms J Moxon
Mr DG Harris
Title: The importance of price and perceived quality to the demand for fresh fruits and
vegetables
2002: $45,090
APA(I) Award(s):
2003: $45,090
2004: $45,090
2
Category: 3404 - ECONOMETRICS
Industry Partner(s):
NSW Department of Health
Harris Farm Markets
NSW Agriculture
Summary:
It is estimated that the direct and indirect cost of diet-related diseases to Australia is between $2-3
billion per annum. One of the most important things that can be done to prevent diet-related disease
is to encourage the population to eat more fruits and vegetables. The aim of this project is to
examine the effect of price and perceived quality on the type and quantity of fruits and vegetables
consumed, especially among low-income households. The project will employ modelling techniques
that are novel to this product group and that will provide valuable insights to the constraints and
opportunities for increasing fruits and vegetables intake, as well as benchmarks for future research.
***
LP0211196
Administering Organisation: The University of Sydney
A/Prof DD Ridley
Dr MD McLeod
Dr S Stanley
Title: Synthesis and analysis of equine anabolic steroid metabolites
2002: $70,000
2003: $73,000
2004: $73,000
Category: 2504 - ANALYTICAL CHEMISTRY
Industry Partner(s):
NSW Thoroughbred Racing Board
Summary:
The Australian Racing Industry has an annual turnover of over $11,000M and is Australia's highest
employing industry. Its credibility is dependent upon the enforcement of regulations relating to illicit
substances. The aim of the project is to devise testing procedures for illicit drugs in the equine. To
achieve this a variety of hydroxylated anabolic steroid equine metabolites are to be synthesised as
reference standards and for studies on analytical procedures. These analytical studies will involve
production of antibodies, and of the appropriate testing procedures.
***
LP0225913
Administering Organisation: The University of Sydney
Dr AJ Ruys
Title: Fibre-Polymer Composites With Graded Microstructure
2002: $22,545
APA(I) Award(s):
2003: $22,545
2004: $22,545
1
Category: 2914 - MATERIALS ENGINEERING
Industry Partner(s):
Australian Surgical Design and Manufacture Pty. Ltd.
Summary:
This project concerns the development of a novel fibre-polymer functionally graded composite
material that mimics the structure of the spinal disk. The spinal disk comprises a soft core (nucleus)
and a tough fibrous periphery (annulus). The graded composite approach of this proposal represents
a significant advance over spinal fusion, and over the current generation of spinal disk protheses
(metal plates with springs/polymers as shock absorbers). Chronic back pain affects a significant
proportion of the population and is primarily caused by failure of the spinal disk. Therefore a strong
social and economic imperative exists to develop engineering solutions to this problem.
***
LP0219774
Administering Organisation: The University of Sydney
Prof AW Snyder
Prof JE George
Title: What Makes a Corporate Champion?
2002: $70,000
2003: $70,000
APA(I) Award(s):
2004: $70,000
1
Category: 3502 - BUSINESS AND MANAGEMENT
Industry Partner(s):
McKinsey & Company
Summary:
Great corporations aim to imbue their organisations with a champion mindset. The world?s largest
management consultancy company, McKinsey & Company, have joined this proposal which aims to
assist realising this goal by developing a framework to identify and replicate championship in
individuals and organisations. A multi-disciplinary team will apply quantitative and qualitative
measures to address issues raised from the Centre for the Mind's existing research. Findings will
contribute significantly to the social and economic benefit of private and public sector organisations.
Expected outcomes are refined understandings and application of championship in corporations; the
publication of reports, a book, refereed articles and a training video.
***
LP0219420
Administering Organisation: The University of Sydney
Dr JA SVED
Dr DC HARDIE
Mr ES SMITH
Title: Fruit fly pests in northwestern Australia: invasion, hybridisation or evolution?
2002: $100,000
2003: $90,000
2004: $90,000
Category: 2702 - GENETICS
Industry Partner(s):
Kununurra Pest Control Committee
Northern Territory Department of Primary Industry & Fisheries
Kununurra Pest Control Committee
Agriculture Western Australia
Summary:
In northwestern Australia, recent events suggest that a new and serious fruit fly pest is now present,
wher previously none existed. Due to difficulties in accurate identification, we do not know whether
these new pest fruit flies are endemic fruit flies that have changed their behaviour, invasions of
Queensland fruit fly, or hybrids between them. This project will use DNA microsatellites to
distinguish between these possibilities. It will also establish whether the different species involved
are actually different species, or should be regarded merely as different races. Such distinctions are
important both scientifically and for export quarantine purposes.
***
LP0214139
Administering Organisation: The University of Sydney
A/Prof GG Warr
Dr TW Davey
Dr BS Hawkett
Mr RJ Rounsley
Mr IJ Tolliday
Title: Improving explosive emulsions by understanding surfactant interactions
2002: $80,000
2003: $80,186
2004: $80,000
APDI - Dr TW Davey
Category: 2501 - PHYSICAL CHEMISTRY (INCL. STRUCTURAL)
Industry Partner(s):
Dyno Nobel Asia Pacific Ltd
Clariant (Australia) Pty Ltd
Summary:
This project will design new surfactants that will lead to more cost effective, stable and reliable
explosive emulsions. The pressure required to force dispersed phase droplets to coalesce will be
measured both directly and by osmotic stress. These parameters have not previously been measured
for an inverse emulsion system. The measurements made will be correlated to the structure of the
stabilising surfactant enabling new and more effective surfactants to be designed.
***
LP0212110
Administering Organisation: The University of Sydney
Dr L Ye
Prof Y Mai
Mr A Chhor
Dr M Young
Title: Thermoforming Mechanisms for Cost-effective Manufacturing of Advanced Composite
Structures
2002: $52,000
APA(I) Award(s):
2003: $58,000
2004: $67,000
1
Category: 2902 - AEROSPACE ENGINEERING
Industry Partner(s):
Pacific Engineering Systems International Pty Ltd
Summary:
The cost barrier in thermoforming, due to the lack of understanding of shear deformation and
wrinkling, has inhibited the large-scale application of fibre-reinforced composite structures in
aerospace and automobile industries. This project aims to develop a cost-effective diaphragm
thermoforming process through an in-depth understanding of the thermoforming mechanisms. The
outcomes will include novel theories for thermoforming, a standard method for material property
characterization and new finite element models compatible with the most popular software available
for industry. The project will form the basis for establishing the effective production window and
enhance greatly the competitive edge of the Australian manufacturing industry.
***
University of Technology, Sydney
LP0235872
Administering Organisation: University of Technology, Sydney
Prof AT Baker
Mr NL Anderson
Title: Application of Silver Coatings to medical Devices for Antimicrobial Properties using
Electroless Deposition
2002: $22,545
2003: $22,545
APA(I) Award(s):
2004: $22,545
1
Category: 2915 - BIOMEDICAL ENGINEERING
Industry Partner(s):
Advanced Metal Coatings Pty Ltd
Summary:
Silver compounds, eg. in topical creams, can be used to treat chronic infections. The results are
mediocre, and there may be significant side effects. Metallic silver when coated on bandages or
medical devices is gaining wider acceptance, but the dissolution rate muct be improved to minimise
infection. In this project an electroless silver coating process will be developed, with bath chemistry
and coating conditions optimised for an ideal dissolution rate. This project will lead to the
development of improved medical devices that will have significant social and economic benefits for
Australia.
***
LP0235474
Administering Organisation: University of Technology, Sydney
Prof D Eamus
Dr KD Montagu
Title: Tree water use and amelioration of dryland salinity
2002: $22,545
2003: $22,545
APA(I) Award(s):
2004: $22,545
1
Category: 2707 - ECOLOGY AND EVOLUTION
Industry Partner(s):
State Forests of NSW
Summary:
Dryland salinity is a huge problem for large areas of Australia. One proposal for ameliorating
dryland salinity is to plant trees in upslope sites in the landscape. Such planted forests reduce
movement of water through the landscape, thereby reducing mobilisation and discharge of stored
salts downslope onto agricultural and sensitive riparian areas. This project will investigate tree water
use in a native forest, compare it with a planted forest in the same location and investigate
fundamental relationships among climate, tree size, canopy area and water use. The outcome of this
project is a deep mechanistic understanding of the efficacy of trees for salinity abatement.
***
LP0219771
Administering Organisation: University of Technology, Sydney
Prof AM Johnson
Dr G Vesey
Title: Antigenic analysis of the surface of Cyclospora cayetanensis oocysts
2002: $86,844
2003: $82,047
2004: $82,047
Category: 2703 - MICROBIOLOGY
Industry Partner(s):
BTF Pty Ltd
Summary:
Infection with Cyclospora cayetanensis is an emerging disease that causes significant morbidity in
human populations. Although prevalent in developing countries, recent outbreaks in the USA
confirm it is now emerging into the developed world. The research described here will analyse and
characterise the antigens on the surface of the oocyst of C. cayetanensis which will add significantly
to our sparse knowledge on this important human parasite. We will also develop the first
commercial antibodies and technologies which will rapidly and accurately detect the parasite in
human patients and our drinking water supplies, thus securing a global market for Australian
technology.
***
LP0219784
Administering Organisation: University of Technology, Sydney
A/Prof JR Leaney
A/Prof RM Braun
Mr A Kadi
Dr K Sandrasegaran
Dr T O'Neill
Mr M Hunter
Mr W Getto
Dr N Keswani
Title: Architecture-based Open Network Management Systems for Next Generation
Telecommunications
2002: $128,819
2003: $130,602
2004: $130,602
APDI - Dr T O'Neill
APA(I) Award(s):
3
Category: 2801 - INFORMATION SYSTEMS
Industry Partner(s):
Alcatel Australia
Summary:
We aim to develop an open, policy-based architecture for the management of next generation
telecommunications networks. It is expected that a comprehensive Open Architecture-based
Telecommunications Management Network (AuTuMN) framework could be put in place to manage
the network based on centralised policies and roles rather than having to handle individual users and
elements. Significantly, the scientific knowledge of open systems and network management systems
for next generation networks will be extended.
***
LP0219562
Administering Organisation: University of Technology, Sydney
A/Prof MJ Lyons
Title: The challenge to member based organisations and their responses
2002: $56,000
2003: $51,000
Category: 3699 - OTHER POLICY AND POLITICAL SCIENCE
Industry Partner(s):
Sport Industry Australia
NRMA Member Service
Clubs NSW
Department of Land and Water Conservation
Australian Friendly Societies Pharmacies Association Inc
Summary:
The project will explore participants' construction of the meaning of membership in member based
organisations (MBOs), and will carry out comparative analysis of MBOs' responses to membership
decline, to identify common challenges and innovative responses. This will enhance Industry
Partners' knowledge of members' motivations, and disincentives to membership, and outline
examples of good practice in other fields. The results will offer practical strategies for improved
member recruitment and retention in MBOs, which continue to play a significant role in Australian
economic and social life. The research will make significant contributions to existing bodies of social
capital and voluntary association theory.
***
LP0219563
Administering Organisation: University of Technology, Sydney
A/Prof HT Nguyen
Dr AM Sanagavarapu
Mr R Thompson
Dr W Smith
Title: Development of electrical probes and advanced classification algorithms for early
detection of cancer
2002: $65,000
2003: $35,675
2004: $31,738
Category: 2915 - BIOMEDICAL ENGINEERING
Industry Partner(s):
Polartechnics Limited
Summary:
The curable precursor of cervical cancer is cervical intra-epithelial neoplasia (CIN). Various cancer
probes will be constructed for the identification of CIN based on electrical measurements on tissue.
Through studies of the cellular structure and the junction between cells, a theoretical model of the
electrode/mucus/tissue system will be developed at and below the surface of the tissue under
examination. Theoretical modelling, probe development and detection algorithms will be used to
identify CIN in real-time with concurrently high sensitivity and specificity. Effective electrical probes
for early detection of cancer (cervical, lung and breast) will be of enormous national and
international benefit.
***
LP0219552
Administering Organisation: University of Technology, Sydney
A/Prof JA Onyx
Mr B Fowler
Title: Measuring and enhancing community capacity in outback NSW: the case of Broken
Hill
2002: $60,000
2003: $55,000
Category: 3701 - SOCIOLOGY
Industry Partner(s):
Commonwealth Dept of Family and Community Services
Summary:
The project will elucidate the necessary conditions for rural renewal through intensive analysis of
social capital formation and mobilisation in one outback community in NSW. This entails a
multidimensional analysis of social capital at the micro and macro levels in Broken Hill, in relation to
cross-sector collaboration, interaction with economic, human and ecological factors, the role of
community organisations and the social entrepreneur. The project directly addresses the widely
acknowledged need to find effective pathways for sustainability of rural communities. The project
will produce practical recommendations to policy makers and the community, and will contribute to
social capital theory.
***
LP0235376
Administering Organisation: University of Technology, Sydney
Prof RL Raison
A/Prof KW Broady
Dr M Horne
Title: The mucosal immune system of fish: analysis of the immune repertoire in gut-and gillassociated lymphoid tissues in trout.
2002: $22,545
2003: $22,545
APA(I) Award(s):
2004: $22,545
1
Category: 2702 - GENETICS
Industry Partner(s):
Novartis Aqua Health
Summary:
Infectious disease causes major economic loss to the aquaculture industry, highlighting the need for
effective vaccination strategies. While oral or immersion vaccination represents the most cost
effective means of protecting fish against infectious disease there are problems associated with
inducing an effective immune response in fish that will assist our industry partner (Novartis Animal
Vaccines Ltd) to develop improved fish vaccines. The project will provide postgraduate training in
the area of fish immunology that is vital to the developing Australian aquaculture industry.
***
LP0219673
Administering Organisation: University of Technology, Sydney
Dr L Schaverien
Prof S Alexander
Ms S Vecchiet
Dr J Tomkins
Ms N Mockler
Ms N McCredie
Title: School-University e-Learning research partnerships for scaling up innovation
2002: $67,000
APA(I) Award(s):
2003: $63,000
2004: $60,000
1
Category: 3301 - EDUCATION STUDIES
Industry Partner(s):
MLC School
St Paul's Grammar School
Loreto Normanhurst
St Ives North Public School
Summary:
Despite optimism about new technologies for learning, e-learning innovation has been slow to scale
up. This project tests a novel research strategy for engaging schools sustainably with e-learning.
Teams of students (school and university), teachers (including beginning teachers), community
members, consultants and e-learning researchers are constituted, in schools, to identify,
collaboratively, hard-to-learn (technology-and-science) concepts and effective teaching approaches,
develop ways of exploiting new media to teach such concepts and scale up their solutions within and
beyond their schools. Re-conceiving the problem so students and teachers gain equity as e-learning
researchers yields a model for scholarly, future-oriented educational renewal.
***
LP0219763
Administering Organisation: University of Technology, Sydney
Prof GB Smith
Dr P Swift
Mr E Joseph
Title: Cost effective high output polymer fibre optic lighting systems
2002: $54,000
2003: $52,000
2004: $60,000
Category: 2404 - OPTICAL PHYSICS
Industry Partner(s):
PolyOptics Australia Pty Ltd
Summary:
A new flexible composite polymer can transport light over distances beyond 30 metres within
diameters of 5mm to 25mm and still be intrinsically bright. The link between composition, transport
efficiency and output will be established. Input studies will include tailored external optics and full
integration of bright LED's inside the cable. Prototypes evaluated will include, lighting inside display
refrigeration, "on person" safety and fashion lighting (including novel jewellery), solar powered LED
lighting for remote areas (including roadworks, stand alone signs, developing country and remote
rural homes), daylight and lamps together in the one cable, and general lighting. Many of these will
be developed by the industry collaborator.
***
LP0219780
Administering Organisation: University of Technology, Sydney
Dr J Zhu
Dr Q Ha
Mr W Robertson
Title: High Efficiency Low Cost Low Noise Variable Speed Compressor Drive for
Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Systems
2002: $120,000
APA(I) Award(s):
2003: $100,000
2004: $100,000
1
Category: 2909 - ELECTRICAL AND ELECTRONIC ENGINEERING
Industry Partner(s):
Kirby Refrigeration Pty Limited
Summary:
This project aims to break the major barriers to the commercial production of efficient refrigerators
and air conditioners by developing a high efficiency low cost low noise variable speed compressor
drive. High performance PM motors, power electronic fault tolerant converters/inverters, and
intelligent algorithms for motor control and temperature control will be developed to meet the
specific requirements of compressor drives in collaboration with Kirby Refrigeration. The new
technology will contribute to the reduction of CO2 greenhouse gas emission by reducing the energy
consumption of refrigerators and air conditioners and once commercialised will greatly enhance the
competitiveness of Australian industry in the world market.
***
University of Western Sydney
LP0219614
Administering Organisation: University of Western Sydney
A/Prof DK Burnham
A/Prof WG Noble
Dr G Leigh
Title: Captions for the Deaf and Hearing Impaired: Availability versus Accessibility
2002: $47,000
2003: $47,000
2004: $46,000
Category: 3801 - PSYCHOLOGY
Industry Partner(s):
Australian Caption Centre
Royal Institute for Deaf and Blind Children
Australian Hearing
Summary:
The availability of educational, informational and recreational services for deaf and hearing-impaired
people has been dramatically facilitated by (i) increased television captioning due to the 2001
introduction of the Television Broadcasting Services Act; and (ii) trial introduction of real-time
captioning in educational settings. These innovations must be matched by equally innovative ways of
increasing the accessibility of captions, which is currently limited by English literacy, caption speed,
and caption reduction techniques. Here, systematic manipulation of these factors in experiments on
television captioning with adults and educational captioning with children will determine how
resources might best be directed to improving caption accessibility.
***
LP0228405
Administering Organisation: University of Western Sydney
A/Prof R Bushell
Dr R Staiff
Mr N Conner
Title: Improving the contribution of protected areas to quality of life in rural and regional
communities
2002: $22,545
APA(I) Award(s):
2003: $22,545
2004: $22,545
1
Category: 3009 - LAND, PARKS AND AGRICULTURE MANAGEMENT
Industry Partner(s):
NSW National Parks & Wildlife Service
Summary:
This research addresses the fundamental question of how local communities value the contribution of
natural and cultural heritage, in particular in Protected Areas, to their wellbeing, and how these
'community' values differ from those of protected area managers and policy makers. It examines the
role of nature based tourism as a vehicle for improving quality of life in rural communities, and how
regional development strategies can be enhanced through the contributions of Protected Areas.
***
LP0233827
Administering Organisation: University of Western Sydney
Dr E Chang
Dr L Chenoweth
Dr K Hancock
Mrs M Clarke
Title: Improving the quality of nursing care and health outcomes for elderly patients during
acute hospitalisation
2002: $45,090
APA(I) Award(s):
2003: $45,090
2
Category: 3211 - NURSING
Industry Partner(s):
Health & Ageing Research Unit, SESAHS
The Prince of Wales Hospital
Sutherland Hospital
St George Hospital & Community Health Service
Compugenics Pty Ltd
Wentworth Area Health Service
Summary:
This study aims to compare the perceptions of nurses, elderly patients and their carers in terms of the
nursing needs of elderly hospitalised patients'. It will also investigate reasons for any differences
found between expectations and reality of care provided. The significance is that the elderly are the
largest consumers of health care yet this is the first collaborative Australian study to investigate the
needs of elderly patients. Expected outcomes are an education program for nurses and the
development of evidence-based models of nursing care for elderly patients, increased patient
satisfaction and health outcomes. Hospitals ultimately benefit in cost-effectiveness and efficiency.
***
LP0219468
Administering Organisation: University of Western Sydney
Dr C Halse
A/Prof JM Ussher
Prof HW Marsh
Prof J Bailey
Title: Multiple Perspectives of Eating Disorders in Girls
2002: $68,000
APA(I) Award(s):
2003: $70,000
2
2004: $69,000
Category: 3801 - PSYCHOLOGY
Industry Partner(s):
Children's Hospital Educational Research Institute, Westmead Hosp
Centre for Digestive
Summary:
This study explores the subjective experiences of anorexic adolescent girls and the perspectives of
their parents and other professionals to identify the beliefs and constructs underpinning the
identification, management and experience of anorexia. Using a multi-method heuristic approach,
we will analyse congruence and dissonance in perspectives, the mechanisms individuals and groups
use to assert and justify their views and actions, and the reflexive impact of these on others. The
study will generate basic knowledge to improve support for girls and families, development better
preventative education and inform the education of professional in the field.
***
LP0219317
Administering Organisation: University of Western Sydney
Prof AP Jeary
Mr B Atkinson
Ms S Rusbridge
Title: The Characterisation of Fires in Tunnels
2002: $77,000
2003: $62,000
APA(I) Award(s):
2004: $26,000
1
Category: 3102 - BUILDING
Industry Partner(s):
State Rail Fire & Emergency Service
Engineered Fire Safety Solutions Ltd.
Summary:
A series of 22 fires ranging from 2 megawatt up to 20 megawatt intensity will be set under
controlled conditions in unused tunnel facilities, in New South Wales. Instrumentation in the tunnel,
donated by the State Rail Authority of New South Wales, will monitor the movement of particulates
(smoke). This information is vital to tunnel design, and for passenger life safety. This information
will be applicable to all tunnels worldwide.
***
LP0219693
Administering Organisation: University of Western Sydney
Dr S Malloch
Prof M Prior
A/Prof DK Burnham
Title: An Investigation of Intersubjectivity: Music Therapy and Hospitalised Infants
2002: $65,000
2003: $57,000
2004: $41,000
Category: 3212 - PUBLIC HEALTH AND HEALTH SERVICES
Industry Partner(s):
Murdoch Childrens Research Institute
Summary:
A contingent relationship is vital for normal infant development. The Neonatal Intensive Care Unit,
which supplies life-saving modern medical technology to very sick infants, is also an environment
where contingency is rarely available to the infant . In this environment, a Music Therapist
?improvising? with the infant, can re-introduce contingency to the infant, and encourage infant selfregulation. This project investigates the efficacy of a Music Therapy intervention in improving infant
health, and micro-analyses the interaction between infant and therapist in order to further understand
the nature of the Communicative Musicality of the interaction.
***
LP0234648
Administering Organisation: University of Western Sydney
Dr H Malson
Dr S Clarke
Mrs G Anderson
Title: A critical psychological investigation of nurses' experiences, understandings and
perceptions of nursing eating disordered patients
2002: $22,545
2003: $22,545
APA(I) Award(s):
1
Category: 3801 - PSYCHOLOGY
Industry Partner(s):
Westmead Hospital
Summary:
This innovative project will investigate the experiences, understandings and perceptions of nurses
working with eating disordered patients in hospital contexts. Nurses currently nursing eating
disordered patients will be interviewed in depth using a semi-structured interview schedule.
Interviews will be audio-recorded and transcribed verbatum. The interview transcripts will then be
systematically analysed using a qualitative discourse analytic methodology. The aim will be to
identify the specific discursive resources that nurses use to frame and make sense of their
experiences, understandings and perceptions of nursing eating disordered patients. The project has
clinical and social scientific significance, and will contribute to improved treatment outcomes.
***
LP0219302
Administering Organisation: University of Western Sydney
Prof HW Marsh
Mr C Perry
Dr J Savis
Dr A Martin
Title: Mental Toughness: What Makes a Champion?
2002: $56,000
APA(I) Award(s):
2003: $50,000
2004: $48,000
1
Category: 3301 - EDUCATION STUDIES
Industry Partner(s):
Australian Institute of Sport
Westfields Sports High
Summary:
"Mental toughness" is claimed to be what makes champion athletes; separates winners from losers
and those who buckle under pressure. Despite widespread use in sport (business, military, etc.) there
exist no well-validated mental toughness measures. In collaboration with Australian Institute of
Sport and Westfields Sports High School, we will develop a multidimensional, hierarchical measure
of mental toughness, test it across gender, age, and different sports, validate it in relation to relevant
outcomes, and evaluate its growth/development in athletes varying in age and sporting development.
Potential benefits include improved talent identification, counselling, self-concept, coping strategies,
coaching, benchmarking, tracking, and athletic performance.
***
LP0233452
Administering Organisation: University of Western Sydney
Dr EC Morris
Dr DA Keith
Title: Plant diversity in restored native vegetation of agricultural landscapes
2002: $22,545
APA(I) Award(s):
2003: $22,545
2004: $22,545
1
Category: 3009 - LAND, PARKS AND AGRICULTURE MANAGEMENT
Industry Partner(s):
NSW National Parks & Wildlife Service
Summary:
This project will assess the success of current practices of native vegetation restoration in
agricultural regions, ie whether they provide sustainable habitat for native plant species. While there
is currently a massive expenditure on revegetation in agriculture, there has been almost no
assessment of whether it works well or not. This study will compare the plant species present in
restored and comparable native vegetation. Additionally, intensive study of some key plant species
will be undertaken to determine what features of these plants enable them to persist in restored
patches. Outcomes include new assessment techniques and original data.
***
University of Wollongong
LP0219462
Administering Organisation: University of Wollongong
Prof HR Brown
Dr GM Spinks
Dr KJ Jessop
Title: An investigation of the mechanism of lacquer adhesion failure on electrolytic tinplate
2002: $77,000
APA(I) Award(s):
2003: $77,000
2004: $77,000
1
Category: 2903 - MANUFACTURING ENGINEERING
Industry Partner(s):
BHP Flat Products, BHP Steel
Summary:
"Tin" cans used for food packaging are actually made from tin-plated steel and, in most cases, the
metal is coated with a lacquer. This lacquer is required to protect the can from corrosion and the
contents from taint. The incidence of adhesion failure between the metal and the lacquer has
increased recently for unknown reasons, causing considerable economic loss. This project will
investigate the mechanisms of adhesion failure and improve our fundamental understanding of the
problem. The results will be used to enable the selection of process conditions and lacquers that are
more robust and reduce the incidence of adhesion failure.
***
LP0230322
Administering Organisation: University of Wollongong
Dr Z Chen
Prof DP Dunne
Title: Effect of Chromium and Manganese on the Formations of Graphite and Carbide on the
surface of Low Carbon Sheet Steels
2002: $22,545
APA(I) Award(s):
2003: $22,545
2004: $22,545
1
Category: 2913 - METALLURGY
Industry Partner(s):
BHP Steel Flat Products
Summary:
Surface graphite and surface carbide are two surface defects observed in cold-rolled low carbon steel
sheets after batch annealing under non-oxidising atmosphere. The surface defects detract from the
appearance of the steel sheets and diminish the surface treatment potential of the sheets, causing
significant and costly material losses. The aims of the project are to study the inhibition of surface
graphite formation by the additions of Chromium and Manganese and to study the mechanism of
formation of surface carbide with the aim of developing an alloying / processing strategy which
eliminates both the surface graphite and the surface carbide.
***
LP0215952
Administering Organisation: University of Wollongong
Prof RJ Dippenaar
Dr D Willis
Mr W Renshaw
Title: Surface reaction kinetics of zinc gas relevant to the ZINCALUME coating process
2002: $72,000
2003: $64,000
APA(I) Award(s):
2004: $64,000
1
Category: 2913 - METALLURGY
Industry Partner(s):
BHP Innovation
Summary:
The proposed project aims to develop a sound understanding of the mechanism and rate of
condensation of zinc vapour on clean and partially oxidised steel strip surfaces. This Fundamental
scientific knowledge is the key to furthering our understanding of the effect of process variables on
the occurrence of pinholes and bare patches on ZINCALUME coated steel strip. Should the
fundamental causes of defect formation be established, product quality can be improved, process
costs reduced and the Australian industry's competitive position in the market place retained. A new
experimental approach will be taken; conductive to the training of the researchers involved in
advanced research techniques.
***
LP0214179
Administering Organisation: University of Wollongong
Prof SX Dou
Dr G Wang
Prof J Lee
Dr SJ Kennedy
Title: Developing New Cathode Materials for Lithium-ion Batteries Using Australian Mineral
Resources
2002: $83,000
APA(I) Award(s):
2003: $84,000
2004: $84,000
1
Category: 2599 - OTHER CHEMICAL SCIENCES
Industry Partner(s):
Queensland Nickel Technology Pty Ltd (A Division of Billiton)
Sons of Gwalia Ltd
Summary:
This project will bring together expertise in electrochmistry, materials science and structure
characterisation to conduct collaborative research with Australian industry partners, Queensland
Nickel Technology Pty Ltd and Sons of Gwalia Ltd. The aims of this project will be to investigate a
series of cathode materials for use in lithium-ion batteries. The significance of this research is that the
technology for preparing a series of new electrode materials for lithium-ion batteries will be
developed by taking advantage of abundant Australian minerals resourecs. The expected outcomes
will be to identify several new cathode materials with high energy density, long cycle life, low toxity
and low cost.
***
LP0219629
Administering Organisation: University of Wollongong
Prof SX dou
Dr XL Wang
Mr M Ionescu
A/Prof MD Sumption
Title: Fabrication and Characterisation of Magnesium Diboride Superconducting Wires
2002: $110,000
APA(I) Award(s):
2003: $100,000
2004: $100,000
1
Category: 2914 - MATERIALS ENGINEERING
Industry Partner(s):
Alphatech International
The Hyper Tech Research Inc.
Summary:
The newly discovered superconductivity at 40K in magnesium diboride (MgB2) opens a technical
window to a range of electric power applications, previously thought accessible only with high
temperature superconductors. The aim of the proposed project is to investigate the fabricability and
properties of MgB2 superconducting wires using a number of processing techniques established in
previous low temperature and high temperature superconductors. The expected outcome is to have a
MgB2 conductor that has a higher performance in a field than niobium-titanium (NbTi) alloy, a
higher operating temperature (up to 20K), but at a cost less than currently commercial NbTi wire.
***
LP0219458
Administering Organisation: University of Wollongong
Dr AK Ghose
Title: Integrated constraint-based planning and scheduling
2002: $45,000
APA(I) Award(s):
2003: $39,000
2004: $45,000
1
Category: 2802 - ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE AND SIGNAL AND IMAGE PROCESSING
Industry Partner(s):
BHP Steel (JLA) Pty Ltd
Summary:
Constraint programming is a relatively new technology based on artificial intellgence techniques that
is becoming a popular tool for developing industrial optimisation solutions. While constraint
programming has been used extensively for solving industrial scheduling problems, very little has
been done in developing constraint-based integrated producting planning and scheduling systems.
The size and complexity of typical production planning and scheduling problems requires the
innovative use of the latest developments in constraint programming technology, together with a
variety of other artificial intelligence techniques. This project seeks to develop and implement a new
conceptual framework for integrated constraint-based planning and scheduling, using BHP Steel as a
test - bed.
***
LP0230453
Administering Organisation: University of Wollongong
Dr AK Ghose
Dr R Clarke
Mr P Hyland
Title: Practical methodologies for agent-oritented conceptual modelling
2002: $22,545
2003: $22,545
APA(I) Award(s):
2004: $22,545
1
Category: 2801 - INFORMATION SYSTEMS
Industry Partner(s):
State Emergency Service
Summary:
Conceptual modelling involves using knowledge representation techniques to support the
requirements engineering phase of the software life-cycle. Agent-oriented conceptual modelling is a
relatively new technique that offers significant benefits in modelling complex organisational
information systems. However, several problems need to be addressed with current agent-oriented
conceptual modelling languages and methodologies. In the context of a PhD dissertation, this project
will develop an improved agent-oriented conceptual modelling framework and related requirements
elicitation techniques drawing on advances in Artificial intelligenct, Requireents Engineering and
Organisational Semiotics. The practical deliverables of this project will address the needs of a large
complex government organisation.
***
LP0220726
Administering Organisation: University of Wollongong
Prof PR Howe
A/Prof WL Bryden
Title: Development of novel omega-3 enriched poultry products
2002: $56,343
2003: $57,988
Category: 2901 - INDUSTRIAL BIOTECHNOLOGY AND FOOD SCIENCES
Industry Partner(s):
Bartlett Grain
Summary:
New Health recommendations and changes to the Food Standards Code encourage greater dietary
intake of omega-3 (w-3) fatty acids. Our core research on modifying fatty acid composition of
poultry tissues and preliminary studies with our industry partner's proprietary fishmeal product
(PorcOmega) have indicated the feasibility of producing novel meat products and eggs with high w-3
contents, which would qualify to carry a new nutrition label. We now propose, in collaboration with
our industry partner, to assess the viability of producing such products by conducting poultry feeding
trials with PorcOmega on a commercial scale and evaluating both the levels of w-3 enrichement of
chicken breast, thigh and sausages, shelf-life and consumer acceptability (sensory evaluation) of
these products. We expect to establish feeding strategies for adoption by commercial producers of
premium poultry and eggs for local or export markets.
***
LP0220843
Administering Organisation: University of Wollongong
Prof PR Howe
Dr T Mori
A/Prof L Tapsell
Dr B Meyer
Title: Development and evaulation of novel foods enriched with very long chain omega-3 fatty
acids
2002: $121,788
2003: $115,100
APA(I) Award(s):
2004: $32,545
1
Category: 3212 - PUBLIC HEALTH AND HEALTH SERVICES
Industry Partner(s):
Meadow Lea Foods Ltd
Clover Corporation Ltd
Summary:
This project is a collaborative effort between Meadow Lea Foods, Clover Corporation, and the
Universities of Wollongong and Western Australia. The aims are 1) to develop a range of functional
foods enriched with omega-3 from tuna oil; 2) to see whether the recommended omega-3 intake,
currently nor met by most Australians, can be achieved by including these foods in the diet; 3) to
evaluate sensory and health attributes and other factors that may impact on consumer acceptability
hence market potential of the food range. There is little evidence of the feasibility let alone health and
social benefits of utilising novel foods to meet the dietary omega-3 recommendation. We expect a) to
show how consumers could benefit by using a range of such foods in their customary diet; b) to
critically set this achievement within the context of current social trends in food product
development.
***
LP0214170
Administering Organisation: University of Wollongong
Dr BN Indraratna
Dr N Sivakugan
Mr V Wijeyakulasuriya
Mr G Fannelli
Title: Effectiveness of prefabricated vertical band drains (PVD) in the stabilisation os soft
clays
2002: $45,090
APA(I) Award(s):
2003: $45,090
2004: $45,090
2
Category: 2908 - CIVIL ENGINEERING
Industry Partner(s):
Amoco Chemicals Pty Ltd
Queensland Department of Main Roads
Summary:
Stabilisation of structures in low-lying coastal Australia is affected by excessive settlement, low
bearing capacity, and high lateral displacement of soft clays upon loading. The use of prefabricated
vertical drains (PVD) prior to main construction can ensure pre-compression of soft clays by rapid
pore water pressure dissipation, thereby increasing the soil strength and minimising its post
construction deformation. The main goal is to fully understand the stabilising mechanisms of PVD in
soft clay, and to minimise the unfavourable effects of soil disturbances (smear) during installation.
Extensive laboratory and field studies plus computer modelling will result in innovative design
concepts and enhanced construction practices.
***
LP0219309
Administering Organisation: University of Wollongong
A/Prof HK Liu
Dr S Zhong
A/Prof J Ahn
Title: Investigation of Nano-materials for use in Lithium Rechargable Batteries
2002: $67,000
APA(I) Award(s):
2003: $60,000
2004: $60,000
1
Category: 2914 - MATERIALS ENGINEERING
Industry Partner(s):
Jindalee International Pty Ltd
QNI Technology Pty Ltd
Summary:
Lithium ion batteries are emerging as a new generation of rechargeable batteries for power sources
of portable electronics. The aim of this project is to explore potential applications of novel nanomaterials such as intermetallic alloys, transition-metal oxides, and carbon nanotubes as anode
materials in lithium-ion rechargeable batteries. Significance and expected outcomes will be the
development of alternative anode materials with improved performance in energy capacity and cycle
life over existing anode materials. This could open opportunities for Australian mineral companies to
take advantage of the developments to produce value-added new products.
***
LP0210486
Administering Organisation: University of Wollongong
A/Prof F Naghdy
Dr EA Kazmierczak
Mr C Daly
Dr S O'Leary
Title: A clinically valid simulator with tactile sensing to train specialists to perform cochlea
implantation
2002: $22,545
2003: $22,545
APA(I) Award(s):
2004: $22,545
1
Category: 2802 - ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE AND SIGNAL AND IMAGE PROCESSING
Industry Partner(s):
Cochlear Ltd
Summary:
This project aims to create a medical simulation system with tactile sensing for cochlear implant
operations. The developed system will provide an opportunity to study cochlear implantation
process and examine its effect in a patient before it is carried out. It will be also used to train ENT
(Ear, Nose and Throat) specialists in cochlear implantation, thus replacing the current costly and
non-effective method of using temporal bones.
***
LP0232383
Administering Organisation: University of Wollongong
Dr S Perera
A/Prof VJ Gosbell
Mr P Windle
Title: A methodology for the control of harmonics due to large distorting loads
2002: $22,545
2003: $22,545
APA(I) Award(s):
2004: $22,545
1
Category: 2909 - ELECTRICAL AND ELECTRONIC ENGINEERING
Industry Partner(s):
Powerlink Queensland
Summary:
The ideal electricity supply has a voltage of prescribed frequencey and value with a sinusoidal
waveshape. Modern electronic equipment such as digital commuication equipment and automatic
manufacturing lines draw non-sinusoidal currents which distort the voltage waveform. Electricity
suppliers are responsible for limiting voltage distoration to levels set by national standards.
Techniques have been developed to allow them to determine the maximum level of current distortion
to which a particular customer is entitled. This project will developand verify a method for
determining if a particular customer exceeds that entitlement.
***
LP0214143
Administering Organisation: University of Wollongong
A/Prof R Safavi-Naini
Dr PO Ogunbona
Title: Semantic Authentication of Visual Data
2002: $77,632
2003: $77,632
APA(I) Award(s):
2004: $77,632
1
Category: 2805 - DATA FORMAT
Industry Partner(s):
Motorola Australian Research Centre
Summary:
Data authentication systems can detect the smallest modification to a message. Authentication
systems for media objects such as images, and audio and video clips have a different requirement
they must ensure authenticity of the content without needing all the changes to be detectable. The
aims of this project are to develop a framework for design and analysis of image and video
authentication systems, and construct secure and flexible systems that can be used in practice. This
research addresses the urgent need of providing security for multimedia objects in electronic
commerce and is of high importance to the acceptance of advanced communication and information
services.
***
LP0214169
Administering Organisation: University of Wollongong
Dr GM Spinks
Mr D Bieniak
Title: Adhesive Bonding for LoadBearing Joints in Aluminium Fast Ferries
2002: $22,545
2003: $22,545
APA(I) Award(s):
2004: $22,545
1
Category: 2914 - MATERIALS ENGINEERING
Industry Partner(s):
Vantico Pty. Limited
Summary:
The aim of this project is to investigate new chemical pre-treatment techniques and new sensor
technologies for specific use in adhesively bonding aluminium in the Australian Fast Ferry industry.
These technologies are important in increasing the use of adhesives in ships, possibly leading to
considerable weight savings, which, in turn increases the payload of the vessel. These advances in
shipbuilding practice can help maintain the world-leading status of the Australian Fast Ferry industry.
The technology also has the potential to expand the market for Australian-manufactured adhesives.
The project also offers a stimulating learning environment for a PhD student.
***
LP0219322
Administering Organisation: University of Wollongong
A/Prof DG Steel
Dr YX Lin
Dr X Zhang
Title: Seasonal adjustment using disaggregated short time span data
2002: $22,545
APA(I) Award(s):
2003: $22,545
2004: $22,545
1
Category: 2302 - STATISTICS
Industry Partner(s):
Australian Bureau of Statistics
Summary:
Seasonally adjusted economic and social times series are vital information used by governments and
businesses in decision making. This project will develop statistical methods to estimate and remove
seasonal factors from economic and social time series using finely disaggregated data for a relatively
small number of time periods. This will enable better and quicker estimation of seasonal factors when
new series are introduced or there a major changes to existing series, improving the analysis of such
series and the decisions based on them.
***
LP0219291
Administering Organisation: University of Wollongong
A/Prof AK Tieu
Title: Roll bite lubrication in hot strip rolling
2002: $63,000
APA(I) Award(s):
2003: $55,000
2004: $22,545
1
Category: 2903 - MANUFACTURING ENGINEERING
Industry Partner(s):
Hot Strip Mill
Quaker Chemical Australia
Summary:
Roll bite lubrication has been applied in hot strip rolling with significant cost savings in reduced
rolling force, reduced roll wear and increasede productivity. However the mechanics of roll bite
lubrication in the interface is not well understood due to the high temperature of the strip, scale
oxide on the surfaces and contact asperities. It is known how the surface roughness is generated
after rolling. This proposed project will develop a model to simulate the roll bite lubrication process,
to determine the roughness transfer from the roll surface to the strip surface, and optimise roll bite
lubriation process.
***
LP0235491
Administering Organisation: University of Wollongong
A/Prof AK Tieu
Dr C Lu
Title: Strip shape performance at tandem cold mill
2002: $45,090
2003: $45,090
APA(I) Award(s):
2004: $45,090
2
Category: 2903 - MANUFACTURING ENGINEERING
Industry Partner(s):
BHP Steel
Summary:
The shape of the strip at the cold mill are affected significantly by machine conditions and key
process variables, and yet the inter-relationship between these key areas are not known and
operators rely on trial-and-error methods to operate the mill. At high speeds, the shape of the strip
leaving the mill is not good, causeing problems to rolling mills downstream. The project proposed
here will integrate practical knowledge and numerical modeling of the strip shape of tandem cold mill
at high speeds to optimise the quality of the strip exiting the cold mill, and enable the mill to operate
at higher speeds than the current practice
***
LP0228370
Administering Organisation: University of Wollongong
Dr XL Wang
Title: Fabrication of Magnesium Diboride (MgB2) thick films
2002: $22,545
APA(I) Award(s):
2003: $22,545
2004: $22,545
1
Category: 2402 - THEORETICAL AND CONDENSED MATTER PHYSICS
Industry Partner(s):
SFC Enterprises Pty Ltd
Summary:
The recent discovery of superconductivity at 39 K in MgB2 has stimulated considerable interest in
terms of both fundamental research and applications. The purpose of the proposed project is to
conduct fundamental studies on the synthesis, structures and microstructures, and physical properties
of doped and undoped MgB2 thick films. The ultimate goal of this study is to fabricate high quality
MgB2 thick films on different substrates and to gain a better understanding of their various
properties with a view to device application.
***
LP0224911
Administering Organisation: University of Wollongong
Prof RJ Whelan
Dr K French
Dr ( Baker
Title: Assessing the potential for and success of animal tranlocation: The Eastern Bristlebird
as a case study
2002: $22,545
APA(I) Award(s):
2003: $22,545
2004: $22,545
1
Category: 2702 - GENETICS
Industry Partner(s):
National Parks and Wildlife Services
Summary:
Translocation is set to become an important tool in the biodiversity conservation "toolbox",
especially in securing species of small, cover-dependent, poorly dispersed passerine birds. Although
there is a good theory for translocations, too few have been studied in detail to direct actions or
predict outcomes. This project will develop a translocation methodology for the endangered Eastern
Bristlebird and use detailed trapping and radio-tracking to determine the success of founder
populations and the impacts of removing animals from source sites.
***
Northern Territory
Northern Territory University
LP0219425
Administering Organisation: Northern Territory University
Mr A Griffiths
Prof JC Altman
Ms F Salmon
Title: Timber harvest management for the Aboriginal arts industry: socio-economic, cultural
and ecological determinants of sustainability in a remote community context
2002: $48,030
APA(I) Award(s):
2003: $45,265
1
Category: 3008 - ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES
Industry Partner(s):
Bawinanga Aboriginal Corporation
Summary:
The Aboriginal arts industry is one of few development opportunities for Indigenous people in
remote communities: in some regions a vibrant industry has been established for three decades. Yet
there has been limited research that has combined assessment of the social, ecological and economic
determinants of arts production sustainability. This project addresses this issue with reference to the
rapidly expanding manufacture of sculptures marketed by Maningrida Arts and Culture in central
Arnhem Land. The project will survey resource use and availability, examine the ecological and
economic viability of this emerging artistic tradition and make practical recommendations to enhance
sustainability.
***
Queensland
Central Queensland University
LP0229923
Administering Organisation: Central Queensland University
Dr N Ashwath
Mr JC Ng
Prof DJ Midmore
Dr L Van Zwieten
Title: Phytoremediation of arsenic contaminated sites using arsenic hyperaccumulating plants
2002: $45,090
APA(I) Award(s):
2003: $45,090
2004: $45,090
2
Category: 3001 - SOIL AND WATER SCIENCES
Industry Partner(s):
Environmental Centre of Excellence
Phytolink Australia Pty Ltd
Queensland Rail
Qld Health Scientific Services
Summary:
The legacy of using arsenical compounds in pest control activities has resulted in many contaminated
sites. Since the inorganic arsenic is carcinogenic, stringent laws have been enforced to control
arsenic (As) in the environment. This project investigates the potential of using the recently
discovered (Ma et al, 2001) arsenic hyperaccumulating (22,000 mgAs/kgDW) fern, Pteris vittata, in
the removal of arsenic from dip sites and railway tracks in Qld, and orchards in northern NSW. The
impacts of growing hyperaccumulating plants on grazing animals and the environment, and the
disposal of arsenic from contaminated plants will also be studied.
***
LP0229532
Administering Organisation: Central Queensland University
Prof GA Lawrence
Mr JN Kelly
Title: Farmer Adoption of Sustainable Land Management Practices in the Fitzroy Basin,
Central Queensland
2002: $22,545
APA(I) Award(s):
2003: $22,545
2004: $22,545
1
Category: 3009 - LAND, PARKS AND AGRICULTURE MANAGEMENT
Industry Partner(s):
Dept of Natural Resources and Mines
Summary:
The research project will identify the barriers to, and facilitators of, the adoption of sustainable land
management practices in the grazing industry in the Fitzroy Basin, Central Queensland. Current
agricultural extension approaches to environmental innovations in grazing have been criticised for
their inability to facilitate rapid implementation of necessary on-ground changes. This research is
significant in identifying key socio-economic and environmental factors that need to be considered in
developing regional policy approaches to sustainable agricultural development. Outcomes will
include better uptake of environmental measures by graziers and policy advice to government and
industry on sustainable development options.
***
LP0229730
Administering Organisation: Central Queensland University
Prof GA Lawrence
Ms E Orupold
Title: Governance, Institutional capacity and regional planning: a Central Queensland case
study
2002: $22,545
APA(I) Award(s):
2003: $22,545
2004: $22,545
1
Category: 3702 - SOCIAL WORK
Industry Partner(s):
Qld Dept of Local Government and Planning
Summary:
To coordinate development in non-metropolitan Australia, governments are creating new regional
frameworks of participation and decision making that exist outside current institutional settings. The
aims are to: review and explain the purpose, formation and operation of CQ: A New Millenium;
compare and contrast it with other planning processes; and discover the institutional or other
impediments to its success. Findings will demonstrate the place of a new regional body in local
planning. Outcomes will include: clarification of the concept of regional governance; an
understanding of institutional capacity; and identification of the features that promote, and inhibit,
community-based action for regional sustainability.
***
LP0230710
Administering Organisation: Central Queensland University
Dr X Yu
Dr R Broadfoot
Title: Developing a smart supervisory control system for pan stage operations in sugar
factories
2002: $22,545
2003: $22,545
2004: $22,545
APA(I) Award(s):
1
Category: 2906 - CHEMICAL ENGINEERING
Industry Partner(s):
Sugar Research Institute
Summary:
This project aims to develop a prototype smart supervisory control system for pan stage
crystallisation operations in raw sugar processing. Intelligent systems technologies will be tailored to
provide a standardised approach for pan operations by using key process measurements and
combining them with the collective expertise and knowledge of pan operators. This project will lead
to a significant advance in the development of intelligent systems techniques for industrial
applications and provide a better decision making strategy for pan stage operations with the benefit
of reduced costs of sugar manufacture and increased profitability of the Australian sugar industry.
***
Griffith University
LP0222934
Administering Organisation: Griffith University
Prof GJ Bamber
A/Prof MA Barrett
Title: Effectiveness of Leadership Development in Driving Organisational Change
2002: $22,545
2003: $22,545
APA(I) Award(s):
2004: $22,545
1
Category: 3502 - BUSINESS AND MANAGEMENT
Industry Partner(s):
Queensland Rail
Summary:
Queensland Rail faces challenges in managing changes brought about by deregulation, pressures for
better customer service, changing technologies, and decentralised systems of industrial relations and
human resource (HR) management. According to organisational development notions, leadership
training and improved management practices can help achieve such changes. However, which
training and related HR approaches are most effective and how effectiveness can be measured and
benchmarked have not been fully explored. The study will evaluate links between leadership training
and organisational-change goals in QR; develop key performance indicators for the change process
and its outcomes; and undertake comparisons with another enterprise (Telstra).
***
LP0211870
Administering Organisation: Griffith University
Dr JA Cameron
Prof AL Brown
Title: Evaluating Community Consultation: Criteria and Tools for Assessing Processes and
Outcomes
2002: $62,000
2003: $62,000
2004: $55,000
Category: 3704 - HUMAN GEOGRAPHY
Industry Partner(s):
Queensland Department of Local Government and Planning
Summary:
Planning agencies are expected to include community consultation as an element of the decisionmaking process. Past research has focussed on developing effective consultation techniques. Little
research attention has been given to guidelines for evaluating consultation activities. The proposed
project will contribute fundamental knowledge on evaluation of consultation programs. It will do
this through assessing a major regional planning exercise (SEQ 2021). It will develop and test
comprehensive evaluation criteria and tools. The project will result in ready-to-use evaluation
materials for SEQ 2021, and for other planning and decision-making authorities in Australia,
representing a significant breakthrough in evaluation research and practice.
***
LP0209529
Administering Organisation: Griffith University
Dr W Chaboyer
Dr E Kendall
Dr A Mylvaganam
Ms M Foster
Title: Developing a Model of ICU Transition Care; Enhancing Services, Enabling Nurses,
Empowering Patients
2002: $40,000
2003: $40,000
Category: 3211 - NURSING
Industry Partner(s):
Gold Coast Hospital
Gold Coast Hospital Foundation
Summary:
The transition from the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) to the ward is traumatic for patients and families
and difficult for ward nurses. Using focus groups and an intervention study, this research will
develop and evaluate a model of ICU transition care and demonstrate the extent to which
appropriate transition care improves a variety of outcomes for patients, families and staff. We
anticipate that this model will influence practice and policy decisions and be useful in other setting
and with other groups who face life transitions such as the military, corrective care and rehabilitation.
***
LP0211583
Administering Organisation: Griffith University
Dr PE Dale
Dr NG Sipe
Dr PL Daniels
Title: Impact of Mosquito Control Strategies: Cost Benefit Analysis
2002: $22,545
2003: $22,545
APA(I) Award(s):
2004: $22,545
1
Category: 3402 - APPLIED ECONOMICS
Industry Partner(s):
Queensland Health
Summary:
Arbovirus diseases are increasing in Queensland (and in Australia). In Queensland, Local
Government is responsible for mosquito control. Even though mosquito control programs have
existed in Queensland for several decades, no one has assessed their impact on the incidence of
disease or on mosquitoes nor have the benefits and costs of control been measured. We propose to
investigate this via a PhD scholarship which will survey local government in Queensland, assess the
costs and benefits of mosquito control and analyse differences in their distribution in time and space,
with a view to explaining the differences and ultimately informing management.
***
LP0234224
Administering Organisation: Griffith University
Dr T Gatfield
A/Prof CA Smith
A/Prof MC Harker
Title: Identifying and testing the decision-making factors related to 'smart industries' choice
of location
2002: $22,545
APA(I) Award(s):
2003: $22,545
1
Category: 3402 - APPLIED ECONOMICS
Industry Partner(s):
Office of Economic Development
Summary:
Australia is moving towards becoming the smart country. As a result industry restructuring,
realignment and relocation become central concerns. This research is directed towards industry
relocation with a focus on the newly emerging 'smart industries' with a test case examination of the
Brisbane City Council economic region. The research will investigate, identify and test the
quantitative and qualitative criteria used by 'smart industry' companies in their location decision
making. Outcomes will include a Masters of Philosophy thesis, a tested and validated test instrument
for industry practitioners, three seminars, a conference paper and a number of international journal
articles.
***
LP0219320
Administering Organisation: Griffith University
A/Prof JM Hughes
Dr Z Xu
Dr M Hunt
A/Prof K Lundkvist
Title: Hoop pine nitrogen and water use efficiency: improving the understanding and
management with advanced stable isotope, physiological and molecular techniques.
2002: $85,000
APA(I) Award(s):
2003: $76,000
2004: $76,000
1
Category: 3006 - FORESTRY SCIENCES
Industry Partner(s):
Queensland Department of Primary Industries (QDPI)-Forestry
Summary:
This project represents the first attempt to integrate the use of innovative stable isotope,
physiological and molecular techniques for improving the understanding and management of genetic
and environmental factors regulating hoop pine nitrogen use efficiency (NUE) and water use
efficiency (WUE). The successful conduct of the project will result in improved stable isotope,
physiological and molecular techniques for NUE and WUE studies; improved understanding and
management of hoop pine NUE and WUE for enhancing plantation productivity; and successful
training of a high-calibre postgraduate student and sustaining a pool of world-class researchers to
meet the needs of Australian forest industry.
***
LP0210569
Administering Organisation: Griffith University
Dr SJ Lee
Dr RM Connolly
Title: Enhancement of fish stock by habitat manipulation in artificial coastal waterways
2002: $22,545
APA(I) Award(s):
2003: $22,545
2004: $22,545
1
Category: 2707 - ECOLOGY AND EVOLUTION
Industry Partner(s):
Gold Coast City Council
Summary:
Human settlement significantly changes the spatial characteristics of natural coastal waterways. The
value of artificial waterways, such as canals, as a habitat for fish is poorly known. We will evaluate
the significance of artificial canals as a fish habitat, and test the effect of habitat modification by
artificial reef installation on fish distribution and abundance. We will investigate whether artificial
reefs enhance fish production in canals, rather than simply acting as fish aggregation devices. This
research will address an important question in fisheries ecology and help formulate management
guidelines for artificial waterways.
***
LP0219660
Administering Organisation: Griffith University
Dr AJ Moran
Dr G Griffin
Title: Place through moving image: A case study of the Gold Coast
2002: $22,545
2003: $22,545
APA(I) Award(s):
2004: $22,545
1
Category: 4001 - JOURNALISM, COMMUNICATION AND MEDIA
Industry Partner(s):
Gold Coast City Council
Summary:
Relocation of populations in urban and cosmopolitan centres increasingly makes our sense of place
an imagined one. Yet, although film and television are intimately involved in this process, there has
been little systematic attempt to explore the profound social and cultural meaning of such a
relationship. Using the Gold Coast as a case study, this innovative, multidisciplinary project fills this
gap, increasing theoretical knowledge in relevant disciplines. The research also provides significant
practical results for building community identity, cultural tourism and regional promotion.
***
LP0211723
Administering Organisation: Griffith University
Prof D Nguyen
A/Prof CA Smith
Dr PJ Crossman
Dr CH Williams
Title: Determinants of Variations in Productivity Growth across the States of Australia:
Aggregate and Sectoral Analyses
2002: $40,000
2003: $40,000
APA(I) Award(s):
2004: $40,000
1
Category: 3402 - APPLIED ECONOMICS
Industry Partner(s):
Queensland Treasury
Summary:
This research project will investigate factors which account for differences in economic and
productivity growth performance across the states of Australia. This is a topic of considerable
significance to academic researchers, policy-makers, and the public at large. The proposed project
will be at the forefront of international research in two sub-areas, namely analysis of interstate
productivity growth at a sectoral level, and measurement of productivity growth in services
industries. It will break new ground in Australian research in two respects, namely estimation of state
capital stocks, and analysis of total factor productivity on an interstate basis.
***
LP0211555
Administering Organisation: Griffith University
Dr FV O'Callaghan
Dr PA Creed
Title: Evaluation of treatment outcomes for court-referred and voluntary clients in residential
and outclient substance abuse treatment programs
2002: $22,545
2003: $22,545
APA(I) Award(s):
2004: $22,545
1
Category: 3801 - PSYCHOLOGY
Industry Partner(s):
Mirikai
Summary:
Very little research has been conducted evaluating the relative effectiveness of substance abuse
treatment programs for court-referred clients, compared with voluntary clients. This project will
obtain psychological, social and health measures in order to compare short- and long-term treatment
outcomes. Its significance lies not only in its potential to evaluate the success of treatment for clients
diverted from the criminal justice system, but also in its unique focus on a wide range of outcomes
for different client groups.
***
LP0219314
Administering Organisation: Griffith University
A/Prof JR O'Toole
Dr BV Burton
Title: Countering the bullies : action research on policy change and teacher re-education
through innovative and pro-active techniques in schools.
2002: $41,000
2003: $36,000
APA(I) Award(s):
2004: $37,000
1
Category: 3303 - PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT OF TEACHERS
Industry Partner(s):
Education Queensland
Summary:
Bullying is a major and intractable problem of contemporary schooling. Systemic policy is reactive
and imposed on teachers and students. This project aims to effect change by implementing and
evaluating an innovative, grass-roots, whole-school approach to bullying through the normal
curriculum which empowers teachers and students to address bullying pro-actively. The proposed
use of action research places the responsibility for confronting bullying in the hands of the school
community. The major outcome will be a system-wide and eventually nation-wide redefinition of
bullying policy, and revised structures and practices in schools for bullying management by an
alliance of teachers and students.
***
LP0212038
Administering Organisation: Griffith University
Prof CJ Sampford
A/Prof D Kimber
Dr J Uhr
A/Prof S Zifcak
Prof S Miller
Mr M Segon
Title: Conceiving and Implementing National Integrity Systems Assessments (NISA)
2002: $63,696
2003: $50,745
2004: $55,608
Category: 4401 - PHILOSOPHY
Industry Partner(s):
Transparency International - Australia
Office of Public Service Merit and Equity
Summary:
Integrity and corruption are conceptually linked opposites. Integrity systems (or 'ethics regimes') are
the most powerful tools for dealing with corruption. They involve a range of institutions, law,
procedures, practices and attitudes which encourage integrity and discourage/sanction its absence
among public servants and those who might wish to corrupt them. This project will examine the way
Australian government and business integrity systems (some of which have received international
praise for their design and conception) function in order to improve their operation in Australia and
to provide examples for other countries.
***
LP0219589
Administering Organisation: Griffith University
Prof DV Thiel
Title: Electromagnetic field strength simulator (ELMO) for RF hazard assessment
2002: $22,545
2003: $22,545
APA(I) Award(s):
2004: $22,545
1
Category: 2917 - COMMUNICATIONS TECHNOLOGIES
Industry Partner(s):
ICOMMs
Summary:
There is significant community fear related to exposure to mobile telephone radiation. The computer
program ELMO will be designed to accept information about all RF transmitters in the vicinity of
cellular telephone towers from an existing database, and to calculate the total field strength. This will
allow hazard assessment for both RF technicians working on the tower and adjacent residents.
***
LP0219286
Administering Organisation: Griffith University
Prof M von Itzstein
Dr V Ferro
Dr M Kiefel
Title: The development of a rapid diagnostic test for heparanase activity
2002: $22,545
2003: $22,545
APA(I) Award(s):
2004: $22,545
1
Category: 2503 - ORGANIC CHEMISTRY
Industry Partner(s):
Progen Industries Ltd
Summary:
Heparanase is an enzyme that has been implicated in a number of disease states such as cancer,
arthritis, multiple sclerosis and other inflammatory diseases. Characterisation of this enzyme has
been slow, due in part to the lack of a reliable direct activity assay. Using a multi-disciplinary
approach, this project seeks to establish a rapid assay that will provide easy determination of
heparanase activity. Furthermore, this assay could provide a useful diagnostic tool in a clinical
environment that would allow for the rapid assessment of these diseases, their progression and
indeed response to therapy.
***
LP0219363
Administering Organisation: Griffith University
Prof M von Itzstein
Dr JC Wilson
Dr RJ Thomson
Dr TJ Brown
Title: Development of Multivalent Hyaluronan Derivative Therapeutics
2002: $22,545
APA(I) Award(s):
2003: $22,545
2004: $22,545
1
Category: 2503 - ORGANIC CHEMISTRY
Industry Partner(s):
Meditech Research Limited
Summary:
Over-expression of the hyaluronan receptor CD44 has been identified at pathological sites of
diseases such as cancer, psoriasis, arthritis and asthma. The research described in this proposal aims
to develop novel therapeutic compounds which target CD44 whilst eliciting a therapeutic index.
The design of these new therapeutics is based on a template structure which incorporates known
cytotoxic or anti-fungal agentsas well as hyaluronan, a naturally occurring carbohydrate, ubiquitous
in nature.
***
LP0208975
Administering Organisation: Griffith University
Dr GA Watson
Prof NC Dempster
Title: Sustainable models of teacher information and communication technology (ICT)
professional development that empower multiliterate classroom practices
2002: $22,545
2003: $22,545
APA(I) Award(s):
1
Category: 3301 - EDUCATION STUDIES
Industry Partner(s):
Suncoast Cyberschools
Summary:
New concepts like 'multiliteracy', 'rich tasks' and 'repertoires of practice' as identified by recent
education documents such as "The New Basics" and "Literate Futures" (Education Queensland
2000a & 2000b) require new teaching practices that demand advanced levels of information and
communication technology (ICT) interaction. Such involvement with ICT requires new models of
teacher ICT professional development that have a well researched foundation based on their
transformative realities and long term sustainability. This project will establish a conceptual
understanding of what is required of teachers for 'multiliterate' learning and develop a professional
development model that has as its goal 'multiliterate' student outcomes.
***
LP0210478
Administering Organisation: Griffith University
Dr RL Zevenbergen
Dr SP Lamb
Title: Numeracy, Youth and Employment: A study of numeracy demands in contemporary
workplaces in regional Queensland
2002: $37,000
2003: $37,000
2004: $39,000
Category: 3302 - CURRICULUM STUDIES
Industry Partner(s):
Gold Coast City Council
South Coast Industry School Connections Organisation
Gold Coast Institute of TAFE
Queensland School Curriculum Council
Employment National
Centrelink
Rosemary Adams, Consultant
Summary:
In contemporary workplaces, the numeracy demands are varied, yet little is known about their form
or skill requirements. In order for schools and other agencies to better prepare Australian youth for
the demands of contemporary work, a clearer understanding of the intersection of numeracy and
work is needed. This project seeks to identify the numeracy demands across a range of industries in
the Gold Coast region of Queensland. As well as examining the types of numeracy demands, the
project identifies some of the best ways in which numeracy skills can be improved to meet the
demands across those industries.
***
James Cook University
LP0211348
Administering Organisation: James Cook University
Dr D Blair
Dr M Waycott
Dr JG Luly
Ms JJ Maclean
Title: Molecular tracing of spectacled flying-fox (Pteropus conspicillatus) movements in
rainforests and orchards of wet tropical Queensland
2002: $22,545
2003: $22,545
APA(I) Award(s):
2004: $22,545
1
Category: 2702 - GENETICS
Industry Partner(s):
Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service
Queensland Fruit and Vegetable Growers
Tolga Bat Hospital
Summary:
This project uses molecular markers to trace movements of spectacled flying-foxes in the wet tropics
of north Queensland. The intention is to determine the origins of bats visiting orchards, determine
patterns of seasonal and intra-seasonal migration of bats and to document the significance of such
migrations to estimation of population numbers and trends. These data are critical to conservation of
bat populations, to the ecologically sustainable development of fruit growing in the region and the
long term sustainable management of the Wet Tropics World Heritage Area.
***
LP0211806
Administering Organisation: James Cook University
Prof JN BURNELL
Dr SG VASUDEVAN
Title: Characterisation of snake venom components and screening venom for bioactive
compounds.
2002: $22,545
APA(I) Award(s):
2003: $22,545
2004: $22,545
1
Category: 2708 - BIOTECHNOLOGY
Industry Partner(s):
Wilsha Holdings Pty Ltd
Summary:
Animal venoms are a rich source of bioactive compounds. This project will separate and characterise
the protein-containing components of the North Queensland taipan. It will also involve constructing
a cDNA library from mRNA isolated from the venom glands of the same snake and individual clones
will be isolated and sequenced. Individual snake venom components, purified either from whole
snake venom or synthesised via in vivo expression, will be tested in a variety of rapid throughput
screening assays to identify specific bioactivities. This project will train a post graduate scientist in
methods involved in the discovery of novel bioactive compounds.
***
LP0209546
Administering Organisation: James Cook University
Dr JA Holtum
Dr IE Woodrow
Dr AJ Ash
Title: Quantifying the Effects of Carbon Dioxide (CO2) Emissions on an Australian Savanna
2002: $136,000
APA(I) Award(s):
2003: $122,000
2004: $122,000
1
Category: 3002 - CROP AND PASTURE PRODUCTION
Industry Partner(s):
Queensland Nickel Proprietary Limited
Summary:
Queensland Nickel's Yabulu refinery produces 3,400 tonnes of CO2 daily. CO2, a fertiliser, may
affect plant growth in surrounding coastal savannas.
QNPL is sponsoring research that uses an open-air CO2-enhancement facility to assess the potential
benefits and costs of emissions. An Australian first and a world tropics first, this research will
quantify potential impacts of CO2 on vegetation dynamics, soil processes, soil carbon dynamics and
livestock management options
Expected outcomes include the validation and extension of biophysical grazing management models,
estimation of the carbon sequestering capacity of tropical rangelands, and increased understanding of
climate change effects on the Australian tropics.
***
LP0209596
Administering Organisation: James Cook University
Prof Dr SB Kaye
Mr MA Barrett
Mr M Neal
Title: Impact of Native Title on Local Government in Australia
2002: $22,545
APA(I) Award(s):
1
Category: 3901 - LAW
Industry Partner(s):
Environmental Defenders Office of North Queensland
Summary:
This project will consider in detail the Integrated Planning Act 1997 (Qld) (IPA) and how the
implementation IPA Planning Schemes will impact upon native title rights to land and sea. The
project will also look at the impact of IPA on development applications made by native titleholders
themselves. It will provide for identification and analysis of the relevant legal arrangements affecting
native title, and the creation for taxonomy of impacts arising out of the interaction of the two legal
regimes. The project will indicate strategies to facilitate cooperation between local planning
authorities and indigenous stakeholders within existing legal structures.
***
LP0211499
Administering Organisation: James Cook University
Dr DC King
Ms L Anderson-Berry
Dr J Nott
Title: Natural Hazard Vulnerability: A study of risk, vulnerability, behaviour, attitudes and
perceptions of warnings
2002: $61,184
2003: $62,967
2004: $62,967
APDI - Ms L Anderson-Berry
Category: 3701 - SOCIOLOGY
Industry Partner(s):
Bureau of Meteorology
Summary:
This project builds on original research into community vulnerability, awareness and preparedness
for natural hazards. During the second half of the United Nations International Decade for Natural
Disaster Reduction, the trend in emergency management and disaster mitigation research has been
towards the social and community impacts of natural disasters. The aim of the project is to examine
risk perception amongst hazard vulnerable communities. The expected outcomes include an
improved awareness campaign and a better understanding of the ways in which warnings and
forecasts are filtered and distorted by the public.
***
LP0230323
Administering Organisation: James Cook University
Dr IR Lawler
Prof HD Marsh
Dr RG Coles
Title: The quality of seagrass as a dugong food resource: the importance of the effects of
season and water depth
2002: $22,545
2003: $22,545
APA(I) Award(s):
2004: $22,545
1
Category: 2707 - ECOLOGY AND EVOLUTION
Industry Partner(s):
World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF)
Northern Fisheries Centre
QLD Parks & Wildlife Service, Environmental Protection Authority
Summary:
Australia has international obligations to conserve dugongs (sea cows). Dugongs rely on seagrasses
for food. Knowledge of the abundance and quality of seagrasses, and how these change in response
to the environment, is vital if dugong conservation is to have the necessary scientific basis. Research
has focussed on intertidal seagrass as food for dugongs. However, deepwater seagrasses are a
mainstay of most significant dugong populations, such as the population in Hervey Bay, Queensland.
This research will provide information on the effect of season and water depth on the quality of
seagrasses as dugong food.
***
LP0212026
Administering Organisation: James Cook University
Dr Y Leong
Dr J Liow
Mr GC Du Plessis
Title: Enhancing Ammonium Phosphate Slurry Output from the Pre-Neutraliser Reactor via
Rheological Study and Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) Modelling
2002: $22,545
2003: $22,545
APA(I) Award(s):
2004: $22,545
1
Category: 2918 - INTERDISCIPLINARY ENGINEERING
Industry Partner(s):
WMC Fertilizers
Summary:
A thorough understanding of slurry rheology is required for the design and computational fluid
dynamics (CFD) simulation of slurry reactor to obtain optimal performance. A poorly designed
reactor will have poor mixing, flow short circuiting and stagnant zones. This project will provide a
means of characterising the ammonia phosphate slurry rheology on-line for WMC fertilizer plant,
perform detailed rheological characterisation of the slurry with and without trace elements, and
provide fluid flow behaviour within the reactor through CFD simulation. A mere 1% improvement
over the current solids output of 100tonnes/hr will enhance the revenue by $2.5million/yr for WMC.
***
LP0219428
Administering Organisation: James Cook University
Dr BG Lottermoser
Title: Polymetallic phytoextraction applied to mine waste
2002: $22,545
2003: $22,545
APA(I) Award(s):
2004: $22,545
1
Category: 2603 - GEOCHEMISTRY
Industry Partner(s):
BHP Cannington
Summary:
Phytoextraction involves the use of hyperaccumulator plants to grow and concentrate a metal.
Subsequently, the crop is harvested and the metal extracted. The aim of this research is to investigate
the uptake and chemically induced uptake of heavy metals (Ni, Co, Au, Ag, Cu, Pb, Zn, Pt, Pd, Cr)
by plants grown on mine tailings and mine waste materials. Outcomes will include practical methods
of metal extraction that are cheap to employ where metal concentrations are subeconomic and of
potential environmental impact during mining and after mine closure.
***
LP0211959
Administering Organisation: James Cook University
Dr MJ RIDD
Dr D KLUMPP
Mr LB HORE
Mr M ROCHE
Title: Arsenic speciation in Cleveland Bay, and controls on its uptake in commercial crab
species
2002: $22,545
APA(I) Award(s):
2003: $22,545
2004: $22,545
1
Category: 2599 - OTHER CHEMICAL SCIENCES
Industry Partner(s):
BHP Cannington
Townsville Port Authority
Summary:
Marine organisms from the Great Barrier Reef exhibit elevated arsenic concentrations. It is not
known if arsenic constitutes a human health risk since its chemical form has not been determined.
The factors which control arsenic uptake in the GBR environment are unknown, making it difficult
to predict how changes in water quality (such as phosphate which is chemically similar to arsenic)
may alter arsenic concentrations in these organisms. This project will determine the chemical form of
arsenic in biota, sediment and water, and will test the hypothesis that the elevated arsenic levels
reflect the low phosphate concentrations in the water.
***
LP0211482
Administering Organisation: James Cook University
Prof RM Thorpe
Dr A McMahon
Dr KJ Thomson
Mr M Bishop
Title: FOSTER CARE FOR CHILDREN IN CARE AND PROTECTION OF THE
QUEENSLAND DEPARTMENT OF FAMILIES, MACKAY WHITSUNDAY REGION
2002: $48,000
2003: $42,000
2004: $34,000
Category: 3702 - SOCIAL WORK
Industry Partner(s):
Queensland Department of Families
Summary:
The project aims to undertake a wide-ranging study of the foster care system and foster carers in a
Regional area of Australia. Particular attention will be focused on: a cost benefit analysis of foster
care; the qualities of good foster carers; the special needs of foster children with disability; the
situation of Indigenous and Australian South Sea Islander foster children. The project's significance
lies in addressing issues relevant to the current serious crisis in providing good quality alternative
care for children unable to live with their own parents. The research program will provide the
identification of improved policies and programs.
***
Queensland University of Technology
LP0235431
Administering Organisation: Queensland University of Technology
A/Prof JM Bell
Dr TW Farrell
Dr G Will
Title: Mathematical modelling of dye-sensitised titania solar cells: a route to improved
efficiency in production
2002: $22,545
APA(I) Award(s):
2003: $22,545
2004: $22,545
1
Category: 2399 - OTHER MATHEMATICAL SCIENCES
Industry Partner(s):
Sustainable Technologies International
Summary:
Dye-sensitised titania solar cells (DSCs) provide a technically and economically credible alternative
to silicon photovotaic devices. Increasing the efficiency of commercially produced DSCs to 12%
from the current production cell efficiency of 6%,will result in significantly lower delivered energy
costs than the current alternative photovoltaic devices. This project will develop a mathematical
model of a DSC as a first stage in the development of a decision support capability for the
manufacture of more efficient DSC's. The model will extend existing models to incorporate full
transport modelling and side-reactions in the electrolyte and will be validated by experimental work.
***
LP0235814
Administering Organisation: Queensland University of Technology
A/Prof JM Bell
A/Prof EM Gray
Mr J Kavanagh
Title: Electronic properties of diamondlike carbon for applications in planar optical
waveguides
2002: $22,545
2003: $22,545
APA(I) Award(s):
2004: $22,545
1
Category: 2404 - OPTICAL PHYSICS
Industry Partner(s):
Laserdyne Pty Ltd
Summary:
This project will explore new applications of diamondlike carbon in the area of integrated optics for
telecommunications systems. Diamondlike carbon offers opportunities to create novel electro-optic
devices owing to its high refractive index and its ability to be deposited directly onto silicon
substrates. This project will conduct a thorough study of the electronic properties of diamondlike
carbon deposited by two techniques and develop potential niche applications in the $5 billion
integrated optical telecommunications devices. The work will combine fundamental studies of thin
film electronic properties with leading edge industry applications of technology and provide an
excellent research training opportunity.
***
LP0235258
Administering Organisation: Queensland University of Technology
Dr R Brown
A/Prof RL Frost
Title: Research and development of devices to improve the quality of stormwater by removal
of gross pollutants such as soil, litter and sediment.
2002: $22,545
APA(I) Award(s):
2003: $22,545
2004: $22,545
1
Category: 2911 - ENVIRONMENTAL ENGINEERING
Industry Partner(s):
C-M Concrete Products Pty Ltd
Summary:
Oil,litter and sediment are serious pollutants in stormwater which go hand in hand with human and
industrial activity. An outcome of this research will be to develop a device capable of removing such
gross pollutants from stormwater at higher efficiencies than that currently commercially available.
Vital wetland resources such as Moreton Bay near Brisbane, a wetland of international significance
that contributes around $400 million to the local economy,are under threat from polluted
stormwater. Similar problems are occuring right around the entire coast of Australia and also in
some inland waterways.
***
LP0219438
Administering Organisation: Queensland University of Technology
Prof SD Cunningham
Prof J Hartley
Dr GN Hearn
Dr JJ Radbourne
Mr I Catlin
Mr S MacIntyre
Mr M Paddenburg
Title: Creative Industries in Queensland: Cluster Mapping and Value-chain Analysis
2002: $185,340
2003: $74,098
2004: $118,178
Category: 4203 - CULTURAL STUDIES
Industry Partner(s):
Arts Queensland
Queensland Department of State Development
Brisbane City Council
Summary:
'Creative industries' is a new term in academic, policy and industry discourse that captures 'new
economy enterprise' dynamics which associated categories 'the arts', 'media' and cultural industries'
do not. This project will advance the conceptualisation of creative industries and assist policy and
industry by analysing the creative industries in Queensland with a business model of value chain and
cluster mapping. Significantly, it will highlight integrated value chain relationships rather than 'silo'
constructions of the sector; and produce data useful for informed economics and cultural
development strategies by industry partners. Its innovations will benefit industry, and governments,
agencies, and councils.
***
LP0230519
Administering Organisation: Queensland University of Technology
Prof SD Cunningham
Prof S Garlick
Dr C Spurgeon
Title: Regional development of audiovisual industries in the digital era: Prospects for the
Northern Rivers region of NSW.
2002: $22,545
APA(I) Award(s):
2003: $22,545
2004: $22,545
1
Category: 3402 - APPLIED ECONOMICS
Industry Partner(s):
Northern Development Task Force
Screenworks Limited
Hatchling Productions
Summary:
This project explores drivers and impediments within audiovisualindustries in the global digital era
that impact on the industry's develoment in non-metropolitan regions. The project uses the Northern
Rivers region of NSW as the major case study. It will evaluate opportunities arising from
technological, economic and societal changes associated with the digital media era and identify
relevant public policy influences. It will facilitate the development of tools and strategies for regional
development practitioners and entrepreneurs in the 'Creative Industries' sector. It will highlight
policy instruments for governments wanting to take advantage of benefits from the 'new' services and
knowledge-based economies.
***
LP0219712
Administering Organisation: Queensland University of Technology
A/Prof RL Frost
Dr JT Kloprogge
Mr B Balwin
Dr CR Landis
Mr S Macnish
Ms O Carmody
Title: Development of smart material for the adsorption of oil spills on roads
2002: $154,000
APA(I) Award(s):
2003: $138,000
2004: $138,000
1
Category: 2906 - CHEMICAL ENGINEERING
Industry Partner(s):
Integrated Minerals Technology Ltd
Montgomery Watson
Queensland Dept of Main Roads
Summary:
The cost of road fuel spills in both Australia and worldwide is enormous. The research objective is
to develop an admixture suitable for the absorption/adsorption of fuel and oil from road spills. The
material will be designed to be contained within a fabric. The innovation is the application of the
admixture in the form of a carpet, which is designed as easily used, non-toxic, recyclable and
environmentally friendly. The application is rapid. The successful development of the material has
enormous economic benefits to Australia, providing a new industry with many employees. This new
industry has the potential to bring great wealth to Australia.
***
LP0219658
Administering Organisation: Queensland University of Technology
A/Prof GG Gable
Dr G Stewart
Prof B Avolio
Title: Organisational Readiness for Enterprise Resource Planning Implementation
2002: $45,090
2003: $45,090
APA(I) Award(s):
2004: $45,090
2
Category: 3502 - BUSINESS AND MANAGEMENT
Industry Partner(s):
SAP Australia Pty Ltd
Summary:
An ERP implementation is a significant organisational intervention and its success is affected by
many variables including the organisation's culture, decision-making strategies, risk taking
orientation, leadership strategies and perceptions of the value of Information Technology. We seek
to develop a organisational behaviour modification program in order to position the firm to succeed
by overcoming barriers in these elements. We will (1) identify key variables that inhibit an ERP
implementation; (2) develop strategies to orient the organisation to achieve business benefit from the
ERP implementation; and (3) track the effectiveness of these strategies through a program of
participative action research.
***
LP0219676
Administering Organisation: Queensland University of Technology
Dr SJ Grieshaber
Dr NJ Yelland
Dr G Matters
Mr T Cook
Title: Beyond letters, numbers and screens: new basics, technologies, numeracy and early
childhood education.
2002: $77,000
2003: $70,000
APA(I) Award(s):
2004: $70,000
1
Category: 3301 - EDUCATION STUDIES
Industry Partner(s):
Education Queensland
Summary:
This project will create detailed models of the 'New Basics' approach to teaching and learning
numeracy using information technologies (IT). The models will provide springboards for action for
Queensland and Australian teachers. The project will document how numeracy can be learned
through IT to produce students who are more technologically aware and whose numeracy skills are
enhanced. Resulting data will inform the research and educational community about the cognitive
and social aspects of young children learning numeracy through IT. The findings will be of strategic
importance for planning educational opportunities to produce citizens of the 21st century.
***
LP0219595
Administering Organisation: Queensland University of Technology
Dr E Kozan
Prof AN Pettitt
Dr L Ferreira
Mr I Dall
Dr C Oguz
Mr M Newman
Mr MF Ross
Title: Optimisation of Rail Network Infrastructure Capacity under Dynamic Train Planning
2002: $83,118
2003: $82,707
APA(I) Award(s):
2004: $84,881
1
Category: 2301 - MATHEMATICS
Industry Partner(s):
Queensland Rail
Summary:
Recent changes in railway operating environments have caused significant operational and
management problems in Australia. This research will lead to improvements of railway's key
managerial functions, namely: network capacity planning; rollingstock planning; train scheduling; and
maintenance planning. The major outcome of the research will be to develop an optimisation model
to significantly improve the operating efficiency and assets productivity of Australia's rail system.
The novelty of the research is that it will be undertaken using innovations based on modern job shop
scheduling and sequencing optimisation techniques as the complexity of the problem makes it
impossible to solve by classic optimisation techniques.
***
LP0234229
Administering Organisation: Queensland University of Technology
Prof AJ Maeder
Dr WW Boles
Title: Image processing techniques for artificial human vision systems.
2002: $22,545
APA(I) Award(s):
2003: $22,545
1
2004: $22,545
Category: 2915 - BIOMEDICAL ENGINEERING
Industry Partner(s):
Cochlear Limited
Summary:
Blindness affects millions of people worldwide and over 100,000 Australians. Our project supports
quality of life improvements for them by developing image processing techniques necessary for
artificial human vision systems: "bionic eyes". Our approach will extract the most visually
informative content in a scene,allowing low resolution images to be generated which optimise usage
of the limited number of eletrodes available in prototype bionic eye implants. Psychophysical tests
presenting such modified images to normally sighted participants will verify the effectiveness of this
approach. The techniques developed will provide a real-time image processing toolkit for visual
protheses, with significant commercial and social benefits including enhancement of Australilia's
neuroprostheses industry profile.
***
LP0219590
Administering Organisation: Queensland University of Technology
Dr L Morawska
Mr D Gilbert
Dr ZD Ristovski
Dr GA Ayoko
Title: Developing and validating an air quality assessment model for application in human
exposure assessment, housing/urban planning and policy setting.
2002: $63,000
2003: $44,000
APA(I) Award(s):
2004: $42,000
1
Category: 3008 - ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES
Industry Partner(s):
Department of Housing
Summary:
At present there does not exist a model for assessing human exposure to airborne pollutants in places
where people live, work and rest. In addition, experimental exposure assessments display large
discrepancies dependent on the measurement method used. This research aims at developing and
validating an air quality assessment model that would enable predictions of air quality in various
mircoenvironments for the purpose of exposure and risk assessment, housing and urban planning,
and policy setting. This research will provide scientific foundation and a tool for developing future
directions for management and control to protect the community and the environment.
***
LP0235856
Administering Organisation: Queensland University of Technology
Prof B Pham
Prof AJ Maeder
Title: QUA:Queensland digital Ultra-Atlas
2002: $45,090
2003: $45,090
APA(I) Award(s):
2004: $45,090
2
Category: 2802 - ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE AND SIGNAL AND IMAGE PROCESSING
Industry Partner(s):
VIRTUTECH
Summary:
This project aims to design and develop a digital ultra-atlas of Queensland which integrates the
capabilities of GIS(geographical information system) with interactive 4D graphical
modelling,knowledge extraction and context-based query and retrieval. This ultra-atlas would allow
users to discover knowledge on natural resources,cultural characteristics and historical changes,as
well as simulating different effects by providing advanced search capabilities and engaging display of
spatial and thematically-linked data. Such an ultra-atlas would have enormous impact on facilitating
strategic planning and performance in many applications(e.g fire control,environment and urban
planning).
***
LP0219339
Administering Organisation: Queensland University of Technology
A/Prof NF Ryan
Prof J Quiggin
Dr KA Brown
A/Prof A Peachment
Title: Redistribution and Risk in Contracting Out Government Services
2002: $35,000
2003: $35,000
Category: 3602 - POLICY AND ADMINISTRATION
Industry Partner(s):
Department of Premiers & Cabinet
Department of Contract & Management Services
Summary:
Governments across Australia spend billions of dollars per year on contracting out of their services,
yet there is very knowledge of the costs and benefits of contracting out. The existing research on
contracting out tends to focus narrowly on issues such as cost. This research will examine a much
broader range of consequences associated with contracting out including changes in the distribution
of resources, changes in political power between groups and changes in the nature of service
delivery. The research will have three outcomes: testing of a systematic framework for evaluating
contracting out, new knowledge on the impacts of contracting out across a wider range of outcomes,
and an analysis of the distributive relationships associated with contracting out.
***
LP0235651
Administering Organisation: Queensland University of Technology
Prof MC Sheehan
A/Prof R Tay
Dr G Pitman
Title: Intermittent reinforcement scheduling: Improving methods for deploying speed
enforcement resources
2002: $22,545
APA(I) Award(s):
2003: $22,545
2004: $22,545
1
Category: 3904 - LAW ENFORCEMENT
Industry Partner(s):
Queensland Police Service(QPS)
Summary:
Road crashes cost Australia $6 billion a year and excessive speed is a major cause of severe traffic
crashes. The innovative research will compare the impact of 'intermittent reinforcement scheduling'
and 'fixed reinforcement' programs on the target behaviour. This research offers a rare opportunity to
vary speed camera deployment to determine the optimal learning and deterrence mechanisms for
speed control. This research will develop a parsimonious model of "best practice" in speed camera
enforcement that will be used at the state, national and international levels to improve traffic
enforcement and road user safety in metropolitan, rural and remote communities.
***
LP0219666
Administering Organisation: Queensland University of Technology
Ms LE Simpson
Prof D DeLeo
Prof P Yellowlees
Title: The Development and Evaluation of an Online Support System for Mental Health
Workers in Rural, Remote and Regional Areas
2002: $100,000
2003: $80,000
2004: $75,000
Category: 3701 - SOCIOLOGY
Industry Partner(s):
Kids Help Line
Queensland Health (on behalf of the Qld Govt Youth Suicide Prevent
Lifeline Brisbane
Office of Ageing
Women's Justice Network
Summary:
Suicide has been estimated to cost Australia over $460 million/year. Rural suicide workers have
mulitfaceted roles pivotal to their communities' social well being, yet suffer professional isolation and
inadequate access to resources and expertise through geographic remoteness.
Online technologies potentially offer effective support mechanisms. This research will increase
fundamental knowledge by:
* developing, implementing and rigorously evaluating the effectiveness and transferability of an
innovative online model for professional support and expertise; and
* systematically addressing the complex ethical, professional and technical issues associated with
using online technology to assist suicide reduction.
***
LP0235648
Administering Organisation: Queensland University of Technology
A/Prof S Sridharan
Title: Automatic audio segmentation, classification, identification, search and retrieval
2002: $22,545
APA(I) Award(s):
2003: $22,545
2004: $22,545
1
Category: 2802 - ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE AND SIGNAL AND IMAGE PROCESSING
Industry Partner(s):
Commercial Monitors P/L
Summary:
The research aims to develop generic tools for automated audio segmentation, classification,
identification and search, with lowest possible computational complexity and highest accuracy and
speed. The tools will be applicable to audio archive management, search of audio material over
WWW and personal archives of music and audio-assisted video analysis. The industry will use the
tools for automated broadcast verification and identification for copyright surveillance and
calculation of royalty payments, aiming to penetrate both Australian and overseas markets. The area
of real-time audio scene analysis is in its infancy and the research aims to make significant
contributions to this area.
***
LP0232302
Administering Organisation: Queensland University of Technology
A/Prof R Tay
Mr L Clarence
Dr W Murray
Mr JD Davey
Title: Work related road safety countermeasures in a large fleet (QFleet)
2002: $22,545
APA(I) Award(s):
2003: $22,545
2004: $22,545
1
Category: 3504 - TRANSPORTATION
Industry Partner(s):
QFleet (Queensland Services Group)
Summary:
Despite accounting for more than 20% of the road crashes, relatively little research has been
conducted on fleet safety in Australia. This research will develop guidelines for current best practice
and design, implement and evaluate several new countermeasures. More importantly, it will develop
a comprehensive model for future design, implementation and evaluation of fleet safety that will
extend the frontier of knowledge in crash analysis and prevention. By working closely with QFleet,
current fleet safety thinking will be advanced to reduce the frequency and severity of road crashes
thereby reducing road trauma and increasing business effectiveness.
***
LP0233238
Administering Organisation: Queensland University of Technology
Prof RJ Troutbeck
Prof L Ferreira
Dr JM Bunker
Mr GH Hollingworth
Mr MM Mitchell
Mrs MJ Haldane
Title: Assessing the full impacts of high efficiency heavy vehicles in urban traffic networks
using new analytical tools.
2002: $45,090
APA(I) Award(s):
2003: $45,090
2004: $22,545
2
Category: 2908 - CIVIL ENGINEERING
Industry Partner(s):
Queensland Main Roads
Summary:
Significant economic benefits result from new innovative heavy vehicles, which are able to carry up
to twice the payload of standard semi-trailers. In addition, those vehicles have the potential to
reduce overall accidents and evironmental degradation. Those benefits need to be traded-off against
the impacts on other road users. This research will improve the operation of such vehicles in
regional centres by producing: (1) an assessment methodology to deal with options for network
efficiency gains which will capture the full impacts; and (2) a computer modelling tool based on
fundamental research to quantify those impacts, in terms of delays and accident rates.
***
The University of Queensland
LP0218238
Administering Organisation: The University of Queensland
Dr NM Ashkanasy
Title: Antecedents of innovation vs. conservatism in rural industries and communities.
2002: $68,000
Category: 3801 - PSYCHOLOGY
Industry Partner(s):
Queensland Department of Primary Industries
Summary:
This project will investigate antecedents of conservatism and innovation within rural communities
and industries. Whilst effort, from government, community and industry, has focussed on social,
economic and environmental reform, intended shifts in thinking and practice are frequently not
realised. .Personality literature suggests individual differences in conservatism/innovation. Further,
people are drawn towards situations that satisfy intrinsic needs and away from situations that do not.
The result may be greater concentrations of particular personality types in conservative industries
and communities and a quite different concentration in innovative groups. Validation of this
hypothesis would permit more appropriate and effective policy and management strategy.
***
LP0214958
Administering Organisation: The University of Queensland
Dr SC Barker
A/Prof R Speare
Title: Resistance to pediculicides in head lice, Pediculus humanus var. capitis.
2002: $60,449
2003: $54,525
2004: $54,525
Category: 3212 - PUBLIC HEALTH AND HEALTH SERVICES
Industry Partner(s):
Environmental Health Branch, NSW Department of Health
Summary:
The number of children with head lice in countries like Australia is increasing. One factor that
promotes lice is resistance to pesticides. Yet until now resistance has not been studied in Australia.
We propose a new approach to studying resistance: "field" tests by school nurses and other health
workers. Existing tests require lice to be sent alive to labs in cities. Our test will, if successful, allow
people in the "field" to test lice. Expected outcomes are: (i) scientific information on resistance to
pediculicides in head lice, and thus, improved control of head lice; (ii) reduced exposure of children
to pesticides; and (iii) a strategic alliance between six organisations that should outlive the project.
***
LP0211022
Administering Organisation: The University of Queensland
A/Prof RT Barnard
Dr GR Barnett
Title: Production and application of novel diagnostic and therapeutic reagents using
transgenic mice
2002: $59,905
2003: $73,629
2004: $60,810
Category: 2708 - BIOTECHNOLOGY
Industry Partner(s):
PanBio Ltd
Summary:
The project will be a collaboration between the University of Queensland and PanBio Ltd. We
intend to use humanized transgenic mice to produce fully human monoclonal antibodies. Fully
human antibodies have great advantages over murine antibodies as diagnostics and therapeutics.
These reagents will be used to 1)replace human sera , 2)replace antigens from infectious organisms
in a range of diagnostic kits for animal and human infectious disease and 3) as therapeutic leads and
4)to discover vaccine leads. The project will allow production of diagnostic kits where this was
previously not feasible or not economically viable (eg. uncommon and/or dangerous animal or human
diseases) and will lead to development of novel infectious disease diagnostics and therapeutics.
***
LP0211611
Administering Organisation: The University of Queensland
Dr JR Botella
Dr PL Young
Mr CH Scott
Title: Benign strategies to engineer nematode resistance in plant crops. Applications to other
plant pests.
2002: $217,830
2003: $184,876
2004: $183,928
Category: 3002 - CROP AND PASTURE PRODUCTION
Industry Partner(s):
Golden Circle Ltd.
Queensland Agricultural Biotechnology Centre
Summary:
Control of plant pests relies on the heavy use of chemical insecticides that cause an extraordinary
impact on the environment. Some insect pests have been controlled by the production of toxins (like
BT) by the plant. We will combine newly discovered RNA interference and genomics methods to
develop innovative solutions to nematode resistance and insect control. Our methods can be tailored
to any pest with wide or narrow spectrum of action and does not require the production of toxins by
the plant. The novelty of our approach will generate a large amount of intellectual property.
***
LP0219019
Administering Organisation: The University of Queensland
Dr WP Clarke
A/Prof LL Blackall
Dr PR Bell
Title: Development of a Trickle Filter for Treating Sour Water from Oil Shale Processing
Plants
2002: $38,000
APA(I) Award(s):
2003: $31,000
2004: $40,000
1
Category: 2906 - CHEMICAL ENGINEERING
Industry Partner(s):
Southern Pacific Petroleum N.L.
Summary:
Oil is extracted from oil shale by pyrolysing pre-dried crushed shale. Despite drying , the shale
retains a residual moisture level of approximately 5% which ultimately ends up as an aqueous phase
in the condensate stream from the pyrolysis process. This aqueous phase, know as sour water,
contains a range of organic compounds, including carboxylic acids, nitorgen heterocyclics and
ketones. This aim of this proposal is to develop trickle filters to treat the sour water. The biofilms
that develop in trickle filters are ideal for supporting slow growing microbial species. Research is
needed to transfer native microorganisms in the oil shale desposit to the durable gravels that will be
used in the filter.
***
LP0211926
Administering Organisation: The University of Queensland
Dr BM Degnan
Title: Enhancing aquaculture production of the tropical abalone using complementary genetic
and environmental approaches
2002: $59,877
APA(I) Award(s):
2003: $48,035
2004: $48,035
1
Category: 3007 - FISHERIES SCIENCES
Industry Partner(s):
MG Kailis Exports Pty Ltd
Summary:
While temperate abalone are one of our most valuable seafoods, there is a growing demand
worldwide for the ?cocktail?-sized tropical abalone Haliotis asinina. Australia is well positioned to
capture the market for this rapidly growing species. We propose to enhance the already favourable
growth rates of Haliotis asinina in aquaculture by delineating critical environmental and genetic
factors that effect production. This proposal uniquely melds commercial production practices at MG
Kailis Export Pty Ltd with expertise in aquaculture and marine biotechnology present at The
University of Queensland and CSIRO Marine Research. This knowledge will enhance the
development of this new aquaculture industry in tropical Australia.
***
LP0211446
Administering Organisation: The University of Queensland
Prof RG Dimitrakopoulos
Adj/Prof J Whittle
Prof P Dowd
Title: Uncertainty and Risk Quantifying Optimistion for Open Pit Mine Design and
Production Scheduling
2002: $105,000
APA(I) Award(s):
2003: $100,000
2004: $80,000
1
Category: 2907 - RESOURCES ENGINEERING
Industry Partner(s):
MIM
BHP Minerals
Summary:
Open pit mine design and production scheduling (OPDPS) deals with the management of cash flows
in the order of hundreds of millions of dollars, and is a critical aspect of mining ventures. To enhance
decision-making under conditions of uncertainty, this proposal aims to develop a new methodology
for OPDPS based on mathematical and statistical techniques which model uncertainty in key
parameters, geological, mining and market/cost and their effects on economic forecasts. The new
formulation is founded on stochastic integer programming, and its integration with spatial stochastic
simulations of geological attributes. Methods developed are computerised and tested in field studies.
***
LP0215939
Administering Organisation: The University of Queensland
Dr PJ Halley
Dr F Rasoul
Title: Novel injection moulded polymer substrates for solid phase applications
2002: $22,545
2003: $22,545
APA(I) Award(s):
2004: $22,545
1
Category: 2914 - MATERIALS ENGINEERING
Industry Partner(s):
Polymerat
Summary:
Solid phase organic reactions form the basis of many applications in drug design and development
and medical applications. This project proposes the development of novel solid phase materials via
control of novel insitu crosslinking and foaming processes and novel process molding control. This
will enable more controlled large scale rapid production and detection of materials for biological and
medical uses.
***
LP0208982
Administering Organisation: The University of Queensland
A/Prof PC HAYES
Dr E JAK
Prof AD PELTON
Title: ADVANCED THERMODYNAMIC AND PROCESS MODELS FOR HIGH
TEMPERATURE METAL SMELTING TECHNOLOGIES - A COLLABORATIVE
RESEARCH PROGRAM IN PYROMETALLURGY
2002: $299,000
APA(I) Award(s):
2003: $270,000
5
2004: $270,000
2005: $270,000
2006: $270,000
Category: 2913 - METALLURGY
Industry Partner(s):
Imperial Smelting Processes (ISP) Ltd, (Zn Sinter project)
Imperial Smelting Processes (ISP) Ltd, (Spinel project)
Mount Isa Mines Ltd
METALEUROP NORD SAS
Noranda Technology Center
Pasminco Smelter Technical Support
MIM Process Technologies (Pb Sinter Project)
MIM Process Technologies (Cu Project)
QNI Pty Ltd
Tasmanian Electrometallurgical Company
Summary:
This 5-year ARC Linkage project developed by the Pyrometallurgy Research Centre, UQ brings
together several consortia of major mineral companies in a genuinely collaborative way to address a
range of complex technical problems associated with the high temperature chemical processing of
minerals and metals.
The UQ research team brings new state-of-the-art research methodologies, and experimental and
computer modelling techniques to provide scientifically important research outcomes which can be
used by the industry. The research program will provide fundamental thermodynamic and physical
property information on the complex chemical systems encountered in industrial processes, powerful
computer models, and applied research outputs for industry. The project will also importantly
provide research training in the field pyrometallurgy, deliver competitive advantage to the Australian
mineral industry and bring economic benefits particularly to regional Australia.
***
LP0209909
Administering Organisation: The University of Queensland
Dr TJ Horberry
Dr GM Wallis
Dr H Dia
Title: Drivers' Behavioural Responses to Traffic Signs
2002: $22,545
APA(I) Award(s):
2003: $22,545
2004: $22,545
1
Category: 3801 - PSYCHOLOGY
Industry Partner(s):
Department of Main Roads
Summary:
Traffic signs are ubiquitous in the road environment; research to improve their effectiveness can be
very cost-effective in terms of safety improvements. Conducting traffic sign research on real roads
has many difficulties, such as ethical considerations and lack of control. To overcome this, the
research will be conducted in a driving simulator, in which the interaction between drivers and their
equipment/environment will be studied. The aim of this project is to further understand drivers?
behavioural responses to traffic signs, the expected outcome being to make the exchange of
information between the driver and traffic sign as smooth and efficient as possible.
***
LP0219659
Administering Organisation: The University of Queensland
Dr T Howes
Dr PA Lant
Dr E Von Muench
Title: Improving biological nitrogen removal by enhanced mixing in non-aerated bioreactors
2002: $22,545
2003: $22,545
APA(I) Award(s):
2004: $22,545
1
Category: 2906 - CHEMICAL ENGINEERING
Industry Partner(s):
Brisbane Water
Summary:
Mixing has been identified as a key factor in achieving enhanced performance out of existing and
upgraded bioreactors. There is currently a poor understanding of the relationship between non-ideal
flow and performance in wastewater treatment bioreactors. The project will determine this
relationship and subsequently use it to show how reactor performance can be improved, providing
first criteria by which mixing can be assessed, and second a systematic methodology for improving
reactor performance by improving mixing.
***
LP0218929
Administering Organisation: The University of Queensland
Dr MP Jennings
Dr PJ Blackall
Title: Novel vaccines and serotyping scheme for Haemophilus parasuis
2002: $61,539
APA(I) Award(s):
2003: $56,363
2004: $56,363
1
Category: 3004 - ANIMAL PRODUCTION
Industry Partner(s):
Bioproperties (Australia) Pty Ltd
Summary:
Glasser's disease, caused by the bacterium Haemophilus parasuis, is a significant problem in
Australian and overseas pig industries. Current approaches to the management of Glassers disease
utilise antibacterials and also vaccines. However, antibacterials are of limited effectiveness in
juvenile pigs (weaners) that are difficult to medicate other than by injection, and current vaccines are
only protective against the serotypes included in the vaccine. We propose to examine the immune
response to natural infection and identify potential vaccine candidates which will then be tested in
vaccine trials. The APAI will focus on developing a DNA-based typing scheme for H. parasuis.
***
LP0233570
Administering Organisation: The University of Queensland
Prof DJ Kemp
Dr KR Trenholme
Dr CA Hyland
Title: Red Cell Polymorphisms and Malaria
2002: $22,545
APA(I) Award(s):
2003: $22,545
2004: $22,545
1
Category: 2701 - BIOCHEMISTRY AND CELL BIOLOGY
Industry Partner(s):
Australian Red Cross Blood Service
Summary:
Certain red blood cell disorders have been associated with innate protection against malaria infection.
However many early studies were inconclusive. We intend to carry out a comprehensive study to
investigate the effect of red blood cell differences on the invasion and/or growth of Plasmodium
falciparum in vitro using improved techniques. Identification of red cell components involved in
interaction with P.falciparum would give a better understanding of host parasite interactions which
may in turn suggest novel approaches or pathways to persue. This may eventually lead to the
development of novel therapeutics.
***
LP0215950
Administering Organisation: The University of Queensland
Prof W Kitching
Dr JJ De Voss
Title: STRUCTURAL CHARACTERIZATION OF ACTIVE CONSTITUENTS IN PLANT
EXTRACTS WITH POTENTIAL FOR THE CONTROL OF OVINE LICE AND
PARASITIC WORMS.
2002: $60,000
APA(I) Award(s):
2003: $60,000
2004: $60,000
1
Category: 2503 - ORGANIC CHEMISTRY
Industry Partner(s):
MediHerb
Department of Primary Industries
Summary:
The control of lice and parasitic worms are two of the major problems currently confronting the
Australian sheep industry. Several plant extracts utilized in traditional medicine have shown a
remarkable efficacy in the control of these pests in humans. This project will investigate the sheep
lousicidal and anthelmintic activity of a number of plants, and identify and chemically characterize the
active constituents. This research will lead to the production of more environmentally friendly pest
control methods and overcome problems of insecticidal resistance currently facing the industry.
***
LP0230563
Administering Organisation: The University of Queensland
Prof KK Kubik
Dr M Bennamoun
Mr J Williams
Title: Automated Vector Extraction from Airborne Laser Scan Data
2002: $22,545
2003: $22,545
APA(I) Award(s):
1
Category: 2802 - ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE AND SIGNAL AND IMAGE PROCESSING
Industry Partner(s):
AAM Geoscan
Summary:
This project considers the problem of automatically extracting and vectorising the outlines of objects
from Airborne Laser Scanning (ALS) data. The industry partner, AAM GeoScan, is a leading user
of ALS systems in Australia, and has a need to develop automated solutions to this problem. ALS
data is typically a dense cloud of 3D point data which represents the local terrain, as well as any
trees, buildings or vehicles which may be in the field of view. Spatial data is a very important
resource, widely used in many types of urban and rural planning operations. Planning software
packages require vectorised descriptions of building outlines and other spatial data, however this is
not presently available from raw ALS data. The project will investigate this problem and develop
new and effective means for producing it automatically from raw ALS data. Expected outcomes
include a successful research masters studentship, the development of novel solutions to the problem
which are directly applicable to the industry partner's core business, peer reviewed publications, and
an strengthened link between the universities and the industry partner.
***
LP0214142
Administering Organisation: The University of Queensland
Prof JD Litster
A/Prof IT Cameron
Title: Scale-up and Intelligent Control of Granulation Processes
2002: $140,000
2003: $127,000
APA(I) Award(s):
2004: $127,000
3
Category: 2906 - CHEMICAL ENGINEERING
Industry Partner(s):
Incitec Ltd
MSD Australia
WMC Fertilizers Pty Ltd
Summary:
Granulation is the process that forms granular products with carefully targeted properties from
powdery or liquid feeds. Granular products abound in the pharmaceutical, agricultural & industrial
chemicals, and food & consumer goods industries. Poor understanding of the granulation causes
delays in the time to market of new products and poor efficiency in large scale continuous
granulation plants. This project will build on recent advances in the understanding of granulation
fundamentals to (1) develop new robust design and scale up rules (2) develop intelligent control
schemes for continuous granulation circuits, and (3) develop a new generation of regime separated
granulators. The project is receiving substantial support from 3 industry partners (MSD Australia,
Incitec and WMC Fertilizers) with cash contributions over 40% of the ARC grant requested, as well
as very substantial in-kind contributions.
***
LP0214967
Administering Organisation: The University of Queensland
Prof GQ Lu
Dr H Zhu
Prof MA Wilson
Title: Development of Effective Bentonite Adsorbents for Colour Removal from Wastewater
and Process Streams
2002: $68,000
APA(I) Award(s):
2003: $61,000
2004: $61,000
1
Category: 2918 - INTERDISCIPLINARY ENGINEERING
Industry Partner(s):
Integrated Mineral Technology Ltd
Summary:
This project aims to develop cost-effective adsorbents from natural bentonite clay for the removal of
colour organics in water and other process streams. A new method for modifying the clays will be
developed and investigated systematically. Adsorption of various dyes onto clay-based adsorbents
will be examined to obtain a better understanding of the adsorption equilibrium and kinetics. The
project will study the effects of various parameters to optimise the processing conditions for
maximum removal efficiency. The project contributes to the mineral industry in value-adding and will
also lead to cost-effective processes for water pollution control.
***
LP0214956
Administering Organisation: The University of Queensland
Dr JN Marshall
Prof O Hoegh-Guldberg
Dr WC Dennison
Dr SR Phinn
Prof JD Pettigrew
Dr DI Vaney
A/Prof SP Collin
Dr K Bryceson
Dr J Zeil
Dr MC Ball
Title: Vision and remote sensing: using nature?s technology to examine the health of The
Great Barrier Reef and Moreton Bay.
2002: $195,000
2003: $176,000
APA(I) Award(s):
2004: $176,000
2005: $170,000
2006: $170,000
2
Category: 3008 - ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES
Industry Partner(s):
SE Queensland Regional Water Quality Management
ITRES Research Ltd.
BallAIMS
Summary:
We aim to use what is known and what we will discover about animals visual systems to examine
environmental health on The Great Barrier Reef and Moreton Bay. Technology and knowledge from
8 university departments, 4 industry partners, and 7 international collaborators will be combined to
both learn and provide information. The innovative aspect of our approach is to examine the world
with the eyes of birds, fish and invertebrates. Tricks animals employ to solve visual tasks will be
implemented at scales of instrumentation from hand-held to remote sensing and used to address
problems such as coral reef bleaching.
***
LP0215943
Administering Organisation: The University of Queensland
A/Prof RG Morgan
Dr PA Jacobs
Dr DM Jenkins
Title: Development of large scale expansion tubes
2002: $42,000
2003: $52,000
APA(I) Award(s):
2004: $52,000
1
Category: 2902 - AEROSPACE ENGINEERING
Industry Partner(s):
WBM Pty Ltd
Summary:
The aim of this proposal is to develop a high Mach number scramjet simulation capability by
modifying the X3 superorbital expansion tube at UQ for high suborbital operation at very high total
pressures. This will enable Australia to do true Mach number simulation at higher speeds than is
possible anywhere else, and mantain an international advantage in the development of scramjet flight
propulsion. It will also put Australian researchers in a strong position to participate in the next
generation of US ground testing facilities, foreshadowed by the recent NASA purchase of a large
shock tunnel driver. It will enable Australia to maintain a position of leadership in the development
of new space travel concepts.
***
LP0210917
Administering Organisation: The University of Queensland
Mr JF Mueller
Dr M Ridd
Dr MR Mortimer
Mr DB Haynes
Title: Application and evaluation of passive samplers for monitoring aquatic pollution
2002: $102,000
2003: $82,000
APA(I) Award(s):
2004: $50,000
1
Category: 2599 - OTHER CHEMICAL SCIENCES
Industry Partner(s):
Queensland Health Scientific Services
Department of Natural Resources
Queensland Environmental Protection Agency
Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority
ERGO-Forschungsgesellschaft mbH
South East Queensland Water Strategy
UK-Environment Agency
Summary:
Pollutants in water bodies pose a threat to environmental and human health. Monitoring of
chemicals in water has thus become a key challenge for environmental authorities. Sampling based
on the
analysis of grab samples is expensive, complicated and provides only patchy data. Passive sampling
devices that allow time integrated sampling of pollutants are a promising alternative. This
collaborative research aims to evaluate a series of existing and novel passive samplers both in
laboratory and field conditions and determine sensitive parameters that significantly influence
sampler behaviour.
The project should provide a set of new tools for more effective management of water pollution.
***
LP0209614
Administering Organisation: The University of Queensland
Dr AF Neal
Miss CC Boag
Title: An evaluation of the effects of individual and environmental factors on participation in
training, and the quality of training outcomes
2002: $85,000
2003: $87,000
APDI - Miss CC Boag
2004: $87,000
APA(I) Award(s):
1
Category: 3801 - PSYCHOLOGY
Industry Partner(s):
Department of Industrial Relations
Summary:
The aim of the project is to examine the factors that influence the effectiveness of personnel training
programs. The outcomes that will be examined include trainee satisfaction, learning, and subsequent
job performance (transfer). The project will involve an annual survey of all trainees, trainers,
supervisors and workplace assessors associated with the training programs being delivered as part of
the Queensland Public Service Enterprise Bargain. The research program will contribute to a
growing body of research examining the contribution of individual differences and environmental
factors to training quality. The major practical benefit of the research will be the development of
training management and audit systems that allow organizations to maximise the effectiveness of
training.
***
LP0210658
Administering Organisation: The University of Queensland
Dr LK Nielsen
Dr SM Brumbley
Dr MG O'Shea
Dr G Piperidis
Mr M Purnell
Dr T Bull
Title: Metabolic engineering of sugarcane: production of a biodegradable bioplastic as a testcase
2002: $112,000
2003: $101,186
2004: $101,000
APDI - Mr M Purnell
APA(I) Award(s):
1
Category: 2708 - BIOTECHNOLOGY
Industry Partner(s):
Bureau of Sugar Experiment Stations
Summary:
The aim of this project is to produce a commercially valuable bioplastic called PHB in transgenic
sugarcane. This bioplastic has similar properties to petrochemically produced polypropylene, but is
fully biodegradable. PHB has been produced in the model plant Arabidopsis thaliana at
commercially viable levels. The expected outcome of high-level production of PHB in sugarcane
would have significant benefits to the Australian sugar industry, the rural economy, and the
Australian environment.
***
LP0214185
Administering Organisation: The University of Queensland
A/Prof BN Noller
Dr JC NG
Dr R Sadler
Title: Development of a risk assessment tool to minimise mixed metals toxicities from mine
tailings
2002: $110,251
2003: $99,385
APA(I) Award(s):
2004: $99,385
1
Category: 3205 - PHARMACOLOGY AND PHARMACEUTICAL SCIENCES
Industry Partner(s):
Queensland Health Scientific Services
Pasminco
Queensland Government Environmental Protection Agency
Gympie Gold Ltd
Summary:
Research based on animal uptake from mine tailings is required to quantify comparative
bioavailability of mixtures of metals to provide data for mine rehabilitation design during the
planning stage. Such data also provides risk assessment in humans. The optimum balance is minimum
environmental effects from the rehabilitated mine structure versus minimised cost through planning
prior to project commencement. The significant cost of mining ore bodies, particularly by modern
open cut methods, is the removal of rock and soil. The research on animal toxicity testings will
provide a tool to more accurately detail mine rehabilitation and give quantitative indicators for
closure.
***
LP0219352
Administering Organisation: The University of Queensland
Dr JM O'Neil
Dr WC Dennison
Dr DD Waite
Dr T Lukondeh
Title: Prediction and Management Strategies for Blooms of the Toxic Cyanobacterium
Lyngbya majuscula in Coastal Australian Waters
2002: $107,116
2003: $97,727
2004: $97,727
APDI - Dr T Lukondeh
Category: 2707 - ECOLOGY AND EVOLUTION
Industry Partner(s):
WA Waters and Rivers Commission
South East Queensland Regional Water Quality Management Strategy
Air Whitsunday / Coral Air
Department of Primary Industry-Forestry, QLD
Summary:
Blooms of the toxic cyanobacterium Lyngbya majuscula in Australia coastal waters are resulting in
severe ecological and economic impacts, including significant human health problems. What is
urgently needed is the capacity to predict the onset of a Lyngbya bloom and the development of
management strategies to reduce or control blooms. We have assembled a dynamic team of active
and experienced researchers using various state-of-the-art technologies to elucidate the key factors
contributing to Lyngbya blooms and have industry partners willing to implement large scale testing
of various controls. We have a unique opportunity to potentially solve a pressing environmental
problem.
***
LP0211914
Administering Organisation: The University of Queensland
Prof HP Possingham
Title: Landscape-scale monitoring and adaptive management of woodland birds in the Mt
Lofty Ranges
2002: $38,550
2003: $36,000
2004: $36,000
Category: 2707 - ECOLOGY AND EVOLUTION
Industry Partner(s):
Department for Environment and Heritage
Summary:
Despite the fundamental role of scientific monitoring in nature conservation, its research importance
and potential is widely neglected. There is an urgent need to improve quantitative rigour, particularly
to ensure adequate statistical power is achieved when monitoring at a landscape scale. We will apply
new analytical tools to the problem of devising a powerful and flexible monitoring regime for a
highly threatened woodland bird community in South Australia. Monitoring will be embedded within
a decision-making framework with explicit links to local management agencies. Results will be
broadly applicable across agricultural areas of Australia, where bird assemblages are in general
decline.
***
LP0212117
Administering Organisation: The University of Queensland
Prof HP Possingham
Dr RA Tyre
Mr DP Niejalke
Title: Predicting metapopulation dynamics with multiple patch states
2002: $65,884
2003: $63,281
2004: $63,467
APDI - Dr RA Tyre
Category: 2707 - ECOLOGY AND EVOLUTION
Industry Partner(s):
Western Mining Corporation
Summary:
Classical theory allows metapopulations to have subpopulations in one of two states, occupied or
unoccupied. However, patches may have their own dynamic created by ecological succession or
disturbance processes such as grazing. We will develop new theory incorporating patch dynamics,
and test the theory on a spatially explicit metapopulation in the real world, the mound spring
invertebrates of the Great Artesian Basin. We will use the theory to forecast the risk of extinction for
these endemic species, and develop methods to quantify the statistical power of monitoring for
environmental trends.
***
LP0214974
Administering Organisation: The University of Queensland
A/Prof VV Rudolph
Dr FY Wang
Title: Discrete Element Method for Analysis and Design of Pharmaceutical Encapsulation
2002: $74,000
2003: $66,000
Category: 2906 - CHEMICAL ENGINEERING
Industry Partner(s):
Herron Pharmeceutical Pty. Ltd.
Summary:
Tablets represent the preferred method of dose delivery in the pharmaceutical industry, with over
80% of the market. PressFit ? gelcaps have recently been developed, which encase a tablet core
within a gelatin coating. The product combines the consumer appeal of capsules with the processing
convenience of tablets, and provides a high degree of tamper-resistance. An important issue is that
the caplets are required to have very precise dimensional precision, an issue not previously of high
priority for tabletting . This project seeks to enhance the competitive advantage of this new
technology, through a combination of advanced mathematical modeling supported by experiments.
***
LP0211915
Administering Organisation: The University of Queensland
Dr RP Rutgers
Dr BR Bhandari
Title: Microstructure and Rheology of Starch-Gelatine confectionery products as a function of
manufacturing process
2002: $48,048
APA(I) Award(s):
2003: $26,628
2004: $26,628
1
Category: 2901 - INDUSTRIAL BIOTECHNOLOGY AND FOOD SCIENCES
Industry Partner(s):
CADBURY SCHWEPPES PTY LTD
Summary:
We propose to develop a novel continuous extrusion process for manufacturing confectionery jellies.
Jellies are traditionally manufactured in a multi-step labour and capital-intensive batch process with
inter-batch variability and difficult to automate. Continuous processes offer many advantages
including high throughput, efficiency, straightforward automation including quality monitoring and
control. They are little used in this industry because of the inability to relate product requirements
through fundamental microstructural properties to processing conditions. This project addresses
these key technical obstacles to gain the competitive advantage of continuous extrusion processing,
through advanced mathematical modelling informed by experimentation. The proposed techniques
derive from advanced polymer processing and characterisation capabilities.
***
LP0222203
Administering Organisation: The University of Queensland
Dr TK Saha
Prof T Downs
Title: POWER DELIVERY IN A DEREGULATED ENVIRONMENT
2002: $22,545
APA(I) Award(s):
2003: $22,545
2004: $22,545
1
Category: 2909 - ELECTRICAL AND ELECTRONIC ENGINEERING
Industry Partner(s):
iEnergy (Australia) Pty Ltd
Summary:
The recent deregulation of the power industry has opened up new technical challenges that must be
addressed in order to ensure fair and equitable market operation. Significant among these is the
availability of alternative routes for the delivery of power, between and across different ownerships.
In this scenario, a major challenge is to determine the minimum cost contractual arrangement for the
delivery of required power. To achieve this, new techniques for the analysis of power systems are
required. This proposal aims to provide solutions to these analysis problems and hence to provide
software to assist with market operation.
***
LP0219039
Administering Organisation: The University of Queensland
A/Prof H So
Dr J Davie
Dr NW Menzies
A/Prof D Lamb
Dr PJ Dart
Dr B Schafer
Mr C Smeal
Title: Land disposal as a final treatment for saline industrial effluent
2002: $107,000
2003: $71,000
2004: $73,000
APA(I) Award(s):
2
Category: 3001 - SOIL AND WATER SCIENCES
Industry Partner(s):
Goodman Fielders Ingredients Ltd
Summary:
Sustainable land disposal of industrial effluent with high salt and nutrient (N) content, requires a
different approach to the disposal of sewage effluent. To maintain plant growth, salt needs to be
leached from the soil without off-site movement of nutrients, particularly N. Using irrigation and tree
planting, methods of achieving this will be developed experimentally in conjunction with the
Goodman Fielder Beaudesert Gelatin factory, based on development of a detailed understanding of
the processes involved in the interlinked mass balances of salt, N and water. A sustainable and
ecologically balanced disposal system will have application for many industrial plants with similar
wastes.
***
LP0216561
Administering Organisation: The University of Queensland
Dr CF Tilse
A/Prof JE Wilson
Dr DS Setterlund
Prof L Rosenman
Title: The Management of the Assets of Older People: Prevalence, practices, preferences and
responses
2002: $89,000
APA(I) Award(s):
2003: $63,000
2004: $65,000
1
Category: 3702 - SOCIAL WORK
Industry Partner(s):
Department of Families, Office of Ageing
Public Trustee, Community Services and Development
Guardianship and Administration Tribunal
Adult Guardian
Public Advocate
Summary:
Industry partners with the investigators, have identified the need for foundation knowledge about
asset management by and on behalf of older people. The current environment of changing legislation
and demography, and the extent of the assets held offer new challenges to older people, families,
public and private asset managers and substitute decision makers. This study identifies the prevalence
of asset management; the experiences of older people and their asset managers; the nature and
disposition of disputed matters; the operationalisation of public and private sector asset management
policies. The results will be used to develop appropriate and targeted responses to promote good
practice and prevent finanical abuse.
***
LP0212099
Administering Organisation: The University of Queensland
Prof I Toth
Dr WD Meutermans
Title: Development of Liposaccharide Peptide Conjugates for Peptide Drug Delivery.
2002: $87,424
2003: $83,894
2004: $83,894
Category: 3205 - PHARMACOLOGY AND PHARMACEUTICAL SCIENCES
Industry Partner(s):
Alchemia Pty Ltd
Summary:
We aim to adapt the Solid Phase Oligosaccharide Synthesis technology patented by Alchemia to
develop methodologies that will allow the assembly of sugar, lipid and peptide units on a single solid
phase resin. This synthetic technology will then be used to generate a library of liposaccharide
conjugates of two model peptides (LHRH and TRH) to investigate and optimise a broadly applicable
peptide drug delivery system which improves peptides oral absorption, metabolic stability and
bioavailability.
***
LP0212073
Administering Organisation: The University of Queensland
A/Prof GH Walter
Mr D Papacek
Title: Mass-production of beneficial insects for commercial pest management physicochemical definition of oviposition sites for development of cost-efficient artificial
substrates
2002: $22,545
2003: $22,545
APA(I) Award(s):
2004: $22,545
1
Category: 2705 - ZOOLOGY
Industry Partner(s):
Bugs for Bugs
Summary:
The mass-production of beneficial insects for commercial purposes demands the development of
cost-effective techniques for breeding and distributing them to growers. Many predatory beneficial
insects lay their eggs in sites that prevent effective mass culturing. To circumvent this difficulty, it
should be possible to define such oviposition sites in chemical and physical terms, and then use the
information to develop artificial substrates that are convenient for mass rearing the insects and for
disseminating them to growers. We will use the mealybug predator Cryptolaemus montrouszieri to
test the feasibility of this approach and to assess its application to other beneficial species.
***
LP0211375
Administering Organisation: The University of Queensland
Dr ID Whittington
Dr I Ernst
Title: Integrated management of pathogenic monogenean (flatworm) parasite infections in
warm water finfish aquaculture
2002: $186,727
2003: $144,351
2004: $143,481
APDI - Dr I Ernst
APA(I) Award(s):
1
Category: 3005 - VETERINARY SCIENCES
Industry Partner(s):
Nutreco Aquaculture Japan
Gibsons Ltd
South Australian Marine Finfish Farmers Association
Summary:
Sea cage farming of warm water finfish is expanding worldwide, with potential for lucrative
aquaculture industries. These, however, are threatened by monogenean (flatworm) parasites that
weaken and can kill sea-caged fishes. Current control methods provide only short-term solutions
and increase production costs. Monogeneans jeopardize the fledgling kingfish industry in South
Australia and remain pests in Japanese yellowtail aquaculture (value, AUS$2.4 billion/year). With
Australian and Japanese industry partners, our innovative field and laboratory approach will
revolutionize management of fish parasites with direct life-cycles. Outcomes include: integrated
long-term strategies to manage parasites; lower production costs; ability for new finfish industries to
thrive.
***
LP0212910
Administering Organisation: The University of Queensland
A/Prof DJ WILLIAMS
Mr VC WIJEYAKULASURIYA
Mr MJ GOWAN
Title: Development of a Risk Assessment and Cost-Effectiveness Model for Optimising
Geotechnical Roadway Assets
2002: $69,000
APA(I) Award(s):
2003: $62,000
1
Category: 2908 - CIVIL ENGINEERING
Industry Partner(s):
Queensland Department of Main Roads
Golder Associates Pty Ltd
Summary:
Roadway performance is strongly a function of the topography and foundation conditions through
which the roadway passes, dictating the need for cuttings and fills, and approaches to handle
problematic foundation conditions. The project aims to develop a risk management model to
minimise the geotechnical risks and costs involved in roadway construction and maintenance, and
maximise design life. In Queensland, the value of roadway geotechnical assets is about $ 7.5 billion,
with $ 0.5 billion spent annually adding to and maintaining these assets. The expected outcome of
the project is maximising the life of geotechnical roadway assets for the funds available.
***
LP0230324
Administering Organisation: The University of Queensland
Dr Z Yuan
Title: Coding Error Isolation in Computerised Simulation Models with Application to
Wastewater Treatment Systems
2002: $22,545
2003: $22,545
APA(I) Award(s):
2004: $22,545
1
Category: 2802 - ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE AND SIGNAL AND IMAGE PROCESSING
Industry Partner(s):
HEMMIS N.V.
Summary:
Simulation code verification through program testing and debugging is crucially important, but is
tedious and often difficult. A novel approach will be studied in this project. The approach involves
detecting coding errors through back-to-back testing using two independently implemented versions
of a given mathematical model, and isolating the coding errors through systematically analysing the
test error signal generated (the difference between the outputs of the two models). This is possible
because one of the two versions is implemented in such a way that the test error carries an easily
identifiable feature. This project could revolutionize the area of model verification.
***
LP0211060
Administering Organisation: The University of Queensland
Prof MP Zalucki
Dr BW Cribb
Dr DJ Merritt
Dr B Scholz
Title: Life hanging on a thread; disrupting the structure and function of lepidopteran silking
behaviour.
2002: $57,513
2003: $58,178
2004: $58,178
Category: 2705 - ZOOLOGY
Industry Partner(s):
Queensland Department of Primary Industries
Summary:
The production and use of silk by many invertebrates is vital for their survival. We develop a means
of visualising and understanding the role of silking behaviour as a survival mechanism for
Helicoverpa larvae (a key world-wide pest) with a view to disrupting silking. This novel project
allows us to understand not just where larvae go but what they do along the way. The project
outcomes will have wide application to the study and control of lepidopteran pests in natural and
agricultural ecosystems and is of interest to applied and fundamental projects associated with insect
pest control, behaviour and ecology.
***
University of the Sunshine Coast
LP0219421
Administering Organisation: University of the Sunshine Coast
Dr T Schlacher
Dr RM Connolly
Title: Effects of river plumes on nearshore ecosystems: organic matter flows and food web
consequences
2002: $49,985
2003: $44,972
2004: $44,972
Category: 2707 - ECOLOGY AND EVOLUTION
Industry Partner(s):
South East Queensland Water strategy
Summary:
River plumes may subsidize nearshore food webs by exporting land-derived material and by
stimulating marine phytoplankton production via nutrient delivery. Whereas previous documentation
of the biological responses to plumes has been mostly limited to large rivers and to primary
production, this project targets small systems that discharge directly onto open coasts, and focuses
on the fate of plume material. Work on carbon pathways will centre on pelagic and benthic food
chains associated with plumes, and will also test whether nearshore waters and sandy beaches are
coupled via onshore advection of plume material.
***
LP0218877
Administering Organisation: University of the Sunshine Coast
Ms R Stokoe
Dr H Wallace
Dr D Lee
Dr SJ Trueman
Title: Potential of Corymbia torelliana hybrids for hardwood forestry and investigation of
their seed dispersal by Trigona bees
2002: $65,129
2003: $64,281
2004: $62,967
APDI - Ms R Stokoe
Category: 3006 - FORESTRY SCIENCES
Industry Partner(s):
Department of Primary Industries Forestry
Summary:
Cadaghi (Corymbia torelliana) and their hybrids with spotted gums (C. variegata complex) have
enormous potential for plantation forestry. These hybrids have many excellent features that make
them exciting as hardwood species, such as resistence to disease, tolerance of marginal
environments, good wood properties, and fast growth rates. This project will create hybrids between
Corymbia torelliana and spotted gums to identify hybrids which are suitable for sustainable wood
production on marginal agricultural lands.
An unusual feature of Cadaghi is that native Trigona bees disperse their seeds. This project will
investigate this unique seed dispersal mechanism and identify features of hybrids that are not
attractive to bees. This will prevent environmental problems by preventing hybrids from dispersing
seeds, becoming weedy and harming the Trigona bees.
***
South Australia
The Flinders University of South Australia
LP0210081
Administering Organisation: The Flinders University of South Australia
Dr CB Le Gal La salle
Dr PJ Dillon
Dr JL Hutson
A/Prof H Fallowfield
Title: Sustainability of aquifer storage and recovery: the effects of nutrient load and water
quality on aquifer clogging
2002: $70,000
APA(I) Award(s):
2003: $60,000
2004: $22,545
1
Category: 2605 - HYDROLOGY
Industry Partner(s):
Australian Groundwater Technologies
United Water International Pty Ltd
Summary:
Aquifer storage and recovery, ASR, stores excess water or treated effluent for subsequent beneficial
use. Microbial and geochemical reactions can through clogging reduce aquifer permeability, increase
pumping cost and may threatened the sustainability of the system. The relationships between
injectant composition and biological geochemical clogging are poorly understood. Expanding on
prior field and column studies and techniques this project will study geochemical and microbial
processes at on well-instrumented ASR trial site in South Australia. The relationship between
effluent composition and change in hydraulic conductivity will be quantified, with a view to
developping generic, practical decision-support tools and improve predictive model.
***
LP0210306
Administering Organisation: The Flinders University of South Australia
A/Prof K Mack
Dr SL Roach Anleu
Title: The Changing Role Of The Magistrates Court
2002: $170,795
2003: $162,084
2004: $177,241
Category: 3903 - JUSTICE AND LEGAL STUDIES
Industry Partner(s):
Magistrates Court, Victoria
Magistrates Court, Northern Territory
Magistrates Court, Australian Capital Territory
Magistrates Court, Queensland
Magistrates Court, South Australia
Magistrates Court, Tasmania
Local Court, New South Wales
Court of Petty Sessions/Local Court
Association of Australian Magistrates
Summary:
Magistrates courts have far more contact with the community than any other court but have rarely
been the subject of direct research. Recent changes include greater professional qualifications for
magistrates and increased volume, complexity and seriousness of cases. This project will survey the
changing social/demographic characteristics of magistrates; analyse their daily work, especially
increased judicial functions; and examine roles played by social service providers. It will produce a
better understanding of magistrates courts, emphasising ideas of judicial independence and
accountability, essential to ensuring high standards for the Australian legal system and its relation to
the community.
***
LP0220040
Administering Organisation: The Flinders University of South Australia
Dr N McClure
Prof DE Catcheside
Prof JF Wheldrake
Title: Use of Organic Residues in Edible Mushroom Production
2002: $22,545
APA(I) Award(s):
2003: $22,545
1
Category: 2703 - MICROBIOLOGY
Industry Partner(s):
Adelaide Mushrooms (Nominees) Pty Ltd
Van Schaiks Organic Soils Pty Ltd
Summary:
The aims are to develop growth and casing materials for mushroom production based on organic
wastes. Casing peat is the most expensive raw ingredient used in mushroom production and there are
major concerns over supply due to increasing environmental concerns in supplier countries and
quarantine issues such as the recent foot and mouth outbreak in Europe. This project will develop
alternatives to imported peats as casing materials and investigate a range of organic residues which
can be used as basic growth media for button and exotic mushrooms. This will increase the viability
and sustainability of the mushroom industry in Australia.
***
LP0219387
Administering Organisation: The Flinders University of South Australia
A/Prof DF Pate
Dr WH Adams
Dr K Walshe
Dr L Leader-Elliott
Prof D Bass
Dr PA Smith
Title: The Adelaide Hills Face Zone: Reconstructing the cultural landscape and the
identification of sites of cultural significance.
2002: $61,184
2003: $62,967
2004: $62,967
APDI - Dr PA Smith
Category: 3101 - ARCHITECTURE AND URBAN ENVIRONMENT
Industry Partner(s):
Boral Resources Pty. Ltd.
Planning SA
Planning SA
City of Onkaparinga
Adelaide Hills Council
Tourism SA
Mitcham Council
City of Tea Tree Gully
Marion City Council
Summary:
Aim is to document historical cultural impacts on the landscape of the Adelaide Hills Face Zone, to
identify and document sites of cultural heritage significance and to develop selected sites as cultural
tourism destinations.The study will test developing methodologies for the interpretation of cultural
landscapes with potential to pioneer the application of cultural heritage management strategies to a
broad landscape. University departments and industry groups from diverse backgrounds will
collaborate to develop management strategies and cultural tourism opportunities in a significant
landscape. Outcomes will include improved planning strategies and new economic opportunities for
semi-rural and rural communities.
***
LP0211832
Administering Organisation: The Flinders University of South Australia
Dr M Staniforth
Title: The Port Adelaide Historical Archaeology (PAHA) project
2002: $22,545
2003: $22,545
2004: $22,545
APA(I) Award(s):
1
Category: 4302 - ARCHAEOLOGY AND PREHISTORY
Industry Partner(s):
SA Maritime Museum
The Maritime Union of Australia
Summary:
The aim of this project is to investigate the concept of neighbourhood archaeology in relation to the
working class of Port Adelaide. There has been limited previous research on the residents of Port
Adelaide and what has been done has mainly been from a town planning and sociological
perspective. The traditional history of Port Adelaide has marginalised the role of the residents in the
development of Port Adelaide. Archaeological excavation, therefore, along with extant collections,
can provide information not available from other sources. Comparison with previous work
undertaken outside Port Adelaide will also provide useful insights into life in early Port Adelaide.
***
The University of Adelaide
LP0234466
Administering Organisation: The University of Adelaide
Dr D Abbott
Title: Telematics: Research & Development of Mobile Link for Telemedicine
2002: $22,545
APA(I) Award(s):
2003: $22,545
2004: $22,545
1
Category: 2917 - COMMUNICATIONS TECHNOLOGIES
Industry Partner(s):
Motorola Australia Software Centre
Summary:
This project is aimed at producing a reliable mobile video link between ambulance and hospital. In an
emergency situation, video footage greatly assists the medical team in accurate deployment of
resources to save lives. Motorola will be the industrial partner and this mobile telemedicine project
fits into their telematics core business area. Together with Motorola, we will investigate video
coding schemes, protocols and network issues, to produce a commercially viable software/hardware
solution. The outcome will be a working testbed that can be trialed at the Royal Adelaide Hospital.
The IP generated will benefit Motorola's telematics directive and training will generate a potentially
useful future employee.
***
LP0229165
Administering Organisation: The University of Adelaide
A/Prof AD Austin
Dr JT Jennings
Title: Ecology and conservation of a unique, threatened guanophilic invertebrate community
2002: $22,545
APA(I) Award(s):
2003: $22,545
2004: $22,545
1
Category: 2707 - ECOLOGY AND EVOLUTION
Industry Partner(s):
National Parks & Wildlife SA
Summary:
This project aims to study the biology and ecology of a unique assemblage of insects and other
invertebrates that live specifically in bat guano at Naracoorte Caves World Heritage Area. The caves
are a major ecotourism and research location because of their world famous Pliestocene fossils, and
because one cave is a critical breeding site for the large bentwing bat, Miniopterus s. bassianii. The
guano cave, which contains numerous endemic invertebrates, is potentially threatened by both direct
and indirect human impacts. The results of this research will form the basis of a long-term
management strategy to conserve this diverse community.
***
LP0234320
Administering Organisation: The University of Adelaide
A/Prof AD Austin
Dr PT Bailey
Dr NA Schellhorn
Title: Beneficial arthropods in Coonawarra vineyards and sustainable grape production
2002: $22,545
APA(I) Award(s):
2003: $22,545
2004: $22,545
1
Category: 3003 - HORTICULTURE
Industry Partner(s):
Coonawarra Grape Growers Association Inc.
Summary:
Many species of pest and beneficial arthropods live in vines and groundcover of vineyards.
Vignerons often devote considerable effort to sustain populations of what they believe to be
beneficial arthropods. However, the types of natural enemies and techniques to enhance their
effectiveness are poorly known. This project aims to identify and quantify the role of natural enemies
in controlling the main pest in Coonawarra vineyards, identify their food and shelter requirements,
and improve management practices and other techniques to optimise populations of beneficial
species. The significance of this project is that it will enable the promotion of insecticide-free
production of winegrapes in the Coonawarra.
***
LP0233450
Administering Organisation: The University of Adelaide
Dr RN Butler
Ms MA Campbell
Title: New uses for milk-derived products for eradication of Helicobacter pylori infection and
gastro-intestinal site-specific delivery of active agents
2002: $45,090
2003: $45,090
APA(I) Award(s):
2004: $45,090
2
Category: 3210 - CLINICAL SCIENCES
Industry Partner(s):
Northfield Laboratories Pty Ltd
Summary:
Helicobacter pylori is the most significant bacterial pathogen in the world, infecting 50% globally.
Current treatments are inducing rapid antibiotic resistance and are thus becoming increasingly less
effective. The infection is acquired in childhood and new methods to prevent and/or treat the
infection, minimising acquisition of antibiotic resistance are urgently required. This project seeks to
develop new ways of doing this that combine novel antibacterials with techniques to deliver them
(and monitor this delivery) as well as modify the complex protective habitat in the stomach.
***
LP0219680
Administering Organisation: The University of Adelaide
Dr C Colby
Dr HR Maier
Dr BK O'Neill
Mr P Bradshaw
Mr B Van Der Wel
Title: Desalination Options for Metropolitan Adelaide's Water Supply & Implications for
Water Resource Allocation to Regional Communities
2002: $45,090
2003: $45,090
APA(I) Award(s):
2004: $45,090
2
Category: 2906 - CHEMICAL ENGINEERING
Industry Partner(s):
Water Policy
Infrastructure SA
Summary:
This project will present a proposal for water supply augmentation by desalination to alleviate rising
salinity concerns and supply uncertainty of River Murray water supplies to metropolitan Adelaide in
South Australia. It will investigate the feasibility of desalination options available and their
consequences for regional agriculture and industry that rely on river water from metropolitan water
supply pipelines for their economic survival. The project outcomes will have significant implications
for government water policies and private and public sector water-infrastructure investment. It will
be the first detailed study of large-scale municipal desalting costs under Australian conditions.
***
LP0233457
Administering Organisation: The University of Adelaide
Dr BB Dally
Dr PG Marshallsay
Em/Prof RE Luxton
Title: Investigation of Strategies to Improve the Efficiency of Industrial Radiators and
Cooling Coils
2002: $22,545
APA(I) Award(s):
2003: $22,545
2004: $22,545
1
Category: 2999 - OTHER ENGINEERING AND TECHNOLOGY
Industry Partner(s):
CBM Technologies Pty. Ltd.
Summary:
Innovative strategies for improving in-service effectiveness of tube & plate-fin heat exchange 'coils'
will be explored. Such coils are used throughout chemical process industries, diesel powered plant,
vehicles and air-conditioning systems. Coil manufacture is a 'mature' industry, but design concepts
have changed little since 1950. Fouling of diesel engine 'radiators' in dusty conditions and in marine
environments is endemic. New design concepts evolved via Computational Fluid Dynamic analysis
will be manufactured and tested in the unique heat and mass transfer wind tunnel on the University's
Industry Liaison Campus. The major outcome will be a rugged design methodology with broad
applicability.
***
LP0219576
Administering Organisation: The University of Adelaide
Dr GS Heinson
Mr M Hatch
Prof SA Greenhalgh
Title: Optimisation of Signal-to-Noise Ratio in Electrical and Electromagnetic Investigations
2002: $58,000
Category: 2602 - GEOPHYSICS
Industry Partner(s):
Zonge Engineering and Research Organization
Summary:
Electrical and electromagnetic geophysical methods have been used extensively for mineral
exploration, and are developing a role in salinity mapping and contaminant identification. To enhance
the utility of such methods for very shallow targets (in the case of salinity) and deep targets (minerals
beneath regolith)improved signal processing methods are required. The project involves the
development of time-series processing techniques using robust-statistical methods and remotereferencing to improve signal-to-noise data quality. Instrumentation hardware and software
developments are required for in-field data acquisition and interpretation, applied to direct current
(DC) resistivity, induced polarisation (IP) and time-domain EM (TEM).
***
LP0219662
Administering Organisation: The University of Adelaide
Dr C Lim
Dr WW Marwood
Dr J Choi
Mr SW Cumpston
Mr MJ Liebelt
Mr AD Massie
Title: Multi-channel reconfigurable high dynamic range digital receivers
2002: $86,795
2003: $86,795
APA(I) Award(s):
2004: $86,795
1
Category: 2917 - COMMUNICATIONS TECHNOLOGIES
Industry Partner(s):
Ebor Computing
Summary:
Wireless communication systems have important defence and commercial applications, most
obviously in the form of the mobile telephone network. Future wireless systems will require much
higher levels of performance, in the form of ability to receive and distinguish signals from multiple
sources that are physically close together and transmit on similar frequencies.
In this project we will develop a test system that will allow us to undertake research on new
algorithms that will achieve these higher levels of performance. Our objective is to demonstrate
dramatic improvements in the capabilities of receivers for future generation mobile phone and
defence surveillance systems.
***
LP0227320
Administering Organisation: The University of Adelaide
Dr DJ Walker
Title: The Prediction and Analysis of Complex Morphology in Coastal Environments
2002: $22,545
APA(I) Award(s):
2003: $22,545
2004: $22,545
1
Category: 2908 - CIVIL ENGINEERING
Industry Partner(s):
Department for Water Resources
Summary:
Coastal features, incorporating river, tide and wave induced flows and associated sediment transport,
represent highly complex systems. At present it is impossible to analyse anything but the simplest
forms, yet it is often necessary to determine their overall properties and behaviour in engineering
analysis and design. The aim of the project is to develop and verify a modelling approach using the
concept of entropy and an efficient optimisation algorithm to allow key properties of complex
coastal systems to be determined. The proposal represents an innovative approach to the coastal
modelling problem that would overcome significant limitations of current morphological models.
***
University of South Australia
LP0210134
Administering Organisation: University of South Australia
Prof J Cheek
Dr J Jones
Ms A Ballantyne
Mrs LI Byers
Title: Changing Places: An exploration of factors influencing the move of older people from
retirement villages to residential aged care
2002: $55,000
2003: $40,000
Category: 3212 - PUBLIC HEALTH AND HEALTH SERVICES
Industry Partner(s):
Village Care Limited
Summary:
Older Australians living in retirement villages, an increasing community population segment, make
choices both about the place at which they live, and the support needed to optimise health and
wellbeing at that place. Changing places for this group often involves moving from retirement
village to residential aged care facility. This study explores how and why this change occurs, how it
might be avoided, and, when the move is unavoidable what can improve the moving process.
Findings will inform innovations in policy, service and health care provision designed to facilitate
appropriate ageing in place congruent with best practice principles.
***
LP0214128
Administering Organisation: University of South Australia
Prof WA Dawson
Dr A Fletcher
Mr G Roach
Mr M Rodgers
Capt P Armitage
Title: How tired is too tired? Determining the effects of fatigue on pilots' performance in a
simulated flight environment
2002: $110,240
2003: $108,057
2004: $108,057
APDI - Mr G Roach
APA(I) Award(s):
2
Category: 3212 - PUBLIC HEALTH AND HEALTH SERVICES
Industry Partner(s):
Civil Aviation Safety Authority
Qantas Airways Limited
Summary:
Increasingly, pilots are required to work more flexible flight schedules that expose them to greater
levels of work-related fatigue. Consequently, a recent federal parliamentary inquiry recommended
that a fatigue risk management approach be applied to the regulation of pilots? flight and duty times.
A key aspect of such an approach, and the aim of the proposed project, is to determine the level of
fatigue at which pilots? ability to operate an aircraft reaches a safety-critical level. This research will
provide a scientifically validated benchmark for regulating pilots? flight and duty times. Ultimately,
this will improve safety for the flying public.
***
LP0211968
Administering Organisation: University of South Australia
Dr K Dogancay
A/Prof LC Jain
Dr JY Khan
Mr A Mahajan
Dr M Chitayev
Title: Intelligent Resource Allocation Techniques for Next Generation Wireless Mobile
Communication Networks
2002: $22,545
APA(I) Award(s):
2003: $22,545
2004: $22,545
1
Category: 2917 - COMMUNICATIONS TECHNOLOGIES
Industry Partner(s):
Motorola Australia Software Centre
Summary:
The project will develop radio and network resource allocation techniques to maximise network
utilisation and to offer guaranteed Quality of Service (QoS) for multimedia traffic in 3G/4G wireless
mobile communication networks. In particular, this work will study the problem of radio channel
allocation in wireless IP (Internet protocol) multimedia networks. The project will develop resource
allocation algorithms based on traffic conditions, link qualities and service requirements using
statistical traffic models, mobile software agents and neural network techniques.
***
LP0210770
Administering Organisation: University of South Australia
A/Prof MF Dollard
Title: Flash Point in the Third Sector: A longitudinal follow up study of the clergy care
'battle' within The Salvation Army
2002: $45,000
APA(I) Award(s):
1
Category: 3801 - PSYCHOLOGY
Industry Partner(s):
The Salvaton Army
Summary:
Increasing community demands for social support from clergy, along with organisational pressures
is thought to underlie the repeated observation that clergy work is highly stressful. The Salvation
Army specifically is alarmed by current low retention and recruitment rates.
This innovative longitudinal study of clergy well-being and productivity uses a participatory action
research design to follow-up army officers over a one year period, during which time one-third will
be required to relocate to various Australian states in accord with their vocation. Findings will be
important for increasing awareness and implications for clergy care in both The Salvation Army and
clergy universally.
***
LP0214981
Administering Organisation: University of South Australia
A/Prof D Fornasiero
Dr D Beattie
Dr S Buckingham
Title: Polymers in the Depression, Aggregation and Dispersion of Particles in the Mineral
Industry
2002: $113,000
APA(I) Award(s):
2003: $102,000
2004: $102,000
2
Category: 2907 - RESOURCES ENGINEERING
Industry Partner(s):
Australian Mineral Industries Research Association
Summary:
The aim of this project is to use a generic approach to the selection of the best-suited polymer for
specific applications such as in the depression, aggregation and dispersion of particles in the mineral
industry. A "tool box" of particular tests will be developed based on key chemical structure-solid
surface activity relationships between the polymer and the host solid surface in each application
considered. Potential process improvements leading to improved flotation grades, increased fine
particle recovery, increased slurry throughput in pipelines and decrease in reagent dosage will result.
***
LP0211571
Administering Organisation: University of South Australia
Dr AR Gerson
Dr JE Thomas
Mr FL Peddie
Dr RW Shaw
Ms L Esdaile
Title: The recovery of Cu from chalcopyrite-pyrite containing concentrates, ores and tailings
2002: $55,000
2003: $55,000
APA(I) Award(s):
2004: $55,000
2005: $43,859
2006: $55,000
1
Category: 2501 - PHYSICAL CHEMISTRY (INCL. STRUCTURAL)
Industry Partner(s):
Trading on Technology Resources Pty Ltd
Summary:
Chalcopyrite, a major source of Cu, is often associated in ores with the valueless mineral pyrite. The
development of more efficient methods for the retrieval of the Cu is of considerable economic
importance to Australian minerals processing companies. We aim to develop methodologies allowing
the more efficient :
- separation of chalcopyrite and pyrite;
- leaching of Cu from ores and tailing in a heap leach environment and
- leaching of Cu in a concentrated chalcopyrite-pyrite reactor environment.
These aims will be achieved via an integrated surface-solution speciation approach allowing the
manipulation of surface properties.
***
LP0219304
Administering Organisation: University of South Australia
Dr AJ Grant
Dr M Rice
Dr S Naguleswaran
Dr L Schubert
Title: High Bandwidth Efficient Schemes for Portable Multimedia Communications
2002: $45,090
2003: $45,090
APA(I) Award(s):
2004: $45,090
2
Category: 2917 - COMMUNICATIONS TECHNOLOGIES
Industry Partner(s):
DSpace Pty. Ltd.
Summary:
The introduction of multimedia services for mobile users has resulted in a shortage of satellite
spectrum. Spot beam technology is used to provide service in areas of high user density. Adjacent
overlapping beams are allocated different frequency bands, however interference from neighbouring
beams limits capacity. Multi-User Detection is a technology capable of significantly increasing
capacity by frequency re-use in adjacent spot beams. The aim of this project is to investigate receiver
design for multi-user spot-beam channels and develop associated synchronisation and channel
estimation methods. The outcome will be efficient communications systems supporting higher user
populations, without increasing the bandwidth required.
***
LP0220954
Administering Organisation: University of South Australia
Dr B Gurd
Prof MM Smith
Title: Developing Management Control Systems for SMEs using the Theory of Constraints
2002: $22,545
2003: $22,545
APA(I) Award(s):
2004: $22,545
1
Category: 3501 - ACCOUNTING, AUDITING AND ACCOUNTABILITY
Industry Partner(s):
AEM Australia Pty Ltd
Summary:
The Theory of Constraints (TOC) has helped organisations to move from a mindset of maximising
efficiency and production to a new paradigm built around smoothness of flow and maximisation of
throughput. Typically it is used for manufacturing management to improve factory floor operations
in large companies. To achieve its full potential in small and medium enterprises (SME's) they need
to align their management control systems with the TOC approach. Using an action research
approach this project will meet these challenges. In particular, an exemplar accounting and
performance measurement system will be designed for planning, control and decision-making.
***
LP0215770
Administering Organisation: University of South Australia
A/Prof SE Hill
Prof N Yelland
Ms K Thelning
Title: Children of the new millennium: Using information and communication technologies
for playing and learning in the information age
2002: $49,000
2003: $45,000
Category: 3301 - EDUCATION STUDIES
Industry Partner(s):
Dept of Education Training and Employment
Summary:
This research explores the development of young children's expertise with information and
communication technologies from the preschool to the second year of school. It examines where
young children in diverse socioeconomic areas use information and communication technologies,
how many forms of it they use and to what extent technology relates to other forms of play and
learning in literacy and numeracy. An assessment tool will be developed to explore how children's
knowledge, understanding and use of technology changes over time. The research will inform policy
and curriculum directions in the early years of education.
***
LP0220842
Administering Organisation: University of South Australia
Dr S- Kumar
Dr M Conlon
Title: Attachment of Growth Factors to Pure, Plasma Modified and Coated Titanium
Substrates
2002: $22,545
2003: $22,545
APA(I) Award(s):
2004: $22,545
1
Category: 2915 - BIOMEDICAL ENGINEERING
Industry Partner(s):
TGR BioSciences
Summary:
Titanium and its alloys are routinely used as medical and dental implants. Despite coating with
hydroxyapatite, a material well known to improve implant fixation, many such implants fail because
of lack of strong integration with bone. This proposal aims at achieving long-term stability of
titanium implants through their surface modification and subsequent attachment of growth factors.
The use of latter has already been shown to help bone-implant integration. Successful project
implementation will provide titanium implant surfaces that will help achieve speedier and improved
implant fixation with long-term stability. Knowledge, expertise and techniques developed will help
the industry partner expanding its research base and business and generating wealth in Australia.
Training of world-class research students in the emerging field of biotechnology will be another
major outcome.
***
LP0214176
Administering Organisation: University of South Australia
Dr GE MORRIS
Dr PG SELF
Mr MA DE VOS
Title: STABILISATION OF TITANIA PIGMENTS FOR IMPROVED WATER-BASED
PAINT APPLICATIONS
2002: $55,000
2003: $55,000
Category: 2501 - PHYSICAL CHEMISTRY (INCL. STRUCTURAL)
Industry Partner(s):
Tiwest Joint Venture
Summary:
This project aims to improve the stability and optical properties of titania pigments in water-based
paints. Tailored dispersing agents will be used to stabilise pigments in paints in both the wet and dry
state. Enhanced understanding of the dispersing agents interaction with the titania pigment surface
and the subsequent stability of the pigment in dry paint films will allow advances in water-based paint
stability. This understanding facilitates continued movement away from solvent-based paints required
by environmental and health legislation. The potential growth in market share for the Australian
pigment industry is in excess of $50M pa.
***
LP0216266
Administering Organisation: University of South Australia
A/Prof JE Schroeder
Prof LB White
Dr M Rice
Dr S Naguleswaran
Title: Optimal Waveform Design and Compensation Techniques for Non Linear
Communication Channels
2002: $45,090
2003: $45,090
APA(I) Award(s):
2004: $45,090
2
Category: 2917 - COMMUNICATIONS TECHNOLOGIES
Industry Partner(s):
DSpace Pty. Ltd.
Summary:
Distortion effects in satellite amplifiers have a serious impact upon communication system
performance, for example, by increasing the error rates.
The research study we are proposing involves analysing these distortion causing non linear effects
and designing techniques to compensate for them. Although we are initially interested in the
nonlinear satellite channel, we intend the results to be extended to other difficult nonlinear channels
such as will be present in future 3G and 4G mobile communication systems.
The proposed research will place Australia at the forefront of cutting edge Information Technology
and Communications research.
***
LP0226593
Administering Organisation: University of South Australia
A/Prof J Schroeder
Mr E Bullen
Title: Adaptive Modulation For OFDM Signals
2002: $22,545
2003: $22,545
APA(I) Award(s):
2004: $22,545
1
Category: 2917 - COMMUNICATIONS TECHNOLOGIES
Industry Partner(s):
Inspiration Technology
Summary:
The sub band Signal To Noise Ratio in an OFDM communications channel varies by as much as 30
dB. In order to optimise the bandwidth efficiency of OFDM signalling it is desirable to adapt the
chosen modulation technique such as M-ary QAM to the SNR available in sub bands. In this way
high quality channels transmit the highest bit rates, whilst low quality channels accommodate the
lowest bit rates. The net result is that the capacity of the communications link does not have to be
limited by designing for worst case conditions.
***
LP0212013
Administering Organisation: University of South Australia
Dr LA Sheppard
Ms CM Landorf
Title: Architecture and healthy ageing: an investigation into the relationship between aged
care facility design, management and the well being of residents
2002: $22,545
2003: $22,545
APA(I) Award(s):
2004: $22,545
1
Category: 3211 - NURSING
Industry Partner(s):
Italian Benevolent Foundation SA (Italian Village)
Summary:
Residential care for the future will need to meet expanding demands for aged care in a manner which
responds to more discerning older people including those from non-English speaking backgrounds
and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders with expected increases in the number of services
required. To do so design processes must incorporate the needs of those involved in residential care
yet meet the requirements of statutory authorities standards for health care provision. This research
will provide a comprehensive picture of the issues that impact on the design process and the effect
on residential care facilities ability to provide residents and workers with the highest possible quality
of life. It will inform accreditation and certification standards.
***
LP0212906
Administering Organisation: University of South Australia
Prof RS Smart
Dr JE Thomas
Dr SD Miller
Dr RC Schumann
Title: NEUTRALISING MINERAL REACTIONS IN ACID MINE DRAINAGE CONTROL
2002: $100,000
2003: $110,000
2004: $110,000
Category: 2501 - PHYSICAL CHEMISTRY (INCL. STRUCTURAL)
Industry Partner(s):
AMIRA International
Summary:
The project addresses the serious environmental problem of acid and toxic element release from iron
sulfides in waste rock dumps and tailings storage in the mining industry. Long-term neutralising
capacity, currently not tested in laboratory assessments, is available from the reaction of some
silicate and aluminosilicate minerals. This potential has not been systematically tested or modelled.
The research project aims to understand the relative mechanisms and rates for long-term alleviation
of acid production with mineral layered and blended combinations. Improved understanding will
provide methodology for assessment and control of acid mine drainage.
***
LP0224189
Administering Organisation: University of South Australia
Ms J Thomas
Dr B Gurd
Prof R Blandy
Mr J Rice
Title: Strategic responses of Australian family-owned businesses in the manufacturing sector
to the pressures of globalisation
2002: $22,545
APA(I) Award(s):
2003: $22,545
2004: $22,545
1
Category: 3502 - BUSINESS AND MANAGEMENT
Industry Partner(s):
Family Business Australia - SA Chapter
Summary:
It is critical that Australian family owned manufacturing businesses respond in the most
advantageous way to the pressures of globalisation. Possible strategic responses include selling out
to larger companies that have a stronger strategic position, competing off-shore, or take a niche
position in the value chain. This research will use a series of case studies to determine the contingent
factors that best explain strategic response within the ownership and management structure of the
family business, and track the impact of specific strategic choices. From this may flow some general
principles of appropriate strategic responses given a range of circumstances.
***
Tasmania
University of Tasmania
LP0210383
Administering Organisation: University of Tasmania
Dr LA Barmuta
Dr AJ Boulton
Dr PE Davies
Dr S Munks
Dr PD McIntosh
Title: How does forestry impact headwater streams?
2002: $65,000
2003: $58,000
2004: $58,000
APA(I) Award(s):
2
Category: 2707 - ECOLOGY AND EVOLUTION
Industry Partner(s):
Forest Practices Board
Summary:
Although headwater streams make up much of the catchment of rivers, the effects of forestry on
instream species composition, habitat types, and ecosystem functions remain uninvestigated. We aim
to fill these three gaps so that managers can: 1. determine whether stream side buffers are necessary
and 2. identify which species and ecosystem functions are the most sensitive and reliable variables for
future monitoring of instream ecosystem health.
***
LP0211106
Administering Organisation: University of Tasmania
Dr MS Barrett
Dr H Smigiel
Mr P Weingott
Title: Australian Children and the Arts: Meaning, value and participation
2002: $20,000
2003: $19,000
Category: 3399 - OTHER EDUCATION
Industry Partner(s):
Australia Council
Summary:
This project employs innovative research techniques in the fields of social research and educational
inquiry to explore a research problem of major economic and cultural significance to Australia, that
of the meaning and value of the arts in the lives of Australian children.
Outcomes of the research include new knowledge concerning: the meaning and value of the arts for
Australian children; and the ways in which Australian children engage with the arts. This new
knowledge shall inform the development of future arts policy and practice and advance knowledge in
the discipline of arts education.
***
LP0212100
Administering Organisation: University of Tasmania
Prof Dr F Bullen
Dr E Bruce
Mr SL Hughson
Title: Optimisation of Road Network Maintenance Strategies for Life-Cycle Costs
2002: $22,545
APA(I) Award(s):
2003: $22,545
2004: $22,545
1
Category: 2908 - CIVIL ENGINEERING
Industry Partner(s):
Maintenance Management Austalia
Summary:
The future of Tasmania and the nation as a competitive force in the international market is intimately
linked to its transportation infrastructure network. The successful maintenance and performance of
the road component is essential for an efficient and integrated system and minimisation of freight
costs. The research proposes to develop a less empirical and phenomenological method of predicting
the future performance of pavements, based on optimisation of maintenance strategies, by
incorporating the use of probabilistic methods and Geographical Information Systems (GIS) into
new Whole of Life Costing (WOLC) models.
***
LP0214145
Administering Organisation: University of Tasmania
Dr JC Ellison
Dr AJ Seen
Mr P Hedge
Mr J Bradbury
Title: Assessment of the potential consequences of large-scale eradication of rice grass from
the Tamar Estuary, Tasmania
2002: $22,545
APA(I) Award(s):
2003: $22,545
2004: $22,545
1
Category: 2601 - GEOLOGY
Industry Partner(s):
Tasmanian Department of Primary Industries, Water and Environment
Tasmanian Department of Primary Industries, Water and Environment
Summary:
Introduced Rice grass has trapped large volumes of intertidal sediment, yet reduced amenity values
of the Tamar Estuary, transforming beaches into muddy rice grass meadows, threatening aquaculture
industries, and silting up coastal developments. This project will investigate the consequences of rice
grass eradication, by determination of sediment volume trapped, contaminants contained, and
monitoring of processes active after removal. The outcomes of this research will enable informed
decisions on management of the Tamar rice grass infestation, and provide an understanding the
impacts of large scale eradication to management authorities of similar infestations in Victoria, New
Zealand, Europe, China and the USA.
***
LP0209557
Administering Organisation: University of Tasmania
Dr A Koutoulis
Mr GW Leggett
Miss LJ Sherriff
Title: Breeding for improved Australian hop varieties by induced mutations
2002: $48,364
2003: $46,109
2004: $46,109
Category: 3002 - CROP AND PASTURE PRODUCTION
Industry Partner(s):
Australian Hop Marketers
Summary:
Hop (Humulus lupulus) plants are vital to the brewing industry. Their main commercial products are
alpha-acids and oils, which contribute to the bitter taste and aroma of beer. Hops possess different
alpha-acids, including humulone (desirable) and cohumulone (non-desirable), and different oils,
including humulene (desirable). Recently, beta-acids have been identified as useful compounds for
emerging markets. Induced mutagenesis will be used to alter the genetic make-up of hops, to obtain
varieties with: (i) higher humulone; (ii) lower cohumulone; (iii) higher humulene; and (iv) higher
beta-acids. This research will greatly assist the Australian hop industry by short-cutting traditional
breeding performed by crossing.
***
LP0219705
Administering Organisation: University of Tasmania
Dr MA Line
Dr DA Metcalf
Title: Integrated biological control of Sclerotinia minor root rot of pyrethrum crops.
2002: $22,545
APA(I) Award(s):
2003: $22,545
2004: $22,545
1
Category: 3003 - HORTICULTURE
Industry Partner(s):
Botanical Resources Australia-Agricultural Services Pty Ltd
Summary:
Tasmania is a major global supplier of natural pyrethrum, producing 25% of the world's
requirements. However the industry has a major problem with Sclerotinia minor, current chemical
treatment being expensive and providing limited effectiveness. The aim of this project is to develop
long term integrated control measures for this disease, particularly by the application of biological
control agents targeting S. minor at planting. It will also examine possible break-crops biocidal to the
fungus, and other integrated control measures. The significance/outcomes will be improved crop
productivity to the industry, improved competitiveness with overseas producers and reduced
dependence on chemical pesticides.
***
LP0212042
Administering Organisation: University of Tasmania
Dr C McArthur
Mr DC Close
Dr PH Brown
Dr MJ Hovenden
Dr CL Beadle
Dr GK Holz
Prof AE Hagerman
Title: Understanding and manipulating stress physiology of eucalypt seedlings to improve
survival and growth
2002: $61,184
2003: $62,967
2004: $62,967
APDI - Mr DC Close
Category: 3006 - FORESTRY SCIENCES
Industry Partner(s):
Timbercorp Treefarms Pty Ltd
North Forest Products
Narromine Transplants
Forest Enterprises Australia
West Australian Plantation Resources
Floriana
Forestry Tasmania
Australian Paper Plantations Pty Ltd
Summary:
Eucalyptus globulus and E. nitens are the major species being established to meet the 2020 Vision
(Anon 1999) of trebling Australia's plantation estate. Seedling mortality and/or reduced growth after
planting, linked to the transition from ideal growing conditions in the nursery to stressful conditions
(high drought and browsing risk) at the planting sites, significantly increase the costs of plantation
production. By investigating physiological mechanisms of seedlings and their responses to drought
and browsing stress during establishment in the field, methods for the production of seedlings
acclimated to drought or browsing stress will be developed. The research outcomes will help
maximise the financial return on over $28 M per annum being invested by the 8 project partners in
seedling production and planting over 80, 000 ha per year for the next 19 years to meet the
requirements of Vision 2020.
***
LP0212077
Administering Organisation: University of Tasmania
Prof PM McCulloch
A/Prof R Coleman
Dr R Govind
Title: Improved Geodetic Modelling through Very Long Baseline Interferometry
2002: $72,000
2003: $74,000
APA(I) Award(s):
2004: $99,000
1
Category: 2910 - GEOMATIC ENGINEERING
Industry Partner(s):
AUSLIG
Summary:
2005: $99,000
2006: $99,000
We plan to develop a geodetic VLBI capability to provide independent confirmation of results from
alternative techniques such as GPS and SLR and allow us to characterise and remove the systematic
errors inherent in these systems, to produce an optimum, unified terrestrial reference system based
on VLBI measurements, together with GPS/SLR data, especially for the Antarctic region. The ITRF
is based on the VLBI ICRF linking our astrometric and geodynamic research programs.
We will estimate motion at sites from the combination of VLBI, GPS, gravity and tide gauge data
for geodynamic effects, such as post-glacial rebound and tectonic motion, global mean sea level
change and determine length-of-day (LOD) variations, focused primarily on understanding the
contribution from the Southern Oceans.
***
LP0214138
Administering Organisation: University of Tasmania
Dr CL Mohammed
Dr M Battaglia
Dr C Beadle
Mr T Wardlaw
Dr J Bulinski
Dr D de Little
Title: Risk, impact on productivity and control of Mycosphaerella infections in plantations in
plantations of E. nitens and E. globulus
2002: $68,000
APA(I) Award(s):
2003: $61,000
2004: $61,000
1
Category: 3006 - FORESTRY SCIENCES
Industry Partner(s):
Timbercorp Treefarms
North Forest Products
Forestry Tasmania
Australian Paper plantations Pty Ltd
APT Forestry Pty Ltd
Forest Enterprises Australia Lid
Private Forests Tasmania
WA Plantation Resources
Summary:
Mycosphaerella, a defoliating fungal pathogen of eucalypts, has the potential to change markedly the
economics of plantation development. This research will explore the fundamental physiological and
pathological processes associated with the disease, link these findings into established process-based
models of forest plantation growth for predictive purposes and utilise hyperspectral remote sensing
techniques to scale impact from the tree to plantation level. In doing this research not only are
questions of key importance to an important and growing industry sector addressed, but an
innovative approach to disease impact assessment established and a skills base and methodology
widely applicable to other tree and agricultural disease problems established.
***
LP0211065
Administering Organisation: University of Tasmania
Dr SJ Pethybridge
Dr CR Wilson
Dr FS Hay
Mr B Chung
Mr T Groom
Title: Epidemiology of Phoma spp. complex and other foliar pathogens affecting pyrethrum
2002: $129,045
2003: $114,445
2004: $114,445
APDI - Dr SJ Pethybridge
APA(I) Award(s):
1
Category: 2704 - BOTANY
Industry Partner(s):
Botanical Resources Australia - Agricultural Services Pty. Ltd.
Summary:
We will quantify the spectrum of fungal plant pathogens found on pyrethrum (Tanacetum
cineariifolium L.) foliage and their relative impact on yield and pyrethrin assay. For those fungi
having a significant impact on production (such as Phoma ligulicola) we will conduct detailed
epidemiological studies to determine how disease levels change with environmental parameters and
geographical factors. This study will adapt radiometric technology for disease assessment in
pyrethrum, and develop predictive models for disease development based on environmental
conditions and furthermore, assess the effect of simulated climate change events on disease severity
in the future.
***
LP0224971
Administering Organisation: University of Tasmania
Dr MJ Roach
Title: Archaeological Geophysics at Port Arthur
2002: $22,545
APA(I) Award(s):
2003: $22,545
2004: $22,545
1
Category: 2602 - GEOPHYSICS
Industry Partner(s):
Port Arthur Historic Site Management Authority
Summary:
This project will apply geophysical technology for rapid non-invasive archaeological investigations at
Port Arthur, Australia's premier convict era historical site.
It will be the first comprehensive integrated geophysical study of a major European archaeological
site in Australia and will provide a framework for future geophysical archaeological investigations at
other Australian historic sites.
The main direct outcomes from this project will be an improved understanding of the location and
nature of obscured cultural features at Port Arthur and a significant improvement in the efficiency of
archaeological investigations.
***
LP0210823
Administering Organisation: University of Tasmania
Dr ME Robertson
Mr AE Fluck
Ms CG Murray
Title: Children, on-line learning and authentic teaching skills in primary education
2002: $37,000
APA(I) Award(s):
2003: $30,000
2004: $30,000
1
Category: 3303 - PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT OF TEACHERS
Industry Partner(s):
Department of Education, Tasmania
Catholic Education Office
Telstra
Summary:
The main aim of this project is to identify the authentic skills and strategies adopted by teachers of
online learning programs in rural and urban locations. By studying teaching and learning behaviours
in primary education we seek to match best practice in teaching with quality online learning
outcomes. ICT experts acknowledge the urgency of this knowledge. Without clear indicators for
teachers we run the risk of mismatched traditional techniques and minimising teaching effectiveness.
The expected outcomes will be benchmarked data linking numeracy and literacy standards with best
practice in on-line teaching, and an accompanying interactive web based professional development
package grounded in theory.
***
LP0210907
Administering Organisation: University of Tasmania
Dr M Watts
Prof NW Pankhurst
Title: The cellular basis of temperature impairment of reproductive function in Atlantic
salmon
2002: $66,097
2003: $64,793
2004: $62,967
APDI - Dr M Watts
Category: 3007 - FISHERIES SCIENCES
Industry Partner(s):
Salmon Enterprises of Tasmania Pty. Ltd. (SALTAS)
Summary:
Elevated summer and autumn temperatures, either as a result of normal climate variation or global
warming, inhibit reproduction in salmonid fishes by disrupting endocrine (hormonal processes). The
mechanisms involved are unclear but are known to involve inhibition of ovarian estrogen and the
assembly of egg-yolk proteins. This project will investigate the cellular basis of the inhibitory effect
of high temperature on reproduction, at the ovarian and hepatic levels. The understanding developed
will be an essential component of amelioration strategies for managing the continued successful
rearing of salmon and trout under warming environmental conditions.
***
Victoria
Deakin University
LP0212095
Administering Organisation: Deakin University
Dr G Allinson
A/Prof F Stagnitti
Dr R Armstrong
Title: Improving water use efficiency of grapevine production in the Great Western region
using effluent water and soil amelioration practices
2002: $22,545
APA(I) Award(s):
2003: $22,545
2004: $22,545
1
Category: 2911 - ENVIRONMENTAL ENGINEERING
Industry Partner(s):
Grampians Regional Water Authority
Department of Natural Resources and Environment
Grampians Winemakers Inc.
Summary:
Irrigation of vineyards with municipal wastewater is a desirable option for the viticulturists of the
Great Western region of Victoria, but only if vineyard soil structure is not adversely affected. This
project will (1) study the impact of dissolved chemicals in the waste water on the structure of the
local sandy soils; (2) model the data to enhance understanding of the key chemical and physical
mechanisms controlling grey water impact in heterogeneous environments. The resulting predictive
tools will have direct application in the Great Western region?s vineyards, and for irrigation of grey
water in vineyards across Ausralia.
***
LP0211649
Administering Organisation: Deakin University
Dr CM Austin
Dr LJ Laurenson
Dr SA Wilcox
Title: Design and Development of DNA Oligonucleotide Microarrays (Biochips) for Fish
Species Identification From Processed Food Products
2002: $22,545
2003: $22,545
APA(I) Award(s):
2004: $22,545
1
Category: 3007 - FISHERIES SCIENCES
Industry Partner(s):
GeneScan Australia
Summary:
Australia's seafood industry (valued at A$2 billion/annum) imports and exports a wide variety of fish
and shellfish products. This industry is open to exploitation, specifically in respect of product
labelling. A rapid and reliable method for identifying commercial and endangered fish species in
seafood products is urgently needed for effective management and regulation of the industry. New
genetic biochip technology enables any species or strains of an organism to be rapidly, and
accurately, identified by non-experts. In collaboration with GeneScan Australia, this project applies
this new technology to develop a diagnostic tool for checking the labelling of Australian seafood
products.
***
LP0211801
Administering Organisation: Deakin University
Dr MR Barnett
Dr E Pereloma
Title: Exploiting Annealing Reactions for New Steel Grade Development
2002: $45,090
2003: $45,090
APA(I) Award(s):
2004: $45,090
2
Category: 2913 - METALLURGY
Industry Partner(s):
BHP Steel
Summary:
Overseas steel markets are demanding thinner and cheaper formable products. The proposed work
aims to establish how the reactions that take place during annealing can be exploited to create new
products to meet these needs. The processes of recrystallization texture development, which controls
the ease with which the product can be drawn into shapes, precipitate dissolution, which impacts on
surface quality, and creep, which can lead to annealing defects in thin products will be studied. The
objective is use the knowledge generated to remove over-design of processing parameters and steel
composition to develop new cost effective export grades.
***
LP0218422
Administering Organisation: Deakin University
A/Prof VA Clarke
Dr DJ Higgins
Title: Development of an intervention to enhance rural and regional service delivery to human
service clients
2002: $22,545
2003: $22,545
APA(I) Award(s):
2004: $22,545
1
Category: 3801 - PSYCHOLOGY
Industry Partner(s):
Department of Human Services (Barwon-South West Region)
Summary:
A proactive program managing organisational stress and isolation in rural community service
organisations is urgently needed to reduce unplanned absences and costly staff turnover among
professionals working in a difficult environment. The intervention program focuses on extremely
high risk regional workers - professional staff having daily contact with potentially difficult clients
(e.g., persons suffering from neglect, abuse, drugs). Strategies at both organisational and individual
levels will be aimed at preventing rather than merely reducing stress. An educational package will be
developed, subjected to two cycles of process and outcome evaluation, and prepared for use in this
and other regional/rural organisations.
***
LP0211160
Administering Organisation: Deakin University
Prof GA Duff
Dr I Lunt
Dr F Coates
Title: Grazing as a management tool for biodiversity conservation: adaptive management
strategies for threatened grassland ecosystems.
2002: $22,545
2003: $22,545
APA(I) Award(s):
2004: $22,545
1
Category: 3008 - ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES
Industry Partner(s):
Parks Victoria
Summary:
Lowland temperate grasslands are threatened Australian ecosystems that support an important, and
in many cases threatened, biota. These habitats are significantly under-represented in the reserve
system, and occur in bioregions that have been subjected to extensive vegetation clearing, intensive
production and high stocking densities. This project will develop strategies for maintenance of
species and habitat diversity in grasslands through the application of adaptive management principles
informed by rigorous ecological research. Outcomes include best-practice approaches to on- and
off-reserve management in grazed ecosystems, and better approaches to the interaction between
research and biodiversity conservation
***
LP0214290
Administering Organisation: Deakin University
Prof GA Duff
Dr D Simmons
Dr F Coates
Title: Vegetation change in coastal Parks and Reserves: risk assessment and management of
woody invaders
2002: $22,545
2003: $22,545
APA(I) Award(s):
2004: $22,545
1
Category: 3008 - ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES
Industry Partner(s):
Parks Victoria
Summary:
Coastal heath ecosystems contain some of the highest diversity of plant species for any vegetation
type within temperate Australia. These communities exist within and outside the Reserve system, but
even those within Parks and Reserves may be undergoing rapid change in structure and composition
as a result of invading environmental weeds, resulting in a significant loss of biological diversity. As
agriculture, tourism and other developments place increasing pressure on these diminishing
ecosystems, the maintenance of their biodiversity takes on increasing importance. This project will
identify threatening processes and devise cost-effective, practicable management strategies in a
context of competing stakeholder interests.
***
LP0215942
Administering Organisation: Deakin University
Dr L Hancock
Ms V Sheen
Title: Negotiating Transitions to Retirement
2002: $20,000
2003: $20,000
Category: 3701 - SOCIOLOGY
Industry Partner(s):
Council on the Aging (Australia)
Summary:
This project will track diverse pathways in work/retirement transitions, by analysing how the present
policy mix accommodates shifts in labour markets, demographic shifts and shifts in households and
income distributions. Focused on cohorts aged 45 to 64, it firstly analyses national data sets to
track the impact of the current policy mix in terms of income security, industrial relations, housing,
health, education and training and work/life. Secondly, it draws on qualitative data to further
examine how these transitions are played out. The research will develop a new policy matrix for
older workers that addresses risk, social exclusion and social protection.
***
LP0211773
Administering Organisation: Deakin University
Prof PD Hodgson
Dr MR Barnett
Title: Development of a Microstructure Model for Process and Product Development
2002: $72,000
2003: $64,000
APA(I) Award(s):
2004: $64,000
1
Category: 2913 - METALLURGY
Industry Partner(s):
Smorgon Steel
Summary:
It is possible to mathematically model the evolution of the microstructure of steel during hot rolling
and cooling to room temperature. By linking the microstructure to the product performance these
models can be used for computer based development of new products and processes. The current
work involves an extension of these concepts to the Smorgon Steel minimill. The project involves
the development of new equations to handle the high residual content from the use of remelted scrap
and the use of these models to enhance current and future local and export grades.
***
LP0219785
Administering Organisation: Deakin University
Prof PD Hodgson
Dr MR Barnett
Title: Hot Rolling Model for Control of Nb Bearing Steels
2002: $22,545
2003: $22,545
APA(I) Award(s):
2004: $22,545
1
Category: 2913 - METALLURGY
Industry Partner(s):
BHP Steel
Summary:
High strength Nb bearing strip steels are used to reduce the weight of automotive and construction
products. The manufacture of these steels is challenging because of difficulties encountered in
maintaining constant properties and strip thickness. The aim of the current work is to develop a
model for Nb bearing steels that describes the effect of processing conditions and composition on the
microstructure evolution during hot rolling. The model to be developed will incorporate a new
approach to describing dynamic recrystallization and will lead to better property and dimensional
control. It will also assist in new grade development.
***
LP0210686
Administering Organisation: Deakin University
Dr D Hutton
Mr P Silk
Mr J Hayes
Mr GT Waller
Mr PJ Hester
Title: Safe and unsafe workplace behaviour: the impact of organisational culture and climate
2002: $22,545
APA(I) Award(s):
2003: $22,545
2004: $22,545
1
Category: 3801 - PSYCHOLOGY
Industry Partner(s):
KAAL Australia Pty. ltd
Kmart Australia
Summary:
This APA(I) project involves a study of safety cultures of organizations and safety climates of
workgroups. It will develop and trial safety interventions derived from an understanding of the
normative and individual psychological contracts of safety. It is hypothesized that such contracts
will impact on safety behaviors and injury rate. The project will be conducted in collaboration with
Kmart and KAAL (Alcoa) who experience very different levels of risk. The ultimate aim is to
develop a better understanding of the complex human systems which impact on safety behaviors and
injury rates in organizations.
***
LP0214948
Administering Organisation: Deakin University
Dr K James
Mr R Drew
Title: Planning for the adaptive management of wetland rehabilitation; Kanyapella Basin
Case Study
2002: $22,545
APA(I) Award(s):
2003: $22,545
2004: $22,545
1
Category: 3008 - ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES
Industry Partner(s):
Field & Game Australia Inc.
Summary:
Australia's ephemeral wetlands are being lost or degraded primarily through drainage. There is a
pressing need to conserve the ecological character of remaining systems, and rehabilitate degraded
ones. Rehabilitation is invariably constrained by water availability, community expectations and
uncertainty about ecosystem responses to different water regimes. This project applies the adaptive
management model to wetland rehabilitation. Adaptive management addresses uncertainty through
experiments integrated into the rehabilitation process. It uses monitoring, and information feedback
loops to inform current management actions. A generic model for the adaptive management of
wetland rehabilitation will be developed which will predict responses to different re-wetting
scenarios.
***
LP0211918
Administering Organisation: Deakin University
Dr SM Kenny
Dr KM Brown
Ms E Cham
Title: New Trends in Foundation Formation
2002: $20,000
2003: $20,000
Category: 3701 - SOCIOLOGY
Industry Partner(s):
Philanthropy Australia
Summary:
The encouragement of philanthropic giving is a current priority of governments globally. The
creation of foundations is one strategy for expanding philanthropic activity, with profound
implications for public policy and existing foundations. Working with Philanthropy Australia, this
study will explore the concept of charitable foundations and recent trends in foundation formation
such as the development of 'community owned? enterprises and pressures on business to become
more 'socially responsible'. The study will produce data of vital importance to informed policy
making and to the effectiveness of philanthropic foundations.
***
LP0216014
Administering Organisation: Deakin University
Dr SW Lewis
A/Prof NW Barnett
Dr PJ Scammells
Title: The Synthesis and Analysis of Certain Explosives and Illicit Drugs for Improved
Forensic Detection
2002: $22,545
APA(I) Award(s):
2003: $22,545
2004: $22,545
1
Category: 2504 - ANALYTICAL CHEMISTRY
Industry Partner(s):
Victoria Forensic Science Centre
South Australia Forensic Science
Summary:
There is an increasing demand within law enforcement agencies, worldwide, for selective and
sensitive methods for the determination of illicit substances. Over the last decade Deakin University
chemists have played a major role in establishing the utility of chemiluminescent reactions for the
determination of a variety of pharmaceutical opiates in process streams. This project seeks to build
upon these successes, in order to develop innovative analytical strategies for forensic detection of
certain illicit drugs and explosives. The results of this research have the potential to revolutionise key
aspects of forensic analysis.
***
LP0209274
Administering Organisation: Deakin University
Prof WS Logan
Mr JD Sweet
Ms KF Altenburg
Adj/Prof SM Sullivan
Title: Cultural Heritage Site Significance, Management and Interpretation in China and
Australia: A Comparative Analysis in a Cross-Cultural Framework
2002: $39,861
2003: $37,801
2004: $40,996
Category: 3101 - ARCHITECTURE AND URBAN ENVIRONMENT
Industry Partner(s):
Sullivan Blazejowski & Associates, Cultural Heritage Conservation
Australian Heritage Commission/Dept of the Environment & Heritage
Summary:
The Nara Document 1994 asserts that East Asians see 'cultural heritage' differently from Westerners
and that conservation practice should reflect the culture in which it takes place. Given Australia's
growing tourism links with China, and China's growing importance in the Asia-Pacific, it is timely to
reflect on the Chinese understanding of cultural heritage. Conversely China's relatively new cultural
heritage industry can learn from Australian practice. This project aims at better mutual understanding
by researching key issues of site significance, management and interpretation. The research will fill a
gap in the literature and provide a model for further cross-cultural heritage analysis.
***
LP0219732
Administering Organisation: Deakin University
Dr MB Luther
Title: Natural and Artificial Lighting Control Energy and Visual Optimisation for a Low
Energy Building
2002: $22,545
APA(I) Award(s):
2003: $22,545
1
Category: 3101 - ARCHITECTURE AND URBAN ENVIRONMENT
Industry Partner(s):
Clipsal Intergrated Systems
Summary:
Artificial lighting is highlighted as the most significant area of opportunity to reduce energy as well
as greenhouse emission. The application of intergrated daylight design together with artificial lighting
control is researched. Control strategies of switching and dimming the artificial daylighting in
conjunction with set-point levels, user preferences and daylighting maximisation are measured. The
goal is to find the most effective saving strategies whilst maintaining visual comfort
***
LP0211833
Administering Organisation: Deakin University
Dr F Mansouri
Dr SM Kenny
Dr KM Brown
Ms DE Smiley
Title: Economic and social rights of asylum seekers in Australia: Challenges for Community
Associations
2002: $25,000
2003: $25,000
2004: $25,000
Category: 3701 - SOCIOLOGY
Industry Partner(s):
Victorian Arabic Social Services (VASS)
Summary:
This project will investigate the contribution of a community association providing humanitarian
assistance to newly-arrived refugees holding Temporary Protection Visas (TPV). The project will
assess the capacity of non-government organizations (NGOs) in delivering basic social services and
identifying areas of immediate concern. The anticipated outcomes of the project are: (a) the
establishment of effective models of best practice in the delivery of social services by a NGO, (b) the
potential for partnership between such an organization and the State in developing social policy, and
(c) the contribution to theoretical examination of the role of civil society in the new Globalisation
era.
***
LP0220238
Administering Organisation: Deakin University
Dr R Miller
Dr R King
Title: Videoconferenced supervision for trainee professionals: Unintended effects
2002: $22,545
2003: $22,545
APA(I) Award(s):
2004: $22,545
1
Category: 3301 - EDUCATION STUDIES
Industry Partner(s):
South West Healthcare
Summary:
Government agencies are investing heavily in videoconferencing networks for purposes that include
the education and supervision of trainee professionals. This initiative is seen to promote equity of
access for professionals in remote regions. Yet the assumed equivalence between videoconferencing
and face-to-face communication remains untested. The teaching principles underlying face-to-face
may be inappropriate for videoconferenced supervision. Aims of the project are to develop an
investigative framework for videoconferenced supervision and to determine how videoconferencing
affects the learning and affiliation processes in supervision. The main outcome will be the
identification of principles to establish standards of best practice for videoconferenced supervision.
***
LP0219706
Administering Organisation: Deakin University
Dr MS Muralitharan
Dr GP Kadkol
Dr DM Cahill
Dr T Stevenson
Dr SF Chandler
Title: Development of molecular markers for resistance to blackleg disease (Leptosphaeria
maculans) in canola
2002: $22,545
2003: $22,545
APA(I) Award(s):
2004: $22,545
1
Category: 2702 - GENETICS
Industry Partner(s):
Nugrain
Summary:
Canola (Brassica napus) is a valuable oil seed crop grown in many parts of the world and contributes
annually $A450 million to the Australian economy. The overall aim of this project is to develop
molecular markers for blackleg resistance using Australian germplasm along with evaluation in
Australian disease nurseries which are regarded worlwide to develop the highest levels of disease
pressure. Once molecular marker systems are developed and evaluated, they will be applied to
facilitate the selection of Nugrain's (Industry Partner) canola breeding programs. Any molecular
markers and QTL developed for Australian cultivars would find commercial application in breeding
programmes.
***
LP0211488
Administering Organisation: Deakin University
A/Prof S Nahavandi
Dr L Kong
Dr A Kouzani
Title: A Distributed Virtual Factory in Agile Manufacturing
2002: $92,033
2003: $111,752
2004: $71,381
APA(I) Award(s):
2
Category: 2802 - ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE AND SIGNAL AND IMAGE PROCESSING
Industry Partner(s):
Backwell IXL
Summary:
The aim of this research is to develop an Intelligent Distributed Virtual Factory consisting of several
distributed precise simulation models connected by several synchronisation mechanisms named Time
Bucket algorithms. Intelligent Distributed Virtual Factory will then be applied into precise
evaluations of the whole manufacturing system under two major types of manufacturing operational
logics, PULL and PUSH methods.
***
LP0219798
Administering Organisation: Deakin University
Dr AJ Rollo
Dr GJ Byrne
Title: Researching the Development of Benchmarks for Determining both Relative and
Sustainable Levels of Infrastructure for the Aged within Regional Victoria
2002: $45,090
2003: $45,090
APA(I) Award(s):
2004: $45,090
2
Category: 3101 - ARCHITECTURE AND URBAN ENVIRONMENT
Industry Partner(s):
City of Greater Bendigo
Warrnambool City Council
Summary:
The decline of country towns and subsequent population shifts to larger regional centres often places
significant stress on the facilities within these larger centres. Of particular importance to local
government are the implications regarding the provision of services for the aged. This project will
research the development of benchmarks and indicators to assist local governments to understand the
current and future needs of their aged communities. The research will comprise a pilot study
involving the Cities of Bendigo and Warrnambool to establish the current situation regarding
physical infrastructure and service provision and indicating future needs as the demographic profiles
change.
***
LP0212293
Administering Organisation: Deakin University
A/Prof JE Sherwood
A/Prof F Stagnitti
Mr J Hill
Title: Monitoring and Modelling Hydrogeochemical Interactions with Groundwater :
Implications for Mine Dewatering on Groundwater, River and Lake Chemistry
2002: $22,545
APA(I) Award(s):
2003: $22,545
2004: $22,545
1
Category: 2599 - OTHER CHEMICAL SCIENCES
Industry Partner(s):
Alcoa World Alumina Australia
Summary:
Alcoa operates a power station and brown coal mine at Anglesea in western Victoria. Following
heavy rain in 2000 acidic water entered the Anglesea estuary causing precipitation of iron and
aluminium flocs and fish kills. Estuary closure to tourism resulted. This project will identify the
cause(s) of this phenomenon by modelling groundwater movement and studying geochemical
processes. The resultant hydrogeochemical model will also be applied to simulating longer term
water quality changes in the catchment arising from current mine dewatering operations and future
rewatering following mine closure.
***
LP0211035
Administering Organisation: Deakin University
Dr GJ Treloar
Dr BD Ilozor
Title: Embodied energy modelling of individual commercial buildings
2002: $22,545
APA(I) Award(s):
2003: $22,545
2004: $22,545
1
Category: 3199 - OTHER ARCHITECTURE, URBAN ENVIRONMENT AND BUILDING
Industry Partner(s):
Sinclair Knight Merz Pty Ltd
Summary:
This research will develop a method for modelling the energy embodied in individual commercial
building construction. Construction material manufacturing emissions are well known in most
industries, but the total embodied energy of the construction supply chain is difficult to model for
individual buildings. For efficient commercial buildings, the embodied energy can represent up to 40
years of operational energy. The results will be used to develop cost effective strategies for
optimising the total life cycle energy of individual commercial buildings. This will in part improve the
environmental performance of the Australian construction industry.
***
LP0210010
Administering Organisation: Deakin University
Prof X Wang
Adj/Prof P Brady
Dr L Wang
Dr A Kaynak
Title: The characterization and pocessing of Australian grown hemp fibres
2002: $130,000
2003: $108,000
APA(I) Award(s):
2004: $86,000
2
Category: 2903 - MANUFACTURING ENGINEERING
Industry Partner(s):
Fibrenova Ltd
Summary:
This project will, for the first time, systematically examine the characteristics and processing
behaviour of Australian grown hemp fibres. The hemp industry is an emerging new industry in rural
Australia. This research will tackle a number of complex problems concerning characterization,
degumming, and processing of Australian grown hemp, and will engineer the finest and softest yarns
as well as industrial products from this hemp. This will position the local hemp industry as well fibre
processing industry in a very strong position to meet the growing demand world wide on this "green"
fibre.
***
LP0212999
Administering Organisation: Deakin University
Prof X Wang
Dr L Wang
Title: Controlling and Predicting the Pilling Propensity of Fabrics
2002: $45,090
APA(I) Award(s):
2003: $45,090
2004: $45,090
2
Category: 2903 - MANUFACTURING ENGINEERING
Industry Partner(s):
Australian Country Spinners Pty Ltd
A & B Knitwear Pty Ltd
Casaveen Holding Co.
Calcoup Inc Pty Ltd
Country Road Clothing Co. Pty Ltd
Graham Walters & Assoc. Pty Ltd
Macquarie Textile Group Ltd
Riverina Wool Combing Pty Ltd
Summary:
Pilling adversely affects the appearance of fabrics and garments. It is one of the most serious quality
problems for the textile industry, particularly the wool industry. This project will examine and
control the key factors that contribute to fabric pilling in the fibre-to-fabric conversion processes. It
also aims to predict fabric pilling performance from these factors. This will help the industry, along
the fibre to fabric chain, to understand the mechanism of pilling and to work together to manage and
control this long-standing problem for the benefit of the textile industry as well as textile consumers.
***
LP0211089
Administering Organisation: Deakin University
Dr SJ Wellard
Dr C Beanland
Ms ME Lewis
Title: Investigating consumer partnerships in the context of complex health service delivery
2002: $22,545
2003: $22,545
APA(I) Award(s):
2004: $22,545
1
Category: 3211 - NURSING
Industry Partner(s):
Box Hill Hospital
Cabrini Hospital
Summary:
Whilst increased consumer participation has been demonstrated to improve health outcomes, there
has been no translation to people with chronic illness using acute care services. People with chronic
conditions represent an increasing proportion of health care consumers and due to the existence of
co-morbidities their needs are usually complex. Despite this, they have been marginalised in the
current development of participatory models of service delivery. This project will investigate the
determinants of participation for consumers during episodes of acute health care, identify barriers to
their participation, and develop testable strategies for increasing effective consumer participation in
acute health care services.
***
La Trobe University
LP0219627
Administering Organisation: La Trobe University
Prof TS Dillon
A/Prof E Chang
Title: Virtual Collaborative Logistics and Partner to Partner Information Systems
2002: $162,100
APA(I) Award(s):
2003: $91,000
2
Category: 2801 - INFORMATION SYSTEMS
Industry Partner(s):
Seapower Resource Australian Pty. Ltd
Seapower Resource International Limited
Summary:
Increasingly there is a tendency around the world for logistics companies that provide transport and
warehousing services to band together to share their physical resources so they can extend their
reach beyond their current region of operation. When this is coupled with internet ordering and
status monitoring one has an e-logistics company that is a virtual logistics provider that gives access
to these shared resources. Such a virtual collaborative logistics consortium requires very strong
partner-to-partner IT support and communication. This project investigates the use of XML
(Extensible Mark-up Language) enabled mobile software agents to provide this support.
***
LP0211909
Administering Organisation: La Trobe University
Prof JJ Fitzgerald
Ms J Lydon
Mr PC Macgregor
Title: Images of Chinese in Australia, NZ and SE Asia, 1850-1950.
2002: $43,352
APA(I) Award(s):
2003: $43,352
2004: $43,352
1
Category: 4301 - HISTORICAL STUDIES
Industry Partner(s):
Museum of Chinese Australian History Inc
Summary:
This project combines historical analysis and database software to review all accessible extant images
of Chinese in Australia & NZ for the period (and a selection of images from Hong Kong, Shanghai
and Singapore), to (a) develop a sophisticated research tool for historians, which combines detailed
annotations of content and context of images with means for cross referencing these against a
framework of people, organisations, places, events, dates and concepts; (b) utilise this research tool,
and visual discourse analysis, to investigate, for Australia and Asia: (i) how Chinese chose to
represent themselves, and (ii) how Chinese were represented by Europeans.
***
LP0211754
Administering Organisation: La Trobe University
Prof V Lin
Ms M Wise
Dr T Keating
Dr P Sainsbury
Title: Strengthening the capacity of public health organisations to deliver effective public
health services
2002: $22,545
APA(I) Award(s):
2003: $22,545
2004: $22,545
1
Category: 3212 - PUBLIC HEALTH AND HEALTH SERVICES
Industry Partner(s):
National Public Health Partnership
Central Syndey Area Health Service
Commonwealth Department of Health and Aged Care
Department of Human Services, Victoria
Heart Foundation (NSW Division)
Queensland Health Department
Summary:
In an effort to maintain and improve the health of the population Australia has defined the core
public health functions that must be carried out. This project will examine public health
infrastructure and capacity in three states ? mapping the implementation of core functions, assessing
current infrastructure, comparing organisational approaches, and developing measures of local public
health capacity. These will then become industry benchmarks to guide investment and interventions,
and to assess the quality of these. The project will investigate the context in which core public health
functions are successfully delivered and develop tools to measure local capacity and delivery
functions.
***
LP0218591
Administering Organisation: La Trobe University
Prof PE Murphy
Dr JA Jackson
Title: Adding value to natural advantage through business clustering:Winners and losers
along the Murray River
2002: $22,545
APA(I) Award(s):
2003: $22,545
2004: $22,545
1
Category: 3402 - APPLIED ECONOMICS
Industry Partner(s):
Sunraysia Area Consultative Committee
Albury City Council
Mildura Grand Hotel
Investment Albury Wodonga
Summary:
In terms of river-based business activity, the success of cities located on the Murray River, such as
Albury/Wodonga, Echuca, Swan Hill and Mildura varies. We shall identify how some towns along
the river have added value to the natural advantage of the river through business clustering while
others have not. Processes by which successful communities have gained and retain advantage will
be compared with strategies applied by less successful towns. The concept of business clustering not
only permits regional diversity to be more readily understood, but points to future initiatives for less
successful regions.
***
LP0211598
Administering Organisation: La Trobe University
Dr RJ Seviour
Dr BB Johnson
Dr JA Soddell
A/Prof JD Wells
Dr PJ Pigram
Dr MJ Angove
Mr M Stamos
Title: Causes of and Cures for Microbiological Foams in Activated Sludge Wastewater
Treatment Plants
2002: $84,000
APA(I) Award(s):
2003: $75,000
2004: $75,000
1
Category: 2501 - PHYSICAL CHEMISTRY (INCL. STRUCTURAL)
Industry Partner(s):
South East Water Limited
Summary:
Little is known of the true diversity of the bacteria causing foaming in activated sludge systems, or
why and how they cause these foams. This application seeks funds for an interdisciplinary approach
to address these issues, involving input from microbiologists and surface chemists and physicists.
Molecular techniques will be used to determine precisely the foaming bacterial communities and their
physiology, while their surface chemistry and organisation will be studied to understand the
mechanisms involved in foaming with the intention of developing control strategies for this global
problem suitable for large scale application.
***
Monash University
LP0219725
Administering Organisation: Monash University
Dr DW Albrecht
Dr K Ting
Dr DL Dowe
Dr A Kowalczyk
Title: Developing Minimum Message Length and Support Vector Machine methods to predict
user behaviour.
2002: $45,090
APA(I) Award(s):
2003: $45,090
2004: $45,090
2
Category: 2802 - ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE AND SIGNAL AND IMAGE PROCESSING
Industry Partner(s):
Telstra Research Laboratories
Summary:
Predicting and modelling customer behaviour enables considerable savings in the telecommunications
industry and elsewhere. The resulting predictive models facilitate identifying novice users, identifying
fraud, responding to users' needs, guiding and advising users, and forwarding useful information.
We consider two cutting-edge data mining approaches, Minimum Message Length (developed and
led by Monash) and Support Vector Machines, in order to create efficient tailor-made software.
Our software will respond to specific groups of users, and their changes over time, rather than just
the average user. Moreover, it will integrate the functionalities of existing individual data mining
software.
***
LP0219665
Administering Organisation: Monash University
Dr AM Bouazza
Title: Settlement of municipal solid waste
2002: $22,545
APA(I) Award(s):
2003: $22,545
2004: $22,545
1
Category: 2908 - CIVIL ENGINEERING
Industry Partner(s):
Pioneer Australia Waste Management Pty. Ltd.
Summary:
The mechanisms governing municipal solid waste settlement are many and complex. There is a clear
need to adopt a methodology to forecast the landfilling space based on high quality full scale data
where composition, method of placement, compactive effort employed during placement of the
waste, thickness of daily cover, stage filling and local moisture content are all recorded. This is the
only sound scientific way forward to develop a predictive model that links settlement to these
parameters. This project will contribute to developing such a methodology for the benefit of the
Australian waste containment industry.
***
LP0220941
Administering Organisation: Monash University
Dr AM Bouazza
Title: Hydraulic durability of geosynthetic clay liners in steep slope sealing systems for
landfills constructed in former quarries
2002: $22,545
APA(I) Award(s):
2003: $22,545
1
Category: 2908 - CIVIL ENGINEERING
Industry Partner(s):
Geofabrics Australasia Pty. Ltd.
Summary:
Old quarries are increasingly used for the construction of landfills. The engineering challenge in
constructing such landfills includes developing an appropriate lining system for the often steep sided
quarry walls. The use of GCLs as part of the lining system can be a viable and a cost effective
solution. However, this solution suffers from the lack of meaningful data on their hydraulic durability
in this particular situation. This proposal presents an original approach to investigate this durability
under operating conditions typically encountered in steep sided quarries. This work is expected to
provide benefits to waste containment efforts at national and international level.
***
LP0214141
Administering Organisation: Monash University
Dr L Churilov
A/Prof J Wassertheil
Mr MA Ibrahim
Title: Information Technology Driven Reengineering of Emergency Health Care Facilities in
Australia: a Process Intelligence Perspective
2002: $22,545
2003: $22,545
APA(I) Award(s):
2004: $22,545
1
Category: 2801 - INFORMATION SYSTEMS
Industry Partner(s):
Peninsula Health Care Network
Summary:
Peninsula Health provides services to over 290,000 people. The number of cases when its emergency
departments reject ambulance arrivals and close on "by-pass" has recently increased dramatically.
Lack of reliable forecasting tools, underdeveloped models for resource allocation, the absence of
scenario analysis and process dynamics tracking tools that are able to simulate different scenarios, all
contribute to current challenging situation. This research investigates the issues of planning, design,
implementation, and monitoring of an integrated IT-based decision support system aimed at
reengineering the Industry Partner's business process flow in order to satisfy the demands for the
emergency medical care program.
***
LP0211068
Administering Organisation: Monash University
Prof JP Cull
Title: SCANEM : A Scanning and Inspection Method for Urban Pipeline Systems
2002: $80,000
2003: $73,000
2004: $73,000
Category: 2908 - CIVIL ENGINEERING
Industry Partner(s):
CSIRO
Tyco Water Pty Ltd
Summary:
Water and sewage utilities are crucial factors limiting economic growth and urban amenity. However
many of these facilities are subject to corrosion, fracture and collapse and new strategies are now
required to provide a sound basis for systematic remediation and replacement. Suitable strategies
involving a structural audit and statistical analysis have been proposed by CSIRO and Tyco Water.
However new geophysical inspection methods are now required to provide the key physical
parameters relating to pipeline condition. Hopefully the EM inspection tool resulting from this
project will provide the industrial partners with a unique capacity to satisfy a major global market.
***
LP0216013
Administering Organisation: Monash University
Prof D Kinley
Ms S Joseph
Mr M Davison
Ms J Schultz
Prof D Weissbrodt
Prof P Muchlinski
Title: The Human Rights Responsibilities of Multinational Corporations
2002: $31,419
2003: $50,643
2004: $52,934
Category: 3903 - JUSTICE AND LEGAL STUDIES
Industry Partner(s):
Premier Oil Plc
Normandy Mining Limited
Reputation Qest
Summary:
Human rights abuses are perpetrated by multinational corporations, yet they are subject to few laws
protecting human rights. Given the global power of these bodies, it is imperative and inevitable that
greater legal accountability mechanisms will be developed. Working with a consortium of major
industry partners, this project will identify current legal obligations on corporations to protect human
rights, their means of enforcement and investigate their likely future extension in Australia and
internationally. Best practice models for corporate compliance with these laws will be constructed
and all results will be widely disseminated and accessible in a variety of formats.
***
LP0212063
Administering Organisation: Monash University
Mr H LINGER
Dr F BURSTEIN
Dr KB KORB
Dr AE NICHOLSON
Mr C RYAN
Mr J KELLY
Title: IMPROVING METEOROLOGICAL FORECASTING PRACTICE WITH
KNOWLEDGE MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS
2002: $60,000
APA(I) Award(s):
2003: $100,000
2
2004: $84,000
Category: 2801 - INFORMATION SYSTEMS
Industry Partner(s):
Bureau of Meteorology
Summary:
This research aims to improve meteorological services through the application of knowledge
management to the forecast process. A comprehensive framework of knowledge management will be
developed that includes models of forecasters? explicit, tacit and experiential knowledge. Such
models allow forecasters to share knowledge and learn from their collective experience. The
development of computer based support systems, based on this framework, will enhance the Bureau
of Meteorology?s ability to compete internationally in the provision of complete forecasting systems.
Generalising the outcomes will provide industry with the means to adopt knowledge management
practices and enhance its ability to participate in the knowledge economy.
***
LP0214129
Administering Organisation: Monash University
A/Prof SM McKemmish
Dr CM Williamson
A/Prof F Burstein
A/Prof J Fisher
Ms JM Anderson
Ms S Lockwood
Title: An intelligent, user-sensitive portal to breast cancer knowledge online.
2002: $81,500
APA(I) Award(s):
2003: $82,000
2
Category: 2801 - INFORMATION SYSTEMS
Industry Partner(s):
Breast Cancer Action Group (VIC) Inc.
BreastCare Victoria
Summary:
Research indicates dissatisfaction with the quality of information provision amongst women with
breast cancer and their families, particularly in rural and regional areas. Information and decisionsupport needs vary depending on disease stage, education, age, location, and ethnicity. Customised,
in-time information access is critically important to BreastCare Victoria and the Breast Cancer
Action Group as it impacts significantly on health and life-style decisions. This joint project analyses
user needs, assesses and describes resources in user-sensitive ways, and designs and prototypes an
intelligent portal that provides differentiated access to breast cancer resources online. It also
advances general understandings of intelligent information provision.
***
LP0212010
Administering Organisation: Monash University
A/Prof C Mingins
Title: A Framework for Software Component Conformance Testing
2002: $22,545
2003: $22,545
APA(I) Award(s):
2004: $22,545
1
Category: 2803 - COMPUTER SOFTWARE
Industry Partner(s):
Powerflex Corporation
Summary:
This research aims to establish a framework - a method, set of tools and business process - within
which Commercial-off-the-shelf (COTS) software components can be tested for conformance to
client user requirements. There currently exists no general method for validating COTS components
without access to source code. We will ?wrap? components in human readable and executable
requirements specifications that will be the basis for: client/supplier negotiation about component
functionality; generating conformance test cases; documentation for integration testing; advertising
component capabilities. Outcome: a universally applicable component conformance framework
directly beneficial to SMEs, and supporting the development of a robust component marketplace.
***
LP0212047
Administering Organisation: Monash University
Prof CA Silagy
A/Prof B Cesnik
Dr SE Green
A/Prof J Anderson
Dr F Carinci
Title: A novel Internet-based clinical trial service
2002: $45,090
2003: $45,090
APA(I) Award(s):
2004: $45,090
2
Category: 2801 - INFORMATION SYSTEMS
Industry Partner(s):
Southern Health
Summary:
The best way to test whether a clinical treatment intervention is effective is a randomised controlled
trial (rct). Rcts are expensive, both in terms of resources and time. The internet may provide a
method of conducting rcts which is efficent and provides access to those in remote communities. The
purpose of this project is to assess the feasibility of developing a structure for conducting rcts using
the internet.
***
LP0214973
Administering Organisation: Monash University
Prof NJ Tapper
Dr LW Russell
Dr ID Bell
Title: Indigenous Weather: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander's perspectives on weather.
2002: $22,545
2003: $22,545
APA(I) Award(s):
2004: $22,545
1
Category: 3008 - ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES
Industry Partner(s):
ATSIC
Bureau of Meteorology
Summary:
This project aims to collect, synthesise and interpret Indigenous Australian knowledge on weather
patterns, seasonal variations, environmental and climatic change. The development of an Indigenous
weather knowledge data-base will be incorporated into the Bureau of Meteorology's external web
page and will provide much needed infomation on Indigenous people's understanding of their
enviroment.
***
LP0211671
Administering Organisation: Monash University
Dr CJ Trotter
Dr RJ Sheehan
Title: Women's access to welfare after prison
2002: $25,000
2003: $25,000
Category: 3702 - SOCIAL WORK
Industry Partner(s):
Catholic Social Services
Summary:
This project aims to examine the nature of welfare services available to women after they leave
Victorian prisons, how the women access these services and the extent to which the services meet
their needs and contribute to their rehabilitation. Although female ex-offenders are likely to have a
high need for welfare services, and the evidence suggests that these services can make a difference to
their successful re-integration, little is known about whether and how women access services or
benefit from them. The results of the project will inform the development of welfare services by the
industry partner and elsewhere.
***
LP0211772
Administering Organisation: Monash University
Prof A Trounson
Dr JR Morrison
Dr Z Du
Title: Developing technologies that support the genetic modification of rats.
2002: $127,728
2003: $118,348
APA(I) Award(s):
2004: $118,348
2
Category: 2708 - BIOTECHNOLOGY
Industry Partner(s):
CopyRat Pty Ltd
Summary:
Rats and the mouse play critical roles in medical research. Until recently, the targeted genetic
modification of a mammal was limited to the mouse. This was due to a technology that was unique
to the mouse: embryonic stem (ES) cells. These cells have not been isolated from any other species.
The recent development of animal cloning allows for an alternate strategy for targeting genes. We
propose to develop cloning strategies in the rat that supports the genetic modification of this animal.
The development of this technology will bring considerable benefits to the areas of physiological
research and drug design.
***
LP0214164
Administering Organisation: Monash University
Prof AO Trounson
Dr RA Mollard
Title: The Production of Respiratory Cell Lineages from Human Embryonic Stem Cells:
Towards a Cell Replacement Therapy for the Treatment of Respiratory Specific Deficits
2002: $75,749
APA(I) Award(s):
2003: $68,174
2004: $68,174
1
Category: 2708 - BIOTECHNOLOGY
Industry Partner(s):
ES Cell Australia Pty Ltd
Summary:
Embryonic stem (ES) cells are a primitive embryonic cell type that can be maintained and grown in
vitro. Mouse ES cells can be instructed to develop into a wide range of specific adult cell types.
Research into human ES cells has more recently commenced and has already resulted in the
controlled production of specific nerve cells by our group. The following project aims to create
respiratory lineages from both mouse and human ES cells. Such an undertaking thus aims to provide
a basis for the treatment of respiratory specific diseases such as cystic fibrosis and emphysema.
***
LP0230976
Administering Organisation: Monash University
Prof AO Trounson
Dr A French
Title: Identification of nuclear reprogramming factors in oocyte cytoplasm
2002: $22,545
APA(I) Award(s):
2003: $22,545
2004: $22,545
1
Category: 2702 - GENETICS
Industry Partner(s):
Genetics Australia Co-op Ltd
Summary:
The mature oocyte contains dominant factors that are capable of erasing tissue specific gene
expression profiles of somatic cells. These reprogramming factors would be valuable for
dedifferentiation of cells and for nuclear transfer in animal cloning. The research involves
determination of reprogramming factors present in active cytoplasm following enucleation of the
germinal vesicle, blockage of transcription and translation, and timed cultures. The assays will
involve maintenance of reprogramming ability and erasure of somatic gene transcription. By
subtractive elimination the function of isolated proteins which are involved in reprogramming will be
identified for potential recombinant production.
***
LP0219691
Administering Organisation: Monash University
A/Prof HR Wu
Dr B Qiu
Dr J Zhang
Dr Z Yu
Title: Vision Model Based Perceptual Digital Video Coding
2002: $22,545
APA(I) Award(s):
2003: $22,545
2004: $22,545
1
Category: 2802 - ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE AND SIGNAL AND IMAGE PROCESSING
Industry Partner(s):
Motorola Australian Research Centre
Summary:
Digital video coding and compression is an enabling technology and has diversified applications in
audiovisual communications, multimedia computing, digital television broadcast and electronic
entertainment industries. The project aims at spearheading research in theory, techniques and
implementation of perceptual video coding in order to achieve constant and guaranteed quality in
visual communications and services. It will explore a new approach to digital video coding other
than the constant bit rate coding techniques which have dominated digital video research for the past
four decades. It will form a part of the theoretical foundation and principles for the next generation
video coding and compression techniques, and may lead to new standards and practice.
***
LP0211384
Administering Organisation: Monash University
Dr AB Zaslavsky
Dr S Loke
Title: e-Hermes: Context-rich mobile agent technologies to support information needs of
financial institutions
2002: $45,090
APA(I) Award(s):
2003: $45,090
2004: $45,090
2
Category: 2803 - COMPUTER SOFTWARE
Industry Partner(s):
BJD Financial group Pty Ltd
Summary:
How do we achieve flexibility and efficiency of financial services in electronic commerce
environment using mobile software agents? To address this question the project will extend a system
architecture based on mobile agents, which retrieve, pre-process and deliver relevant information to
potentially mobile users. Two major components ? information processor and agent mission
processor - will be researched and developed by two PhD scholars to be supported by this
application. The project results could be commercialised by the industry partner. The project is
innovative in that it considers the emerging agent paradigm as an integrated distributed system in the
e-commerce environment.
***
RMIT University
LP0219355
Administering Organisation: RMIT University
Prof SK Bhargava
Dr DB Akolekar
Dr SC Grocott
Title: Low Temperature Catlytic Wet Oxidation of Organics from Strippped Sour Water
2002: $50,000
APA(I) Award(s):
2003: $50,000
2004: $50,000
1
Category: 2599 - OTHER CHEMICAL SCIENCES
Industry Partner(s):
Southern Pacific Petroleum (Development) Pty Ltd
Summary:
The commercialisation of a ~$3billion Australian oil shale industry heavily depends upon
environmental sustainability of its technology. One key environmental issue of this technology is a
need to remove organics from an aqueous industrial stream (stripped sour water). This proposal aims
to develop a method based on catalytic wet oxidation for removing organics from stripped sour
water. Research will be focused to develop and study potential catalytic systems to lower the
activation energy of the rate-determining step and to increase the rate of organics oxidation. The
development of such a method would be a substantial technology achievement with many
applications in pollution control for wastewater treatment in many other industries.
***
LP0219326
Administering Organisation: RMIT University
A/Prof WE Cartwright
Dr S Miller
Mr K Mitchell
Title: Development of Representation, Presentation and Interaction Models for the
2002: $22,545
APA(I) Award(s):
2003: $22,545
2004: $22,545
1
Category: 2910 - GEOMATIC ENGINEERING
Industry Partner(s):
Webraska Australia Pty Ltd
Summary:
The primary aims of this research are to develop representation, presentation and interaction models
for the delivery of geospatial information using WAP-enabled cellular phone and mobile Internet
technology and to implement these for the purposes of Australian fleet drivers. Research and testing
relating to small-screen delivery of geospatial information is necessary to ensure that future products
and services are usable and satisfy user needs. Expected outcomes include a greater understanding
of the requirements of the Australian market, new models that will contribute to the evolution of the
geospatial mobile Internet industry and a functional prototype with the potential for
commercialisation.
***
LP0226418
Administering Organisation: RMIT University
Dr T Dalton
Mr G Johnson
Dr J Murphy
Title: A longitudinal study of the housing stability of the homeless in Victoria
2002: $22,545
APA(I) Award(s):
2003: $22,545
2004: $22,545
1
Category: 3602 - POLICY AND ADMINISTRATION
Industry Partner(s):
Argyle St Housing Service
Summary:
This is a longitudinal panel study of the homeless in urban and rural Victoria; it will interview
residents of transitional housing over two years, analysing factors that contribute to success or
failure in achieving housing stability. The research starts from the assumption that homelessness is
not simply a condition of being without shelter at a specific point in time, but is a situation of chronic
housing instability. The project proposal has the support of a consortium of housing agencies in
urban and rural Victoria who anticipate specific outcomes in service design evaluation and in detailed
knowledge about the causes of homelessness.
***
LP0219466
Administering Organisation: RMIT University
Prof RW Faff
Prof DE Allen
Prof TJ Brailsford
Title: An Evaluation of the Morningstar System of Managed Fund Ratings in Australia and
New Zealand
2002: $36,000
2003: $36,000
APA(I) Award(s):
2004: $36,000
1
Category: 3503 - BANKING, FINANCE AND INVESTMENT
Industry Partner(s):
Morningstar
Summary:
This project evaluates the Morningstar system of rating managed funds. Fund ratings considerably
influence who manages A$590 billion (June 2000 - AXISS Australia) in investment funds and are
thus important to the efficient operation of the Australian capital market. Key project elements are:
(1) thorough investigation of the domestic Morningstar ratings methodology, identifying its strengths
and weaknesses; (2) comparison of the US and Australasian methodologies; (3) analysis of the
predictive ability of ratings; (4) an investigation into the feasibility of rating funds on stock selection
and market timing; and (5) an investigation of the impact of Morningstar ratings on fund flows.
***
LP0222482
Administering Organisation: RMIT University
Dr S John
Dr T Vinay
Prof I Herszberg
Title: Active Vibration Control of a Cricket Bat using Piezoelectric-based Smart Materials
Technology
2002: $45,090
APA(I) Award(s):
2003: $45,090
2004: $22,545
2
Category: 2903 - MANUFACTURING ENGINEERING
Industry Partner(s):
MB & KJ Davison Pty Ltd
Kookaburra Sport Pty Ltd
Summary:
Improvement of sporting equipment performance of late has largely ignored the game of cricket.
Using the combined disciplines of advanced materials and control technologies, it is anticipated that
the traditional cricket bat can be vastly improved while keeping to bat modification guidelines as
specified in the rules of the game. This project involves the dynamic study of the bat using
established experimental techniques. Once the various regions of high strain rates are determined,
smart materials technologies will be used to reduce the transient vibrations transmitted to the
batsman. The effect of this monitoring and control is to increase the comfort level and hence,
effectiveness of the batsman.
***
LP0219346
Administering Organisation: RMIT University
Dr J Keating
A/Prof R Teese
Dr J Polesel
Ms V Volkoff
Prof P Allen
Title: Education and training and regional networks: the implications for outcomes and
governance.
2002: $72,000
2003: $67,000
2004: $65,000
Category: 3301 - EDUCATION STUDIES
Industry Partner(s):
Dept Education, Employment and Training
Summary:
The project will investigate local learning and employment networks (LLENs) that have been
established in Victoria. It will analyse the effectiveness of networks in delivering education and
training services and improving outcomes for young people. The inter- and intra-action of networks,
and their relationships with government in policy formation will also be analysed. The project is
located in a major and unique innovation in education and training, and for the first time will apply
meso level theory and methodology in this area of public policy. It will provide new findings on
effectiveness of networks in education outcomes.
***
LP0219239
Administering Organisation: RMIT University
Dr TA Macrides
Dr PF Wright
Mr JM Broadbent
Title: Natural Therapeutic Products from Shark Bile
2002: $85,000
APA(I) Award(s):
2003: $90,000
1
2004: $90,000
Category: 2503 - ORGANIC CHEMISTRY
Industry Partner(s):
McFarlane Marketing Aust Pty Ltd
Summary:
Scymnol and its sulfate are natural therapeutic products from shark bile with highly potent antioxidant and liver-protective activities. The Industry Partner and Macrides have co-patented the
synthesis of scymnol to avoid using scarce natural resources. However, unresolved problems in
scale-up of production have prevented them from supplying the growing demands of cosmetic and
health food companies. Our research group has recently developed a potential synthetic route for
scymnol sulfate. The present project aims to develop a commercially-viable scale-up of this synthesis
for manufacturing scymnol and scymnol sulfate to solve current supply problems; and to provide
essential safety information for their appropriate use; and evaluate potential new therapeutic uses.
***
LP0231424
Administering Organisation: RMIT University
Dr P Miller
Dr JB Smart
Ms L Boston
Title: Girls, Empowerment, and Markets in Education: A History of The Mac.Robertsons
Girls' High School
2002: $22,545
APA(I) Award(s):
2003: $22,545
2004: $22,545
1
Category: 4301 - HISTORICAL STUDIES
Industry Partner(s):
The Mac.Roberton Girls' High School
Summary:
With its centenary approaching, the school wants to evaluate its past. In cooperation with RMIT, the
writing of a school history can produce three important outcomes. As historian in residence, the
doctoral scholar can provide focus for self reflection by the school community. As social history, the
work can fill a significant gap in the understanding of publicly funded education in Australia. As
contribution to policy, it can address two continuing debates: about the place of selective state
schools in a national system of education, and about the dynamics of single sex schools, and the
education of girls more generally.
***
LP0219474
Administering Organisation: RMIT University
A/Prof S Murray
Prof M Berry
A/Prof P Downton
Title: The Ageing of Aquarius: Designing new housing solutions for Australia's baby-boomers
2002: $45,000
APA(I) Award(s):
2003: $49,500
1
Category: 3101 - ARCHITECTURE AND URBAN ENVIRONMENT
Industry Partner(s):
Mirvac Victoria Pty Ltd
Cash Engineering Research Pty Ltd
Summary:
The economically most powerful demographic group in Australian society is the relatively wealthy
baby-boomer cohort as it enters a period of unprecedented and extended retirement activity. This
period will create unique housing demands and require new insights into the nature of dwelling
provision and preferences for this group. The housing industry is historically hampered by an inability
to innovate and provide these types of solutions. This research will establish design-based
methodologies and practices that would enable industry to discern and provide for the future housing
needs of this group, and contribute to the development of innovation in the industry generally.
***
LP0218928
Administering Organisation: RMIT University
A/Prof L Padgham
Dr J Harland
Ms W Liu
Dr A Lucas
Mr A Hodgson
Title: Flexible and Robust Protocol-Based Interaction between Agents in Open Systems
2002: $72,862
2003: $66,862
2004: $66,862
Category: 2801 - INFORMATION SYSTEMS
Industry Partner(s):
Agent Oriented Software
Summary:
There has been much discussion of the importance of software agents for supporting a wide variety
of interaction between businesses and individuals over the internet. Important applications include ecommerce and b2b applications. For the potential of software agents to be realised in open systems,
issues of flexibility, robustness, and extensibility are critical. This project addresses the development
of flexible and powerful mechanisms for interaction, within the context of FIPA (Foundation for
Intelligent Physical Agents) standards. The project uses FIPA's Agentcities as a test bed, enabling us
to build on and co-operate with a large European project starting mid 2001.
***
LP0219455
Administering Organisation: RMIT University
Prof B Probert
Ms P Hall
Title: Drivers and contexts of affirmative action, equal opportunity and diversity strategies
2002: $55,000
2003: $24,000
Category: 3502 - BUSINESS AND MANAGEMENT
Industry Partner(s):
Equal Opportunity for Women in the Workplace Agency
National Diversity Think Tank Incorporated
Summary:
This project will use a case-study approach to provide a series of rich accounts about the
introduction, implementation and evaluation of affirmative action and equal employment opportunity
strategies in twelve Australian organizations. Focussing on in-depth interviews with key personnel
from the Chief Executive Officers to those women intended to benefit from such strategies, the
research will provide ground-breaking evidence about the drivers behind such organizational change,
the factors associated with successful implementation, and the range of indicators on which such
strategies have been evaluated.
***
LP0234988
Administering Organisation: RMIT University
Prof AJ Sinclair
Dr R Stockmann
Dr T Stelmasiak
Title: Tomato and vegetable oil synergies for healthier foods
2002: $22,545
2003: $22,545
APA(I) Award(s):
1
Category: 2901 - INDUSTRIAL BIOTECHNOLOGY AND FOOD SCIENCES
Industry Partner(s):
Anadis Limited
Summary:
Vegetable and fruit products are recognised for their content of health-promoting phytonutrients.
This project will investigate the bioavailability and subsequent in-vivo antioxidant activity of
tomatoes and vegetable oils alone or in combination. A second aim will be to isolate particular
phytonutrients from tomates and selected vegetable oils, and then to combine them for determination
of synergistic interactions affecting antioxidant activity. Opportunities for the preparation of new
phytonutrient-oil combination foods with increased antioxidant activity and the potential to enhance
the health status of consumers will be developed. The research will provide food processors with
expertise to develop novel plant-derived ingredients and food products for sale in the internationally
growing functional foods market.
***
LP0218853
Administering Organisation: RMIT University
A/Prof Z Tari
Prof WF Appelbe
Mr R Mullings
Mr G Walmsley
Title: Developing Robust Mobile Middleware for Large Scale Distributed On-line
Applications
2002: $70,500
2003: $60,500
2004: $60,500
Category: 2801 - INFORMATION SYSTEMS
Industry Partner(s):
CMS Transport Systems Pty Ltd
Summary:
Existing electronic commerce have shown profound limitations when dealing with key issues related
to electronic commerce applications, such as data interoperability, mobility and performance. The
aim of this project is to understand the complexity of the underlying problems related to electronic
commerce applications, and to subsequently produce a robust and efficient infrastructure to support
them. It is significant because it is expected to automate most of the tedious and complex activities
of on-line transactions. The main outcome will be a set of techniques and programs that will form
the basis of the commercial software, with a significant export potential.
***
LP0232264
Administering Organisation: RMIT University
A/Prof S Watkins
Mr LR Mole
Title: Variable Geometry Cooling Intakes for Passenger Vehicles
2002: $22,545
APA(I) Award(s):
2003: $22,545
1
Category: 2904 - AUTOMOTIVE ENGINEERING
Industry Partner(s):
Ford Motor Company, Product Development
Summary:
Cars reject engine heat via air forced through the grille, radiator and engine bay. The associated
"cooling drag" increases total aerodynamic drag by 10-15% hence increasing fuel consumption. The
highest heat load that needs to be rejected by the engine determines the quantity of cooling air,
resulting in systems that are over designed for typical driving. This research provides a strategy of
adjusting the cooling airflow to match the engine requirements (via variable geometry intakes that
can be under the control of the engine management computer) offering substantial reductions in fuel
consumption and emissions.
***
LP0219406
Administering Organisation: RMIT University
Dr I Yarovsky
Dr HR Treutlein
Dr DR McKenzie
A/Prof JA Carver
Prof M Bilek
Title: Response of Proteins to External Non-Ionising Radiation: an Experimental and
Computer Modelling Investigation
2002: $80,000
2003: $85,000
APA(I) Award(s):
2004: $85,000
2
Category: 2506 - THEORETICAL AND COMPUTATIONAL CHEMISTRY
Industry Partner(s):
Cytopia
Summary:
The expanding use of digital technologies such as mobile phones has led to major health concerns
about the effects of non-ionising pulsed radiation exposure which has been shown to produce
instantaneous temperature rises undetectable by normal thermometry. The health implications of
exposure are not understandable without establishing molecular mechanisms by which pulsed
microwaves can cause biological effects. We aim to establish methods for studying the molecular
mechanisms of protein structural and energetic changes occurring due to non-ionising radiation. The
results will help our industry partner to design specific drugs as well as formulate a scientifically
based standard for microwave utilisation.
***
Swinburne University of Technology
LP0219469
Administering Organisation: Swinburne University of Technology
Prof TW Burke
Dr D Hayward
Title: Inner urban public housing redevelopment: a case study of the high rise estate at
Kensington, Melbourne
2002: $22,545
2003: $22,545
APA(I) Award(s):
2004: $22,545
1
Category: 3704 - HUMAN GEOGRAPHY
Industry Partner(s):
Office of Housing
Summary:
Many of the old public housing estates in Australia require redevelopment, the first of these high rise
towers now due for demolition in Melbourne. This project will trace the redevelopment process on
one estate from conception to post-occupancy, analysing the financial, organisational, political and
construction hurdles that had to be overcome. This analysis will serve as a comprehensive model for
other imminent developments, particularly as a model for the incorporation of private sector
development interests.
***
LP0232196
Administering Organisation: Swinburne University of Technology
Prof TW Burke
Dr D Hayward
Title: Public-private partnerships as a solution to housing affordability problems: a case study
of an inner urban development
2002: $22,545
2003: $22,545
APA(I) Award(s):
2004: $22,545
1
Category: 3704 - HUMAN GEOGRAPHY
Industry Partner(s):
City of Port Phillip
Summary:
Through a case study of an innovative inner city, medium density, low cost housing project, the
characteristics of a public-private partnership will be described and analysed in many contexts. The
financial, political and institutional impediments to the development of such ventures will be
identified and broadened to a solution for other Australian municipalities. This will be achieved by
policy and process recommendations. The model will be used to provide a practical solution to low
cost inner city housing, which to date has not been sustainably achieved in Australia.
***
LP0232200
Administering Organisation: Swinburne University of Technology
Prof TW Burke
Dr D Hayward
Title: Managing medium density development: a municipal case study
2002: $22,545
2003: $22,545
APA(I) Award(s):
2004: $22,545
1
Category: 3704 - HUMAN GEOGRAPHY
Industry Partner(s):
City of Boroondara
Summary:
There has been no applied, local government-focused research on medium-density residential
development. This issue creates the most political and planning problems for many urban local
governments in Australia. Using the case study municipality of Boroondara (Melbourne), the aim is
to identify, explain and address the many problems associated with such development. This will
advance our knowledge about the implications of medium density housing for municipalities and thus
enable the implementation of better management practices.
***
LP0211171
Administering Organisation: Swinburne University of Technology
A/Prof SR Clarke
Title: Dynamic prediction models in Australian rules football using real time performance
statistics
2002: $22,545
2003: $22,545
APA(I) Award(s):
2004: $22,545
1
Category: 2302 - STATISTICS
Industry Partner(s):
Champion Data
Summary:
The study is a collaborative venture with Champion Data, the Australian leader in the collection and
transmission of real time sporting data, and official provider of the Australian Football League (AFL)
statistics. The aim is to develop a real time on line predictive model for AFL football. The model
will use the statistics Champion Data collect as the match progresses as inputs to continually update
estimates of the probabilities of various outcomes of interest such as the winner of the match and the
margin of victory. The project will assist Champion in their strategic aim to provide an on line form
guide.
***
LP0211975
Administering Organisation: Swinburne University of Technology
Dr MF Malherbe
Prof KC Pratt
Dr K Ahmed
Dr PC Andy
Title: Reforming of Liquid Hydrocarbon Fuels for Application in Solid Oxide Fuel Cells
Technology
2002: $67,000
2003: $70,186
2004: $70,000
APDI - Dr PC Andy
Category: 2501 - PHYSICAL CHEMISTRY (INCL. STRUCTURAL)
Industry Partner(s):
Ceramic Fuel Cells Limited
Summary:
The project will aim at developing a fuel processing system for solid oxide fuel cells which will have
the advantages of being fuel flexible through the conversion of liquid fuels (gasoline, LPG, diesel) for
application in small to medium stationary power generation systems. This investigation will also
generate fundamental information and understanding concerning the catalytic reforming of liquid
hydrocarbon fuels to produce adequate feeds for SOFCs. These distributed energy devices are of
high efficiency and with a novel technology the industrial partner will aim to offer products with high
value propositions in the critical areas of price, reliability and service.
***
LP0232442
Administering Organisation: Swinburne University of Technology
Dr SH Masood
A/Prof M Brandt
Title: Laser Assisted Machining of Hard-to-wear Materials for Slurry Pump and Mineral
Processing Equipment
2002: $22,545
APA(I) Award(s):
2003: $22,545
1
Category: 2903 - MANUFACTURING ENGINEERING
Industry Partner(s):
Warman International Ltd
Summary:
The project aims to develop techniques for commercially applicable machining of very hard-to-wear
materials using high power laser beams. Traditional techniques of machining such components using
cubic boron nitride (CBN) based cutting tools are highly time consuming and expensive both in
terms of labour costs and inserts costs. The laser assisted machining of these materials is expected to
reduce the cost and lead time of manufacturing, provide improved tool wear life, and improved on
time delivery of products. The technology will have application to the manufacture and use of slurry
pumps associated with the mineral processing and mining industries.
***
LP0233470
Administering Organisation: Swinburne University of Technology
Dr SH Masood
Dr PG Iovenitti
Title: Development of High Performance Mechanical Sorting of Plastics for Recycling
2002: $22,545
APA(I) Award(s):
2003: $22,545
1
Category: 2903 - MANUFACTURING ENGINEERING
Industry Partner(s):
Visy PLastics Company
Summary:
This research program aims to develop and test a range of high performance, mechanical in-process
plastics sorting technologies in conjunction with Australia's lead recycling company. Currently,
recycling techniques result in an insufficient purity and quality level, thus limiting the extent of
recycling and opportunity for end product applications. Increasing the purity of recycled plastics and
economics of recycling, without compromising throughput levels, will result in an increase in
recycling rates and the range of applications of recycled plastics.
***
LP0219307
Administering Organisation: Swinburne University of Technology
Prof SM Moore
Title: Enhancing psychosocial adaptation after temporal lobectomy surgery for control of
epilepsy seizures
2002: $22,545
APA(I) Award(s):
2003: $22,545
2004: $22,545
1
Category: 3801 - PSYCHOLOGY
Industry Partner(s):
Epilepsy Foundation of Victoria
Summary:
Preliminary data from individuals who have experienced temporal lobectomy surgery for control of
epilepsy seizures suggests that (a) psychosocial adjustment problems may occur even when the
neurological outcome is excellent, and (b) satisfaction with surgery/ post-surgery adjustment relates
to perceived control over pre-surgery decision- making. The aim of this study is to improve presurgery procedure and post-surgery support by investigating psychosocial outcomes of epilepsy
surgery, and relating these to perceived and actual pre-surgery preparation, including education,
counselling and social support. The results of the study will inform development of resource material
for the medical profession and potential surgery clients, as well as contributing to improved
understanding of the relationship between pre-surgery procedures and psychosocial outcomes.
***
LP0227129
Administering Organisation: Swinburne University of Technology
A/Prof YS Morsi
A/Prof J Mazumdar
Title: Particle deposition in the human lung - Computer Aided Design
2002: $22,545
APA(I) Award(s):
2003: $22,545
2004: $22,545
1
Category: 2802 - ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE AND SIGNAL AND IMAGE PROCESSING
Industry Partner(s):
Finite Element Analysis (Australia) Pty Ltd
Summary:
Inhaled particles can cause a variety pulmonary injuries and diseases such as asthma, bronchitis and
chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) etc. A limited multiple-path model will be employed
to simulate efficiencies of particle deposition in the human lung. The model developed in this work is
different from other available models in that it is based on an asymmetrical branching network for
first three generations. This project aims to assist people to monitor atmospheric quantity and assess
the risk of deposition of particles. A new commercial code will be developed as new marketable
software packages.
***
LP0228782
Administering Organisation: Swinburne University of Technology
A/Prof YS Morsi
Title: Flow field evaluation of AusIron top submerged injection system
2002: $22,545
2003: $22,545
APA(I) Award(s):
2004: $22,545
1
Category: 2913 - METALLURGY
Industry Partner(s):
Ausmelt Ltd
Summary:
The top submerged gas injection system is widely used in the metallurgical industry in many metal
refining processes. The AusIron process, which uses dual top submerged lances injection, has been
developed recently for direct smelting of iron ore to produce pig iron using low quality coal as fuel
and reductant. Successful implementation of the process requires optimum furnace design. This
project aims to study fluid flow within the furnace using a laboratory scale model, plant trials and
numerical analysis. The project will enhance our fundamental understanding of the top submerged
injection processes and assist in optimising AusIron furnace design.
***
LP0210409
Administering Organisation: Swinburne University of Technology
A/Prof CR Nagarajah
Dr PG Iovenitti
Dr KW Thomson
Title: Zero Defect Manufacturing of Complex Assemblies
2002: $66,088
2003: $51,162
2004: $47,336
Category: 2802 - ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE AND SIGNAL AND IMAGE PROCESSING
Industry Partner(s):
Nylex Industrial Products
Summary:
The aim of this research project is to develop the tools required to design and implement zero defect
manufacturing systems. It is intended that generic guidelines will be developed for achieving zero
defect manufacturing of complex assemblies in a cost effective manner. Methodologies and
techniques derived from these guidelines will be tested and validated on an existing door trim
assembly production line. This project with its emphasis on utilising manufacturing systems involving
a mix of human and robot based operations and in process inspection techniques to achieve defect
free manufacturing is particularly relevant to medium size component suppliers.
***
LP0233378
Administering Organisation: Swinburne University of Technology
Dr I Sbarski
Dr SH Masood
Title: Development of composite materials from waste paper and plastics
2002: $22,545
2003: $22,545
APA(I) Award(s):
1
Category: 2914 - MATERIALS ENGINEERING
Industry Partner(s):
Visy Plastics Company
Summary:
Significant tonnages of plastics are currently not recycled because of paper impurities. This project
will develop compounding and processing procedures, define the thermal and mechanical properties
of the recycled composites and develop novel composite materials using plastics as a matrix and
waste paper as a filler. These processes will then be applied to factory trials.
***
The University of Melbourne
LP0211548
Administering Organisation: The University of Melbourne
Prof MA Abernethy
Prof MK Horne
Prof FH Selto
Dr AM Lillis
Title: Design and Implementation of a Clinical Services Performance Management Model
2002: $65,000
2003: $65,000
2004: $61,000
Category: 3501 - ACCOUNTING, AUDITING AND ACCOUNTABILITY
Industry Partner(s):
Southern Health Network
Summary:
This project aims to develop and test the efficacy of a balanced scorecard-based performance
management model in a large public hospital. The project seeks to address significant performance
management issues in the health care sector associated with the need to balance clinical care quality
and resource management in an environment where conventional performance measurement systems
are inadequate. The outcome will be a performance management model developed in collaboration
with clinicians, field tested experimentally in a range of clinical settings and evaluated for
effectiveness. The outcomes of the project will make a substantive contribution to the development
of 'best practice' management protocols in the health care sector as well as a significant and
innovative contribution to the management control literature.
***
LP0211315
Administering Organisation: The University of Melbourne
Prof MA ADAMS
Dr P HOPMANS
Dr JM SASSE
Dr JD MORRIS
Title: Improved growth of Pinus radiata through better modelling and management of
photosynthesis and respiration.
2002: $231,000
APA(I) Award(s):
2003: $147,000
2004: $147,000
2005: $147,000
2
Category: 3006 - FORESTRY SCIENCES
Industry Partner(s):
Hancock Victorian Plantations Pty Ltd
Summary:
This research will use recently developed technologies to deliver the first comprehensive analysis of
the effects of thinning and fertilizer on distribution of photosynthetically active proteins and
nitrogenous metabolites in P. radiata. We seek to develop mechanistic and empirical understandings
of photosynthesis, respiration, water use and growth and thus better model and predict effects of
management actions on yield of commercial softwood plantations. We will also apply similarly new
but complementary and compatible technologies to assess photosynthesis, water use and respiration
characteristics of a range of P. radiata genotypes of known growth potential. Our aim here is to
develop new tools to help selection of high-yielding genotypes. The data collected will again be used
to inform our development of a new growth model where the 'driver' of growth is respiration and
where hydraulic architecture and soil water balance limits photosynthesis and water use.
***
LP0219348
Administering Organisation: The University of Melbourne
Dr K Alford
Dr DC Voaklander
Dr KD Kelly
Dr G Jones
Title: Rural General Practitioners in Australia: Costs, Returns and Relative Work Value of
Rural Compared with Urban Private General Practitioners
2002: $22,545
APA(I) Award(s):
2003: $22,545
2004: $22,545
1
Category: 3602 - POLICY AND ADMINISTRATION
Industry Partner(s):
North East Victorian Division of General Practice
Summary:
Aims:
* To conduct a rurally focused study of GPs in Australia, to address rural GPs' concerns about
remuneration, and consumers' concerns about access to rural GPs.
* To examine costs, prices, returns and work value differentials between rural and urban GPs.
Significance:
* The first systematic economic evaluation of rural GP remuneration and work value in Australia.
* Reflection of the profession's geographical heterogeneity in policy recommendations.
Expected outcomes:
* Improved measurements of effects of geographcial location on costs, remuneration and relative
work value of rural GPs.
* Improved understanding of effects of differential rates of GP bulk-billing.
***
LP0210017
Administering Organisation: The University of Melbourne
Dr L Aye
Dr A Ooi
Dr G Rosengarten
Prof M Behnia
Title: Thermal Storage for Built Environment
2002: $22,545
APA(I) Award(s):
2003: $22,545
2004: $22,545
1
Category: 2918 - INTERDISCIPLINARY ENGINEERING
Industry Partner(s):
Fantech Pty Ltd
Environmental Control Services Pty. Ltd
Bassett Applied Research
Summary:
Thermal storage systems with Phase Chage Materials (PCM) can be ulilised to reduce the energy
required to cool and heat buildings. The PCM used has a freezing point around 20C. Thus alowing
cool summer night air to freeze the PCM overnight. During the day warmer outside air is cooled
significantly as it melts the PCM. PCM systems can be retrofitted to existing systems to precool the
outside air, and thus significantly reduce the energy required to cool a building. This project deals
with design, simulation and optimisation of this kind of thermal storage system. A laboratory
prototype system will also be built and tested.
***
LP0218840
Administering Organisation: The University of Melbourne
Dr PL BHALLA
A/Prof MB SINGH
Title: Expression of value added product in wheat
2002: $120,416
2003: $94,008
2004: $94,008
Category: 3002 - CROP AND PASTURE PRODUCTION
Industry Partner(s):
Access Genetics Pty Ltd
Summary:
Wheat is an important food crop due to nutritional value of its seeds. Advances in development of
reliable methods for plant genetic transformation now make it possible to apply genetic engineering
to the improvement of this important crop. In this linkage application, we aim to introduce a gene
for a value added nutraceutical product in elite cultivars of wheat. The successful outcome of the
proposed project will lead to the development of value added wheat varieties that cannot be achieved
through conventional breeding and will provide Australian industry competitive advantage in rapidly
growing world wide market for new health promoting foods.
***
LP0215949
Administering Organisation: The University of Melbourne
Dr JI Borland
Mr AD Harding
Title: Job vacancies in Australia
2002: $22,545
2003: $22,545
APA(I) Award(s):
2004: $22,545
1
Category: 3402 - APPLIED ECONOMICS
Industry Partner(s):
ANZ
Summary:
The objective of this project is to improve understanding of available measures of job vacancies in
the Australian economy, and how those measures can be applied to study the operation of the labour
market and in forecasting macroeconomic outcomes. It will increase knowledge about the
appropriate use of alternative measures of vacancies, and how those measures have been affected by
changes to methods of job search and hiring with the advent of the internet and labour hire agencies.
The significance of the project derives from the important role of measures of vacancies in labour
market and macroeconomic analysis in Australia.
***
LP0211919
Administering Organisation: The University of Melbourne
Dr G Bossinger
Dr SG Southerton
Dr GF Moran
Dr Q Wang
Dr MA Leitch
Title: Identification of genes controlling wood fibre properties in Eucalyptus nitens
2002: $60,090
2003: $54,081
APA(I) Award(s):
2004: $54,081
2
Category: 2702 - GENETICS
Industry Partner(s):
Sappi Forests Research
Summary:
Australian forestry is shifting to high intensity eucalypt plantations and increasingly focussing on
development of breeds and clones with superior wood and pulp traits. Many of these traits are under
moderate to strong genetic control and DNA markers have helped identify regions on eucalypt
chromosomes that influence these traits. This project aims to identify the genes at these
chromosomal locations that influence wood fibre development and which have a strong influence on
major commercial traits. The project will increase our understanding of wood and fibre development
in eucalypts, and facilitate development of genetic markers to track superior genes during breeding.
***
LP0211045
Administering Organisation: The University of Melbourne
Dr PA Collier
Dr FJ Leahy
Prof IP Williamson
Mr BA Murphy
Title: Defining and developing a marine cadastre for Australia
2002: $92,000
APA(I) Award(s):
2003: $92,000
2
Category: 2910 - GEOMATIC ENGINEERING
Industry Partner(s):
AUSLIG
Department of Natural Resources
Land Victoria
Summary:
Australia's ocean territories cover an area 1.5 times larger than the nation's land mass. Systems for
the management and administration of land in a spatial context have been developed over many years
but no such system exists for the nation's oceans. A marine cadastre aims at providing a
comprehensive spatial data infrastructure and spatial analysis tools for the assessment, administration
and management of rights, restrictions and responsibilities in the marine environment. The objective
of this project is to investigate the issues and define the problems associated with the development of
a marine cadastre, thereby providing the foundation for future research.
***
LP0211396
Administering Organisation: The University of Melbourne
Dr DE Dunstan
Mr MK McNamara
Title: Characterisation and Stability of ISCOM Vaccines
2002: $75,162
2003: $65,102
2004: $65,102
Category: 3202 - IMMUNOLOGY
Industry Partner(s):
CSL Limited
Summary:
ISCOMS® are particles comprising saponin, cholesterol and phospholipids which when mixed with
proteins form potent vaccines. When proteins are associated with ISCOMs® a variety of different
sized particles with various surface chemistries can be formed. This project aims to understand the
physico-chemical mechanisms governing ISCOM® formation. This understanding will allow
development of methods for controlling the size, characteristics and long-term stability of these
particles. In addition the size and surface chemistry of the particles will be correlated with their
effectiveness as vaccines. Both these outcomes will support the ongoing commercial development of
ISCOM®-based vaccines at CSL.
***
LP0211046
Administering Organisation: The University of Melbourne
Dr MA Elgar
A/Prof C Briggs
A/Prof DL Ranson
Title: Forensic entomology and time of death estimation in Victoria
2002: $60,669
2003: $44,285
2004: $44,285
Category: 2707 - ECOLOGY AND EVOLUTION
Industry Partner(s):
Victorian Institute of Forensic Medicine
Summary:
Assessing time of death is a notoriously difficult, yet critical component of homicide investigations.
Forensic entomology can provide reliable death time estimates using detailed knowledge of the
ecology and life-history characteristics of local carrion insect species. However, these data are
largely unavailable for Victoria and elsewhere on the eastern Australian seaboard. This project will
measure growth rates of carrion insect larvae, investigate carrion insect ecology in different habitats,
and describe the larval morphology of key species. We will also investigate the efficacy of a new
method for estimating time of death using corpse chemistry.
***
LP0211929
Administering Organisation: The University of Melbourne
A/Prof RB Grayson
Prof JD Kalma
Dr JP Walker
Dr M Abuzar
Dr DM Whitfield
Mr A McAllister
Dr R Maskey
Title: Use of remote sensing actual evapotranspiration estimates and water delivery data for
assessing water use efficiency in an irrigated landscape
2002: $70,000
APA(I) Award(s):
2003: $49,000
2004: $29,000
1
Category: 3001 - SOIL AND WATER SCIENCES
Industry Partner(s):
Sheparton Irrigation Region Implementation Committee
Summary:
Improving management of water in irrigated agriculture will lead to increased sustainability,
decreased environmental impacts and increased profitability. Quantifying water use efficiency for an
irrigation district is a vital part of improving water management. This project aims to develop new
methods for quantifying water use efficiency by combining actual evapotranspiration estimates with
water delivery information at the farm scale for an entire irrigation district. Remote sensing
techniques will be utilized to map actual evapotranspiration and water meter data will be combined
with cadastral and channel network data to map water delivery.
***
LP0219749
Administering Organisation: The University of Melbourne
Dr SK Halgamuge
Title: Intelligently Activated Sensor Clusters for E-Commerce Applications
2002: $22,545
APA(I) Award(s):
2003: $22,545
1
Category: 2802 - ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE AND SIGNAL AND IMAGE PROCESSING
Industry Partner(s):
Ajax Technology Centre
Summary:
This project will investigate intelligent management of large sensor clusters installed in mechanical
structures for use in Electronic Commerce applications. Finding algorithms for optimised placement
of remotely controlled power supply and the communication unit in each sensor cluster is the first
aim. Development of a sensor management algorithm that process user inputs submitted through the
Internet and that exploits past sensor data is the second aim. Since there is no such system available
in the market, the project will have strong impacts in E-Commerce applications and bridge
instrumentation systems useful to a wider community also advancing the research in clustering and
expert systems.
***
LP0214174
Administering Organisation: The University of Melbourne
Prof AC Jackson
Dr L Joubert
Dr GN Meadows
Dr DA Barton
Title: The Evaluation of Stuctures and Processes for Effective Client, Carer and Community
Outcomes: A Model for Rural Mental Health Services
2002: $31,000
2003: $31,000
Category: 3702 - SOCIAL WORK
Industry Partner(s):
South West Healthcare
Summary:
The South West Healthcare Area Mental Health Service ( Warnambool) has demonstrated according
to key performance indicators, an effective system of service delivery. This evaluative research
project seeks to identify key components within the organisational structures and processes of a rural
mental health service that contribute to these effective outcomes for clients. The research process
will test these key components against other rural and urban mental health services in Victoria and
will result in the development of a model for rural mental health service delivery of both local and
national significance.
***
LP0211152
Administering Organisation: The University of Melbourne
A/Prof MJ Keough
Mr A Longmore
Title: Building effects of marine pests into nutrient management strategies
2002: $79,000
2003: $71,000
2004: $71,000
Category: 3008 - ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES
Industry Partner(s):
Department of Natural Resources and Environment
Summary:
The input of nutrients has long been a key management focus for coastal waters, and the organisms
living in soft sediments play a very important role in the removal of nutrients from these waters,
thereby reducing the risk of environmental degradation. In recent years, marine pests have emerged
as a major threat, with the potential to alter the abundances of a wide range of native organisms.
Nutrients and pests have largely been treated as independent threats, but pests could interfere with
denitrification processes. We will test whether this occurs, and provide key information for
managers devising nutrient management strategies.
***
LP0211472
Administering Organisation: The University of Melbourne
Prof ML Langton
Prof Dr L Behrendt
Ms M Tehan
Ms L Palmer
Title: Agreements, Treaties and Negotiated Settlements with Indigenous Peoples in Settler
States: their role and relevance for Indigenous and other Australians
2002: $111,817
2003: $95,866
2004: $95,258
APDI - Ms L Palmer
APA(I) Award(s):
1
Category: 3901 - LAW
Industry Partner(s):
Aboriginal Torres Strait Islander Commission
Summary:
The project aims to examine treaty and agreement making with Indigenous Australians, including
legal history and foundations, and the nature of the legal rights encompassed by agreements and
treaties. It would include an audit of the current state of agreements with Indigenous parties, their
purposes, status and outcomes; and would include international comparative research on treaty and
agreement making. Outcomes would include a database on treaties and agreements in Australia and
overseas and publication of collected papers and would contribute to the efforts by Indigenous
organisations to secure political and economic rights through agreements with governments, industry
and the community.
***
LP0211174
Administering Organisation: The University of Melbourne
Prof TL McCormack
Title: Australia's Post World War II War Crimes Trials of Japanese Defendants
2002: $22,545
APA(I) Award(s):
2003: $22,545
2004: $22,545
1
Category: 3901 - LAW
Industry Partner(s):
Australian War Memorial
Summary:
Contemporary war crimes trials regularly refer to historical precedent - particularly post-WWII war
crimes trials. One virtually unknown group of trials were those conducted by Australian Military
Tribunals - the primary sources for which are readily available (Australian War Memorial and
National Archives) but under-studied. Australian Tribunals sat in judgment over 814 Japanese
Defendants in 296 separate trials and yet there has never been a systematic study of this chapter of
Australian Legal and Military History. This project is intended to provide the first study of the trials
and will also "unlock" the under-utilised but vast documentary resource for future researchers.
***
LP0211991
Administering Organisation: The University of Melbourne
Prof SE McKechnie
Mr RM Grove
Dr CJ Stevens
Dr S Malloch
Mr D Price
Title: Conceiving Connections: Increasing industry viability through analysis of audience
responses to dance performance.
2002: $148,927
APA(I) Award(s):
2003: $140,259
2004: $142,841
2
Category: 4101 - PERFORMING ARTS
Industry Partner(s):
Australian Dance Council - Ausdance Inc
Australia Council
The Choreographic Centre
Summary:
The development of audiences is identified by the Australian dance industry as vital to the future of
the sector. The current project will investigate how audiences respond to highly evolved danceworks. It will explore the kinds of meaning communicated by such works, and the value assigned to
them by tutored and untutored audiences. Methods for enhancing audience engagement will be
tested through studies in both metropolitan and regional centres. Dance-scholars, artists and
cognitive psychologists collaborate with three industry partners to identify and address significant
concerns for artists, presenters, advocates and funding bodies, and to train postgraduate reserachers
in inter-disciplinary modes.
***
LP0216268
Administering Organisation: The University of Melbourne
Dr PA Mendis
Title: Seismic performance of concrete beam-slab-column systems constructed with a reuseable sheet metal formwork system
2002: $22,545
APA(I) Award(s):
2003: $22,545
1
Category: 2908 - CIVIL ENGINEERING
Industry Partner(s):
Decoin Pty Ltd
Summary:
When designing for earthquake induced loading it is very important to know the ductility and any
other inherent deficiencies in structural systems under lateral deflections. The main purpose of this
application is to investigate the seismic performance of an efficient beam-slab-column system
constructed with a re-useable sheet metal formwork system, Corcon, which is becoming popular in
Australia and overseas. The proposed research will ultimately lead to revised design guidelines for
these systems, suitable for local and overseas practice where different levels of seismicity occur.
***
LP0211848
Administering Organisation: The University of Melbourne
A/Prof AM O'Brien
A/Prof CM Alder
Ms KJ Donelan
The Hon BS Barrow
Ms M Katsonis
Mr MA Watt
Title: A cross-disciplinary investigation of creative arts as intervention activity for young
people at risk in urban and rural Victoria
2002: $114,809
APA(I) Award(s):
2003: $129,255
2004: $153,751
1
Category: 4199 - OTHER ARTS
Industry Partner(s):
Melbourne Magistrates' Court
Arts Victoria
Whitelion
VicHealth
Department of Human Services
Broadmeadows Magistrates Court
Department of Justice
Visy Cares Centre
Youth Junction Inc
Bendigo Youth Resource Centre
Summary:
The research project will investigate whether the involvement of "at risk" teenagers in creative arts
activities can act as effective diversions from harmful risk taking behaviour. The project will set up,
document and analyse creative arts projects in three urban and rural Victorian localities where there
is a high proportion of marginalised youth. This research will explore how involvement in creative
expression results in increased self-esteem, an improved sense of goal setting and achievement
together with community commitment. It will provide justice and social agencies with a model for
effective youth program planning which will facilitate re-education and work opportunities
***
LP0211545
Administering Organisation: The University of Melbourne
Dr LJ Parry
Prof RJ Summers
Dr CS Samuel
Prof GW Tregear
Dr EN Unemori
Title: Relaxin action in the heart, kidney, lung and uterus: understanding fibrosis
2002: $155,327
2003: $124,926
2004: $125,026
APDI - Dr CS Samuel
Category: 2706 - PHYSIOLOGY
Industry Partner(s):
Connetics Corporation
Summary:
Relaxin is a peptide hormone associated with pregnancy. We have recently generated a relaxin gene
knockout mouse and exciting preliminary data show that without relaxin, non-pregnant mice develop
signs of fibrosis in the heart, lung and uterus. Combining our expertise in molecular biology,
pharmacology and physiology, the overall objective of this project is to investigate the functions and
mechanisms of relaxin action in these organs. Our findings will provide important basic information
on relaxin physiology and enable us to implement a long-term partnership with Connetics to
understand how relaxin regulates collagen production and/or the development of fibrosis.
***
LP0211604
Administering Organisation: The University of Melbourne
Dr JY Scheerlinck
Dr EN Meeusen
Title: Application of DNA vaccination to the control of gastrointestinal nematodes in livestock
2002: $137,145
2003: $128,600
2004: $128,600
Category: 3005 - VETERINARY SCIENCES
Industry Partner(s):
Novartis
Summary:
Gastrointestinal nematode parasites inflict great losses in sheep and cattle and reliance on
anthelmintic drugs for their control is problematic. Vaccination would provide a better alternative
but has been difficult to achieve. This proposal aims to apply novel DNA vaccination strategies to
the development of parasite vaccines through optimisation of DNA delivery, development of new
vaccination vectors and modulation of immune responses by co-delivery of cytokine genes. The
results of these studies will not only add a new approach to vaccine development against
gastrointestinal parasites but will also contribute to our knowledge of DNA vaccination in large
animals.
***
LP0212072
Administering Organisation: The University of Melbourne
Dr CH SCHIESSER
Prof KP GHIGGINO
Dr PJ BARKER
Title: Performance Chemistry of Thermoset Surface Coatings
2002: $22,545
APA(I) Award(s):
2003: $22,545
2004: $22,545
1
Category: 2599 - OTHER CHEMICAL SCIENCES
Industry Partner(s):
BHP Innovation Pty Ltd
Summary:
Surface coatings employed in the COLORBOND® range of pre-painted steel products are
remarkable materials that are warranted against fading, peeling and cracking for 25 years.
Unfortunately, the desired durability can never be uniform across all applications and performance
failures do occur and are costly. Classic durability testing often provides misleading information.
This project aims to develop a sound mechanistic model for polyester-isocyanate performance
chemistry and to develop strategies for 'superdurable polyester' formulations based on these findings.
This research will provide recommendations to BHP Coated Steel Australia on adoption of
isocyanate based technology in the COLORBOND® range of products.
***
LP0211015
Administering Organisation: The University of Melbourne
Ms R Sloggett
Prof GI Opat
Dr A Roberts
Title: The Behaviour of Western Artists' Materials in Tropical Environments
2002: $25,545
APA(I) Award(s):
2003: $23,845
2004: $24,045
1
Category: 4003 - CURATORIAL STUDIES
Industry Partner(s):
National Heritage Board
Balai Seni Lukis Negara
Australia Centre
Australian Embassy, Bangkok
National Gallery of Victoria
Summary:
This project is a study of the behaviour of western artists materials in tropical climates through the
visual examination and scientific analysis of both simulated and aged paintings from four museums in
Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore and Thailand. This will form new methodologies and guidelines for
the preventive care, transportation, storage and conservation treatment of western artists materials
in hot, humid climates. The success of this project will have profound implications on the analytical
techniques available for conservation research.
***
LP0218847
Administering Organisation: The University of Melbourne
A/Prof RA Strugnell
Dr BS Crabb
Ms T Hinton
Dr JC Ruby
Title: The molecular pathogenesis of Equine rhinitis A virus, a major respiratory pathogen of
horses
2002: $70,184
2003: $71,781
2004: $71,967
APDI - Ms T Hinton
Category: 2703 - MICROBIOLOGY
Industry Partner(s):
CSL Animal Health
Summary:
The equine industry in Australia is worth $15 billion a year. Equine respiratory disease costs
Victoria, alone, $5-10 million per year. Equine rhinitis A virus is a major cause of acute febrile
respiratory disease in horses. This project aims to develop an infectious clone to study the
pathogenesis of the disease, and subunit antigens for use as vaccines. These reagents will increase
our understanding of the pathogenesis of ERAV and will lead to experimental vaccines which will be
tested in horses.
***
LP0211993
Administering Organisation: The University of Melbourne
Dr AC Sutton
Dr SP James
Dr I Dussuyer
Title: Assessment and Redevelopment of the Community Safety Officer Role in Victoria and
Associated Retraining
2002: $56,663
2003: $73,529
2004: $30,092
Category: 3904 - LAW ENFORCEMENT
Industry Partner(s):
Department of Justice Crime Prevention Victoria
Summary:
A 30-month action-research project spearheaded by the Department of Criminology, to reassess and
redirect the Justice Department's "Safer Communities" strategy. This sophisticated strategy has
experienced extensive program drift, and key objectives and outcomes must be redefined. Research
aims include: assessing the roles of the State's thirty-two Community Safety Officers; reviewing and
revising job descriptions, activity profiles, skill requirements and supervisory structures; and
retraining relevant personnel. Outcomes will be independently assessed. Crime prevention and safety
strategies are being implemented in most Western countries, and similar problems are being
experienced. Hence the project is of national and international significance.
***
LP0211899
Administering Organisation: The University of Melbourne
Prof JS Van Deventer
Title: Modified activated carbons for recovery of gold from thiosulphate solutions
2002: $68,000
2003: $61,000
Category: 2907 - RESOURCES ENGINEERING
Industry Partner(s):
Placer Dome Asia Pacific Limited
Summary:
Thiosulphate is currently being considered by various international mining companies as an
environmentally friendly alternative to cyanide for gold extraction. Although little is available in the
open literature, most confidential research on recovery from thiosulphate leach slurries has focused
on ion-exchange technology. Activated carbon as a more practical sorbent has been ignored
completely owing to the general perception that it has a very low affinity for gold thiosulphate. On
the basis of promising preliminary work, the aim of this project is to develop physically and
chemically modified activated carbons with a high affinity for the sterically large gold thiosulphate
complex. This project will aim to prove the hypothesis that the graphitic edges of an active carbon
should be maximised and the organic active sites minimised for optimal adsorption.
***
LP0211474
Administering Organisation: The University of Melbourne
Dr AJ Vingrys
Title: Developing tests for the early detection of eye disease.
2002: $92,272
2003: $57,943
APA(I) Award(s):
2004: $57,943
1
Category: 3210 - CLINICAL SCIENCES
Industry Partner(s):
Medmont Pty Ltd
Summary:
Australians have a tradition of innovative design in perimetry. A good example being the Frequency
Doubling Technology produced from work performed at the Australian National University. This
technology, however, is manufactured by an overseas company (Welch Allyn, NY, USA). The
Medmont company is a local perimeter manufacturer and we hope to improve their product with
innovative design to yield a distinct marketing advantage. We will consider the fundamental issues
underlying cone-interactions and methods that stress retinal function. We believe that this approach
will have advantages over conventional techniques and prove more sensitive for the early detection
of eye disease. However, this is a high risk venture requiring substantial developmental cost and
technical commitment by the company. Successful innovation will enhance the company's
international penetration, continue the trend for Australians to be seen as leaders in this field and
have impact on eye care.
***
LP0214178
Administering Organisation: The University of Melbourne
Dr ID Walker
Mr E Uren
Dr J Kanellos
Title: Development of an ultrasensitive assay for human prion proteins
2002: $77,590
2003: $69,831
APA(I) Award(s):
2004: $69,831
2
Category: 2504 - ANALYTICAL CHEMISTRY
Industry Partner(s):
CSL Limited
Summary:
The aim of this work is to enable the detection of prion proteins in human blood and other tissues.
The assay system to be developed will detect much lower levels of these disease-causing proteins
than is possible at present; it will be more rapid and will measure prion protein levels more accurately
than existing assays. The outcome of the work is expected to facilitate the production and
certification of prion-free blood and blood products. Prions cause Bovine Spongiform
Encaphalopathy and Creutzfeld Jacob Disease and attempts to control of these diseases would be
greatly abetted by an optimal test for the disease-causing agent.
***
LP0219312
Administering Organisation: The University of Melbourne
Dr MJ Wallace
Dr SW Gallagher
Title: Seismic velocity problems associated with Cretaceous-Tertiary carbonate sediments that
overlie oil and gas fields of the North West Shelf
2002: $70,000
2003: $60,000
Category: 2601 - GEOLOGY
2004: $60,000
Industry Partner(s):
Woodside Petroleum Limited
Apache Energy
Santos Ltd
Wiltshire Geological Services
Summary:
The major aim of this collaborative study between Partner Oil Companies and The University of
Melbourne is to understand seismic velocity problems associated with tropical carbonate sediments
on Australias? North West Shelf. These problems can hinder the hydrocarbon exploration efforts
below these carbonates. The project is a multi faceted study and will involve integration of seismic
stratigraphy with sedimentological, micropaleontological, and geophysical data. The methods
outlined below would underpin any seismic depth migration applications, thereby assisting with the
delineation of new gas and oil fields, and help with the estimation of reserves in existing fields.
***
LP0234684
Administering Organisation: The University of Melbourne
Prof RE White
Dr PD Fisher
Title: The dynamics of organic matter turnover in soils to improve the productivity of
Australia's agricultural industries
2002: $22,545
APA(I) Award(s):
2003: $22,545
2004: $22,545
1
Category: 3001 - SOIL AND WATER SCIENCES
Industry Partner(s):
Irrigated Cropping Forum
Summary:
Two recent national reports on the soils issues facing Australian agriculture (Reeves et al, 1997;
CSIRO, 2000) concluded that soil structural degradation remains, after salinisation, our major threat
to the sustainability of agricultural production. This research will provide fundamental understanding
of how the dynamics of organic matter turnover benefit aggregate formation and stability. This will
advance the understanding of organic matter from simply considering the quantity of carbon present,
to one of predicting the short- and long-term benefits to soil structure. This approach is innovative in
the study of soil health, and has the potential to greatly advance the development of conservation
farming systems.
***
LP0211170
Administering Organisation: The University of Melbourne
Dr KJ Williams
A/Prof ID Bishop
A/Prof JW Cary
Dr TJ Webb
Dr MJ Brown
Mr JE Hickey
Title: Acceptability of Forest Harvesting Systems
2002: $40,000
APA(I) Award(s):
2003: $40,000
2004: $30,000
1
Category: 3801 - PSYCHOLOGY
Industry Partner(s):
Forestry Tasmania
Bureau of Rural Sciences
Summary:
Fierce public debate over forest management has prompted forest agencies to develop and test
alternative harvesting systems. This project will examine community response to these harvesting
and regeneration options. It will avoid the biases of existing research by developing an interactive
simulation of the forest environment that will allow participants to view visual, ecological and
economic outcomes of harvest options, as well as changes over time as forest regenerates. Public
judgements of the acceptability of harvesting options will be integrated with the outcomes of related
biophysical studies to identify socially and ecologically sustainable management options for
Australian native forests.
***
LP0211491
Administering Organisation: The University of Melbourne
A/Prof CJ Wilson
Title: The Golden Gift gold mineralisation, Stawell, Victoria
2002: $113,000
APA(I) Award(s):
2003: $113,000
2004: $113,000
1
Category: 2601 - GEOLOGY
Industry Partner(s):
Stawell Gold Mines Pty Ltd
Summary:
The structure and the nature of the fluid flow that produced the mineralisation in the newly
discovered Golden Gift orebody at Stawell, Victoria, will be investigated. This project will provide
reasons for the distribution of the gold lodes, the distribution of major quartz vein arrays and
associated fractures. Using both the existing and new geologic data and numerical models it should
be possible to establish the primary setting for the Stawell goldfield. The models will be applicable
not only to the Golden Gift orebody but will provide insights into the importance of these processes
in controlling the localisation of gold mineralisation in other terranes.
***
LP0211407
Administering Organisation: The University of Melbourne
Dr JL Wilson
Dr EF Gad
Mr AJ Moore
Title: Response of residential structures to blast vibration
2002: $72,000
2003: $74,000
APA(I) Award(s):
2004: $68,000
2
Category: 2908 - CIVIL ENGINEERING
Industry Partner(s):
Terrock Pty Ltd
Summary:
This proposed project combines the expertise and disciplines of residential construction, structural
dynamics and blasting technology. The ultimate aim of the project is to develop a rational
methodology for assessing the damage potential of ground vibration resulting from blasting on
typical Australian residential structures. The project involves field blast vibration measurements,
static and dynamic laboratory tests on structural sub-assemblages in a controlled environment, and
comprehensive analytical modelling of both loading and response. The outcomes from this research
will have direct application to the mining, insurance, construction and defence industries.
***
LP0211686
Administering Organisation: The University of Melbourne
Dr WR Wobcke
Dr RB Johnston
Dr R Ronnquist
Prof EA Sonenberg
Title: Agent-Based Frameworks for Coordinated Activities in E-Business: Supply Chain
Management and Workflow Applications
2002: $45,090
APA(I) Award(s):
2003: $45,090
2004: $22,545
2
Category: 2802 - ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE AND SIGNAL AND IMAGE PROCESSING
Industry Partner(s):
Agent Oriented Software
Summary:
As e-commerce over the Internet expands, the level of integration of businesses and consumers will
increase, necessitating innovative approaches to decision-support and information management to
facilitate within-business, business-to-consumer and business-to-business transactions. In conjunction
with a local designer of business solutions, Agent Oriented Software Pty. Ltd., this project aims to
build agent-based frameworks for the support of selected within-business and business-to-business
activities in supply chain management, implement an agent-based workflow system based around
document management, and provide research training in this key area of technology through joint
university-industry supervision of two research students. This will enhance Australia's
competitiveness in the provision of leading edge technologies to support e-commerce.
***
University of Ballarat
LP0234316
Administering Organisation: University of Ballarat
A/Prof R Green
Prof JC Richards
Title: Too close for comfort? Adoption and management of professional and personal roles in
rural welfare practice.
2002: $22,545
APA(I) Award(s):
2003: $22,545
2004: $22,545
1
Category: 3702 - SOCIAL WORK
Industry Partner(s):
Wimmera Uniting Care
Grampians Community Health Centre
Child & Family Services Ballarat Incorporated
Ballarat Health Services
Summary:
Stressors such as maintaining role boundaries, dual and multiple relationships, professional practice,
personal and family safety exist for rural welfare professionals who live and work in the same
communities. Rural social welfare practice presents dilemmas due to potential conflicts between
personal and work roles. The study examines individual attributes for coping and resilience, and
contextual issues. Implications for employing agencies, and educational and training institutions
regarding recruiting, retention and training welfare professionals, as well as management of
occupational health and safety concerns will be highlighted. The study will provide
recommendations for employing agencies, professional associations, and educational institutions.
***
LP0233460
Administering Organisation: University of Ballarat
A/Prof ME Westbrooke
Title: A new hypothesis for the development of hollows in Box-Ironbark forest
2002: $22,545
APA(I) Award(s):
2003: $22,545
2004: $22,545
1
Category: 3008 - ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES
Industry Partner(s):
Forests Service, Dept. of Natural Resources & Environment
Summary:
Timber harvesting in Box-Ironbark forest over the past 150 years has significantly affected the
habitat of hollow dependent fauna. Current management aims at speeding the growth of trees to
accelerate hollow formation. Recent studies suggest that hollows form in trees of the Box-Ironbark
forest following basal stem damage by fire or windstorm, rather than from branch damage as
previously assumed. This hypothesis will be tested in relation to wildfires in 1985, 1991 and 1993
and by experimental simulation of these events. The results of this research are likely to have major
implications for the management of Box- Ironbark forests.
***
LP0235347
Administering Organisation: University of Ballarat
Prof ME Westbrooke
Title: The impact of high kangaroo populations on regeneration of arid woodland tree species.
2002: $22,545
2003: $22,545
APA(I) Award(s):
2004: $22,545
1
Category: 3009 - LAND, PARKS AND AGRICULTURE MANAGEMENT
Industry Partner(s):
Parks Victoria
Summary:
Remnant arid woodland in south-eastern Australia is threatened by regeneration failure resulting
from high grazing pressure from sheep, rabbits and kangaroos. Elimination of sheep grazing,
reduction in rabbit populations as a result of RCD and a decision to cull kangaroos has provided an
unprecedented opportunity to ascertain the impact of kangaroos on regeneration, in particular the
degree to which kangaroos put a selective pressure on seedlings of overstorey species. Research
proposed in association with Parks Victoria, will make a major contribution to understanding of the
need for active management of remnant woodlands and assist in the preservation of significant
communities.
***
Victoria University of Technology
LP0231059
Administering Organisation: Victoria University of Technology
A/Prof D Bruck
Title: Reducing fire deaths - a new approach to smoke alarms
2002: $22,545
APA(I) Award(s):
2003: $22,545
2004: $22,545
1
Category: 3801 - PSYCHOLOGY
Industry Partner(s):
Onesteel Manufacturing Pty Limited
Summary:
Disturbingly, those most at risk of dying in residential fires are also least likely to awaken to the
current smoke alarm signal, now mandatory in Australian residences. This project will develop a new
alarm (using Gibsonian, naturalistic sounds and/or a voice signal) and compare its waking efficacy
with the current smoke alarm. Testing will involve three vulnerable groups; sleep deprived young
adults, children and alcohol intoxicated. The research is innovative with important implications for
community public safety, the national and international smoke alarm industry, performance based
models of building safety and our theoretical understanding of cognitive processing during sleep.
***
LP0229117
Administering Organisation: Victoria University of Technology
Dr D Charman
Dr AT Fisher
Prof I Prilleltensky
Prof B McAvoy
Ms M Field
Title: Research and action in medical practitioner wellbeing: Testing a conceptual model
2002: $22,545
APA(I) Award(s):
2003: $22,545
2004: $22,545
1
Category: 3801 - PSYCHOLOGY
Industry Partner(s):
Royal Australian College of General Practitioners
Central Highlands Division of General Practice
Summary:
Being a medical practitioner in general practice is a hazard to wellbeing. However, not all
practitioners succumb. Factors that promote resilience as well as vulnerability have been identified
and developed as a conceptual model. This research aims, firstly, to enhance this model by consulting
directly with general practitioners. Secondly, this enhanced model will be evaluated on stratified
samples within two socio-economic regions and a rural area in Victoria. Thirdly, its heuristic value
will be assessed by evaluating an intervention program based on the model. The outcome will help to
enhance wellbeing and retain medical practitioners in under-resourced primary care settings.
***
LP0227365
Administering Organisation: Victoria University of Technology
A/Prof S Dean
Dr CM Leung
Mr V Coull
Title: Challenging Disadvantage: The Social Outcomes of an Early Educational Intervention
with the Family
2002: $22,545
APA(I) Award(s):
2003: $22,545
1
Category: 3801 - PSYCHOLOGY
2004: $22,545
Industry Partner(s):
Glastonbury Child and Family Services
Summary:
Theory and observation indicate the importance of early parent-child interactions in determining the
well-being of individuals in society. However, rigorous research is needed to explore whether early
intervention in family life can enhance such development, particularly the proposed capacity of
changed parenting roles and family interactions to interrupt the trans-generational perpetuation of
socio-economic disadvantage. This project investigates the usefulness of an early intervention
program new to Australia, the Home Instruction Program for Preschool Youngsters (HIPPY). It
examines the processes of HIPPY and possible consequent mediating effects of family relationships
on child development outcomes, in a disadvantaged Australian-born community in Geelong.
***
LP0219578
Administering Organisation: Victoria University of Technology
Dr MA Deery
A/Prof LK Jago
Prof BE King
Title: Managing the Volunteer Workforce: Flexible Structures and Strategies to Integrate
Volunteers and Paid Workers.
2002: $22,545
APA(I) Award(s):
2003: $22,545
2004: $22,545
1
Category: 3502 - BUSINESS AND MANAGEMENT
Industry Partner(s):
Melbourne Museum
National Museum of Australia
Summary:
Volunteers now play a vital role in many service-oriented organisations. This project proposes an
innovative framework to assist organisations to develop flexible and appropriate structures and
strategies for the management of volunteer and paid workforces. The approach draws upon
Atkinson's (1984) "Flexible Firm" concept. A flexibility model is applied to the relationship between
volunteers and the broader workforce. The project aims (a) to understand, conceptualise and
evaluate the roles, functions and structure of volunteer groups within paid workforces; (b) to
investigate how positive relationships, training, effective communication and flexibility can enhance
the contribution of volunteers in the workforce and (c) to propose mechanisms which can improve
the deployment of human capital within larger service-oriented organisations such as the National
Museum of Australia and Museum of Victoria.
***
LP0219696
Administering Organisation: Victoria University of Technology
Prof RD Francis
Dr A Armstrong
Dr I Dussuyer
Mr M Bourne
Title: Evaluating the community governance of crime prevention and community safety.
2002: $68,000
2003: $59,000
2004: $59,000
Category: 3701 - SOCIOLOGY
Industry Partner(s):
Victorian Department of Justice
Summary:
In partnership with the Victorian Department of Justice this research aims to evaluate the Safer
Cities and Shires program using both in-depth data analysis and focus groups. It questions the
theoretical assumptions underlying the program; identifies effective and cost-effective community
governance structures and factors that enhance or inhibit a community's capacity to participate in and
respond to community safety initiatives; and evaluates the impact of the program on the incidence of
crime and perceptions of safety and security. The outcomes will advance knowledge in community
psychology and inform future policy and allocation of resources to community based crime
prevention programs.
***
LP0228546
Administering Organisation: Victoria University of Technology
Prof M Kostanski
Ms D Cadilhac
Title: Coping in the face of life adversity. A model of resilience for stroke survivors.
2002: $22,545
APA(I) Award(s):
2003: $22,545
1
Category: 3212 - PUBLIC HEALTH AND HEALTH SERVICES
Industry Partner(s):
National Stroke Foundation
Pfizer Pty Limited
Summary:
Little is known about the resilience processes of adults, particularly following severe and chronic
illnesses. The purpose of this study is to address this lack in knowledge by testing a model of
resilience following stroke. Outcomes will be used to develop educative and preventative programs
for adults and also to assist a higher percentage of stroke survivors to adapt better to their changed
lives.
***
LP0210398
Administering Organisation: Victoria University of Technology
Dr IM O'Brien
Dr A McGrath
Ms M Shapley
Mr H Dellal
Title: Aliens and Others: Representing citizenship and internments in Australia during WW2.
2002: $53,000
APA(I) Award(s):
2003: $47,006
2004: $47,525
1
Category: 4301 - HISTORICAL STUDIES
Industry Partner(s):
National Archives of Australia
Australian Multicultural Foundation
National Museum of Australia
Summary:
This project will consider an episode in Australia's wartime history, the classification and internment
of aliens in Australia during WW2, and analyse its different representations in historical discourse
and personal and collective memory. In partnership with the National Museum of Australia and the
National Archives of Australia, an on-line interactive exhibition and an archive incorporating written,
spoken and visual memory will be developed, a public conference presented and scholarly articles
written. These outcomes will be a dynamic multi-layered analysis of the changing interactions
between history, personal and social memory.
***
LP0228987
Administering Organisation: Victoria University of Technology
Prof I Prilleltensky
Title: Promoting Well-Being in Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Groups: Towards
Evidence-Based Practice
2002: $22,545
APA(I) Award(s):
2003: $22,545
2004: $22,545
1
Category: 3702 - SOCIAL WORK
Industry Partner(s):
Good Shepherd Youth & Family Service Inc.
Summary:
In order to serve families from diverse communities properly, we require models of well-being that
reflect the unique circumstances of their lives and culture. At present, the helping professions lack
models of well-being that are sensitive to cultural diversity. Therefore, the study will develop models
of well-being that are unique to four different cultural groups: Anglo-Australians, Vietnamese,
Maltese and Italians. We will compare community members' conceptions of well-being with those of
the professionals helping them. The research will produce theory regarding cross-cultural well-being
and will inform practice as well.
***
LP0214957
Administering Organisation: Victoria University of Technology
Prof PJ Sheehan
Dr S Islam
Prof AJ Phillimore
Prof M Munasinghe
Title: Climate Change, Industrial Structure and the Knowledge Economy: Key Issues for an
Effective Response on Greenhouse Gases
2002: $69,000
2003: $60,000
2004: $60,000
Category: 3402 - APPLIED ECONOMICS
Industry Partner(s):
Department of Industry Science and Resources
Business Council of Australia
Australian Greenhouse Office
Summary:
The objectives of this project are to undertake a major, long term study of the impact of global
structural change on greenhouse gas emissions and on climate change, and to develop a detailed
knowledge base concerning trade in embodied emissions. It is hoped that the knowledge generated
will both inform global responses to this vital problem and contribute to the continuing development
of effective responses within Australia. The output - a book and many papers - will be directed in
part to contribute to the IPCC's Fourth Assessment Report.
***
LP0228917
Administering Organisation: Victoria University of Technology
Dr A Tam
Dr R Gallagher
Title: Structured natural language descriptions for semantic content retrieval of visual data
2002: $22,545
APA(I) Award(s):
2003: $22,545
2004: $22,545
1
Category: 2801 - INFORMATION SYSTEMS
Industry Partner(s):
Lonely Planet Publications
Summary:
The richness of visual data complicates the task of indexing their content for database retrieval.
Retrieval based on semantic content is more natural than retrieval based on textures or colours but
the most common approach - keyword search - lacks precision, while a newer approach - automatic
parsing of free-text descriptions - lacks accuracy. We propose a system of metadata and content
descriptions, where content descriptions must be phrases composed of basic grammatical terms.
Description components may be elements from external resources such as thesauri and databases,
providing a rich superstructure for meaningful retrieval of visual data by semantic content.
***
LP0228785
Administering Organisation: Victoria University of Technology
A/Prof YM Xie
Title: Development of Topological Optimisation Techniques for the Conceptual Design of
Multi-storey Buildings
2002: $22,545
2003: $22,545
APA(I) Award(s):
2004: $22,545
1
Category: 2908 - CIVIL ENGINEERING
Industry Partner(s):
Felicetti Pty Ltd
Summary:
The building design process often begins with a case based preliminary design which derives its main
parameters and features from a number of existing buildings of similar dimensions and functionality.
This project aims to develop a design tool which incorporates two topological optimisation
techniques in the conceptual design of multi-storey buildings. This design tool will enable inefficient
materials to be automatically removed from the design, thus producing a structurally efficient
building system. At the same time, the new topologies generated by these optimisation techniques
can be used by the designer to create innovative forms and layouts for the building.
***
Western Australia
Curtin University of Technology
LP0235289
Administering Organisation: Curtin University of Technology
A/Prof EG Barrett-Lennard
Title: Urban salinity in Kalgoorlie-Boulder: Causes, extent and treatment through
revegetation - a pilot study for Australian rural towns
2002: $22,545
APA(I) Award(s):
2003: $22,545
2004: $22,545
1
Category: 2707 - ECOLOGY AND EVOLUTION
Industry Partner(s):
City of Kalgoorlie-Boulder
Summary:
The National Land and Water Resources Audit suggests that salinity will threaten 200 towns in
Australia by 2050. The City of Kalgoorlie-Boulder has a salinity problem caused by shallow, saline
groundwater. This project will: (a) document and map the extent and causes of salinity, (b)
determine whether salinity can be controlled through improved surface drainage and revegetation,
and (c) conduct adaptation trials of ornamental trees and shrubs for tolerance to salt, waterlogging
and inundation. The work will be conducted in partnership with the City Council and local Urban
Landcare Group. Outcomes will be disseminated through WA's Rural Towns Program, national
conferences and scientific papers.
***
LP0235349
Administering Organisation: Curtin University of Technology
A/Prof EG Barrett-Lennard
Dr IW Watson
Title: Assessing long term change in rangeland health and building models for change, using
historical photos and monitoring data
2002: $22,545
APA(I) Award(s):
2003: $22,545
2004: $22,545
1
Category: 2707 - ECOLOGY AND EVOLUTION
Industry Partner(s):
Agriculture Western Australia
Summary:
Long-term photo sites and vegetation data will be used to make an assessment of change over the
last few decades in the arid pastoral rangelands of Western Australia.
The aims are to: make a judgement about whether the changes have been positive or negative (for
particular value systems); make a case for causality; explore links between vegetation data and soil
surface, biodiversity and remotely-sensed data; and contribute to the building of models of expected
change.
Outcomes will include the meeting of national and international conventions and strategies, and an
increased ability of the pastoral industry to access international markets.
***
LP0219704
Administering Organisation: Curtin University of Technology
A/Prof GJ Giddings
Dr GB Dellar
Dr RF Cavanagh
Ms P Moss
Mr K Newton
Title: Building professional learning communities in a large Australian school district: School
leadership within an information and communications technology (ICT) environment
2002: $71,000
APA(I) Award(s):
2003: $60,000
2004: $60,000
1
Category: 3301 - EDUCATION STUDIES
Industry Partner(s):
Education Department of WA
Summary:
Recent school restructuring in Australia has centred on devolution and the development of selfmanaging schools. In another layer of workplace complexity for school leaders, the past decade of
educational restructuring has also been characterised by increased implementation and reliance upon
ICT within the educational system, schools and classrooms. Through a unique collaboration
between a University and an entire School District as an industry partner, this study examines
leadership attributes in an ICT rich environment. The study will provide information about how to
maximize leadership skills in ICT-rich environments by developing an empirically-based innovative
professional development model for Australian schools.
***
LP0219752
Administering Organisation: Curtin University of Technology
Dr GI Metternicht
Prof MJ McGregor
Mr G Beeston
Title: Collaborative planning support tools for optimising farming systems (CPSTOF)
2002: $62,000
2003: $55,000
2004: $55,000
Category: 2910 - GEOMATIC ENGINEERING
Industry Partner(s):
Agriculture WA
SpecTerra Services Pty Ltd
Summary:
What you know about what you can grow is becoming a key issue in farm management. Better
guidance on alternative land cropping systems that can be grown to optimise farm productivity is
needed. Micro-level land classes maps have been identified hby AgWA, farmers and regional
development and community groups as an urgent need to enable them to design resilient and
diversified farming systems. To this end, we propose integrating high resolution digital multispectral
images, GIS and multi-criteria decision analysis techniques to help farmers use input appropriate to
the productive capacity of their paddocks and to elaborate sound farm planning based on the
potential of the land for specific land uses.
***
LP0219750
Administering Organisation: Curtin University of Technology
Dr B Oliver
Dr PB Bertola
Mr B Bunt
Ms M Lindgren
Title: A multi-media history of the Westrail Workshops at Midland
2002: $64,390
2003: $83,085
2004: $61,285
Category: 4301 - HISTORICAL STUDIES
Industry Partner(s):
Midland Redevelopment Authority
City of Swan
Australian Manufacturing Worker Union
Australian Services Union
Aust Rail, Tram & Bus Industry Union
CEPU
Unions WA
Western Australian Museum
J S Battye Library
Australian Society for the Study of Labour History
Summary:
The project will produce histories in two formats, a book and a CD-ROM featuring a virtual walkthrough of the Workshops. These outcomes will reflect a variety of views and concepts of the
Workshops and the community, gathered from the interviews, photographs, documentary and
ephemeral material of past employees of the Workshops (collected from 1998-2001). This material
will have a wide range of applications including scholarly research, educational material, and public
information and will assist in the interpretation and re-development of the Workshops site. The
project will be a significant and innovative approach to history writing.
***
LP0219720
Administering Organisation: Curtin University of Technology
Dr A Witcomb
Ms J Sassoon
Title: Place, taste and tradition: A history of ideas about heritage in Western Australia as a
foundation for change.
2002: $61,184
2003: $62,967
2004: $62,967
APDI - Ms J Sassoon
Category: 4301 - HISTORICAL STUDIES
Industry Partner(s):
National Trust of Australia (WA)
Summary:
This project aims to provide an agenda for change in heritage practice and legislation in Western
Australia. It will do this through exploring a history of ideas about heritage and the built
environment to trace a genealogy of a growing awareness of heritage in a variety of forms in
Western Australia, and the more recent history of the heritage movement through the National Trust
in Western Australia. This project will provide historical understanding to current practice, an
agenda for legislative and practical change within the heritage arena, a history of the National Trust
of Western Australia and several scholarly articles.
***
Edith Cowan University
LP0219583
Administering Organisation: Edith Cowan University
Mr LG Barratt-Pugh
Dr P Standen
Mr J Pollaers
Title: Extending Leadership and Learning: Improving the effectiveness of new learning
technology for culture change and improved regional business performance.
2002: $22,545
APA(I) Award(s):
2003: $22,545
2004: $22,545
1
Category: 3502 - BUSINESS AND MANAGEMENT
Industry Partner(s):
Bank of Western Australia
Summary:
This research project explores the complex relationships between new technology and learning, and
the subsequent impact on organisational change and business effectiveness. The study will examine
the use of video-conferencing and on-line training packages in the regional locations of a major bank,
in order to determine more effective configurations of learning architecture that support
organisational culture change and impact on business performance. The organisation has a strategic
commitment to cultural change towards leadership and learning. This research intends to examine
how new learning technologies can more effectively impact on achieving such cultural change and
improved regional equity.
***
LP0210214
Administering Organisation: Edith Cowan University
Prof AW Black
Dr JD Duff
Dr A Larsen
Ms MT Macnish
Title: Country practices: an analysis of factors affecting the wellbeing of general practitioners
and their families in rural and remote WA.
2002: $22,545
APA(I) Award(s):
2003: $22,545
2004: $22,545
1
Category: 3701 - SOCIOLOGY
Industry Partner(s):
Great Southern Division of General Practice Ltd
Summary:
This project will analyse relationships between (1) the shortage of general practitioners in rural and
remote Western Australia and (2) the wellbeing of practitioners and their families. The study will use
an appropriate sociological framework, together with data drawn primarily from participant
observation and intensive interviewing. It will deepen our understanding of problems in attracting
and retaining general practitioners to work in rural and remote communities, and of ways in which
these problems might be addressed. Innovative aspects of the study include the use of ethnographic
research methods and the inclusion of family members in the analysis.
***
LP0211998
Administering Organisation: Edith Cowan University
Dr P HORWITZ
Dr S LUMLEY
Dr S NIKOLETTI
Dr M TONTS
Prof D RAPPORT
Mr J RUPRECHT
Dr M STRAWBRIDGE
Title: Indicators of ecosystem health in Western Australian recovery catchments
2002: $45,090
2003: $45,090
APA(I) Award(s):
2004: $45,090
2
Category: 3008 - ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES
Industry Partner(s):
Water and Rivers Commission
Summary:
Dryland salinity and rural community decline in Australia are important and inter-related issues. Any
ecosystem recovery actions proposed to address salinity should be examined for their potential to
assist rural communities, rather than exacerbate their problems. The framework theories of
ecosystem health and participatory research embrace these issues. A PhD student placed in each of
two recovery catchments will use methodologies adapted for these approaches to develop indicators
for the detection of trends in recovery or deterioration of ecosystem and community well-being. This
will allow for adaptive changes to recovery actions, and for an analysis of causal relationships.
***
Murdoch University
LP0234169
Administering Organisation: Murdoch University
Dr P Arabzadeh-Bahri
A/Prof RM Allen
Title: Economic Operability Assessment of Leaching Process at Kwinana Nickel Refinery.
2002: $22,545
2003: $22,545
APA(I) Award(s):
2004: $22,545
1
Category: 2906 - CHEMICAL ENGINEERING
Industry Partner(s):
WMC Resources Ltd
Summary:
Process operability is concerned with systematic analysis and improvement of process performance
in the face of variable operating conditions. This project will develop a rigorous methodology for
analysis of process operability with respect to short-term and transient disturbances. The proposed
technique will be applied to the Kwinana Nickel Refinery Leach section, in order to reduce the plant
variability and increase nickel throughput and plant availability. This can be considered as significant
move by a process industry to embrace advanced theoretical developments and will act as a
benchmark to promote future links between Australian industry and academia.
***
LP0229011
Administering Organisation: Murdoch University
Prof CV Baldock
A/Prof PM Harris
Dr J Barratt
Title: Creating Age Friendly Communities.
2002: $22,545
2003: $22,545
APA(I) Award(s):
2004: $22,545
1
Category: 3701 - SOCIOLOGY
Industry Partner(s):
St Ives Murdoch
Summary:
The project aims to explore ways in which Australian communities can enhance the social belonging
of their older citizens. The study addresses significant questions at the heart of age care: how to
ensure that older people are able to remain active members of their communities, without feeling
isolated as they age. The research will take place in an inner city community which is multi
generational, economically and culturally diverse. The main expected outcome is the development of
age friendly practices at community level. The project embodies concepts central to the mission of
the Industry partner, St Ives Aged Care Services.
***
LP0219585
Administering Organisation: Murdoch University
A/Prof B Dell
Ms S Collins
Title: The Biology, Ecology, Pathology and Control of Mycosphaerella Leaf Blights in
Australian Eucalypt Plantations.
2002: $69,000
2003: $62,000
2004: $62,000
Category: 3006 - FORESTRY SCIENCES
Industry Partner(s):
Integrated Tree Cropping
Summary:
Leaf spot diseases, caused by Mycosphaerella, have become widespread in over 150,000 ha of
Eucalyptus globulus (blue gum) plantations in Western Australia, causing severe reduction in canopy
area of young trees. This project will research the epidemiology of these diseases by studying the life
cycles of the key pathogenic Mycosphaerella species identified in a previous project, modes and
timing of spore dispersal, the infection process, and host specificity. The economic impact of leaf
spot diseases will be assessed from large exclusion trials. A predictive integrated management
package for Mycosphaerella foliar diseases will be formulated and evaluated to minimising disease
impact.
***
LP0219473
Administering Organisation: Murdoch University
Dr GE Hardy
A/Prof B Dell
Dr MC Calver
Dr I Colquhoun
Dr B Shearer
Title: The Potential of the Fungicide Phosphite to Control the Autonomous Spread of
Phytophthora cinnamomi in Natural and Rehabilitated Ecosystems.
2002: $124,032
2003: $80,258
2004: $80,258
Category: 2704 - BOTANY
Industry Partner(s):
Alcoa World Alumina Australia
Worsley Alumina Pty Ltd
Department of Conservation and Land Management
Summary:
Phytophthora cinnamomi is recognised by the Federal Government as a key threatening process to
Australia?s biodiversity. This project will enhance the existing methodologies and protocols to
improve the effectiveness and persistence of phosphite to reduce or contain the autonomous spread
of this pathogen through susceptible and threatened plant communities. It will provide
environmental, mining and land-care organisations with improved techniques to control P.
cinnamomi in a range of plant communities and environments associated with mining and natural
ecosystems.
***
LP0227820
Administering Organisation: Murdoch University
Dr GE Hardy
A/Prof JA McComb
Dr IJ Colquhoun
Title: Saprophytic Ability and Long-term Survival of Phytophthora cinnamomi in
Rehabilitated Bauxite Mines and Adjacent Eucalyptus marginata (Jarrah) Forest.
2002: $22,545
2003: $22,545
2004: $22,545
APA(I) Award(s):
1
Category: 2704 - BOTANY
Industry Partner(s):
Alcoa World Alumina Australia
Worsley Alumina Pty Ltd
Summary:
The plant pathogen Phytophthora cinnamomi is listed by the Commonwealth as a ?Key threatening
process? to Australia?s biodiversity. This study will examine the physical, chemical and biological
factors that influence long-term survival of P. cinnamomi in a range of jarrah forest and mine site
soils, by examining saprophytic ability and endogenous dormancy. Managers will be provided with
better tools for determining the presence and predicting the persistence of P. cinnamomi by obtaining
information on the environmental factors that influence survival time in different soils and how to
manipulate these to decrease the pathogen?s survival.
***
LP0218993
Administering Organisation: Murdoch University
Prof RJ Hobbs
Dr C Yates
Title: Landscape Fragmentation and Rare Plant Species: Can We Develop a General
Framework of Population Responses?
2002: $32,877
APA(I) Award(s):
2003: $30,489
2004: $30,489
1
Category: 2707 - ECOLOGY AND EVOLUTION
Industry Partner(s):
Department of Conservation and Land Management
Summary:
The project aims to categorise threatened plant taxa on the basis of functional attributes, and choose
taxa for detailed investigation on the basis of their distribution across the landscape and potential to
deliver quantitative data. Models will then be developed for each functional group of how rates of
pollination, seed production, genetic diversity and seed fitness are affected by population size and
landscape context. Information from models for each functional group will then be extrapolated,
where possible, to other taxa in that group to provide guidelines for flora conservation, including
translocations, threatened ecological communities and restoration / revegetation programs.
***
LP0219690
Administering Organisation: Murdoch University
Prof MG Jones
Dr S Sharma
Title: Hidden Enemies of Crop Plants: Developing Novel Methods to Identify Plant Parasitic
Nematodes
2002: $68,000
2003: $70,000
Category: 3002 - CROP AND PASTURE PRODUCTION
Industry Partner(s):
Agriculture Western Australia
Summary:
Plant parasitic nematodes are microscopic worms that invade roots of plants. Globally they cause
annual crop losses of $2billion ($400million in Australia), making them the fourth most important
plant pathogens worldwide. However, study of these pathogens has been neglected: there are few
trained nematologists in Australia. There is thus a need to apply new technologies to identify
nematode problems. In this project a novel approach, that of protein profiling using mass
spectroscopy, will be used to develop rapid, cost effective methods to identify nematodes. This will
allow advisers and growers to identify nematode problems and so to control them appropriately.
***
LP0230977
Administering Organisation: Murdoch University
Prof A McHoul
Dr M Broderick
Ms C Griff
Title: Is Australian Pay TV Meeting Its Promise?
2002: $22,545
APA(I) Award(s):
2003: $22,545
2004: $22,545
1
Category: 4203 - CULTURAL STUDIES
Industry Partner(s):
Australian Film Commission
Summary:
This project aims to explore the emergence of Pay TV in Australia and its cultural and industrial
outcomes. Its significance lies in comprehensively researching a new, expanding and evolving
communications medium in Australia. The research will be both quantitative (TV ratings and market
penetration analyses) and qualitative (audience focus groups). It is anticipated that the research
outcomes will inform public policy-making regarding local content legislation for drama,
documentary and children?s programming, leading to public recommendations and published
findings.
***
LP0231496
Administering Organisation: Murdoch University
Dr PA O'Brien
Dr IJ Colquhoun
Title: DNA Method for Detection of Phytophthora cinnamomi in Soil and Plant Material.
2002: $22,545
2003: $22,545
2004: $22,545
APA(I) Award(s):
1
Category: 2704 - BOTANY
Industry Partner(s):
Alcoa World Alumina Australia
Worsley Alumina Pty Ltd
Summary:
The need to impose strict quarantine procedures to prevent the spread of Jarrah Dieback disease
hampers the activities of the mining, tourism, wildflower, nursery, and bee keeping industries. These
procedures are time consuming and require a high degree of technical expertise. They result in false
negatives facilitating the spread of the disease in asymptomatic material. This project will develop a
DNA test for detection of the pathogen in soil and plant material to make detection easier, quicker,
and specific. The outcomes will be a test for detection of the dieback pathogen and technology to
detect pathogens in soil samples.
***
LP0232431
Administering Organisation: Murdoch University
Dr PA O'Brien
Dr RS Bower
Title: Fungal Glucanase Genes for Engineering Disease Resistance in Plants.
2002: $22,545
2003: $22,545
APA(I) Award(s):
2004: $22,545
1
Category: 2708 - BIOTECHNOLOGY
Industry Partner(s):
Grain Biotech Australia
Summary:
Plants can be engineered for resistance to fungal diseases by transformation with recombinant genes
encoding chitinase or glucanase. Although fungi are prolific producers of glucanases, with some
species producing novel forms, they have been unexplored as a source of useful glucanases. This
project will isolate glucanase-producing fungi from soil, screen them for antifungal activity, and
clone the glucanase genes from one or more isolates. In view of the high degree of biodiversity in
WA soils, we have a high expectation of finding novel glucanases which will be useful for
engineering disease resistance in plants, or for other industrial processes.
***
LP0219781
Administering Organisation: Murdoch University
Dr G Phillips
A/Prof SE Volet
Dr D Maor
Mr D Guilfoyle
Ms S Tapsall
Mr B Bunt
Title: Production Challenges in the On-Line Learning Environment
2002: $37,000
2003: $35,000
2004: $35,000
Category: 3301 - EDUCATION STUDIES
Industry Partner(s):
Australian Broadcasting Corporation
Summary:
The shift of responsibility from teacher-centred learning to learner-centred learning has raised
important questions of access for diverse groups in Australia and overseas. The project seeks to
investigate new delivery mechanisms that respond to worldwide trends in virtual communities and
self-directed learning. This research will explore the relationship between content pedagogy, use of
technology, and work-related issues and expectations. It will adopt a qualitative and quantitative
research methodology in identifying opportunities, producing a learning prototype, testing and
trialing that prototype and applying research outcomes in the context of emergent new educational
models that draw upon convergent media.
***
LP0219617
Administering Organisation: Murdoch University
A/Prof JA Reynoldson
Prof RC Thompson
Dr S Reid
Dr A Armson
Dr W Best
Title: Exploitation of a Novel Drug Target for Controlling Animal Trypanosomiasis.
2002: $128,941
2003: $125,276
APA(I) Award(s):
2004: $125,276
1
Category: 3005 - VETERINARY SCIENCES
Industry Partner(s):
GlaxoSmithKline
Summary:
Trypanosomiasis greatly reduces livestock productivity in countries where it is endemic and is a
threat to livestock and native wildlife in countries such as Australia where it is exotic but there is a
risk of entry. New trypanocidal drugs with different modes of action are urgently needed to
overcome growing resistance. This project aims to characterise trypanosome tubulin and, with this
information, produce new tubulin-binding compounds for assessment in vitro and in vivo. Upon
completion of the project it is expected that drug binding sites on trypanosome tubulin will be
characterised and at least one candidate for clinical trials identified.
***
LP0219331
Administering Organisation: Murdoch University
Dr JM Robinson
Prof RL Dowden
Dr C Rodger
Title: A Cost-Effective System for Monitoring Lightning Strikes Across Australasia.
2002: $25,343
2003: $20,000
Category: 2403 - ATOMIC AND MOLECULAR PHYSICS; NUCLEAR AND PARTICLE
PHYSICS; PLASMA PHYSICS
Industry Partner(s):
Low Frequency Electromagnetic Research Ltd
Department of Land Administration
Summary:
Lightning causes many major fires in Australia, and rural fire managers would benefit from access to
lighting data. Lightning data have been prohibitively expensive because acquiring them requires a
dense monitoring network. Low Frequency Electromagnetic Research Ltd (LF*EM) has developed
an alternative, cost-effective technology for monitoring lightning based on a sparse network of
stations monitoring VLF radiation. We propose to translate LF*EM?s basic science results into a
product that can deliver lightning data to fire managers and other users across Oceania.
***
The University of Western Australia
LP0221076
Administering Organisation: The University of Western Australia
Dr MC Brundrett
Dr J Koch
Dr K Dixon
Title: Factors influencing the reovery of orchids and their mycorrhizal fungi in the postmining landscape.
2002: $22,545
APA(I) Award(s):
2003: $22,545
2004: $22,545
1
Category: 3001 - SOIL AND WATER SCIENCES
Industry Partner(s):
Alcoa World Alumina Australia
Summary:
Australian terrestrial orchids are highly vulnerable to reductions in soil fungus diversity after
disturbance, due to their highly specific associations with soil fungi. This project would investigate
how mycorrhizal fungal diversity and spatial variability changes with time during restoration of jarrah
forest vegetation after bauxite mining. The impact of mycorrhizal fungi and other soil and habitat
factors on orchid taxonomic diversity and habitat preferences in rehabilitated bauxite mine soils will
be investigated. The post-mining environment will also be contrasted with undisturbed jarrah forest
to understand why some orchids are common and others rare in these environments.
***
LP0234452
Administering Organisation: The University of Western Australia
A/Prof GK Chelvanayagam
Dr GK Tay
Title: The Relevance of the Bovine Major Histocompatibility Complex (MHC) to Milk
Production.
2002: $45,090
APA(I) Award(s):
2003: $45,090
2004: $45,090
2
Category: 2802 - ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE AND SIGNAL AND IMAGE PROCESSING
Industry Partner(s):
Agri-BIOTECH Pty Ltd
Summary:
The objective of this project is to provide the dairy industry with an integrated package that includes
a ?dairy performance database? linked to DNA-based information to complement existing breeding
practices. Our intention is increase the profitability of the dairy industry, hence making a dairy farm
a sustainable venture in a deregulated environment. Profitability results from a combination of
several factors. The drivers of the industry include political, market, environmental, husbandry,
nutrition, and genetic factors. These factors are interrelated. In this proposal, we are specifically
interested in the relationship between milk yields and the DNA profile of dairy cattle.
***
LP0218037
Administering Organisation: The University of Western Australia
Prof JA Considine
Dr SL Krauss
Dr P Weston
Title: A biological basis for the efficient breeding of native plants for export markets: a case
study with the Australian Goodeniaceae
2002: $57,231
APA(I) Award(s):
2003: $50,403
2004: $50,403
1
Category: 3003 - HORTICULTURE
Industry Partner(s):
Botanic Gardens and Parks Authority
AGWEST
Royal Botanic Gardens, Sydney
Summary:
The native plant family Goodeniaceae exhibits enormous potential for the world potted-plant trade.
To provide vital biological information for the efficient breeding of these plants, we will (i) determine
the molecular evolutionary relationships of species, (ii) assess chromosomal variation within and
among species, (iii) characterise mating patterns in natural populations using DNA fingerprinting for
paternity analysis, (iv) develop techniques to overcome barriers to wide crossing, and (v) use DNA
fingerprinting for the rapid identification of artificial hybrids. Expected outcomes are an
understanding of evolution and mating in the Goodeniaceae and the efficient development of
horticulturally significant material
***
LP0210571
Administering Organisation: The University of Western Australia
A/Prof WA Cowling
Dr M Francki
Dr K Bayliss
Prof SG Kailis
Title: Exploiting the Arabidopsis genome sequence as a molecular ?toolbox? for Brassica
improvement
2002: $83,729
2003: $85,326
2004: $85,512
APDI - Dr K Bayliss
APA(I) Award(s):
1
Category: 3002 - CROP AND PASTURE PRODUCTION
Industry Partner(s):
Norddeutsche Pflanzenzucht Hans-Georg Lembke KG
Council of Grain Grower Organisations Ltd.
Summary:
Australia's position as a major exporter of canola (Brassica napus) is under threat from genetic
improvements in yield and quality being made by our international competitors. We will identify
genes from Arabidopsis (the 'tool-box') that will be used to increase the speed of selection of new
canola varieties with improved oleic acid content, disease resistance, and agronomic traits such as
early flowering and cold tolerance. Genome similarity between Arabidopsis and canola will be
exploited to map specific genes from Arabidopsis directly into canola. Based on this knowledge, we
will develop gene-specific molecular markers for rapid selection of Australian-adapted canola
varieties.
***
LP0211987
Administering Organisation: The University of Western Australia
Dr M FRANCKI
A/Prof WA COWLING
Title: Brassica genome organisation and evolution: unlocking the potential of using genomespecific repetitive elements for crop improvement.
2002: $22,545
2003: $22,545
APA(I) Award(s):
1
Category: 2702 - GENETICS
Industry Partner(s):
2004: $22,545
Council of Grain Growers Organisation
Summary:
Introgression of chromosome segments from related Brassica species provides an opportunity to
develop locally adapted varieties with improved agronomic and quality traits. There is a need to
understand Brassica genome organisation and how this information can be used for enhancing the
efficiency of cultivar development. Dispersed and tandem repetitive DNA sequences provide
valuable information on the organisation and evolution of plant chromosomes. Methods for
monitoring chromosome segment transfer across Brassica species will be developed based on
detecting and quantifying genome-specific repetitive DNA sequences. Australian Brassica
improvement programs could benefit from this research by adopting methods to detect chromosome
segment transfer during interspecific hybridisation.
***
LP0214954
Administering Organisation: The University of Western Australia
Prof RJ Gilkes
Dr DA Jasper
Dr JM Koch
Title: Optimizing mine floor ripping strategies for diverse regolith types to enhance
rehabilitation success
2002: $65,000
APA(I) Award(s):
2003: $58,000
2004: $58,000
1
Category: 3008 - ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES
Industry Partner(s):
Alcoa World Alumina Australia
Summary:
The aim of the project is to identify poorly structured subsoils developed in regolith materials in
rehabilitated bauxite mines and develop procedures for minimising the effects of poor soil structure
on tree growth. Well structured regolith types will also be identified as sites requiring less ripping.
Large-scale field trials will be established to examine the impact of ripping on different regolith
types. Methods will be developed to enable prediction of regolith structure based on instumented
rippers, drill hole data and remote sensing. Greater success of revegetation practices and a decrease
in annual ripping costs ($1.3 m) are anticipated.
***
LP0214150
Administering Organisation: The University of Western Australia
Dr PF GRIERSON
Prof MA ADAMS
Title: Ecological sustainability and changing land use in the Pilbara
2002: $119,000
APA(I) Award(s):
2003: $108,000
2
2004: $108,000
2005: $106,000
2006: $106,000
Category: 3008 - ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES
Industry Partner(s):
Hamersley Iron Pty Ltd
Summary:
Land use change is frequently associated with large changes in key elements of ?sustainability? ?
biodiversity, productivity, and water and nutrient cycles. However, in the Pilbara, fires and flooding
rains are so frequent that detecting consequences of land use change is frequently confounded by
other ?disturbances?. We aim, through controlled field experiments, to disentangle effects of land
use change (e.g. de-stocking of rangelands, altered water availability through mining activity or
infrastructure) from those of natural disturbance and variability (both spatially and temporally). This
research will improve understanding of key areas in resilience of rangelands and of major processes
that are critical for sustainable management.
***
LP0214964
Administering Organisation: The University of Western Australia
Prof DI Groves
Dr NJ McNaughton
Dr L Snee
Title: A Multi-Isotope, Multi-Mineral Approach to Chronology of Deformation,
Metamorphism and Gold Mineralisation in the Eastern Goldfields Province, Western
Australia
2002: $95,000
2003: $95,000
2004: $48,000
Category: 2601 - GEOLOGY
Industry Partner(s):
AMIRA International
Summary:
Following recent research, an excellent framework is emerging for the evolution of the Eastern
Goldfields Province. However, the weak link remaining is the precise timing of post-depositional
geological events. The majority of available ages are equivocal because only single ?non-robust?
isotope systems were used. This project will be the first to take a multi-isotope and multi-mineral
approach to constrain the temporal framework for the geological history of the Province. It will also
provide an unequivocal guide to the robustness of the various isotopic methods and enable a careful
reassessment of existing data and identification of appropriate methodology for future research.
***
LP0216012
Administering Organisation: The University of Western Australia
Dr FA HAYNES
Title: DEVELOPING CREATIVE THINKERS THROUGH THE ARTS - A longitudinal and
comparative mapping of student learning in an innovative Arts programme
2002: $60,000
2003: $55,000
2004: $50,000
Category: 3302 - CURRICULUM STUDIES
Industry Partner(s):
AWESOME ARTS AUSTRALIA LTD
EDUCATION DEPARTMENT OF WESTERN AUSTRALIA
Summary:
Recent curriculum reforms which integrate learning areas, increase community participation and
emphasise learning rather than teaching were driven by industry?s demand for school-leavers who
demonstrate creative initiative. Monitoring student progress however relies on domain-specific
outcome statements. This project monitors students? progress towards creative competencies as they
are fostered by an integrated Arts programme. We will map how K-10 students in 120 AWESOME
Festival project classes develop critically and creatively over three years. Complex innovative datacollecting requires the development of interactive evaluative software. Theoretical findings on arts
learning and appropriate thinking skills will be presented in an academic book, Re-Thinking
Thinking.
***
LP0211883
Administering Organisation: The University of Western Australia
Dr CB Hinz
Prof LA Aylmore
Title: Risk Assessment of Pesticide Contamination of Surface Water and Groundwater Trigger Mechanisms for Fast Transport
2002: $22,545
2003: $22,545
APA(I) Award(s):
2004: $22,545
1
Category: 3001 - SOIL AND WATER SCIENCES
Industry Partner(s):
Water Corporation
Summary:
Pesticide and herbicide transport to groundwater and surface water poses a risk to the environment
and humans alike. A new event-based risk assessment approach of pesticide movement to surface
water and groundwater will be developed. With the use of rainfall simulation partitioning between
surface runoff and infiltration will be quantified in an agricultural catchment. Pesticide contamination
events will be identified from climatic data such high intensity rainfalls and soil properties controlling
runoff and preferential flow. Results will be used to develop management strategies to reduce offsite
movement of pesticides.
***
LP0214131
Administering Organisation: The University of Western Australia
A/Prof MS Johnson
Dr SL Krauss
Title: Rapid delineation of genetic provenance for rehabilitation and revegetation of native
plant communities.
2002: $55,231
APA(I) Award(s):
2003: $48,603
2004: $48,603
1
Category: 3008 - ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES
Industry Partner(s):
Botanic Gardens and Parks Authority
Landcare Services Pty Ltd
Summary:
The rehabilitation and/or revegetation of degraded, remnant or post-mining bushland is an
increasingly important activity. Data and general principles for the delineation of genetic provenance
are urgently required for effective rehabilitation, as well as for the conservation of genetic diversity.
We will apply a new and powerful genetic technique for the rapid delineation of provenance in over
30 native plant species in south west Australia. Our aim is to generate provenance guidelines and
principles, as well as provenance data for the most important species for bushland rehabilitation,
which will be produced for rehabilitation practitioners through a "provenance atlas" book.
***
LP0212260
Administering Organisation: The University of Western Australia
Dr M KEEP
Dr RR HILLIS
Title: Integrating Stress and Strain Data from the North West Shelf, Australia: Implications
for Hydrocarbon Seal Integrity
2002: $140,000
2003: $130,000
Category: 2601 - GEOLOGY
Industry Partner(s):
MINERALS AND ENERGY RESEARCH INSTITUTE OF WESTERN AUSTRALIA
Summary:
Many exploration wells in the Australian North West Shelf encounter residual columns from which
hydrocarbons have leaked due to fault reactivation. Recently there has been a significant increase in
our knowledge of contemporary stress (from data such as borehole breakouts)
and strain (from fault reactivation styles) on the North West Shelf.
This project will integrate information on stress and strain in order to investigate whether the current
state-of-stress is consistent with
observed reactivation styles, and thus develop predictive models for
fault reactivation and hydrocarbon leakage based on the distribution of
stress and strain.
***
LP0211478
Administering Organisation: The University of Western Australia
Prof Dr JT Lambers
Dr EJ Veneklaas
Dr JM Koch
Title: An ecophysiological analysis of key factors determining jarrah forest productivity on
rehabilitated bauxite minesites
2002: $22,545
2003: $22,545
APA(I) Award(s):
2004: $22,545
1
Category: 2707 - ECOLOGY AND EVOLUTION
Industry Partner(s):
Alcoa World Alumina Australia
Summary:
Following bauxite mining, soils are prepared for rehabilitation. After sowing or planting of the
original species, a vegetation is established. Despite a successful first phase of rehabilitation, there is
large variation between stands 5 to 10 years later. The aim of this project is to analyse the causes of
this variation, especially variation in performance of jarrah (Eucalyptus marginata) between sites.
Nutrient and water status of trees will be assessed, in a search for correlations with plant
performance. Effects of fertilisation and irrigation on plant peformance will be investigated. The
remarkably high phosphate-use efficiency of jarrah will also be analysed.
***
LP0212108
Administering Organisation: The University of Western Australia
Dr JS McCarthy
Prof RC Thompson
Ms C Jones
Prof JM Behnke
Title: Coproantigen detection tests for diagnosis of intestinal parasitic nematode infection.
2002: $39,594
2003: $34,003
APA(I) Award(s):
2004: $34,003
1
Category: 2708 - BIOTECHNOLOGY
Industry Partner(s):
Cellabs Pty Ltd
Summary:
The aim of this project is to develop new tests for detection of hookworm and Strongyloides, two
common intestinal worm infections of humans. These tests offer the potential to replace current
tests, namely stool microscopy and serodiagnosis, both of whose performance is unsatisfactory due
to deficiencies in sensitivity, specificity and operator convenience. The tests will rely on monoclonal
antibodies to detect parasite products in stool. Such testing technology is amenable to configuration
in a robust format, suitable for large-scale manufacture. Given the worldwide prevalence of these
parasites, the tests will have a market potential of international significance.
***
LP0212905
Administering Organisation: The University of Western Australia
Prof GJ Milne
Dr A Griffiths
Title: Design and Formal Verification of Control and Data Acquisition Protocols
2002: $57,988
2003: $60,300
2004: $62,710
Category: 2803 - COMPUTER SOFTWARE
Industry Partner(s):
Foxboro Australia Pty Ltd
Summary:
This research will develop new specification and verification techniques for remote control
protocols, used among interconnected sites in supply utilities such as electricity grids, based on a
proven formal methods technology. These protocols are used in the monitoring of data from remote
sites, and the transmission of control commands to such sites from a central location. Benefits to the
industrial partner include increased assurance that their control technology does correctly realise the
adopted protocols. Assurance of correctness is significant in that incorrect protocol implementation
may cause errant operation of equipment, and lead to economic and environmental damage.
***
LP0219249
Administering Organisation: The University of Western Australia
A/Prof J Pan
Title: ACTIVE CONTROL OF SURFACE OCEAN SHIPS
2002: $85,000
2003: $77,000
APA(I) Award(s):
2004: $77,000
1
Category: 2912 - MARITIME ENGINEERING
Industry Partner(s):
Seastate Pty Ltd
Summary:
This research is to design nonlinear robust adaptive control systems using active actuators (flaps, fins
and rudders) for course keeping and path tracking of surface ocean ships, which are inherently
nonlinear and with uncertainties. The outcome of the research will lead to the development of nonlinear control strategies, which result in simple-to-implement and effective controllers. These
controllers are robust to the environmental disturbances and uncertainties, adapt to unknown
parameters of the ship and actuators. Only a few control gains are required to be tuned. The success
of this project will significantly increase the international competiveness of Australian shipbuilding
industry.
***
LP0219300
Administering Organisation: The University of Western Australia
A/Prof CB Pattiaratchi
Dr DP Hamilton
Dr RJ Ranasinghe
Title: Hydrodynamics of Intermittently Closing and Opening Lakes and Lagoons
2002: $55,000
2003: $28,000
APA(I) Award(s):
2004: $25,000
1
Category: 2604 - OCEANOGRAPHY
Industry Partner(s):
Centre for Natural Resources
Summary:
Intermittently closing and open lakes and lagoons are shallow coastal water bodies that are
connected intermittently to the ocean. Sixty of the 135 estuaries in New South Wales are considered
to be ICOLL's. The closure of the Lake/Lagoon entrance to the ocean prevents water exchange that
can lead to poor water quality. Detailed field and numerical model studies in two ICOLLS (Coila
Lake and Wamberal Lagoon) are proposed using modern instrumentation. It is recognised that a
fundamental understanding of the circulation and mixing characteristics of ICOLLs is imperative for
the development of proper management strategies for these systems.
***
LP0224002
Administering Organisation: The University of Western Australia
A/Prof CB Pattiaratchi
Mr N D'Adamo
Dr E Wolanski
Mr R Brinkman
Title: Hydrodynamics of Fringing Reef Systems
2002: $22,545
APA(I) Award(s):
2003: $22,545
2004: $22,545
1
Category: 2604 - OCEANOGRAPHY
Industry Partner(s):
Marine Conservation Branch
Summary:
This project aims to develop a numerical circulation model applicable to fringing reef systems, in
particular, the Ningaloo reef, Western Australia. The model will include the effects of tides, winds,
surface gravity waves and density. The model results will be compared to field measurements
collected by the Australian Institute of Marine Science. After the model has been developed and
validated, it will be used to investigate processes such as water exchange between lagoons and open
sea, effects of contaminant spills and recruitment within the reef systems. An understanding of these
processes is essential for the sustainable management of these systems.
***
LP0211951
Administering Organisation: The University of Western Australia
Dr JA Plummer
Adj/Prof K Siddique
Dr P White
Dr DJ Harris
Title: Invesitgation of environmental staining and storage discolouration in Faba Bean
2002: $22,545
2003: $22,545
APA(I) Award(s):
2004: $22,545
1
Category: 3002 - CROP AND PASTURE PRODUCTION
Industry Partner(s):
Agriculture Western Australia
Chemistry Centre (WA)
Summary:
Faba beans are an important pulse crop in Australia. They are exported to the Middle East and
Europe for human consumption where buff coloured beans are desired. A third of beans become
discoloured in storage. These are downgraded to stock feed with a loss of $50 per ton to the grower.
Currently little is known about the causes. Environmental factors and selected genotypes will be
assessed to determine the potential causes of discoluration. Analytical techniques will ascertain the
discolouration process and the compounds produced. The aim is to provide growers with
information on management strategies and breeders of strain resistant genotypes.
***
LP0211175
Administering Organisation: The University of Western Australia
Prof Z Rengel
Dr JW Bowden
Title: Role of stubble management in improving soil fertility
2002: $79,000
2003: $79,000
APA(I) Award(s):
2004: $79,000
1
Category: 3002 - CROP AND PASTURE PRODUCTION
Industry Partner(s):
Agriculture WA
Summary:
In highly-weathered nutrient-poor soils of the south-western Australia, the amount of nutrients in
stubble is critical in nutrient cycling as well as in determining optimal amounts of fertilisers to be
applied. Stubble management is therefore an integral part of crop fertilisation and nutrient
management. We will characterise nutrient cycling in the stubble-soil-crop continuum in a range of
cropping situations. Computer modelling will be used to extend applicability of results over space
and time. This project will provide the knowledge required for improving fertiliser recommendations
to take into account changes in the cropping systems that have occurred in the last 10-20 years.
***
LP0209081
Administering Organisation: The University of Western Australia
Dr TA Robertson
Prof JM Papadimitriou
Dr JC Richardson
Title: How critical is the inflammatory response in senile plaque formation in a mutant APP
transgenic mouse model?
2002: $69,300
2003: $65,340
2004: $65,340
Category: 3207 - NEUROSCIENCES
Industry Partner(s):
Glaxo Wellcome Australia Ltd trading as GlaxoSmithKline
Summary:
The aims of this project is to examine the brains of mice genetically engineered to produce a human
mutant form of insoluble beta amyloid protein known to play a critical role in the development of
Alzheimer's disease (AD). If the "trigger" for AD is an inflammatory reaction, then the relevant
examination of the early stages of senile plaque formation in these animals could lead to
pharmaceutical intervention to delay the development of this debilitating disease. A 5 year delay
would significantly reduce the number of people with AD, not only adding years of improved quality
of life, but also saving hundreds of millions of Australian dollars in health costs.
***
LP0211988
Administering Organisation: The University of Western Australia
Dr GG Thompson
Dr PC Withers
Dr RA How
Title: Improved quality and interpretation of terrestrial fauna surveys for environmental
impact assessments in the mining industry
2002: $22,545
APA(I) Award(s):
2003: $22,545
2004: $22,545
1
Category: 3008 - ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES
Industry Partner(s):
Department of Conservation and Land Management
Environmental Protection Authority
The Chamber of Minerals and Energy of Western Australia
Summary:
This study will improve the quality and interpretation of the terrestrial fauna surveys used as a basis
for Environmental Impact Assessment in the mining industry. As a consequence, the Environment
Protection Authority will better understand the potential impacts of mining on biodiversity and
ecosystems, and can place more appropriate conditions on mining companies and their rehabilitation
programs. In addition, the study will report on strategies for detecting rare and endangered species,
and the development of appropriate databases to enable terrestrial fauna data to be interpreted in the
context of soils and vegetation at habitat, landscape and regional scales.
***
LP0214171
Administering Organisation: The University of Western Australia
Dr ME Tobar
Mr JH Searls
Dr JG Hartnett
Title: High Performance Microwave Oscillators for Radars, Comminication Systems and
Precision Noise Measurements
2002: $168,022
APA(I) Award(s):
2003: $125,790
2004: $118,296
1
Category: 2917 - COMMUNICATIONS TECHNOLOGIES
Industry Partner(s):
Poseidon Scientific Instruments Pty. Ltd.
Summary:
The aim of the project is to develop a new class of microwave oscillators with unique combination of
properties including low-noise, high frequency stability and reduced sensitivity to vibration. Such
oscillators are essential for expanding fields of radar, fiber optics, optical frequency synthesis and
metrology.
The industrial partner's focus will be on demands for reduced cost and improved environmental
performance, the university team will focus on improved frequency stability, optimal tuning and
novel vibration immunity techniques.
Achieving the project goals will broaden the international markets for the industry partner's products
and lead to increased export income for Australia.
***