Dissertations / Theses on the topic 'Risk assessment Australia Case studies'
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1
Wild, River Su, and swildriv@cres20 anu edu au. "The environmental implications of the local-state antinomy in Australia." The Australian National University. Centre for Resource and Environmental Studies, 2002. http://thesis.anu.edu.au./public/adt-ANU20040922.142838.
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An antinomy is a contradiction between a principle and its opposite, where there is a
compelling case for accepting both. This thesis adopts the antinomy of local-state
government in Australia as its central conceptual theme, describing it with the following
defensible, but contradictory principles that:¶
· Australian local governments are statutory agencies of Australias state
governments, with no power or authority beyond that which is ascribed to them by
the states (the outside-in principle); and¶
· Local governments in Australia are independent agencies whose authority and
interests transcend their regulatory powers by nature of their attachment to their
local area (the inside-out principle).¶
The central conceptual theme of the antinomy of local-state government shapes the
overall thesis, as well as providing the focus for its introduction and conclusion. The thesis
induces elements of the antinomy and structures much of its discussion around these key
issues. It does not try to prove or resolve the antinomy. Instead the thesis uses the concept to
explore and develop its second complex theme - the practical and applied experience of
Australian local governments (LGs) as they attempt to deliver beneficial environmental
outcomes. The great bulk of the substantive work presented in the thesis focuses on
descriptions and analyses of LGs environmental work and the contexts within which they
do it. The thesis contends that the local-state antinomy underpins many problems facing
Australian LGs as they attempt to deliver beneficial environmental outcomes.
Four research questions are addressed. They are:¶
· How can Australian LG capacity to deliver beneficial environmental outcomes be
understood?¶
· Within this capacity, what are the environmental outcomes now being achieved by
Australian LGs?¶
· How can Australian local government extend its capacity to deliver beneficial
environmental outcomes? And¶
· What are the implications of the local-state antinomy on Australian LG capacity to
deliver beneficial environmental outcomes?¶
This thesis reviews literature on Australian LG, LG environmental work, and the
methods that are appropriate in investigating these questions. The overall thesis uses
scientific, grounded theory and action research methods and draws on ideas from symbolic
interactionism. Parts of the thesis also use environmental risk assessment, gap analysis
techniques, case study and comparative analysis. The goal of generating grounded theories
led to a strong focus on the development and exploration of analytical categories and the
relationships between them. One such category summarises the relationship between LG
and state government (SG), whereby LGs are identified as the inside sphere of government,
while the SG is one of several outside spheres. Environmental efforts that impact between
the spheres are described in relation to their source and impact, using this terminology, so
that inside-out initiatives are driven by LGs but impact more broadly, and outside-in
initiatives are driven by states but impact on local areas.¶
Two extensive studies are presented, each stemming primarily from one side of the
local-state antinomy. The first is a quantitative, statewide study of local (and state)
government implementation of the Queensland Environmental Protection Act. That process
is considered a predominantly outside-in environmental initiative, in that LG interest and
authority for that work stem directly from a SG statute. For simplicity, this is referred to as
an outside-in study. That study involved the development and application of the
Comparative Environmental Risk Assessment Method, that enabled the assessment of the
environmental and other outcomes from the Queensland legislation.¶
The outside-in study is complimented by comparative case studies that mostly
reflect inside-out environmental initiatives as they are defined and described by LGs.
Again, this required the development of innovative research methods, specifically a
comparative case study method. 34 case studies gathered from different types of LGs across
Australia are presented, each representing an attempt by LG to deliver beneficial
environmental outcomes.¶
In answer to the research questions, LG capacity to deliver environmental outcomes
can be understood when the antinomy is examined through the research methods and
analytical categories developed and presented here. LGs are delivering significant beneficial
environmental outcomes, both as agents of SGs and through their own initiatives.
Improving LG capacity to deliver environmental outcomes primarily requires a respect for
LG perspectives, and for LG priorities, which inherently include a focus on their own local
areas. State governments can build effective partnerships between the spheres and enhance
LG environmental capacity by recognising and supporting LGs own priorities, while
assisting their engagement with broader strategic objectives.
2
Smith, Carey. "Studies on weed risk assessment." Title page, contents and abstract only, 1999. http://web4.library.adelaide.edu.au/theses/09AFM/09afms644.pdf.
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Bibliography: leaves 124-136. This thesis gives an overview of factors used in weed risk assessments and explores the disparity between the measured high accuracy rate of the weed risk assessment system (WRA) as implemented in Australia and the pessimistic assessments of some workers about the possibility of predicting the weed potential of plant species imported in the future. The accuracy of the WRA may not be as high as previously thought, and it varies with weed definition and taxonomic groups. Cluster analysis and comparative analysis by independent contrasts were employed to determine the value of individual biological and ecological questions on the WRA questionnaire. Results showed that some WRA questions could be deleted from the questionnaire and the scores for others weighted differently. The WRA is not a reliable predictor of weeds when it is considered in the context of the base-rate probability of an introduced plant becoming weedy in Australia. As a result a far greater number on non-weeds will be placed on the prohibited imported list than was initially expected.
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Khalifa, Amna Saeed Accounting Australian School of Business UNSW. "Evaluation of alternative idea generation techniques in audit fraud risk assessments." Awarded by:University of New South Wales. School of Accounting, 2007. http://handle.unsw.edu.au/1959.4/31454.
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Recent international regulatory reforms have put more responsibility on auditors for detecting financial statement fraud. The recent changes to international auditing standards make it compulsory for members of the audit team to discuss the susceptibility of an entity to fraudulent misstatements at the audit planning stage. These standards do not stipulate the format of these group discussions, nor provide any explicit guidelines on how to carry out effective discussions. This dissertation reports on two studies that examine different discussion techniques which could lead to a better identification of audit fraud risks at the audit planning stage, and may in turn help in fraud detection. Study One tests whether two enhanced forms of interacting group processes (brainstorming guidelines and premortem instructions) have advantages over an interacting group (without brainstorming guidelines). The brainstorming group is provided with Osborn???s (1957) original brainstorming guidelines. Premortem is a variation of the mental simulation idea developed by Klein (1999) invoking a scenario where participants actively search for a flaw in their plans. The auditors in both the brainstorming group treatment and the premortem group treatment generated a larger number of potential frauds than the interacting group treatment. These results were robust across a range of dependent variables used to measure quantity and quality of fraud items. The results also show that more premortem groups listed rare frauds compared to the other two group structures. There was a negative relationship between the number of items listed and the assessed likelihood of fraud. Participants who estimated a higher likelihood of fraud provided a more complete mental simulation of how a fraud could be perpetrated. Study Two focuses on the individual brainstorming phase which may occur before the group brainstorming session. It examines whether giving additional brainstorming guidelines and task decomposing (in addition to the original brainstorming guidelines), improve performance compared to having only the original brainstorming guidelines. Both the additional brainstorming guidelines and the task decomposition treatments generated a larger number of potential frauds than the brainstorming guidelines treatment. Task decomposition helps participants focus equally on all task subcategories leading to a more diverse set of ideas.
4
Kucukcoban, Sezgin. "Development Of A Software For Seismic Damage Estimation: Case Studies." Master's thesis, METU, 2004. http://etd.lib.metu.edu.tr/upload/12605087/index.pdf.
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The occurrence of two recent major earthquakes, 17 August 1999 Mw = 7.4 Izmit and 12 November 1999 Mw = 7.1 Düzce, in Turkey prompted seismologists and geologists to conduct studies to predict magnitude and location of a potential earthquake that can cause substantial damage in Istanbul. Many scenarios are available about the extent and size of the earthquake. Moreover, studies have recommended rough estimates of risk areas throughout the city to trigger responsible authorities to take precautions to reduce the casualties and loss for the earthquake expected. Most of these studies, however, adopt available procedure by modifying them for the building stock peculiar to Turkey. The assumptions and modifications made are too crude and thus are believed to introduce significant deviations from the actual case. To minimize these errors and use specific damage functions and capacity curves that reflect the practice in Turkey, a study was undertaken to predict damage pattern and distribution in Istanbul for a scenario earthquake proposed by Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA). The success of these studies strongly depends on the quality and validity of building inventory and site property data. Building damage functions and capacity curves developed from the studies conducted in Middle East Technical University are used. A number of proper attenuation relations are employed. The study focuses mainly on developing a software to carry out all computations and present results. The results of this study reveal a more reliable picture of the physical seismic damage distribution expected in Istanbul.
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Watson, Florence Anne. "Confidentiality and risk assessment : case studies of the professional judgements of nurses, social workers and hospital chaplains." Thesis, University of Leeds, 1998. http://etheses.whiterose.ac.uk/7191/.
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This research examines the relationship between professional codes of ethics and ethics in practice. Key issues explored include: (a) to what extent do professionals use their ethical code when making decisions involving ethical dilemmas; (b) how frequently do they disclose information against clients' wishes and how is this justified; (c) are professional judgements so consistent that a common practice standard can be determined; (d) what differences in decision-making exist between nurses, social workers and chaplains and is this related to the extent of 'professionalization' of the occupation into an integrated network? Vignettes describing low-risk community mental health cases, posing ethical dilemmas for the research participants about the disclosure of confidential information, were used as a focus for lengthy semi-structured interviews with 27 nurses, 21 social workers and 7 chaplains. Data was collected about respondents' professional membership and understanding of legal/professional/employer guidance about confidentiality. Responses were analyzed in relation to themes of 'consistency', 'conflict of loyalties', and 'rationalization' of choices. Confidentiality was breached more than it was maintained, although there were considerable differences both within and between professional groups about the points of disclosure. In addition, no standard recipients for information could be determined. Vignettes were sometimes interpreted differently. Disclosure was justified through loyalties conflicting with responsibilities to the named client. This included loyalty to fellow professionals, to third parties, and to oneself. Disclosure could be motivated by desire to obtain a 'good result'. Participants displayed generally poor knowledge of legal/professional/employer frameworks for decision-making, and referred to their codes of ethics rarely as a reason behind decisions. Implications for professional training and employer policy are discussed. Problems in professional accountability are raised, for practitioners, professional bodies, and employers. The utility of a code of ethics which espouses a standard of confidentiality so far removed from day-to-day practice is questioned.
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Sansakorn, Preeda. "Development of a risk assessment methodology and safety management model for the building construction industry : case studies from Thailand." Thesis, University of Birmingham, 2018. http://etheses.bham.ac.uk//id/eprint/8249/.
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The building construction industry is growing all over the world and considered as a labour-intensive industry. It is associated with significant safety risks and losses resulting from major accidents. These critical safety risks are largely due to lack of awareness, which causes poor performance. Furthermore, in construction management projects, risk assessment tools are still widely employed by adopting two traditional parameters, severity of consequence (SC) and probability of occurrence (PO), to analyse the safety risk level. It is not clear, however, whether this analysis can evaluate the safety risk magnitude appropriately, which necessitates the introduction of another parameter, probability of consequence (PC), to improve the risk evaluation. The fuzzy reasoning technique (FRT) is useful for quantifying and dealing effectively with the lack of certainty related to the domain of building construction projects. PC was incorporated into the model which allows safety risks to be assessed correctly. Furthermore, the modified fuzzy analytical hierarchy process (MFAHP) and fuzzy technique for order preference by similarity to ideal solution (FTOPSIS) methods are integrated into a new construction safety risks model for the evaluation of important safety risks. Four specific case studies are employed to illustrate the applicability and performance of the proposed model.
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Deutschmann, Björn [Verfasser], Henner [Akademischer Betreuer] Hollert, and Andreas [Akademischer Betreuer] Schäffer. "Potential and challenge : biomarker response analyses in environmental risk assessment - case studies with fish / Björn Deutschmann ; Henner Hollert, Andreas Schäffer." Aachen : Universitätsbibliothek der RWTH Aachen, 2020. http://d-nb.info/1221373498/34.
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Deutschmann, Björn Verfasser], Henner [Akademischer Betreuer] [Hollert, and Andreas [Akademischer Betreuer] Schäffer. "Potential and challenge : biomarker response analyses in environmental risk assessment - case studies with fish / Björn Deutschmann ; Henner Hollert, Andreas Schäffer." Aachen : Universitätsbibliothek der RWTH Aachen, 2020. http://d-nb.info/1221373498/34.
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Jones, Nigel V. "Occupational stress, a cross-sectional and logitudinal analysis." Thesis, Edith Cowan University, Research Online, Perth, Western Australia, 1996. https://ro.ecu.edu.au/theses/953.
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This study investigated the presence of occupational stress among teachers. It did not set out to identify and explain variables associated with stress among teachers, rather the study focussed on the multitude of variables identified in the literature and sought to include these in a more extensive causal model. The study was conducted in two main stages. Firstly, a cross-sectional survey investigated the presence of stress among 230 teachers, as measured by Psychological Stress, Physical Health, Job Satisfaction and & desire to Leave their Job. The survey obtained information on stress outcome variables (Psychological Stress, Physical Health, Job Satisfaction and Wanting to Leave), biographical information, personality (Hardiness, Type A Behaviour, Locus of Control, Extraversion and Neuroticism), psycho-social variables, (Social Support, Problem Solving, Emotional Coping mechanisms and Self Esteem) and work and life stressors (Role Conflict, Role Ambiguity, Job Responsibility, Job Future Ambiguity, Underutilization of Skill, Inequity of Pay, participation in Decision Making, Administrative Support, Relationships with Peers, Extra Work, Wanted Extra Work, Workload, Work Hours and major Life Events). Causal models using path analysis were then generated to account for the relationships found within the data. Secondly a longitudinal study over six months was conducted on 242 teachers. The causal models generated in the first study were re-tested on this second group of teachers, both cross-sectionally and longitudinally. Furthermore the importance of existing levels of stress in the prediction of future stress was assessed. Finally a three year follow up was conducted on the survey's participants. The results of the investigations revealed that:-(i) the utility of demographic information in the stress process was inconsistent. (ii) that among measures of work stressors there are replication and redundancies. (iii) that the different stress outcome measures had different predictors. (iv) that the best fitting causal models for the stress process were direct effect models. (v) that existing stress levels am an important factor in the prediction of future stress levels. (vi) that those teachers who indicated a desire to leave teaching and/or were experiencing psychological stress, were more likely to leave teaching three years later. (vii) that there is a need to standardize both the outcome and predictor variables used in stress research. The implications of these results were then discussed as were areas for future research.
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Lassa, Jonatan A. [Verfasser]. "Institutional Vulnerability and Governance of Disaster Risk Reduction: Macro, Meso and Micro Scale Assessment : With Case Studies from Indonesia / Jonatan A. Lassa." Bonn : Universitäts- und Landesbibliothek Bonn, 2011. http://d-nb.info/1016181752/34.
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Mylvaganam, Arunthathi. "Lung cancer risk amongst uranium miners : the Radium Hill study /." Title page, contents and abstract only, 1993. http://web4.library.adelaide.edu.au/theses/09PH/09phm997.pdf.
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McClure, David L. "Quantifying the risk of adverse events associated with HMG COA reductase inhibitors /." Connect to full text via ProQuest. IP filtered, 2005.
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Abu-Shaqra, Baha. "Technoethics and Sensemaking: Risk Assessment and Knowledge Management of Ethical Hacking in a Sociotechnical Society." Thesis, Université d'Ottawa / University of Ottawa, 2020. http://hdl.handle.net/10393/40393.
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Cyber attacks by domestic and foreign threat actors are increasing in frequency and sophistication. Cyber adversaries exploit a cybersecurity skill/knowledge gap and an open society, undermining the information security/privacy of citizens and businesses and eroding trust in governments, thus threatening social and political stability. The use of open digital hacking technologies in ethical hacking in higher education and within broader society raises ethical, technical, social, and political challenges for liberal democracies. Programs teaching ethical hacking in higher education are steadily growing but there is a concern that teaching students hacking skills increases crime risk to society by drawing students toward criminal acts. A cybersecurity skill gap undermines the security/viability of business and government institutions. The thesis presents an examination of opportunities and risks involved in using AI powered intelligence gathering/surveillance technologies in ethical hacking teaching practices in Canada. Taking a qualitative exploratory case study approach, technoethical inquiry theory (Bunge-Luppicini) and Weick’s sensemaking model were applied as a sociotechnical theory (STEI-KW) to explore ethical hacking teaching practices in two Canadian universities. In-depth interviews with ethical hacking university experts, industry practitioners, and policy experts, and a document review were conducted. Findings pointed to a skill/knowledge gap in ethical hacking literature regarding the meanings, ethics, values, skills/knowledge, roles and responsibilities, and practices of ethical hacking and ethical hackers which underlies an identity and legitimacy crisis for professional ethical hacking practitioners; and a Teaching vs Practice cybersecurity skill gap in ethical hacking curricula. Two main S&T innovation risk mitigation initiatives were explored: An OSINT Analyst cybersecurity role and associated body of knowledge foundation framework as an interdisciplinary research area, and a networked centre of excellence of ethical hacking communities of practice as a knowledge management and governance/policy innovation approach focusing on the systematization and standardization of an ethical hacking body of knowledge.
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Cho, Seong Yun. "Environmental Justice in Natural Disaster Mitigation Policy and Planning: a Case Study of Flood Risk Management in Johnson Creek, Portland, Oregon." PDXScholar, 2018. https://pdxscholar.library.pdx.edu/open_access_etds/4502.
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This study aims to explore the possibility of environmental justice as social consensus and an institutional framework to reduce socioeconomic differences in natural disaster vulnerability through a case study of flood risk management in Johnson Creek, Portland, Oregon. First, by analyzing institutions, policies, and currently ongoing flood mitigation projects, this study investigates how federal and local governments are addressing and responding to current flood problems. Second, through flood expert surveys and GIS spatial analysis, this study examines various factors that contribute to communities' susceptibility to flood risks, and whether there exist spatial differences between physically and socioeconomically vulnerable communities within the Johnson Creek area. Lastly, this study conducted comparative analysis of perceptions using Q-methodology to explore the diverse range of meanings and understandings that flood experts and urban practitioners construct in relation to the dilemmas of environmental justice in flood mitigation practice. The findings of this study indicate that institutional blind spots and barriers in natural disaster mitigation policy and planning can be generated by flood experts' and urban practitioners' different understandings of vulnerability, different interpretations of human rights, and different perspectives on the extent of institutional responsibility to assist socioeconomically vulnerable populations.
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Strand, Jakob. "Coupling marine monitoring and risk assessment by integrating exposure, bioaccumulation and effect studies : a case study using the contamination of organotin compounds in the Danish marine environment /." Roskilde : Roskilde University, Department of Life Sciences and Chemistry, 2003. http://hdl.handle.net/1800/571.
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Medland, Andrew T. "A case study of two year six classes involved in a health-related fitness intervention." Thesis, Edith Cowan University, Research Online, Perth, Western Australia, 1992. https://ro.ecu.edu.au/theses/1135.
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Children are not as active as they may appear and they do not voluntarily engage in moderate to high intensity activity as commonly perceived by the general public. With coronary heart disease risk factors now found to have origins in childhood there is a real need for children to adopt lifestyles that will produce healthier adults. In Perth the Western Australian Schools Physical Activity and Nutrition project (WASPAN) has been implemented, as a Year 6 intervention, addressing the problems of poor nutritional habits and low activity levels. The focus of this case-study was to describe the physical activity component of the WASPAN project and to monitor the process of its implementation. The physical activity programme is founded on the concept of systematically increasing children's activity and fitness levels at school in a secure and enjoyable environment, then planning for this and associated activity to generalise into the children's own settings. Two schools were chosen for the study. One Year 6 class of children at each school was intensively monitored for levels of fitness and physical activity. Their attitudes towards fitness, sports and activity were recorded. At both schools the class teachers and their implementation of the fitness programme became an important area of the study. In addition the influence of the school principal and the children's parents in the promotion of physical activity and their contribution to the behaviour modification of the children's lifestyles was described. Multiple data methods were utilised, centering on participant observation and combining field notes, document analysis, interviewing, questionnaires, fitness testing, heart-rate monitoring, interval recording and surveys. Within both classes low and high fitness children were targeted for additional indepth investigation. The study was directed by the data, which revealed that the two teachers implemented the physical education programme in two vastly different ways. This difference in the implementation process impacted on the influence the programme had on the children at the different schools. Results showed the children were enthusiastic towards the programme and fitness and activity levels increased. Closer analysis revealed that the low fitness/low activity children did not make significant activity increases. These children tended to get little support from home compared with high fitness children. Analysis of the parent interviews indicated that the parents of the low fitness children also tended to live in lower socioeconomic areas than the high fitness children's families. A second 'at risk' group also emerged in the course of the study. These were the 'average' children whose level of fitness caused the teachers little concern. At the end of the study several of these children were antagonistic towards the fitness programme. They had received little praise or encouragement from their teachers and as a result their motivation and attitude towards the programme had declined. Some had been overtaken by several of the low fitness children in the fitness levels measured. The attitude of the principal towards physical fitness proved to have a significant effect on the teacher and the children. The two school principals studied also provided a good contrast in levels of enthusiasm and support for the implementation.
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Cooley, Alexis Kirsten. "Detecting Change in Rainstorm Properties from 1977-2016 and Associated Future Flood Risks in Portland, Oregon." PDXScholar, 2017. https://pdxscholar.library.pdx.edu/open_access_etds/3889.
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In response to increased greenhouse gases and global temperatures, changes to the hydrologic cycle are projected to occur and new precipitation characteristics are expected to emerge. The study of these characteristics is facilitated by common indices to measure precipitation and temperature developed by the Expert Team on Climate Change Detection and Indices (ETCCDI). These indices can be used to describe the likely consequences of climate change such as increased daily precipitation intensity (SDII) and heavier rainfall events (R95p). This study calculates a subset of these indices from observed and modelled precipitation data in Portland, Oregon. Five rainfall gages from a high resolution rain gage network and projections from three downscaled global climate models including CanESM2, CESM1, CNRM-CM5 are used to calculate precipitation indices. Mann-Kendall's tau is used to detect monotonic trends in indices. The observational record is compared with models for the historic period (1977-2005) and these past trends are compared with projected future trends (2006-2100). The influence of study unit on trend detection is analyzed by computing trends at the annual and monthly scale. Study unit is shown to be important for trend detection. When the annual study unit is used, projected future trends towards increased precipitation intensity and event volumes are not observed in the historic data. However, when analyzed with a monthly study unit, trends towards increased precipitation intensity and event volumes are observed in the historic data. These trends are shown to be important for Portland area flooding, as precipitation indices are shown to significantly correlate with 40 maximum peak flow events that occurred during the period of study.
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LoCoco, Joseph Kenneth, and Christy Anne Herff. "Structured decision making in adult protective services." CSUSB ScholarWorks, 2007. https://scholarworks.lib.csusb.edu/etd-project/3242.
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The focus of this research project was to evaluate individual stakeholder perceptions of the implementation of Structured Decision Making (SDM) as a tool in risk assessment of elder abuse/neglect case referrals in Riverside County Adult Protective Services (APS). The researchers interviewed ten social workers from Riverside County APS, from line workers up to Deputy Director. Constructivist theory was used to develop a joint construct which indicated that the primary benefit of SDM was consistency. Consistency resulted in safety and proctection of the client, social worker and the agency.
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Bowman, Sarah R. "Utilizing soil characteristics, tissue residues, invertebrate exposures and invertebrate community analyses to evaluate a lead-contaminated site: A shooting range case study." The Ohio State University, 2015. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=osu1437585549.
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Banda, Musale Hamangaba. "A critical analysis of the management of climate change risk among short-term insurers in South Africa: evidence from company annual reports." Thesis, Rhodes University, 2009. http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1003943.
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This study investigates the extent to which South African short-term insurance companies manage climate change risk, as evidenced in their annual and sustainability reporting. The study context takes into account the fact that the world’s climate has been changing at a more accelerated rate since the early 1970s, causing disasters that have negatively affected world economies in the last ten years. Insurers, due to their huge financial resource base, long history of spurring innovation around risk and encouraging loss-reducing behaviour as well as high levels of vulnerability, have been identified as one industry that could lead societies in finding solutions to climate change risk. A key element of such a corporate resolve involves taking a leadership position which makes business sense for insurers. As such, this research analyses how innovative solutions to change-related problems could result in reduced exposure to climate change in line with corporate triple bottom line objectives. Based on a purposive sampling of short-term insurance companies operating in the South African market during the 2007 financial year, the study uses the companies’ annual and sustainability reports in order to critically assess evidence of climate change-related performance. The assessment is undertaken against the best practice indicators of climate change risk management, as defined by Ceres – a global researcher on climate change management in the business context. The data analysis is largely qualitative, consisting of a narrative presentation of the results and a conceptual application of the results to the triple bottom line which forms the theoretical framework of this study. The study finds that the South African short-term insurers were generally not living up to the climate change management ideals, in comparison to their multinational counterparts. For the South African short-term insurers, corporate strategic product innovation and planning was insignificant. Also negligible was board involvement, as well as CEO involvement, though in at least one case of the 4 local short-term insurance, there was evidence of extensive CEO involvement in climate change risk management. On the whole, these findings represent a lapse in corporate governance inasmuch as climate change risk management is concerned. Local short-term insurers generally performed well in the area of public disclosure, with their scores ranging from insignificant to extensive. In contrast, multinational short-term insurers’ performance with regard to climate change risk intervention ranged from insignificant tointegrated, across the five governance areas of board oversight, management execution, public disclosure, emissions accounting and strategic planning. As such, the study broadly recommends that short-term insurers in South Africa should make climate change part of their overall risk management strategies in order for them to remain competitive in an environment of increased climate change-related risk. More specifically, the research project recommends that the local insurers should proactively lead climate change mitigation measures through, for instance, investing in clean energy projects and incentivising their clients’ participation in the carbon market to prepare themselves for possible regulatory restrictions after the Copenhagen climate change conference planned for December 2009. This study also challenges insurers to help communities and as well as other businesses in their value chain to reduce their negative impacts on the world’s climate and to be more resilient against disasters which may arise from the high levels of greenhouse gases already in the atmosphere. Further, it recommends that insurers should create internal board and executive level climate change-related structures, as these will facilitate the integration of the proposed initiatives into their overall sustainability strategies. Above all, the study recommends that insurers should enhance the reporting of their climate change-related risk, opportunities and initiatives to improve their integrity.
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Nygren, Peggy. "Exploring the Effects of Multi-Level Protective and Risk Factors on Child and Parenting Outcomes in Families Participating in Healthy Start/Healthy Families Oregon (HS/HFO)." PDXScholar, 2013. https://pdxscholar.library.pdx.edu/open_access_etds/1513.
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While many studies focus on the links between multiple risk factors and negative outcomes such as child maltreatment, less is known about the influence of protective factors in the face of risks. The theoretical base of this study was a social ecological model of interactive influences including individual parent, family, and neighborhood level factors to predict outcomes. Protective Factor Index (PFI) and Risk Factor Index (RFI) predictors were developed to explore potential multi-level protective factor buffering effects on key child development and parenting outcomes. Participants were first time mothers enrolled in a randomized controlled study of the Healthy Start/ Healthy Families Oregon (HS/HFO) home visitation program (treatment group) who completed a follow-up phone survey at the child’s 12 month birthday (n = 405). Families were offered HS/HFO services prenatally after meeting risk screening eligibility criteria on the New Baby Questionnaire (NBQ). Program mothers having received at least one home visit (n = 248) were included in the final analyses. Families had an average of 3.1 (SD = 1.2) NBQ risk factors at enrollment and 83% reported having trouble paying for basic needs. Families received an average of 16 home visits in the first 6 months of the program. Thirty-one percent of mothers were aged 19 or younger, 60% were White and Non-Hispanic, 31% were Hispanic, and 9% were another race/ethnicity. Hierarchical regression models with main effects (RFI, PFI, race) and an interaction term (RFI X PFI) were developed to predict eight outcomes. Interaction effects models were not significant. Five RFI main effects were significant: higher RFI scores were associated with greater likelihood of child welfare involvement, greater parenting stress, less favorable scores on child health and well-being, lower parent responsiveness and ii acceptance, and less supportive learning environments. One PFI main effect was significant: higher PFI scores predicted lower parenting stress. A trend level result showed higher PFI scores were associated with less child welfare involvement. Race was significant in two models: White/Non-Hispanic families were more likely to have a home visitor report child welfare involvement and had more frequent parent-child activities compared to other race/ethnicity families. Unpacking the results with separate single risk factor (12 items) and protective factor (10 items) regression models followed. Results showed parent’s prior family history of maltreatment and younger maternal age predicted child welfare involvement (home visitor report), while protection was seen for those with access to housing support. Social support and family functioning protectors were linked to lower parenting stress, while maternal depression showed the opposite finding. Better scores on a child health and well-being measure were seen with higher neighborhood cohesion and greater participation in HS/HFO; in contrast, neighborhood violence and frequent mobility were linked to worse scores. Developmentally supportive home environments were seen for families participating in additional parent support programs, in which the mother had greater knowledge of infant milestones and behavior, and if the family had access to housing supports. Unemployment proved to be associated with less enriched home environments. In summary, there was no support for the cumulative PFI in buffering risk for negative outcomes in this model. The RFI was also a more robust predictor of outcomes compared to the PFI in the main effects models. Overall, study findings provide some evidence for the utility of specific protective factors, as well as cumulative and specific single risk factors, for screening families for effectively targeting services and guiding the conceptual development of program and evaluation formats.
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Golubeva, Olga. "Foreign Investment Decision-Making in Transition Economies." Doctoral thesis, Stockholms universitet, 2001. http://urn.kb.se/resolve?urn=urn:nbn:se:sh:diva-24749.
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The purpose of this project is to describe and explain the foreign investment decision process in the uncertain and turbulent environment of transition economy. By getting an in-depth understanding of how decision-making works in the environment of transition economy, the study intends to contribute to the development of business administration theory in the area of foreign investment decision-making, particularly its application in the turbulent and uncertain world. Theoretical ‘blocks’, elaborated on the basis of literature study, include the following concepts: the framework of transition economy; initial motivation (or reasons) of companies to make foreign direct investments (FDI); investigation of the investment climate and information collection methods; project evaluation and investment decision criteria; risk assessment factors and risk reduction measures. Transition economy is defined in the study as ‘a non-planned, non-market economy’ where the new emerging market institutions coexist with the bureaucracy and hierarchy inherited from the old administrative system. Investment projects, therefore, should probably be seen as being under institutional influence from both the local (i.e. transition economy) and the Western investor’s home country environments. The empirical data presented in the paper also shows that it is necessary to establish the relevant economic, legal, political and social institutions in order to attract FDI. The study further includes the analysis of the main components and features of transition economies and their influence on FDI decision-making. One of the results of the study is that FDI decision-making in transition economies is largely consistent with different theoretical approaches suggested in the literature. On the other hand, the empirical support obtained for different theoretical approaches is often questionable and opened to alternative interpretations. The presented project suggests that theoretical perspectives do not preclude each other, but rather have a complimentary character. The study attempts to contribute to the mainstream FDI theories through a firm-level approach based on the case studies. Two in-depth case studies are presented in the paper: Ericsson’s direct investments in Russia and Vattenfall’s investments in the Baltic countries. A formal questionnaire based on the parameters of theoretical ‘blocks’ was created and 25 top executives from Ericsson and Vattenfall who participated in FDI decision-making were surveyed. The empirical investigation took place during the period 1997 - 1998 with partial updating of the cases during the year 2000. The study shows that where companies confront stable environments, investment decision routines and procedures will be less necessary and important than where market uncertainty is high. The strong appreciation of the local business partners for properly done investment calculations increases the importance of capital budgeting in transition economies more than in developed market economies. Besides, traditional investment appraisal methods provide managers with an ‘objective’ or ‘materialistic’ feedback for the decision-making in the rapidly changing uncertain environment. On the other hand, the study emphasises the importance of strategy over financial techniques and argues that FDI decisions in transition economies should be based on methods consistent with the company’s long-term objectives. In case of permanent changes, new approaches as well as better co-ordination of traditional techniques with strategic, political, historical, geographical and cultural issues are required. Ericsson’ s direct investments in Russia are presented in the paper in connection with other factors: the company’s historical involvement in Russia, marketing strategy, human resource development, privatisation and restructuring of the telecommunication sector in Russia, etc. Nordic Electric Power Co-operation (Nordel), the EU’ s decision in 1996 to create an internal electricity market in Europe, Baltic ring study, future plans to privatise the energy companies in the Baltic countries, etc., are the framework to present the second case. An application of project evaluation and risk assessment techniques for broader and more complicated environments shows that investment decision-making is probably as much, if not more, a social, political and cultural technology as an economic one. The study argues then that the rational choice decision-making model often co-exists with alternative models elaborated in social science - limited rationality, political and garbage can. According to the empirical data, the investment decisions are largely based on intuition, business experience and judgement, personal contacts with representatives from the local country, and these investment criteria are inevitable and acceptable in a situation of total chaos and permanent change. The right chosen partner, for example, is one of the major criteria for the success of the investment project in a transition economy. One of the outcomes of this study is that the revitalised form of investment decision-making will differ rather markedly from much of what has gone before: less emphasis on the quantitative aspects of capital budgeting, more on the qualitative aspects of companies and investment environment. The project also argues that determinants, approaches and criteria of investment activity in transition economies are largely consistent with patterns observed in other parts of the world. A few specific environmental conditions of transition economies, however, are shown in the study to affect the pattern of FDI decision-making. The level of turbulence is still different compared to the developed market economies due to uncertainties and unpredictibilities associated with environment of transition economies. Other major differences are the large power distance with authoritarian leadership, strong hierarchy and bureaucracy as well as the vital role of personal contacts in transition economies. It is not clear, however, if these features of transition economies should be seen as inherited from the past communist system or as an alternative way to organise the economic actors through networks, a way that is natural and appropriate for the majority of Asian societies.
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Santos, Flávio Henrique Souza. "Sistema de inferência fuzzy para classificação de impactos ambientais gerados por postos revendedores de combustíveis." Universidade Católica de Pernambuco, 2015. http://www.unicap.br/tede//tde_busca/arquivo.php?codArquivo=1094.
Full textAbstract:
Um sistema de inferência fuzzy (SIF) para avaliação do grau de impacto da contaminação ambiental gerada por vazamentos em Postos Revendedores de Combustíveis (PRC) foi desenvolvido neste trabalho. Para obtenção do Índice de Impacto Ambiental por Vazamento em Postos Revendedores de Combustíveis (IIAVPRC) foram usadas dezessete variáveis linguísticas de entrada: tipo do contaminante, volume vazado, área impactada, estado físico do contaminante,
existência de barreiras de contenção, topografia do terreno, emissão de gases, proximidade de rios/córregos, proximidade de poços artesianos, espessura do aquífero, precipitação anual, potencial de inundação, proximidade com áreas residenciais, proximidade com áreas comerciais, proximidade com áreas rurais e de agronegócio, proximidade de escolas e/ou creches e proximidade com áreas de
preservação ambiental - agrupadas em índices parciais, de acordo com a fonte do contaminante, a propagação do contaminante e o local da contaminação. O método de inferência fuzzy de Mamdani foi utilizado para mapeamento das variáveis linguísticas de entrada e saída, usando uma base composta por 112 regras, baseada no conhecimento de especialistas e funções de pertinência triangulares.
Quanto maior o IIAV-PRC - que varia entre 19,9 e 100 - maior o grau de contaminação da área estudada, indicando uma maior urgência no processo de decisão sobre a intervenção/remediação da área contaminada. O SIF desenvolvido foi utilizado com sucesso em estudo de caso de vazamento de 3.000 litros de óleo diesel, decorrente do rompimento da tubulação do sistema de abastecimento subterrâneo de combustível de um PRC, localizado na região metropolitana do
Recife, estado de Pernambuco, Brasil, apresentando IIAV-PRC igual 63,7 - classificado como passivo ambiental grave. Os resultados obtidos sugerem que o IIAV-PRC pode ser utilizado - por órgãos fiscalizadores e/ou consultores e/ou arrendatários e/ou proprietários e/ou distribuidoras - como ferramenta de apoio à avaliação de impactos ambientais gerados por vazamentos em PRC e à tomada de
decisões sobre ações de remediação das áreas impactadas.A fuzzy inference system (FIS) to assess the environmental impact of contamination level generated by leaks in Stations Fuel Dealers (SFD) was developed in this work. An Environmental Impact Index for Leak in Stations Fuel Dealers (EIIL-SFD) were obtained using seventeen input linguistic variables: type of contaminant, leaked volume, impacted area, the contaminant physical condition, existence of containment barriers, topography land, greenhouse gas emissions, proximity to rivers/streams, proximity of wells, thickness of the aquifer, annual precipitation, flood potential, proximity to residential areas, proximity to shopping areas, proximity to rural areas and agribusiness, proximity to schools and/or nurseries and proximity to areas of environmental preservation - grouped in partial indexes, according to the source of the contaminant, the propagation of the contaminant and the site of contamination. The fuzzy inference Mamdani method was used for mapping input and output linguistic variables, using a base composed of 112 rules, based on expert knowledge and triangular membership functions. The higher the EIIL-SFD which range between 19.9 and 100 - greater the degree of contamination of the study area, indicating a greater urgency in decision-making on intervention/remediation of the contaminated area. The SIF developed was used successfully in case study of 3000-liter diesel fuel leak, due to the pipeline disruption of the underground fuel supply system of a SFD, located in the metropolitan region of Recife, state of Pernambuco, Brazil, presenting EIIL-SFD equal 63.7 - classified as serious environmental damage with a fine of application. The results suggest that the IIAV-PRC can be used - by regulatory agencies and/or consultants and / or tenants and / or owners and / or distributors - as a support tool for the assessment of environmental impact generated by leaks in PRC and the taking decisions about remediation actions of impacted areas.
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Nosjean, Nicolas. "Management et intégration des risques et incertitudes pour le calcul de volumes de roches et de fluides au sein d’un réservoir, zoom sur quelques techniques clés d’exploration Integrated Post-stack Acoustic Inversion Case Study to Enhance Geological Model Description of Upper Ordovicien Statics : from imaging to interpretation pitfalls and an efficient way to overcome them Improving Upper Ordovician reservoir characterization - an Algerian case study Tracking Fracture Corridors in Tight Gas Reservoirs : An Algerian Case Study Integrated sedimentological case study of glacial Ordovician reservoirs in the Illizi Basin, Algeria A Case Study of a New Time-Depth Conversion Workflow Designed for Optimizing Recovery Proper Systemic Knowledge of Reservoir Volume Uncertainties in Depth Conversion Integration of Fault Location Uncertainty in Time to Depth Conversion Emergence of edge scenarios in uncertainty studies for reservoir trap analysis Enhancing geological model with the use of Spectral Decomposition - A case study of a prolific stratigraphic play in North Viking Graben, Norway Fracture corridor identification through 3D multifocusing to improve well deliverability, an Algerian tight reservoir case study Geological Probability Of Success Assessment for Amplitude-Driven Prospects, A Nile Delta Case Study." Thesis, université Paris-Saclay, 2020. http://www.theses.fr/2020UPASS085.
Full textAbstract:
En tant que géoscientifique dans le domaine de l’Exploration pétrolière et gazière depuis une vingtaine d’années, mes fonctions professionnelles m’ont permis d’effectuer différents travaux de recherche sur la thématique de la gestion des risques et des incertitudes. Ces travaux de recherche se situent sur l’ensemble de la chaîne d’analyse Exploration, traitant de problématiques liées à l’acquisition et au traitement sismique, jusqu’au placement optimal de forages d’exploration. Un volet plus poussé de mes travaux s’est orienté sur la gestion des incertitudes géophysiques en Exploration pétrolière, là où l’incertitude est la plus importante et paradoxalement la moins travaillée.On peut regrouper mes travaux de recherche en trois grands domaines qui suivent les grandes étapes du processus Exploration : le traitement sismique, leur interprétation, et enfin l'analyse et l'extraction des différentes incertitudes qui vont nous permettre de calculer les volumes d’hydrocarbures en place et récupérables, ainsi que l’analyse de ses risques associés. L’ensemble des travaux de recherche ont été appliqués avec succès sur des cas d’études opérationnelles. Après avoir introduit quelques notions générales et détaillé les grandes étapes du processus Exploration et leur lien direct avec ces problématiques, je présenterai quatre grands projets de recherche sur un cas d’étude algérienIn the last 20 years, I have been conducting various research projects focused on the management of risks and uncertainties in the petroleum exploration domain. The various research projects detailed in this thesis are dealing with problematics located throughout the whole Exploration and Production chain, from seismic acquisition and processing, until the optimal exploration to development wells placement. Focus is made on geophysical risks and uncertainties, where these problematics are the most pronounced and paradoxically the less worked in the industry. We can subdivide my research projects into tree main axes, which are following the hydrocarbon exploration process, namely: seismic processing, seismic interpretation thanks to the integration with various well informations, and eventually the analysis and extraction of key uncertainties, which will be the basis for the optimal calculation of in place and recoverable volumes, in addition to the associated risk analysis on a given target structure. The various research projects that are detailed in this thesis have been applied successfully on operational North Africa and North Sea projects. After introducing risks and uncertainty notions, we will detail the exploration process and the key links with these issues. I will then present four major research projects with their theoretical aspects and applied case study on an Algerian asset
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Donoghue, Kathleen J. "Perceived harms and benefits of parental cannabis use, and parents’ reports regarding harm-reduction strategies." Thesis, Edith Cowan University, Research Online, Perth, Western Australia, 2015. https://ro.ecu.edu.au/theses/1592.
Full textAbstract:
This research focussed on families in which at least one parent was a long-term cannabis user; I explored family members’ perceptions of the benefits and harms of cannabis use and the strategies parents used to minimise cannabis-related harm to themselves and their children. In depth, semi-structured interviews were undertaken with 43 individuals from 13 families, producing a series of family case studies that enabled examination of multiple perspectives within each family. In Study 1, I used an interpretive framework guided by Miles and Huberman’s (1994) thematic content analysis technique to analyse interview data, while study 2 yielded detailed descriptive vignettes that examined how the use of cannabis played out in particular families. Cannabis users have been portrayed as stereotypically lazy, unhealthy, deviant, and criminal. However, this was not the case with the current sample, whose lifestyles revolved around employment and family life. Parents claimed to use cannabis in a responsible way that minimised harm to self and family. Few reported personal experiences of harm and most did not believe that their children had been adversely affected by their use of cannabis. Nonetheless, children’s awareness of parental cannabis use, and access to the parent’s cannabis supply, occurred at a younger age than parents suspected. Parents reported harm reduction strategies that targeted five broad areas: (1) Dosage control; (2) Dependency; (3) Acute risk; (4) Long-term harm; and (5) Harm to children. The current study points to common-sense ways of reducing harm, such as being discreet about cannabis use; using less potent strains; prioritising family and work responsibilities; being careful about where cannabis was obtained; not mixing cannabis with tobacco; and limiting any financial outlay. The harm reduction strategies identified in this research might be helpful in the forensic evaluation, safety planning, and treatment of parental cannabis use. The validity of the current findings was enhanced by having independent data on the same topic from each family member’s point of view, including non-using partners and children, and by including both convergent and divergent data.
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Burgoyne, Christine Anne. "The importance of identifying particular strengths : spatial ability in pupils who are at risk of not learning to read." Thesis, University of Exeter, 2010. http://hdl.handle.net/10036/3150.
Full textAbstract:
Recent studies have shown that there may be evidence that children with reading difficulties have particular compensatory spatial ability, although the exact spatial ability has not been identified. This study used qualitative and quantitative methods to examine closely two spatial abilities, spatial visualisation (mental rotation from memory) and visual realism (three-dimensional drawing and construction ability) in students with reading problems and students with no problems. The aim was also to explore the question of whether students with spatial ability and reading problems were encouraged to use these strengths either in or out of school and whether such abilities could be identified in the early years environment. Equally, the question of motivational failure related to possible unrecognised potential, particularly in the area of non-verbal/spatial ability was also examined. This study used longitudinal case studies with five children and their mothers over a period of ten years. Interviews were transcribed and analysed using a grounded theory approach. Researcher observations as the teacher of the five children in their primary years provided additional evidence of their reading and spatial abilities at an early age. In addition, the study uses a Further Education College survey that examines spatial ability and reading problems in 133 post-16 year olds that provides the quantitative element of the study providing evidence about students with spatial abilities and their career choices. The data analysis revealed that the five case studies had largely overcome their reading problems due to early intervention strategies for reading together with encouragement and support outside school for their spatial abilities. Additionally, they have pursued careers, which for the most part, uses their spatial skills. The data analysis of the College survey showed that the link between spatial ability and reading problems was less secure, although there were a number of students with Specific Learning Difficulties (SpLD) who had high spatial abilities and this proved to be important from the point of view of identifying strengths alongside weakness in literacy, particularly in the early years at school. Early identification and acknowledgement of spatial ability as a perceived strength and used to support learning, as opposed to identification of reading problems, a perceived deficit, proved to be a key finding of the research.
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Wild, River Su. "The environmental implications of the local-state antinomy in Australia." Phd thesis, 2002. http://hdl.handle.net/1885/49263.
Full textAbstract:
An antinomy is a contradiction between a principle and its opposite, where there is a compelling case for accepting both. This thesis adopts the antinomy of local-state government in Australia as its central conceptual theme, describing it with the following defensible, but contradictory principles that: · Australian local governments are statutory agencies of Australia’s state governments, with no power or authority beyond that which is ascribed to them by the states (the outside-in principle); and · Local governments in Australia are independent agencies whose authority and interests transcend their regulatory powers by nature of their attachment to their local area (the inside-out principle). ¶ The central conceptual theme of the antinomy of local-state government shapes the overall thesis, as well as providing the focus for its introduction and conclusion. The thesis induces elements of the antinomy and structures much of its discussion around these key issues. It does not try to prove or resolve the antinomy. Instead the thesis uses the concept to explore and develop its second complex theme - the practical and applied experience of Australian local governments (LGs) as they attempt to deliver beneficial environmental outcomes. ¶ ...
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Smith, Carey. "Studies on weed risk assessment." Thesis, 1999. http://hdl.handle.net/2440/108810.
Full textAbstract:
This thesis gives an overview of factors used in weed risk assessments and explores the disparity between the measured high accuracy rate of the weed risk assessment system (WRA) as implemented in Australia and the pessimistic assessments of some workers about the possibility of predicting the weed potential of plant species imported in the future. The accuracy of the WRA may not be as high as previously thought, and it varies with weed definition and taxonomic groups. Cluster analysis and comparative analysis by independent contrasts were employed to determine the value of individual biological and ecological questions on the WRA questionnaire. Results showed that some WRA questions could be deleted from the questionnaire and the scores for others weighted differently. The WRA is not a reliable predictor of weeds when it is considered in the context of the base-rate probability of an introduced plant becoming weedy in Australia. As a result a far greater number on non-weeds will be placed on the prohibited imported list than was initially expected.Thesis (M.Appl.Sci.)--University of Adelaide, Dept. of Agronomy and Farming Systems, 1999
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Ahammed, A. K. M. Rafique. "The role of monitoring and auditing in the environmental impact assessment (EIA) process in Australia." 2007. http://hdl.handle.net/2440/57335.
Full textAbstract:
Title page, abstract and table of contents only. The complete thesis in print form is available from the University of Adelaide Library.Australia is one of the few countries to have legislative provisions for EIA monitoring and auditing, yet monitoring and auditing remain weak or neglected within the EIA process. This study identifies four major areas for analysis and evaluation of current procedures and practices of EIA monitoring and auditing in three Australian jurisdictions: institutional arrangements; public accountablity, transparency and community involvement; approaches and techniques; and resources and capacity. Case studies involving EIA projects and surveys and interviews with EIA practitioners were conducted in South Australia, Western Australia and New South Wales.
http://proxy.library.adelaide.edu.au/login?url= http://library.adelaide.edu.au/cgi-bin/Pwebrecon.cgi?BBID=1283764
Thesis (Ph.D.) -- University of Adelaide, School of Social Sciences, 2007
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Ahammed, A. K. M. Rafique. "The role of monitoring and auditing in the environmental impact assessment (EIA) process in Australia." Thesis, 2007. http://hdl.handle.net/2440/57335.
Full textAbstract:
Australia is one of the few countries to have legislative provisions for EIA monitoring and auditing, yet monitoring and auditing remain weak or neglected within the EIA process. This study identifies four major areas for analysis and evaluation of current procedures and practices of EIA monitoring and auditing in three Australian jurisdictions: institutional arrangements; public accountablity, transparency and community involvement; approaches and techniques; and resources and capacity. Case studies involving EIA projects and surveys and interviews with EIA practitioners were conducted in South Australia, Western Australia and New South Wales.Thesis (Ph.D.) -- University of Adelaide, School of Social Sciences, 2007
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Miller, Emma Ruth. "HCV infection in South Australian prisoners : prevalence, transmission, risk factors and prospects for harm reduction." 2006. http://hdl.handle.net/2440/37857.
Full textAbstract:
This thesis aimed to describe the epidemiology of HCV in South Australian prisons - prevalence, transmission and risk factors. This thesis also aimed to determine the impact of incarceration on reported risk behaviours. A related objective was to evaluate the epidemiological effectiveness of the ELISA - 3 HCV antibody test using PCR as the gold standard. Finally, this thesis aimed to explore the potential for minimising HCV risk in the South Australian prison population. Methods: Two case note audits were conducted at each of eight publicly operated SA prisons ( in summer and winter ) to identify any documented HCV - antibody test results. Prisoners recruited at entry to prison were offered tests for HCV - antibody and completed a pre - entry risk factor survey. Participants completed additional risk factor surveys and ( if HCV - negative at last test ) underwent further antibody tests at three - monthly intervals for up to 15 months. A sample of participants also provided blood specimens for HCV - RNA testing. Limited stakeholder consultations with prison officers and nurses were also conducted. Quantitative data were analysed using univariate and multivariate techniques. Results: 1347 case notes were audited in summer, and 1347 in winter and an overall HCV prevalence of 42 % was estimated. In both univariate and multivariate analyses, HCV prevalence was significantly higher in female prisoners ( 65 % ), those aged above 28 years ( 48 % ), and in Indigenous prisoners originating from metropolitan areas ( 56 % ). Indigenous prisoners originating from remote areas had significantly lower HCV prevalence ( 20 % ). 666 prisoners were recruited at entry, and 42 % were estimated to be HCV - antibody positive. Three seroconversions were noted in 151 initially HCV - seronegative negative individuals followed up for a median time of 121 days - a rate 4.6 per 100 person years - but community exposure could not be ruled out. Overall agreement between HCV - antibody and HCV - RNA assays was 86 % ( 100% in the HCV negative samples ) - kappa = 0.71. Injecting history was highly prevalent in prison entrants ( 70 % ) and both community and prison injecting ( but not tattooing ) were independent predictors of entry HCV status. Prison history was also independently associated with entry HCV status. Injecting in prison during the study was infrequently reported, but significantly more likely in those testing HCV - antibody positive at prison entry ( risk ratio = 2.48, P = 0.046 ). Stakeholders were most supportive of strategies to increase education and to minimise risks associated with hair clippers, but did not support most other suggested preventive strategies. Other issues related to communicable diseases and infection control were explored in the stakeholder interviews. Conclusions: HCV prevalence in South Australian prisoners is extremely high and may have contributed to a ' ceiling effect ' , minimising the seroconversion rate observed in this population. Injecting is relatively infrequently reported in prison, but more likely in those already infected with HCV. Thus, contaminated injecting equipment represents a significant threat to other prisoners and prison staff. Strategies aimed at reducing HCV risk in prisons, which address the concerns of those expected to implement them, are proposed in this thesis.Thesis (Ph.D.)--School of Population Health and Clinical Practice, 2006.
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Miller, Emma Ruth. "HCV infection in South Australian prisoners : prevalence, transmission, risk factors and prospects for harm reduction." Thesis, 2006. http://hdl.handle.net/2440/37857.
Full textAbstract:
This thesis aimed to describe the epidemiology of HCV in South Australian prisons - prevalence, transmission and risk factors. This thesis also aimed to determine the impact of incarceration on reported risk behaviours. A related objective was to evaluate the epidemiological effectiveness of the ELISA - 3 HCV antibody test using PCR as the gold standard. Finally, this thesis aimed to explore the potential for minimising HCV risk in the South Australian prison population.
Methods:
Two case note audits were conducted at each of eight publicly operated SA prisons ( in summer and winter ) to identify any documented HCV - antibody test results. Prisoners recruited at entry to prison were offered tests for HCV - antibody and completed a pre - entry risk factor survey. Participants completed additional risk factor surveys and ( if HCV - negative at last test ) underwent further antibody tests at three - monthly intervals for up to 15 months. A sample of participants also provided blood specimens for HCV - RNA testing. Limited stakeholder consultations with prison officers and nurses were also conducted. Quantitative data were analysed using univariate and multivariate techniques.
Results:
1347 case notes were audited in summer, and 1347 in winter and an overall HCV prevalence of 42 % was estimated. In both univariate and multivariate analyses, HCV prevalence was significantly higher in female prisoners ( 65 % ), those aged above 28 years ( 48 % ), and in Indigenous prisoners originating from metropolitan areas ( 56 % ). Indigenous prisoners originating from remote areas had significantly lower HCV prevalence ( 20 % ).
666 prisoners were recruited at entry, and 42 % were estimated to be HCV - antibody positive. Three seroconversions were noted in 151 initially HCV - seronegative negative individuals followed up for a median time of 121 days - a rate 4.6 per 100 person years - but community exposure could not be ruled out. Overall agreement between HCV - antibody and HCV - RNA assays was 86 % ( 100% in the HCV negative samples ) - kappa = 0.71.
Injecting history was highly prevalent in prison entrants ( 70 % ) and both community and prison injecting ( but not tattooing ) were independent predictors of entry HCV status. Prison history was also independently associated with entry HCV status. Injecting in prison during the study was infrequently reported, but significantly more likely in those testing HCV - antibody positive at prison entry ( risk ratio = 2.48, P = 0.046 ).
Stakeholders were most supportive of strategies to increase education and to minimise risks associated with hair clippers, but did not support most other suggested preventive strategies. Other issues related to communicable diseases and infection control were explored in the stakeholder interviews.
Conclusions:
HCV prevalence in South Australian prisoners is extremely high and may have contributed to a ' ceiling effect ' , minimising the seroconversion rate observed in this population. Injecting is relatively infrequently reported in prison, but more likely in those already infected with HCV. Thus, contaminated injecting equipment represents a significant threat to other prisoners and prison staff. Strategies aimed at reducing HCV risk in prisons, which address the concerns of those expected to implement them, are proposed in this thesis.Thesis (Ph.D.)--University of Adelaide, School of Population Health and Clinical Practice, 2006.
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Smith, Edgar Eben. "Risk assessment of child offenders : a South African social work perspective." Diss., 2013. http://hdl.handle.net/10500/13862.
Full textAbstract:
This study was interested in exploring the perceptions and experiences of social workers
about the nature and contents of conducting risk assessments with child offenders.
Considering the high level of crime and reoffending in South Africa, effective assessment is imperative. The goal of the research was to develop an in-depth understanding of how risk assessments of child offenders are conducted in practice. This was done by applying a qualitative research methodology. The study was conducted in the Western Cape. Data were collected by means of semi-structured interviews. Purposive sampling was employed and data were analysed according to the framework provided by Tesch. The findings indicated that although prescribed instruments are used in the risk assessment of children in South Africa, they all have definite limitations. To enhance the quality of service rendered to child offenders, the development of a standardised risk assessment instrument is needed.Social Work
M.A. (Social Work)
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Herman, Dewald Gustav. "An analysis of security measures implemented on commercial private game reserves in Limpopo." Diss., 2020. http://hdl.handle.net/10500/26768.
Full textAbstract:
South Africa presently experiences high levels of crime daily. Although crime is accepted as an everyday occurrence for its citizens, it affects the economy of the country. This study analysed security measures implemented on Commercial Private Game Reserves (CPGRs) in Limpopo and the impact of crime thereof. CPGRs are enclosed areas containing various species of fauna and flora. Visitors from domestic and foreign origins visit these reserves to enjoy nature and its tranquillity.
This study analysed the security measures to determine their effectiveness for CPGRs. The study further explored the use of security risk management strategies and risk assessments as crime reduction tools. The study was carried out using a case study research design. Data were collected by the researcher using three methods: observation, onsite checklists and semi-structured one-on-one interviews which were conducted on site. Validity and reliability indicate the trustworthiness of the study. The researcher reduced the data gathered through the use of thematic data analysis. Interviews were transcribed and themes were created and identified by the researcher.
The comprehensive data indicated the importance of a security risk manager on a CPGR. The research found that very few security risk managers are employed and that managers of security risks employed on CPGRs have various titles. However, while the CPGRs have similar risks, their risk reduction strategies vary. The most commonly used measures are people, physical and technological measures with each having various subdivisions.
The security measures implemented by CPGRs in the Limpopo province which were analysed are not formulated using a scientific approach as most properties do not make use of a formal security risk assessment. The study is deemed valuable as a model was developed from the findings that could be used by game reserves to guide them to apply relevant security measures.
A formal security programme is often limited due to financial constraints of the reserve or the reserve owners, however, not all strategies should be considered as a financial expense as much can be done without exhausting financial reserves.
The findings contributed to making recommendations to improve the overall security of CPGRs. This study encourages more research into the subject to improve the security industry and to stimulate the tourism industry.Security Risk Management
M. Tech. (Security Management)
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Mylvaganam, Arunthathi. "Lung cancer risk amongst uranium miners : the Radium Hill study / Arunthathi (Arul) Mylvaganam." Thesis, 1993. http://hdl.handle.net/2440/21346.
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Cebekhulu, Nomsa Pride. "Assessing security measures at hotels : a case study from Gauteng." Diss., 2016. http://hdl.handle.net/10500/22182.
Full textAbstract:
This study is about assessing security measures in the hotel industry in Gauteng Province, South Africa. The researcher divided Gauteng into five regions (Mogale City; Tshwane; Central Johannesburg; Ekurhuleni; and Sedibeng). The researcher adopted the qualitative approach where one-on-one interviews were conducted with the participants. There were 20 hotels that were selected to participate in the study. From the 20 hotels, where only one participant from each was involved, the researcher conducted one-on-one interviews with twenty (20) Security Managers or anybody who was responsible for the security functions at senior level at the hotels. A semi-structured interview schedule with probing questions was used as a guide to obtain comprehensive information about security measures from the participants. Random sampling approach was used in the study. From the population of 70 hotels in Gauteng, where the sample of twenty (20) was derived, was the group within which the researcher was interested in for obtaining data. Since Gauteng Province is huge, the researcher only conducted research within the four metropolitan areas consisting of Johannesburg, Mogale City, Tshwane and Ekurhuleni.
The aims and objectives of the research study are as follows:
• Outline the nature of business that hotels are engaged in;
• Investigate if there are security policies and procedures as part of effective security component;
• Examine what important assets need to be protected at hotel facilities;
• Uncover the risks facing assets in the hotel facilities;
• Determine what incidents of loss took place in the hotel facilities;
• Examine what assets are mainly targeted by perpetrators at hotels;
• Uncover the profile and modus operandi of hotel perpetrators;
• Examine the effectiveness of security measures and systems that are put in place at hotels;
• Explore if security systems are integrated at hotels;
• Determine the frequency of conducting risk assessment at hotels;
• Check if pre and post-employment screening is conducted for security officers at hotels;
• Find out if the guests inquire about security measures when making reservations; and
• Find out how guests feel about security at the hotel facilities.
The study revealed the following:
• Hotels are business entities which attract different types of guests, nationally and internationally. Different services that are offered at the hotels which make hotels the main choice of destination to the guests are: accommodation for sleeping, leisure, and work commitments such as workshops or conferences. The study also revealed that most of the clientele comes from the corporate sector.
• There are basic security measures in place in the hotels. These range from security policies, security procedures, physical security (for example, technological security such as Close Circuit Television (CCTV) surveillance system, adequate security lighting, security personnel (contract or in-house), alarm systems, armed response, access control systems and security fence or walls). The security measures were also appeared to be put in place in accordance with the location of the hotel. If the hotel was surrounded by other business areas, the level of security was more focused in the inner security layer. If the hotel was standing alone, the different security layers (the inner security layer, the outer and the middle security layers) were adequately protected.
• Hotels are faced with different risks such as theft, prostitution, murder and assault, among others. Theft however was found to be across the board; for example, people were stealing the hoteliers’ property or the guests’ property.
• Prostitution was found to be prevalent at hotels. Prominent people from political arena, corporate environment and other guests were interested in the prostitutes. Prostitutes were said to have their own modus operandi of using drugs to their prospective clients and then rob them of their money and belongings thereafter.
• Most of the assets which are targeted by hotel perpetrators were found to be: guests/hotel money, hotel goods, guests’ cars, goods in guests’ cars, televisions, home music systems and mobile devices such as laptops and cell phones.
• The profile and modus operandi of hotel perpetrators.
• Security assessments are conducted at hotels so as to figure out what security risks are facing the hotels.
• Hotels need to be protected at all times against criminality as it tarnishes their image.
• Most of the guests do enquire about the safety of the hotel before making a booking. Some of the guests mainly from the corporate sector do send their security specialists to assess the level of security at the hotel prior to making a booking.
As the findings on this study were based on aims and objectives, recommendations for crime combating, proactive protection and future research were identified. The recommendations will, hopefully, also improve any inadequate security measures that may have been revealed by the study.Criminology and Security Science
M.A. (Criminal Justice)
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Chiu, Hsin-Yi, and 邱心怡. "The Health Risk Assessment for Dioxins and Heavy Metals Discharged from A Coal-fired Power Plant -Case Studies of Taichung Power Plant and Hsinta Power Plant." Thesis, 2009. http://ndltd.ncl.edu.tw/handle/3z8777.
Full textAbstract:
碩士國立臺灣大學
環境工程學研究所
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This study aims to evaluate the risks for nearby residents’ health condition regarding the possible release materials containing dioxins and heavy metals from two coal-fired power plants in Taiwan, especially the risks via dieting and local-grew foods. By using ISCST3, I assessed the air depositions and concentrations as a result of air emissions from the two coal-fired power plants by simulating the impacts in the unit of 25km squares within one official town.. First I analyzed the risk distributions of these two facilities inside their impact zones. And then I provided the comparison results among four risk-exposed groups ( farmer, adult in general, farmer’s child, child in general), particularly the similarities and difference between two power plants. The results show that gross risk of having cancer between two neighborhood areas with coal-fired power plants are below 10-6, and the hazard quotients are less than 1.0. And the risk for the health of people in the neighborhood is not necessarily related to the size of the generators at the coal-fired power plants. Also, the risk of health was deeply affected via the way people live and make living in the neighborhoods, in other words, the type of industry in the community, (ex. agriculture and fishery).
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Kwonpongsagoon, Suphaphat Civil & Environmental Engineering Faculty of Engineering UNSW. "Integration of substance flow analysis, transport and fate of materials in the environment, and environmental risk assessment for provision of information for regional environmental management: cadmium as a case study in Australia." 2006. http://handle.unsw.edu.au/1959.4/40655.
Full textAbstract:
Extraction, production, utilization and disposal of material resources have been undertaken continuously for much of human histories. Unavoidably, all of these activities have disturbed our environment, and subsequently have been harmful to humans and ecosystems in this and future generations. Due to time lag associated with both environment impact and the effects of measures taken to reduce this impact, existing approaches (i.e. monitoring and reacting) do not give sufficiently rapid feedback for effective environmental management. With regard to the complexity and concern related to environment-health chain effects, there is currently no environmental tool or approach that can provide comprehensive information and indicators covering all major environment and health themes, to enable decision makers to make informed judgements about regional policies and plans, relating to the sustainable use and disposal of material resources. Consequently, there is a need for developing a new approach by taking account of a multidisciplinary concept used in this thesis. Substance Flow Analysis (SFA) has been mainly applied in order to provide input information for Health Risk Assessment (HRA). The SFA approach provides the quantity of the substance that is transported (flows) and stored in the system (stock), and of which sub-system, flow, and process is the greatest concern. The HRA approach provides estimates of human health risk associated with site, activity and facility. An environmental fate and transport model is another key knowledge area incorporated into the HRA process. An integrating method of SFA, environmental fate and transport, and HRA is developed and illustrated by a case study of cadmium in Australia. This thesis shows that this new integration of existing stand-alone methods can provide holistic information and useful indicators covering all significant economic activities, environment, flows, and health risk assessment for selected substances. This enables better decision making on the use and disposal of substances at a range of levels in the economy, from corporations to regions and nations.
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Rodgers, Manana Wanyonyi Edison. "Integration of unmanned aircraft systems into civil aviation : a study of the U.S., South Africa and Kenya." Thesis, 2020. http://hdl.handle.net/10500/27124.
Full textAbstract:
The rapid increase and popularity of Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) in civil usage around the world is due to their versatility. With advancement in technology across the globe, there are UAS of different sizes and capabilities in the market. It is imperative to note that the use and operation of UAS have numerous merits and equally, potentially poses serious risks to aviation safety, unlawful interference with States’ security as well as invasion of the privacy of persons. This reality poses a challenge to integration of UAS into the civil airspaces of different States.
Accordingly, the international community developed the Chicago Convention that provides the principal framework to address the threefold concerns. At the international level, however, there is lack of a unified system of regulation of UAS. Consequently, the Chicago Convention requires States to develop national institutions and legal frameworks to not only effectively address these concerns, but also create a delicate balance between national security and right to privacy.
This thesis evaluates how the legal, institutional and policy frameworks for UAS in the US, South Africa and Kenya have addressed the current needs and challenges in operation and integrating them into regulatory frameworks for civil aviation. It follows that the three States have developed constitutional frameworks, legislation, regulations, policies and strategic plans as they seek to address the challenges that emanate from integrating UAS into the civil aviation airspace. This encompasses ineffective enforcement mechanism of regulations.
The thesis maps out experiences of integration in the three countries, emanating from research goals including investigating the extent to which existing international regulatory frameworks address the threefold concerns. The study establishes that the common thread running through UAS regulation is each country’s unique issues and paths to integration. Additionally, that the approach for integration of UAS into civil aviation needs be gradual and pragmatic. For this reason, this thesis recommends the development of institutional capacity, coordination and funding, and increase in regional efforts to revamp UAS integration efforts into civil aviation.Public, Constitutional, and International Law
LL. D. (Public, Constitutional and International Law)
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Van, Jaarsveld Leandri. "An investigation of safety and security measures at secondary schools in Tshwane, South Africa." Diss., 2011. http://hdl.handle.net/10500/5800.
Full textAbstract:
Violence in schools creates a climate of insecurity and fear, which impairs and impacts on the
core educational purpose of schools. Accordingly, the main purpose of installing and
implementing security measures at schools is to create a safer environment wherein
individuals can move freely and feel secure in going about their daily schooling activities.
The nature and extent of school violence was briefly examined within this study to assess the
effectiveness of security measures within the schools. It is important for any institution to
first examine and identify the specific risks it is facing before those risks can be addressed
successfully. Security measures are valuable and helpful resources that can assist in creating
safe and secure school environments. As this study highlighted, the more security measures a
school had, the safer the scholars and the educators felt and the lower their crime rates
appeared to be.Educational Studies
M. Tech. (Security Management)
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Han, Baoguang. "Statistical analysis of clinical trial data using Monte Carlo methods." Thesis, 2014. http://hdl.handle.net/1805/4650.
Full textAbstract:
Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis (IUPUI)In medical research, data analysis often requires complex statistical methods where no closed-form solutions are available. Under such circumstances, Monte Carlo (MC) methods have found many applications. In this dissertation, we proposed several novel statistical models where MC methods are utilized. For the first part, we focused on semicompeting risks data in which a non-terminal event was subject to dependent censoring by a terminal event. Based on an illness-death multistate survival model, we proposed flexible random effects models. Further, we extended our model to the setting of joint modeling where both semicompeting risks data and repeated marker data are simultaneously analyzed. Since the proposed methods involve high-dimensional integrations, Bayesian Monte Carlo Markov Chain (MCMC) methods were utilized for estimation. The use of Bayesian methods also facilitates the prediction of individual patient outcomes. The proposed methods were demonstrated in both simulation and case studies. For the second part, we focused on re-randomization test, which is a nonparametric method that makes inferences solely based on the randomization procedure used in clinical trials. With this type of inference, Monte Carlo method is often used for generating null distributions on the treatment difference. However, an issue was recently discovered when subjects in a clinical trial were randomized with unbalanced treatment allocation to two treatments according to the minimization algorithm, a randomization procedure frequently used in practice. The null distribution of the re-randomization test statistics was found not to be centered at zero, which comprised power of the test. In this dissertation, we investigated the property of the re-randomization test and proposed a weighted re-randomization method to overcome this issue. The proposed method was demonstrated through extensive simulation studies.
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Ferreira, Jenet. "Managing and implementing occupational health and safety policies in selected Tshwane South primary schools, Gauteng Province." Diss., 2015. http://hdl.handle.net/10500/19973.
Full textAbstract:
Occupational Health and Safety focuses on the well-being of individuals or groups of people in the workplace. Barnett-Schuster (2008:1) states that Occupational Health and Safety is a concept compiled from many different disciplines. Among others, it includes: biological hazards, physical hazards, chemical hazards, mechanical/electrical hazards and psycho-social hazards. The employer has to understand that Occupational Health and Safety should follow a holistic approach.
Occupational Health and Safety is a Constitutional imperative – a command, - not a request. Chapter 2 of the Constitution of South Africa no. 108 of 1996, The Bill of Rights provides protection to such an extent that human dignity may remain intact. Therefore, compliance with Occupational Health and Safety legislation is of cardinal value to any organization or business. An organization or business can also improve their financial standing and public image by complying with Occupational Health and Safety legislation. Occupational Health and Safety in the workplace is guided by the Occupational Health and Safety Act of South Africa no. 85 of 1993, which was implemented in 1994.
The Occupational Health and Safety Act further aims to present clear explanations on concepts related to Health and Safety and enables both employers and employees to gain an understanding of their distinct responsibilities. Occupational Health and Safety is a concept that has been around for decades – especially focusing on the mining sector of South Africa. Occupational Health and Safety is observed in the South African technical schools. Statistics from the Children’s Institute show that 350 000 of these children are currently not attending school. In most cases, many parents/guardians do not take the time to assess the safety of their children at school before enrolling their child. This assessment should not only be looking at security measures applied in the school, but if and how true Occupational Health and Safety measures are in place. Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) is measures put in place so that learners/children are free from risk, injury, disease or harm. The lack of Occupational Health and Safety in South African schools is in direct conflict with the Constitution of South Africa. As stated earlier, Occupational Health and Safety is a Constitutional imperative which is the responsibility and the right of each individual in South Africa. The lack of Occupational Health and Safety in South African schools is a human rights issue based on the dignity of children.
The lack of Occupational Health and Safety in South African schools can be seen as a policy flaw. This study intends to create a holistic view of the managing and implementing Occupational Health and Safety in the South African school environment. Occupational Health and Safety is an integral part of teaching and learning. The research problem addressed in this study is: “How School Management Teams (SMT) experience, manage and implement Occupational Health and Safety policies in South African schools?”.
The main aim of the research is to investigate how School Management Teams (SMT) experience, manage and implement Occupational Health and Safety policies in South African schools. By exploring Occupational Health and Safety in South African schools, this study would strive to obtain clarity on whether enough is being done to ensure the health and safety of learners in the school environment by means to explore the current Occupational Health and Safety management in the South African schools, identify the guidance provided on the Occupational Health and Safety implementation policy, investigate provisions for continual assessment of the process of the Occupational Health and Safety policy and provide recommendations for the lack of Occupational Health and Safety in South African schools.Educational Leadership and Management
M. Ed. (Education Management)
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Laslo-Baker, Dionne. "Child Neurodevelopment following In Utero Exposure to Organic Solvents." Thesis, 2012. http://hdl.handle.net/1807/34778.
Full textAbstract:
BACKGROUND: Many women of reproductive age are employed in industries involving exposure to organic solvents. Animal toxicological studies and human case reports demonstrate that exposure to organic solvents can cause neuropsychological deficits in exposed offspring; however, there is limited data from prospective controlled human studies.
OBJECTIVE: To compare neuropsychological functioning between children whose mothers were occupationally exposed to organic solvents during pregnancy with a non-exposed matched comparison group.
METHODS: Participants were 48 women who had previously contacted the Motherisk Program in Toronto, Canada during pregnancy regarding occupational exposure to organic solvents and a matched comparison group of women with no known exposure to teratogens during pregnancy. Children (18 months to 8 years 11 months at time of study) were compared in areas of cognitive, language, motor, and behavioral functioning.
RESULTS: Children whose mothers were exposed to organic solvents during pregnancy displayed a lower level of functioning when compared with their matched peers in areas of cognitive, language, motor, and behavioral domains. Although the scores on measures of behavioral functioning were not in the clinical range, the mothers of exposed children reported more challenging behavioral problems.
In order to determine whether exposure predicted neuropsychological outcomes above and beyond maternal intellectual functioning, hierarchical regressions were run with maternal IQ and maternal education at Step 1and exposure status added at Step 2. In utero exposure to organic solvents predicted lower sores on global measures of Verbal IQ, receptive and expressive language scales above and beyond maternal intellectual functioning. Factors associated with higher levels of exposure (detecting odor, longer duration and total number of toxicity symptoms) was associated with poorer outcome on behavioral and motor functioning tests.
CONCLUSION: Despite the fact that the exposed mothers experienced minimal symptoms of toxicity, detrimental effects were still evident in their offspring. Current safety standards for exposure were designed for adults and need to be reevaluated. Further studies addressing exposure to specific organic solvents, dose, and gestational timing of exposure are warranted.
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Mathew, Brenda A. "The Link Between Smart Growth in Urban Development and Climate Change." Thesis, 2013. http://hdl.handle.net/1805/3206.
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