DRAFT
RESEARCH HIGHLIGHTS
FOR 1998
FOR
THE FACULTY OF SCIENCE,
INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY AND
EDUCATION
(Listing of Highlights in alpha order for Principal Researcher)
CONTENTS PAGE
(Highlights listed with Principal Researcher)
Auntie daisy - An autobiography (Dr Anthony Austin) _______________________________________ 4
Diseases associated with plant pathogenic phytoplasmas - assessing the threat toAustralian
sugarcane (Dr Kathleen Blanche) _______________________________________________________ 5
Energetics of free-ranging pythons from two climatic zones (Dr Keith Christian) _________________ 6
Seasonal water loss of a lizard in the wet-dry tropics of Northern Australia (Dr Keith Christian) _____ 6
Effects of maternal thermoregulation and food intake on offspring phenotype and survival
(Dr Keith Christian) ___________________________________________________________________ 7
Facilitating flexible on-line teaching using structured frameworks (Assoc. Prof. Brian Devlin) ______ 7
Weed management and the biodiversity and ecosystem function in tropical wetlands
(Mr Michael Douglas) _________________________________________________________________ 8
Vegetation water use in tropical savannas (Assoc. Prof. Derek Eamus) _________________________ 8
Estimation of sustainable groundwater pumping rates (Assoc. Prof. Derek Eamus)) _______________ 9
Interaction of soil and atmospheric water content as determinants of stomatol conductance
(Assos. Prof. Derek Eamus) ____________________________________________________________ 9
Working with Aboriginal Children: narratives and early childhood educators (Ms Lyn Fasoli) ____ 10
Characterisation of phytoplasmas associated with disease in Australian papaya (Dr Karen Gibb) ___ 11
Development of tests for the yellow leaf, white leaf and grassy shoot phytoplasmas and determination
of their importance in Australian sugarcane. (Dr Karen Gibb) _______________________________ 12
Detection, identification and transmission of phytoplasmas associated with diseases in papaya.
(Dr Karen Gibb) _____________________________________________________________________ 13
Investigations of reversion in shrubby stylo. (Dr Karen Gibb) ________________________________ 14
Water and Co2 Flux from Tropical Savanna (Dr Lindsay Hutley) _____________________________ 15
Nesting biology of the red-tailed black cockatoo in the NT of Australia (Ms Nina Kurucz) _________ 17
The perceptions and expectations of NT Aboriginal parents and communities regarding their
children's secondary residential schooling (Dr Merridy Malin) _______________________________ 18
Behavioural ecology of the mangrove snail Cerithidea anticipata and its response to disturbance
(Dr Keith McGuinness) _______________________________________________________________ 19
Effects of natural and artificial disturbance on the mangrove forests of Darwin Harbour
(Dr Keith McGuinness) _______________________________________________________________ 19
The significance of plant-animal interactions in tropical mangrove forests: how crabs affect
(Dr Keith McGuinness) _______________________________________________________________ 20
The community ecology of the benthic insect fauna of tropical mangroves (Dr Keith McGuinness) __ 21
Mangrove Litter Production in Darwin Harbour, NT (Ms Kirsten Metcalf) _____________________ 22
Positron interactions with atoms (Mr Jim Mitroy) __________________________________________ 22
Environmental studies at Mt Isa, QLD (Dr Niels Munksgaard) _______________________________ 23
Environmental studies at McArthur River Mine, NT (Dr Niels Munksgaard) ____________________ 23
Environmental studies at Karumba, QLD (Dr Niels Munksgaard)_____________________________ 24
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Environmental studies in Darwin Harbour, NT (Dr Niels Munksgaard) ________________________ 24
Use of fire in land management in Northern Australia and Eastern Indonesia (Dr Bronwyn Myers) _ 25
Nesting biology and traditional harvesting of eggs of Crested Terns on Tiwi Islands
(Dr Richard Noske) __________________________________________________________________ 25
Birds as indictors of bauxite mine rehabilitation success at Nhulunbuy, NT (Dr Richard Noske) ____ 26
Ecology of birds in wet-dry tropics (Dr Richard Noske) _____________________________________ 26
Ecology of Mangrove Mistletoes in Darwin Region (Dr Richard Noske) ________________________ 27
Research in Science Education through bibliography in Aboriginal Science, Science in Papua New
Guinea, and Science in Western Samoa. (Mr William Palmer) _______________________________ 27
To promote science education and describe the means of production of science education (teaching
and learning) in the Northern Territory (Mr William Palmer) ________________________________ 28
A study of teaching and learning about the paradoxical concept of physical and chemical change (PhD
Thesis) (Mr William Palmer) __________________________________________________________ 28
The use of computer mediated communication (cmc) as an aid to teaching and learning.
(Mr William Palmer) _________________________________________________________________ 29
Historical themes in the teaching and learning of science (Mr William Palmer) _________________ 29
To promote and describe education in the Northern Territory (Mr William Palmer) ______________ 30
Policy-in-practice in adult basic education (Ms Margaret Palmer) ____________________________ 30
Utilisation of green ants, Oecophylla smoragdina, to control cashew insect pests (Dr Renkang Peng) 31
Xylem embolism and hydraulic conductance of savanna trees (Dr Lynda Prior) _________________ 32
A comparison of kangaroo and conventional care in Neonates (Prof. Kathryn (Kay) Roberts) ______ 32
Attitudes to using condoms in a group of Darwin women (Prof. Kathryn (Kay) Roberts) ___________ 33
Correlates of condom use and attitudes to AIDS in a group of Darwin women
(Prof. Kathryn (Kay) Roberts) __________________________________________________________ 33
Trial of an instrument to measure breast engorgement (Prof. Kathryn (Kay) Roberts)_____________ 34
The effects of cabbage leaf extract on breast engorgement (Prof. Kathryn (Kay) Roberts) __________ 34
Client attitudes to having an illness requiring palliative care (Prof. Kathryn (Kay) Roberts) ________ 35
Combinatorics of finite sets (Mr Ian Roberts) _____________________________________________ 35
The nutritional value of seaweeds from Darwin harbour (Mrs Susan Renaud) __________________ 36
G2 Theory (Dr Brian Salter-Duke) ______________________________________________________ 36
Ultrafast excitonic processes in quantum wells and superlatlies (Dr Jai Singh) __________________ 37
Light-induced processes in amorphous semiconducters (Dr Jai Singh) _________________________ 37
Design of amorphous silicon solar cells (Dr Jai Singh) _____________________________________ 38
The removal and stability of heavy metals in marine sediments - implications for management of
contaminated sediments. (Mr Phillip Totterdell) ___________________________________________ 38
Natural Environment Evaluation Project (Ms Penny Wurm) _________________________________ 39
Development of visual educational tooks for ATSI people with diabetes on foot care
(Dr Jennifer Watson) _________________________________________________________________ 39
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Auntie daisy - An autobiography
Funding Agency
Unfunded
Project Description
Oral interviews with Mrs Daisy Ruddick leading to publication of autobiography.
Researchers
Dr Anthony Austin, Faculty of Science, Information Technology and Education
Mrs Daisy Ruddick,
4
Diseases associated with plant pathogenic phytoplasmas - assessing the threat to
Australian sugarcane
Funding Agency
NTU, SRDC
Project Description
White leaf and grassy shoot diseases cause considerable economic losses to the sugarcane industry in
Asia. The microorganisms associated with these diseases are called phtyoplasmas. They are
transmitted between plants by plant-sucking insects. White leaf and grassy shoot diseases have not
been reported in Australian sugarcane but Dr Gibbs's NTU molecular biology research team has
established that phytoplasmas almost identical to those causing the diseases in Asia are present in
grasses in Darwin and in the Ord River Region. Part of my research is aimed at discovering whether these
phytoplasmas can be transferred to Australian sugarcane, and how, when and where, this could occur.
In addition, another phytoplasma disease, termed yellow leaf, has recently been found in sugarcane in
Queensland. It is not known whether yellow leaf will pose a threat to the sugarcane industry. Part of
my work is to establish the extent of the disease in sugarcane in the Ord River Region and to
determine the relationship between symptoms and the presence of disease organisms over time.
The project began at the end of June 1998 and will continue for three years. Two long-term field
experiments have been set up in the Darwin area to test whether white leaf can be transmitted from
couch grass to sugarcane. Insects and plants are collected regularly at these field sites to test for the
presence of phytoplasmas. Surveys have been made of the Darwin and Ord River Region to look
for additional phytoplasma infected grass sites. Grasses, sugarcane and insects are sampled every six
weeks in the Ord River Region and tested for the presence of phytoplasmas. Sugarcane plants known
to be infected with yellow leaf disease are maintained in growth rooms at NTU and monitored
regularly for symptoms and the presence of phytoplasmas.
To date no white leaf or grassy shoot has been detected in sugarcane and no insects have tested
positive for phytoplasmas. Three more grass species have been found to contain other phytoplasmas.
The yellow leaf phytoplasma is widespread in the Ord River Region sugarcane and so far there
seems to be little correlation between disease symptoms and the presence of phytoplasma.
Researchers
Dr Kathleen Blanche, Faculty of Science, Information Technology and Education, Biology
Dr Richard Brettek, CSIRO Horticulture, Darwin
Mr Bruce Sawyer, DPIF Darwin
Dr Joe Sherrard, WA Agriculture
Ms Lucy Tran-Nguyen, NTU
Dr Karen Gibb, NTU
5
Energetics of free-ranging pythons from two climatic zones
Funding Agency
ARC Large Grant
Project Description
Pythons are unusual among reptiles and other ectothermic animals in their ability to increase
metabolic rates substantially when brooding eggs as part of the digestive process. Recently, in my
laboratory, the energetic costs of these and other processes have been measured, but little is known
of snake energetics in nature. Energy budgets of carpet pythons, Morelia spilota, will be determined
in tropical and central Australia. Effects of climate, prey availability and physiology will be
measured in a study of one of Australia's largest terrestrial predators.
Researchers
Dr Keith Christian, Faculty of Science, Information Technology and Education
Mr Gavin Bedford, NTU
Seasonal water loss of a lizard in the wet-dry tropics of Northern Australia
Funding Agency
Tropical Environmental Science Area of Strength
Project Description
A population of Lophognathus temporalis was observed in the field over a seven month period, and
although there was no relationship between activity and humidity on a daily basis, there was a
correlation between the number of active lizards and maximum humidity during half-monthly
periods. Rates of evaporative water loss measured in the laboratory were not different between the dry
season and the dry-wet transition, but water loss was significantly higher in the wet season.
Respiratory and ocular water loss did not differ between seasons, but cutaneous loss was higher in the wet
season. Evaporative water loss was partitioned into cutaneous (overall mean=64.(%), respiratory (18%) and
ocular (17.4%) components.
Researchers
Dr Keith Christian, Faculty of Science, Information Technology and Education
Mr Sean Blamires, NTU
6
Effects of maternal thermoregulation and food intake on offspring phenotype
and survival
Funding Agency
ARC Large Grant
Project Description
The project investigates the extent to which variation in maternal thermoregulation and food intake
contribute to phenotypic plasticity in key life history traits (offspring size, growth rates, locomotor
performance, prey capture ability) in a live-bearing snake. The maternal body temperatures will be
measured in the field using radio-telemetry, and maternal body temperatures and food intake will be
experimentally manipulated in incubators in the lab. Ecologically meaningful offspring traits will be
measured, and the survivorship of these offspring will be measured under natural conditions. The
study will provide new insights into the responses of natural populations to changes in their
environment.
Researchers
Dr Keith Christian, Faculty of Science, Information Technology and Education
Dr Jonathon Webb, NTU
Facilitating flexible on-line teaching using structured frameworks
Funding Agency
Committee for University Teaching and Staff Development
Project Description
This project was awarded $148 000 through a 1998 National Teaching Development Grant
(Organisational). There are four main components:
1. An evaluation of the learning environments of students in urban, rural and remote North Australia,
in order to ascertain appropriate modes of electronic delivery of educational activities;
2. The implementation of a professional development program for faculty of Education staff in the area
of online communications and materials development;
3. The development of templates which adapt the techniques of collaborative learning, problem
solving, case studies and simulations for online use;
4. Pilot delivery and evaluation of four units of study.
Researchers
Associate Professor Brian Devlin, Faculty of Science, Information Technology and Education
Mr David David Morgan, NTU
Ms Barbara White, NTU
7
Weed management and the biodiversity and ecosystem function in tropical
wetlands
Funding Agency
EA/ LWRRDC
Project Description
The floodplains of northern Australia include areas of international significance such as Kakadu
National Park and are renowned for their high biodiversity. However, in Kakadu, large areas of
wetland are being displaced by an exotic grass, Brachiaria mutica (para grass). Para grass was
introduced to Australia as a pasture species, but in some areas it has become an environmental weed.
We are conducting a research project to examine what impact para grass has on the floodplain
biodiversity and on floodplain food webs. We are also testing methods to control para grass using
herbicides.
Researchers
Mr Michael Douglas, Faculty of Science, Information Technology and Education / Biological and Environmental Science
Dr Bob Pigeon, ERISS
Dr Stuart Dunn, Griffith University
Dr Peter Davies, UWA
Mr Piers Barrow, Parks Australia North
Vegetation water use in tropical savannas
Funding Agency
CRC
Project Description
Groundwater in an increasingly important natural resource, both within Australia and globally.
Sustainable management of groundwater resources requires information about use of groundwater by
vegetation. This project aims to determine vegetation water use - both daily and seasonal, in general,
and groundwater, in particular.
Researchers
Associate Professor Derek Eamus, Faculty of Science, Information Technology and Education / SBES
Dr L Mutley, CRC
Mr A O'Grady, CRC
Dr P Cook, CSIRO
Dr T Hatton, CSIRO
Mr D Pidsley, LPE
8
Estimation of sustainable groundwater pumping rates
Funding Agency
LWRRDC
Project Description
The Power and Water Authority plans to develop an extensive borefield on the Howard River, East
catchment. This project aims to determine the amount of water that can be removed without having a
significant negative impact on vegetation within the catchment.
Researchers
Associate Professor Derek Eamus, Faculty of Science, Information Technology and Education / SBES
Dr P Cook, CSIRO
Dr L Hutley, CRC
Mr A O'Grady, CSIRO
Dr T Hatton, CSIRO
Interaction of soil and atmospheric water content as determinants of stomatol
conductance
Funding Agency
ARC
Project Description
Soil and atmospheric water content vary daily and seasonally in the wet-dry tropics of Australia.
This variation has an impact on stomatal conductance and hence on carbon assimilation and
transpiration. This project aims to determine the nature and magnitude and mechanisms of the
interaction of soil and atmospheric water content in determining stomatal behaviour in a range of
savanna tree species.
Researchers
Associate Professor Derek Eamus, Faculty of Science, Information Technology and Education / SBES
Dr D Thomas, ARC/NTU
9
Working with Aboriginal Children: narratives and early childhood educators
Funding Agency
NTU
Project Description
This is a collaborative narrative research project involving early childhood practitioners working in
three different contexts: a multifunctional Aboriginal child care centre, a home-based Aboriginal
grandmother who is helping to bring up young children in her community, and an Aboriginal
playgroup leader in a remote Aboriginal community in the Central Desert. The project aims to
collect stories from Aboriginal early childhood workers about how they work with young Aboriginal
children. The stories will provide practitioners with views of some Aboriginal people about how to
work with young Aboriginal children.
Researchers
Ms Lyn Fasoli, Faculty of Science, Information Technology and Education
Ms Margot Ford, NTU
10
Characterisation of phytoplasmas associated with disease in Australian papaya
Funding Agency
ARC Small Grant
Project Description
Papaya with yellow crinkle (PYC) and dieback (PD) were collected from Katherine, NT, Kununurra
WA, and sites in Queensland. RFLP analysis of PCR-amplified ribosonal DNA from diseased
papaya indicates that two closely related phytoplasmas are associated with PYC, but only one type
of phytopasma is associated with PD. The lack of genetic variability in the PD phyotplasma was
confirmed by RFLP analysis of a PCR-amplified tuf gene coding for elongation factor EF-Tu.
Considerable diversity has been found in phytoplasmas from weeds. Five new phytoplasma types
have been identified and sequence analysis of the 16S RNA gene showed that three of these are
members of the new phytoplasma groups for Australia (Schneider et al. 1998). Disease has been
mapped in the papaya plot in Katherine and results suggest that the spread of PYC is from papya to
papaya and not from weeds to papaya. Although phytoplasmas have been found in alternative hosts,
they are different from those in papaya which suggests that they have little impact on disease spread to the
papaya. A visit by a collaborator from Iowa State University, Dr F Nutter, in June 1999 will establish
statistical evaluation on the full set of data to be completed and will form the basis of a joint publication.
Insects were collected monthly and over 60 different species have been identified including Orosius
argentatus, a known vector of TBB. Molecular assays of insect DNA have shown only a few insects
were positive from the thousands tested, these were Orosius argentatus or O.lotophagorum which
cannot be easily distinguished. The new phytoplasmas from the weeds have not been found in any
insects screened.
The development of a serological diagnostic for PD is progressing well. The full length sequence of
the tuf (elongation factor) gene has been sequenced and anti-peptide antibodies have been produced.
As an alternative approach, the TUF gene has been cloned in the correct reading frame into the
expression vector pGEX for expression and purification of the phytoplasma elongation factor. The
fusion protein will be sent to Eurogentec in March 1999 for polycolonal antibody production for use
in serological assays. Papaya samples with dieback are being collected and freeze-dried as test
material for comparing the two antisera. Grapevines with yellow diseases, and strawberries with lethal
yellows which have been recently found by us to be associated with a similar phytoplasma, will
also be used as test antigens. The fusion-protein will be used as a positive ELISA and
immunobinding assays.
Researchers
Dr Karen Gibb, Faculty of Science, Information Technology and Education / SBES
Dr John Thomas, QDPI
Mr Denis Persley, QDPI
Dr Karen Gibb, NTU
11
Development of tests for the yellow leaf, white leaf and grassy shoot
phytoplasmas and determination of their importance in Australian sugarcane.
Funding Agency
Sugar Research Development Corporation
Project Description
The aim of this project is to develop diagnostic tests for the yellow leaf (YL), white leaf (WL) and
grassy shoot phytoplasmas. We also aim to compare the YL test to overseas tests and determine
which is best. We now have a molecular diagnostic test for the WL and GS phytoplasmas. In our
survey of grasses, two new phtyoplasmas have been identified in plants with grassy shoot disease
and these are being characterised further, including their relationship to the sugarcane whiteleaf
phytoplasma. We also have a diagnostic test for the phtyoplasma associated with yls and this test
required further refinement in association with bses. Our surveys and testing has shown that there is
a phytoplasma in sugarcane which belongs to the faba bean phyllody phyoplasma group. There is a
56% correlation between the phytoplasma and YLS and some asymptomatic sugarcane are also
phytoplasma positive. This could be explained by the fact that the phytoplasma is not the only
agent associated with YLS. Alternatively, we know symptoms of YLS are transient so these plants
may be infected but in an 'asymptomatic cycle'. There may also be a lag period between infection
and symptom expression. In addition we aim to determine the distribution of the yl phytoplasma in
the sugar growing regions of Queensland and Western Australia (ORIA) and determine the
relationship between symptoms and presence of the YL phtyoplasma. Our Researchers will also
evaluate potential eradication treatments for the YL phytoplasma. Our Researchers will also
evaluate potential eradication treatments for the YL phytoplasma. We are currently conducting a
survey of sugarcane and other grasses for white leaf and grassy shoot diseases in the ORIA and collect
diseased grasses in the survey and screen for phytoplasmas. We are currently collecting leafhoppers
in areas with a high level of WL and GS disease and are screening for phytoplasmas. We are
currently identifying phytoplasmas detected in plant and insect samples and determine their
relatedness to the sugarcane white leaf (SCWL) and grassy shoot (GS) phytoplasmas that occur in
Asia. We also aim to determine whether phtyolasmas closely related to the SCWL phytoplasma can
infect sugarcane.
Researchers
Dr Karen Gibb, Faculty of Science, Information Technology and Education / SBES
Mr Brian Egar, BTE
Dr Grant Smith, BSES
Dr Kathryn Braithwaite, BSES
Dr Ray Shorter, CSIRO
Mr Jo Sherrard, WA Dept of Agriculture
Dr Karen Gibb, NTU
12
Detection, identification and transmission of phytoplasmas associated with
diseases in papaya.
Funding Agency
ARC
Project Description
Yellow crinckle (PPYC) and dieback (PPDB) of papaya are two serious diseases which we recently
showed to be associated with phtyoplasmas. We seek to build on our recent successes in the
application of molecular diagnostics to this problem by studying the PPYC and PPDB phytoplasmas
across northern Australia. We showed that the PPDB and PPYC phtyoplasmas are different but we
don't know how many are associated with each disease across its range. We aim to develop a novel
seroligical diagnostic that will facilitate phytoplasma detection in insects and plants and will aid our
search for the insect vector and alternative plant hosts of these phytoplasmas.
Researchers
Dr Karen Gibb, Faculty of Science, Information Technology and Education / SBES
Dr Bernd Schneider, NTU
13
Investigations of reversion in shrubby stylo.
Funding Agency
CRC Tropical Plant Pathology, Meat Research Council, Heritage Seeds, Southedge Seeds
Project Description
Shrubby stylo, is the most important legume available for reinforcement of native and sown grass
pasture in the tropical and sub-tropical grazing lands of Northern Australia. The explosion of the
reversion condition in 1997 reduced seed yields to below half of expected levels and raised production
costs and seed prices to a point where buyer resistance greatly reduced demand. Shrubby stylo will
cease to a viable seed crop within two years in the absence of control, seed will become unavailable,
and the strategy of legume reinforcement will suffer an immune setback. The primary objective of this
project is to learn how to reduce or eliminate the occurrence of reversion so that seed production of shrubby
stylo can be restored to its former state, and the grazing industry can be assured of continuing reliable
supplies of cheap seed. In order to achieve this, it is obviously necessary to identify the cause or reversion
(probably a phytoplasma) and to understand something of the pathogen's interactions with its host and other
pathogens. This study aims to increase our understanding of the etiology of a new disease, to develop a
molecular diagnostic to detect the causal agent(s) and to screen for related casual agents. We aim to study the
genetic diversity of these disease agents using molecular tools that permit comparisons with related organisms
occurring both nationally and globally. We will extend these experiments to determine the phylogeny of the
agents associated with the target diseases observed in stylo. We have already made significant progress in
this area by detecting and identifying seven phtyoplasmas in stylosanthes, 5 of which have not been
reported anywhere before. The pathology of phytoplasmas as a whole is in its infancy, and those of
tropical pasture legumes have received virtually no previous attention. The work, besides tackling
the specific reversion problem, will add to the background of understanding of their biology,
taxonomy and host-relations, and interactions with viruses, other pathogens and other stress related
conditions.
Researchers
Dr Karen Gibb, Faculty of Science, Information Technology and Education / SBES
Dr Karen Gibb, NTU
Dr John Hopkinson, QDPI
14
Water and Co2 Flux from Tropical Savanna
Funding Agency
Cal/ LWRDDC
Project Description
A substantial research effort is being undertaken by CRCTS Project 1.2, aimed at investigating the
hydro-ecology of savanna systems of northern Australia. The Project seeks to quantify daily and
seasonal rates of water use by savanna vegetation. Knowledge of the role of vegetation in the water
cycle is vital to achieving ecologically sustainable development in this region, especially in terms of
planned increased exploitation of groundwater reserves.
The use of groundwater in Australia is increasing. In the Northern Territory groundwater is an
important water supply for both towns and mining operations. At present, the NT has a large
amount of good quality groundwater and given the low population density of the NT groundwater
resources are under less environmental pressure than reserves located in southern Australia. For water
authorities of the NT, this represents an opportunity to manage any future development of this
resource in an ecologically sustainable manner. Development in the NT is occurring, which will
result in increased demands for water and in many regions this higher demand will be met by
groundwater supplies. For example, the Darwin rural area is experiencing increased domestic,
industrial and agricultural (including horticultural) development and active bores have increased from
approximately 100 in the early 1960's to an estimated 4000 at present.
Project 1.2 seeks to investigate the consequences of such usage in terms of the possible effect such
resource use may have on landscape condition. Is the current and any future increase of groundwater
sustainable?
To answer such questions and develop sustainable management strategies, detailed knowledge of
catchment discharge/recharge processes in a wet-dry climate is required. Detailed information on this
process is currently not available (Jolly and Chin 1991). A significant knowledge gap is the
dependence of different vegetation types within savanna communities (eg woodlands, open forests,
paperbark swamps, monsoon vine forests) upon groundwater over a wet season - dry season cycle.
Validity of methodolgy:
The assessment of vegetation vulnerability to any alteration of the current groundwater regime is the
principle aim of Project 1.2. This requires an understanding of the interactions between the soil and
groundwater hydrology, plant water relations and seasonal patterns of water use (plant physiology)
and fluxes of water vapour to the atmospheric (boundary-layer meterology). Project 1.2 brings
together expertise from the Northern territory University (NTU), CSIRO Division of Land and Water
and the major stakeholder in the project, the Water Resources Division (WRD) of the Department of
Lands, Planning and Environment.
The study is being conducted in the Howard River catchment, 35 km south of Darwin in Eucalyptus
miniata and E. tetrodonta open forest/woodland. Within this catchment WRD have established a
groundwater and climate monitoring network, for which long term data are available. Evaporation
from an open forest community is being estimated using an eddy covariance system and tree water
use is being monitored using sapflow logging equipment. These data will help determine the water
requirements of savanna vegetation as a function of climate. In addition to this work, evaporation
measurements will be made at other locations along the rainfall gradient of the NATT, in
collaboration with CRCTS Project 1.1. These data will provide more information on patterns of
water use by vegetation experiencing different rainfall regimes.
Achievements and Knowledge required:
The following section describes major work currently underway. Of significance is the integration of
data from a wide range of research activity and the development of a water balance model from the
15
Howard East catchment.
Surface evaporation measurements:
Surface evaporation (transpiration from overstorey and understorey vegetation plus soil evaporation) is
a major discharge pathway from a catchment, but is usually given little attention in water resource
studies (Chapman 1991). Project 1.2 will provide detailed information on these important processes
at a range of scales, from soil evaporation rates, transpiration rates of understorey vegetation and
individual trees to scaled estimates of evapotranspiration at a climatic scale. These parameters have been
monitored at strategic times of climatic cycle, with another years data to be collected.
Groundwater and climate monitoring:
WRD maintains a network of groundwater monitoring bores, soil moisture access tubes and two weather
stations within the Howard River experimental catchment.
Researchers
Dr Lindsay Hutley, Faculty of Science, Information Technology and Education / CRC
Assoc Prof Derek Eamus, NTU
16
Nesting biology of the red-tailed black cockatoo in the NT of Australia
Funding Agency
Unfunded
Project Description
The Red-tailed Black Cockatoo is a hollow-nesting bird that already declined in numbers over large
parts of its range due to the loss of suitable hollow-bearing trees and adequate food sources.
Although the species is still widespread in the NT not much knowledge exists about the landscape
context in which nesting occurs and requirements to maintain wild populations. To enhance the
conservation outside protected areas and therefore prevent the decline of the species in the Top End of
Australia information is required in regard to the species nesting biology. Furthermore, the
information gained will add to the general understanding of tropical ecosystems.
The main objectives of the project are 1) to describe nesting sites, including identification of used
trees; physical characteristics of nesting trees; features of hollows used for nesting as well as local
densities and the distribution of hollow-bearing trees. 2) Broader landscape correlates of nest
placements will be examined such as the range of vegetation types within which nesting occurs;
variation in distribution and abundance of trees suitable for nesting in different vegetation types; mix
of habitat elements within foraging range of incubating or brooding adults; proximity of nesting to
water. 3) The obtained data will be employed to identify favourable nesting sites in the Top End. 4)
gain an understanding of the general nesting behaviour, including time spent in the nest, display by
male birds, competition and diet.
All information will help to manage the species in the Top End and therefore prevent its decline.
Researchers
Ms Nina Kurucz, Faculty of Science, Information Technology and Education
17
The perceptions and expectations of NT Aboriginal parents and communities
regarding their children's secondary residential schooling
Funding Agency
Kormilda College
Project Description
This study will investigate the perceptions and aspiration of Aboriginal parents, former students,
and communities in remote locations regarding why they send their children to residential secondary
colleges and how future schooling could be improved. The aims of this study include:
* To determine whether residential secondary education is currently meeting the expectations of
Aboriginal parents, students, recent graduates and other stakeholders in communities.
* To ascertain what perceptions, expectations and aspirations are held by Aboriginal students and
parents about mainstream education.
* To relate these perceptions, expectations and aspirations specifically to: the educational attainment
of Aboriginal students at a secondary residential college in Darwin; the range of subjects offered at this
college; the particular subject choices of the Aboriginal students; former Aboriginal residential college
students' abilities to adjust to post graduation pressures in seeking tertiary education, and/or employment in the
wider society, and/or to readjustment to community life; the actuality and nature of a connection between
education and health.
Local researchers will use a combination of semi-structured and unstructured interviews and
'workshopping' in the vernacular. The expected outcome will be knowledge which will contribute to
greater mutual understanding between Aboriginal communities and residential secondary providers of
each others' values and aspirations regarding Aboriginal children's secondary education.
Researchers
Dr Merridy Malin, Science, Information Technology and Education
Rev Jim Downing, Kormilda Board
18
Behavioural ecology of the mangrove snail Cerithidea anticipata and its
response to disturbance
Funding Agency
Unfunded
Project Description
This project is examining how natural and artificial disturbance affects the behaviour and ecology of
the snail Cerithidea anticipata, which is common on trees in tropical mangrove forests. Studies
show that snails are most abundant around canopy gaps because they cannot tolerate the
environmental conditions in the centre of disturbed patches, but are eaten by crabs in the forest: a
clear illustration of the complex ways in which plants, animals and the environment interact in
tropical marine systems. Recent work has focussed on gaining a clearer understanding of the factors
affecting the species distribution and abundance.
Researchers
Dr Keith McGuinness, Faculty of Science, Information Technology and Education
Effects of natural and artificial disturbance on the mangrove forests of Darwin
Harbour
Funding Agency
Unfunded
Project Description
The project is investigating the effects of natural (eg cyclones) and artificial (eg clearing) disturbance
on the mangrove forests of Darwin Harbour, and examining the factors which influence their recovery.
Results show that it may take several decades for the forest to return to its predisturbed state. Field
studies have identified several factors which may retard the rate of recovery by contributing to
seedling mortality: limited dispersal, great predation, and poor establishment. Recent work is
focussing more on the productivity of mangrove systems and the factors affecting this.
Researchers
Dr Keith McGuinness, Faculty of Science, Information Technology and Education
19
The significance of plant-animal interactions in tropical mangrove forests: how
crabs affect
Funding Agency
ARC
Project Description
Mangrove communities are widely acknowledged to be important elements in coastal ecosystems in
the tropics. Although recent research has caused a re-evaluation of their precise role in coastal
dynamics, they are known to be highly productive systems which function as nursery grounds to
many commercially important marine species. Along with the recognition of the importance of
mangrove communities, there is a general appreciation that existing information on these systems is
inadequate for current management needs.
Reviews of the ecology of mangrove forests highlight deficiencies in our understanding of these
systems from two different perspectives: there are limitations in our general understanding of the
processes structuring these communities; and specific problems understanding how these systems
should be managed to maximise productivity and minimise human impacts. The role that sesarmid
crabs play in determining the structure and function of tropical mangrove forests spans both
perspectives because these animals "occupy a keystone position in the overall ecology of Australian
mangrove forests," a conclusion based on recent studies indicating the effects these invertebrates had
on carbon cycling in mangrove communities, and on the structure of the forests.
The project has three specific objectives:
Objective 1: Document spatial and temporal variation in sesarmid numbers;
Objective 2: Document spatial and temporal variation in herbivory and litter processing and relate
this to crab abundance;
Objective 3: Experimentally determine crab feeding preferences and their significance for the
consumption of mangrove material and the survival of seedlings.
Researchers
Dr Keith McGuinness, Faculty of Science, Information Technology and Education
20
The community ecology of the benthic insect fauna of tropical mangroves
Funding Agency
ARC
Project Description
Mangroves are widely acknowledged to be one of the most productive and commercially important
ecosystems of the world. Because of their high productivity, mangroves function as nurseries and
feeding grounds for many of the commercially important coastal fish and prawn species. Due to
factors associated with population growth, their destruction for industrial, agricultural or residential
purposes is occurring throughout the world at an alarming rate. Coastal development in the NT
almost always has some impact on mangroves and the government has identified an understanding of
ecosystem connections as a key requirement for proper management.
The benthos or substrate of tropical mangroves has a rich and ecologically important invertebrate
fauna, including the immature stages of many insect species. The role of insects in mangrove
ecology is almost unknown, yet the large number of benthic insects known to occur within
mangroves means that they must be an integral part of the ecosystem. A clue to their importance in
the food chain was provided by a study by Robertson, who found that benthic insect larvae were an
important part of the diet of juvenile banana prawns in tidal creeks.
This project aims to:
1. Measure the species abundance and diversity of the benthic insect community within mangroves.
2. Compare the benthic insect communities of the major habitats within mangroves.
3. Describe seasonal changes in benthic insect community structure.
4. Relate benthic insect community structure to environmental factors (biotics and abiotic).
5. Create a reference collection of the benthic insects of mangroves from the Darwin area.
Researchers
Dr Keith McGuinness, Faculty of Science, Information Technology and Education
21
Mangrove Litter Production in Darwin Harbour, NT
Funding Agency
NT Department of Lands, planning and environment
Project Description
The first comprehensive study of mangrove productivity to be undertaken in the NT. The
production of organic matter (litter fall) was measured over 2 years from 35 sites in east, middle and
west arms of Darwin Harbour. The productivity of the 8 major mangrove zones was found to be
very consistent throughout the Harbour with predictable and marked temporal variation. The results
have been applied to GIS mapping and productivity overlay compiled. This information is of key
relevance to land managers for planning, conservation and development of this valuable resource.
The total production of organic matter (litter fall) for Darwin Harbour was calculated and this is an
indicator of net primary production and the quantities of detritus available to marine ecosystems (fish
and crabs).
Researchers
Ms Kirsten Metcalfe, Biological and Environmental Science
Positron interactions with atoms
Funding Agency
Australian Research Council
Project Description
Research into positron atom bound states continued to prove unique insights into the way positrons
interact with ordinary matter. It was shown that positron binding was possible with beryllium,
copper and silver.
One of the primary results was the demonstration that the positron annihilation proceeds most easily
when it is bound to an atom with a small ionization energy.
Researchers
Dr Jim Mitroy, Faculty of Science, Information Technology and Education / SMPS
Dr Gregory Ryzhikh, NTU
Dr Kalman Varga, Argonne National Lab
22
Environmental studies at Mt Isa, QLD
Funding Agency
Mt Isa Mines Pty Ltd
Project Description
Mt Isa Mines commissioned this project in 1997 for three CSIRO divisions and the NTU to study
the fate of sulfur and heavy metal emissions from the smelters at MT Isa and to evaluate the likely
impact on soils around Mt Isa. The program incorporates, among many parameters, measurement
of metal concentrations and lead isotope rations in aerosols, soils and stream water.
Researchers
Dr Niels Munksgaard, Faculty of Science, Information Technology and Education
Dr David Parry, NTU
Environmental studies at McArthur River Mine, NT
Funding Agency
McArthur River Mining Pty Ltd
Project Description
The McArthur River Mine exports lead and zinc concentrate from a loading facility at Bing Bong in
the SW corner of the Gulf of Carpentaria. Baseline studies have focussed on heavy metal behavior in
surface sediments, seawater, seagrass, prawns, oysters and fish. The program also incorporates
measurement of lead isotope rations in all samples, as concentrate ratios are distinctly different from
the ratios of the natural backgound lead. This enables the early detection of relatively small impacts
of concentrate lead.
Researchers
Dr Niels Munksgaard, Faculty of Science, Information Technology and Education
Mr Dhil Tottordell ,
Ms Cristy Moir,
Dr David Parry, NTU
23
Environmental studies at Karumba, QLD
Funding Agency
Pasminco Century Project
Project Description
The Pasminco Century Project will export lead and zinc concentrates from a loading facility on the
Norman River at the port of Karumba in the SE corner of the Gulf of Carpentaria. This baseline
study measures environmental conditions in the area prior to commencement of operations. The
study has a particular focus on surface sediments as the final repository for any concentrate that may
enter the Norman River from accidental spills. Analaysis of metals in seawater, seagrass species and
fish species are also being carried out. The program also incorporates measurement of lead isotope
ratios in all samples, as lead concentrate ratios are distinctly different from the rations of the natural
background lead. This will enable the early detection of relatively small impacts of concentrate lead.
Researchers
Dr Niels Munksgaard, Faculty of Science, Information Technology and Education
Mr Alex Marinelli, NTU
Dr David Parry, NTU
Environmental studies in Darwin Harbour, NT
Funding Agency
PAWA
Project Description
The project investigates he impacts on water quality of sewage outfalls in the Darwin region. It has
included yearly wet and dry season studies in the vicinity of 5 outfalls. Detailed studies of the
impacts of the Leanyer-Sanderson outfall on the water quality of Buffalo Creek, a macrotidal creek and
floodplain system, has included dye-releases and 24 hour monitoring of several water quality
parameters. The project currently aims at expanding the knowledge of nutrient cycling between water
and sediment.
Researchers
Dr Niels Munksgaard, Faculty of Science, Information Technology and Education
Dr David Parry, NTU
Ms Francoise FOTI, NTU
Ms Megan Coles, NTU
24
Use of fire in land management in Northern Australia and Eastern Indonesia
Funding Agency
ACIAR
Project Description
A workshop will review the use of fire in land management in Northern Australia and Eastern
Indonesia. Current and past work in this area will be summarised and the major management issues
will be described and prioritised. The workshop will bring together a wide range of expertise from a
broad representation of Indonesian and Australian institutions. Participants will include Indonesian
and Australian institutions. Participants will include Indonesian policy makers, University staff and
non-government organisations and Australian scientists with expertise in remote sensing/ GIS, fire
behaviour/ modelling, fire control, fire ecology, woody weed control, animal husbandry and
socio-economic issues.
Researchers
Dr Bronwyn Myers, Faculty of Science, Information Technology and Education
Dr Jeremy Russell-Smith, Bushfires Council/ CRC
Professor Greg Hill, NTU
Nesting biology and traditional harvesting of eggs of Crested Terns on Tiwi
Islands
Funding Agency
Parks and Wildlife Commission of NT
Project Description
This project aimed to provide information on the size of a nesting colony of Crested terns Sterna
Vergii on Seagull Island (off Melville Island) , and assess the significance and sustainability of egg
harvesting by local Aboriginal people. Surprisingly, we found the colony to be the largest of its
kind in Australia, though virtually unknown (in scientific literature) until a few years ago. Harvesting
of eggs in 1998 was insignificant compared to the devastating predation of tern eggs and young by
Silver Gulls on the island.
Researchers
Dr Richard Noske, Faculty of Science, Information Technology and Education
Mr Yuzuru Watanabe, NTU
25
Birds as indictors of bauxite mine rehabilitation success at Nhulunbuy, NT
Funding Agency
NABALCO
Project Description
This project is designed to show how birds recolonize rehabilitated mine-sites at Nabalco's Gove
bauxite mine, and establish their utility as bio-indicators. It will determine the avian species
diversity and abundance of sites of a range of rehabilitation age (up to 25 years), and compare these
measures with those of adjacent, undisturbed (analogue) habitat.
It will also explore the significance of birds to local (Yohgu) people, and their perceived role in
ecosystem function.
Researchers
Dr Richard Noske, Faculty of Science, Information Technology and Education
Mr Chris Brady, NTU
Ecology of birds in wet-dry tropics
Funding Agency
Unfunded
Project Description
Research has been conducted since 1990 concerning:
A. decline in granivorous birds in tropical savannas(MSc thesis, submitted 1998; Don Franklin)
B. breeding biology of bush-birds in wet-dry tropics (paper in progress, Noske & Franklin) (another
already published in 1999)
C. ecology of nectarivorous birds and bird-pollinated flora (2 papers published in 1988-1989, and
another in press)
Researchers
Dr Richard Noske, Faculty of Science, Information Technology and Education
Mr Don Franklin, NTU
26
Ecology of Mangrove Mistletoes in Darwin Region
Funding Agency
N/A
Project Description
This (Hon.) Project is documenting the distribution, abundance, host attributes, pollination biology and
germination of two species of semi-parasitic plants called mistletoes, specialising on mangroves. To be
completed in May, 1999, this one or two year project has already shown that both species have one preferred
host species, but one of these is shared. Both species are very patchily distributed within the Darwin region.
Birds (honeyeaters) are the likely pollinators, and seed-dispensers (mistletoe bird). Mistletoe seeds germinate
on all mangroves, but fail to develop a non-host species, presumably due to tissue incompatibility.
Researchers
Dr Richard Noske, Faculty of Science, Information Technology and Education
Mr Yuzuru Watanable, NTU
Research in Science Education through bibliography in Aboriginal Science,
Science in Papua New Guinea, and Science in Western Samoa.
Funding Agency
Unfunded
Project Description
This research is ongoing and relates to the university's suggested activity (University Research
Strategy (1996) p.19) to promote research on aboriginal issues.
I gave a paper at Dr Sue Dale Tunnicliffe's Stepping into science" session at the ASE meeting at
Liverpool entitled 'Aboriginal science education in remote NT schools". I have published one article
in this area and have been invited to write another.
Researchers
Mr William Palmer, Faculty of Science Information Technology and Education
27
To promote science education and describe the means of production of science
education (teaching and learning) in the Northern Territory
Funding Agency
Unfunded
Project Description
I continue to edit "The Journal of the Science Teacher Association of the Northern Territory", which
is a major way of keeping science teachers in touch with science education research. Additionally, I
have been active in promoting science/ chemistry competitions/ science week and other similar
activities in the Northern Territory. This research is ongoing and relates to the university's principle
(University Research Strategy (1996) p.2) to be relevant to the community it serves. The Journal
was not published in 1998 as STANT hosted CONASTA and STANT published the CONASTA
Proceedings in 1998 to which I contributed two articles. STANT Journal will re-appear in 1999.
Researchers
Mr William Palmer, Faculty of Science, Information Technology and Education
A study of teaching and learning about the paradoxical concept of physical and
chemical change (PhD Thesis)
Funding Agency
Unfunded
Project Description
This research is ongoing and relates to the university's wish (and my own) in encouraging staff to
develop research skills, obtain training and further qualifications. Progress was limited in 1998.
Researchers
Mr William Palmer, Faculty of Science, Information Technology and Education
28
The use of computer mediated communication (cmc) as an aid to teaching and
learning.
Funding Agency
Unfunded
Project Description
In 1996, I completed a University of London certificate in the area of computer mediated
communication (cmc). I continue to modify the units that I teach so as to ensure all students are
computer literate. In 1998 I organised the voluntary weekly staff inservices on information
technology.
Researchers
Mr William Palmer, Faculty of Science, Information Technology and Education
Historical themes in the teaching and learning of science
Funding Agency
Unfunded
Project Description
I have set up an online WWW page on a historical theme relating to the history of science (Science
Textbooks and Historical Science Online) compiled by Bill Palmer at URL
http://www.ntu.edu.au/education/online.html WWW pages need constant updating and I allowed
insufficient time for this in 1998.
Researchers
Mr William Palmer, Faculty of Science, Information Technology and Education
29
To promote and describe education in the Northern Territory
Funding Agency
Unfunded
Project Description
During 1998 I wrote a monthly column for Educational Alternatives. This reported and provided
commentary on educational events in the Northern Territory. Unfortunately this is not categorised
as research.
Researchers
Mr William Palmer, Faculty of Science, Information Technology and Education
Policy-in-practice in adult basic education
Funding Agency
Unfunded
Project Description
This is the title of my PhD research (La Trobe University). The project is an investigation of the
interplay between policy-in-practice in selected educational and training programs for adults in the
Northern Territory and national policy developments in the area of language, literacy, employment,
education and training.
Researchers
Ms Margaret Palmer, Faculty of Science, Information Technology and Education
30
Utilisation of green ants, Oecophylla smoragdina, to control cashew insect pests
Funding Agency
RIRDC & NTU
Project Description
In my previous RIRDC project, the green ant was identified as a potential biological agent of the
main insect pests in cashew plantations in the Northern Territory, but fierce boundary fights between
green ant colonies were the major factor limiting the ant populations and their control efficiency.
Another issue associated with the use of green ants is that green ants have a close relationship with
honey-dew producing insects, and after the major insect pests are controlled by green ants, whether
the minor honey-dew producing pests may become major pests is not known. Therefore, the aim of
this project is to develop methods of managing green ants as an effective biological control agent of
the main insect pests in cashew plantations, to assess the impact of the ants on honey dew producing
pests and to provide a low-input, but cost effective management tool for cashew growers.
The technology that use green ants at the colony level to manage the main cashew insect pests has
been developed and tested, and it can bring a significant benefit to cashew or other tropical fruit
growers. It is also determined that green ants have no impact on natural enemies of honey-dew
producing pests. Hence, the minor insect pests such as scales, mealybugs and aphids cannot become
the major insect pests after this technology is used. Using this technology, cashew product can be
marked as 'organic'.
The results from this project also provides an extensive information about the formation,
establishment and development of green ant colonies in relation to biotic and abiotic factors, which
are poorly known before. Some findings are new, particularly the existence of multiple queens and
location of queen nests in green ant colonies. This will have significant beneficial effect on the
utilisation of this species.
To promote the use of green ant technology developed in this project, further research is being
carried out by the researchers in the continuing project "Continuation of transplanted green ant colony
monitoring and implementation of ant technology in commercial cashew plantations."
Researchers
Dr Renkang Peng, Faculty of Science, Information Technology and Education
Dr Keith Christian, NTU
D Karen Gibb, NTU
31
Xylem embolism and hydraulic conductance of savanna trees
Funding Agency
NTU Research Fellowship
Project Description
This project investigated seasonal changes in xylem hydraulic conductance (water transport capacity)
of Eucalyptus tetrodonta and E.miniata saplins. Drought-induced decreases in hydraulic conductance,
caused by air entering and blocking xylem vessels (xylem embolism) have been demonstrated in
some trees from temperate environments, but had not been investigated in Australian savanna
species. We hypothesized that xylem embolism may be the cause of the often-observed dying back of
E.tetrodonta saplings during the dry season. We found a 50% reduction in hydraulci conductance of terminal
branches in E.tetrodonta Saplings during the dry season.
However, only a small portion of this decrease could be explained by a slight increase in xylem embolism.
The decrease appeared to be mainly associated with the shedding of lower leaves on the branches; on average
water had to travel further through the plant. By contrast, in E.miniata saplings, which shed whole
branches rather than lower leaves on still-living branches, the decrease in hydraulic conductance was
not significant. There was little evidence that dying back of shoots of either species was due to xylem
embolism.
Researchers
Dr Lynda Prior, Faculty of Science, Information Technology and Education / Biological and Environmental Science
A comparison of kangaroo and conventional care in Neonates
Funding Agency
NtU, Australian Nurse-Teachers' Society
Project Description
In this study, Kangaroo Mother Care and Conventional Cuddling were compared in two neonatal
special care nurseries in Darwin, NT, Australia. Thirty mother-infant dyads were randomly assigned to
the Kangaroo Mother Care group or the conventional cuddling group. Both groups cuddled their
babies for a minimum of two hours per day, five days a week while in the study, with the MKC
group having skin-to-skin contact while the CC group had contact through normal clothing. The
results showed no difference between groups on the Parental Stress Scale (NICU) or the Parental
Expectations Survey. Both groups experienced equivalent maintenance or rise of temperature while
out of the incubators, equal weight gain, equal length of stay in hospital and equal duration of
breastfeeding. It was concluded that Kangaroo Mother Care was equivalent but not superior to CXC
although research is recommended.
The results of this project have been submitted for publication.
Researchers
Professor Kathryn (Kay) Roberts, Faculty of Science, Information Technology and Education
Ms Barbara Pennington, Darwin Private Hospital
Ms Christine Paynter, Royal Darwin Hospital
Ms Beryl McEwan, Royal Darwin Hospital
32
Attitudes to using condoms in a group of Darwin women
Funding Agency
NTU Project Grants
Project Description
This study was a qualitative descriptive investigation into a group of women's attitudes to the use of
condoms in Darwin, Northern Territory, Australia. Twenty women were interviewed using a
semi-structured interview schedule. The participant's perception of who should be responsible for
providing and ensuring use of condoms varied, as were their attitudes to condom use. Negative
attitudes centred around the need to be prepared for sex, the nuisance value and the need to be careful
of slip-ups, while positive attitudes centred around the lack of mess. Most women in a committed
relationship did not use condoms other than for contraception because they trusted their partners to be
faithful. Raising the issue outside of birth control suggested unfaithfulness. These women were on
the whole more confident of their ability to negotiate condom use than had been found in previous
studies. It was concluded that the safe sex message is not getting through to many women, that
health promotion should continue to stress the message about safe sex and that advertising should
stress the positive aspects of condom use.
The results of this project have been accepted for publication and it is now finished.
Researchers
Professor Kathryn (Kay) Roberts, Faculty of Science, Information Technology and Education
Correlates of condom use and attitudes to AIDS in a group of Darwin women
Funding Agency
NTU Project Grants
Project Description
This study investigated the use of condoms, attitudes to condoms and correlates of these in women
in Darwin, Northern Territory Australia. A survey using a Condom Attitudes Scale was
administered to a convenience sample of 150 women. With regular partners, these women has a low
level of use of condoms, with a somewhat higher level of use with casual partners. Their perceived
risk of Human Immunodefiency Virus and other sexually transmitted diseases was not strong. These
women's attitude towards the condom was reasonably positive. The major factor that correlated with
attitudes to condoms was the type of relationship with a partner. This paper demonstrates the need
for health professionals to continue to promote condom use among women.
The results of this project have been accepted for publication and it is now finished.
Researchers
Professor Kathryn (Kay) Roberts, Faculty of Science, Information Technology and Education
33
Trial of an instrument to measure breast engorgement
Funding Agency
Unfunded
Project Description
The author investigated the effectiveness of Roberts Durometer, an instrument developed to measure
tissue hardness for a study on breast engorgement. The instrument is a small portable pressure guage
comprising a probe attached to a spring and contained in a tubular housing, connected to a dial
guage. The instrument was first trialed using foam rubber of differing hardness, football bladders of
different hardness. It was then used to measure the hardness of a non-pregnant, non lactating human
breast, followed by trials on postpartum women comparing breast tissue hardness on the day of birth
with that of subsequent days. The instrument detected significant differences in hardness of the
foams, football bladders and breast tissue. It was therefore considered suitable for measuring, in
both research and clinical applications, hardness of breast tissue, which is a major physical feature of
breast engorgement. Other clinical applications could include the hardness of abdominal and other
skin tissues in conditions such as ascites, peritonitis and cellulitis.
The results of this project have been published and it is now finished.
Researchers
Professor Kathryn (Kay) Roberts, Faculty of Science, Information Technology and Education
The effects of cabbage leaf extract on breast engorgement
Funding Agency
Blackmores Natural Health Products
Project Description
The effectiveness of cabbage leaf extract was compared with that of a placebo in treating breast
engorgement in lactating women. In a double-blind experiment with a pre-test/post-test design, 21
participants received a cream containing cabbage leaf extract, while 18 received a placebo cream. The
placebo group received equal relief to the treated group, with the two groups showing no difference
on all outcome measures. However, mothers perceived both creams to be effective in relieving
discomfort. Feeding has a greater effect than the application of cream on relieving discomfort and
decreasing tissue hardness. It is therefore recommended that lactation consultants encourage mothers
to breast feed if possible to relieve the discomfort of breast engorgement.
The results of this project have been published and it is now finished.
Researchers
Professor Kathryn (Kay) Roberts, Faculty of Science, Information Technology and Education
Mrs Maureen Reiter, RDH
Mrs Diane Schuster, DPH
34
Client attitudes to having an illness requiring palliative care
Funding Agency
NTU
Project Description
The researchers are investigating client's attitudes to having an illness requiring palliative care.
While there have been numerous studies into the attitudes of doctors and nurses, almost no research
has been done into clients' attitudes in this area. A qualitative descriptive approach is being used.
Up to 20 clients will be interviewed concerning their response to their illness and their care.
The results of this study have the potential to influence health professionals care for the terminally ill.
By identifying their concerns with their current treatment it will inform the practice of health
professionals.
Researchers
Professor Kathryn (Kay) Roberts, Faculty of Science, Information Technology and Education
Ms Tara Worby-Beck, Palliative Care (NT)
Combinatorics of finite sets
Funding Agency
Unfunded
Project Description
All sciences have a strong quantitative emphasis. Mathematics provides the quantitative tools of
analysis and the language of science. Mathematics can be continuous (for continual (time) change) or
discrete (for individual objects). Discrete mathematics has risen in prominence due to digital
technology which emphasises discrete objects (computer bits). The analysis and management of
large amounts of information requires special mathematical tools and ideas. The combinatorics of
Finite sets is concerned with the analysis of discrete objects being combined in various abstract ways
with subsequent applications in many disciplines.
Researchers
Mr Ian Roberts, Faculty of Science, Information Technology and Education
Mr Oudone Phanalasy, National University of Laos
Dr Leanne Rylands, University of Sydney
Ms Paulette Lieby, University of Sydney
Dr Jamie Simpson, Curtin University
35
The nutritional value of seaweeds from Darwin harbour
Funding Agency
NTU
Project Description
Twenty eight species of common marine seaweeds were collected from Darwin harbour in both the
wet season and dry season. The chemical analysis for carbohydrate, lipid and protein are important
for the assessment of seaweeds as food for animals under aquaculture , and for ecology studies. The
fatty acid composition was investigated in a search for seaweeds with high of nutritionally important
of polyunstaurated fatty acides (PUFAs).
Red seaweeds (Rhodopycaecae) were found to have the highest nutritional value, in terms of
carbohydrate, lipid and protein. Green algae (Chlorophaecea) had the lowest nutritional valua, with
brown seaweeds (Phaephycaecea) intermediate. Comparing nutritional value between seasons, green,
brown, and red seaweeds were all found to have higher percentages of protein and lipid during the wet
season. Red and grees seaweeds had higher carbohydrate contents in the dry season. All species
were found to have high percentages of ash and insoluble fibre regardless of season. Highest levels of
PUFAs were found in red seaweeds.
Researchers
Mrs Susan Renaud, Faculty of Science, Information Technology and Education / SMPS
Dr Jim Luong-Van, NTU
Mrs Susan Renaud, NTU
G2 Theory
Funding Agency
Unfunded
Project Description
G2 theory for molecules containing 3rd row atoms has been systematically studied when the 3d
electrons are included in the correlation space. A further study has investigated the use of the
Feenberg extrapolation to replace the Moller-Plenet energies in G2 theory for all molecules.
Researchers
Dr Brian Salter-Duke, Faculty of Science, Information Technology and Education
Professor Leo Radom, ANU
36
Ultrafast excitonic processes in quantum wells and superlatlies
Funding Agency
ARC Large Grant Scheme
Project Description
The study of semiconductor hetrostructures has become a very active area of research recently,
because of its applications in the opto-electronic industry. Such semiconductors are fabricated by
Molecular Beam Epitaqy (ME) with alternating layers of ow and high energy band gap
semiconductor materials. The material of low energy band gap is known as the well and that of
large energy band gap as the barrier. In such semiconductors, the optical properties near the band
gap region are dominantly excitonic, because the excitonic binding energy gets enhanced due to the
confinement. The magnitude of the binding energy becomes an important parameter in choosing the
materials for the fabrication of opto-electronic devices, for instance materials with higher exciton
binding energy are more suitable for quantum well lasers.
A new approach for calculating the binding energy of excitonic complexes in quantum wells and
superlattices is being developed. Dynamics of excitons in quantum wells is also studied.
Researchers
Dr Jai Singh, Faculty of Science, Information Technology and Education / SMPS
Light-induced processes in amorphous semiconducters
Funding Agency
NTU, Japan Society for the Promotion of Science
Project Description
A microscopic quantum mechanical approach for the mechanism of bond breaking due to irradiation
that can be applied to hydrgenated amorphous silicon (a-Si:H) is developed. The approach is also
extended to other amorphous semiconductors such as hydrogenated amorphous germanimu and
chalcogenides. Two holes from the excited electron hole pairs by irradiation get localized on the
same bond due to strong carrier-lattice interaction in a-Si:H. That means both the covalent bonding
electrons are removed and the bond gets broken. A theory to determine the energy of such a paired
and excited hole state is developed. It is found that energetically such an excited state is more
favourable.
The application of the theory is in studying the degradation of a-Si"H photovaltaic devices, which is
commonly known as the Staebler-Wronski effect.
Researchers
Dr Jai Singh, Faculty of Science, Information Technology and Education / SMPS
Professor Takeshi Aoki, TIP, Japan
Professor Koichi Shimakawa, GIFU University, Japan
37
Design of amorphous silicon solar cells
Funding Agency
NTU
Project Description
Hydrogenated amorphous silicon (a-Si:H) and its alloys are usually used for fabrication of thin film
solar cells. Although these cells are relatively economical to produce, they are less efficient in
comparison with cyrstalline solar cells, and suffer from the photo-induced degradation, commonly
known as the Staebler-Wronski effect. Using the admittance analysis method and current matching
condition, we have designed tandem structure solar cells, which do not suffer from the degradation
problem as much as single junction cells. In our model of a tandem of two cells we have considered
the following configuration: glass/ITO/pi2 (a-si:H)n/pi(a-SiGe:H)/n/Ag. The top I-layer has an optical
energy gap of 1.7 eV and the bottom I-layer has a band gap of 1.43eV.
The effect of dangling bonds as recombination centres is incorporated in the collection efficiency
derived as a function of the density of dangling bonds. This is the first approach that expresses the
short circuit current as a function of the density of dangling bonds, and hence provides a direct
relation between the performance of a cell and the defect density in its I-layers.
Researchers
Dr Jai Singh, Faculty of Science, Information Technology and Education / SMPS
The removal and stability of heavy metals in marine sediments - implications
for management of contaminated sediments.
Funding Agency
ARC and McArthur River Mining Pty Ltd through a Australian Postgraduate Award (Industry)
Project Description
Heavy metals in the swing basin of a mine loadout facility in the Gulf of Carpentaria are being
investigated. Zinc and lead concentrate has been spilled into the basin and there is potential for these
heavy metals to be mobilsed into the overlying water and into relatively pristine waters of the Gulf.
With the swing basin slowly filling with sediment and dead seagrass from nearby beds, dredging
may eventually be required and management strategies are required for dealing with this contaminated
sediment. This project aims to quantify heavy metals and their distribution between sediment,
porewater and overlying water. The mobilisation of heavy metals from sediment in contact with toxic
seawater will be investigated experimentally using both laboratory and field apparatus. Sediment
physical characteristics and swing basin tidal dynamics will also be determined. The leaching of
heavy metals from dredge spoil after land disposal will be determined experimentally. Measured
heavy metal mobilisations will then be related to possible chemical mechanisms. Finally, a model of
metal mobilisation from sediments will be developed.
Researchers
Mr Phillip Totterdell, Faculty of Science, Information Technology and Education
A/Professor David Parry, NTU
38
Natural Environment Evaluation Project
Funding Agency
Australian Heritage Commission
Project Description
The aim of this project is to identify and then investigate sites of natural heritage value, that meet
the criteria for listing on the Register of the National Estate. The project has recently focussed on a
thematic study of monsoon rain forest patches and nominations for some 50 patches are in
preparation. In 1999, a review of the natural values of wetland sites around Darwin and of the Daly
River system will also be undertaken, which will dove-tail with projects being done by the Parks and
Wildlife Commission. The natural environment evaluation project is undertaken in consultation
with Aboriginal land councils, government agencies, community groups and independent consultants
and advisers.
Researchers
Ms Penny Wurm, Faculty of Science, Information Technology and Education
Development of visual educational tooks for ATSI people with diabetes on foot
ca re
Funding Agency
Novo Nordisk Regional Diabetes Support Scheme 1998
Project Description
The purpose of this research was to develop appropriate sensitive educational material on foot care
for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in the Top End of the Northern Territory. The
project utilised a participatory action research method promoting collaboration between researchers
and participants in identifying problems, concerns and issues; reviewing data and developing
strategies to address problems related to foot care. Proposed tory lines were developed in
consultation with and checked for acceptance by participants. Further funding is being sought for art
work and development of flip charts for educational purposes at RDH and in remote communities.
Researchers
Dr Jennifer Watson, Faculty of Science, Information Technology and Education, Centre for Clinical Nursing and Research
Ms Linda Rennie, RDH
Ms Elizabeth Oberstellar, RDH
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