Comparison of FFP predictions with measurements of a low-frequency signal propagated in the atmosphere

An experimental study of low-frequency propagation over a distance of 770 m was previously reported (J. Acoust. Soc. Am. Suppl. 1 86, S120 (1989)). For that study, sound speed profiles were reconstructed entirely from surface-layer micrometeorological data. When the acoustic data were compared with theoretical predictions from a fast field program (FFP), it was found that the FFP underpredicted sound levels measured in a shadow zone. Here, the effect on the predictions of including meteorological data for heights greater than the surface layer, i.e., wind profiles measured by a Doppler sodar, is discussed. Vertical structure of turbulence is simulated by stochastically perturbing the mean profiles, and the agreement between the acoustic data and FFP predictions is improved

Leadership for innovation – why manufacturing has a future in Australia

In this paper, business leaders discuss the leadership styles they have used to ensure their companies are manufacturing success stories, and then these experiences are analysed to outline the leadership needs for innovation in Australia. Introduction With dire predictions about the future of manufacturing in Australia, we should remember that manufacturing has been an important contributor to national development. There was a thriving manufacturing industry up to 1945, sufficient to supply most domestic needs. Post-war, new industries flourished and a golden era of manufacturing followed. By the late 1950s manufacturing accounted for 29% of Australia’s GDP. By the 1960s, growth and productivity was faltering and manufacturing had begun to stagnate. Today, manufacturing accounts for less than 10% of Australia’s GDP, the lowest level since early colonial times. This is due, in large part, to global economic changes and the economic processes of comparative advantage. However, the innovative spirit that drove previous successes remains and a new generation of leaders and enterprises has emerged. Two of these innovative leaders presented case studies of their firms at a Swinburne Leadership Dialogue in June 2014. Richard Simpson of Furnace Engineering and Robert Wilson of the Wilson Transformer Company discussed the leadership styles and approaches they have used to ensure their companies are – and remain – national manufacturing success stories. Scott Thompson-Whiteside of Swinburne University of Technology then analyses their experiences to outline the leadership needs for innovation in Australia

Persisting mobile phone use while driving and possible solutions for New Zealand

In New Zealand the use of hand-held phones while driving was prohibited in 2009, but ‘hands-free’ phones are still permitted. We recently presented the results of an observational study into mobile phone among Wellington drivers at a conference (for details see the proceedings). The main findings were that out of 8335 cars systematically observed at traffic lights and 9520 cars in moving traffic (each at three different Wellington locations), the use of mobile phones was 1.87% (95%CI: 1.60-2.18) and 1.34% (95%CI: 1.13-1.59) respectively

Study on utilization of advanced composites in fuselage structures of large transports

The potential for utilizing advanced composites in fuselage structures of large transports was assessed. Six fuselage design concepts were selected and evaluated in terms of structural performance, weight, and manufacturing development and costs. Two concepts were selected that merit further consideration for composite fuselage application. These concepts are: (1) a full depth honeycomb design with no stringers, and (2) an I section stringer stiffened laminate skin design. Weight reductions due to applying composites to the fuselages of commercial and military transports were calculated. The benefits of applying composites to a fleet of military transports were determined. Significant technology issues pertinent to composite fuselage structures were identified and evaluated. Program plans for resolving the technology issues were developed

Development of pressure containment and damage tolerance technology for composite fuselage structures in large transport aircraft

NASA sponsored composites research and development programs were set in place to develop the critical engineering technologies in large transport aircraft structures. This NASA-Boeing program focused on the critical issues of damage tolerance and pressure containment generic to the fuselage structure of large pressurized aircraft. Skin-stringer and honeycomb sandwich composite fuselage shell designs were evaluated to resolve these issues. Analyses were developed to model the structural response of the fuselage shell designs, and a development test program evaluated the selected design configurations to appropriate load conditions

What nurses understand by the term evidence-based practice, and how it shapes their clinical decision making : a thesis presented in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Education in Adult Education at Massey University

There are professional and legislative expectations that nurses deliver care to their patients' that is evidence-based. Previous research findings have indicated nurses do not value research in the clinical setting, yet believed they deliver evidence-based practice. This study explores what practising nurses understand by the term evidence-based practice and how it shapes their clinical decision making. There was interest in the individual nurses' experiences and interpretations, as well as their preparation for practice. Contextual influences were also a focus, to give insight into influences that might affect the delivery of evidence-based practice. A qualitative interpretive research approach was used, and implemented using a naturalistic paradigm. Case Study methodology, using complexity theory, provided the theoretical framework to explore contextual variables that might affect the delivery of evidence-based practice. Relationships, interdependencies and interconnections became the focus to allow a depth to the inquiry and understanding of the case. A review of the literature, focus group and semi-structured interviews (n=10). provided the source of data collection, and were completed during 2006. Despite evidence-based practice being a professional and legislative requirement of the practising nurse, there remains a significant gap between what the professional and legislative documents state and the reality of clinical practice. The extent to which evidence-based practice is delivered within the case is based on the extent to which evidence is incorporated in policy statements. There are concerns associated with education, organisational culture, and contextual variables which impede the delivery of evidence-based practice. Existing skill levels are variable, and there is potential to encourage individual creativity and contribution, but there are significant skill deficits which need to be addressed Findings confirm progress is being made, but also reinforce the need for further education review and support, and a culture 'makeover' in some contexts within the case to advance the evidence-based practice agenda

Policy lessons from comparing mortality from two global forces: international terrorism and tobacco

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to compare the mortality burdens from two global impacts on mortality: international terrorism and the major cause of preventable death in developed countries – tobacco use. We also sought to examine the similarities and differences between these two causes of mortality so as to better inform the policy responses directed at prevention. METHODS: Data on deaths from international terrorism were obtained from a US State Department database for 1994–2003. Estimates for tobacco-attributable deaths were based on Peto et al 2003. The countries were 37 developed and East European countries. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION: The collective annualized mortality burden from tobacco was approximately 5700 times that of international terrorism. The ratio of annual tobacco to international terrorism deaths was lowest for the United States at 1700 times, followed by Russia at 12,900 times. The tobacco death burden in all these countries was equivalent to the impact of an 11 September type terrorist attack every 14 hours. Different perceptions of risk may contribute to the relative lack of a policy response to tobacco mortality, despite its relatively greater scale. The lack is also despite tobacco control having a stronger evidence base for the prevention measures used. CONCLUSION: This comparison highlights the way risk perception may determine different policy responses to global forces causing mortality. Nevertheless, the large mortality differential between international terrorism and tobacco use has policy implications for informing the rational use of resources to prevent premature death

Understanding inclusive design education

There is a need for responsible engineering design to accommodate the diverse user requirements that come with the global phenomenon of population ageing. Inclusive design is a design philosophy that considers the needs of a wide diversity of users within the design process, therefore is an approach that can address these diverse user requirements. However, uptake of inclusive design in industry has been limited, with designer awareness of the approach and its associated methods and tools noted as barriers to the uptake of the approach. This research aims to understand the current approach to ID education within UK Higher Education Institutions, utilising interviews with design educators and a student survey. The study concluded that the teaching of inclusive design varied between institutions with some conflicting responses from academics and students relating to methods, tools and processes taught. This study recommends that greater transparency should be encouraged between universities to encourage the development of a cohesive ID education strategy, in addition to the development of a framework to aid the implementation of appropriate ID methods and tools within the design process

Development and presentation of the first design process model for sports equipment design

Many design industries have design process models that are specific to their discipline. However, there is currently no design process model specific to the discipline of sports engineering – the design of sports equipment. Sports equipment should aim to improve the sporting performance of an athlete, therefore the sports design process itself is likely to be highly user centred. This paper reports on a practical study and followed a rigorous, iterative approach of development and evaluation, involving both practising sports engineers from industry and academics. The process model was developed as a result of semi-structured interviews with sports engineers before progressing through an iterative cycle of development and validation with both academics and further interviews with sports engineers. The outcome is a descriptive model that is reflective of sports design practice in industry – a highly iterative design process within process stages with user integration throughout. It is anticipated that the outcome of this study could have an impact on the design discipline as a whole, as lessons can be taken from high level of user integration demonstrated in sports design