This thesis investigates whether the tendency for Advanced Business Services to concentrate in Sydney and Melbourne implies a similar spatial bias in the propensity for innovation across the Australian economy. The various models of business innovation are reviewed. The traditional Schumpeterian view is characterized by a strategic leap in customer offer, based on some new break-through technology. Alternatively, innovation may proceed in incremental or organic fashion. Other conceptual frameworks for analyzing innovation conceive of it as a network process, which is becoming more prevalent as corporate value chains 'unbundle' with improved communication technologies, reduced barriers to capital transfers and new techniques for managing transaction risk. Regardless of which model of innovation is applied, Advanced Business Services have a critical role in sparking and facilitating innovation. This is gathering potency as the 'thinking part' of the value chain becomes increasingly separable from the 'making' and 'distribution' aspects of production. While Advanced Business Services are vital to successful innovation in the modern economy, they continue to operate within primitive commercial models where social networks and trust based relationships are paramount in successful client service. The innovation catalyst function of Advanced Business Services may be prone to a significant distance deterioration effect, because of the difficulty of maintaining the requisite social relationships over an extended geography. This, in turn, suggests an emergent core and periphery geography in innovation. The thesis examines this hypothesis through both demand and supply side analyses. The latter involves a random sample survey of approximately 100 Advanced Business Service firms in Melbourne. This confirms the tendency of these firms to favour local clients. The demand side analysis includes case studies of Advanced Business Service use and innovation outcomes amongst six metropolitan Melbourne based firms and six similar firms based some two hours drive away in Bendigo. In line with the hypothesis, the metropolitan cases show much stronger engagement with knowledge intensive advisory services than their counterparts in regional Victoria. The demand side analysis also includes a quantitative component, which is exploratory in nature owing to data limitations. It considers how innovation outcomes in manufacturing change with increasing distance from key Advanced Business Service centres. Innovation outcomes are proxied by variations in manufacturing worker wages. These results are also consistent with the hypothesis of distance deterioration in the innovation role of Advanced Business Services.

This study investigates how academics are managing and being managed by the demands of their everyday work. Specifically, it sets out to examine how a small cohort of academics located in a former college of advanced education (CAE), now integrated as a Faculty in a traditional Australian university, negotiate the dominant discourses and power relations in this setting. It considers the role played by government policy directives in shaping this particular workplace and its inhabitants. It also explores the tactics and strategies academics employ to manoeuvre the complexities of their day-today work life, and how these practices of the everyday fashion academics in this setting. To date, few studies have explored the changing nature and intensification of contemporary academic work from the perspective of academics working in a former CAE. In taking up this focus, observing the historical and cultural legacy of the institution, the study provides a situated perspective about academic work: one located in a particular workplace, at a particular point in its history. It illustrates how the academic self is fashioned through and within the disciplinary technologies and power relations operating within the workplace setting: how different types of academic performances are taken up and/or valued in this context, and how these performances are then implicated in the production of academic subjects. The research data comprised historical and institutional documentation, as well as semi-structured conversations with academics. A range of related theoretical ideas and positions are used to analyse three specific perspectives about being an academic: work(ing) policies, work(ing) narratives, work(ing) practices. Personal writing about experiences as an insider/outsider in this research study further informs the discussion, with insights about doing academic work in this (and other) workplace settings, and the role of the doctoral process in the subjectification of the academic self highlighted. The thesis puts forward the argument that managing everyday work is a complex and (self) productive process: one situated in, and shaped by, the institutional spaces – textual, discursive and operational – within which work performances are enacted. It depicts how academics take up, negotiate and/or self-regulate their work practices within these institutional spaces. The process of managing academic work is thus represented as an interactive yet bounded practice, subject to and subjectified through the specificities of the workplace setting and its inhabitants, and the power relations and disciplinary forces operating on and within the institution. The thesis also demonstrates the fashioning of the academic self involves a set of practices of managing and making do. These practices of the self, which are shaped by the aspirations and positioning (personally, professionally and institutionally) of academics, and the past and current circumstances of the workplace setting, highlight the mutually constitutive nature of discipline and desire in shaping academic work in an institutional context.

This study investigates how academics are managing and being managed by the demands of their everyday work. Specifically, it sets out to examine how a small cohort of academics located in a former college of advanced education (CAE), now integrated as a Faculty in a traditional Australian university, negotiate the dominant discourses and power relations in this setting. It considers the role played by government policy directives in shaping this particular workplace and its inhabitants. It also explores the tactics and strategies academics employ to manoeuvre the complexities of their day-today work life, and how these practices of the everyday fashion academics in this setting. To date, few studies have explored the changing nature and intensification of contemporary academic work from the perspective of academics working in a former CAE. In taking up this focus, observing the historical and cultural legacy of the institution, the study provides a situated perspective about academic work: one located in a particular workplace, at a particular point in its history. It illustrates how the academic self is fashioned through and within the disciplinary technologies and power relations operating within the workplace setting: how different types of academic performances are taken up and/or valued in this context, and how these performances are then implicated in the production of academic subjects. The research data comprised historical and institutional documentation, as well as semi-structured conversations with academics. A range of related theoretical ideas and positions are used to analyse three specific perspectives about being an academic: work(ing) policies, work(ing) narratives, work(ing) practices. Personal writing about experiences as an insider/outsider in this research study further informs the discussion, with insights about doing academic work in this (and other) workplace settings, and the role of the doctoral process in the subjectification of the academic self highlighted. The thesis puts forward the argument that managing everyday work is a complex and (self) productive process: one situated in, and shaped by, the institutional spaces – textual, discursive and operational – within which work performances are enacted. It depicts how academics take up, negotiate and/or self-regulate their work practices within these institutional spaces. The process of managing academic work is thus represented as an interactive yet bounded practice, subject to and subjectified through the specificities of the workplace setting and its inhabitants, and the power relations and disciplinary forces operating on and within the institution. The thesis also demonstrates the fashioning of the academic self involves a set of practices of managing and making do. These practices of the self, which are shaped by the aspirations and positioning (personally, professionally and institutionally) of academics, and the past and current circumstances of the workplace setting, highlight the mutually constitutive nature of discipline and desire in shaping academic work in an institutional context.

“Power” is a concept that has been discussed by nurse scholars and leaders within the nursing literature. The literature surrounding power concurs that power is necessary within the practice of nursing so that nurses are able to support patients and move the profession of nursing forward. There is a scarcity of research, however, regarding nurses’ perception of power within their own practices. Advanced practice nurses (APNs) are in positions in which they apply graduate education, specialized knowledge, and expertise to improve health care outcomes. Therefore, a qualitative study using an interpretive hermeneutic phenomenological approach was undertaken to discover APNs’ lived experience of power within their practices. In-depth, tape-recorded interviews were conducted with eight APNs from a large tertiary care facility. All of the participants agreed to a follow-up interview to review the summary of the study results. van Manen’s (1990) approach was used to analyze the data by subjecting the transcripts to a thematic analysis and reflective process. The overarching theme of the interviews is “building to make a difference” and the APNs’ perceived that this happened by “building on,” building with,” and “building for.” The APNs built on their knowledge and expertise, built with others in relationships and built for the capacity to make a difference. Power was a part of the everyday practices of these APNs and was described as “soft power,” a power that they shared to bring about change for the better. This shared power was reflected back on them resulting in increased power within their practices, a process described by the APNs as power creep.

Purpose of the research<p>This paper presents an analysis of, and recommendations for, the training and accreditation of healthcare workers in Canada<p>The significant cost of education and healthcare, as well as the current and ongoing national shortage of healthcare professionals, warrants a critical look at the educational training requirements of healthcare workers in Canada. This topic includes reviewing the historical background of training for a variety of healthcare professionals in Western cultures, the common philosophy of education trends for these workers, and the future directions for various professions, focusing specifically on Medical Radiation Technologists in Canada.<p>Methods used <p>The methodology applied to this research is that of critical analysis, utilizing the following critical skills as proposed by philosopher Bertrand Russell: (i) the ability to form an opinion for oneself (tasks of recognizing, listening and questioning), (ii) the ability to find an impartial solution (dealing with biases and detachment for beliefs, judging on merit of issues), and (iii) the ability to identify and question assumptions (emphasis on judgment, critical reflection and constructive rather than destructive doubt)(Hare, 2001, pp8-9). Recommendations regarding pre-service and continuing educational training for Medical Radiation Technologists in Canada will be proposed.<p>Tied to any investigation of healthcare workers is a critical assessment of the healthcare system, as the needs of the community that is served by these professionals must be identified and successfully met. The literature review includes national statistics and summaries of health and lifestyle trends, as well as the trends for the education and training of healthcare workers.<p>Results obtained/Significance of findings<p>Reflective, critical assessment of the training and future trends of healthcare workers reveals that healthcare has undergone two major changes in focus: (1) healthcare as a business and (2) the holistic interdisciplinary trend of patient care.<p>After investigating the trends of health care professionals training, and even though the arguments for degree as entry-to-practice are very strong on many levels, I dont feel that I can conclude that the degree is the only option. If diploma training can adequately provide the basic theory and skills needed, additional skills and training, when required for a particular task, should be, and currently are, made available to the individual.

Methylglyoxal (MG), a metabolite of glucose, causes non-enzymatic glycation of proteins to form irreversible advanced glycation end products (AGEs). Increased MG production, which in turn gives rise to AGEs, has been linked to the development of complications in diabetes. However, the role of MG and AGEs in hypertension has not been investigated widely. The previous study from our laboratory showed that the cellular levels of MG and MG-induced AGE formation are significantly higher in cultured aortic smooth muscle cells from spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR) than those from normotensive Wistar-Kyoto rats (WKY). Using immunofluorescence staining with specific monoclonal antibodies against MG-induced AGEs, the present studies show a strong association of MG and its AGE products (Nå-carboxyethyl-lysine and Nå-carboxymethyl-lysine) with hypertension in SHR. The blood pressure of SHR was not different from that of WKY rats at 5 wks of age. From 8 wks onwards, blood pressure was significantly elevated compared to age-matched WKY rats. Importantly, this increase in blood pressure coincided with an elevated MG level in plasma and aorta of SHR in an age-dependent fashion compared to age-matched WKY rats, although no difference was observed in blood glucose levels between these two strains. Our data showed an increased MG level in plasma and aorta, but not in kidney or heart, in SHR at an early age of 8 wks, suggesting, in addition to diabetes/hyperglycemic or hyperlipidemic conditions, the accumulation of MG in blood vessel walls plays an important role in the development of hypertension or its complications even in the absence of diabetes. Moreover, we observed increased blood pressure and vascular remodeling in Sprague Dawley rats which had been treated to increase endogenous MG and related AGEs. After inhibiting MG and MG-induced AGE generation in SHR, hypertension development in this genetic hypertension model was delayed and vascular remodeling was reversed. Our data indicate that increased MG and AGE formation may play an important role in the development of hypertension.

This descriptive phenomenology had two purposes: first, to explore the experience of making decisions for women with advanced cancer; and second, to explore the experience for significant others and health care team members as women made their decisions. A plethora of research exists on making decisions during the cancer experience, including research regarding: 1) decision-making styles; 2) factors or determinants which play a role in decision making; 3) information: needs, seeking behaviours, and utilization; and 4) decision support technologies. However, a gap exists in the literature regarding the experience of making decisions. Conversational interviews were conducted with five women and three relevant others for each woman: her primary nurse, her oncologist, and one significant other. Women were also provided with the opportunity to journal in a diary or email their memories of decisions and the surrounding experience. Van Manens (1990) phenomenology guided the analysis of data. For the women, analysis centered on the four existentials of lived time, lived other, lived space, and lived body, revealing four themes of the lived experience of making decisions: 1) control, 2) influence, 3) normalcy, and 4) vulnerability. Phenomenological analysis on data from the significant others revealed three themes: 1) what used to be, 2) power shift, and 3) life on hold. Themes for the health care teams experience as women made decisions were: 1) emotional detachment, 2) discomfort, and 3) acquiescing. Understanding the perspectives from these lived experiences will assist the health care team to support women, and their significant others, through the experience of making decisions.

“Power” is a concept that has been discussed by nurse scholars and leaders within the nursing literature. The literature surrounding power concurs that power is necessary within the practice of nursing so that nurses are able to support patients and move the profession of nursing forward. There is a scarcity of research, however, regarding nurses’ perception of power within their own practices. Advanced practice nurses (APNs) are in positions in which they apply graduate education, specialized knowledge, and expertise to improve health care outcomes. Therefore, a qualitative study using an interpretive hermeneutic phenomenological approach was undertaken to discover APNs’ lived experience of power within their practices. In-depth, tape-recorded interviews were conducted with eight APNs from a large tertiary care facility. All of the participants agreed to a follow-up interview to review the summary of the study results. van Manen’s (1990) approach was used to analyze the data by subjecting the transcripts to a thematic analysis and reflective process. The overarching theme of the interviews is “building to make a difference” and the APNs’ perceived that this happened by “building on,” building with,” and “building for.” The APNs built on their knowledge and expertise, built with others in relationships and built for the capacity to make a difference. Power was a part of the everyday practices of these APNs and was described as “soft power,” a power that they shared to bring about change for the better. This shared power was reflected back on them resulting in increased power within their practices, a process described by the APNs as power creep.

Organic wastes like sewage sludge and dairy manure were subjected to microwave enhanced advanced oxidation process ( MW/H₂0₂-AOP). The MW/H₂O₂-AOP was developed to release nutrients like phosphorus and nitrogen in the soluble form from the organic waste; these nutrients could be further recovered and reused. In the past, this process has been successfully applied to a series of organic waste for the purpose of solubilizing nutrients. The objectives of this research were to: (1) improve the MW/H₂0₂-AOP in terms of nutrient release by determining the different factors that influence the treatment, (2) define the factors affecting the process in their order of significance and (3) check the efficacy of the process on various waste. In the MW/H₂0₂-AOP, the role of mixing was verified, using municipal sewage sludge (aerobic and anaerobic). It was speculated that mixing the samples during the process would facilitate uniform heating and thus promote more nutrient release. At a microwave temperature of 80 °C, heating time of 5 minutes and hydrogen peroxide dosage of 1 mL per 1% of total solids, the results showed that mixed samples gave a higher nutrient solubilization compared to the unmixed. Subsequently, mixing and solids concentration were incorporated in a screening design with the other proven important factors viz., microwave temperature and hydrogen peroxide dosage. The results showed that microwave temperature and hydrogen peroxide dosage were the most significant factors for the release of orthophosphate, ammonia and soluble chemical oxygen demand. Preliminary experiments treating anaerobic sludge using MW/H₂O₂-AOP showed a decrease in orthophosphate concentration below the initial untreated value while for ammonia and volatile fatty acids the concentrations remained same as the initial. In this case, the set microwave temperature was 80 °C with 5 minutes heating and hydrogen peroxide dosage of 1 mL per 1% total solids at pH 7. To investigate this behavior, anaerobic sludge was treated at two pH conditions (7.8 and 4) at microwave temperatures ranging from 80 to 160 °C with hydrogen peroxide dosage of lmL per 1% total solids for 5 minutes. The results showed that acid addition helped in the destruction of sludge solids and release of nutrients. TheMW/H₂0₂-AOP was used to treat separated solid dairy manure. Solid dairy manure with total solids 1.6% was subjected to microwave temperature of 120 °C for 10 minutes with a hydrogen peroxide dosage of 2 mL per 1% total solids at three pH conditions (3.5, 7.3 and 12). Only at pH 3.5, substantial quantity of orthophosphate, ammonia, soluble chemical oxygen demands and volatile fatty acids could be released. Further, a screening experiment was designed including microwave temperature, hydrogen peroxide dosage and heating time, to determine the factors most affecting nutrient solubilization from solid dairy manure. Hydrogen peroxide dosage and temperature were important factors in orthophosphate release while microwave temperature and heating time were important in the release of ammonia and volatile fatty acids. The results clearly define the efficacy of the MW/H₂0₂-AOP on various organic waste as well as the conditions under which the treatment can be optimized.

Within the last decade, the importance of flexibility and efficiency has increased in the manufacturing sector. The rising level of uncertainty in consumer preferences has caused many organizations to aggressively search for cost reductions and other sources of competitive advantage. This fact has resulted in an increased implementation of advanced manufacturing technologies (AMT). A number of studies propose that the implementation of AMT must be accompanied by a shift in supporting organizational practices to realize the greatest performance enhancement. As yet, the complementarities between organizational policies and AMT have not been determined. Using assumptions about complementarities in manufacturing made by Milgrom and Roberts (1995) in conjunction with a comprehensive AMT survey (Survey of Advanced Technology in Canadian Manufacturing-1998) a model of manufacturing plant productivity was developed. Constrained regression analysis reveals that the use of AMT, as well as various organizational policies, depends both on the size of the plant as well as the industry in which it operates. Factor analysis of the over 70 variables found that regardless of the nature of the variable (business strategy, source of implementation support, AMT, etc. ), all design elements factored together. The factor analysis also shows that large firms who use AMT also have many design technologies. This result differs for smaller firms where the use of AMT is highly correlated with perceived benefits of the technology and a large number of sources of implementation support. The analysis also supports the distinction of high technology (highly innovative) industries and low technology (low levels of innovation) industries since electronics, chemicals and automotive have a large percentage of plants with all of the model factors whereas the textile, non-metal and lumber industries have very few plants with all of the model factors. The results show that there are important differences that should be considered when creating policies to encourage innovation and the use of AMT for the various manufacturing industries and plant sizes.