Global diasporas caused by wars carry many streams of people - in the 1970s one of these streams contained orphans from Vietnam delivered to white parents in the West. On arrival, the social expectation was that these children would blend seamlessly into the culture of their adoptive parents. Now some adoptees, as adults, reflect on their lives as 'Asian' or racially 'Other' children in white societies, charting the critical points in their maturation. This thesis interrogates their life histories to explore the role of birth-culture in the self-definition of people removed from that culture at birth or in childhood. Thirteen adult adopted Vietnamese participants were interviewed. These interviews provided qualitative data on issues of racial and cultural identity. These data were developed and analysed, using a framework drawn from symbolic interactionism and cultural studies, in order to reveal the interpersonal dynamics in which people were involved, and the broader cultural relations that sustained them. The findings reveal that in early childhood the adopted Vietnamese identity process was shaped by a series of identifications with, and affirmations of, sharing their adoptive parents racial and cultural identity. Such identifications were then challenged once the adoptees entered society and were seen by others as different. The participants' attempts to locate a secure sense of self and identity within the world they are placed in are disturbed by numerous uncertainties surrounding racial and cultural difference. One of the most crucial uncertainties is the adopted Vietnamese knowledge about their cultural background. While most felt they lacked positive knowledge about Vietnam and racial diversity, their sense of identity was unsettled by experiences with racism and negative cultural stereotypes throughout their late childhood to adolescence. As their recognition and acceptance of their difference develops in adulthood, they experience a degree of empowerment due to their being able to access more knowledge about their cultural background and a greater appreciation of racial diversity. Many participants have formed closer ties with other people born in Vietnam, most notably other adoptees; most returned to visit Vietnam. The thesis concludes that those adoptees who were able to develop an understanding of the Vietnamese and other backgrounds to their complex identities, tended to be more integrated as adults than those who either rejected or were unable to come to terms with their Vietnamese ancestry.

This thesis investigates the epidemiology of hepatitis B virus infection (HBV) and estimates HBV-related liver disease burden in Vietnam and Australia using a cross-sectional study design and mathematical modelling. A population-based seroprevalence survey was undertaken in rural Northern Vietnam. In a sample of 870 study participants, prevalence of anti-HBV core antibody (anti-HBc) and hepatitis B virus surface antigen (HBsAg) was 68.2% and 19.0%, respectively, and hepatitis B e antigen (HBeAg) was detected in 16.4% of the HBsAg-positive group. Factors associated with HBV infection (anti-HBc and/or HBsAg-positive) were age 60 years or older (adjusted odds ratio (AOR), 3.82; 95% CI, 1.35??10.80; P = 0.01), residence in Vu Thu district (AOR, 3.00; 95% CI, 2.16??4.17; P <0.001), hospital admission (AOR, 2.34; 95% CI, 1.33??4.13; P = 0.003) and history of acupuncture (AOR, 2.01; 95% CI, 1.29??3.13; P = 0.002). Household contact with a person with liver disease (AOR, 2.13; 95% CI, 1.29??3.52; P = 0.003), reuse of syringes (AOR, 1.81; 95% CI, 1.25??2.62; P = 0.002) and sharing of razors (AOR, 1.69; 95% CI, 1.03??2.79; P = 0.04) were independent predictors of HBsAg positivity. Alanine aminotransferase (ALT) level was elevated (>40 IU/L) in 43% of the HBsAg-positive group; the proportion of elevated ALT was higher in HBeAg-positive (65%) compared with HBeAg-negative (39%) (P = 0.02). Based on data from the seroprevalence study, other prevalence estimates and HBV natural history parameters, a mathematical model was used to estimate HBV-related liver disease burden in Vietnam. Estimated chronic HBV prevalence increased from 6.4 million cases in 1990 to around 8.4 million cases in 2005 and was projected to decrease to 8.0 million by 2025. Estimated HBV-related liver cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) incidence increased linearly from 21 900 and 9400 in 1990 to 58 650 and 25 000 in 2025. Estimated HBV-related mortality increased from 12 600 in 1990 to 40 000 in 2025. To estimate HBV-related HCC incidence among Australians born in the Asia-Pacific region (APR), a mathematical modelling was developed utilising HBV natural history parameters, HBV prevalence estimates in APR countries and immigration data. Chronic HBV cases among the APR-born population increased rapidly from the late 1970s, reaching a peak of 4182 in 1990. Chronic HBV prevalence increased to more than 53 000 in 2005. Estimates of HBV-related HCC increased linearly from one in 1960 to 140 in 2005, with a projected increase to 250 in 2025. Universal HBV vaccination programs in countries of origin had limited impact on projected HBV-related HCC to 2025. HBV-related HCC survival was analysed in a population-based linkage study in New South Wales (NSW), Australia. Between 1994 and 2002, 278 HCC cases notified to the NSW Cancer Registry were linked to chronic HBV infection notifications to the NSW Health Department. The majority of cases were male (83.5%) and overseas born (93.6%); Asian-born cases accounted for 72.1%. Median survival following HCC diagnosis was 15 months. HCC survival was poorer among older age groups (P <0.001), and among cases with regional spread (HR 3.23; 95% CI, 1.83??5.69; P <0.001) and distant metastases (HR 3.85; 95% CI, 2.44??6.08; P <0.001). Sex, region of birth, and study period (1994??1997 versus 1998??2002) were not associated with HCC survival. The results of these studies show that HBV infection remains a major public health challenge in highly endemic countries such as Vietnam. HBV-related liver disease burden in Vietnam was estimated to increase for at least two decades despite the introduction of a universal infant HBV-vaccination program. Similarly, HBV-related HCC among Australians born in the APR was estimated to continue to increase over the next two decades. Survival for HBV-related HCC even in settings such as Australia continues to be extremely poor. Strategies are required to expand HBV treatment to individuals with chronic HBV infection who are at greatest risk of progression to advanced liver disease.

Bibliography: leaves 420-441 / ix, 441 leaves ; 30 cm. / Title page, contents and abstract only. The complete thesis in print form is available from the University Library. / Thesis (Ph.D.)--University of Adelaide, Dept. of Politics, 1987

Bibliography: leaves 309-330. / x, 330 leaves : map ; 30 cm. / Title page, contents and abstract only. The complete thesis in print form is available from the University Library. / Thesis (Ph.D.)--University of Adelaide, Dept. of Politics, 1996

Research Doctorate - Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) / Shrimp farming and capture fishery are two of the major industries of Can Gio district, Ho Chi Minh City, southern Vietnam. These industries have recently developed and contributed to the improvement of local economy. However, they have also raised environmental concerns regarding water pollution and fish stock depletion. The negative impacts of shrimp farm effluents on the water quality of mainstream rivers and fish communities have not been studied in Can Gio. Additionally, there is a lack of research on the influence of the current fisheries management on environmental protection and fish conservation in this district. The goal of this study was to address key issues in fisheries management in Can Gio in regard to the impacts of wastewater from shrimp farming on the water quality of mainstream rivers that affect the local fish communities, and the influence of improper fishing practices that lead to the depletion of local fish stocks. This study also aimed to propose strategies to improve the local fisheries management for more environmentally responsible productions. Two mainstream surveys were developed to obtain data, i.e. environmental surveys for the assessment of water quality and pollution impacts on fish communities; and people interviews for the examination of fisheries management related to shrimp farming and fishing practices. The findings were used as a baseline to develop appropriate strategies for improving the management in terms of promoting sustainable productions both in shrimp farming and capture fishery industries and protecting the environment. This study found that shrimp farming, especially intensive farms have contributed to water pollution in mainstream rivers in Can Gio, and in turn the water pollution has adversely affected the local fish communities. The waters adjacent to the intensive farms were contaminated with high concentrations of organic matter. The number of fish species reduced and tolerant species appeared at higher proportions in these areas. Many improper practices in shrimp farming and fishing as well as weaknesses in government management were addressed to be the key issues leading to environmental pollution and fish depletion. The proposed strategies focused on improving the management at both government and community levels. Promoting community-based management was suggested as a key to the success in fisheries management in Can Gio.

This thesis examines the direct as well as indirect effect of foreign direct investment on Vietnam?s economy. Statistical analysis shows that a two-way linkage exists between foreign direct investment and economic growth in Vietnam. Furthermore, foreign direct investment spillovers generate strong positive impact on Vietnam?s total factor productivity through backward linkages.

In 1986, Vietnam opened up the country’s economy by launching the Doi Moi (renovation) policy, which made the process of economic liberalisation possible. Accordingly, Ho Chi Minh City, the country’s biggest city, has undergone rapid growth of population, urbanisation and industrialisation. While achieving remarkable economic growth, the city faces considerable urban environmental challenges. The rapid growth of urbanisation and industry has placed increasing pressure on available freshwater resources, through excessive water use and increasing volumes of untreated wastewater. Firstly, the urban water sector has had to meet growing demand for water use for domestic purposes during the dry season. Secondly, groundwater levels have experienced a substantial drawdown in outlying urban districts as a result of over-abstraction. Thirdly, rapidly expanding industrial activities are causing severe demand on water resources. The city’s major supply sources have developed an alarming level of pollutants discharged by industry. The aim of this thesis is to formulate an integrated approach to the sustainable management of water resources in Ho Chi Minh City. In order to achieve this, the research was designed to examine institutional frameworks and arrangements and to explore the perception of water value by water users and stakeholders. The underlying reasons for ineffective management are anchored in fragmented management practices which result from inadequate institutional frameworks and arrangements, inadequate regulations and inappropriate water governance. Weak enforcement of law and insufficient cooperation between government agencies and departments in Ho Chi Minh City and their counterparts in neighbouring provinces also limit management efficacy. The research results show that stakeholders have different perceptions of water resources. Overall, water value has been considered as a social and economic good by both the urban respondents and government officials. However, most urban residents view water as a social good rather than an economic one. Public involvement in the water sector is limited. Most urban dwellers have little understanding and knowledge about the city’s water issues or the available channels to access information on water resources. Many government officials are inadequately trained, poorly qualified, inexperienced and have irrelevant or outdated background knowledge about their field of management. Government respondents did not provide consistent data and information on the water profile because there is no shared common information on water issues in place. Findings from the fieldwork show that decentralisation, privatisation and using rainwater as a potential alternative water source are preferred. Finally, the study proposes a schematic revision of existing management structures and mechanisms between local government agencies. This thesis proposes a model for a water conservation strategy for which the management and use of water resources is aligned with adequate institutional arrangements and effective regulations. Water governance and management of water resources need to work with economic and urbanisation growth. / http://proxy.library.adelaide.edu.au/login?url= http://library.adelaide.edu.au/cgi-bin/Pwebrecon.cgi?BBID=1331639 / Thesis (Ph.D.) - University of Adelaide, School of Social Sciences, 2008

In 1986, Vietnam opened up the country’s economy by launching the Doi Moi (renovation) policy, which made the process of economic liberalisation possible. Accordingly, Ho Chi Minh City, the country’s biggest city, has undergone rapid growth of population, urbanisation and industrialisation. While achieving remarkable economic growth, the city faces considerable urban environmental challenges. The rapid growth of urbanisation and industry has placed increasing pressure on available freshwater resources, through excessive water use and increasing volumes of untreated wastewater. Firstly, the urban water sector has had to meet growing demand for water use for domestic purposes during the dry season. Secondly, groundwater levels have experienced a substantial drawdown in outlying urban districts as a result of over-abstraction. Thirdly, rapidly expanding industrial activities are causing severe demand on water resources. The city’s major supply sources have developed an alarming level of pollutants discharged by industry. The aim of this thesis is to formulate an integrated approach to the sustainable management of water resources in Ho Chi Minh City. In order to achieve this, the research was designed to examine institutional frameworks and arrangements and to explore the perception of water value by water users and stakeholders. The underlying reasons for ineffective management are anchored in fragmented management practices which result from inadequate institutional frameworks and arrangements, inadequate regulations and inappropriate water governance. Weak enforcement of law and insufficient cooperation between government agencies and departments in Ho Chi Minh City and their counterparts in neighbouring provinces also limit management efficacy. The research results show that stakeholders have different perceptions of water resources. Overall, water value has been considered as a social and economic good by both the urban respondents and government officials. However, most urban residents view water as a social good rather than an economic one. Public involvement in the water sector is limited. Most urban dwellers have little understanding and knowledge about the city’s water issues or the available channels to access information on water resources. Many government officials are inadequately trained, poorly qualified, inexperienced and have irrelevant or outdated background knowledge about their field of management. Government respondents did not provide consistent data and information on the water profile because there is no shared common information on water issues in place. Findings from the fieldwork show that decentralisation, privatisation and using rainwater as a potential alternative water source are preferred. Finally, the study proposes a schematic revision of existing management structures and mechanisms between local government agencies. This thesis proposes a model for a water conservation strategy for which the management and use of water resources is aligned with adequate institutional arrangements and effective regulations. Water governance and management of water resources need to work with economic and urbanisation growth. / http://proxy.library.adelaide.edu.au/login?url= http://library.adelaide.edu.au/cgi-bin/Pwebrecon.cgi?BBID=1331639 / Thesis (Ph.D.) - University of Adelaide, School of Social Sciences, 2008

In 1986, Vietnam opened up the country’s economy by launching the Doi Moi (renovation) policy, which made the process of economic liberalisation possible. Accordingly, Ho Chi Minh City, the country’s biggest city, has undergone rapid growth of population, urbanisation and industrialisation. While achieving remarkable economic growth, the city faces considerable urban environmental challenges. The rapid growth of urbanisation and industry has placed increasing pressure on available freshwater resources, through excessive water use and increasing volumes of untreated wastewater. Firstly, the urban water sector has had to meet growing demand for water use for domestic purposes during the dry season. Secondly, groundwater levels have experienced a substantial drawdown in outlying urban districts as a result of over-abstraction. Thirdly, rapidly expanding industrial activities are causing severe demand on water resources. The city’s major supply sources have developed an alarming level of pollutants discharged by industry. The aim of this thesis is to formulate an integrated approach to the sustainable management of water resources in Ho Chi Minh City. In order to achieve this, the research was designed to examine institutional frameworks and arrangements and to explore the perception of water value by water users and stakeholders. The underlying reasons for ineffective management are anchored in fragmented management practices which result from inadequate institutional frameworks and arrangements, inadequate regulations and inappropriate water governance. Weak enforcement of law and insufficient cooperation between government agencies and departments in Ho Chi Minh City and their counterparts in neighbouring provinces also limit management efficacy. The research results show that stakeholders have different perceptions of water resources. Overall, water value has been considered as a social and economic good by both the urban respondents and government officials. However, most urban residents view water as a social good rather than an economic one. Public involvement in the water sector is limited. Most urban dwellers have little understanding and knowledge about the city’s water issues or the available channels to access information on water resources. Many government officials are inadequately trained, poorly qualified, inexperienced and have irrelevant or outdated background knowledge about their field of management. Government respondents did not provide consistent data and information on the water profile because there is no shared common information on water issues in place. Findings from the fieldwork show that decentralisation, privatisation and using rainwater as a potential alternative water source are preferred. Finally, the study proposes a schematic revision of existing management structures and mechanisms between local government agencies. This thesis proposes a model for a water conservation strategy for which the management and use of water resources is aligned with adequate institutional arrangements and effective regulations. Water governance and management of water resources need to work with economic and urbanisation growth. / http://proxy.library.adelaide.edu.au/login?url= http://library.adelaide.edu.au/cgi-bin/Pwebrecon.cgi?BBID=1331639 / Thesis (Ph.D.) - University of Adelaide, School of Social Sciences, 2008

In 1986, Vietnam opened up the country’s economy by launching the Doi Moi (renovation) policy, which made the process of economic liberalisation possible. Accordingly, Ho Chi Minh City, the country’s biggest city, has undergone rapid growth of population, urbanisation and industrialisation. While achieving remarkable economic growth, the city faces considerable urban environmental challenges. The rapid growth of urbanisation and industry has placed increasing pressure on available freshwater resources, through excessive water use and increasing volumes of untreated wastewater. Firstly, the urban water sector has had to meet growing demand for water use for domestic purposes during the dry season. Secondly, groundwater levels have experienced a substantial drawdown in outlying urban districts as a result of over-abstraction. Thirdly, rapidly expanding industrial activities are causing severe demand on water resources. The city’s major supply sources have developed an alarming level of pollutants discharged by industry. The aim of this thesis is to formulate an integrated approach to the sustainable management of water resources in Ho Chi Minh City. In order to achieve this, the research was designed to examine institutional frameworks and arrangements and to explore the perception of water value by water users and stakeholders. The underlying reasons for ineffective management are anchored in fragmented management practices which result from inadequate institutional frameworks and arrangements, inadequate regulations and inappropriate water governance. Weak enforcement of law and insufficient cooperation between government agencies and departments in Ho Chi Minh City and their counterparts in neighbouring provinces also limit management efficacy. The research results show that stakeholders have different perceptions of water resources. Overall, water value has been considered as a social and economic good by both the urban respondents and government officials. However, most urban residents view water as a social good rather than an economic one. Public involvement in the water sector is limited. Most urban dwellers have little understanding and knowledge about the city’s water issues or the available channels to access information on water resources. Many government officials are inadequately trained, poorly qualified, inexperienced and have irrelevant or outdated background knowledge about their field of management. Government respondents did not provide consistent data and information on the water profile because there is no shared common information on water issues in place. Findings from the fieldwork show that decentralisation, privatisation and using rainwater as a potential alternative water source are preferred. Finally, the study proposes a schematic revision of existing management structures and mechanisms between local government agencies. This thesis proposes a model for a water conservation strategy for which the management and use of water resources is aligned with adequate institutional arrangements and effective regulations. Water governance and management of water resources need to work with economic and urbanisation growth. / http://proxy.library.adelaide.edu.au/login?url= http://library.adelaide.edu.au/cgi-bin/Pwebrecon.cgi?BBID=1331639 / Thesis (Ph.D.) - University of Adelaide, School of Social Sciences, 2008