Research UNEThe Research UNE digital repository system captures, stores, indexes, preserves, and distributes digital research material.http://rune.une.edu.au:80/web2024-03-19T06:59:19Z2024-03-19T06:59:19ZMeasuring the Returns to Investment in RD&E in the WA Grains Industry Using Equilibrium Displacement ModellingLi, KuoKingwell, RossGriffith, GarryMalcolm, Billhttps://hdl.handle.net/1959.11/578422024-03-19T05:09:26Z2019-01-01T00:00:00ZTitle: Measuring the Returns to Investment in RD&E in the WA Grains Industry Using Equilibrium Displacement Modelling
Contributor(s): Li, Kuo; Kingwell, Ross; Griffith, Garry; Malcolm, Bill
Abstract: <p>Equilibrium Displacement Models (EDMs) are useful for estimating the net benefits of investments in agricultural research, development and extension (RD&E) and the distribution of these benefits between producers and other participants in the value chain. Information from these models can inform investment decisions by funders of RD&E. In this paper the design and construction of an EDM for the Western Australian grains industry, a major component of the national grains industry, is reported. Using the EDM, two RD&E investment scenarios are examined. The first scenario is for a 1 per cent reduction in the cost of farm production inputs as a result of an investment in RD&E, while the second scenario involved a 1 per cent increase in the willingness of overseas consumers to pay for wheat as a result of an investment in RD&E.</p> <p>The results show that the farm sector and overseas consumers are the major beneficiaries under each scenario. The WA grains industry is characterised by a short supply chain, where most grain production is exported. The large volume of grain exported means that, if there is an increase in demand or supply, some of the total benefits go to consumers overseas. Still, a high price elasticity of demand for export grains ensures that the farm production sector receives the majority of total benefits, and that these benefits outweigh the share of benefits received by overseas consumers.</p>2019-01-01T00:00:00ZActivity of free-ranging dogs (Canis familiaris) in the Arcadia Valley, QueenslandMeek, Paul DBallard, GuyMarshall, DarrenMarshall, LachlanSmith, DeaneFleming, Peter J Shttps://hdl.handle.net/1959.11/578412024-03-19T05:04:50Z2023-04-07T00:00:00ZTitle: Activity of free-ranging dogs (Canis familiaris) in the Arcadia Valley, Queensland
Contributor(s): Meek, Paul D; Ballard, Guy; Marshall, Darren; Marshall, Lachlan; Smith, Deane; Fleming, Peter J S
Abstract: <p>GPS tracking collars were fitted to five free-ranging dogs (<I>Canis familiarise</i>) in the Arcadia Valley, Queensland to establish baseline movement data in this unique topographical landscape. Activity areas were generated with three home range methods using seasonally constrained fixes. Activity areas (Brownian Bridge and Utilisation Distribution) ranged from 2.9 to 689 km<sup>2</sup> in this landscape, and revealed that topographical features previously thought to confine free-ranging dog movement were no barrier to habitat use.</p>2023-04-07T00:00:00ZPhosphorus and Potassium Ion Dynamics in a Vertisol Soil and in Cotton Plants (Gossypium hirsutum L) During a Waterlogging EventMacLeod, IvanBlair, GraemeMacLeod, DonaldTill, Rayhttps://hdl.handle.net/1959.11/578402024-03-19T04:59:12Z2023-05-01T00:00:00ZTitle: Phosphorus and Potassium Ion Dynamics in a Vertisol Soil and in Cotton Plants (Gossypium hirsutum L) During a Waterlogging Event
Contributor(s): MacLeod, Ivan; Blair, Graeme; MacLeod, Donald; Till, Ray
Abstract: <p>The aim is to examine the nutrient ion dynamics in a Vertisol soil undergoing waterlogging to ascertain whether soil solution concentration and/or nutrient uptake dynamics are the cause of boll shedding in cotton. Cotton was grown in pots, and the soil waterlogged after 76 days at which time injections of <sup>33</sup>P and <sup>86</sup>Rb were made to trace phosphorus (P) and potassium (K) dynamics. After seven days, waterlogging in the pots were drained and an injection of <sup>32</sup>p was made to trace P dynamics during the recovery period. Redox fell rapidly during waterlogging, and soil solution concentrations of P, K, sodium (Na), and manganese (Mn) increased. Biomass accumulation was less in the waterlogged treatment than in the non-waterlogged control. In the 7-day recovery period, shoot biomass increased in the waterlogged treatment and root biomass weight continued to decline. Recovery of <sup>33</sup>P was 10 times higher in the control than in the waterlogged treatment during the 7-day waterlogging period treatment. Uptake of <sup>86</sup>Rb in the control treatment was more than twice that of the waterlogged treatment during this period. Uptake of both<sup>33</sup>P and <sup>86</sup>Rb increased during recovery but remained higher in the control treatment. Uptake of <sup>32</sup>p occurred during post-waterlogging but remained higher in the control treatment. Reduced uptake of P and K during waterlogging is most likely due to damage to the uptake mechanisms of the roots rather than a reduction in the concentration of nutrients in the soil solution under waterlogged conditions.</p>2023-05-01T00:00:00ZHuman enhancement drugs and Armed Forces: an overview of some key ethical considerations of creating 'Super-Soldiers'Walsh, Adrianvan de Ven, Katinkahttps://hdl.handle.net/1959.11/578392024-03-19T04:39:51Z2023-06-01T00:00:00ZTitle: Human enhancement drugs and Armed Forces: an overview of some key ethical considerations of creating 'Super-Soldiers'
Contributor(s): Walsh, Adrian; van de Ven, Katinka
Abstract: <p>There is a long history and growing evidence base that the use of drugs, such as anabolic-androgenic steroids, to enhance human performance is common amongst armed forces, including in Australia. We should not be surprised that this might have occurred for it has long been predicted by observers. It is a commonplace of many recent discussion of the future of warfare and future military technology to proclaim the imminent arrival of Super Soldiers, whose capacities are modified via drugs, digital technology and genetic engineering, in ways that increase their performance exponentially. This is what some observers have referred to as the “Gladiator Model” wherein the aim is to create soldiers able to perform feats of which ordinary citizens are not capable. One key aspect of this “gladiator project” is the use of illicit drugs to enhance performance. Could we use drugs, such as steroids or amphetamines, to enhance performance? Should we use such drugs? In this paper we explore the ethics of creating Super Soldiers, and raise issues of consent, coercion and the extent to which such use is permitted or condemned by just war theory. We conclude that much will depend on the extent to which such use is harmful to the soldiers themselves and this is still an open question.</p>2023-06-01T00:00:00Z