Abstract

The topics on toilets, defecation and perianal cleansing may be perceived as taboo subjects in daily discussions but are markedly important from health and hygienical perspectives. In multicultural countries like Australia, no research attention has been given to domestic toilet hygienical requirements from the perspective of the society׳s cultural traditions or religious teachings. The Western sitting lavatories with toilet paper facilities are the most common toilet systems available in Australian homes, which may be contradictory to persons coming from non-Western backgrounds. Squat latrines used widely in many Asian countries are acknowledged to be more conducive for maintaining a healthy bowel system, but are unattractive to Westerners and also unsuitable for those with physical disabilities. Similarly, water is regarded as the most hygienical option for perianal cleansing in many cultures but is rarely used in Western cultures. This paper investigates the experiences of seven Muslim families living in Brisbane with respect to whether or not the Australian toilet systems in their homes meet their personal and familial requirements. This paper further explores whether modifications were made to their domestic toilets to meet these essential needs. Some design recommendations are presented, which are based on the extant literature on this topic as well as the findings from this study. These design options provide an opportunity for future research focussed on a universal toilet design solution that is adaptable and able to meet the needs of all users, especially for those countries with a multicultural population.

Abstract

En 2014 la ALIA (Australian Library and Information Association), inició la publicación anual de un informe de tendencias centrado en la educación, las habilidades y los conocimientos, y la ocupación laboral en biblioteconomía, documentación e información en Australia. En el informe de 2015, se han actualizado datos y, además y lo que es más importante, se pueden empezar a entrever tendencias de futuro en la industria ByD que muchas veces quedan escondidas. Este informe ayuda a detectar estas tendencias para los profesionales australianos… y también para los españoles.

Abstract

Softlink es una empresa australiana, con ramificaciones en todo el mundo, que provee recursos tecnológicos, conocimiento y soluciones en bibliotecas escolares, académicas, públicas y otras. Desde 2010 lleva a cabo un estudio anual sobre las bibliotecas escolares australianas por encargo del gobierno australiano. El texto que reseñamos es la publicación de este estudio correspondiente a 2014. http://www.softlinkint.com

Abstract

Bajo el acrónimo GLAM (que jocosamente se ha relacionado con glamour) se engloban las actividades relacionadas con galerías, bibliotecas, archivos y museos (galleries, libraries, archives and museums). Más específicamente, estas siglas se suelen poner en relación con acciones y actuaciones de difusión de los acervos culturales e históricos, de los que estas instituciones son depositarias, en el mundo digital.

Abstract

Kids & Family Reading es un estudio de carácter bianual que se realiza en Estados Unidos desde 2008, con el objetivo de explorar las actitudes y comportamientos relacionados con la lectura por ocio de los niños de edades comprendidas entre 6 y 17 años y que también recoge las opiniones de sus padres. El estudio es una iniciativa de la editorial Scholastic (especializada en el ámbito pedagógico e infantil, y una de las más potentes del mundo) y se ha realizado en colaboración con YouGov, una empresa de primer nivel que se dedica al estudio de mercados por medio de sistemas en línea. Scholastic (2015). Kids and family reading report: Australia. Premiere ed. Lisarow, NSW: Scholastic Corporation; London: YouGov. 84 p. http://www.scholastic.com.au/readingreport

Abstract

Urban transport technology is about to enter a new phase, one in which there will be less reliance on carbon emissions intensive energy sources such as petroleum based fuels. Australia"s metropolitan planning strategies place their emphasis on public transport, cycling and walking within integrated transport solutions in an effort to minimise carbon emissions. However, global automotive manufacturers now have commercially viable electric cars and petrol electric cars that are about to be introduced to the Australian market place. The model of charging infrastructure for electric cars (using an electric socket in a private garage) complements traditional low density suburban environments, although paradoxically, the limited range of electric cars creates problems in urban enviromnents with dispersed facilities. If there is widespread substitution of electric vehicles for petrol cars, there will need to be fast charge electric charging infrastructure developed on a large scale, which will have significant implications for the development of centres and parking facilities. This paper examines the attributes of the relevant technologies to detennine what the electric charging infrastructure implications would mean within a metropolitan area, using Adelaide as a case study. The planning implications are examined in tenus of the changes that would be required at both the level of strategic plan making and local planning. The paper's conclusions indicate the nature of infrastructure required, likely changes to planning policies, and whether substituting electric cars for petrol cars is the best option for making personal transport in Australia"s low dffisity metropolitan suburbs enviromnentally sustainable. Refereed/Peer-reviewed

Abstract

Background Road transport workers (RTWs) are at high risk of exposure to several occupational carcinogens. However, there are gaps in knowledge regarding the extent and the circumstances of exposure. As a sub-study of the Australian Work Exposures Study, this study investigated the prevalence of occupational exposure in Australian RTWs. Methods A random sample of Australian working population was invited to a telephone interview regarding their current jobs. An automated expert-assessment procedure was applied to self-reported job-related tasks using a web-based application. 162 RTWs were included in this study. Results RTWs were exposed to diesel exhaust (97%), solar ultraviolet radiation (78%), environmental tobacco smoke (55%), benzene (29%), silica (15%), and asbestos (10%) at work. Besides driving on roads, vehicle maintenance-related tasks were the major source of carcinogen exposures among RTWs. Discussion Most RTWs are exposed to at least one carcinogen at work. We have identified tasks where the use of control measures could potentially reduce exposures. Am. J. Ind. Med. 59:31–41, 2016. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.