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Interviews visitors at the Australian National Science and Technology Center. Reports that when using an exhibit, visitors experience a reminder of a similar experience that forms the basis for interpreting the exhibit. Proposes a model for "personal awareness of science and technology" (PAST) which is used to interpret learning results from interaction with such exhibits. (Contains 30 references.) (Author/YDS)

Experiments with two strains of the facultative epibiont, Brachionus rubens, tested the ability of this rotifer to avoid predation by the rotifer Asplanchna, and its propensity for sexual reproduction and consequent diapause at different population densities. Unlike some congeners, B. rubens did not have a morphological response to Asplanchna by developing longer spines or a larger body. However, it responded to this predator, and its kairomone, with a behavioral defense: a higher propensity to transition from free-swimming to attachment, typically in dense aggregations. Attached individuals were less likely to be captured and ingested, so that B. rubens outlived Asplanchna in some mixed-species cultures. Although crowding induces sex in some congeners, it did not do so in B. rubens. Instead, the proportion of sexual (mictic) daughters produced by females cultured in different volumes (0.5–60 ml) was density-independent: ~ 0.2 for the Argentina strain and ~ 0.6 for the Australia strain. Such fixed levels of sex have rarely been detected in rotifers. In B. rubens, they may be a strategy to ensure some sex with diapause at all times, but permit continued population growth via female parthenogenesis at the very high densities that normally occur on hosts and other surfaces. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and objective: Children from culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) backgrounds are at risk of having developmental problems go undetected prior to starting school, and missing out on early intervention. Our aim was to explore the family and service characteristics, beliefs and experiences that influence the journey of families from CALD backgrounds in accessing developmental surveillance (DS) and early intervention services in south‐eastern Sydney, Australia. Design, setting and participants: This qualitative study used in‐depth interviews conducted with 13 parents from CALD backgrounds and 27 health and early childhood professionals in Sydney. The Andersen Behavioural Model of Health Service Use (BM) was the underlying theoretical framework for thematic analysis. Results and discussion: Family and service knowledge about early childhood development (ECD), community attitudes, social isolation and English language proficiency were dominant themes that impacted on the probability of families accessing services in the first place. Those that impeded or facilitated access were resources, extended family and social support, information availability, competing needs, complex service pathways and community engagement. There were variable practices of early detection through DS. Children from CALD backgrounds with developmental problems were perceived to miss out on DS and early intervention despite language delay being a key issue identified by participants. Conclusion: This study highlights the importance of increased community and family awareness and professional training in ECD; better coordination of health and early childhood services, with simpler referral pathways to early intervention to prevent children from CALD backgrounds ‘slipping through the net’. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The deaths of 10 bushfire (brushfire) victims (aged 2-59 years; M/F 1:1) from the files of Forensic Science SA in Adelaide, South Australia, over an 8-year period (January 2002 to December 2009) are reported. Nine of the victims were found in or near motor vehicles. Death was attributed to incineration ( N = 5), trauma from bushfire-related vehicle crashes ( N = 2), inhalation of products of combustion with hyperthermia ( N = 1), inhalation of products of combustion ( N = 1), and undetermined ( N = 1). Death scenes covered large areas and involved many victims. Loss of infrastructure and closure of local roads owing to debris limited access and made the finding of bodies difficult. Bodies in such fires may be exposed to the damaging effects of weather and animal predation. Heat damage hindered pathological assessment with resultant delays in identification. Assessment of antemortem injuries and determination of causes of death were also complicated by the condition of some of the bodies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Gunshot deaths in children less than 17 years of age from Adelaide, SA, Australia (1969–2005) and from San Diego County, CA, United States (1988–2005) were compared. Forty-two pediatric gunshot fatalities occurred in South Australia (1.1 cases/year; M:F = 30:12). There were 6 accidents (14%), 14 suicides (33%), and 22 homicides (52%). In San Diego there were 185 cases ( c.10 cases/year; M:F = 148:37). There were 6 accidents (3%), 42 suicides (23%), 130 homicides (70%), and 7 undetermined cases (4%). The incidence of homicide was significantly higher in San Diego County compared to Adelaide ( p < 0.001), with a higher proportion of murder–suicides occurring in Adelaide. There were markedly more accidents and suicides involving males in Adelaide and a far higher number of male homicide victims in San Diego County compared to females. Rifles of 0.22-caliber were preferred weapons in South Australia, compared to handguns in San Diego County. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Four geographic strains of B. calyciflorus are investigated regarding their genetic similarity and ability to cross-mate. DNA sequence analysis of the mitochondrial cox1 gene (694 bp) and the nuclear ribosomal ITS region (735 bp) showed that the Florida and Georgia strains were very similar to each other (0.3% sequence divergence for the 1429 bp) and different from the Texas and Australia strains (~7% and 9% sequence divergence for the 1429 bp, respectively). Consistent with this genetic relatedness, cross-copulation occurred only between the Florida and Georgia strains. Thus, B. calyciflorus is a complex of cryptic species. While the Florida, Texas and Australia strains were reproductively isolated from one another, most combinations of cross-strain mating tests showed intense and prolonged male circling behavior following male–female encounters. This suggests that precopulatory male circling and copulation are two separate behaviors that may be controlled by different female chemicals and male coronal receptors. In some cross-strain mating tests, females regularly retracted their corona when circled by a male, indicating that they can recognize ‘foreign’ males and actively interfere with copulation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The use of the phrase 'the public understanding of science' has been under attack for some time because of its incompatibility with modern theories of learning. In an attempt to find a more acceptable model, interviews were conducted at Questacon, the Australian National Science and Technology Centre, with visitors of a wide range of ages who had used the interactive exhibits there. The study showed that, when using an exhibit, a visitor has a reminding of a similar experience that forms the basis for interpretating the exhibit. An individual's existing 'personal awareness of science and technology' (PAST) draws on this prior experience to produce an understanding of the exhibit and, to some extent, an understanding of the underlying scientific model. A model for PAST embracing these factors is proposed and is used to interpret the learning resulting from interaction with such exhibits and other kinds of science-based experience. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

It is argued that the place of interactive exhibits in science and technology centres will only be assured when their design and use is based on an empirically-justified model which encompasses both entertainment and learning. In the light of research at Questacon, the Australian National Science and Technology Centre, a model for the Personal Awareness of Science and Technology (PAST) is put forward here and an application is made of PAST to existing inter- active exhibits. The ability of interactive exhibits, designed using the model, to withstand current criticisms is evaluated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two cases are reported from South Australia, where deaths occurred that were due to single self-inflicted gunshot wounds to the head in individuals who were visiting indoor firearm ranges. Case 1: A 54-year-old man visiting an indoor firing range placed a .357 magnum handgun to his head and fired one shot. Case 2: A 23-year-old woman who was being instructed in firearm usage at an indoor firing range placed a 9 mm handgun to her head and fired one shot. In both cases, deaths were due to cerebral laceration with skull fracture. Firing ranges may be utilized by individuals who are seeking weapons for suicide attempts, and suicide may be successfully undertaken at such locations even while a victim is under direct supervision. In jurisdictions, where firearm ownership is strictly legislated, it may be that clubs can inadvertently provide access to firearms for this type of activity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A retrospective review of autopsy files at the Forensic Science South Australia, Australia, was undertaken over a 20-year period from January 2000 to December 2019 for all cases where chlorine had caused or contributed to death. Two cases were identified out of a total of 25,121 autopsies (0.008%): a 53-year-old man who committed suicide in a cellar with granulated chlorine, and a 49-year-old woman with asthma who died of acute bronchospasm due to exposure to chlorine gas while mixing swimming pool chemicals in her kitchen. Chlorine-related deaths are uncommon in domestic situations. However, the absence of biomarkers and non-specific findings at autopsy complicate the diagnosis, particularly as environmental levels are not stable. While accidents with cleaning agents or swimming pool reagents are the most common event in the literature in domestic settings (exclusive of industrial or transportation accidents), suicide may also very rarely occur. Individuals with asthma and chronic respiratory diseases are at higher risk of an adverse outcome upon exposure to chlorine gas, with inattention to proper storage conditions and handling protocols being additional risk factors.

Abstract: Camels are ungulates of the genus Camelus and have been used for centuries in parts of Asia and Africa for transport and sustenance. Handling of camels is not without its dangers, and 4 cases from South Australia are reported with a review of lethal camel-related issues. Case 1 is a 56-year-old man who died of multiple blunt force injuries after he had attempted to move a 7-year-old female dromedary (Camelus dromedarius). Case 2 is a 65-year-old woman who was crushed by 1 or more camels that she had been training. Case 3 is a 1-year-old girl who died of blunt craniocerebral trauma after the car in which she was traveling rolled when the driver swerved to avoid a herd of camels that had strayed onto the road. Case 4 is a 66-year-old woman who died of ischemic and hypertensive cardiac disease exacerbated by physical activity while rounding up camels. Deaths associated with camels involve kicking, stomping, kneeling or sitting on a victim, or biting and shaking and throwing. Lethal mechanisms include hemorrhage from vascular injuries and internal organ disruption, crush asphyxia, and blunt craniospinal injuries. Death may also follow falls from camels or vehicle collisions. Camels also carry a wide range of zoonotic diseases, the most significant of which is Middle Eastern respiratory syndrome. Handling of camels may also exacerbate underlying organic illnesses such as cardiac disease. Those working with camels should be aware that the size, strength, and temperament of these animals may make them dangerous and that they also carry potentially lethal zoonotic diseases., Competing Interests: The authors report no conflict of interest., (Copyright © 2020 Wolters Kluwer Health, Inc. All rights reserved.)

Heat waves are not uncommon in Australia, but the event of 2009 was particularly severe and ranks third of the 21 recorded heat wave events in south-eastern Australia in terms of the resulting mortality and morbidity. This is a review of Coronial autopsy findings in South Australia (which has an area of nearly 1 million square kilometres with a population of 1.6 million that predominantly resides within the region of the capital: Adelaide) during the period of the 2009 heat wave. Fifty-four post-mortem examinations were performed on cases in which exposure to high ambient temperature was regarded as having caused or significantly contributed to the death. The findings (including results of toxicological and biochemical analyses, where available) are reviewed and compared with the post-mortem examination findings in 22 deaths over the same period not attributed to the effects of heat. There were no specific autopsy findings that distinguished heat-related from non heat-related deaths. The lack of specific post-mortem findings increases the reliance on scene investigation in order to be able to categorise a death as being heat-related. A checklist for scene investigators is proposed in order to assist with collection of relevant data to assist the Coronial investigation process., (Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Ltd and Faculty of Forensic and Legal Medicine. All rights reserved.)

A 20-year retrospective review of files at Forensic Science SA, Adelaide, Australia was undertaken for cases of matricide occurring between the years 1985 and 2004. A total of 11 cases were identified: 10 males and 1 female. The victims were aged between 42 and 83 years (mean=61 years) and the perpetrators were aged between 15 and 53 years (mean=28.7 years). In all 11 cases weapons such as blunt objects (N=5), knives (N=5), firearms (N=3), or ligatures (N=1) were involved in the assaults, with injuries inflicted by the weapons causing death in 10 cases. In five cases trauma was caused by more than one injurious agent/action; e.g. there was evidence of immersion and burning in two cases. In four cases there were multiple (>10) significant injuries inflicted by perpetrators suffering from schizophrenia (N=2), 'mental impairment' (N=1) and a 'combination of psychiatric disorders' (N=1). One perpetrator committed suicide after killing his mother. Six of the ten surviving perpetrators were found not guilty of murder on the grounds of mental illness or impairment, and one perpetrator had the charge reduced from murder to manslaughter due to underlying mental conditions that included previous brain injury. Matricides are uncommon forms of homicide that have similar features in most communities studied. Intra-familial tensions with underlying psychiatric illness in the perpetrator are common findings.

A study was undertaken of the rates and methods of female suicide observed at the Forensic Science Centre in South Australia over a 15 year period from 1986 to 2000. A total of 609 cases of female suicide were found (age range= 13-88 yrs; mean= 44 yrs), with 249 drug overdoses, 114 hangings, 100 deaths due to carbon monoxide (CO) toxicity, 40 drownings, 35 firearm deaths and 71 miscellaneous deaths (including deaths due to self-immolation, jumping from heights and incised wounds). The most common age range was 26-50 yrs in all categories except for drowning where victims tended to be older. While overall suicide rates in females remained unchanged, with no changes in the rates at different ages, significant increases in hanging and CO deaths occurred over all age groups (p < 0.05), with significant falls in drug overdose deaths in the 10-25 year age group (p < 0.01), and significant overall falls in suicides due to gunshot wounds (p < 0.05). No changes were observed in female suicides due to drowning. This study has demonstrated, therefore, that although no changes in overall suicide rates for females occurred, there have been alterations in the types of methods being used. Although drug related deaths remained the largest category, hanging deaths, which were once uncommon in females, have increased markedly.

Deaths due to decapitation are rare in civilian populations. A study in South Australia over 17 years from January 1986 to December 2002 revealed 20 cases (age range, 14 to 72 years; average, 30.7 years; male to female ratio, 15:5). There were 13 suicides consisting of 11 train-related deaths (age range, 14 to 72 years; average, 31.3 years; male to female ratio, 10:1), 1 hanging death, and 1 death using a ligature and a motor vehicle. Five cases related to motor vehicle crashes (age range, 19 to 46 years; average, 30.2 years; male to female ratio, 1:4) and 2 were associated with industrial trauma. Suicidal decapitation accounted for <1% of total suicides and showed a striking male predominance, with the favored method involving trains.

A review of deaths associated with hydrocarbon toxicity from gasoline sniffing in South Australia throughout a 10 year period from July 1987 to June 2002 revealed 4 cases. The victims were all Aboriginal people from remote inland communities. Each death had occurred while the victim was lying in bed sniffing gasoline from a can held to the face. Once unconsciousness had occurred, the mouth and nose had been pressed firmly against the can by the weight of the head. In each case, the effects of gasoline toxicity had been exacerbated by hypoxia and hypercapnia from rebreathing into the container once a tight seal had been established between the face and the can. The circular impressions left by the can edges on the faces of each of the victims provided an autopsy marker that assisted in clarifying the details of the fatal episodes. Discouraging solitary gasoline sniffing in bed may reduce the death rate in communities where this behavior is practiced.