What's On at UWA

Ever since the birth of Pakistan and India as independent nations after the partition of the Indian sub-continent in 1947, Indo-Pak relations have been vexed to say the least. The nations have fought three accepted wars; two unacknowledged wars; and is still in the throes of insurgency and counter-insurgency operations. The divergent socio-political direction that the nations have taken in the post-independence age have vitiated their bilateral relationship.

This presentation provides a brief background to the relationship between the two nations; examines the fundamental reasons for the animosity that prevails most of the time in the official relationship of the two nations; and analyses the current situation. It will also pay particular attention to the ‘Kashmir Issue’ and consider the impact of the result of the on-going Indian elections.

Dr Sanu Kainikara is the Air Power Strategist at the Air Power Development Centre of the Royal Australian Air Force and also a Visiting Fellow at the University of New South Wales. He is the author of 11 books: Papers on Air Power, Pathways to Victory, Red Air: Politics in Russian Air Power, Australian Security in the Asian Century, A Fresh Look at Air Power Doctrine, Seven Perennial Challenges to Air Forces, The Art of Air Power: Sun Tzu Revisited, At the Critical Juncture, Essays on Air Power, The Bolt From the Blue, and From Indus to Independence Volume I. He has presented extensively in international forums and published numerous papers on national security, strategy and air power. He is the recipient of the RAAF Chief of Air Force’s Commendation.

Dr Kainikara is a former fighter pilot of the Indian Air Force who retired as a Group Captain after 21 years of commissioned service. During his service career, he has flown over 4,000 hours on a number of modern fighter aircraft, commanded an operational fighter squadron and held various other command and staff appointments. He is a Qualified Flying Instructor, and a graduate and instructor of the IAF Fighter Weapons School, the National Defence Academy, the Defence Services Staff College, and the College of Air Warfare. He is a recipient of the IAF Chief of Air Staff Commendation and the Air Force Cross.

After retirement from active service, he worked for four years as the senior analyst, specialising in air power strategy for a US Training Team in the Middle East. Prior to his current appointment he was the Director Wargaming and Strategic Doctrine in the Strategy Group of the Department of Defence. He has also taught Aerospace Engineering at the Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology University, Melbourne. He has two Bachelors degrees, a Masters degree in Defence and Strategic Studies from the University of Madras and his PhD in International Politics was awarded by the University of Adelaide.

Two talks will be presented that have recently been given at the Society of Australasian Social Psychologists and the Australasian Society for Experimental Psychology conferences respectively.

Abstract 1: Recent years have seen the ‘selfie’ become ubiquitous. The act of taking a photo of oneself and uploading to a social media platform, such as Facebook, is an act that can now be considered commonplace. This research examines the selfie phenomenon amongst young women through the lens of objectification theory. Objectification theory posits that social and cultural influences are internalised by the individual and then reproduced within one’s self-identity via self-objectification. The production of a Facebook profile, and the composition of a selfie, could be suggested to represent the process of reproducing social and cultural influences. Hypotheses include that the posting of selfies on Facebook will be associated with self-esteem, body esteem, the internalisation of socio-cultural ideals, drive for thinness, and the acceptance of sex role stereotypes. The results from this research confirm these hypotheses. Possible conclusions and future directions for research are discussed.

Abstract 2: The extended integration time of neurons leads to fast-moving objects leaving neural cues to pattern orientation along the axis of motion. The current model argues these ‘motion streak’ orientation cues are multiplicatively combined in V1 with directionally ambiguous motion signals, to increase the precision of the motion direction. We used a combination of psychophysical aftereffects and computational modelling to estimate the tuning of the motion streak mechanism. We surprisingly found that tuning was more than double that for static orientation, suggesting motion streaks are not treated exactly like orientation information. Furthermore, the direction that motion is altered by adaptation is spatial frequency dependent, unlike static orientation, which is selective for spatial frequency. We provide a new model showing motion streaks are detected by orientation-selective neurons in V1 that exert gain onto motion-selective neurons in V5. The involvement of V5 results in the observed broad tuning and dependence on spatial frequency.

The Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences will be hosting an evening for university students and graduates interested in studying in the Doctor of Medicine (MD) and/or the Doctor of Podiatric Medicine (DPM).

Applicants who have already completed a bachelor degree or those who will complete a bachelor degree in 2014 or 2015 are encouraged to attend.

Booking is not required; however applicants will have priority to seating (ahead of parents and friends) should there be more attendees than the venue capacity.

To understand large-scale phenomena, such as ecosystem health or ore mineral deposition, researchers are increasingly looking at the chemical processes occurring at the nano-scale. Mass spectrometry traditionally requires material to be extracted in bulk from samples, at the expense of information about the complex spatial relationships of the individual components.

Nano-scale Secondary Ion Mass Spectrometry (NanoSIMS), however, allows chemical imaging and analysis to be performed at the sub-micron scale, in situ. NanoSIMS is a highly versatile technique, able to turn its hand to a broad range of applications. This seminar will highlight several novel applications, including mineral-fluid interactions, nutrient transport in terrestrial and marine ecosystems, and how evidence of early life might be preserved in the rock record.

Biography

Matt Kilburn is a Professor in the Centre for Microscopy, Characterisation and Analysis at UWA, He read Planetary Science at University College London, gained a PhD from the University of Bristol in geochemistry, and then went on to postdoc positions at the Max Planck Society in Germany, and Oxford.

In 2006, Matt moved to UWA to lead the Secondary Ion Mass Spectrometry (SIMS) group and head the Ion Probe Facility, which currently houses a CAMECA NanoSIMS 50 and an IMS 1280 large-radius ion microprobe. In 2014, the Facility will take delivery of a new $4M NanoSIMS 50L. Matt’s research revolves around developing SIMS applications across a wide range of disciplines, from biomedical research to nuclear safeguards.

PS* This seminar is free and open to the public & no RSVP required.

****All Welcome****

Complex ethical questions, judgements for the crime or the criminal or society? And what place mercy? Much of our talk takes place in a vacuum. So, taking a leaf from "Life of Brian" this WXED talk uncovers some pioneering persons, values and structures that Christianity has contributed to the Law as we have it. It is a track record clouded by corruption and assumed privilege, of times too close between church and state and times when it was too little. This event is an experiment in thinking beyond the silos and we are looking for you to join the conversation.

“Astonishing...fizzing energy and spell-binding charisma!” New York Times

Combining the wit, poetry, and charisma of a great rapper with the accuracy of a scientist, Baba Brinkman takes us on a hip-hop tour of modern biology.

A smash hit at the Edinburgh Fringe, in New York, and around the world, The Rap Guide is provocative, hilarious, intelligent, and scientifically accurate.

“A total Dar-winner! As fun as it is informative ... you’ll probably sing along!” New York Post

Best for young people aged 14 and over. The show contains sexual (though scientific) references and some bad language.

Tickets available from ticketsWA.com 16s and under: $25, Adults $35 Groups of 4 or more, Adults go for $25.

SCHOOL BOOKINGS: Call the Enquiry Line 08 6488 2440 (noon-4pm, weekdays) or email [email protected] to get significant ticket savings for students and free teacher tickets for every 10 children.

A public lecture by Jonathan Rigg, Professor of Geography, National University of Singapore and 2014 IAS Professor-at-Large.

We have become so used to Asia’s rapid economic expansion and the idea that the world’s future lies with the East rather than the West that the continuing and emergent challenges of rapid growth are often lost from view. Drawing on the experience of the countries of Southeast Asia, this lecture by Professor Rigg will explore the ‘underside’ of development. While not denying the enormous achievements of the countries of Southeast Asia over the last four decades, the lecture will highlight that in many respects the hardest challenges are still to be addressed.

Cost: free, but RSVP essential via www.ias.uwa.edu.au/lectures/jonathan-rigg

CANCELLED DUE TO UNFORSEEN CIRCUMSTANCES

Neil Brewer is Matthew Flinders Distinguished Professor of Psychology at Flinders University. He was Dean of the School of Psychology for around 10 years between 2000 and 2013. He is a Fellow of the Academy of Social Sciences in Australia, and is the Editor-in-Chief of the APAs Journal of Experimental Psychology: Applied (2013-19). Most of his research is in the psychology-law area, especially eyewitness memory – but he also collaborates on some research on ASD and is nearing completion of a book titled “The crimes of people with Autism Spectrum Disorder”. He has been a long-serving Editorial Board member for all the leading journals in the psychology-law field and has also served on the ARC’s College of Experts and on the Future Fellowships selection panel.

He is invited regularly to present at conferences of judges and magistrates around Australia. His research has been cited in various court judgments including the US Supreme Court, NY Supreme Courts, the US Court of Appeals (District of Columbia Circuit) and in the Court of Appeal in Western Australia. He is an honorary consultant to the Innocence Projects in the USA and New Zealand, and has recently been advising police and parliamentarians on model procedures for conducting eyewitness identification tests in South Australia.



Abstract

Laboratory, field and archival case studies have demonstrated that witnesses to crimes frequently make mistakes when asked to identify a culprit from a photo-array. Despite promising advances over the last couple of decades, the likelihood of error remains unacceptably high. Here I will focus on two related issues. First, I will review a substantial body of our recent research which examines whether we are able to determine if an eyewitness identification decision is likely to be accurate. Then, I will outline recent experiments which explore some radical alternative procedures that remove the requirement for the witness to make a Yes-No identification decision, yet prove to be more informative about whether the police suspect is guilty than the traditional eyewitness identification test.

The UWA Friends of the Grounds will hold their 'Annual Plant Sale’ on Thursday 29 and Friday 30 May from 12-2pm at the Taxonomic Garden - near the Botany glasshouses.

There will be exotic and native plants as well as succulents and herbs for sale.

Sales are cash only and prices are around $5 and under. Please bring your own carry bags if possible.

Come and join us and bring your friends and colleagues along to purchase some treasures for your garden!

Please support the Friends with funds going towards the redevelopment of the Taxonomic Garden.

It began with chimney sweeps and is now publicly funded universal education. In this and other stories, this WXED talk will trace several pillars of today's Education system that arose from an adventurous Christianity. Is there today a potential for teachers and students in a new ongoing, adventurous and open conversation towards a transformative learning. This event is an experiment in thinking beyond the silos and we are looking for you to join the conversation.

Join Trevor Aung Than, an Australian physiotherapist who has worked in many guises in the industry; occupational health; community physio, orthopaedics and in the sports industry. In 2009 he left his successful suburban practice to join Cirque du Soleil in Macau, China as a Performance Medicine therapist. He has distilled what he has discovered over the years into what he now teaches. This workshop will introduce the concept of whole-body interconnectedness, how our bodies are actually connected by a large web-like network of fascial structures, from our toes to our nose. This workshop will teach you how to open these myofascial lines using movement, mobilizers and SMR (Self-Myofascial Release) techniques to help improve your fitness & sports performance. $40 for UWA Sports Association Members (all students) / $60 for community or non-Association members. (enrol at UWA Sports Recreation & Fitness Centre Reception prior to session)

This seminar is directed at bringing together legal and clinical practitioners to engage in a series of cross-disciplinary presentations and discussions, exploring the ethical and regulatory challenges in this important field of social, scientific and legal endeavour.

The 2014 Blakers Mathematics Competition is now open.

Eligible candidates are all undergraduates in first, second and third years at a WA university.

Entries must be received by Friday, 26 September, 2014. They may be mailed or given to Dr Greg Gamble, School of Mathematics and Statistics, The University of Western Australia, Crawley, 6009. It is recommended that a PDF-scanned copy of your entry is also emailed to [email protected]. Please mark your entry Blakers Mathematics Competition 2014, and include your name, address, email address, university, and number of years you have been attending any tertiary institution.

More details about how to enter can be found at http://www.maths.uwa.edu.au/students/competitions

Machine &/or mat based clinical Pilates classes focusing on efficient and effective movement patterns. Classes are designed to strengthen the body whilst enhancing mobility over the colder winter months! Classes may incorporate elements of myofascial and muscle release, contemporary Pilates and a variety of props.

'Group' (max 8 ppl) and 'Studio' (max 3 ppl) sessions available at various times throughout the day (incl. before or after work and lunch time sessions).

All sessions are conducted by an Accredited Exercise Physiologist and private health rebates may apply depending on your level of cover.

For a schedule and prices email [email protected] or call 6488 3333.

The Prospective Students Office invites future students and their families to join us on a guided tour of UWA's stunning Crawley campus.

You will have the opportunity to explore our beautiful grounds and heritage buildings while learning more about the University, our courses and admission requirements.

The tour runs for about an hour, and ends at the Admissions Centre and Prospective Students Office, where you will be able to collect course information booklets and other brochures.

This tour will be held the morning of the Western Australia Day public holiday in June.

Online registrations will open in early February via the website mentioned below.

Please note: tours are not intended for the general public.

Climate simulation models suggest that mean temperatures on the Loess Plateau of China will increase by 2.5 to 3.75°C by 2050, while those in the cropping region of south-west Australia will increase by 1.25 to 1.75°C. The rainfall in south-west Australia rainfall is predicted to decrease by 20 to 60 mm, rainfall on the Loess Plateau of China is not expected to change.

Farming systems in both regions differ markedly in scale, but both have adopted water conservation techniques that benefit crop yields. In south-west Australia zero tillage and adequate use of fertilizers have enabled farmers to increase their rainfall use efficiency and yields of cereals, canola and legumes, while on the Loess Plateau, mulching with plastic, gravel and residues, crop sequence, fertilizer/organic manure application and supplementary irrigation have improved precipitation use efficiency and yields of several crops and enabled the production of maize in areas of the Loess Plateau where temperatures limit its production.

The implications of climate change and adaptation strategies such as agronomic management and crop breeding in the two regions will be discussed in relation to future improvements in water productivity and food production.

Further reading:

Turner, N.C., Li, F.-M., Xiong, Y.-C., and Siddique, K.H.M. (2011). Climate change and agricultural ecosystem management in dry areas (Guest editorial). Crop and Pasture Science 62: i-ii. Gan, Y., Siddique, K.H.M., Turner, N.C., Li, X.G., Niu, J.Y., Yang, C., Liu, L., and Chai, Q. (2013). Ridge-Furrow Mulching Systems - An innovative technique for boosting crop productivity in semiarid rain-fed environments. Advances in Agronomy. 117: 429–476.

Chai, Q., Gan, Y., Turner, N.C., Zhang, R.Z., Yang, Y., Niu, Y. and Siddique, K.H.M. (2014). Water-saving innovations in Chinese agriculture. Advances in Agronomy 126: 149-201.

Liu, C.A., Zhou, L.M., Jia, J.J., Wang, L.J., Xi, L., Pan, C.C., Siddique, K.H.M. and Li, F.M. (2014). Maize yield and water balance is affected by nitrogen application in a film-mulching ridge-furrow system in a semiarid region of China. European Journal of Agronomy 52:103-111.

PS* This seminar is free and open to the public & no RSVP required.

****All Welcome****

Come along to the UWA Business School's information evening for the Master of Business Administration (MBA), where you can learn about our new MBA Full Time as well as MBA Flexible. You will have the opportunity to meet professors and current students, have all your questions answered, and even apply on the night.

You will be able to meet professors and students from 5.30pm onwards, with the formal presentation beginning at 6.00pm.

The annual Australasian Development Economics Workshop, sponsored by DFAT, brings together development economists from Australia and internationally with particular emphasis on the Asia-Pacific region.

The next workshop is the tenth in the series and will be hosted by the Business School, The University of Western Australia, Perth.

Professor Lant Pritchett (Harvard University) will deliver the keynote address. We will also have a roundtable discussion on the “Middle Income Trap” with Professor James Riedel (Johns Hopkins University), Professor Xin Meng (Australian National University) and Dr. Sudarno Sumarto (SMERU).

Register here: www.business.uwa.edu.au/research/conferences/10th-australasian-development-economics-workshop

The Institute of Agriculture's annual Postgraduate Showcase brings together some of UWA’s best PhD students at an advanced stage of their research. This year, nine presentations covering a wide range of disciplines will highlight some of the research and progress underway at UWA in the area of agriculture, food science and natural resource management. The event also provides opportunities for students to interact with industry representatives and future employers.

For catering purposes, please RSVP by 26 May to [email protected]

Economic growth and development depend on institutions such as administrative capability of the state and the capability of governments to affect the course of events through policies and programs.

Harvard University’s Professor Lant Pritchett will discuss how some countries manage to consistently fail to acquire capability and how growth dynamics depend on institutional dynamics. He will also discuss how to sabotage the techniques of economic development failure: such as the shallow mimicry of institutions, and unrealistic expectations about the pace of institutional change.

Lant Pritchett is Professor of the Practice of International Development at the Kennedy School of Government at Harvard University and works as a consultant to Google.org

This event is supported by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, and is being held as part of the 10th Australasian Development Economics Workshop.