Mining Rehabilitation in New South Wales （Australia） and Germany

The rehabilitation of coal mines is an up-to-date issue, heavily discussed not only by the industry but also by scientists and the adjacent communities since open cut coal mining has extensive impacts affecting all parties. Whereas, before and during the mining process not only nature but sometimes also the population of a whole region has to give way to a mine, the consequences of the operations remain long after mining closure. Typically a once intact and functioning ecosystem is replaced with a destroyed wideness evocative of a moon landscape. Fortunately, the awareness of the need to rehabilitate the destroyed nature is increasing steadily and all involved parties are making efforts to improve the situation, even if it is a major challenge to bring all parties to a consensus. Therefore, a legislative basis is required and the know-how of optimal rehabilitation solutions must be developed. In this article the rehabilitation of mined land in Australia and Germany are compared. More precisely the article will present an overview of the legislative regulations, certain applied methods of rehabilitation work and the problems that are likely to occur in respect to the influence of mining on nature.

Arsenic and major cation hydrogeochemistry of the Central Victorian （Australia） surface waters

This paper reports on the major cations（Ca, Mg, Na and K） and arsenic（As） compositions of surface waters collected from major creeks, rivers and lakes in Central Victoria （Australia）. The surface waters were found to be neutral to alkaline （pH 6.7-9.4）, oxidised （average redox potential （Eh） about 130 mV） and showed variable concentrations of dissolved ions （EC, about 51-4386 /μS/cm）. The concen- trations of dissolved major cations in surface waters were found to be in the order of Na〉〉Mg〉Ca〉K and in soils the contents of metals followed an order of abundance as： Ca〉Mg〉〉K〉Na. While Na was the least abundant in soils, it registered the highest dissolved cation in surface waters. Of the four major cations, the average concentration ofNa（98.7 mg/L） was attributed to the weathering of feldspars and atmospheric input. Relatively highly dissolved concentrations of Na and Mg compared with the world average values of rivers reflected the weathering of rock and soil minerals within the catchments. The As soil level is naturally high（linked to lithology） as reflected by high background soil values and mining operations are also considered to be a contributory factor. Under relatively alkaline-oxidative conditions low mobility of dissolved As （average about 7.9 μg/L） was observed in most of the surface waters with a few higher values（〉15 μg/L） around a sewage disposal site and mine railings. Arsenic in soils is slowly released into water under alkaline and/or lower Eh conditions. The efficient sink of Fe, AI and Mn oxides acts as a barrier against the As release under near neutral-oxidising conditions. High As content （average about 28.3 mg/kg） in soils was found to be associated with Fe-hydroxides as revealed by XRD and SEM analysis. The dissolved As concentration was found to be below the recommended maximum levels for recreational water in all surface waters（lakes and rivers） in the study area. Catchment lithology exerted the fundamental control on surface water chemistry. Sites impacted by mining waste dumps showed a decline in water quality.

Multiple myeloma survival in New South Wales, Australia, by treatment era to 2020

Objective: Australia has relatively high multiple myeloma(MM) incidence and mortality rates. Advancements in MM treatment over recent decades have driven improvements in MM survival in high-income countries;however, reporting in Australia is limited. We investigated temporal trends in population-wide MM survival across 3 periods of treatment advancements in New South Wales(NSW), Australia.Methods: Individuals with an MM diagnosis in the NSW Cancer Registry between 1985 and 2015 with vital follow-up to 2020, were categorized into 3 previously defined treatment eras according to their diagnosis date(1985±1995, chemotherapy only;1996±2007, autologous stem cell transplantation;and 2008±2015, novel agents including proteasome inhibitors and immunomodulatory drugs). Both relative survival and cause-specific survival according to Fine and Gray's competing risks cumulative incidence function were calculated by treatment era and age at diagnosis.Results: Overall, 11,591 individuals were included in the study, with a median age of 70 years at diagnosis. Five-year relative survival improved over the 36-year(1985±2020) study period(31.0% in 1985±1995;41.9% in 1996±2007;and 56.1% in 2008±2015). For individuals diagnosed before 70 years of age, the 5-year relative survival nearly doubled, from 36.5% in 1985±1995 to 68.5% in 2008±2015. Improvements for those > 70 years of age were less pronounced between 1985±1995 and 1996±2007;however, significant improvements were observed for those diagnosed in 2008±2015. Similar overall and age-specific patterns were observed for causespecific survival. After adjustment for gender and age at diagnosis, treatment era was strongly associated with both relative and cause-specific survival(P < 0.0001).Conclusions: Survival of individuals with MM is improving in Australia with treatment advances. However, older age groups continue to experience poor survival outcomes with only modest improvements over time. Given the increasing prevalence of MM in Australia, the effects of MM treatment on quality of life, particularly in older age, warrant further attention.

The Making of a Health Profession:How Chinese Medicine Became a Nationally Registered Allied Health Profession in Australia

In 2012, traditional Chinese medicine(TCM) practitioners in Australia became nationally-registered allied health professionals in three categories: acupuncturist, Chinese herbal medicine practitioner, and Chinese herbal medicine dispenser. Australia was the first Western country to introduce national registration for Chinese medicine, followed by Portugal and, recently, New Zealand. The practice of TCM in Australia can be traced back to the beginning of Chinese immigration to Australia during the Victorian Gold Rush which began in the 1850s. The process which led to national registration commenced in the early 1970s with the establishment of the first acupuncture courses. Decades of gradual development of courses from unaccredited part-time diplomas to accredited bachelor degrees, and the development, by the profession, of national consensus on educational standards were essential elements in the process which led to registration. Professional associations, such as the Australian Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine Association Ltd.(AACMA), also developed a framework of professional selfregulation, including Codes of Ethics, Codes of Conduct, ongoing professional development requirements and Infection Control Guidelines, and provided leadership in the development of the profession. After decades of tribalism and division within the TCM profession, the National Academic Standards Committee brought almost all stakeholders together to reach a consensus on the Australian Guidelines for Traditional Chinese Medicine Education which were published by AACMA in 2001. Professional associations also collaborated on joint submissions to the government in support of registration, which was introduced first in the state of Victoria in 2000, and subsequently became national in 2012. Despite national registration, some barriers still remain, and professional associations continue to lobby the federal government for inclusion in Medicare, chronic disease management scheme, and Veterans Affairs.

Shared decision making in rural general practices:a qualitative exploration of older rural South Australians'perceived involvement in clinical consultations with doctors

Background:Shared decision-making(SDM)implementation is a priority for Australian health systems,including general practices but it remains complex for specific groups like older rural Australians.We initiated a qualitative study with older rural Australians to explore barriers to and facilitators of SDM in local general practices.Methods:We conducted a patient-oriented research,partnering with older rural Australians,families,and health service providers in research design.Participants who visited general practices were purposively sampled from five small rural towns in South Australia.A semi-structured interview guide was used for interviews and reflexive thematic coding was conducted.Results:Telephone interviews were held with 27 participants.Four themes were identified around older rural adults’involvement in SDM:(1)Understanding of"patient involvement";(2)Positive and negative outcomes;(3)Barriers to SDM;and(4)Facilitators to SDM.Understanding of patient involvement in SDM considerably varied among participants,with some reporting their involvement was contingent on the“opportunity to ask questions”and the“treatment choices”offered to them.Alongside the opportunity for involvement,barriers such as avoidance of cultural care and a lack of continuity of care are new findings.Challenges encountered in SDM implementation also included resource constraints and time limitations in general practices.Rural knowledge of general practitioners and technology integration in consultations were viewed as potential enablers..Conclusion:Adequate resources and well-defined guidelines about the process should accompany the implementation of SDM in rural general practices of South Australia.Innovative strategies by general practitioners promoting health literacy and culturally-tailored communication approaches could increase older rural Australians'involvement in general.

A systems perspective on national prioritisation of sustainable development goals:Insights from Australia

Achieving the Sustainable Development Goals(SDGs)requires effective national initiatives and resource allo-cation.Yet,the simultaneous attainment of all goals is hindered by constraints such as limited budgets and resources,varied national priorities,and the intricate nature of the goals.As we approach 2030 and beyond,an urgent need for an effective,data-driven prioritisation system exists to optimise what can be accomplished.A considerable knowledge gap persists in identifying the priority areas that demand concentrated attention and how their improvement would propel overall sustainability goals.To bridge this gap,our study presents a priori-tisation approach that identifies significant SDG indicators based on urgency and impact,utilising Benchmarking,Bivariate,and Network analysis.Furthermore,we introduce an innovative Impact Index(IMIN)to assess an indi-cator’s extensive effect on the SDG network.This system carries significant international relevance by establishing a robust framework to identify key,potent,and interconnected indicators.It supports decision-makers worldwide in comprehending their nation’s SDG performance and promotes efficient resource allocation.In the specific con-text of Australia,our analysis spotlights several impactful,yet underperforming SDG indicators.These include the protection of Freshwater,Terrestrial,and Mountain Key Biodiversity Areas(KBAs),the share of renewable energy and energy intensity level of primary energy,targeted research and development,gender equality in national parliaments,and carbon-efficient manufacturing,amongst others.

The quality of older adults'involvement in clinical communication with general practitioners:evidence from rural towns in Australia

Objective:A study was conducted about the putative links of older rural Australians'health knowledge and preparation with their quality of involvement in patient-general practitioner(GP)communication during health intake visits.Methods:It was a cross-sectional study between January 2021 and April 2022.The 32-item quality of involvement in communication scale was designed and incorporated into the SurveyGizmo software.This online survey was administered by sending an email request to the Renmark Rotary Club,which actively promoted this study across five rural towns in South Australia.121 participants completed the surveys.Mean-sum scores were calculated based on the questionnaire responses to evaluate outcomes,specifically initiation of information,active participation,and emotional expression.We employed different methods including t-tests,ANOVA,and leaner regressions to analyse data.Results:The demographic profile of participants characterised by a female predominance(58.7%,71/121),a majority falling within the 65-<70 age bracket(47.1%,57/121),and a high level of educational attainment(58.7%had completed high school or higher,71/121).Additionally,35%of the participants predominantly spoke a language other than English at home.Regarding the initiation of information with GPs,the mean sum-score was(20.5+3.7),indicating a marginally above-average level of engagement.Contrarily,the active participation was suboptimal,as suggested by a mean sum score of(35.9±6.3).Furthermore,the emotional expression was relatively low,with a mean score of(13.9±1.8).Substantial variations were discerned in the quality of patient-GP communication,contingent upon factors such as educational background,language spoken at home,health literacy,and preparatory measures for clinical visits.Participants who predominantly spoke a language other than English at home demonstrated significantly lower levels of information initiation with their GPs(P<0.o01).Higher educational attainment was positively correlated with increased active participation(P<0.001).Enhanced health literacy and thorough visit preparation were significantly associated with increased levels of active participation(P<0.001).Conclusion:Meaningful engagement through recognition,empowerment,and support(health literacy programs)for older rural adults is suggested for improving their quality of involvement in communication with GPs.

数字化、国际化发展背景下澳大利亚TAFE模式的改革趋向

TAFE是国际上公认的先进职业教育模式,在澳大利亚教育体系、终身学习体系中扮演着不可替代的角色,引领澳大利亚职业教育走出了一条独具特色的发展道路,为世界各国争相效仿。随着全球经济的萎靡下行和人口老龄化的加剧,澳大利亚TAFE迈向2030面临新的挑战,在数字化转型、国际化发展、服务全民终身学习等方面日益呈现出诸多新的变化和趋势。积极借鉴澳大利亚TAFE改革实践经验,可为中国特色职业教育发展提供新的思考和有益启示。

澳大利亚职业教育数字技能人才培养的制度供给与实践路径

随着数字经济不断成为全球经济增长与发展的新引擎和新动能,澳大利亚职业教育加大数字技能人才培养力度,这不仅是满足数字经济战略对数字技能人才刚需的内在要求,也是源于产业数字化转型背景下对技能人才数字技能水平提出的基本要求。澳大利亚通过颁布政策以加强顶层规划、建立数字技能的评价标准、建立微证书的资格认证制度,不断完善职业教育数字技能人才培养的制度供给。在具体培养路径上,澳大利亚从增强职业学校实训场域的智能化、开发凸显行业需求的数字技能课程、构建协同的数字技能人才培养共同体、多种方式提高职业教育教师的数字能力等方面,多措并举提高职业教育数字技能人才培养质量。

澳大利亚教师文化胜任力测评的特色省思

2022年,澳大利亚教学与学校领导协会启动教师队伍文化胜任力测评工作,开启国家层面对土著学生校园文化安全的战略优化工程。澳大利亚立足自我反思工具、文化能力框架和土著文化应答进阶连续统三个核心领域纵向提升教师的文化胜任力水平,为培养教师队伍高水平的文化应答性知识与技能搭建深度学习资源与提升支架,力求实现文化融合背景下的教育包容与均衡。

地位焦虑视角下澳大利亚对华政策的嬗变

21世纪以来,中澳关系在较长时期内保持了良好发展的态势。但自2016年下半年始,在中美战略竞争背景下,澳大利亚开始逐渐产生地位焦虑情绪。澳大利亚认为,中国的迅速崛起将会冲击印太地区既有的权势结构和秩序,而一旦中国主导印太秩序,它将无法在新秩序中维系既有的国家地位。因此,在地位焦虑情绪的驱使下,澳大利亚对中国实施了一系列强硬政策,两国关系进入剧烈动荡期。不过,自2022年5月阿尔巴尼斯领导的工党政府上台后,澳大利亚的地位焦虑情绪有所缓解,两国关系实现破冰、转圜,经贸合作企稳回升,但在安全层面澳大利亚联美制华的趋势短期恐难改变。

中澳TAFE课程线上线下混合式教学设计及模式构建研究

通过对本校中澳合作的TAFE课程教学的研究,本研究依托超星平台和MOODLE等网络教学平台,分别从课前、课中、课后3个阶段展开探讨线上线下融合的TAFE课程教学活动设计方案,并通过线上线下混合式教学改革实践,尤其是海外线上教学进行实践检验,探索构建中澳TAFE课程线上与线下融合的混合式教学模式,以提高TAFE课程教学质量,确保中澳合作国际化办学成效。

体育本科专业核心课程设置的域外经验与中国启示——以英、美、澳为例

通过文献资料调研,梳理英国、美国、澳大利亚体育本科专业核心课程设置的共性经验。发现:这3个国家通常由专业协会主导核心课程设置、多元主体广泛参与;分模块构建体育专业核心知识,并基于核心知识研设核心课程;充分发挥高校在核心课程设置中的自主权;秉持结果导向的理念研制核心课程标准;构建多样的核心课程评价形式。对我国的启示:①以知识和能力结构模型为基础,反向研制核心课程标准;②基于体育实践问题需求,倡导跨学科核心课程设置;③响应国家需求,适度增加健康类相关课程;④基于产出导向,优化核心课程评价体系。

护航战略目标落地:澳大利亚国家教育监测评估的经验与启示

开展针对国家中长期教育政策性宣言的教育监测评估是澳大利亚推进教育改革发展的有效经验,包括:以法律和政策坚实监测评估“合法性”基础,依据政策性宣言设计监测指标体系,打造支撑监测评估的多源异构数据基座,以“见林见树”的全面观呈现现状与发展趋势,强化监测评估服务行政决策和公共监督。澳大利亚的经验对我国开展国家教育监测评估有如下启示:一是政府委托专门机构对国家教育中长期战略落实进展监测评估,二是监测评估坚持纵向发展与横向国际比较相结合,三是强化监测评估服务政府决策和舆论引导效应,四是推动人工智能等新一代信息技术与教育监测评估深度融合。

PDCA循环理论视角下中澳高校教师绩效管理体系比较研究

新时代如何在提高教师绩效的同时减少教师压力,成为值得关注的问题。本文在PDCA循环理论视角下,比较了中国和澳大利亚两国高校在绩效计划、绩效实施、绩效评价、绩效反馈四个环节的差异。在绩效计划方面,澳大利亚高校实行人本化制定,中国高校多为校、院、系三级层层划分制定。绩效实施方面,澳大利亚高校绩效辅导贯穿绩效考核周期,注重信息反馈,中国高校绩效辅导淡化过程,看重结果。绩效评价方面,澳大利亚高校多采取差异化年度考核方式,中国高校进行标准化年度考核。澳大利亚高校在教师晋升考核方面分层级,中国高校则多为预聘制和非预聘制。绩效反馈方面,澳大利亚高校对于绩效不达标的教师所采取的整改措施较严格,中国高校同样有惩罚措施。中国高校绩效管理,可以从四个方面进行优化:一是绩效计划的制定做到标准化与个性化结合;二是重视绩效实施环节,建立沟通机制;三是针对性优化各类考核;四是对绩效结果进行诊断,助力下一循环。

澳大利亚STEM教育政策分析与启示

近年来,澳大利亚政府部门、学术组织推出促进STEM教育发展的系列政策。这些政策主要受澳大利亚政治体制、技术发展、社会性别因素的影响,政策行动者呈现出多元化特点。政策内容在制度领域、资源配置和教与学方面都有涉及,但以资源配置为主。在政策实施上以项目为主并注重继承与创新。借鉴澳大利亚的做法,我国STEM教育政策的制定应成为多部门的责任,在内容上可综合考虑制度领域、资源配置和教与学等方面,同时在实施中加强推广成熟做法。

“印太战略”框架下澳越关系的发展及影响

在“印太战略”框架下,近年来澳越两国关系不断升级,双方合作全面推进,两国尤其强化了在防务安全领域的合作和南海问题上的战略协调。澳大利亚希望借助与越南关系的升级提升地区影响力和彰显中等强国地位;越南则希望在南海问题上获得澳大利亚的支持。澳越关系的深化对南海局势及亚太地区秩序的稳定都将产生一定的影响。在推进两国合作制衡中国的战略盘算和应对所谓“中国威胁”的共识下,澳越两国关系将会继续深化,尤其是海洋安全领域的合作将会是两国关系的主要内容。为了维护南海局势和地区秩序的稳定,中国和东盟国家要相向而行,尽力排除域外国家介入南海争端,构建中国和东盟国家共同主导的南海地区秩序。

澳大利亚新南威尔士州提升老年人数字素养实践与启示——以TSS计划为例

澳大利亚新南威尔士州的TSS计划实施较早、规模宏大且成效显著,对其展开调研可以为我国各省提升老年人数字素养实践提供理论借鉴。文章以新南威尔士州TSS计划为研究样本,揭示出新南威尔士州提升老年人数字素养具备持续制定战略规划、促成多方合作模式、实现数字资源赋能、覆盖全州老年群体与规范宣传推广方式等实践经验,并在此基础上尝试为国内各省积极响应“全民数字素养与技能提升行动”提出相应策略。

澳大利亚跨境职业教育质量保障机制探析

教育质量是职业院校跨境办学的生命线,也是提升职业教育国际竞争力的重要体现。受质量危机、国际竞争和国家政策导向等因素影响,澳大利亚采取内外相结合的办法,逐步构建起政府、第三方机构和职业院校“三位一体”的跨境职业教育质量保障机制。政府和第三方机构负责跨境职业教育外部系统的引导和监管,职业院校则负责监控其内部系统,协同保障澳大利亚跨境职业教育质量。我国跨境职业教育质量保障机制的构建,可从充分发挥政府监管职能、突出第三方机构作用、强化职业院校质量保障主体性三个方面着手。

澳大利亚国家公园特许经营制度研究及启示

【目的】对国家公园内的商业经营活动实行特许经营是实现经营活动环境影响最小化、确保经营者提供高质量服务的有效手段,在国际上被广泛采用。为给中国国家公园特许经营制度建设提供借鉴,本研究以国家公园发展历史较长、国家公园特许经营制度较为完善的澳大利亚为例展开研究。【方法】采用文献研究法收集与澳大利亚国家公园特许经营制度的制定背景和实施情况有关的信息,采用文本分析法整理并分析有关立法和政策文件,通过对澳大利亚与中国的国家公园特许经营制度的比较研究,基于两国制度的异同点,提出澳大利亚经验对中国的启示与借鉴。【结果】在分析国家公园特许经营法律关系要素的基础上,本研究从管理体制、规划、授权和监管等方面全面梳理澳大利亚联邦及地方的国家公园特许经营制度,并对其优缺点进行评价。【结论】借鉴澳大利亚的经验,中国未来可进一步明确国家公园特许经营业务范围,适当允许在核心保护区开展有向导带领参观游览的特许经营活动,对一般保护区进行更详细的区域划分,明确特许经营者的资质和培训要求,探索采用申请、直接授权、意向书的方式授予特许经营权。