A Comparison Of An Integrated Psychological Intervention With 'befriending' In First-presentation Psychosis
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$356,113.00
Summary
The project aims to test the efficacy of two treatments to determine whether 'integrated' psychological treatment leads to better outcomes for those individuals presenting for treatment for the first time. Neuroleptic medication is the main treatment for the positive symptoms (i.e., delusions, hallucinations and thought disorder) which typify the psychoses, including schizophrenia. Yet, there are reasons why other approaches should be investigated. Firstly, not all patients respond to medication ....The project aims to test the efficacy of two treatments to determine whether 'integrated' psychological treatment leads to better outcomes for those individuals presenting for treatment for the first time. Neuroleptic medication is the main treatment for the positive symptoms (i.e., delusions, hallucinations and thought disorder) which typify the psychoses, including schizophrenia. Yet, there are reasons why other approaches should be investigated. Firstly, not all patients respond to medications. Secondly, medication may not totally alleviate the positive symptoms, and thirdly, other aspects of the condition are not helped to any extent by medication. These aspects include negative symptoms (e.g., lack of motivation and asociality), depression, social anxiety and functioning in the various life domains, e.g., school, work and socialization. In the last 15 years a viable psychological treatment known as cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT) has emerged. This appears to be effective in the treatment of hallucinations and delusions and has an effect over and above that produced by medication. However, such treatments have not yet been applied to treating those symptoms in first presentation psychotic patients when they are in the acute stage of their illness. It is important to determine whether CBT produces positive effects in this group and whether used in conjunction with medication it can produce greater and more rapid reductions in the level and severity of positive symptoms. Whilst CBT is expected to produce positive changes in delusions and hallucinations, the applicants believe this needs to be integrated with CBT interevention focussed on other aspects of a patient's presentation, such as negative and depressive symptoms, and also on improving functioning in various life domains.Read moreRead less
Theoretical and Numerical Analyses on Smart-Cut Technology. Smart-cut is an innovative and effective technique for fabricating high quality silicon-on-insulator structures which are widely used in the semiconductor and microelectronics industries. The quantification of the effects of processing parameters and the optimization of smart-cut process will be conducted in this project. The results are expected to make significant contributions to reducing cost, increasing efficiency and optimizing pr ....Theoretical and Numerical Analyses on Smart-Cut Technology. Smart-cut is an innovative and effective technique for fabricating high quality silicon-on-insulator structures which are widely used in the semiconductor and microelectronics industries. The quantification of the effects of processing parameters and the optimization of smart-cut process will be conducted in this project. The results are expected to make significant contributions to reducing cost, increasing efficiency and optimizing procedure by providing a theoretical and quantitative design methodology to improve the smart-cut technique. Consequently, the outcomes and results of the project will bring many benefits to and encourage further R&D in the semiconductor and microelectronics industries in Australia.Read moreRead less
High-speed bidirectional optical interconnects for board-to-board communications. The project will contribute directly to Australia's participation in various ICT industries through the development of innovative solutions and will increase the knowledge and skills base in silicon-photonics. The development of the proposed board-to-board high-speed optical interconnect prototypes will result in R&D outcomes well-matched to the needs and interests of Australian companies; this project will assist ....High-speed bidirectional optical interconnects for board-to-board communications. The project will contribute directly to Australia's participation in various ICT industries through the development of innovative solutions and will increase the knowledge and skills base in silicon-photonics. The development of the proposed board-to-board high-speed optical interconnect prototypes will result in R&D outcomes well-matched to the needs and interests of Australian companies; this project will assist Australia to capitalise on new technology and to become a significant player in the next ICT boom. This project will put Australia at the cutting edge of high-speed interconnect technology and will generate income through licensing the technology and the establishment of spin-off opportunities in both Australia and off-shore.Read moreRead less
A Comparison Of Arthroscopic Synovial Biopsy Based Targeted Biologic Therapy Versus Conventional Therapy In Rheumatoid Arthritis
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$133,351.00
Summary
This proposed study will investigate if treatment of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) based on biopsy of affected joints’ lining is better than standard therapy (not based on the results of biopsy). Current strategies to treat RA not infrequently result in incomplete disease suppression with potentially resultant joint damage, in part because of lack of definite guidelines to individualise treatment. We propose that therapy on the basis of the analysis of biopsy of joint lining will lead to better dise ....This proposed study will investigate if treatment of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) based on biopsy of affected joints’ lining is better than standard therapy (not based on the results of biopsy). Current strategies to treat RA not infrequently result in incomplete disease suppression with potentially resultant joint damage, in part because of lack of definite guidelines to individualise treatment. We propose that therapy on the basis of the analysis of biopsy of joint lining will lead to better disease control than the currently prevalent approach.Read moreRead less
Design Methodology for Low- and Ultra-Low Power Integrated Circuits. This project will develop low-power and ultra low-power technology that is applicable to wide range of products and electronic devices. The results will benefit many areas, for example, wireless sensors employed in environmental monitoring, bio and life monitoring, bio-sensors to improve patient care, reduce medical costs, implantable devices and bio-interfaces that will enhance the quality of life and public health. This proje ....Design Methodology for Low- and Ultra-Low Power Integrated Circuits. This project will develop low-power and ultra low-power technology that is applicable to wide range of products and electronic devices. The results will benefit many areas, for example, wireless sensors employed in environmental monitoring, bio and life monitoring, bio-sensors to improve patient care, reduce medical costs, implantable devices and bio-interfaces that will enhance the quality of life and public health. This project will benefit Australia by developing frontier technologies with a strong potential for global impact. Bringing these solutions to the public and realizing their financial benefits will add a valuable component of economic diversity to the country in addition to positioning Australia as a leader in this field.Read moreRead less
Robust Control Design using Micro-Actuators. Recent advances in micro-actuators have enabled many new applications in complex systems. Examples include ultra-high density disk drives, low-cost vibration tables, and micro-robotic systems. However, control design for these systems is very challenging because the micro-actuators have severely limited dynamic ranges and strong couplings. The proposed project aims to study new control design approaches for these complex systems. The work will focus o ....Robust Control Design using Micro-Actuators. Recent advances in micro-actuators have enabled many new applications in complex systems. Examples include ultra-high density disk drives, low-cost vibration tables, and micro-robotic systems. However, control design for these systems is very challenging because the micro-actuators have severely limited dynamic ranges and strong couplings. The proposed project aims to study new control design approaches for these complex systems. The work will focus on both theoretical studies and experimental applications of such systems. The outcome of the project will help put Australia in a more advanced position in this niche area of leading age technology.Read moreRead less
Linkage Infrastructure, Equipment And Facilities - Grant ID: LE210100126
Funder
Australian Research Council
Funding Amount
$527,638.00
Summary
Advanced Maskless Photolitography for Western Australia. This project aims to close an existing gap in micro- & nano-fabrication in Western Australia and provide access to advanced maskless photolithography in support of Australian research flagships of international excellence which include advanced infrared and quantum technologies, semiconductor optoelectronics, chemical engineering, microelectromechanical systems, as well as dark matter and gravitational wave discovery. Notably, the new capa ....Advanced Maskless Photolitography for Western Australia. This project aims to close an existing gap in micro- & nano-fabrication in Western Australia and provide access to advanced maskless photolithography in support of Australian research flagships of international excellence which include advanced infrared and quantum technologies, semiconductor optoelectronics, chemical engineering, microelectromechanical systems, as well as dark matter and gravitational wave discovery. Notably, the new capability is of utmost importance for five distinct ARC Centres in multidisciplinary areas and will be available to all researchers via the WA Node of Australian National Fabrication Facility in support of high impact scientific research and to maintain strong engagement with industry and Australian economy.Read moreRead less
Low Power Architectures for the Wavelet Transform and JPEG2000. Recently a new international standard for image compression has been proposed, JPEG2000. This new method updates the well established JPEG standard and will be incorporated into digital cameras, web pads, etc.
In this project we will investigate low power architectures for the wavelet transforms used in this standard, and combine this with an embedded processor core to deliver a complete system on a chip solution for low power JPEG ....Low Power Architectures for the Wavelet Transform and JPEG2000. Recently a new international standard for image compression has been proposed, JPEG2000. This new method updates the well established JPEG standard and will be incorporated into digital cameras, web pads, etc.
In this project we will investigate low power architectures for the wavelet transforms used in this standard, and combine this with an embedded processor core to deliver a complete system on a chip solution for low power JPEG2000.Read moreRead less
Reliable Truly Deep Sub-micron VLSI Computational Systems. The phenomenal growth of the digital integrated circuits is founded on the fundamental assumption of reliable operation of logic gates on silicon chip. In the Deep Sub-Micron domain this fundamental assumption can no longer be guaranteed. This project, in association with with Dongshin University, Korea with strong links to the semiconductor industry, will develop design techniques for the reliable computational hardware, in the presence ....Reliable Truly Deep Sub-micron VLSI Computational Systems. The phenomenal growth of the digital integrated circuits is founded on the fundamental assumption of reliable operation of logic gates on silicon chip. In the Deep Sub-Micron domain this fundamental assumption can no longer be guaranteed. This project, in association with with Dongshin University, Korea with strong links to the semiconductor industry, will develop design techniques for the reliable computational hardware, in the presence of unreliable circuit fabric. This significant research, with potential for generation of IP, will raise the profile of Australian research in integrated circuits design in the global community and will result in significant publicity for the research team and, through them, for Australian industry.Read moreRead less
MEMS Based Chip-to-Chip Optical Interconnect for Future Generation of Systems In a Package. The project will bring Australian technical known-how into the forefront of the information and communication technology revolution. The technology developed in this project will enable computers to operate at very high speeds. More information can be communicated than ever before. This has significant impact on Australian society where speed of information is increasingly important. The technical knowl ....MEMS Based Chip-to-Chip Optical Interconnect for Future Generation of Systems In a Package. The project will bring Australian technical known-how into the forefront of the information and communication technology revolution. The technology developed in this project will enable computers to operate at very high speeds. More information can be communicated than ever before. This has significant impact on Australian society where speed of information is increasingly important. The technical knowledge of how to make computers operate faster has great commercial value and would be very much sought after. Hence, its impact on the national economy. Read moreRead less