Referred by M. J. Hall (Department of Forestry) Worker: R. T. Leslie
The effects of silvicultural factors such as site quality, stand density, and age of stand on merchantable volume of logs and on mean annual increment of volume have been investigated, by regression methods.
(19) Estimation of Merchantable Volume of Timber
Referred by L. Teller (Forestry Commission of Victoria) Worker: R. T. Leslie
It is thought that more accurate estimates of the merchantable volume of standing timber could be obtained by taking account of other tree dimensions than the conventional one of diameter at breast height. Measurements on felled logs were taken to determine volume accurately, and several quantities such as diameter at fifteen feet, and height of merchantable bole, have been used as predictors. I t appears that different dimensions give reliable estimates in different forest areas. Work is proceeding on this project.
(20) Biochemical Study of the Effect of Thiouracil
Referred by V. M. Trikojus (Department of Biochemistry) Worker: R. T. Leslie
A group of experiments on the effect of thiouracil on the proteo- lytic activity of the thyroid gland of the rat has been analysed. Of particular interest was the effect of the hormone on the weight of the thyroid gland and the relation of this effect to the activity per unit weight of thyroid.
(21) Clinical Study of Thyroid Dysfunction
Referred by (Mrs) Dora Winikoff (Department of Biochemistry) Workers: R. T. Leslie and M. H. Belz
Important differences between the globulin-bound iodine in groups of patients suffering from hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism, compared with one another and with normal persons, were revealed in a statistical analysis of the data.
(22) Investigation of Soda Loss in Pulping Process
Referred by R. Scott (Australian Paper Manufacturers) Worker: R. T. Leslie
Data obtained from routine test records have been used in an attempt to find the determinants of soda loss in the pulping process.
Five process variables have been examined, but no consistent pattern of relationship has emerged.
PUBLISHED WORK
1. DAVID, H . A.— On the Application to Statistics of an Elementary Theorem in Probability. Biometrika 43: 85-91 (1956)
2. Revised Upper Percentage Points of the Extreme Studentized Deviate from the Sample Mean. Biometrika 43;
449-51 (*956)
S T A T I S T I C S 57
3- The Ranking of Variances in Norma] Populations. /.
Amer. Statist. Ass. 5/: 621-6 (1956)
4. BAULCH, D. L., D A V I D , H . A. and DUNCAN, J. F.— The Half-life of
Thorium C". Aust. J. Chem. 10: 85-7 (1957)
5. BENNETT, J. H . and BINET, F. E.— Association between Mendelian Factors with Mixed Selfing. Heredity 10, (1), 51-5 (1956) 6. HUDSON, B. and BINET, F. E.— The Accuracy of Eosinophil Counts.
Aust. J. Exp. Biol. Med. Sci. 34: 479-84 (1956)
7. ROBINSON, T. J., MOORE, N . W. and BINET, F. E.—The Effect of the Duration of Progesterone Pre-Treatment on the Response of the Spayed Ewe to Oestrogen. / . Endocrin. 14: 1-7 (1956) 8. BINET, F. E. and WATSON, G. S.— Algebraic Theory of the Com-
puting Routine for Tests of Significance on the Dimensionality of Normal Multivariate Systems. /. Roy. Statist. Soc. B.18 (1):
70-8 (1956)
9. ROBINSON, T. J., BINET, F. E. and Doic, ALISON G.— Fat Lamb Studies in Victoria. 1. A n Assessment of the Relative Value of Various External Measurements for Differentiating Between Various Grades of Export Lamb Carcasses. Aust. } . Agric. Res.
7- 345-65 0 956)
Head of Department: E . Ruth Hoban STAFF
Full-time Officers
Senior Lecturer (Director of Social Studies), EILEEN RUTH HOBAN, B.A., B.Com., Dip.Ed., Cert. Soc. Science and Administration (Lond.)
Lecturers :
GWENDOLINE AUDREY RENNISON, M.A. (Cantab.), Cert. Soc. Science and Administration (Lond.)
LAURIE ROSE CAMPBELL McBRIAR, B.A.
ALICE HYDE, Dip.Soc.Stud. (Liverpool) GEOFFREY BRYCE SHARP, M.A.
Tutor, ROSEMARIE OTTO, B.A., Dip.Soc.Stud.
The Department's research activities have continued on projects already reported in 1955. Shortage of staff, and the fact that research still depends mainly on the spare-time work of members of the teaching staff, has meant progress has been slow. New investigations were planned in the field of foster care for dependent children and on social work records, but our inability to find research assistants has delayed the development of these projects.
The Social Studies research seminar met throughout the year.
Research material was presented for discussion by members of staff from the Departments of Education, Engineering and Social Studies and from the Student Counsellor's Office. These seminars were attended by practising social workers as well as by members of the Social Studies and other Departments of the University.
(1) Social Conditions of Delinquent Behaviour Worker: G. B. Sharp
Report in preparation for publication.
(2) A Study of the Relationship between the Formulation of Agency Policy and Social Work Practice in a Family Welfare Bureau Worker: G. Audrey Rennison
This project has now been discontinued, but the preliminary studies were completed and are available as a basis for further research.
The agency's eligibility requirements were examined, both as they related to its function as an agency to assist the families of ex-service- men, and in relation to the circumstances and problems with which the client applied to the agency. The strong influence of local social and economic factors was noted on the determination of social work policy, including factors of a temporary nature, particularly
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S O C I A L S T U D I E S 59
minor trade recessions. The limitations imposed on a voluntary social work agency by defects or inadequacies in statutory social security provisions were evident, and constantly arose in policy determination.
(3) The History of Voluntary Social Work in Victoria Worker: (Mrs) Laurie R. C. McBriar
The scope of this enquiry was outlined in the 7954 Research Report.
Work has continued mainly on two aspects:
(a) the history of Citizens' Welfare Service (formerly the Charity Organization Society) from 1887 to the present day, and (b) the location of documentary material relating to the history of
philanthropic bodies, with the object of compiling a Register to aid research students in this field.
(4) A Study of the Melbourne Orphanage, 1851-1955 Worker: (Mrs) Cynthia J. Turner
Continuation of work reported in 7955 Research Report. M.A.
thesis in progress.
(5) A Study of Economic Dependency in Victoria Worker: (Mrs) Rosemarie Otto
A study of economic dependency in Victoria, being concerned in particular with those unemployed (or only temporarily employed) men who generally are homeless and lack effective family ties, and who constitute a major problem to social work agencies. M.A. thesis in progress.
PUBLISHED WORK
1. DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL STUDIES— Proceedings of the Department of Social Studies Conference 071 Field Work Supervision, rg$6.
Univ. of Melb. 1956 (33 pp. mimeographed)
2. Social Service Facilities, Melbourne, 1956. Univ. of Melb. 1956 (31 pp. mimeographed)
3. SHARP, G. B.— The Social Structure and War. Paths to Peace: A Study of War, Its Causes and Prevention, ed. V. H . Wallace, ch. 4, pp. 67-88. Melb. Univ. Press, 1957 (xx + 397 pp.)
Dean of the Faculty: Professor A. B. P. Amies Associate Dean: Professor C. H. Down
STAFF
DEPARTMENT OF ORAL MEDICINE AND ORAL SURGERY
Professor ARTHUR BARTON PILGRIM AMIES, C.M.G., D.D.Sc. (Melb.), D.L.O., F.R.C.S., F.R.A.C.S., F.D.S.R.C.S. (Eng. and Edin.), F.R.S. (Edin.), F.A.C.D.
Senior Lecturer in Oral Medicine, JULIEN REICH, M.B., B.S., M.D.Sc.
Senior Lecturer in Oral Surgery (Part-time), VERNON THOMAS FEALEY, D.D.Sc.
Research Workers (Part-time):
W I L L I A M PATRICK RIORDAN, B.D.Sc.
PHILLIP RICHARD NEVILLE SUTTON, D.D.Sc.
PAUL PINCUS, D.D.Sc, F.D.R.R.C.S. (Eng.) GEOFFREY COLMAN, M.D.Sc
DEPARTMENT OF DENTAL PROSTHETICS
Professor HENRY FORM A N ATKINSON, M.B.E., M.Sc. (Mane), D.D.S. (Mane), M.D.Sc, F.D.S.R.C.S. (Edin.)
Senior Lecturer and First Assistant, ROY WILFRED SHEPHERD, D.D.Sc.
Lecturers and Senior Demonstrators:
CLIVE GEOFFREY DENNIS, M.D.Sc.
HARRY I A N GILL, M.D.Sc.
W I L L I A M GLADWYN WALKER, M.D.Sc.
Senior Demonstrators:
JOHN K E N N E T H HARCOURT, M.D.Sc.
JOHN LEWIS GODFREY, B.D.Sc.
Research Workers (Part-time):
A L A N ARCHIE GRANT, M.D.Sc K E N N E T H JOHNSON, M.D.Sc.
HECTOR JOSIAH ORAMS, M.D.Sc.
DEPARTMENT OF CONSERVATIVE DENTISTRY
Professor CHARLES HAROLD DOWN, D.D.Sc, F.D.S.R.C.S. (Eng.), F.A.C.D.
Lecturers and Senior Demonstrators:
MELDRUM JAMES ARTHUR CAMPBELL, M.D.Sc.
DAVID JOHN COCK, M.D.Sc.
HAROLD RAMSAY DOWN, B.D.Sc.
CHARLES ROBERT EWART, B.D.Sc.
HARRY ATHOL McINTOSH, B.D.Sc.
Research Worker (Part-time), RICHARD CORNELIUS CASE, M.D.Sc.
Owing to limited space in the Dental School, conditions under which research is carried out are very difficult; however, a considerable amount of original investigation has been accomplished during the past year.
CONSERVATIVE DENTISTRY Head of Department: Professor C. H. Down
(1) The Effect of Manipulative Variables on Amalgam Restorations Worker: D. J. Cock
The object of this study is to determine the effect of variations
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D E N T A L P R O S T H E T I C S 61
in technique during mixing and insertion on the properties of the resulting amalgam in different regions within the actual restorations.
This study was commenced in November 1956, and preliminary investigations are being carried out.
(2) A Clinical Evaluation and Cephalometric Appraisal of Bite Plate Treatment of Closed Bite Cases
Worker: R. C. Case
The aim of this work has been to detect the changes which result from the treatment of closed bite cases with bite plates and to correlate such changes with the skeletal ages of the patients. This work is incomplete and has been continued from the previous year.
Serial cephalometric X-rays are being recorded for the experimental and control groups.
DENTAL PROSTHETICS
Head of Department: Professor H. F. Atkinson
(3) A Study of the Porosity and Volume Changes Occurring in Methyl Methacrylate on Polymerization with Particular Reference to Their Clinical Application
Worker: C. G. Dennis
This work has been continued from the previous year and is still in progress. The earlier experiments have led to the designing of a piece of apparatus in which it has been possible to investigate under very closely controlled conditions, changes in volume and tempera- ture of specimens of methyl methacrylate 'dough' during polymeriza- tion. I t was found that with the use of the above apparatus, the reduction in volume to achieve constant pressure was variable and investigation has revealed that i t is necessary to 'pre-pack' the 'dough' to a known pressure before polymerization. A n apparatus has been designed in which it is possible to produce a pre-packed specimen of the required size at any pressure up to 2,000 lbs per sq. in., and from the use of this and the above-mentioned pressure chamber, it is now possible to obtain reproduceable results. The experiments on the relationship between porosity, pressure and temperature are continu- ing. The results of some of this work arc being prepared for sub- mission as a thesis for a higher degree.
(4) The Effects of Pressure on the Polymerization of Methyl Metha- crylate Monomer and Mixtures of the Monomer and Polymer Worker: H. F. Atkinson
Work in this field and that of the preceding section has over-
lapped to a considerable degree and various experiments are applic- able to both investigations. I n the early part of the year work was devoted to the polymerization of material in open moulds under air pressure, and various techniques were developed for application to clinical procedures. That section of the work dealing with the pro- duction of surgical protheses in flexible moulds has been completed.
(5) A Clinical Investigation into the Resorption of the Alveolar Process After Tooth Removal and Alveolectomy
Worker: K. Johnson
This work has been continued from the previous year and is still in progress. Recent developments have been concerned with a method of measuring bone resorption in both the mandible and the maxilla.
It was found that for precise measurement on radiographs, it was necessary to introduce fixed points by incorporating metal markers in the patient's dentures and to determine the distances under inves- tigation from these. A method has been developed for producing identical radiographs of the same patient from which accurate com- parisons of bone resorption can be made. The routine clinical pro- cedures have been continued throughout the year and a number of additions made to the accumulated clinical material for later examination.
(6) A Study of Mandibular Movement Worker: R. W. Shepherd
As a result of the previous investigation, this work is being con- centrated upon the clinical importance of mandibular movement. A n experiment has been set up in which this movement is determined in patients with natural dentitions who are about to have their remaining teeth removed and dentures fitted. The investigation in- cludes also patients who have never worn dentures, and those who have been wearing dentures for a considerable time. The original photographic technique has been improved upon in minor details and a better method of projection and recording is now in use.
Preliminary results indicate that mandibular movement is consider- ably disturbed during the period of extraction and rehabilitation with artificial dentures, and it appears that under these conditions, patients may have to develop a different cycle.
(7) Methods of Producing Sections of Hard Calcified Tissues for Histological Purposes
Worker: H. F. Atkinson
A section cutting machine, described in a previous report, has now been brought to a satisfactory state of mechanical efficiency
D E N T A L P R O S T H E T I C S 63
and the techniques have been applied to the study of various lesions of the human tooth. The work has been mainly concerned with thc production of thin sections for micro radiographic purposes and some very satisfactory results have been obtained in this field. The machine is at present in use i n two other investigations on the structure of human enamel and the histology of early carious enamel. The work in relation to the structure of enamel using micro radiographs is being continued.
(8) A Histological Investigation of the Early Stages of the Caries Process as Occurring in Human Enamel
Workers: W. G. Walker, continued by J. K. Harcourt
Owing to the retirement of W. G. Walker, this work has been held in abeyance, but is now being extended by J. K. Harcourt. I n the initial stages the methods are being adapted to the production of sections suitable for micro radiography as part of an investigation into the structure of sound and carious human enamel.
(9) An Investigation of Nasmith's Membrane with particular reference to the Initial Carious Attack
Worker: H. J. Orams
This study was commenced about the middle of the previous year and was concerned with the outer cuticle on the surface of the enamel of human teeth. Preliminary investigations have been con- cerned with determining upon which tooth the cuticle is present, whether erupted or unerupted, its histological nature and its mode of formation. Work is proceeding.
(10) An Investigation into the Causes of the Increase in Vertical Dimension which occurs During the Fabrication of Full Dentures Worker: A. A. Grant
During the fabrication of artificial dentures many techniques are involved which it has been shown cause cumulative errors in the fit of the finished appliance. The preliminary part of this work has been concerned with determining at which stages errors are introduced and their magnitude. Edentulous patients have been supplied with artificial dentures and various checks during the stages of preparation have been applied and some indication has been obtained as to where the major errors occur. Experiments have been devised to determine the distortion of plaster moulds caused during the polymerization of methyl methacrylate, and a technique has resulted in which it is possible to make accurate measurements of these changes. This work is continuing.
DENTAL MEDICINE AND SURGERY Head of Department: Professor A. B. P. Amies (11) Localization of Abherant Teeth in the Pre-Maxilla
Workers: A. B. P. Amies and W. P. Riordan
The aim of this work has been to determine the position of these teeth for oral surgery treatment and orthodontic purposes. Results obtained by radiographic methods are proving satisfactory. The work is still in progress and has been continued from the previous year.
(12) Chemotherapy in Endodontia Workers: S. D. Rubbo and J. Reich
Investigation of mixtures of Neomycin, Bacitracin and Polymyxin and their application in the sterilization of root canals and surround- ing tissues. This investigation involved the development of special methods for testing the bactericidal activity of these antibiotics.
Animal experiments to verify invivo activity and test irritability of these mixtures have also been performed. The work is nearing completion.
(13) The Effect of Certain Dietary Deficiencies Upon the Gingiva Worker: P. R. N. Sutton
The aim of this work has been to make a detailed assessment of the macroscopic structure of the gingiva of a sample of Polynesians on the Island of Rarotonga, and to attempt to relate their dietary pattern to thc gingival conditions. The work is still in progress.
(14) Investigation into Etiology of Dental Caries Worker: P. Pincus
The aim of this work is to find and describe the cause of dental caries. Apparatus has been constructed. The work has been continued from the previous year and is still in progress.
(15) Titration of Antibodies Against Toxoplasma Antigens Workers: M. M. Wilson and G. Colman
This work has been carried out in the Bacteriology Department.
Reactions of sera using Sabin's cytoplasm modification dye test and the complement fixation test have been studied. These tests are now available for application.
PUBLISHED WORK
i . ATKINSON, H . F.— Partial Denture Problems: Lack of Radiopacity in Methyl Methacrylate. Year Book of Dentistry, 1955-56 Series, pp. 399-400. Chicago, Year Book Publishers, 1956 (461 pp.)
D E N T A L M E D I C I N E A N D SURGERY 65
2. DOWN, C. H . — The Treatment of Permanent Incisor Teeth of Children following Traumatic Injury. Aust. Dent. J. 2: 9-24 (•957)
3. FLEMING, W. E.— Diagnosis and Treatment of the Oral Mucosa.
Aust. Dent. J. r: 334-5 (1956)
Head of Department: Professor Sir Alexander Fitzgerald STAFF
Full-time Academic Stall
Professor of Accounting, Sir ALEXANDER FITZGERALD, O.B.E., B.Com., F.A.S.A.
Senior Lecturers:
LOUIS GOLDBERG, B.A., M.Com., F.A.S.A.
W I L L I A M JAMES McKELVIE STEWART, B.A., B.Com., A.A.S.A. (On leave) JEAN ST. CEORGE KERR, M.Sc. (Columbia), B.Com., A.A.S.A.
Senior Lecturer in Commercial Law, ROBERT ALBERT SAMEK, M.A., M.Litt., LL.B. (Cantab.)
Senior Tutor, A L L A N DOUGLAS BARTON, B.Com., A.A.S.A.
Temporary Senior Tutor, HARFORD MONTGOMERY ROBB, B.A. (Belfast), C A . Full-time Research Worker
K E I T H GERALD JONES, B.Com.
No senior students were engaged i n accounting research during thc year, and the pressure of teaching responsibilities on members of the staff was heavy. During the year the design of the courses in account- ing subjects was completely revised i n preparation for the 1957 academic year, and certain experimental changes in teaching methods were instituted. Consequently the teaching staff was able to devote very little time or thought to the initiation of research projects or to the supervision of research work. However, work was continued as far as possible on projects which had been started i n the previous year. Under the editorship of the Head of the Department members of the teaching staff prepared, for publication in The Australian Accountant, monthly digests of important articles in a large number of overseas accountancy journals. I n August 1956, the Head of the Department visited New Zealand, at the invitation of the New Zea- land Society of Accountants in conjunction with Victoria University College, and delivered a series of lectures on aspects of accounting theory and research. These lectures are being published in The Accountants' Journal (N.Z.) during 1957.
(1) Jeremy Bentham as a Critic of Accounting Method Worker: L. Goldberg
This project is based on an unpublished manuscript located in the library of University College, London, and on Bentham's published work. Thc manuscript has been deciphered and an article is almost ready for publication.
(2) The use of Accounts Worker: Jean St. G. Kerr
A study has begun of the use of records and accounts by persons
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other than those for whom the accounts were prepared, for example, by historical research workers, and of the help which archaeologists have obtained from thc discovery of accounting records.
(3) Funds Statements in Australian and New Zealand Published Reports, 1954-55
Worker: K. G. Jones
Analysis of a large number of published reports of Australian and New Zealand companies showed a slightly increasing tendency to include in annual reports a statement of sources and application of funds, and that the possibility of preparing such statements from published balance sheets.and profit and loss statements had improved to a significant extent. The study showed that the concept of 'funds' used by most Australian companies which published funds state- ments was a 'resources' concept.
(4) Effect of Changing Price Levels on Company Policy Worker: K. G. Jones
Investigation of one aspect of this project, viz. the influence of inflation upon land-acquisition policies of companies, failed to reveal any meaningful connection.
(5) Company Debt Finance Worker: K. G. Jones
A survey of types of company debt showed wide variations in interest rates, redemption periods, and conversions —indicating great flexibility in the use of debt finance. A study was made of trends in Australian post-war company debt finance and of reasons for its growth. Some results of the research were published in The Aus- tralian Accountant.
(6) Financial Performances of Investment Companies, 1945-56 Workers: F. K. Wright and K. G. Jones
The financial results of the operations of two investment companies (income earnings and capital appreciation) were analysed and com- pared with each other and with the result which could have been obtained by direct investment in a selected portfolio of ordinary shares. Differences in the results achieved were traced to divergent policies in relation to changes in the total amount of investment and in the composition of investment portfolios, and to varying returns from investment in different types of industry and commerce, such as mining companies, banks, and breweries.