Report from the URC
2001
Table of Contents
Introduction
Administration of Research at USP
Schools
Agriculture
Humanities
Education and Psychology
Language and Literature
Pacific Languages Unit
Law
Pure and Applied Sciences
Biology
Chemistry
Engineering
Food and Textiles
Mathematics and Computing Science
Physics
Earth Science
Social and Economic Development
Accounting and Financial Management
Economics
Geography
History/Politics
Land Management and Development
Management and Public Administration
Sociology
Centre for Development Studies
Marine Affairs Programme
MBA Programme
Population Studies Programme
Tourism Studies Programme
1
2
3
5
11
16
19
23
26
32
33
35
37
42
44
45
45
47
47
48
48
49
50
50
50
51
University Extension
51
URC Financial Report
School Devolved Financial Reports
52
54
Introduction
This report is extracted from the annual reports of the Schools and other university
units, including the sections on research (and related consultancies).
Administration of Research at USP
Introduction. This section discusses the basic strategy for administration of research
at USP. The details can be found in the procedures documents.
Requirements. The action plan of any organization must take into account the
characteristics of that organization and try to optimize for those characteristics. In the
case of USP, the University is relatively small and isolated, has a high staff turn-over,
and has restricted financial resources. Thus an operational plan must:
 Use a minimum of staff and financial resources
 Obtain the maximum benefit at minimum cost of staff and financial resources
 Be designed for ease of continuing operations with changing staff
In order to achieve these aims, the administrative system should rely on existing
administrative procedures as much as possible, decentralize tasks to avoid additional
bureaucracy (and associated costs), and have clear, simple procedures that can be
maintained over time.
Division of Responsibility. There are several units at USP that need to be considered
in the administration of research. Two of these, the Planning and Development
Office (PDO) and USPSolutions manage relations with external organizations.
Another two, the University Research Committee (URC) and the Institutes
(principally the Institute of Applied Sciences (IAS)) manages and carries out
research.
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The University Research Committee (URC) will fund research by staff (and
some students) at USP. URC projects will be primarily concerned with advancing
knowledge and understanding rather than commercial applications. Since most of
the projects will have a regional focus, the understanding they provide may serve
as a basis for economic and social development.
The Schools, Institutes, and University Extension consider projects before they
reach the URC. The Schools can give final approval to projects requiring only a
small amount of funds.
The Institutes of the University will respond to requests for consultancies, short
course training, research and other projects needed in the region.
USPSolutions is the commercial arm of USP. It specializes in the design and
delivery of research, consultancy, training and project management services.
The Planning and Development Office (PDO) will manage international aid
projects, and can bring research opportunities or funding to the attention of the
University Research Committee. The PDO also maintains the USP Directory of
Expertise, which provides private and public sector organizations with a listing of
available expertise within the University.
Thus the Planning and Development Office and USPSolutions will laise between
USP and external organizations, seeking out research opportunities. The Institutes,
especially the Institute of Applied Sciences, will carry out externally funded research
consultancies, while the University Research Committee manages general research.
School of Agriculture
The School of Agriculture (SOA) of The University of the South Pacific (USP) is
situated at the Alafua Campus of the university - approximately 6 km south of Apia,
the capital city of Samoa. It shares the campus with the Institute for Research,
Extension and Training in Agriculture (IRETA) and the USP Samoa Centre. The
Alafua Campus was originally the South Pacific Regional College of Tropical
Agriculture, established in the early 1960s with New Zealand Assistance under the
Colombo Plan. In 1977, the Government of Samoa leased the campus to The
University of the South Pacific.
Alafua Campus has a total area of about 82 hectares (ha). This consists of 31 ha at
Alafua itself, an 11 ha farm at the nearby Moamoa estate, and a 40 ha farm at
Laloanea, situated some 12 km from Alafua. Originally, the Laloanea farm was
primarily meant for commercial cattle production, although it was also used for
research and teaching.
In 2000, the University approved the request by the School of Agriculture that all the
farms of the School, including Laloanea farm, be regarded as laboratories, and not as
trading units - as had hitherto been the case. Consequently, with effect from October
2000, the Laloanea farm ceased to be regarded as a commercial farm. Nevertheless,
towards the end of 2001, the SOA appointed three of its academic staff members to
look into the feasibility of using some 20 hectares of the Laloanea farm for the
cultivation of Indian Mulberry (Morinda citrifolia). This is a high-in-demand
medicinal plant, which is locally known as 'noni' 'none', 'nono', 'nonu', or 'kura' in the
various island nations of the South Pacific. The aim is to combine research into
Farming Systems with income generation. In this regard, representatives of the SOA
held a preliminary discussion with the Samoa-based Company - Elan Trading
(Samoa) in October 2001, to look into the possibility of a joint venture in commercial
noni production. Further discussions are expected to take place during 2002.
The SOA plans to use the remaining portion of the Laloanea farm for teaching and for
research in the areas of pasture agronomy, fodder production, and some other aspects
of crop science/crop production.
1. Achievements
a. Containment of the Taro Leaf Blight Disease
The School of Agriculture continued to make improvements on the already successful
management of the Taro Leaf Blight (TLB) disease in Samoa by producing new
disease-resistant and acceptable taro varieties through its breeding activities. Some of
these improved varieties were made available to farmers in the region either directly
(in Samoa) or through the Secretariat of the South Pacific (SPC).
b. Farming Systems Development
Development of some mixed cropping systems, particularly the cassava-yam-beans
system and the sweet potato-beans system, which were designed specially for the
Melanesian countries, where sweet potato is an important staple. In addition, some
taro-based systems, as well as mixtures of vegetable crops, were developed.
c. EU-funded CROPPRO Project
The SOA secured research funds to the tune of eighty-six thousand Euro (E86000)
from the European Union for the continuation of its research project on 'Sustainable
Crop Production in Environmentally Constrained Systems in the South Pacific
(CROPPRO)'.
d. Energy and Protein Sources for Goats
Feeding standards (energy and protein) for goats in Samoa were developed - based on
the use of browses, legumes, and non-conventional feed ingredients.
e. Flexible Feeding Systems for Monogastric Livestock
The School developed sustainable and flexible feeding systems for pigs and poultry,
based on local feed resources and on a proper understanding of "livestock-humanwaste" and feed-food-environment" relationships.
f. Enhancement of the Nutritive Value of Local Feed Ingredients
Improvement of the nutritive value of local feed ingredients was achieved by using
simple, practical, cheap, and adaptable technology.
g. Poultry Disease Control by Use of the Avian Model
An investigation was conducted into the use of the avian model to study omega-3
fatty acid accretion into the brain, spleen, and heart of growing broiler chickens was
executed. The aim was to understand the mechanism and control of the 'sudden death
syndrome' in rapidly growing commercial broilers and immune response to diseases.
This research was executed in collaboration with the University of Alberta in Canada.
2. Innovations
 Continuous production of vegetables by using simple greenhouses
 Development of strategies for increased use of local feed resources
 The use of avian model to teach students some relevant aspects of animal anatomy
and physiology
3. Challenges
 The dearth of research equipment and other facilities in all the four Departments
of the School of Agriculture continued to pose problems in teaching and research
 The School of Agriculture does not have any trained laboratory or field
technician. Hard-working as the are, all the technical hands gained their
experience on the job. This places serious limitations on research execution by
academic staff, who, therefore, often have to combine their own duties with those
of technicians. The same applies when it comes to conducting practical classes.
 The Agricultural Engineering section of the SOA needs a substantial amount of
funds to bring the Engineering Workshop even close to the standard needed for
both research and teaching in this very crucial sub-discipline of Agriculture.
School of Humanities
SOH continued to support a growing research culture, which has been enhanced by
expanding postgraduate student numbers and new staff appointments. In 2001 there
were about 60 postgraduate students enrolled in the School.
Department of Education and Psychology
As can be seen later in the report, staff members have been active in research and
publications. Many have presented invited addresses and conference papers at local
and international meetings and conferences. The decision by the RMC to devolve
part of the research funding to schools should boost our research effort. Several
members of the Department have responded to requests from National Governments
and other organisations for support and advise on specific projects and workshops on
an informal basis. The Department continued its programme of seminars and
presentations given both by our staff and visiting scholars.
Peter Forster
a)
Forster, P. M. 2001. Virtual Communities. In Forster, P. M. and Meltzer, G.
(Eds) Proceedings of the 7th International Communal Studies Association
Conference. http://www.ic.org/icsa/
b)
Forster, P. M. and Meltzer, G. (Eds) 2001. Proceedings of the 7th International
Communal Studies Association Conference. http://www.ic.org/icsa/
Joyce Heeraman
Joyce Heeraman (2001) Catering for Children with Special Learning Needs Teachers
Manual: Institute of Education, Suva, Fiji.
Joyce Heeraman (2001) “Exceptional Individuals and Special Education”. Pacific
Curriculum Network, Vol. 9, No. 2, Dec. 2000.
Joyce Heeraman (2001) “Children with Behaviour Problems”. Continuing
Education, University of the South Pacific, Suva, Fiji.
Akanisi Kedrayate
a)
Kedrayate, A. (2001) why Non-Formal Education in Fiji? Directions No. 1
June, 2001, p.p. 75-96.
Unaisi Nabobo
a)
Nabobo, U. (2001) Education and Indigenous Fijians: Challenges; the Year
2000 and Beyond. Directions. Journal of Educational Studies 23 (2001) 1:56 – 74.
Nabobo, U. (2000) Teacher Education in an aided project: the case of the Fiji–
Australia Teacher Education Project (FATEP). Directions: Journal of Educational
Studies. 22 (2000) 1: 97–115.
Thimmappa Purushothama Rao
a)
Sutherland, L. & Thimmappa, P. (2001) Participants' Perceptions of the
Goals of the Practicum in a Teacher Education Program. SUT01733 - AARE,
(online) < www.aare.edu.au >
Akhila Nand Sharma
Sharma, A. (2001) “Technical Studies in Secondary Schools in Fiji: A Modular
Approach”. In Directions. Number 45, Volume 23, Number 2, December 2001 (In
print).
b)
Sharma, A (2001) “The teacher’s workbook: Is it an effective planning tool?”
In Pacific Curriculum Network (In print- submitted in 2001).
Ueta Solomona
Compiled three song books with the assistance of students and Part Time-Tutors in
the year 2001:
Popular Religious Songs for Voice and Piano – Music Edition.
Fijian Song Book (Words Edition only).
Pacific Island Indian Songs – Words only (Co-edited by Solomona and V. Nand).
Teweiariki Teaero
a)
Demystifying the abstract in art. In R. Nicole (ed) Niu Waves: contemporary
writing from Oceania, Oceania. Suva: Pacific Writing Forum and Oceania Centre for
Arts and Culture. Pp. 155-158.
b)
Anti musée. A poem published in R. Nicole (ed) Niu Waves: contemporary
writing from Oceania, Oceania. Suva: Pacific Writing Forum and Oceania Centre for
Arts and Culture. Pp. 35.
c)
Three ink drawings were published in SPAN - Journal of the South Pacific
Association for Commonwealth Literature and Language Studies Nos 50/51, April &
October 2001, pp, 58, 60, 62.
Fish eyes flower.
Eye in the sky.
Eel follows she.
Konai Helu-Thaman
a)
Open and Flexible Learning for Whom? Rethinking Distance Education.
Directions 23 (2001)1:3-22.
b)
Interfacing global and indigenous knowledge. In UNESCO Plenary Papers,
Panel 2, Sixth UNESCO-ACEID International Conference on Information
Technologies in Educational Innovation for Development, Bangkok, Dec. 2000,
UNESCO Publishing, p.1-6.
David Womack
a)
Published article (on Internet and in Proceedings): “Children’s Intuition and
African Insights: An alternative framework for number?” (BCME4).
Conference Papers/Invited Addresses
Bisun Deo
Twelve Countries and A Thousand Cultures: Intercultural Understanding at the
University of the South Pacific. Paper Presented at the 25th Pacific Circle Consortium,
Christchurch, New Zealand, September.
Peter Forster
a)
‘Virtual Communities’ - An invited address to a plenary session on 'The
Future of Communities' at the International Communal Studies Association
Conference held in Belzig, Germany in June 2001.
Joyce Heeraman
Guest Speaker, Suva Special School Open Day, 28/11/01: Helping/Supporting
Children with Special Needs – a partnership.
Invited Address, Suva School for the Blind, 12/10/01, re Opportunities for Staff
Development.
Desma Hughes
a)
Hughes, D (April, 2001). "The South Pacific Context for Early Childhood
Education", Seminar presentation at Waikato University, NZ
b)
Hughes, D (May, 2001). "Early Childhood Education in the South Pacific"
Seminar presentation at QUT, Brisbane.
Akanisi Kedrayate
a) "Leadership for Change". Paper delivered as Keynote Address on 44th Annual
General Meeting of the Fiji Nursing Association. Khatriya Hall, January 27, 2001.
b) "Leading Team of Professionals". Paper presented at the Opening of the Workshop
for Senior Managers in the Public Service Commission, Government Training Centre,
Nasese, Suva, Fiji - September, 18, 2001.
c) "Education for Nation Building: How Non-Formal Education Contributes". Paper
delivered at the Fiji Principal's Association Conference, Civic Centre, Labasa, Fiji,
September 27, 2001.
Unaisi Nabobo
“Rethinking Pacific Education: The Onslaught of the Tiger”. Paper presented at the
Colloquium of Pacific Educators, IOE, Suva in Collaboration with the School of
Education, Victoria University, Wellington. Suva. 25 – 27 April 2001.
With Teweiariki Teaero and Bisun Deo. “Twelve countries and a thousand cultures:
inter-cultural understanding at the University of the South Pacific”. A joint Seminar
presentation at the Pacific Circle Consortium’s 25th Annual Conference on
Interconnections: exploring values, identity, citizenship and other educational issues
in the Pacific/Asia region. Christchurch College of Education, Christchurch, New
Zealand. 26 – 28 September 2001.
“Indigenous Fijian Education: Epistemology, Worldview and Desirable Values –
Implication on Western Schooling” – Individual paper to the Pacific Circle
Consortium’s 25th Annual Conference on Interconnections: exploring values, identity,
citizenship and other educational issues in the Pacific/Asia region. Christchurch
College of Education, Christchurch, New Zealand. 26 – 28 September 2001.
With Teweiariki Teaero and Bisun Deo. “Varied notions of knowledge and values:
implications on teaching and learning”. School of Humanities, University of the
South Pacific, Brown Bag Seminar, USP, Suva, October 29, 2001.
“Group Assessments: Altering Methods to Achieve Learning Outcomes”. Seminar
Paper presented for the Professional Development of Fiji School of Medicine and Fiji
Institute of Technology Staff, FIT, Samabula, Suva. Tuesday 07 November 2001.
Thimmappa Purushothama Rao
a)
Invited to address the primary school teachers on Value Education at the
District Resource Unit workshop conducted by the Department of Education (BDO),
Mysore Division, Mysore, India, 2nd Feb.2001.
b)
Invited to address the principals and teachers at Levuka High Scool and St.
Jhon College, Levuka, 12th July, 2001.
Subject: Consensus Moderation Procedures
c)
Invited to address the students and staff at Vatuavalevu High School, Nadi, 5
Sep.2001.
Subject: Internalising Values for Better Future Life
d)
Invited to address the Head Teacher and the teachers at St. Andrews primary
School, Nadi, 11 Feb.2002.
Subject: Assessment and Teaching of Mathematics.
e)
Invited to address the Principal and the teachers at Nawai Secondary School,
Nadi, 13th Feb.2002.
Subject: Teachers' Personal Management
Akhila Nand Sharma
“Managing curriculum with special reference to the Fiji College of Agriculture” – A
paper presented to the lecturers of the Fiji College of Agriculture at a one-week
course that was organised by the Centre for Professional Development of the Fiji
Institute of Technology on 31 January 2001 at Centra Hotel, Deuba.
b)
“Moral purpose in education”- An addressed delivered at Natabua High
School during the stakeholders conference on 9 June 2001. I was also the consultant
for this conference.
c)
“Workload formula for the academic staff of the Department of Education and
Psychology”. A discussion paper presented during the Department of Education and
Psychology’s retreat at Naviti Resort on 15 September 2001. It was accepted in
principle.
d)
“School leadership in the context of the Pacific” – A discussion paper
presented during a conference for directors of education and principals of medium to
large Seventh-day Adventist Schools in the Pacific Island nations at Fulton College on
17 September 2001.
e)
“Character building: A personal agenda” – An address delivered during the
annual prize-giving ceremony of Vashist Muni Memorial Primary School, Navua on
27 November 2001.
Teweiariki Teaero
a)
Old challenges, "new" response to educational issues in Kiribati. Paper
presented at the Colloquium of Pacific Island Educators on "Re-thinking Pacific
Education". Institute of Education, The University of the South Pacific, in
collaboration with the School of Education, Victoria University. Suva, 25 - 27 April
2001.
b)
With Unaisi Nabobo and Bisun Deo. Twelve countries and a thousand
cultures: inter-cultural understanding at The University of the South Pacific. A joint
panel presentation at the Pacific Circle Consortium 25th Annual Conference on
Interconnections: exploring values, identity, citizenship and other educational issues
in the Pacific/Asia region. Christchurch College of Education, Christchurch, New
Zealand. 26 - 28 September.
c)
Eutia mai nanoaa: looking inwards for solutions to contemporary educational
challenges. A public lecture. USP Centre, Tarawa, Kiribati. 13th June.
d)
Tirobaean te kairiiri raoi ae reke man te reirei raoi. (Focussing on good
leadership and the role of education). Keynote address given at the celebration of the
22nd anniversary of the independence of Kiribati. Majuro, Marshall Islands. 14th July.
e)
Mother, Oceania Circle and Perfect forms. Poems read for the Pacific Writing
Forum performances at the USP Open Day. 14th Sept.
f)
With Unaisi Nabobo and Bisun Deo. Varied notions of knowledge and values:
implications on teaching and learning. School of Humanities Brown Bag Seminar.
USP, Suva. 29th Oct.
g)
Feasting on verses. Poem read at Niu Waves' Mo' Heat Reading Night. Traps
Back Bar, Suva. 22nd March.
h)
Natural meal. Poem read at Niu Waves' Mo' Heat Reading Night. Traps Back
Bar, Suva. 22nd March.
i)
Vast canvas. Poem read at Niu Waves' Mo' Heat Reading Night. Traps Back
Bar, Suva. 22nd March.
j)
Stretching, Oceania Circle and Magic You. Poems read at the Explosive
explorations: exhibition and performances of ED182 students' work. Music Centre,
USP, Suva. 25th Oct.
Konai Helu-Thaman
a)
Towards a Pacific Philosophy of Education: the role of teachers. Keynote
address, Fijian Teachers’ Association Annual Meeting, Suva, Jan.11, 2001.
b)
What Lies Ahead. Farewell address on behalf of the USP Community to the
Vice Chancellor, Registrar and Deputy Bursar, Laucala Campus, Feb., 2001.
c)
Creating a Decent Society. Fiji Institute of Technology Graduation Address,
Suva, April 27, 2001.
d)
Towards Cultural Democracy in Pacific Education: an imperative for the 21st
Century. Keynote Address, NZODA/USP Colloquium on Re-visiting Pacific
Education, University of the South Pacific, Suva, April 24-27, 2001.
e)
The Tree of Opportunity. Presentation to Pacific Forum Ministers of
Education Meeting, Auckland, May 2001.
f)
Towards Multicultural Literacy: an imperative for a democratic society.
Keynote address, Suva Head-teachers Association Annual Conference, Holiday Inn,
Suva, May 31, 2001.
g)
Towards Culturally Inclusive Teacher Education with specific references to
Oceania. Keynote address, World Congress of Comparative Education Societies,
Seoul, S. Korea, July 2-6, 2001.
h)
Reclaiming Pacific Images: a view of Communication and Peace. Keynote
address, International Association of Media and Communication Research
Conference, Budapest, Sept.6-10, 2001.
i)
Women and University Management in Oceania: a summary paper.
Australian Senior Women’s Colloquium, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Nov.23, 2001.
j)
Sustainability and the University: the Cultural Challenge. Keynote address,
Asia/Pacific Symposium on Sustainability in Higher Education, Griffiths University,
Nathan Campus, Brisbane, Dec.3, 2001.
k)
A curriculum for Cultural Literacy. Invited Address, Senior Education
Officers’ Seminar on the Fiji Cultural Studies Curriculum, CDU, Ministry of
Education, Fiji, Dec.6, 2001.
David Womack
“Counting Mental Strategies as New Mathematical Operations” to “Maths into the
21st Century Project”. International Conference held at Palm Springs, Australia.
Literature and Language
Veena Khan
Khan, V. Research completed “The Fiji Form 7 Prescription and the Language Needs
of First Year Tertiary Students”
Kirti Sharma
Editor, text-processor and page-setter of Lahar (Waves) a monthly Hindi newsletter
of the Hindi Section of the Department. Kirti is also responsible for its typesetting,
proof reading and publication and distribution.
Sharma, V. & Sharma, K. 2001, Hindi Upanyaas: Ek Samalochnatmak Adhyayan
(Hindi Novels : a Critical Appreciation) (compilation).
Prepared in manuscript form for LL272 Hindi Prose-Fiction
Sharma, V. & Sharma, K. 2001, Compiled reading and guide materials for LL215
Teaching of Hindi.
Ian Gaskell
Gaskell, I. Ed. Beyond Ceremony: An Anthology of Drama from Fiji. IPS and PWF,
USP, Suva, 2001.
Gaskell, I. “Framing Reality: Action and Scenography in the Plays of Larry
Thomas,” SPAN 50/51 (April & October, 2000): 47-56. [Note: this item and the
following one were actually published in 2001.]
Gaskell, I. “Conspicuous Consumption: Kava as Device and Symbol in Local
Drama,” SPAN 50/51 (April & October, 2000): 100-119.
Gaskell, I & Robin Taylor, “An Analysis of the Wan Smolbag Theatre Company’s
Impact on its Audiences”, SOH Research Project, June 2001.
France Mugler
Mugler,F. 2001. Dravidian languages in Fiji: survival and maintenance. In Linguistics
Structure and Language Dynamics in South Asia, ed. by Anvita Abbi, R. S. Gupta and
Ayesha Kidwai. Proceedings of the South Asian Language Analysis (SALA)
Eighteenth Roundtable, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi, India, 6-8 January
1997, pp. 21-40. Delhi: Motilal Banarsidass.
Mugler,F. Forthcoming 2002. The spice of life: Borrowing and Fiji's Indian
languages. In Borrowing: A Pacific Perspective. Jan Tent and Paul Geraghty, eds.
Pacific Linguistics. Canberra: ANU.
Mugler,F. and Jan Tent. Forthcoming 2002. Language shift in Fiji? A survey of
language use and attitudes. In SPAN.Suva: USP.
Mugler,F. and John Lynch Forthcoming 2002. Pacific Languages at the University of
the South Pacific. In Current Issues in Language Planning. Special issue on
"Language Planning and Intellectualisation". Tony Liddicoat, ed.
on the web
(as member of an international team) Evaluating English Accents Worldwide, an
international accent attitude survey, coordinated by Donn Bayard, Department of
Anthropology, Otago University, New Zealand.
http://www.otago.ac.nz/anthropology/Linguistic/Accents.html
book review
Mugler,F. 2001. Review of The Enquiring University Teacher. Stephen Rowland,
2000. Buckingham and Philadelphia: The Society for Research into Higher Education
& Open University Press. In HERDSA News 23.1:26-7.
Mugler, F 1999. Review of Rajendra Singh, ed. 1997. Grammar, Language, and
Society. Contemporary Indian Contributions. New Delhi/ Thousand Oaks/London:
Sage Publications. In Canberra Anthropology 22.2:111-112.
Landbeck, R & Mugler, F 1999. Studying by Extension in a remote area. Pacific
Curriculum Network 8.2.20-2. USP: Department of Education and Psychology and
Institute of Education.
Mugler, F & Landbeck, R. Learning, memorisation and understanding among
distance learners in the South Pacific. Learning and Instruction 10/2:179-202.
Landbeck, R & Mugler, F. South Pacific distance learners: study strategies, learning
conditions and consequences for course design. Journal of Distance Education
15.1.63-80.
Editorial work
Mugler,F. and Frances Pene, eds. Directions 43 Vol. 22 No. 2. December 2000
(special issue on work by Linguistics students).
Editorial Advisory Board, Directions.
Vivekanand Sharma
Publisher and Chief Editor of Lahar (Waves) a monthly Hindi newsetter of the Hindi
Maha Parishad Fiji and the Language and Literature Department.
Sharma, V. 2001, Hindi ke Mahakavya (Hindi Epics) Vol. 1 (compilation).
Sharma, V. 2001, Hindi ke Mahakavya (Hindi Epics) Vol. 2 (compilation).
Prepared the above 2 volumes in manuscript form for LL372 Culture, Literature and
Language
Sharma, V. & Sharma, K. 2001, Hindi Upanyaas: Ek Samalochnatmak Adhyayan
(Hindi Novels : a Critical Appreciation) (compilation).
Prepared in manuscript form for LL272 Hindi Prose-Fiction
Sharma, V. & Sharma, K. 2001, Compiled reading and guide materials for LL215
Teaching of Hindi.
Dr. V. Sharma promoted writing of 15000 words dissertation on various topics of
interest in Fiji situation for LL309 Cultural Studies. 21 Students participated
successfully
Subramani
Book
Dauka Puraan ( New Delhi : Star Publications, 2000)
Articles
‘The Oceanic Imaginary’ , The Contemporary Pacific, Spring 2001, pp. 149-162.
‘A Response to Oceanic Imaginary’, The Contemporary Pacific, Spring 2001, pp.
163-177.
Pacific, Spring 2001, pp.184-198.
‘Variety is a Spice of Life’, The Daily Post, October 4, 2001, p. 6.
Larry Thomas
Preparing manuscript for my new collection of three plays to be published by PWF.
My play “Just Another Day” appeared in Beyond Ceremony: An Anthology of Drama
from Fiji edited by Ian Gaskell.
A short story called “Coming Home” appeared in Niu Waves: Contemporary Writing
from Oceania edited by Robert Nicole.
Conferences, Seminars, Workshops, Public Addresses
Rajni Kaushal Chand
Attended the 14th International conference on the 1st-year experience in conjuction
with 5th Pacific rim 1st year in higher education conference (July 9-13th 2001 in
Hawaii). Presented a conference paper titled: Examination of Potential Influence of
Distance and Online Learning on 1st Year Students.
Veena Khan
Linguistics Seminar Series – presented research paper “The Fiji Form 7 Prescription
and the Language Needs of First year Tertiary Students”
Curriculum Development Unit – Fiji Form 7 English Teachers Workshop (September)
presented the same paper as above.
Mohammed Sameer
a) Presented a seminar on "Teacher Questions in Fiji's English Classrooms: A Look
at five English Teachers". This was part of his MA research.
b) Represented the Pacific Writing Forum (PWF) at the 12th Triennial ACLALS
Conference in Canberra, Australia (July 9th - 14th).
Subramani
‘The Location of Language. The Bilingual Double Vision’, A paper presented a the
Indian Association of Commonwealth Literature and Language Studies, University of
Rayasthan, Jaipur (India), 4-6 January, 2001
‘A Writer’s Perspective. Towards a Culture of Peace’, Ecumenical Centre for
Research. Education and Advocacy, National Workshop, Suva, 1-5 October, 2001.
‘The Bilingual Writer’ seminar on Pacific Literature, Alliance Francaise, Suva, 31
October 2001.
Conference attended, ‘Indian Women’s Writing at the turn of the Century’ Sahitya
Academy, New Delhi, 22-24 February 2001 and 12 Triennial Conference of the
Association of Commonwealth Literature and Language Studies, Canberra, 9-14 July
2001.
Vivekanand Sharma
During Dr. V. Sharma's December 2001 visit to India he attended and addressed a
conference of Senior Citizens of Nainital in relation to promotional support for Hindi
in Fiji.
While in Delhi, Dr. V. Sharma was provided with the opportunity of meeting several
renowned writers, authors and poets. He addressed a gathering of eminent Hindi
writers and spoke on the 'Great Hindi Poet of Fiji Pt. Kamla Prasad Mishra and his
Poetry'.
In early March Dr. V. Sharma addressed a convention in Brisbane on the importance
of the Ramayana in Indian way of life. The convention was attended by over 100
participants in Robertson, Queensland.
Organised and addressed a folk-song evening - Lokgeet Sandhya and Ek Rangeen
Shaam at the University Lecture theatre U8.
Organised an evening with Head of the Department as Chief Guest to hand over a
scholarship fund to a Fijian student pursuing course in Hindi Diploma.
Dr. Vivekanand Sharma with Kirti Sharma and Harinandan Singh participated in
Open Day programme at the Western Centre of the USP to promote Hindi Studies.
Dr. V. Sharma wrote and presented regular radio programmes esp. on Alha Khand
(Hindi Epic which is also a part of the LL372 syllabus) on various issues and chapters
and gave talks on several topics on culture and language.
Pacific Languages Unit
Robert Early
a) Various Epi language materials (Vanuatu).
b) Volume of Paiwanese texts (Taiwan).
c) An edited collection of Vanuatu language sketch grammars.
John Lynch
a) Interrelationships between Vanuatu and New Caledonian languages.
b) Coordination in Oceanic languages.
c) The Proto Oceanic bilabials and labiovelars.
Hans Schmidt
a) Translating Arthur M. Hocart’s manuscript on Rotuman history, written in a
mixture of b) Rotuman and English, into an English version and a Rotuman version.
c) Preparing the Nguna dictionary manuscript for publication (Vanuatu).
d) Doing a dialect survey of Maewo languages (Vanuatu).
e) Preparing a language survey of Gaua (Vanuatu).
Apolonia Tamata
A phonology and grammar sketch of the Nasarowaqa dialect of Fijian.
A Bua dialect dictionary.
Hannah Vari-Bogiri
The sociolinguistic situation of Araki, South West Santo (Vanuatu).
Raga dictionary (Vanuatu).
Publications
Early, R. Book review of The endangered peoples of Oceania: struggles to survive
and thrive, ed. by Judith M. Fitzpatrick. To appear in the Journal of multilingual and
multicultural development.
Early, R. “Accessible revelation: the genesis of a front-translation methodology” To
appear in Notes on Translation, Summer Institute of Linguistics.
Lynch, J, Malcolm Ross† & Terry Crowley†. 2001. The Oceanic languages. London:
Curzon Press.
Lynch, J, & Terry Crowley†. In press. Languages of Vanuatu: A new survey and
bibliography. Canberra: Pacific Linguistics.
Lynch, J, & Philip Tepahae†. 2001. Anejoü dictionary / Diksonari blong Anejoü /
Nitasviitai a nijitas antas Anejoü. Canberra: Pacific Linguistics, .
Lynch, J. 2001. The Linguistic history of Southern Vanuatu. Canberra: Pacific
Linguistics,
Lynch, J. In press. The development of morphologically complex possessive markers
in the Southern Vanuatu languages. In Joel Bradshaw & Kenneth L. Rehg (eds),
Issues in Austronesian morphology: A focusschrift for Byron W. Bender. Canberra:
Pacific Linguistics.
Lynch, J. 2001. Passive and food possession in Oceanic languages. In Andrew
Pawley, Malcolm Ross and Darrell Tryon (eds), The boy from Bundaberg: Studies in
Melanesian linguistics in honour of Tom Dutton, 193-214. Canberra: Pacific
Linguistics.
Lynch, J, and Françoise Ozanne-Rivierre. 2001. Some shared developments in
pronouns in languages of Southern Oceania. Oceanic Linguistics 40,1:33-66.
Lynch, J. In press. “Don’t take my word for it”: Two case studies of unexpected nonborrowing. In Paul Geraghty and Jan Tent, Borrowing: A Pacific perspective.
Canberra: Pacific Linguistics.
Lynch, J. 2001. Article accretion and article creation in Southern Oceanic. Oceanic
Linguistics 40,2:224-246.
Lynch, J. 2001. Too much to swallow: On terms meaning ‘swallow’ in Proto-Oceanic.
Oceanic Linguistics 40,2:336-341.
In addition, the volume The Oceanic languages (Lynch, Ross & Crowley – see above)
contains the following grammar sketches authored, co-authored or abstracted by PLU
staff:
Robert Early: Lamen (pp. 671-680), Niuafo’ou (pp. 848-864)
John Lynch: Anejoü (pp. 723-752), Cèmuhî (pp. 753-764), Iaai (pp. 776-791),
Marquesan (pp. 865-876), Puluwatese (pp. 804-814), Ulithian (pp. 792-803), Xârâcùù
(pp. 765-775)
John Lynch & Rex Horoi†: Arosi (pp. 562-572)
John Lynch & Malcolm Ross†:Banoni (pp. 440-455)
Bill Palmer: ‡ Kokota (pp. 498-524)
Hans Schmidt: Rotuman (pp. 815-832)
CONFERENCES, SEMINARS, WORKSHOPS, PUBLIC ADDRESSES
Robert Early
a) Consultation on Regional Malays, Yogyakarta, Indonesia. 8-12 January 2001.
Invited participant and resource person on “Translation strategies for multilingual
communities”.
Jane Kanas
b) As part of her involvement with the Vanuatu Association of Women Graduates,
Jane was asked to co-write a country paper on women and girls in Vanuatu and their
involvement in distance education by using telecommunications for the
Commonwealth of Learning. This paper was presented in Wellington in May.
Hans Schmidt
a) “Loanword Strata in Rotuman”, at the XVth International Conference on Historical
Linguistics, Melbourne, 13-17 August (attendance funded by USP).
b) “The importance of the Rotuman language in the urban environment of Fiji”,
speech at the meeting of the Itu’muta District Association in Suva, March 2001
Hannah Vari-Bogiri
Vanuatu representative at the UNESCO-organised workshop on the Preservation and
Revitalisation of Endangered languages within the Melanesian States; Nadi, Fiji, 2830 August
School of Law
Major Research Achievements
Two major research initiatives undertaken by the School as a whole in 2001 related to
the Pacific Islands Law reporting project and the internet course development project.
These have been the subject of comment above.
Internet law reporting is a genuine research undertaking of the School. It is charting
territory which has not previously been explored This project has opened up and
purported to set about resolving a number of problems which are in many ways
unique. These include such matters as the collection of reports and legislation from
courts and government agencies respectively, the development of appropriate law
reporting systems, the negotiation of official status for reporting provided, the
development of search engines and the development of appropriate methods of
citation for cases reported.
The course development project involves the School in the investigation of new
methods of Internet-based delivery of law courses. The project has so far involved the
School in the utilisation of new software for the purpose of enabling self assessment
tasks and other computer assisted learning techniques to be made available to
students. This has involved the employment of open source software called Zope
which is set up on a LINUX operating system. The School in the past has used
Microsoft Front Page for its course development but this has many limitations. Open
source software has numerous advantages over “off the shelf” software systems.
There is the factor of added flexibility and the ability to stylise course presentation to
meet the particular needs of the School. This is a far better alternative than becoming
fully committed to those options which are made available by the software
manufacturer who often has little idea or concern for the particular needs of end user.
Furthermore the software comes with a very well established network of free support.
The software itself, along with any updates or additions to it, is available for
download free hence it avoids the user being locked into a licensing system which can
be unilaterally varied by the supplier. Hence there are both user related and economic
advantages to its use.
The School has attained an admirable record of research and publication since its inception.
The activities of the academic staff of the School have started to fill the very noticeable gap in
legal research related to the region. Activity in this area continued to prosper throughout the
year 2001. A number of major texts and reports have been produced by staff members during
that time and a number of consultancies and associated activities undertaken.
Publications by Staff Members
Ahmadu, Mohammed
Book (with Nand, N.) Judicial Review Applications in Fiji, IJALS, 2001
Book (with Hughes R.) Company Law in the South Pacific, IJALS Suva, 2001
Cordonnery, Dr. Laurence
Article (2001) La Convention sur la conservation et la gestion des espèces hautement
migratoires du Pacifique centre-ouest, in Revue Générale de Droit International
Public, N°3, pp. 559-580.
Book Review of Gilpin, A., Dictionary of Environmental Law, Edward Elgar, UK &
USA, 2000, for Journal of South Pacific Law, 2001, Volume 5.
Review of article entitled Are Multilateral Development Banks subject to
International Environmental Law? in Melbourne Journal of International Law,
Volume 2 (2), October 2001.
Farran, Sue
Working Paper: What is the Matrimonial Property Regime in Vanuatu? (2001) 5
Journal of South Pacific Law.
Conference Paper The Law Experience and Reflections on Future Challenges, USP
Regional Centres’ Conference on Multi-Modal Teaching and Flexible Delivery. April
2001, Suva, Fiji (delivered via satellite)
Conference Paper Domestic Violence, Chief Justice’s Law Conference, Vanuatu, July
2001
Fraser, Ian
Conference paper - Swarming Parliament: The Legitimacy of Violence and the Rule of
Law, ALTA Annual Conference, Port Vila, July 2001
November 2001: book chapter Human Rights vs. Custom in the Pacific: Struggle,
Adaptation, or Game? in Newton-Cain & Jowitt, eds., Law, Society, Culture in the
South pacific, IS, Suva, forthcoming
Hill, Ted
Book (with Powles, G.) Magistrates Manual of Papua New Guinea, Law Book
Company, Pyrmont, Australia
Book Chapter Mediation and the Ombudsman, Opportunites, Challenges and
Limitations in Vanuatu, Volume 5 International Ombudsman Yearbook, Kluwer
International Publications, The Hague, 2001
Book Chapter The Vanuatu Ombudsman, Chapter in Law Society and Change in the
South Pacific, in press
Conference Paper - Mediation and the Ombudsman – paper presented at the 2001
Australasian Law Teachers Association Conference Port Vila, July 2001.
Hughes, Professor Bob
Major Review Report (with Finlayson C. and Webb C.) - Review of Professional
Legal Training in New Zealand, Council for Legal Education of New Zealand
December 2001
Book Trust Law in the South Pacific, IJALS Suva, 2001
Book (with M. Ahmadu) – Company Law in the South Pacific, IJALS Suva, 2001
Book chapter Corruption in Pacific States, in Newton Cain T. and Jowitt A. Law
Society and Culture in the Pacific, IPS, Suva, forthcoming
Book chapter The problem of Identity in Pacific States, in Newton Cain T. and Jowitt
A. Law Society and Culture in the Pacific, IPS, Suva, forthcoming
Article (with C. Lakshman) – Constitutional Developments in Fiji, Victoria
University of Wellington Law Review, November 2001.
Article (with P. Tagini) Federated States of Micronesia, in Legal Systems of the
World online series, December 2001
Article (with P. Tagini) Tuvalu, in Legal Systems of the World online series,
December 2001
Public Lecture – The Problem of Identity in South Pacific Countries, Institute of
Public Law, University of Wellington, New Zealand, 21st May 2001
Report – Legal Developments in Vanuatu, for Institute of Public Law, VUW,
Wellington NZ, May 2001
Conference Paper - Mediation and the Ombudsman – paper presented at the 2001
Australasian Law Teachers Association Conference Port Vila, July 2001.
Staff Seminar – Law and Identity in the South Pacific Region, to School of Law,
Waikato University, 16th April 2001
Conference Paper – The Failures of Constitutionalism in the South Pacific, ALTA
Conference, Port Vila, 4th July 2001
Jowitt, Anita
Article - Unemployment in Vanuatu (2001), Development Bulletin Vol 56 pp 55 - 57
Article Migration, Unemployment and Urban Crime in Vanuatu, (2001) University of
the South Pacific School of Law Occasional Papers Series, Volume 9
Article - with Newton-Cain, T. (2001) Law Reform in Fiji Islands: A Commentary on
the Proposed Reforms Relating to Rape and HIV/AIDS, University of the South
Pacific School of Law Occasional Papers Series, Volume 8
Article Vanuatu Political Review (2001) in The Contemporary Pacific: A Journal of
Island Affairs Vol 13(2) pp 557 – 563
Conference Paper - Economic growth, urban crime and unemployment in developing
economies: A case study from Vanuatu INFER 2001 Conference, Erfurt, Germany,
September 2001
Conference Paper - OSH Regulation in the Pacific Islands: economic theory and
empirical evidence, Australasian Law Teachers Association Conference, Port Vila,
July 2001
Conference paper - Crime and unemployment in urban Vanuatu, Australasian Law
Teachers Association Conference, Port Vila, July 2001
Shah, Krishn
Case Note on Beti v Aufui, unreported, High Court of Solomon Islands, Civil Case
No. 170 of 1990, in Journal of South Pacific Law, 2001
Case Note on Fiji Development Bank v Raqona, (1984) 30 FLR 151, Supreme Court
of Fiji in Journal of South Pacific Law, 2001
Review of Lal B. Fiji Before the Storm in Journal of South Pacific Law, 2001
Tomtavala, Yoli
Conference Paper - Legal Status ofJjudicial Decisions in Pacific Island States
Presented at ALTA Conference, July 2001
Conference Paper Refugee Law and South Pacific States Today, presented at
UNHCR’s “Refugee Law Workshop for South Pacific Nations”, Brisbane, Australia,
October 2001
Article - Marshall Islands in Legal Systems of the World encyclopaedia. Forthcoming
2002
Consultancies
Professor Bob Hughes – Council for Legal Education of New Zealand – Review of
Professional Legal Training in New Zealand, July-December 2001.
Professor Bob Hughes – Civics Awareness Workshop for Regional, Rights and
Resources Trainers Suva Fiji, November 2001, DFID funded.
Sue Farran and Ted Hill - Governance and Accountability workshop for Wan Smol
Bag radio writers, Vanuatu, February 2001
Sue Farran - Women in Education: Law and Rights for the Teaching Union, Vanuatu,
February 2001
Sue Farran - Domestic Violence: the New Rules, Three workshops in Vanuatu
funded by UNICEF & British High Commission, November/December 2001
Professor Don Paterson - Establishment of Land Tribunal for Vanuatu, NZODA
funded.
In summary:
The School has undertaken two major School based projects in Internet based law
reporting and course development. These projects are on-going.
Academic staff of the School have a very good record in research and publication
Academic staff have undertaken major consultancies and continue to develop areas of
potential consultancy activity.
School of Pure and Applied Sciences
Biology
The Department’s research focus continued to be in the area of Plant Genetics and
Breeding, Cytogenetics and Reproductive Biology, Ecology, Conservation Biology,
Plant Physiology, Marine Biology and Animal Behaviour. New research projects
were prepared and submitted for funding in the field of Conservation Biology, Plant
Biology and Plant Molecular Genetics. Dr Craig Morley’s research project in
Conservation Biology and Mr Gunnar Keppel’s research project in Plant Biology
were approved. Research projects by Dr Anjeela Jokhan and Dr Anand Tyagi on
Plant Molecular Genetics is still under consideration. The following postgraduate
students completed their studies and their M.Sc theses were accepted for the award of
the degree. The names of research supervisors are given in paronthesis :
Ms Subhashni Appana
Mr Rajnesh Sant
(Dr Robyn Cumming)
(Dr Anand Tyagi & Dr Mary Taylor)
Dr Anand Tyagi, Dr Robyn Cumming and Dr Anjeela Jokhan continued supervising
postgraduate students in their M.Sc research projects.
1.
CONFERENCES/CONGRESSES/WRKSHOPS/SYMPOSIA
Dr Anand Tyagi travelled to Tokyo, Japan in July to attend and present a research
paper in the International Symposium on Mangroves. He also chaired one session in
that symposium. Dr Manju Prasad and Mr Rajesh Prasad attended the 10th Pacific
Science Inter-Congress (from 1-6 June 2001) in Guam. They presented their research
articles in that congress. Dr Robyn Cumming attended the Global Coral Reef
Monitoring
Network, Southwest Pacific Node Coordinators Workshop as
Coordinator for Fiji in August 2001. Mr Ravin Lal attended and presented a research
paper in the Annual Conference of the American College of Clinical Pharmacology in
Washington USA held on 23-25 September, 2001. Mr Rajesh Prasad participated and
presented a research paper in the 3rd United Nations University – Ocean Research
Institute Workshop on Marine Environment from 21-26 October, 2001 at Otsuchi in
Japan. Dr Anjeela Jokhan attended Tissue Culture Workshop held at the South
Pacific Community Secretariat in Suva in November, 2001.
2.
RESEARCH PROJECTS
a)
Dr Anand Tyagi is engaged in the following research projects.
i)
Determination of Genetic variation in some important Native
Fijian Plant Species of evolutionary and Economic importance
(Principal Researcher).
Funded by the University Research Committee (URC)
(Principal Researcher).
ii)
Seed viability in taro (colocasia esculenta) after storage at
different temperatures with varying moisture contents with Dr
Anjeela Jokhan (Principal Researcher).
Funded by the International Development consultants and
Project Managers (ACIL Australia Pty Ltd.) (Principal
Researcher).
b)
Dr Anjeela Jokhan is currently working on Taro seed viability; this
work is continuing (with Dr Tyagi).
i)
c)
3.
The study of stomatal apertures using chinese cabbage
epidermal peels is in progress to observe the effects of pH,
abscissic acid and Ca2+.
Dr Jane Rienks was working on a preliminary butterfly survey and
Pandanus arboreal leaf litter fauna, both funded by the URC.
CONSULTANCY
Unfortunately not many opportunities were provided in the year 2001 for consultancy
work by Biology staff. However Dr Anand Tyagi and Dr Anjeela Jokhan are actively
involved in various crop breeding and crop physiology activities at Koronivia
Research Station, Suva, and Sugarcane Research Station, Lautoka. All these activities
are unpaid consultancies.
Dr Anjeela Jokhan, Dr Anand Tyagi, Dr Manju Prasad and Dr Jane Rienks were
involved in BIF02 and BIF03 Examination paper moderation, and the sample
evaluation of final examination scripts from USP Extension. Dr Anjeela Jokhan also
moderated FIT Examination papers, and is also a member of the Implementation
Committee of the Fiji College of Agriculture revised curriculum.
PUBLICATIONS AND CONFERENCE PRESENTATIONS
Comai, L., Tyagi, A.P., Winter, K ., Holmes-Davis, R. Reynolds, S.H., Yvonne, S.
and Byers, B. 2000. Phenotypic instability and rapid gene silencing in new formed
Arabidopsis allotetraploids. The Plant Cell. 12: 1-18.
Cumming, R.L., Toskano, E.R., Lovell, B.A., Carlson, N.K., Dulvy, A., Hughes, J.F.,
Koven, N.J., Quinn, H.R., Sykes, O.J.S., Taylor and D. Vaughan. 2001. Mas Coral
bleaching in Fiji Islands, 2000. Proceedings of the 9th International Coral Reef
Symposium, Bali, Indonesia. International Society for Reef Studies (In press).
Lal, R., 2001 Physiological and Pharmacological properties of natural products
extracted from the marine sponge, Xestospongia. Paper presented in the Annual
Conference of the American College of Clinical Pharmacology. 23-25 September,
2001, Washington, D.C., USA.
Prasad, M. 2001. Insect-plant interaction: counter-adaptive strategy of Epilachna
cucurbitae to overcome host chemical defence. Paper presented in the 10th Pacific
Science Inter-Congress, 1-6 June 2001, Guam.
Prasad, R. 2001. Aquaculture potential in Fiji and other Pacific Islands. Paper
presented in the 10th Pacific Science Inter-Congress, 1-6 June, 2001, Guam.
Prasad, R. 2001. Biology and Aquaculture of bivalves in the Tropical Pacific Region.
Paper presented in the 3rd United Nations University – Ocean Research Institute
Workshop of Marine Environment. 21-26 October, 2001, Otsuchi, Japan.
Tyagi, A.P., Comai, L. and Byers, B. 2000. Re-synthesis of Arabidopsis suecica, an
allotetraploid hybrid between A. thaliana and cardaminopsis arenosa. SABRAO
Journal of Breeding and Genetics. 32: 95-103.
Tyagi, A.P. 2001. A comparison of flowering and propagule setting in Mangroves of
Fiji in a normal and a drought year. Paper presented in the International Symposium
on Mangroves. 9-12 July, Tokyo, Japan.
Other Publications
Jokhan, A.D. 2001. Basic Science. A revision Guide (Book). Pacific Educational
Resources (Fiji) Ltd., Lautoka.
Lal, P. 2000. Lime x Tester Analysis for combining ability in sugarcane. M.Sc
Thesis.
Lal, R. 2001. Comparison of cardiac structure and function in runners and weight
trainers. Oceania sports and Information Center, USP Library.
Lal, R. 2001. Physiological and Pharmacological Properties of natural product
extracted from the marine sponge, Xestospongia. M.Sc. Thesis.
Rigamoto, R. 2002. A Floristic Survey of the coastal Littoral Vegetation of Rotuma.
M.Sc Thesis.
Sant, R. 2001. Cryopreservation of Taro (colocaria esculenta var. esculenta. M.Sc.
Thesis).
Chemistry
As in previous years, research was focussed in the areas of terrestrial and marine
natural product chemistry; food chemistry; analytical chemistry; polymer chemistry;
and environmental chemistry related to the atmosphere, inland, coastal and marine
water bodies.
Staff members continued to supervise comparatively a large number of research
students. Students graduating with an MSc in Chemistry in 2001 were (names of
supervisors are given in parenthesis):
Randhir Prakash Deo (Drs Maika Vuki and Matakite Maata)
Emma Mario (Drs Maika Vuki and Matakite Maata)
Upma Dutt (Associate Professor Koshy and Dr Maika Vuki)
James Prasad (Professor Aalbersberg and Dr Sadaquat Ali)
Narendra Prasad (Professors Sotheeswaran and South)
Terrestrial and Marine Natural Product Chemistry
Professor Sotheeswaran continued to lead the Marine Natural Product research team
in the Chemistry Department in collaboration with the USP’s Marine Studies
Programme, Marine Natural Product Groups at the University of Melbourne and the
University of New Caledonia. Other team members at USP are Drs Sadaquat Ali,
Tevita Voro, Mani Naiker, and Saroja Wijewardene. The group has an active
collaboration with the Microbiologists from the USP’s Biology Department (Dr G.
Srinivasan and Ms Dhana Rao). The research work is partly funded by the Wellcome
Trust Fund (UK), the French Embassy in Suva and partly by the USP’s University
Research Committee.
Various members of this research group are jointly supervising the MSc research of
five postgraduate students: Ruth Amos, Shilpa Kumar, Narendra Prasad, Reena Singh
and Sachin Singh. During the year, Professsor Sotheeswaran also examined the M.Sc
thesis of another postgraduate student enrolled at USP (marine natural products) as
the internal examiner. He also checked the thesis revision of this student and
recommended approval of the revised thesis for the award of the M.Sc degree.
Food Chemistry
Professor Sotheeswaran is involved in a project on Glycemic Index of cooked Fiji
foods in collaboration with the Department of Food and Textiles at USP. Funding for
this project has been obtained from the University Research Committee (URC) and
the clinical trials are being conducted at the Army Barracks in Suva.
Dr Matakite Maata was similarly awarded funds from the URC to conduct chemical
studies on an edible species of algae from Kiribati. Nutrient content has already been
determined and further work is in progress.
Dr Maika Vuki was awarded funds from the French Embassy to conduct pesticide
residue analysis in foods, particularly vegetables and fruits. A postgraduate student is
funded under this grant and he has started gathering information. Some preliminary
instrumentation exercise has also been conducted. Dr Vuki will be visiting IRD in
Noumea in January 2002 as part of the collaboration exercise under this funding.
Mr Shailesh Kumar is developing suitable methods for the analysis of PCB’s in food
samples.
Analytical Chemistry
Projects in this area are related to the development of low-cost analytical techniques
for the detection and measurement of parameters of environmental importance. These
include fibre optic chemical sensors for heavy metals, under the direction of Dr
Philomena Gangaiya and Professor Sotheeswaran; kinetic methods of analysis, under
the direction of Dr Surendra Prasad; and electrochemical sensors in which Dr Maika
Vuki is collaborating with Professor Joseph Wang from New Mexico State University
in the USA.
In recognition of the achievements in the area of fibre optic chemical sensors, Dr
Philomena Gangaiya was invited to present a paper on this technique at the
Conference on Chemical Bioavailability in the Terrestrial Environment, held in
Adelaide, Australia in November 2001.
Polymer Chemistry
Research in this area is being conducted under the direction of Dr Jagjit Khurma. Mr
David Rohindra is also involved in this work. The focus of the research is in the areas
of polymer blends, biodegradable polymers, polymers from the waste materials and
plastic recycling. Ms Vikashni Pal is continuing her M.Sc. work on the blends of
chitin and chitosan with other polymers. At present she is at Auckland University
conducting some studies on blends she prepared earlier. Ms Preeti started an M.Sc.
project during the year on biodegradation of poly(caprolactone) and its blends under
different environmental conditions. Efforts are being made to set up collaborations
with researchers in the other parts of the region carrying out similar research work. As
a part of this activity Assoc. Prof. Allan Easteal of Auckland University visited the
department from August 7 to the 28th.
Environmental Chemistry
Associate Professor Koshy and Dr Matakite Maata continued with their project on
monitoring the levels of atmospheric ozone. This is a long-term project in
collaboration with NASA in the USA. A research student associated with this project,
Mr Gopal Sami completed his Masters in 2000 and another student, Mr Anand
Chandra has been identified to continue research in the same area in 2002.
The above researchers are also involved in a greenhouse gas study in collaboration
with NIWA in New Zealand in which measurements of gases like methane, carbon
isotopes, non-methane hydrocarbons and carbon monoxide are being made. The
greenhouse project has one research student, Mr Francis Mani who is enrolled for an
MSc degree. A NIWA Research Technician, Mr Gordon Brailsford, visited the
department in May to set up the instrumentation for the measurement of methane and
other related gases.
Another project of this research group is wet precipitation and aerosol chemistry
studies. One student, Ms Upma Dutt completed her MSc studies whilst another, Mr
Sushendra Singh is writing up his thesis.
Another prominent area in Environmental Chemistry is research related to heavy
metal contamination of inland, coastal, and marine environments. Researchers are
Drs Philomena Gangaiya, Matakite Maata, Culwick Togamana, and Maika Vuki.
Projects include heavy metal contamination from the Lami rubbish dump (with MSc
student Mr Shaneel Chandra), copper, chromium and arsenic contamination from
timber treatment facilities (with MSc student, Mr Tasleem Hassan) and monitoring of
roadside lead deposits.
Nutrients such as nitrogen and phosphorus and their impact on coastal marine
environments are also an important area of study. Dr Philomena Gangaiya is
collaborating with Dr Renaud Fichez and others from IRD, New Caledonia in looking
at the nutrient status of the Suva lagoon. She is also co-supervisor of Mrs Milika
Sobey who is enrolled for a PhD degree at the University of Essex, UK and is
investigating the importance of denitrification in controlling nitrogen input to the
Suva lagoon.
Dr Maika Vuki is part of the USP researchers on the 5th Joint Research Cruise with
the National Fisheries University of Japan. This exercise is conducted on the Koyo
Maru Fisheries Research vessel. The determination of the nutrient and trace metal
levels in deep sea water samples from transects along South Eastern and Western
parts of Viti Levu is a major part of the exercise.
CONSULTANCY
Professor Sotheeswaran was involved in a number of consultancy activities during the
year. One of them was a feasibility study of Kava extraction plant in Fiji. This
involved a visit by Mr Anil Phadnis, a Technical Consultant in the commercial
extraction of traditional medicines from medicinal plants in Mumbai, India. Steps are
being taken to set up commercial manufacture of anti-depressant Kava pills and antidiabetic Karela pills in Fiji in collaboration with a local industrialist.
Other activities of Professor Sotheeswaran included a number of assignments for the
University of Peradeniya in Sri Lanka. He was External Examiner for the B.Sc
(Honours) Organic Chemistry courses for the period 2001-2002 and moderated final
examination papers and did a second marking of the final examination answer scripts
for a third year and fourth year honours organic chemistry courses.
Whilst there, he acted as a Resource Person for the Workshop on Mass Spectrometry
(January, 23-25, 2001) and was also External Examiner for an M.Phil thesis in the
area of Bioactivity Studies of Some Sri Lankan ferns submitted by a postgraduate
student from the Open University of Sri Lanka. He also conducted an evaluation of
the research work of an associate professor of chemistry at the University of
Peradeniya to assess his research and creative work and dissemination of knowledge
in respect of his application for a merit promotion to the grade of professor at that
University. This was done at the invitation of the Vice Chancellor of the University of
Peradeniya.
Dr Surendra Prasad continued to be Editorial Referee for the international journal
“TALANTA” and has also recently started similar duties for the South Pacific Journal
of Natural Science.
PUBLICATIONS
SECTION A : Books, and Chapters in Books
Sotheeswaran, S., Monograph on Environmental Organic Chemistry, accepted for
publication (2001) by the Institute of Chemistry, Sri Lanka.
Sotheeswaran, S., and Sreekumar, K., P., Plants of Fiji showing antimycotic
potential, accepted (2001) for publication in Plant Derived Antimycotics published by
the Haworth Press, Inc., Binhamton, NY, USA
SECTION B : Refereed Papers in International and Regional Journals
Ali, S., Sotheeswaran, S., Tuiwawa, M., and Smith, R.M., Composition of Essential
Oils of Fijian Plants (Part 1 : Alpinia and Hedychium species), Journal of Essential
Oil Research, accepted (2001) for publication.
Gangaiya, P., Tabudravu, J., South, R., and Sotheeswaran, S. (2001). Heavy Metal
Contamination of the Lami Coastal Environment, Fiji, South Pacific Journal of
Natural Sciences, 19, 24-29.
Maata, M. and Koshy, K. (2001). A study of tributyltin (tbt) contamination of marine
sediments in the major ports of Fiji. South Pacific Journal of Natural Science, 19, 14.
Mahendra, N., Gangaiya, P., Sotheeswaran, S., and Narayanswamy, R., Investigation
of an optical fiber Cu(II) sensor using Fast Sulphon Black F (FSBF) immobilised onto
XAD-7, Sensors and Actuators (Chemical) (in press).
Morrison, R.J., Narayan, S.P. and Gangaiya, P. (2001). Trace metal studies in
Laucala Bay, Suva, Fiji, Marine Pollution Bulletin, 42, 397-404.
Naiker, M. (2001). Damascenone yielding precursor(s) from Cabernet Sauvignon
grapes. South Pacific Journal of Natural Science, 19, 11-17.
Prasad, S. Development and validation of a catalytic spectrophotometric method for
trace determination of ruthenium (III). Asian J. Chem. (in press).
Tabudravu, J., Gangaiya, P., Sotheeswaran, S., and South, R., Enteromorpha flexuosa
(Wulfen) J. Agardh (Chlorophyta: Ulvales) – Evaluation as an indicator of heavy
metal contamination in a tropical estuary. Environmental Monitoring and Assessment
(in press).
SECTION C: Technical Reports, Newsletters, etc
Koshy, K. New Educational Centre for the Pacific Koshy Tiempo: Global Warming
and the Third world; Issue 40/41 Sep 2001, Pub Stockholm Environment Institute,
Sweden and the International Institute for Environment and Development UK.
Koshy, K. Chemistry at USP Journal of the Royal Australian Chemical Society. In
press for publication in the Jan 2002.
Kumar, S., Aalbersberg, W., English, R. and Ravi, P. (2001), Pacific Island Foods –
Volume 2. Nutrient Composition of Some Pacific Island Foods and the Effect of
Earth Oven Cooking. IAS Technical Report.
Kumar, S. and Aalbersberg, W. (2001). Nutritional value of traditional
cooking compared to modern cooking methods. Pacific Island Nutrition
Newsletter (in press).
Prasad, S (2001). Origin of bad smell (halitosis) which emanates from
the mouth, especially after sleeping. Newsletter of the Chemical
Society of the South Pacific (in press).
Prasad, S (2001). Small streams as a remedy of water pollution.
Newsletter of the Chemical Society of the South Pacific (in press).
Prasad, S (2001).
Propylene oxide: cleaner, greener industrial
chemical. Newsletter of the Chemical Society of the South Pacific (in
press).
SECTION D:
Conference Proceedings
Ali, S., Voro, T., Sharma, R., and Sotheeswaran, S., Anticancer Cembranolides
from a Fijian Collection of Sinularis flexibilis, 10th International Symposium on
Marine Natural Products, Nago, Okinawa, Japan, June 24-29, 2001, abstracts page
P.74.
Gangaiya, P. and Mahendra, N., Application of fibre optic chemical sensors for heavy
metal monitoring in contaminated environments, Workshop on Chemical
Bioavailability in the Terrestrial Environment (18 – 20 November, 2001). Book of
Abstracts, p. 61.
Prasad, S., Role of kinetics of oxidation reactions on Analytical Chemistry, 88th
Indian Science Congress Proceedings (3-7 January, 2001), p. 80
Sotheeswaran, S., Enantioselective Synthesis of Kawain, World Chemistry Congress
Journal (Brisbane, Australia), 1-6 July 2001, PFD 23.
Sotheeswaran, S., Phytomedicines from the South Pacific, World Chemistry Congress
Journal (Brisbane, Australia), 1-6 July 2001, OFD 4.
SECTION E:
Papers Presented (and Attendance at Conferences, Workshops, and Seminars)
Gangaiya, P. and Mahendra, N., Application of fibre optic chemical sensors for heavy
metal monitoring in contaminated environments, presented at Workshop on Chemical
Bioavailability in the Terrestrial Environment (Adelaide, Australia), 18 – 20
November, 2001.
Koshy, K., attended the 6th Asia Pacific Network (APN) Scientific Planning Group
(SPG) and Intergovernmental Meeting, 19-23 March, 2001, in Jeju Island, Korea
Koshy, K., attended SPREP Regional Climate Change Meeting, 11-15 June 2001,
Mocambo Hotel, Nadi
Koshy, K., attended the 3rd START-Oceania Regional Committee Meeting, 18-19
June 2001, Mocambo Hotel Nadi
Koshy, K., attended the Pacific Region Multi-stakeholder Consultation: 5-7
September 2001, Apia, represented USP as a CROP member,
Koshy, K., attended the 12th SPREP Annual Intergovernmental Meeting: 10-14
September, Apia, represented USP as a CROP agency
Koshy, K., attended the 15th START-SSC (START Scientific Steering Committee)
Washington DC, USA
Koshy, K., attended the International Planning WS on ENSO Impacts on Sugar, 29-30
FMS, Nadi
Prasad, S., Role of kinetics of oxidation reactions on Analytical Chemistry, presented
at the 88th Indian Science Congress (IARI, New Delhi, India), 3-7 January, 2001.
Sotheeswaran, S., Enantioselective Synthesis of Kawain, presented at the World
Chemistry Congress (Brisbane, Australia), 1-6 July 2001.
Sotheeswaran, S., Phytomedicines from the South Pacific, presented at the World
Chemistry Congress (Brisbane, Australia), 1-6 July 2001.
Sotheeswaran, S., Commercial Utilisation of Kava (Piper methysticum) and Noni
(Morinda citrifolia),presented at the Sri Lanka Association of Advancement of Science
(Section on Chemical Sciences) and the Chemical Society of the University of
Colombo, Sri Lanka, January 2001.
Sotheeswaran, S., Phytomedicines from South Pacific plants, Presented at the
Pharmaceutical Research Institute named AstraZeneca based at Griffith University in
Queensland, Australia, Visiting Scientist’s Seminar in February 2001.
Sotheeswaran, S., Introduction to Mass Specectroscopy, presented Workshop on Mass
Spectrometry (23-25, Jan, 2001) – Department of Chemistry, University of
Peradeniya, Sri Lanka.
Vuki, M., Heavy Metal Pollution in Rewa River, Presented at the 10th Pacific Science
Inter-congress, University of Guam, June 2001.
Vuki, M., Mario E., Maata M., and Tabudravu J., The Combined Effect of pH and Eh
on Nutrients and Heavy Metals in the Rewa River, Poster presented at the 10th Pacific
Science Inter-Congress, University of Guam, June 2001.
Vuki, M., Vuki V., and Zann L., The Development of Community Based System of
Marine Protected Areas for Coastal Reef Conservation in Ono-I-Lau, Southern Lau,
Fiji, Presented at the 10th Pacific Science Inter-congress, University of Guam, June
2001.
Engineering
A research project titled “Development of micro-controller based technologies:
drilling machine” was approved by the University Research Committee to a tune of
F$8,404.97. Professor Godfrey Onwubolu, Messrs. Ravinesh Singh, Hamendra
Reddy, and Mahendra Prasad jointly worked on this research project, which will
continue until toward the end of 2002. Dr. Sam Aborhey was part of the research
before his resignation and exit from USP. This joint research work is the realisation of
the goal of the department to harness the interdisciplinary expertise available to boost
research effort.
Mr. Sagaitu Manueli and Dr. Alfred Liligeto continued with their research work on
Engineering Education in the Pacific Region, while Mr. Sam Tukana continued his
research work on Alternative Sources of Energy. Mr. Praneel Chand continued his
research work on Digital Control, and it is hoped that this will mature in 2002. Mr.
Robert Kennedy was involved with the Renewable Energy Team with some
colleagues from the Department of Physics. Professor Godfrey Onwubolu continued
with his research work in Intelligent Manufacturing.
PUBLICATIONS
International Journals/Books/Refereed Conference Proceedings
Publications in 2001 were meagre. The USP Publications 2001 compiled by Pacific
Information Centre lists the following for the department of Engineering:
Manueli, Sagaitu, 2001, TE102: Engineering Drawing: Introduction and Assignment,
Revised, Course Material, The University of the South Pacific, 140p.
Onwubolu, Godfrey C. And Mutingi, M, 2001, A genetic algorithm approach to
cellular manufacturing systems, Computers in Industrial Engineering, 39, 125-144.
Onwubolu, Godfrey C., 2001, Determination of AGV-based material handling
systems unit-load sizes and vehicle requirements using tabu search heuristic, CDROM
Proceedings, Institute of Industrial Engineers Annual Conference, Dallas, Texas,
USA, May 2001, 20-22.
(ii) Technical Reports

Onwubolu, Godfrey, 2001, Optimisation using Differential Evolution Algorithm,
Department of Engineering, Institute of Applied Sciences Technical Report No.
2001/05, The University of the South Pacific, October 2001, 18 pages.
Food and Textiles
Jimaima Lako continued with her research work in the following two areas :

“Glyceamic

USPNet Action Research in “Comparing the two modes of teaching
FT213”. The aim of this action research is to improve the teaching of
FT213 through flexible learning mode.
Index (GI) of 5 commonly consumed South Pacific
Foods”. This is a collaborative research between the Departments of
Food & Textiles, Chemistry, Biology and the CWM Hospital funded
by URC.
Sereima Naisilisili continued with her action research on

The influence of the course team on Distance and Flexible Learning
courses.
PROFESSIONAL CONSULTANCIES
The following unpaid consultancy work was carried out with Foods Pacific (Fiji)
Limited :

Effects of meat texture in canned mutton with brine treated sheep
heart. Tumbling sheep hearts in brine solution was found to improve
significantly the quality of meat (colour and texture) in canned mutton.
This project is now complete.

Quality improvement in the Top-Brand Tomato Sauce. This project is
complete and the product is now on the market.

Effects of Low-Vacuum Flushing and reduced time of heating on the
quality of canned mutton. This project is in its preliminary stage.

Product Development – Curried Chicken for Papua New Guinea
Markets. The product has been validated and available on the market.
The following unpaid consultancy work was carried out with Flavourite Foods
Limited (New Zealand) and Foods Pacific Limited :

Addition of HYDRO 32 and AMOFEN B3 on the fat distribution of
canned mutton/beef. Project is in the preliminary stage. First few trials
have shown convincing results. More trials are in progress.

Compiling the Sanitation Program and the Health and Safety Policy
incorporating the Occupational Health and Safety Manual.
Other consultancies undertaken include :

Ministry of Commerce, Business Development and Investment. A
paper on Food Processing was edited by the Department prior to its
presentation to Cabinet.

Ministry of Education, Fiji. Review of Forms 5 and 6, Food Nutrition ;
Form 7, Food Technology ; and Forms 5, 6, 7 Clothing & Textiles
Curriculum to ensure quality presentation at various institutional
levels.

Edited 2 chapters from “Nutrition Handbook for the South Pacific
Islands for Forms 3 and 4” (for 6th Edition) by Parkinson, S., Tunidau,
J. and Chand, M.

Goodman Fielder (Fiji) Limited – provided expertise for setting up
Microbiology Monitoring Techniques in the laboratories.

Provided expertise in Seafood Recipe Development conducted by MSP
at Food and Textiles Department. Permal headed the Taste Panel
Group to validate the recipe developed before publishing.
PUBLICATIONS

Deo, P., Blaney, B.J. and Dingle, J.G. (2000). Mineral and organic
adsorbent in meat Chicken diets contaminated with sorghum ergot
alkaloid. Proceedings of Alltech’s 16th Annual Symposium, (Edited
Lyons, T.P. and Jacques, K.A.) Nottingham University Press,
Nottingham. Poster Presentation.

Lako, J.V. Dietary trend and diabetes : its association in indigenous
Fijians 1952-1994. Asian Pacific Journals of Clinical Nutrition. 2001 ;
10 (3) : 183-187.

Lako, J.V. and Nguyen C. Dietary Patterns and risk factors of diabetes
mellitus among urban indigenous women in Fiji. Asian Pacific
Journals of Clinical Nutrition, 2001 ; 10 (3) : 188-193.

Naisilisili, S., (2001). FT124 : Apparel, Design and Textiles, course
materials for DFL; USP Extension, Fiji.
Mathematics and Computing Science
Grants
Jito Vanualailai: URC grant for “Analysis of Nonlinear Dynamical Systems”.
Yinhuo Zhang: URC grant for “The Brauer group of a finite quantum group and Hopf
codes”.
Papers
A. Adams, “Capturing a Large, Three Dimensional Body of Numeric Data in a Small
Neural Network”, AISAT2000, Hobart, Australia (International Conference on
Artificial Intelligence in Science and Technology).
A. Chand: Conference paper “A heuristic approach to constraint optimization in
examination timetabling” at the New Zealand Mathematics Colloquium, 3-6
Dec. 3-6 2001, Palmerston North, New Zealand.
U. Dixit, and Y.S.Sathe, “Estimation of P(X <3DY) in Negative Binomial
Distribution”, Journal of Statistical Planning and Inference, 93 (2001), 83-92.
U. Dixit, and P. Nasiri, “Estimation of Parameters of the Exponential Distribution in
the presence of outliers generated from uniform distribution”, accepted in Metron.
U. Dixit, and V. Dixit, “Testing of the Parameters of a right truncated exponential
distribution”, accepted in the Proceeding of the International conference on Statistics,
combinatorics and related areas.
U. Dixit, and P. Nasiri, “Estimation of the Parameters of a right truncated exponential
distribution”, submitted.
U. Dixit, and P. Nasiri, “Estimation of the Parameters of the exponential distribution
in the presence of outliers using linex loss function”, submitted.
U. Dixit, and P. Nasiri, “Semi-Bayesian Estimation of the Scale Parameter of
Exponential Distrobution in the presence of outliers generated from exponential or
uniform distribution”, submitted.
U. Dixit, and K. Phal, “On estimation of the Scale Parameter of a = right truncated
gamma distribution”, submitted.
R. Havea and D. Bridges, ”Approximating the numerical range of a Hermitian
element”, submitted to Proc. Amer. Soc.
M.G.M. Khan, E.A. Khan and M.J. Ahsan, “On Compromise Allocation in
Multivariate Stratified Sampling”, submitted to Aligarh Journal of Statistics.
E.A. Khan, M.G.M. Khan, and M.J. Ahsan, “Optimum Stratification: A Mathematical
Approach”, submitted to Calcutta Statistical Association Bulletin.
M.G.M. Khan, E.A. Khan, and M.J. Ahsan, “An Optimal Multivariate Stratified
Sampling Design Using Dynamic Programming”, submitted to Australian & New
Zealand Journal of Statistics.
V. Mnukhin, a paper “Saturated simplicial complexes” delivered at the University of
East Anglia (UEA),Norwich, UK, in January 2001.
V. Mnukhin, J. Siemons, “On modular homology of Simplicial Complexes:
Shellability”, Journal of Combinatorial Theory, A93 (2001), 350-370.
V. Mnukhin, J. Siemons, “On modular homology of Simplicial Complexes:
Saturation”, accepted by Journal of Combinatorial Theory.
V. Mnukhin, “Saturated Simplicial Complexes” submitted to Discrete Mathematics.
V. Mnukhin, J. Siemons, “On modular homology of Simplicial Complexes: RankSelection”, submitted to ournal of Combinatorial Theory.
P. Nand, and A. Adams, “Cascade Correlation for Analogue Problems”, AISAT2000,
Hobart, Australia (International Conference on Artificial Intelligence in Science and
Technology)
M. Reddy, paper “A Lower Triangular Hermite Normal Form for Projection-regular
Lattice rules” delivered at the New Zealand Mathematics Colloquium, 3-6 Dec. 2001,
Palmerston North, New Zealand.
J. Vanualailai, paper “Exponential and Non-exponential Convergence of Solutions in
Some Classes of Nonlinear Systems” delivered at Massey University, New Zealand, 5
December 2001.
J. Vanualailai, paper “Some Stability Criteria for a Class of Volterra = Integrodifferential Systems” delivered at Kyoto University, Japan, 13 November 2001.
J. Vanualailai, “Some Stability Criteria for a Class of Volterra Integro-differential
Systems”, submitted to Electronic Journal of Qualitative Theory and Differential
Equations.
J. Vanualailai, “Exponential and Non-exponential Convergence of Solutions in Some
Classes of Nonlinear Systems”, submitted to Electronic Journal of Differential
Equations
J. Vanualailai and S. Nakagiri, “Stability and Boundedness of Solutions of System of
Volterra Integro-differential Equations”, submitted to Journal of Mathematical
Analysis and Applications.
Y. Zhang, paper “An exact sequence of the Brauer group of finite quantum group”,
delivered at University of Antwerp,Belgium, December 2000.
Y. Zhang, paper “Quantum commutative Galois objects”, delivered at University of
Almeria, Spain, January 2001.
Y. Zhang, paper “Galois coextensions and Quantum commutativity”, delivered at
University of Brussels, Belgium, January-February, 2001.
Y. Zhang, paper “The Brauer group of a Hopf algebra” delivered at University of
Dusseldorf, Germany, February 2001,
Y. Zhang, “The Brauer group of a Hopf algebra”, New directions in Hopf algebras,
MSRI Publications vol. 43 (2002),437-485.
Y. Zhang, “Computing subgroups of the Brauer group of H4”, Communication in
Algebra, in press.
Y. Zhang, Invariants of coalgebras, book accepted by Kluwer Publishers.
Y. Zhang, “An exact sequence of the Brauer group of a finite quantum group”,
submitted to Advance in Mathematics.
Conferences (not listed above)
J. Hosack: participated in “Research Management and Development and Postgraduate
Education Conference”, Auckland Univ. Tech, Nov. 2001.
Y. Khemelevsky: participated in “Fiji GIS & Remote Sensing User Forum, Annual
User Conference”, November 27, 28 & 29, 2001.
Physics
There are 4 key areas of research in the department:
 Applications of Nuclear Techniques,
 Marine Physics,
 Energy and Environment, and

Communications.
Some of these projects involve collaboration with colleagues from other Departments,
and with international organisations.
Applications of Nuclear Techniques
The Nuclear Physics Research Group consists of Dr S. Garimella (Leader), Dr M.J.
Khan, Mr A. Kumar, Mrs U. Prasad, Ms A. Pillay, Mr N. Nand and Professor A.J.
McArthur. The main activity of the research group is the application of nuclear
techniques to study a range of environmentally related topics. Two gamma-ray
spectrometers are available for research. The first is a 10 cm (dia.) x 7.5 cm NaI (T1)
detector (in a 10 cm thick lead shielding) coupled to a 512-channel analyser. The
second is a HPGe detector (resolution 1.80 keV and efficiency 24.5% relative to NaI,
also enclosed in 10 cm thick lead shielding) coupled to a 8196-channel analyser. The
group also has two high-volume air samplers (capacities of 1 m3 min-1 and 2 m3 min-1.
The research activities of the group cover three main categories: nuclear physics,
environmental radioactivity, and neutron activation analysis. The group collaborates
with other scientists both within and beyond USP.
In the category of nuclear physics, Dr Garimella and Professor A. Adams
(Department of Mathematics and Computing Science) have been evaluating
theoretically and experimentally the solid angle subtended by extended radioactive
sources (such as soils, etc.) at a detector. The effect of self-absorption in the source
for low-energy gamma-rays is included in their analysis. Ms Aarti Pillay is currently
investigating the geometry subtended by Marinelli-type sources (containing 40K) with
the NaI (T1) detector as part of her MSc project, under the supervision of Dr
Garimella and Professor Adams.
In the category of environmental radioactivity, regular measurements are made of
natural radioactivity and fallout (from previous nuclear weapon tests) in the
environment of Viti Levu: the air, soil, vegetation and marine samples (sediments,
corals, etc.). Projects currently under investigation are:





Natural radioactivity and 137Cs fallout in soils and marine sediments (Dr
Garimella, Dr Khan, Mrs Prasad and Mr N. Nand).
Concentrations of 7Be in surface air (MSc project of Mr Sushendra Singh,
Department of Chemistry; supervisors: Dr Garimella and Dr K. Koshy).
Agricultural soil erosion studies using the 137Cs technique (PhD project of Mr Ajal
Kumar; supervisors: Dr Garimella, Professor McArthur and Dr J. Terry from the
Geography Department).
Floodplain sedimentation studies using the 137Cs technique (Dr Garimella, Dr J.
Terry (Geography Department) and Dr R. Kostachuk from the Geography
Department, University of Guelph, Canada).
Inter-comparison measurements of environmental radioactivity standards from
EML (Environmental Measurements Laboratory, The Department of Energy, New
York, USA) and IAEA (International Atomic Energy Agency, Vienna, Austria).
The team (Dr Garimella, Mr S. Singh and Mr N. Nand) is measuring radionuclides
in fish from the Irish and North Sea (IAEA-414) and in three samples from EML
(airfilter, soil and vegetation: code QAP009).

In the third category, the chemical composition, particularly of trace elements,
of environmental samples is studied using the method of neutron activation
analysis (NAA). Since Fiji does not have a nuclear reactor, samples under
investigation are irradiated at the Australian Nuclear Science and Technology
Organisation (Sydney) and flown back to Suva for measurement of induced
activities using the HPGe spectrometer. At present investigations are being
carried out on profiles of radiocaesium (137Cs) deposition and elemental
composition in sediment cores from the Suva lagoon by Mr Nitin Nand as part
of his MSc project supervised by Dr Garimella.
The Group established research cooperation with ECOTROUPE Research Group of
the Institute for Development and Research (IRD), Noumea, New Caledonia, to carry
out neutron activation analysis projects and sedimentation rate studies in lagoons and
rivers in Fiji. In this connection Dr. Garimella visited IRD during 6-13 October 2001.
a. Energy and Environment
The main activities in the ‘energy’ area have been projects in renewable energy,
coordinated through the Physics Technology Energy Team (PTET). Dr Kumar took
over the coordinatorship of PTET since the beginning of the year following the
departure of Dr Prasad. The other staff involved in nrenewable energy activities
included: Dr M J Khan, Mr Ajal Kumar, Dr Robert Kennedy. Mr Rupeni Mario,
Professor Godfrey Onwubolu, Mr Samuela Tukana, Dr Samuel Aborhey who has
since left. The current projects include:





Capacity Building for wind power – a joint project between USP, SOPAC and
UNEP, funded by DANIDA. Currently, arrangements are being finalized for
the installation of a demonstration wind energy system, close to the campus.
This facility will be used for teaching, research and raising awareness. Drs
Khan and Kumar are the key personnel involved in this project.
Use of coconut oil as substitute for diesel. Nofaga Sakimi has embarked on a
project, under the supervision of Dr Kumar, as part of his MSc, to look at the
technical and socio-economic implications of using this alternative biofuel in
rural communities using Rotuma as a case study.
Work is underway to complete an ‘Energy Audit’ of the Coca-Cola factory in
Suva. This will involve Drs Kennedy, Khan & Kumar, Mr Ajal Kumar and Mr
Rupeni Mario (post-graduate student in Physics)
Possible collaboration with UNESCO on preparations of ‘Renewable Energy
Kit’. PTET earlier hosted a UNESCO team headed by Tony Marjoram.
Arrangements have been finalized for a Regional Physics Teachers’ workshop
with focus on renewable energy, to be funded by UNESCO, Apia.
Dr Kumar continued to act as the focal point for energy activities at USP and
represents the University on the Council of Regional Organistaions (CROP) Working
Group. He has been involved in the preparation of regional policy on energy.
Dr Kumar is the Co-Chair of the ‘Energy Task Force’ of the Pacific Science
Association, and is coordinating preparations for the convening of a session on energy
at the IX Congress, to be held in Bangkok in 2003.
Dr M J Khan continued his work on modelling of photovoltaic systems.
Professor McArthur's research continued on the Physics of heat loss from animals and
man, including the thermal challenges faced by the newborn. The work included an
assessment of the incidence of heat stress for humans in Suva, both outdoors and
indoors. Ms Mala completed a Masters thesis under the supervision of Professor
McArthur on this subject. This study involved in part an analysis of the sensitivity of
a heat stress index (WGBT) to air temperature, windspeed, solar radiation and
humidity. Professor McArthur continued his work on the physical processes which
govern energy expenditure in the natural environment, including the heat transfer by
forced convection through turbulent boundary layers.
The climate change work also gained more attention, mainly due to Dr Kumar’s own
interest in the UNFCCC and Kyoto Protocol issues. He has continued his involvement
in policy and international climate change negotiations, and serves on several UN
expert panels such as Consultative Group of Experts (CGE) for non- Annex 1
National Communications from the Asia-Pacific region, as well as on the expert
rosters for technology transfer, national communications, greenhouse gas inventory
and vulnerability & adaptation.
Marine Physics
The major activity in this area is the SEREAD project, which is a partnership between
the University of the South Pacific, Department of Physics, Marine Studies
Programme, International Ocean Institute (IOI) – Pacific Islands, South Pacific
Applied Geosciences Commission (SOPAC), Intergovernmental Oceanographic
Commission (IOC) Perth Regional Programme Office, National Institute of Water and
Atmospheric Research (NIWA, New Zealand), UNESCO, Apia, National Oceanic
and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA, USA), the Argo Science Team, and the
Partnership for Observation of the Global Ocean (POGO). SEREAD Project Leader is
Dr Than Aung of Physics Department.
SEREAD (Scientific Educational Resources and Experience Associated with the
Deployment) of Argo profiling floats in the South Pacific Ocean is an educational
programme aimed at providing local examples of ocean/climate science interaction
for Pacific Island secondary schools. Floats that automatically move up and down in
the water (profiling floats) are being deployed in the western Pacific as part of the
global Argo Project. These floats will be tracked by satellite and the data will provide
information on ocean and climate variability.
SEREAD will complement the existing secondary school curriculum in geography,
general science and physics by providing examples of the scientific concepts where
they are most appropriate. The measurements will include changes in temperature and
salinity starting from the sea surface down to a depth of 1 km or greater. Teaching
materials will be developed on a collaborative basis between curriculum developers
and ocean scientists.
Microwave propagation.
Dr V. Ramachandran has initiated work in the area of Radio Wave propagation. A 1.2
m parabolic dish antenna has been installed in the Department. This will be used to
monitor Ku - band signals from Intelsat 701. Currently Mr. Vickal Kumar, GA, has
undertaken a project to study the effect of atmospheric parameters on satellite links.
This project will involve monitoring of the radio signals and parameters like rainfall
rate, Earth’s electric field and wind speed.
Attempts are also being made to revive the functioning of the 5 m dish antenna so that
different satellite signals can be studied.
USP-France Link Programme
The Deparment continued to receive financial support for scientific collaboration
from the French Embassy. Two members of academic staff (Drs S. Garimella and
Aung) visited the Institute for Research and Development (IRD) and the University of
New Caledonia in Noumea to identify areas of common research interest in marine
physics. In addition, Professor McArthur visited Paul Sabatier University in Toulouse
to establish a collabarative research link in environmental physics. The Department
welcomed several research visitors from IRD as well as from the University of French
Polynesia in Tahiti.
PUBLICATIONS
A.
REFEREED PAPERS IN JOURNALS
Ramachandran, V. (2001). Photoconducting cells in the production of AM signals.
Physics Education, vol 36, No2 pp121-3
Ramachandran V, N.R.Nand,R.L. Northcott .(2001) Effect of thunderclouds on space
wave propagation at 10GHz. Accepted for publication. South Pacific J. of Natural
Sciences Vol 19 pp 49-50
Terry, J.P., Garimella, S. and Kostaschuk, R. (2000). Rates of floodplain accretion in
a tropical island river system impacted by cyclones and large floods. Geomorphology
(in press).
B.
BOOKS, CHPTERS IN BOOKS, MANUSCRIPTS
Kumar, M “Confronting Climate Change: Economic Priorities and Climate Protection in
Developing Nations – Pacific Islands Report”. Chapter (24pp, jointly with Anirudh
Singh) in “A Climate of Trust Report”, edited by B. Biagini. NET and Pelangi, 2000
(Launched at COP6, The Hague, Netherlands).
C.
PAPERS PRESENTED
SEMINARS
AT
CONFERENCES,
WORKSHOPS,
Aung, T "Sea Level Monitoring in the Pacific and the role of Geodesy Survey",
invited paper for "The Fiji Institute of Surveyors", Mini Congress, 20-21 October,
Korotoga, Fiji
Khan, M J ‘Optimum designs for photovoltaic systems in Fiji’, ISES 2001 - Solar
World Congress, Adelaide, Australia
Kumar, M ‘Adaptation options for Pacific Island countries’, Guam Inter Congress, June
2001
Kumar, M “Energy Sector of the Pacific Islands”. Paper to UNEP-IEA Regional
(Asia-Pacific) Workshop on “Energy Subsidy Reform and Sustainable Development”,
Bangkok, 16-17 January
Ramachandran, V, ‘Site Report, USP, Fiji’, Post Partners Project Training Seminar
31 July- 4 August 2001.
D.
TECHNICAL REPORTS, NEWSLETTERS
Aung, T "Scientific Education in the Pacific", TIEMPO: Global Warming and the
Third World, Issue 40/41, September 2001, University of East Anglia, United
Kingdom, 16-18
Kumar, M ‘Is there hope for Kyoto Protocol’, The Sun, 15 April 2001
Kumar, M ‘ The resumed Sixth Session of the Conference of Parties – the fate of
Kyoto Protocol’, USP Beat, May 2001
Kumar, M ‘Possible PIC Strategies in ‘Technology Transfer’ and ‘Adverse Effects of
Climate Change’, Regional Climate Change Meeting, Nadi, June 2001
Earth Science
Opportunities for close collaboration with the Fiji Mineral Resources Department
(MRD), and with South Pacific Applied Geoscience Commission (SOPAC) have
been utilised by Earth Science staff. Father John Bonato continues with investigation
into the chemical weathering patterns of some of Fiji’s tertiary basalts, soil genesis on
basalts, and lateritisation Mr Antoine De Biran (Temp. Assistant Lecturer, Earth
Science) completed his research on geophysical aspects of the Sigatoka sand dunes,
and was awarded his PhD. The research activities of other staff contributing to the
Earth Science programme may be referred to in other relevant departmental sections
in this Annual Report. The Earth Science Coordinator continued to act as the official
University representative on the General Council of SOPAC, and was in attendance at
the full meeting of the Annual Session held in Majuro, October 2001.
School of Social and Economic Development
Introduction and overview
The School staff continued to actively engage in research on a wide variety of
research topics in Fiji and other member countries of the region. A major constraint
on research was the high staff turnover and rather heavy teaching and related work
load of staff who remained in the departments. Many of the research projects had
policy implications. The research conducted were largely department based with little
inter-departmental cooperation in the area of research. Some research activities were
conducted by teams of two or more persons but most were undertaken on an
individual basis. Funding for most research activities was obtained from the
University Research Committee but there were a number of research projects funded
by external agencies, such as the McArthur Foundation, the Ford Foundation, the
World Wild Life Fund and the Foundation for the Peoples of the South Pacific.
Staff researched, wrote papers and monographs for publications as well as presented
their findings in international conferences. The areas of research were diverse which
reflect the disciplinary interests of the different departments of the School. The
Department of Accounting and Financial Management researched international
accounting standards, finance for small businesses, performance appraisal in the
public sector in Fiji, audit evidence evaluation, impediments to e-commerce,
management accounting and control systems (MACs), banking and entrepreneurial
development, banking ombudsman, communication strategies in accounting and
distant education and the impact of wholesale adaptation of international accounting
standards in PICs. A severe shortage of staff hamstrung research in the department of
economics. However, research was carried out on currency regimes, public sector
reforms, micro-fianance as credit delivery system in the region, cost -benefit analysis
of an integrated rural development project, productivity performance and electoral
systems.
As a result of an extensive departmental multi-specialist team research on Niue, a text
book for senior secondary and first year undergraduate students is in the pipeline by
the geographers in the School. Their other areas of research included environmental
change and oral traditions, rising sea level and climate change, biodiversity of
Kadavu and Gau islands in Fiji, coastline, reef and biological organisms in the
channel between Yanuca Island and the Cuvu coast on Viti Levu, Padanus
conservation in Kiribati and the effects of tropical cyclones on fluvial and
hydrological processes in the Rewa River.
Security in the South Pacific region was very appropriately a major research concern
of the department of History Politics. Staff in this department researched security
issues in Papua New Guinea, Fiji, the Solomon Islands and Vanuatu. Politics in
Melanesia remained an on-going research interest as was electoral systems. Microlevel studies of leadership struggles in Western Samoa were also carried out. Staff
research interest also extended to the politics of reform in the region, governance and
regional tuna management and conservation regime.
The departments of Land Management and Development and Management and
Public Administration examined land tenure and land productivity issues, and culture,
technology and tourism management respectively. Centre of Development Studies
staff also researched land tenure in Fiji from the perspective of tenants whose ALTA
leases were expiring. They also continued their research on the informal sector,
squatter settlements and water and sanitation, the sugar industry, and international
migration.
Research interests of the Sociologists in the School in 2001 included, rural
development, Natacileka Fishing Project for young people, ethnic conflict resolution,
religious movements and development, globalisation, labour rights and standards,
social capital and development thinking and the sociology of health.
Colleagues in the Marine Affairs Programme researched marine resource
management, fisheries management and traditional knowledge in Fiji in relation to
marine resources. Staff in the MBA programme researched public sector reform in
Australia, business environment, international marketing, and public policy. Associate
Professor Jide Olutimayin's report on the last topic earned him the award for the best
paper at the 13th Annual Conference of the Western Division Sciences Insitute
(WDSI) held in Vancouver, Canada. A research on Adolescent Profile of Fiji was
reported by the Population Studies Programme.
The School's Tourism Studies Programme researched amongst other topics, industry
training and educational needs in the region, attitudes of traditional land owners to
and their involvement in tourism plants in Fiji and ecotourism in Fiji.
Postgraduate thesis students whose numbers continue to raise in the School pursued
research in a whole variety of areas. Those who sought and were awarded research
funds are listed in the University Research Committee's list of student recipients of
funds.
Accounting and Financial Management
Staff Research Interests
Mr Chand continued work for his Master’s thesis addressing the issue of the relevance
of International Accounting Standards to Fiji, and the Fiji Institute of Accountants
strategy towards the adoption of these standards. Ms Kanaenabogi is engaged in work
relating to financing opportunities for small-scale businesses. Ms Nath has been
studying the efficacy of performance appraisal measures in the public sector, an area
she will pursue in her PhD studies. Dr Patel is working on audit evidence evaluation
and factors affecting electronic commerce business success and failures. Mr Umesh
Sharma’s research objectives are to understand and analyse the nature and context in
which accounting and control systems operate, to study the working of management
accounting and control systems (MACS) in private and public enterprises within
historical, social and political dimensions of the economy, to understand the
dialectical interplay of structures of control and agency in organisations, and the issue
of relational power within the dialectic of control. Professor Sharma is involved in
research work relating to banking regulation, establishment utilisation, banking
operating costs, assumptions and attitudes towards risk in the banking sector, the role
of banks in entrepreneurial development at the grassroots level, and determinants of
lapsation of life insurance policies. Mr Pramendra Sharma was awarded his Master’s
degree after completing his thesis, which examines the case for a banking ombudsman
in Fiji. Professor White’s current research interests relate to the efficiency of
communication strategies employed by accountants and distance educators. Work is
underway on assessing the impact the wholesale adoption of the International
Accounting Standards will have on reporting entities and the accounting profession in
Fiji.
Economics
Staff Research and Development
The research output of the Department was greatly affected by the shortage of staff,
which led to a substantial increase in their teaching loads. A series of working papers
produced by the Department has had some appeal for a wider audience: requests have
been received for them especially from Australia and New Zealand.
Dr Jayaraman is pursuing his research on currency reform and management in the
South Pacific. Dr Sharma is working on the public sector downsizing in the Cook
Islands. Dr Fraenkel, who is a joint appointment with the History/Politics Department,
is engaged in work relating to electoral systems in the South Pacific Island countries.
Mr Barrett is involved in research work relating to cost–benefit analysis of integrated
rural development projects. Mr Rao’s current research work relates to the relevance of
micro-finance as the credit delivery system for the region. Mr Chand is concentrating
on his work relating to various aspects of productivity performance for Fiji.
Filipo Tokalau has won sponsorship from the Fijian Affairs Board to pursue his PhD
at the University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand in 2002. He will be on study leave
from USP for three years with effect from 15 February 2002.
Umesh Chand was awarded a fellowship by the International Labour Organization to
undertake training in Management of Development at the International Training
Centre of the ILO, University of Turin, Italy, from February to May 2002.
Geography
Research and Consultancy
The thematic volume on the Geography of Niue, targeting high-school students and
first-year undergraduates, is being edited by Dr Terry and it is hoped it will be
published during 2002. This has been the major cooperative effort on the part of the
Department.
Professor Nunn continued an active research programme. He received three major
research grants in 2001. One from USP was to look at the Environmental and
Geological Significance of Pacific Island Myths and develops his innovative theme
published in The Geographical Journal and elsewhere. The next, also from USP, was to
investigate Environmental change, early human settlement, and associated oral
traditions on Qamea and nearby islands in northeast Fiji. Fieldwork for this project
was completed over three weeks in December in association with the Fiji Museum and
was aided by eight undergraduate and two graduate students. The third grant was under
the international programme Assessments of Impacts and Adaptations to Climate
Change (AIACC), START-International, and entitled Integrated Methods and Models
for Assessing Coastal Vulnerability and Adaptation to Climate Change in Pacific
Island Countries. It was written jointly with Dr K Koshy of the University’s new
Environment Centre and is worth nearly one quarter of a million US dollars.
Professor Nunn contributed the lead research article in a special issue of the New
Zealand Geographer in honour of the retirement of Professor John Flenley of Massey
University. The article evaluated whether ‘ecological crises or marginal disruptions’
marked the arrival of the first humans in the Pacific Islands. Professor Nunn also
published articles along similar lines in the international journal Environment and
History, an article described in the accompanying editorial as ‘a major revisionist
essay’, and in the South Pacific Journal of Natural Science, the latter with four of his
postgraduate students.
Under the MacArthur Foundation–USP Community-Based Biodiversity Conservation
in Melanesia Project, he coordinated and participated in community based
biodiversity surveys by teams of USP students and staff in Kadavu and Gau.
Professor Thaman was also heavily involved in USP consultancy work during 2001.
In February he served as a consultant, along with Dr James Terry and a number of
Geography students, to the Foundation for the Peoples of the South Pacific, Suva and
the Shangri-La’s Fijian Resort, Fiji. They conducted studies on change over time and
the current status of the coastline, reef and biological organisms in the channel
between Yanuca Island and the coastline of Cuvu, Nadroga (Viti Levu, Fiji Islands).
In September he served as consultant to the Pacific Islands Forests and Trees Support
Programme and the Government of the Republic of Kiribati for the establishment of the
Kiribati Pandanus Conservation Project to establish a pandanus varietal collection and
to record ethnobotanical information. In November he served as consultant and
resource person for the First Herbal Plant Workshop held in Majuro and organised by
the USP Marshall Islands Centre, Majuro. In December he served as a consultant to
FAO, serving as resource person, facilitator, fieldtrip organiser and rapporteur for the
FAO Regional Forestry Workshop on Trees Outside Forests, Raffles Gateway Hotel,
Nadi, Fiji Islands, 10–14 December 2001.
Dr James Terry continued his major 4-year research project examining the effects of
tropical cyclones on fluvial and hydrological processes in the Rewa river drainage
basin in Fiji. This is collaborative with the Geography Department at the University of
Guelph in Canada, the Fiji PWD Hydrology Section, and the Physics Department,
USP.
Dr Terry headed the Geography team (which, as already noted, also included Prof.
Thaman) invited by the Foundation for the Peoples of the South Pacific (FSP) to
investigate the causes of deteriorating environmental conditions in the Yanuca
Channel at the Shangri-La’s Fijian Resort in Cuvu.s He also joined Ed Lovell from
Biological Consultants Limited to write an EIA (Environmental Impact Assessment)
for the Fiji government, to determine the possible environmental impacts of dredging
the Nadi River.
History/Politics
Major research achievements
Scott MacWilliam completed research for a book on Fiji politics to be entitled Things
Crash (Again): the Reaction of Racial Development, and for a monograph on
governance to be called The Public Governance of Private Money: Fijian Holdings
Ltd. Sandra Tarte continued her research on the development of a regional tuna
management and conservation regime for the Pacific. She also conducted research on
Japan’s official development assistance in the Pacific islands to update her 1998 book
on Japan’s aid to the region. Sandra Tarte and Tarcisius Kabutaulaka also researched
and co-authored a paper on regional security, to be published in an edited collection in
2002. Morgan Tuimaleali’ifano and Jonathan Fraenkel were awarded research funds
by the SSED research committee for a project on the impact of the preferential voting
system in the 2001 Fiji elections. Jonathan Fraenkel continued to research, and
publish on, Fiji’s electoral politics. Morgan was also awarded funds to conduct
research on leadership struggles among village and district titleholders in Samoa.
Tarcisius Kabutaulaka continued to research a book on the Solomon Islands crisis and
give seminars on the evolving situation there. In November he spent two weeks as a
visiting scholar at the Center for Pacific Islands Studies at the University of Hawai’i,
where he worked on a paper and presented a number of lectures on the Solomons
crisis. Stewart Firth spent his sabbatical researching state and politics in Melanesia.
The outcomes of earlier research can be seen in the Department’s more significant
publications during the year, listed in Appendix IV.
Land Management and Development
Research, publications and consultancy
As in 2000, and indeed for the foreseeable future, the prioritisation of qualifications
upgrading has been a guiding principle in the department’s research programme. Such
research activity is at a cost to publications and consultancy activity, particularly
when it also has to be balanced with teaching and administrative duties. Appendix IV
gives an indication of what publication and presentation achievements were possible
despite these constraints.
In 2001 five members of the team presented papers at the Pacific Rim Real Estate
Society (PRRES) annual conference in Adelaide in January. Matt Myers and Spike
Boydell presented papers at the 1st World Congress of the International Real Estate
Society (IRES) in Alaska in July. Spike Boydell also presented at the Cutting Edge
2001, the RICS Foundation Conference in Oxford, UK in September, where he was
also invited to be the conference dinner speaker. All such appearances help to create a
space for the region in the vocational discipline of Land Management as well as
establishing an international research identity for the department.
Given the ongoing political and quasi-spiritual nature of land—particularly in Fiji
although characteristic also of the entire region—the team have purposely tended to
avoid mass media commentary on land issues. They have generally opted instead to
publish and present offshore, whilst continuing to advise government(s), the NLTB
(Fiji Native Land Trust Board), NGOs and the regional community on a more
informal basis.
The UN Food and Agriculture Organization commissioned two reports: Land tenure
and Agricultural Productivity, and Land Tenure and Land conflict in the South
Pacific. This selection of the department is seen as recognition of our regional
leadership in matters of Land Tenure. The department is running a major regional
event—the South Pacific Land Tenure Conflict Symposium—on behalf of the FAO,
the USP and the RICS Foundation in April 2002.
Management and Public administration
Major research achievements
The department has continued its active engagement in research and publication,
although increasing pressure on the staff occasioned by the demands of face-to-face
and extension mode teaching make it increasingly difficult to allocate time and energy
to these essential activities. (Appendix IV includes some details about MPA staff
members’ research publications that have appeared since the last annual report was
made.)
The departmental Working Paper series commenced in 2000 continued to provide a
platform, three working papers being published by the department in the year 2001.
Dr Narendra Reddy, Senior Lecturer and Coordinator of Business Studies, spent 6
months of his annual and sabbatical leave in Aalborg University, Denmark and
completed his book, General Managers in the South Pacific, published in November
2001 by the Aalborg University.
Dr RD Pathak, with a professor from IIT, Delhi, jointly authored a research book
titled Management of Technology, published by Anmol Publications of New Delhi.
Faculty members of MPA continued to participate in international conferences and
presented papers. Dr Narendra Reddy chaired a session on Public Enterprises at the
Pan-Pacific Conference held in Chile in May 2001. Dr R D Pathak was the reviewer
for conference papers and a session co-chair in the Xth World Business Congress
hosted by the International Management Development Association and the University
of Zagreb in Croatia in July 2001. Dr Pathak also presented a paper in an R & D
Management Conference in New Zealand in February 2001 as well as in the
conference in Athens organised by the International Association of Schools and
Institutes of Administration in July 2001.
Mr Julian Sing, who recently joined the department as a Tutor, was sponsored by the
department to attend and participate in the 2001 Fiji Tourism Forum held at the
Warwick Fiji, 13–14 December 2001.
Sociology
During 2001, the department continued to develop and enhance its research profile.
Patrick Vakaoti completed a case study of the Natacileka Fishing Project. This was a
collaborative CYP–UNICEF study into young people’s participation in situation
analysis and decision-making processes and governance. Patrick has also had a report
on his study of marginalised youth in Fiji published in the Development Bulletin (see
Appendix IV).
Dr Steven Ratuva completed a major study on ethnic and other conflict and identities
in Fiji for the Ecumenical Centre for Research, Education and Advocacy (ECREA),
the Eastern Mennonite University and the World Council of Churches. This study
received a lot of attention from policy makers and the NGO community concerned
with conflict and development issues in Fiji. Dr Ratuva also recommenced the
School’s seminar series, which was formally launched by the Vice-Chancellor.
In March, Dr Lynda Newland joined the Department. Dr Newland developed a
research programme on new religious movements and development in the South
Pacific. The department expects that this research programme will be reflected in its
teachings from 2003.
Dr Ropate Qalo, together with Professor Nii-K Plange, offered courses for the
Postgraduate Diploma in Social Services programme. At the end of the year, Dr Qalo
was elected to serve as Assistant to the Head of SSED in 2001, succeeding Dr Ratuva.
From April 2001, Dr Satendra Prasad assumed the headship of the Department,
replacing Professor Nii-K Plange, who had been Head of Department since 1988.
Overall, the Department’s teaching and research interests have closely mirrored
social, political and economic developments in the South Pacific. The Department’s
teaching and research have traversed issues such as conflict and development, health
and social development in the South Pacific, globalisation, labour rights and
standards, social capital and the place of social capital in developmental thinking,
youth issues, new social and religious movements in the South Pacific and a number
of related themes. A satisfactory research output was achieved in spite of the heavy
teaching load overall.
Centre for Development Studies
Staff Research
The publication of reports and journal articles, and conference presentations, reflect a
solid base of academic research on the part of the staff. (Further details of
publications and presentations are given in Appendix IV.) Dr Reddy and Professor
Naidu completed a research project funded by the University Grants Committee on
‘Farmers’ Perceptions on Expiring Land leases’. The Asia Pacific Migration Network
(APMN) funded another research project on migration and resettlement options for
sugarcane farmers with expired or expiring leases. Professor Naidu, Dr Reddy and Dr
Mohanty carried out URC-funded research on ‘Impediments for the Informal Sector
in Fiji’. The research results are currently being analysed.
Dr Reddy attended the Australian Agricultural and Resource Economics Society
Conference in Australia and, in Tonga, a Workshop on Agricultural Trade. Dr Reddy,
in collaboration with Dr Padma Lal from the Australian National University,
completed research on land legislation and the sugar industry as part of the F$800,000
Fiji Sugar Industry Project funded by the Australian Centre for International
Agricultural Research (ACIAR). Continuation of this important project has been put
on hold until the political climate in the country achieves greater stability. Dr Reddy
also carried out an extensive survey of low cost housing in Fiji and data from this
research are being analysed. Dr Mohanty has been researching international migration
from Fiji. He has also carried out primary research on water and sanitation among
squatter communities in Suva and Lautoka.
Marine Affairs Programme
Major research achievements
Joeli has completed his first year on the job since completing his studies. Joeli’s PhD
is in Resource and Environmental Management and Development. It is hoped that this
will be followed soon by Ms Ram-Bidesi, who continues as a PhD student at the
University of Wollongong and is expected to rejoin MAP in 2003–2004. Ms Faletoese
has completed her appointment as Ms Ram-Bidesi’s replacement.
Joeli was asked by UNESCO to write a paper for a book they are preparing on
Traditional Knowledge. Joeli’s contribution titled ‘Taking Advantage of Traditional
Knowledge: the Fiji Case’ will be published and translated into the main languages of
the UNESCO.
Together with Professor Thaman (of the Geography Department) and with the able
assistance of Fulori, Sue and Nani at MSP, Joeli assisted in hosting the 6th Roundtable
for Nature Conservation at USP, 29 October – 2 November. Given its shoestring
budget, it was a well organised and successful meeting attended by approximately 50
participants, over 2/3 of whom visited USP from abroad and from elsewhere within
Fiji. We at MAP are grateful for the assistance and support provided by the ViceChancellor’s Office, Professor Thaman, Professor South of MSP, Professor
Aalbersberg of IAS, the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF), UNDP and The Nature
Conservancy.
MBA Programme
Research, publications and conference presentations
During 2001 MBA teaching staff completed several research projects that resulted in
either publications or conference presentations. Details of these are given in Appendix
IV. Highlights include the production in Suva of Professor McMaster’s co-authored
book Public Enterprise Divestment: Australian Case Studies, which has been widely
distributed among libraries and educational institutions in Australia and the South
Pacific region. Dr Olutimayin was awarded the best paper in Public Policy at the 13th
Annual International Conference of the Western Division Sciences Institute (WDSI)
held in Vancouver, Canada. The paper he presented is a three-country comparison of
redirecting concepts of innovation and research work in developing countries.
Professor McMaster presented a paper at the conference of the International
Association of Schools and Institutes of Administration (IASIA) held in Athens. He
and Professor Nowak also presented papers at the World Business Congress of the
International Management Development Association held in Zagreb, Croatia. Dr
Kolay presented a paper at the Asian Academy of Management (AAM) conference,
held in Johor Bahru, Malaysia.
Populations Studies Programme
Research and publications
Mrs Chandra launched a set of publications reporting her research towards developing
an Adolescent Profile of Fiji.
Tourism Studies Programme
Major research achievements
Dr Berno continued research funded by the Asia 2000 Foundation in New Zealand on
the adjustment of Asian students in New Zealand. This research is being undertaken
in collaboration with Dr Colleen Ward of Victoria University Wellington. Dr Berno
also continued her research project on Tourism Training and Education Needs in the
South Pacific: Balancing University Education, Industry Needs and Student
Expectations. The first stage of this research was completed in 2001. Dr Berno spent
time undertaking this, and other research at the National University of Singapore,
Victoria University Wellington and at Lincoln University in New Zealand, where she
holds an Honorary Research Associateship. Mr Waqaisavou continued his research on
Tourism in Fiji: Attitudes and Involvement of Native Landowners in the
Accommodation Sector. Kelly Bricker completed her project, Ecotourism in Fiji: An
exploratory analysis of the marketplace, in May 2001.
University Extension


One research project, a survey of USP's first major use of the USPNet facilities in
2/2000, was undertaken in 2000 by 2 senior DEU staff with support from 2 I&J
staff, and completed in 2001 with some interesting findings for policy and
procedural developments particularly for multimode course delivery at USP.
Staff continued to be involved in consultancies requiring course development and
editing expertise for FSM and SPC in 2001.
University Research Financial Statement
as at 31st December, 2001 for URC Meeting.
F$
Balance as at 31/12/2000
F$
28,261.30
Transfer in from recurrent account
(262,500.00)
Add Balances From Closed Projects
6161
Prof. Ian Gaskell
6523
Dr. Kelly Bricker
6553
Dr. Kelly Bricker
6317
Dr. Angela Jokhan
6613
Jayshree Mamtora
(171.20)
(174.36)
(3,614.96)
(5,360.02)
(172.28)
Less Allocations
6008
Inter- Library : SSED
6009
Inter- Library : SoL
6055
Aaron Kama
6056
Martin Aregheore
6164
Unaisi Nabobo
6165
France Mugler
6166
John Lynch
6327
Dr. Anand Tyagi
6366
Mani Naicker
6367
6368
Dr. Craig Morley
Prof. Godfrey Onwubolu
6369
Apisolome Movono
6370
6371
6372
Gunnar Keppel
Tasleem Javed Hassan
Dr. Timothy Pickering
6373
Francis Mani
6546
Prof. Patrick Nunn
6562
Prof. Patrick Nunn
6565
Dr. Vijay Naidu
6568
Prof. Nii K Plange
1,500.00
500.00
5,890.00
9,939.00
1,848.40
300.00
1,663.71
9,475.00
4,869.10
19,277.00
8,404.97
4,850.00
11,339.00
10,601.73
4,504.68
4,887.48
5,240.00
7,235.00
4,443.18
7,648.00
(9,492.82)
Dr
6569
Dr. K L Sharma
6570
6571
6572
Prof. Patrick Nunn
Prof. Patrick Nunn
Ianesi Faasisilia Enosa
6573
Isikeli Sauliga
6574
James N Toa
6576
Prof. Nii K Plange
6577
Dr. Manoranjan Monhanty
6578
Roreti Eritai
6579
6580
Prof. Randy Thaman
Niraj Swami
6581
Dr. Narendra Reddy
6616
Melchior Mataki
6733
Mohammed Ahmadu
6734
Sue Faran
4,500.00
40,307.00
11,012.00
3,769.10
2,240.75
4,514.00
4,124.00
3,480.00
3,020.50
12,685.00
1,768.00
4,951.00
1,598.10
6,851.00
13,552.18
242,788.88
Inter-Library charges
36.00
Balance as at 31st December 2001
(906.64)
Cr
Inter Library Loan balance as at 31/12/2001 Trial balance as follows:
F$
Extension Services
6003
School of Humanities
6004
School of Pure & Applied Science
6005
Institute
s
School of Agriculture
6006
School of Social & Economic Developments
6008
School of Law
6009
6007
(40.14)
(152.04)
(72.89)
(358.90)
(250.00)
820.41
(500.00)
Vote code: 6002-3301-XXXXX-00
RESEARCHE DEP FUND OR
R
T
GN
RESEARCH PROJECT
NET
RESEAR
CH
EXPEN BALAN
SES
CE
31ALLOCA TRANS INCUR Dec-01
TION
FERS
RED
SCHOOL OF AGRICULTURE
SOA
SOA 6A00 11 Balance(@1st Jan 2001) - $0
Research
1
11
Com
Projects allocated in 2001
Allocation for 2001
$3,900.00
Balance as at 31st Dec 2001 - $3900.00
SCHOOL OF HUMANITIES
SOH
SOH 6B00 12 Balance(@1st Jan 2001) - $10745.50 (overspent)
Research
1
01
Com
Projects allocated in 2001
Dr. H
SOH 6B010 122 Translation of Parts of Rotuman
Schimdt
1 Customs
Prof. Ian
SOH 6B011 122 Analysis of the Wan Smolbag
Gaskell
1 Theatre
Allocation for 2001
- (2,960)
(2,960)
2,366
(2,962)
(596)
$17,900.00
Balance as at 31st Dec 2001 - $1232.50
SCHOOL OF PURE & APPLIED
SCIENCE
SPAS
Research
Com.
SPA 6C001 13 Balance(@1st Jan 2001) - $14,379.25
S
01
Projects allocated in 2001
Dr. M Maata SPAS 6C005 132
1
Ferral Lasi
SPAS 6C006 160
1
Dr. R
SPAS 6C007 131
Cumming
1
Dr. A
SPAS 6C008 131
Champion
1
Ms. Preeti
SPAS 6C009 132
1
Shirley
SPAS 6C010 160
Mohammed
1
Jita
SPAS 6C011 134
Vanualailai
1
Dr. Y Zhang SPAS 6C012 136
1
Chemical Studies on Edible
Algae from Kiribati
Seasonal Patterns in the
Population Dynamics
Monitoring Coral Population
(4,914)
(4,440)
(198)
3,903 (1,209)
4,350
(90)
(4,981)
- (4,981)
(4,900)
208 (4,692)
(4,649)
1,030 (3,619)
(3,150)
3,150
-
(5,250)
5,250
-
(1,947)
1,947
-
Coral Reef Monitoring Program
Effect of Temp, Moist content in
soil
Biodiversity of Bethnic Fauna of
Suva & Nadi
Analysis of Non-linear dynamic
systems
Brauer Group of a finite grp …..
Allocation for 2001
$32,200.00
Balance as at 31st Dec 2001 - $12,150.25
SCHOOL OF SOCIAL & ECO
DEVELOPMENT
SSED
SSE 6D00 14 Balance(@1st Jan 2001) - $10,375.50(overspent)
Research
D
1
01
Com.
Projects allocated in 2001
Morgan
SSE 6D018
Tuimaleali'ifa D
no
Dr. Ebernand SSE 6D019
Weber
D
Luisa
SSE 6D020
Kanaenabogi
D
Dr. T K
SSE 6D021
Jayaraman
D
Dr. Lynda
SSE 6D022
Newland
D
Dr. Jonathan SSE 6D023
Frankel
D
Malakai
SSE 6D024
Niulevu
D
Allocation for 2001
144 Village Governance & Samoa
1 2001 Elections
143
1
141
1
143
1
147
1
144
1
146
1
(2,720)
2,720
-
(4,150)
4,150
-
(400)
345
(55)
(2,531)
2,371
(160)
Vulnerablities in the Pacific
Small Business Financing
Stability of Money Demand
Function
Impact of Charismatic &
Pentecostal Churches
Rivalry for Chiefly Titles &
Exchange of Pref Votes
Reinvesting the Corporative
Movement in Fiji
(2,840)
999 (1,841)
(2,228)
936 (1,292)
(2,020)
$29,400.00
Balance as at 31st Dec 2001 - $2,135.21
SCHOOL OF LAW
SoL
SoL
Research
Com.
6
15 Balance(@1st Jan 2001) - $1,439.00
E001 01
Projects allocated in 2001
Allocation for 2001
Expenses
$4,100
$2,863
Balance as at 31st Dec 2001 $2,676.00
2,500
480