Economic modelling of countries in transition and artificial intelligence applications to economic
- Authors: Veliev, Raoul
- Date: 2000
- Type: Text , Thesis , PhD
- Full Text: false
- Description: The basic aims of this research were twofold. Firstly to develop a new macroeconomic model, which was aimed at capturing particularities of countries in transition and the case study was the economy of Azerbaijan. Secondly several methods of artificial intelligence data mining were developed and applied to economic modelling.
- Description: Doctor of Philosophy
- Authors: Veliev, Raoul
- Date: 2000
- Type: Text , Thesis , PhD
- Full Text: false
- Description: The basic aims of this research were twofold. Firstly to develop a new macroeconomic model, which was aimed at capturing particularities of countries in transition and the case study was the economy of Azerbaijan. Secondly several methods of artificial intelligence data mining were developed and applied to economic modelling.
- Description: Doctor of Philosophy
Effect of proteins and low molecular weight surfactants on spray-drying and powder properties of sugar-rich foods
- Authors: Jayasundera, Mithila
- Date: 2011
- Type: Text , Thesis , PhD
- Full Text:
- Description: The effect of proteins and low molecular weight surfactants on spray-drying and powder properties of sugar-rich foods has been studied. This PhD study was aimed at quantifying both the extent and effects of the migration of protein and surfactant to the powder surface of spray-dried sugar-rich foods and their implications for powder formation yields and the powder properties such as moisture content, water activity, particle size, glass transition temperature, amorphous/crystalline nature, surface protein coverage, surface stickiness and reconstitution (solubility). The use of proteins and to a lesser extent surfactants as drying aids for sugar rich foods is novel. Sodium caseinate can act as a ‘smart’ drying aid in producing powders out of sugar-rich foods due to their higher solubility and better film-forming property. The remarkable behaviour of sodium caseinate as a drying aid, especially for sucrose is a very significant result both scientifically and commercially. The surface protein coverage and the recovery of the powder in sucrose–protein systems were found to be very sensitive in the presence of low molecular weight surfactants as the concentration of the sodium caseinate in the bulk was below its critical micelle concentration. However, the type of low molecular weight surfactants had no effect on the amorphous nature of fructose–protein powders mainly due to higher protein content (higher than critical micelle concentration) in these powders. It has been found that the nature of the sugar (sucrose or fructose), especially its glass transition temperature determines the extent of protein required to achieve a comparable powder recovery. The maximum solubility of the protein content of sugar–protein and sugar–protein–surfactant powders was achieved within 5 minutes of dissolution.
- Description: Doctor of Philosophy
- Authors: Jayasundera, Mithila
- Date: 2011
- Type: Text , Thesis , PhD
- Full Text:
- Description: The effect of proteins and low molecular weight surfactants on spray-drying and powder properties of sugar-rich foods has been studied. This PhD study was aimed at quantifying both the extent and effects of the migration of protein and surfactant to the powder surface of spray-dried sugar-rich foods and their implications for powder formation yields and the powder properties such as moisture content, water activity, particle size, glass transition temperature, amorphous/crystalline nature, surface protein coverage, surface stickiness and reconstitution (solubility). The use of proteins and to a lesser extent surfactants as drying aids for sugar rich foods is novel. Sodium caseinate can act as a ‘smart’ drying aid in producing powders out of sugar-rich foods due to their higher solubility and better film-forming property. The remarkable behaviour of sodium caseinate as a drying aid, especially for sucrose is a very significant result both scientifically and commercially. The surface protein coverage and the recovery of the powder in sucrose–protein systems were found to be very sensitive in the presence of low molecular weight surfactants as the concentration of the sodium caseinate in the bulk was below its critical micelle concentration. However, the type of low molecular weight surfactants had no effect on the amorphous nature of fructose–protein powders mainly due to higher protein content (higher than critical micelle concentration) in these powders. It has been found that the nature of the sugar (sucrose or fructose), especially its glass transition temperature determines the extent of protein required to achieve a comparable powder recovery. The maximum solubility of the protein content of sugar–protein and sugar–protein–surfactant powders was achieved within 5 minutes of dissolution.
- Description: Doctor of Philosophy
Effective and efficient kernel-based image representations for classification and retrieval
- Authors: Karmakar, Priyabrata
- Date: 2018
- Type: Text , Thesis , PhD
- Full Text:
- Description: Image representation is a challenging task. In particular, in order to obtain better performances in different image processing applications such as video surveillance, autonomous driving, crime scene detection and automatic inspection, effective and efficient image representation is a fundamental need. The performance of these applications usually depends on how accurately images are classified into their corresponding groups or how precisely relevant images are retrieved from a database based on a query. Accuracy in image classification and precision in image retrieval depend on the effectiveness of image representation. Existing image representation methods have some limitations. For example, spatial pyramid matching, which is a popular method incorporating spatial information in image-level representation, has not been fully studied to date. In addition, the strengths of pyramid match kernel and spatial pyramid matching are not combined for better image matching. Kernel descriptors based on gradient, colour and shape overcome the limitations of histogram-based descriptors, but suffer from information loss, noise effects and high computational complexity. Furthermore, the combined performance of kernel descriptors has limitations related to computational complexity, higher dimensionality and lower effectiveness. Moreover, the potential of a global texture descriptor which is based on human visual perception has not been fully explored to date. Therefore, in this research project, kernel-based effective and efficient image representation methods are proposed to address the above limitations. An enhancement is made to spatial pyramid matching in terms of improved rotation invariance. This is done by investigating different partitioning schemes suitable to achieve rotation-invariant image representation and the proposal of a weight function for appropriate level contribution in image matching. In addition, the strengths of pyramid match kernel and spatial pyramid are combined to enhance matching accuracy between images. The existing kernel descriptors are modified and improved to achieve greater effectiveness, minimum noise effects, less dimensionality and lower computational complexity. A novel fusion approach is also proposed to combine the information related to all pixel attributes, before the descriptor extraction stage. Existing kernel descriptors are based only on gradient, colour and shape information. In this research project, a texture-based kernel descriptor is proposed by modifying an existing popular global texture descriptor. Finally, all the contributions are evaluated in an integrated system. The performances of the proposed methods are qualitatively and quantitatively evaluated on two to four different publicly available image databases. The experimental results show that the proposed methods are more effective and efficient in image representation than existing benchmark methods.
- Description: Doctor of Philosophy
- Authors: Karmakar, Priyabrata
- Date: 2018
- Type: Text , Thesis , PhD
- Full Text:
- Description: Image representation is a challenging task. In particular, in order to obtain better performances in different image processing applications such as video surveillance, autonomous driving, crime scene detection and automatic inspection, effective and efficient image representation is a fundamental need. The performance of these applications usually depends on how accurately images are classified into their corresponding groups or how precisely relevant images are retrieved from a database based on a query. Accuracy in image classification and precision in image retrieval depend on the effectiveness of image representation. Existing image representation methods have some limitations. For example, spatial pyramid matching, which is a popular method incorporating spatial information in image-level representation, has not been fully studied to date. In addition, the strengths of pyramid match kernel and spatial pyramid matching are not combined for better image matching. Kernel descriptors based on gradient, colour and shape overcome the limitations of histogram-based descriptors, but suffer from information loss, noise effects and high computational complexity. Furthermore, the combined performance of kernel descriptors has limitations related to computational complexity, higher dimensionality and lower effectiveness. Moreover, the potential of a global texture descriptor which is based on human visual perception has not been fully explored to date. Therefore, in this research project, kernel-based effective and efficient image representation methods are proposed to address the above limitations. An enhancement is made to spatial pyramid matching in terms of improved rotation invariance. This is done by investigating different partitioning schemes suitable to achieve rotation-invariant image representation and the proposal of a weight function for appropriate level contribution in image matching. In addition, the strengths of pyramid match kernel and spatial pyramid are combined to enhance matching accuracy between images. The existing kernel descriptors are modified and improved to achieve greater effectiveness, minimum noise effects, less dimensionality and lower computational complexity. A novel fusion approach is also proposed to combine the information related to all pixel attributes, before the descriptor extraction stage. Existing kernel descriptors are based only on gradient, colour and shape information. In this research project, a texture-based kernel descriptor is proposed by modifying an existing popular global texture descriptor. Finally, all the contributions are evaluated in an integrated system. The performances of the proposed methods are qualitatively and quantitatively evaluated on two to four different publicly available image databases. The experimental results show that the proposed methods are more effective and efficient in image representation than existing benchmark methods.
- Description: Doctor of Philosophy
Effective leadership behaviours to manage people issues of cross border mergers and aquisitions in China
- Authors: Wang, Jian
- Date: 2015
- Type: Text , Thesis , PhD
- Full Text:
- Description: The aim of this research is to identify the effective leadership behaviours in managing people issues of a British-Chinese cross border acquisition case study in China. There are three areas involved in this study: people issues in mergers and acquisitions (M&As), cross culture differences and cross culture leadership. The knowledge gap identified from past research is that there appears to be no in-depth empirical study to date on an integrated model of the three areas noted above to have a holistic understanding of their influence on the success or failure of M&As, especially in the context of cross border M&As in China. This is the focus of this research. The objectives of this research are to identify how leaders have managed cross culture issues, communications, employees’ resistance, stress and trust in a Western-Chinese cross border acquisition as well as the perceived effectiveness of these leadership behaviours both from the perspectives of Chinese employees and the western managers. The conceptual framework of this research adopted and built on the theoretical model of Project GLOBE. Findings from this study suggest a ‘multiplier’ effect with impact across all the people issues in this cross border acquisition, which means that when one people issue is not managed well by the leadership team, other people issues are triggered. The outcome of this acquisition was influenced by the integrated and holistic effect of all the people issues. In this study, management of people issues in a cross-culture environment was fundamental. There are seven culture dimensions proposed by this study to measure the organisational culture differences pre- and post-acquisition as influenced by both Chinese and British cultures. Specific cultural behaviours related to the proposed seven culture dimensions were also identified. Organisation culture clash was found with the post-acquisition organisation culture which influenced the leadership behaviours in managing the people issues and the perceived effectiveness of the leadership behaviours. This study contributes to existing knowledge by adding the integrated dimension of effective leadership behaviours in managing people issues in a cross culture context of M&As in China as well as extending the theoretical model of Project GLOBE. The practical learning from this study could help leaders in future M&As to take effective actions in managing people issues to improve the success rate of cross border M&As in China which can potentially contribute to the economic development of China and other developing countries.
- Description: Doctor of Philosophy
- Authors: Wang, Jian
- Date: 2015
- Type: Text , Thesis , PhD
- Full Text:
- Description: The aim of this research is to identify the effective leadership behaviours in managing people issues of a British-Chinese cross border acquisition case study in China. There are three areas involved in this study: people issues in mergers and acquisitions (M&As), cross culture differences and cross culture leadership. The knowledge gap identified from past research is that there appears to be no in-depth empirical study to date on an integrated model of the three areas noted above to have a holistic understanding of their influence on the success or failure of M&As, especially in the context of cross border M&As in China. This is the focus of this research. The objectives of this research are to identify how leaders have managed cross culture issues, communications, employees’ resistance, stress and trust in a Western-Chinese cross border acquisition as well as the perceived effectiveness of these leadership behaviours both from the perspectives of Chinese employees and the western managers. The conceptual framework of this research adopted and built on the theoretical model of Project GLOBE. Findings from this study suggest a ‘multiplier’ effect with impact across all the people issues in this cross border acquisition, which means that when one people issue is not managed well by the leadership team, other people issues are triggered. The outcome of this acquisition was influenced by the integrated and holistic effect of all the people issues. In this study, management of people issues in a cross-culture environment was fundamental. There are seven culture dimensions proposed by this study to measure the organisational culture differences pre- and post-acquisition as influenced by both Chinese and British cultures. Specific cultural behaviours related to the proposed seven culture dimensions were also identified. Organisation culture clash was found with the post-acquisition organisation culture which influenced the leadership behaviours in managing the people issues and the perceived effectiveness of the leadership behaviours. This study contributes to existing knowledge by adding the integrated dimension of effective leadership behaviours in managing people issues in a cross culture context of M&As in China as well as extending the theoretical model of Project GLOBE. The practical learning from this study could help leaders in future M&As to take effective actions in managing people issues to improve the success rate of cross border M&As in China which can potentially contribute to the economic development of China and other developing countries.
- Description: Doctor of Philosophy
Effects of brown coal fly ash on 30% monoethanolamine CO₂ capture systems
- Authors: Chowdhury, Mohammad
- Date: 2019
- Type: Text , Thesis , PhD
- Full Text:
- Description: Accumulation of fly ash during post-combustion capture (PCC) of CO2 is an emerging concern. This work assesses concerns that soluble ash components (e.g. Na, Ca, Mg) increase conductivity of amine systems increasing corrosion rates, and decreasing CO2 capture e ciency; slightly soluble metals ions (e.g. Fe) may catalyse amine oxidation; and insoluble ash components cause erosion and blockages in the PCC plants as well as providing catalytic surfaces. Loy Yang brown-coal y ashes (using XRD, SEM, EDS and ICP-MS) are rst characterised and separated into soluble, insoluble and char fractions. The e ect of each fraction on MEA oxidation (measured by UV-vis and organic acid formation) and corrosion is determined using lab-scale experiments in static and stirred pressurised reactors at simulated PCC stripper conditions. Fly ash was three times more soluble in severely oxidising conditions compared to mild 30% MEA extractions. Vantho te represents 10-20% of the y ash and was the main source of sodium, calcium and magnesium ions while Szmolnockite was a source of iron. Iron solubility was dependent on conditions, with 5% soluble in aqueous MEA and 10% in simulated desorber conditions. The soluble fraction was the only ash fraction to signi cantly promote MEA oxidation. Aged pall rings from a PCC pilot plant had severe grain boundary corrosion and chromiumoxide depletion. Grain boundary corrosion was less severe in pall rings under severely oxidising conditions. The e ects of soluble ash were unclear while organic acids promoted pitting. Fly ash is an important source of soluble sodium, calcium and iron into 30% MEA. The insoluble fraction had minimal impact on MEA oxidation and corrosion, suggesting that it was inert. Soluble ash fractions increased corrosion severity and promoted MEA oxidation. This work shows that deep y ash removal prior to PCC is particularly important for ashes with high solubility in the CO2 absorption system.
- Description: Doctor of Philosophy
- Authors: Chowdhury, Mohammad
- Date: 2019
- Type: Text , Thesis , PhD
- Full Text:
- Description: Accumulation of fly ash during post-combustion capture (PCC) of CO2 is an emerging concern. This work assesses concerns that soluble ash components (e.g. Na, Ca, Mg) increase conductivity of amine systems increasing corrosion rates, and decreasing CO2 capture e ciency; slightly soluble metals ions (e.g. Fe) may catalyse amine oxidation; and insoluble ash components cause erosion and blockages in the PCC plants as well as providing catalytic surfaces. Loy Yang brown-coal y ashes (using XRD, SEM, EDS and ICP-MS) are rst characterised and separated into soluble, insoluble and char fractions. The e ect of each fraction on MEA oxidation (measured by UV-vis and organic acid formation) and corrosion is determined using lab-scale experiments in static and stirred pressurised reactors at simulated PCC stripper conditions. Fly ash was three times more soluble in severely oxidising conditions compared to mild 30% MEA extractions. Vantho te represents 10-20% of the y ash and was the main source of sodium, calcium and magnesium ions while Szmolnockite was a source of iron. Iron solubility was dependent on conditions, with 5% soluble in aqueous MEA and 10% in simulated desorber conditions. The soluble fraction was the only ash fraction to signi cantly promote MEA oxidation. Aged pall rings from a PCC pilot plant had severe grain boundary corrosion and chromiumoxide depletion. Grain boundary corrosion was less severe in pall rings under severely oxidising conditions. The e ects of soluble ash were unclear while organic acids promoted pitting. Fly ash is an important source of soluble sodium, calcium and iron into 30% MEA. The insoluble fraction had minimal impact on MEA oxidation and corrosion, suggesting that it was inert. Soluble ash fractions increased corrosion severity and promoted MEA oxidation. This work shows that deep y ash removal prior to PCC is particularly important for ashes with high solubility in the CO2 absorption system.
- Description: Doctor of Philosophy
Effects of commuting status upon community involvement of professionals in rural North West Victoria
- Authors: Devers, Deanna
- Date: 2006
- Type: Text , Thesis , PhD
- Full Text:
- Description: Because mobility is associated with rural social decline, this two-phase cross sectional study investigates whether social patterns in small, rural Australian towns are affected by commuting. Quantitative data, which was gathered via a mail-out questionnaire (response = 54 per cent) that was issued to 1,040 occupationally diverse professionals who worked in fourteen towns throughout north-western Victoria, was analysed to determine whether commuting and non-commuting professionals differed significantly in their community involvement. To explain why certain relationships emerged from survey analysis, face-toface interviews were subsequently undertaken with 24 questionnaire respondents. The key finding of this study is that there is a significant relationship between commuting status and the retention of rural professionals. A significantly greater proportion of noncommuters than commuters remain working in the one location for longer than five years. This finding has important implications for the sustainability of rural areas.
- Description: Doctor of Philosophy
Effects of commuting status upon community involvement of professionals in rural North West Victoria
- Authors: Devers, Deanna
- Date: 2006
- Type: Text , Thesis , PhD
- Full Text:
- Description: Because mobility is associated with rural social decline, this two-phase cross sectional study investigates whether social patterns in small, rural Australian towns are affected by commuting. Quantitative data, which was gathered via a mail-out questionnaire (response = 54 per cent) that was issued to 1,040 occupationally diverse professionals who worked in fourteen towns throughout north-western Victoria, was analysed to determine whether commuting and non-commuting professionals differed significantly in their community involvement. To explain why certain relationships emerged from survey analysis, face-toface interviews were subsequently undertaken with 24 questionnaire respondents. The key finding of this study is that there is a significant relationship between commuting status and the retention of rural professionals. A significantly greater proportion of noncommuters than commuters remain working in the one location for longer than five years. This finding has important implications for the sustainability of rural areas.
- Description: Doctor of Philosophy
- Authors: Hood, Andrew
- Date: 2023
- Type: Text , Thesis , PhD
- Full Text: false
- Description: Soil organic carbon is vital to soil health and productivity. However, its abundance declines as continually greater demands are placed on agricultural food and fibre production. Humic substances are key components within the soil carbon and confer many benefits to soil and plants. Therefore, demand is growing for external amendments to maintain productive soils, including humic substances (HS), specifically humates. There are many sources of these HS, including lignite and Leonardite. Leonardite represents a naturally oxidised lignite that exhibits a rich source of HS. The limitation is the low abundance of Leonardite or difficulties obtaining a reliable source. Lignites are abundant in Victoria (Australia) but lignite derived-humates are often subject to significant compositional and yield variability. Past research has primarily focused on oxidising lignite under low solids loading conditions to improve HS yield and water solubility. This research focuses on oxidising dense run-of-mine (RoM) lignite slurries (20% dry solids loading) that are more suitable for commercial production. The product chemical and molecular structures are compared with a reference Leonardite. Hydrogen peroxide served as the oxidising agent given its availability at a commercial scale and convenience. The controlled set of oxidation experiments showed that the ratio of oxidant to lignite and lignite composition had more impact on HS yields and chemical structure than slurry temperature and pH. Initial oxidation trials utilised an archived sample of carefully blended 2015 RoM (run of mine) lignite from the Loy Yang (LY) mine in Victoria, Australia. Additional fresh LY RoM lignite was obtained in 2021 to enable further larger-scale (10 and 100 L) reaction trials and assess the impact of sample variation and aging on oxidation reactivity. A substantial increase in humic acid yield (29% to 68%) was produced by mild oxidation using a 1:1 (w/w) ratio of the 2015 RoM lignite (db, dry basis) and 35% (w/v) hydrogen peroxide. For the lower quality 2021 RoM lignite, the humic acid content was elevated from 13% to 78% through oxidation with a 2:1 ratio of hydrogen peroxide to lignite (db). Mass and carbon balances, which are often given little consideration, show >64% (2015 RoM) and >84% (2021 RoM) carbon recovery, with the majority of losses attributed to volatiles including CO2 and small organic acids or aldehydes The optimum reaction conditions for humic and fulvic acid production from LY RoM lignite depend on the target products, RoM properties and other commercial considerations. Optimum conditions are likely to be in the region of: - 40°C to 60°C to balance reaction speed and peroxide efficacy. - High humic acid yields require between 1:1 to 1.5:1 peroxide (35% w/v) to lignite (db) ratio. - Minimising humin yields requires a minimum of 2:1 peroxide to lignite. - High fulvic acid yields require between 3:1 to 4:1 peroxide (35% w/v) to lignite (db) ratio. This research shows that Loy Yang RoM lignite can be progressively oxidised with hydrogen peroxide to produce commercially relevant yields of humic and fulvic acids. A large portion of the humin is converted into humic or fulvic acids, and what remained was more oxidation resistant and water-insoluble aliphatic components. Elemental proportions shift within each fraction during oxidation. For the 2015 and 2021 RoM lignite samples; the O/C for the reaction solids increased by 36% and 16% for the respective lignites. The O/C changes for the HAs were 22% and 19% respectively. The humin undergoes a sizeable shift in H/C ratio consistent with aliphatic enhancement. The ratios elevate by 14% with oxidation for both the 2015 and 2021 lignites. Extensive lignite, reaction slurry and reaction product characterisation including slurry pH, spectroscopy (UV-vis, FTIR and NMR), and pyrolysis GC/MS assist in understanding the structural changes occurring during oxidation as well as identify promising on-line reaction monitoring technologies. Elemental (CHNSO), FTIR, NMR and functional group titrations show that the fundamental organic structural changes to the humic acid fraction achieved through controlled oxidation were greater acidity (particularly carboxylic acid content) and a transition from aromatic to more aliphatic character overall. No combination of ratios or slurry conditions tested produced a humic acid with the same chemical structural properties as those extracted from the reference Leonardite. However, it is possible to match some properties under the combinations tested. Larger-scale reactions (10 and 100 L) show that real-time reaction monitoring as well as adequate heating and cooling capacity are essential for commercialising the conceptual lignite oxidation process. Proactively dealing with an inherently variable feedstock and humic product composition is heavily dependent on the intersection of multiple variables. For example, tracking pH, reaction enthalpy, and UV-vis absorbance of prepared samples can provide valuable real-time feedback on the progress of a reaction. Combining these techniques with redox titrations could measure residual peroxide and help manage reaction control parameters or better understand reaction kinetics for process optimisation.
- Description: Doctor of Philosophy
Efficacy and understanding of the safety hierarchy of controls
- Authors: Young, Stephen
- Date: 2017
- Type: Text , Thesis , PhD
- Full Text:
- Description: This document constitutes the submission of Stephen Young for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy at Federation University Australia. The submission is offered as a thesis by publication – representing a summary of the candidate’s research based around a number of already-published peer-reviewed papers, supported by additional analysis and commentary. The research project is entitled “Efficacy and Understanding of the Safety Hierarchy of Controls”. The key question posed in this thesis is stated as: “What constrains understanding of the efficacy of the safety hierarchy?” This question was broken down into three sub-questions, each of which is represented within this submission as Part One, Part Two, and Part Three respectively. The three questions are stated as: 1. How may contemporary evidence demonstrate the efficacy of the safety hierarchy? 2. What are the constraints on understanding the hazard vector as it relates to the safety hierarchy? 3. What is the current understanding of hazard mitigation in a selected industry and how may the safety hierarchy be implemented to ameliorate a key hazard? The Introduction indicates the importance of the topic and explains the background to the concept known as the [safety] hierarchy of control, including a distinction between hazard and risk. It then undertakes a brief review of the development of twentieth century safety literature, including a consideration of how safety analysis has been split into the energy damage model and the anthropocentric model – complicated by a persistence of myth and superstition. An update of more recent safety literature in the twenty-first century and literature relating to governance decision making is also included. The intended contribution of this research project is laid out along with an explanation of how the thesis is organised. Part One seeks to use contemporary evidence to demonstrate the efficacy of the safety hierarchy. This is primarily achieved by presenting two case studies predominantly focussed on a New Zealand aluminium smelter. The first paper, “From zero to hero: A case study of industrial injury reduction”, used the candidate’s earlier research documenting that company’s remarkable journey from a worksite with an unenviably high level of injuries to that of one of the safest industrial worksites in the world. It contextualised the research within the contemporary zero accident vision (ZAV) and considered the company’s use of the hierarchy of controls as a primary means of hazard intervention. This paper was published in Safety Science in 2014. A further study was conducted later in 2014 to qualitatively consider the effect on safety of the difficult economic times being experienced by the aluminium industry. This purposive critical case study revisited the New Zealand aluminium smelter to document the observations of safety managers as they sought to continue the company’s exemplary safety record in the face of financial duress. “Safety in hard times: A qualitative analysis of safety concerns in two industrial plants under financial duress” also included parallel observations of safety managers from an Australian aluminium rolling mill as it closed down in response to the same economic factors. The impact of lean management and the ongoing efficacy of hierarchy of controls methodology within both plants was documented and considered. This paper was published in Safety Science in 2018. Insofar as is possible using case studies, both papers demonstrated the efficacy of the hierarchy of control as an intervention methodology for ameliorating hazards in the workplace. Part Two seeks to consider the constraints on understanding the hazard vector as it relates to the hierarchy of controls. A focussed literature review entitled “The root cause fallacy” was conducted to better understand the uses of the word cause in philosophy, law, and science – as well as in the applied science of safety management. This paper highlighted the limitations of the concept of root cause as a safety intervention precept; thereby identifying a significant constraint on understanding the hazard vector and the hierarchy of control. This is followed by a chapter deconstructing the most common version of the hierarchy of controls, pointing out how it could be made easier to understand and proposing a simplified version – more aligned to the underlying hazard vector. This alignment has been successfully presented in a number a conferences including the proceedings of 2014 Australian Systems Safety Conference; and ultimately, to the 15th World Congress on Public Health in 2017. Part Three applies the knowledge gained in Parts One and Two, and presents two studies investigating the fermentation industry to both understand the role of the hierarchy of controls in hazard mitigation and to illustrate how it can be more effectively implemented. The first paper took the potentially catastrophic hazard of asphyxiation from elevated levels of carbon dioxide (CO2) and demonstrated how the hierarchy of controls could be applied to more effectively control the hazard. The second paper surveyed the rapidly growing boutique beer industry in Victoria and Tasmania to understand how hazards were being managed, and the degree to which the hierarchy of controls was used to ameliorate the identified hazards. Together, these papers illustrated that application of the hierarchy of controls is largely conspicuous by its absence in the mitigation of hazards in a rapidly growing industry; while also demonstrating an effective hierarchal control that could evade an almost inevitable looming catastrophe. In conclusion, this thesis demonstrates the efficacy of the hierarchy of controls in Part One. In Part Two, it considers the linguistic origin of the word cause and consequently reconsiders the hazard vector insofar as it relates to the hierarchy of controls – incorporating these findings into a simpler and more easily understood hierarchy. Part Three provides a demonstration of how the hierarchy of controls can be applied to a difficult hazard in an emerging industry and also highlights the contemporary deficiencies in how that industry currently deals with the hazards they identify. Finally, the key question “What constrains understanding of the efficacy of the safety hierarchy?” is addressed by summarising the three parts of this thesis and concluding: 1. An assiduous application of the hierarchy of controls can prevent occupational injuries. 2. The efficacy of the hierarchy of controls is constrained by the following factors: a. Over-complication of what is a simple concept; b. Misunderstanding of how hazard interventions may be used to prevent injury; c. Misunderstanding of the construct of cause as it relates to the hazard vector. 3. Appropriate recognition of the relative significance of identified hazards is central to the understanding of the safety hierarchy.
- Description: Doctor of Philosophy
- Authors: Young, Stephen
- Date: 2017
- Type: Text , Thesis , PhD
- Full Text:
- Description: This document constitutes the submission of Stephen Young for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy at Federation University Australia. The submission is offered as a thesis by publication – representing a summary of the candidate’s research based around a number of already-published peer-reviewed papers, supported by additional analysis and commentary. The research project is entitled “Efficacy and Understanding of the Safety Hierarchy of Controls”. The key question posed in this thesis is stated as: “What constrains understanding of the efficacy of the safety hierarchy?” This question was broken down into three sub-questions, each of which is represented within this submission as Part One, Part Two, and Part Three respectively. The three questions are stated as: 1. How may contemporary evidence demonstrate the efficacy of the safety hierarchy? 2. What are the constraints on understanding the hazard vector as it relates to the safety hierarchy? 3. What is the current understanding of hazard mitigation in a selected industry and how may the safety hierarchy be implemented to ameliorate a key hazard? The Introduction indicates the importance of the topic and explains the background to the concept known as the [safety] hierarchy of control, including a distinction between hazard and risk. It then undertakes a brief review of the development of twentieth century safety literature, including a consideration of how safety analysis has been split into the energy damage model and the anthropocentric model – complicated by a persistence of myth and superstition. An update of more recent safety literature in the twenty-first century and literature relating to governance decision making is also included. The intended contribution of this research project is laid out along with an explanation of how the thesis is organised. Part One seeks to use contemporary evidence to demonstrate the efficacy of the safety hierarchy. This is primarily achieved by presenting two case studies predominantly focussed on a New Zealand aluminium smelter. The first paper, “From zero to hero: A case study of industrial injury reduction”, used the candidate’s earlier research documenting that company’s remarkable journey from a worksite with an unenviably high level of injuries to that of one of the safest industrial worksites in the world. It contextualised the research within the contemporary zero accident vision (ZAV) and considered the company’s use of the hierarchy of controls as a primary means of hazard intervention. This paper was published in Safety Science in 2014. A further study was conducted later in 2014 to qualitatively consider the effect on safety of the difficult economic times being experienced by the aluminium industry. This purposive critical case study revisited the New Zealand aluminium smelter to document the observations of safety managers as they sought to continue the company’s exemplary safety record in the face of financial duress. “Safety in hard times: A qualitative analysis of safety concerns in two industrial plants under financial duress” also included parallel observations of safety managers from an Australian aluminium rolling mill as it closed down in response to the same economic factors. The impact of lean management and the ongoing efficacy of hierarchy of controls methodology within both plants was documented and considered. This paper was published in Safety Science in 2018. Insofar as is possible using case studies, both papers demonstrated the efficacy of the hierarchy of control as an intervention methodology for ameliorating hazards in the workplace. Part Two seeks to consider the constraints on understanding the hazard vector as it relates to the hierarchy of controls. A focussed literature review entitled “The root cause fallacy” was conducted to better understand the uses of the word cause in philosophy, law, and science – as well as in the applied science of safety management. This paper highlighted the limitations of the concept of root cause as a safety intervention precept; thereby identifying a significant constraint on understanding the hazard vector and the hierarchy of control. This is followed by a chapter deconstructing the most common version of the hierarchy of controls, pointing out how it could be made easier to understand and proposing a simplified version – more aligned to the underlying hazard vector. This alignment has been successfully presented in a number a conferences including the proceedings of 2014 Australian Systems Safety Conference; and ultimately, to the 15th World Congress on Public Health in 2017. Part Three applies the knowledge gained in Parts One and Two, and presents two studies investigating the fermentation industry to both understand the role of the hierarchy of controls in hazard mitigation and to illustrate how it can be more effectively implemented. The first paper took the potentially catastrophic hazard of asphyxiation from elevated levels of carbon dioxide (CO2) and demonstrated how the hierarchy of controls could be applied to more effectively control the hazard. The second paper surveyed the rapidly growing boutique beer industry in Victoria and Tasmania to understand how hazards were being managed, and the degree to which the hierarchy of controls was used to ameliorate the identified hazards. Together, these papers illustrated that application of the hierarchy of controls is largely conspicuous by its absence in the mitigation of hazards in a rapidly growing industry; while also demonstrating an effective hierarchal control that could evade an almost inevitable looming catastrophe. In conclusion, this thesis demonstrates the efficacy of the hierarchy of controls in Part One. In Part Two, it considers the linguistic origin of the word cause and consequently reconsiders the hazard vector insofar as it relates to the hierarchy of controls – incorporating these findings into a simpler and more easily understood hierarchy. Part Three provides a demonstration of how the hierarchy of controls can be applied to a difficult hazard in an emerging industry and also highlights the contemporary deficiencies in how that industry currently deals with the hazards they identify. Finally, the key question “What constrains understanding of the efficacy of the safety hierarchy?” is addressed by summarising the three parts of this thesis and concluding: 1. An assiduous application of the hierarchy of controls can prevent occupational injuries. 2. The efficacy of the hierarchy of controls is constrained by the following factors: a. Over-complication of what is a simple concept; b. Misunderstanding of how hazard interventions may be used to prevent injury; c. Misunderstanding of the construct of cause as it relates to the hazard vector. 3. Appropriate recognition of the relative significance of identified hazards is central to the understanding of the safety hierarchy.
- Description: Doctor of Philosophy
Efficient conic decomposition and projection onto a cone in a Banach ordered space
- Authors: Baratov, Rishat
- Date: 2005
- Type: Text , Thesis , PhD
- Full Text:
- Description: The goal of this research is to study general cone decomposition.
- Description: Doctor of Philosophy
- Authors: Baratov, Rishat
- Date: 2005
- Type: Text , Thesis , PhD
- Full Text:
- Description: The goal of this research is to study general cone decomposition.
- Description: Doctor of Philosophy
Efficient data structures for modelling the combination of three-dimensional DTM and CAS data
- Authors: Warren Walker, Lloyd
- Date: 1999
- Type: Text , Thesis , PhD
- Full Text:
- Description: "The overall aim of this research is to develop efficient data structures, algorithms and techniques that can be used to model the combination of artificial structures and realistic terrain."
- Description: Doctor of Philosophy
- Authors: Warren Walker, Lloyd
- Date: 1999
- Type: Text , Thesis , PhD
- Full Text:
- Description: "The overall aim of this research is to develop efficient data structures, algorithms and techniques that can be used to model the combination of artificial structures and realistic terrain."
- Description: Doctor of Philosophy
Efficient piecewise linear classifiers and applications
- Authors: Webb, Dean
- Date: 2011
- Type: Text , Thesis , PhD
- Full Text:
- Description: Supervised learning has become an essential part of data mining for industry, military, science and academia. Classification, a type of supervised learning allows a machine to learn from data to then predict certain behaviours, variables or outcomes. Classification can be used to solve many problems including the detection of malignant cancers, potentially bad creditors and even enabling autonomy in robots. The ability to collect and store large amounts of data has increased significantly over the past few decades. However, the ability of classification techniques to deal with large scale data has not been matched. Many data transformation and reduction schemes have been tried with mixed success. This problem is further exacerbated when dealing with real time classification in embedded systems. The real time classifier must classify using only limited processing, memory and power resources. Piecewise linear boundaries are known to provide efficient real time classifiers. They have low memory requirements, require little processing effort, are parameterless and classify in real time. Piecewise linear functions are used to approximate non-linear decision boundaries between pattern classes. Finding these piecewise linear boundaries is a difficult optimization problem that can require a long training time. Multiple optimization approaches have been used for real time classification, but can lead to suboptimal piecewise linear boundaries. This thesis develops three real time piecewise linear classifiers that deal with large scale data. Each classifier uses a single optimization algorithm in conjunction with an incremental approach that reduces the number of points as the decision boundaries are built. Two of the classifiers further reduce complexity by augmenting the incremental approach with additional schemes. One scheme uses hyperboxes to identify points inside the so-called “indeterminate” regions. The other uses a polyhedral conic set to identify data points lying on or close to the boundary. All other points are excluded from the process of building the decision boundaries. The three classifiers are applied to real time data classification problems and the results of numerical experiments on real world data sets are reported. These results demonstrate that the new classifiers require a reasonable training time and their test set accuracy is consistently good on most data sets compared with current state of the art classifiers.
- Description: Doctor of Philosophy
- Authors: Webb, Dean
- Date: 2011
- Type: Text , Thesis , PhD
- Full Text:
- Description: Supervised learning has become an essential part of data mining for industry, military, science and academia. Classification, a type of supervised learning allows a machine to learn from data to then predict certain behaviours, variables or outcomes. Classification can be used to solve many problems including the detection of malignant cancers, potentially bad creditors and even enabling autonomy in robots. The ability to collect and store large amounts of data has increased significantly over the past few decades. However, the ability of classification techniques to deal with large scale data has not been matched. Many data transformation and reduction schemes have been tried with mixed success. This problem is further exacerbated when dealing with real time classification in embedded systems. The real time classifier must classify using only limited processing, memory and power resources. Piecewise linear boundaries are known to provide efficient real time classifiers. They have low memory requirements, require little processing effort, are parameterless and classify in real time. Piecewise linear functions are used to approximate non-linear decision boundaries between pattern classes. Finding these piecewise linear boundaries is a difficult optimization problem that can require a long training time. Multiple optimization approaches have been used for real time classification, but can lead to suboptimal piecewise linear boundaries. This thesis develops three real time piecewise linear classifiers that deal with large scale data. Each classifier uses a single optimization algorithm in conjunction with an incremental approach that reduces the number of points as the decision boundaries are built. Two of the classifiers further reduce complexity by augmenting the incremental approach with additional schemes. One scheme uses hyperboxes to identify points inside the so-called “indeterminate” regions. The other uses a polyhedral conic set to identify data points lying on or close to the boundary. All other points are excluded from the process of building the decision boundaries. The three classifiers are applied to real time data classification problems and the results of numerical experiments on real world data sets are reported. These results demonstrate that the new classifiers require a reasonable training time and their test set accuracy is consistently good on most data sets compared with current state of the art classifiers.
- Description: Doctor of Philosophy
Efficient texture descriptors for image segmentation
- Authors: Tania, Sheikh
- Date: 2022
- Type: Text , Thesis , PhD
- Full Text:
- Description: Colour and texture are the most common features used in image processing and computer vision applications. Unlike colour, a local texture descriptor needs to express the unique variation pattern in the intensity differences of pixels in the neighbourhood of the pixel-of-interest (POI) so that it can sufficiently discriminate different textures. Since the descriptor needs spatial manipulation of all pixels in the neighbourhood of the POI, approximation of texture impacts not only the computational cost but also the performance of the applications. In this thesis, we aim to develop novel texture descriptors, especially for hierarchical image segmentation techniques that have recently gained popularity for their wide range of applications in medical imaging, video surveillance, autonomous navigation, and computer vision in general. To pursue the aim, we focus in reducing the length of the texture feature and directly modelling the distribution of intensity-variation in the parametric space of a probability density function (pdf). In the first contributory chapter, we enhance the state-of-the-art Weber local descriptor (WLD) by considering the mean value of neighbouring pixel intensities along radial directions instead of sampling pixels at three scales. Consequently, the proposed descriptor, named Radial Mean WLD (RM-WLD), is three-fold shorter than WLD and it performs slightly better than WLD in hierarchical image segmentation. The statistical distributions of pixel intensities in different image regions are diverse by nature. In the second contributory chapter, we propose a novel texture feature, called ‘joint scale,’ by directly modelling the probability distribution of intensity differences. The Weibull distribution, one of the extreme value distributions, is selected for this purpose as it can represent a wide range of probability distributions with a couple of parameters. In addition, gradient orientation feature is calculated from all pixels in the neighbourhood with an extended Sobel operator, instead of using only the vertical and horizontal neighbours as considered in WLD. The length of the texture descriptor combining joint scale and gradiet orientation features remains the same as RM-WLD, but it exhibits significantly improved discrimination capability for better image segmentation. Initial regions in hierarchical segmentation play an important role in approximating texture features. Traditional arbitrary-shaped initial regions maintain the uniform colour property and thus may not retain the texture pattern of the segment they belong to. In the final contributory chapter, we introduce regular-shaped initial regions by enhancing the cuboidal partitioning technique, which has recently gained popularity in image/video coding research. Since the regions (cuboids) of cuboidal partitioning are of rectangular shape, they do not follow the colour-based boundary adherence of traditional initial regions. Consequently, the cuboids retain sufficient texture pattern cues to provide better texture approximation and discriminating capability. We have used benchmark segmentation datasets and metrics to evaluate the proposed texture descriptors. Experimental results on benchmark metrics and computational time are promising when the proposed texture features are used in the state-of-the-art iterative contraction and merging (ICM) image segmentation technique.
- Description: Doctor of Philosophy
- Authors: Tania, Sheikh
- Date: 2022
- Type: Text , Thesis , PhD
- Full Text:
- Description: Colour and texture are the most common features used in image processing and computer vision applications. Unlike colour, a local texture descriptor needs to express the unique variation pattern in the intensity differences of pixels in the neighbourhood of the pixel-of-interest (POI) so that it can sufficiently discriminate different textures. Since the descriptor needs spatial manipulation of all pixels in the neighbourhood of the POI, approximation of texture impacts not only the computational cost but also the performance of the applications. In this thesis, we aim to develop novel texture descriptors, especially for hierarchical image segmentation techniques that have recently gained popularity for their wide range of applications in medical imaging, video surveillance, autonomous navigation, and computer vision in general. To pursue the aim, we focus in reducing the length of the texture feature and directly modelling the distribution of intensity-variation in the parametric space of a probability density function (pdf). In the first contributory chapter, we enhance the state-of-the-art Weber local descriptor (WLD) by considering the mean value of neighbouring pixel intensities along radial directions instead of sampling pixels at three scales. Consequently, the proposed descriptor, named Radial Mean WLD (RM-WLD), is three-fold shorter than WLD and it performs slightly better than WLD in hierarchical image segmentation. The statistical distributions of pixel intensities in different image regions are diverse by nature. In the second contributory chapter, we propose a novel texture feature, called ‘joint scale,’ by directly modelling the probability distribution of intensity differences. The Weibull distribution, one of the extreme value distributions, is selected for this purpose as it can represent a wide range of probability distributions with a couple of parameters. In addition, gradient orientation feature is calculated from all pixels in the neighbourhood with an extended Sobel operator, instead of using only the vertical and horizontal neighbours as considered in WLD. The length of the texture descriptor combining joint scale and gradiet orientation features remains the same as RM-WLD, but it exhibits significantly improved discrimination capability for better image segmentation. Initial regions in hierarchical segmentation play an important role in approximating texture features. Traditional arbitrary-shaped initial regions maintain the uniform colour property and thus may not retain the texture pattern of the segment they belong to. In the final contributory chapter, we introduce regular-shaped initial regions by enhancing the cuboidal partitioning technique, which has recently gained popularity in image/video coding research. Since the regions (cuboids) of cuboidal partitioning are of rectangular shape, they do not follow the colour-based boundary adherence of traditional initial regions. Consequently, the cuboids retain sufficient texture pattern cues to provide better texture approximation and discriminating capability. We have used benchmark segmentation datasets and metrics to evaluate the proposed texture descriptors. Experimental results on benchmark metrics and computational time are promising when the proposed texture features are used in the state-of-the-art iterative contraction and merging (ICM) image segmentation technique.
- Description: Doctor of Philosophy
Elastoplasticity of Victorian brown coal and its interaction with interseam clay
- Authors: Karami, Mojtaba
- Date: 2021
- Type: Text , Thesis , PhD
- Full Text:
- Description: Batter instability is one of the major geotechnical concerns in open-cut mining of recent decades. A key factor in undertaking any stability assessment of batters and determining their Factor of Safety (FoS) against instability is understanding the geotechnical properties of the material comprising the batters. These geotechnical properties usually include stiffness and strength under various loading conditions such as compression, extension and creep. This thesis presents a comprehensive study of the geotechnical properties of materials comprising the batters in the Yallourn open-cut mine in Victoria, Australia, located at one of the largest sources of brown coal in the world. The materials studied in this research are Victorian Brown Coal (VBC) and fine-grained interseam material (containing mainly silt and clay particles). The presented study is based on four key steps undertaken during the research project: 1. Field investigation This step included drilling boreholes at the mine floor and mine crest and recovering samples of VBC and interseam for laboratory testing. Sample trays were logged to provide lithology data required for model generation for numerical modelling undertaken by other PhD students. 2. Laboratory testing This step involved a wide range of laboratory tests on undisturbed samples of VBC and interseam material to investigate soil characteristics, stiffness and strength of tested materials. 3. Data analysis and parameter determination This step included analysing the laboratory test results, preparing stress-strain plots and determining material properties such as pre-consolidation pressure, stiffness and strength. 4. Numerical analysis and model calibration This step included selecting proper constitutive models and determining the models’ parameters based on laboratory tests. The capability of models was then examined by verifying numerical model simulation against laboratory test results. The laboratory tests indicated that VBC shows a hardening feature in compression, leading to brittle failure, while also showing a sharp post-peak softening behaviour. The tests also showed that the interseam material is heavily over-consolidated with a dilative hardening feature. The stiffness and shear strength of the interseam were found to be sensitive to the applied strain rate. The conducted creep tests (applying constant shear stress for a selected period) under triaxial undrained conditions resulted in developing pore water pressure leading to creep failure. Based on the laboratory test results and the obtained geotechnical features of the tested materials, Hardening Soil (HS) and Soft Soil Creep (SSC) models were chosen to describe the geotechnical behaviour of both VBC and interseam material. Both models were calibrated using test results and employed in simulated laboratory tests, including oedometer and triaxial Consolidated Undrained (CU) tests using the Finite Element Method (FEM). This study indicates that, although most of the models’ parameters were determined successfully based on laboratory test results, engineering judgement and back calculating were required to find the best fit for the numerical simulations. The numerical modelling of oedometer and triaxial tests showed that the nonlinear hardening behaviour of VBC and interseam material was captured by the HS model. The stress path in triaxial CU tests and the stress-strain curve in unloading-reloading were simulated well by the HS model. The strain-rate dependency and creep behaviour of interseam material were simulated well by the SSC model, indicating that this model can predict the long-term behaviour of interseam material.
- Description: Doctor of Philosophy
- Authors: Karami, Mojtaba
- Date: 2021
- Type: Text , Thesis , PhD
- Full Text:
- Description: Batter instability is one of the major geotechnical concerns in open-cut mining of recent decades. A key factor in undertaking any stability assessment of batters and determining their Factor of Safety (FoS) against instability is understanding the geotechnical properties of the material comprising the batters. These geotechnical properties usually include stiffness and strength under various loading conditions such as compression, extension and creep. This thesis presents a comprehensive study of the geotechnical properties of materials comprising the batters in the Yallourn open-cut mine in Victoria, Australia, located at one of the largest sources of brown coal in the world. The materials studied in this research are Victorian Brown Coal (VBC) and fine-grained interseam material (containing mainly silt and clay particles). The presented study is based on four key steps undertaken during the research project: 1. Field investigation This step included drilling boreholes at the mine floor and mine crest and recovering samples of VBC and interseam for laboratory testing. Sample trays were logged to provide lithology data required for model generation for numerical modelling undertaken by other PhD students. 2. Laboratory testing This step involved a wide range of laboratory tests on undisturbed samples of VBC and interseam material to investigate soil characteristics, stiffness and strength of tested materials. 3. Data analysis and parameter determination This step included analysing the laboratory test results, preparing stress-strain plots and determining material properties such as pre-consolidation pressure, stiffness and strength. 4. Numerical analysis and model calibration This step included selecting proper constitutive models and determining the models’ parameters based on laboratory tests. The capability of models was then examined by verifying numerical model simulation against laboratory test results. The laboratory tests indicated that VBC shows a hardening feature in compression, leading to brittle failure, while also showing a sharp post-peak softening behaviour. The tests also showed that the interseam material is heavily over-consolidated with a dilative hardening feature. The stiffness and shear strength of the interseam were found to be sensitive to the applied strain rate. The conducted creep tests (applying constant shear stress for a selected period) under triaxial undrained conditions resulted in developing pore water pressure leading to creep failure. Based on the laboratory test results and the obtained geotechnical features of the tested materials, Hardening Soil (HS) and Soft Soil Creep (SSC) models were chosen to describe the geotechnical behaviour of both VBC and interseam material. Both models were calibrated using test results and employed in simulated laboratory tests, including oedometer and triaxial Consolidated Undrained (CU) tests using the Finite Element Method (FEM). This study indicates that, although most of the models’ parameters were determined successfully based on laboratory test results, engineering judgement and back calculating were required to find the best fit for the numerical simulations. The numerical modelling of oedometer and triaxial tests showed that the nonlinear hardening behaviour of VBC and interseam material was captured by the HS model. The stress path in triaxial CU tests and the stress-strain curve in unloading-reloading were simulated well by the HS model. The strain-rate dependency and creep behaviour of interseam material were simulated well by the SSC model, indicating that this model can predict the long-term behaviour of interseam material.
- Description: Doctor of Philosophy
Employee perception on causes and forms of conflict in the Botswana contruction industry : A comparative study between domestic-owned and Chinese-owned companies
- Authors: Moeti-Lysson, Josephine
- Date: 2016
- Type: Text , Thesis , PhD
- Full Text:
- Description: The construction industry in Botswana plays a crucial role in the economic development of the nation. While much research in this sector centres on the technical issues, especially the tender/procurement processes as they have evolved over the years, there is limited research on employment relations. This study investigates the lived experiences of employees in the Botswana construction industry in both domestic-owned and Chinese-owned companies and aims to capture „snapshots‟ of their perceptions of the causes and forms of conflict within that sector. Adopting a pragmatism research paradigm, this research employs a mixed methods research protocol to obtain quantitative and qualitative data from a sample of 632 employees. The overall results reveal that there are statistically significant differences between domestic- and Chinese-owned companies, with respect to how employees perceive income distribution, job security and managerial control as causes of conflict. The empirical results show that there is a positive relationship between employees‟ negative workplace perceptions and various forms of workplace deviant behaviours that employees use to retaliate in the event they perceive some form of unfairness, particularly in wages, job security or how managers/supervisors treat them. In domestic-owned companies there is a significant and positive association between disparity of income distribution and personal gain deviant behaviours such as theft as compared to other deviant activities against the production process including sabotage and production deviance; while in Chinese-owned companies there is a significant positive association between all forms of workplace inequities (income distribution, job security, managerial control) and all forms of conflict. This study contributes to the development of a more rigorous approach to the analysis of industrial relations conflicts in the construction industry in developing economies. This type of comparative research between domestic- and Chinese-owned companies could possibly be transferred to similar industries, such as in manufacturing and retail, where there are also a significant number of foreign-owned companies. This thesis concludes by discussing the various contributions made by this study to both academia and practitioners. It also details several recommendations for future research and for ensuring peaceful and productive employee-employer relationships in the workplace.
- Description: Doctor of Philosophy
- Authors: Moeti-Lysson, Josephine
- Date: 2016
- Type: Text , Thesis , PhD
- Full Text:
- Description: The construction industry in Botswana plays a crucial role in the economic development of the nation. While much research in this sector centres on the technical issues, especially the tender/procurement processes as they have evolved over the years, there is limited research on employment relations. This study investigates the lived experiences of employees in the Botswana construction industry in both domestic-owned and Chinese-owned companies and aims to capture „snapshots‟ of their perceptions of the causes and forms of conflict within that sector. Adopting a pragmatism research paradigm, this research employs a mixed methods research protocol to obtain quantitative and qualitative data from a sample of 632 employees. The overall results reveal that there are statistically significant differences between domestic- and Chinese-owned companies, with respect to how employees perceive income distribution, job security and managerial control as causes of conflict. The empirical results show that there is a positive relationship between employees‟ negative workplace perceptions and various forms of workplace deviant behaviours that employees use to retaliate in the event they perceive some form of unfairness, particularly in wages, job security or how managers/supervisors treat them. In domestic-owned companies there is a significant and positive association between disparity of income distribution and personal gain deviant behaviours such as theft as compared to other deviant activities against the production process including sabotage and production deviance; while in Chinese-owned companies there is a significant positive association between all forms of workplace inequities (income distribution, job security, managerial control) and all forms of conflict. This study contributes to the development of a more rigorous approach to the analysis of industrial relations conflicts in the construction industry in developing economies. This type of comparative research between domestic- and Chinese-owned companies could possibly be transferred to similar industries, such as in manufacturing and retail, where there are also a significant number of foreign-owned companies. This thesis concludes by discussing the various contributions made by this study to both academia and practitioners. It also details several recommendations for future research and for ensuring peaceful and productive employee-employer relationships in the workplace.
- Description: Doctor of Philosophy
Enabling play : Insider accounts of disabled children's playworlds in accessible playgrounds
- Authors: Burke, Jenene
- Date: 2009
- Type: Text , Thesis , PhD
- Full Text:
- Description: This thesis investigates accessible playgrounds as spaces that offer children with impairments the opportunity to be included in play with children who do not have impairments. It presents an examination of play on the Swanmere Accessible Community Playground and several other children's playground sites.
- Description: Doctor of Philosophy
- Authors: Burke, Jenene
- Date: 2009
- Type: Text , Thesis , PhD
- Full Text:
- Description: This thesis investigates accessible playgrounds as spaces that offer children with impairments the opportunity to be included in play with children who do not have impairments. It presents an examination of play on the Swanmere Accessible Community Playground and several other children's playground sites.
- Description: Doctor of Philosophy
Enculturated beliefs: A grounded theory inquiry into club rugby coaching in Australia, South Africa and New Zealand
- Authors: Hassanin, Remy
- Date: 2015
- Type: Text , Thesis , PhD
- Full Text:
- Description: Due to the enduring positivist assumptions underpinning them, coach education programs typically have overlooked the importance of experience as a powerful influence for developing as a sports coach Despite growing recognition of the links between past experience and current coaching pedagogy, little empirical research has focused precisely on how lived experience influences coaching beliefs or practices. Using a constructivist grounded theory methodology, this study investigated the influence of culture on coaching beliefs and how these manifest in the discourse of coaching in a site-specific context. It further examined how beliefs of coaching develop from the experience of playing and coaching in three different countries. Interviews, completed with coaches in the highest levels of club competition m Australia, South Africa and New Zealand, provided the primary data source. Findings demonstrated that beliefs about coaching are profoundly shaped by participation in the practices of rugby as players, and then coaches, in local cultures. The results identified unique differences across the sites of study. These differences were intimately linked with the cultural context within which each coach learned to play and coach Briefly, the Australian coaches valued decision-making and had strong views of rugby as entertainment; the South African coaches prioritised respect and authority; and the New Zealand coaches cherished humility and sense of belonging. . Despite the unique characteristics of each of the coach's beliefs, the notion of rugby as a vehicle for developing character, and teaching moral lessons rooted in the nineteenth century schools of the rising English middle classes, formed a powerful influence across all sites. The coaches' local ised bel iefs interacted with, and were shaped by, the remarkbly resilient global discourse of the " amateur ideal" and it's associated values. Its influence was, however, distinct at each site. The findings indicate that coaches' beliefs adapted to, and were moulded by, local cultural contexts and a broader national ethos resulting in discrete differences in each context on coaches' development of beliefs about coaching , while highlighting the complex and dynamic ways in which local and global cultures interact. As a result of thes interaction, unique conditions are created , manifesting in indvidua; discourse and beliefs about rugby coaching.
- Description: Doctor of Philosophy
- Authors: Hassanin, Remy
- Date: 2015
- Type: Text , Thesis , PhD
- Full Text:
- Description: Due to the enduring positivist assumptions underpinning them, coach education programs typically have overlooked the importance of experience as a powerful influence for developing as a sports coach Despite growing recognition of the links between past experience and current coaching pedagogy, little empirical research has focused precisely on how lived experience influences coaching beliefs or practices. Using a constructivist grounded theory methodology, this study investigated the influence of culture on coaching beliefs and how these manifest in the discourse of coaching in a site-specific context. It further examined how beliefs of coaching develop from the experience of playing and coaching in three different countries. Interviews, completed with coaches in the highest levels of club competition m Australia, South Africa and New Zealand, provided the primary data source. Findings demonstrated that beliefs about coaching are profoundly shaped by participation in the practices of rugby as players, and then coaches, in local cultures. The results identified unique differences across the sites of study. These differences were intimately linked with the cultural context within which each coach learned to play and coach Briefly, the Australian coaches valued decision-making and had strong views of rugby as entertainment; the South African coaches prioritised respect and authority; and the New Zealand coaches cherished humility and sense of belonging. . Despite the unique characteristics of each of the coach's beliefs, the notion of rugby as a vehicle for developing character, and teaching moral lessons rooted in the nineteenth century schools of the rising English middle classes, formed a powerful influence across all sites. The coaches' local ised bel iefs interacted with, and were shaped by, the remarkbly resilient global discourse of the " amateur ideal" and it's associated values. Its influence was, however, distinct at each site. The findings indicate that coaches' beliefs adapted to, and were moulded by, local cultural contexts and a broader national ethos resulting in discrete differences in each context on coaches' development of beliefs about coaching , while highlighting the complex and dynamic ways in which local and global cultures interact. As a result of thes interaction, unique conditions are created , manifesting in indvidua; discourse and beliefs about rugby coaching.
- Description: Doctor of Philosophy
Engagement with voluntary family services : views of parents and practitioners
- Authors: Randall, Mary
- Date: 2021
- Type: Text , Thesis , PhD
- Full Text:
- Description: This research aimed to understand engagement with voluntary family services, which has implications for service policy and practice. In regions of high social disadvantage, such as the Inner Gippsland region in the state of Victoria (Australia), engagement with voluntary family services is vital to reduce harm for children. However, barriers to engagement need to be understood from the perspectives of parents and practitioners. While the literature is replete with studies and records on engagement of parents and practitioners with statutory child protective services, there are few studies on engagement for families serviced by voluntary family services, which accept a range of referral sources. To address this gap, this study conducted ten qualitative semi-structured interviews with parents referred to Inner Gippsland family services and seven interviews with practitioners. These were analysed using interpretative phenomenological analysis (IPA). Interview data were supported by quantitative data drawn from voluntary family service system records on service use across the region for 2016–17 and 2017–18. Mixed methods were employed. This study found that these regional and rural practitioners and parents conceived of engagement as open communication, trust, rapport and understanding. Practitioners also discussed engagement occurring at different levels and involving parents’ willingness to change. However, these aspects were not referred to by parents. Practitioners explained that parents may show full or meaningful engagement and set goals to work towards, or they may engage at a superficial level where they consult but do not value change. This indicates that the notion of ‘engagement’ held by parents is dissonant with that of service providers who focus on the documentation of goals and achievements. Factors influencing engagement included parent perceptions, practitioner disposition, power relations, system design and implementation. Parents expected practitioners to clearly explain services that are tailored to meet needs. Some parents were reluctant to engage fully and trust practitioners due to potential harm and the possibility of removal of their children from their care. Parents wanted support without judgement and for practitioners to provide friendly advice and not be authoritarian. Practitioners balanced assessments of child wellbeing with responding to family needs and emphasised empowering clients and relating to them humanely. Many parents did not feel family services were voluntary as they are connected to and mandated to report serious concerns to Child Protection.1 Most parents were reluctant to ask for help and were negatively disposed towards government Child Protection. Parents who self-referred to family services expressed the most willingness to use a service, while those referred by police did not tend to use a service past initial phone calls. Practitioner-documented service hours in the home, an objective indicator of engagement, were highest for families where an early learning or early childhood intervention agency had referred. These findings were consistent with the interview data showing parental reluctance to engage where there was fear of Child Protection intervention. The practices of prioritising cases of complexity or crisis clashed with policy ideals of prevention and early intervention. More complex issues for families in the region increased the likelihood of service availability and use, yet many families did not complete activities negotiated in service plans or engage to make a plan with practitioners. This study demonstrated that for supportive relationships that promote child and family wellbeing to occur in a regional and rural area, family services need to be trusted. Only then, according to parents, will engagement eventuate.
- Description: Doctor of Philosophy
- Authors: Randall, Mary
- Date: 2021
- Type: Text , Thesis , PhD
- Full Text:
- Description: This research aimed to understand engagement with voluntary family services, which has implications for service policy and practice. In regions of high social disadvantage, such as the Inner Gippsland region in the state of Victoria (Australia), engagement with voluntary family services is vital to reduce harm for children. However, barriers to engagement need to be understood from the perspectives of parents and practitioners. While the literature is replete with studies and records on engagement of parents and practitioners with statutory child protective services, there are few studies on engagement for families serviced by voluntary family services, which accept a range of referral sources. To address this gap, this study conducted ten qualitative semi-structured interviews with parents referred to Inner Gippsland family services and seven interviews with practitioners. These were analysed using interpretative phenomenological analysis (IPA). Interview data were supported by quantitative data drawn from voluntary family service system records on service use across the region for 2016–17 and 2017–18. Mixed methods were employed. This study found that these regional and rural practitioners and parents conceived of engagement as open communication, trust, rapport and understanding. Practitioners also discussed engagement occurring at different levels and involving parents’ willingness to change. However, these aspects were not referred to by parents. Practitioners explained that parents may show full or meaningful engagement and set goals to work towards, or they may engage at a superficial level where they consult but do not value change. This indicates that the notion of ‘engagement’ held by parents is dissonant with that of service providers who focus on the documentation of goals and achievements. Factors influencing engagement included parent perceptions, practitioner disposition, power relations, system design and implementation. Parents expected practitioners to clearly explain services that are tailored to meet needs. Some parents were reluctant to engage fully and trust practitioners due to potential harm and the possibility of removal of their children from their care. Parents wanted support without judgement and for practitioners to provide friendly advice and not be authoritarian. Practitioners balanced assessments of child wellbeing with responding to family needs and emphasised empowering clients and relating to them humanely. Many parents did not feel family services were voluntary as they are connected to and mandated to report serious concerns to Child Protection.1 Most parents were reluctant to ask for help and were negatively disposed towards government Child Protection. Parents who self-referred to family services expressed the most willingness to use a service, while those referred by police did not tend to use a service past initial phone calls. Practitioner-documented service hours in the home, an objective indicator of engagement, were highest for families where an early learning or early childhood intervention agency had referred. These findings were consistent with the interview data showing parental reluctance to engage where there was fear of Child Protection intervention. The practices of prioritising cases of complexity or crisis clashed with policy ideals of prevention and early intervention. More complex issues for families in the region increased the likelihood of service availability and use, yet many families did not complete activities negotiated in service plans or engage to make a plan with practitioners. This study demonstrated that for supportive relationships that promote child and family wellbeing to occur in a regional and rural area, family services need to be trusted. Only then, according to parents, will engagement eventuate.
- Description: Doctor of Philosophy
Enhancing Culturally and Linguistically Diverse (CALD) community understanding and utilisation of mental health services in Victoria
- Authors: Radhamony, Reshmy
- Date: 2022
- Type: Text , Thesis , PhD
- Full Text:
- Description: The increase in cultural diversity (CD) in Victoria, Australia, demands healthcare professionals to acquire cultural competence. Literature reveals that people from Culturally and Linguistically Diverse (CALD) communities can be disadvantaged in terms of mental health service access and utilisation and the appropriateness of the health care they receive following access. Cultural competence has been advocated as a necessary step to alleviate health disparities and reduce bias and prejudices associated with culturally diverse people. Cultural competence has been endorsed in the government and professional bodies’ policies and guidelines for a long time. Whether this has prepared the mental health nursing workforce with sufficient knowledge, skills, and attitude necessary to be culturally competent, is still questionable. Evidence shows that significant barriers such as language and communication, cultural differences, and a lack of cultural sensitivity by mental health nurses (MHN) limit the quality of care provided to people from various non-dominant cultures. The primary aim of this study was to examine whether an educational intervention can improve mental health nurses' knowledge, behaviour, and attitude. Hence this multiple-method study focused on the educational needs of a cross-section of MHNs in Victoria, utilising online surveys and semi-structured interviews. This project undertook a gap analysis through telephone interviews with the CALD community members in Victoria regarding their mental health service needs and experiences. Then developed, implemented, and evaluated an online education package – “Acknowledging Diversity”, regarding cultural awareness and responsiveness for mental health nurses working with people from CALD communities. A CIPP (Context, Input, Process and Product) model evaluation of the education package confirmed its effectiveness. Andersen's Behavioural Model of Health service use (ABMHSU) was the underlying theoretical framework for this study. The study's findings were further analysed using the contextual variables of Andersen’s model. The study outcome for mental health nurses was improved knowledge, attitude, and competence about the needs of people from CALD backgrounds, even though the findings were not statistically significant. However, it has been conceded that cultural competence cannot be achieved in a single education session. Therefore, attaining cultural proficiency is a continuous process that requires motivation and persistence from MHNs and ongoing cultural encounters with the CALD population. Examining how educational interventions improved MHNs’ cultural competency to facilitate CALD community understanding and utilisation of mental health services also identified the gaps in knowledge to report future research areas.
- Description: Doctor of Philosophy
- Authors: Radhamony, Reshmy
- Date: 2022
- Type: Text , Thesis , PhD
- Full Text:
- Description: The increase in cultural diversity (CD) in Victoria, Australia, demands healthcare professionals to acquire cultural competence. Literature reveals that people from Culturally and Linguistically Diverse (CALD) communities can be disadvantaged in terms of mental health service access and utilisation and the appropriateness of the health care they receive following access. Cultural competence has been advocated as a necessary step to alleviate health disparities and reduce bias and prejudices associated with culturally diverse people. Cultural competence has been endorsed in the government and professional bodies’ policies and guidelines for a long time. Whether this has prepared the mental health nursing workforce with sufficient knowledge, skills, and attitude necessary to be culturally competent, is still questionable. Evidence shows that significant barriers such as language and communication, cultural differences, and a lack of cultural sensitivity by mental health nurses (MHN) limit the quality of care provided to people from various non-dominant cultures. The primary aim of this study was to examine whether an educational intervention can improve mental health nurses' knowledge, behaviour, and attitude. Hence this multiple-method study focused on the educational needs of a cross-section of MHNs in Victoria, utilising online surveys and semi-structured interviews. This project undertook a gap analysis through telephone interviews with the CALD community members in Victoria regarding their mental health service needs and experiences. Then developed, implemented, and evaluated an online education package – “Acknowledging Diversity”, regarding cultural awareness and responsiveness for mental health nurses working with people from CALD communities. A CIPP (Context, Input, Process and Product) model evaluation of the education package confirmed its effectiveness. Andersen's Behavioural Model of Health service use (ABMHSU) was the underlying theoretical framework for this study. The study's findings were further analysed using the contextual variables of Andersen’s model. The study outcome for mental health nurses was improved knowledge, attitude, and competence about the needs of people from CALD backgrounds, even though the findings were not statistically significant. However, it has been conceded that cultural competence cannot be achieved in a single education session. Therefore, attaining cultural proficiency is a continuous process that requires motivation and persistence from MHNs and ongoing cultural encounters with the CALD population. Examining how educational interventions improved MHNs’ cultural competency to facilitate CALD community understanding and utilisation of mental health services also identified the gaps in knowledge to report future research areas.
- Description: Doctor of Philosophy
Enhancing deep transfer learning for image classification
- Authors: Shermin, Tasfia
- Date: 2021
- Type: Text , Thesis , PhD
- Full Text:
- Description: Though deep learning models require a large amount of labelled training data for yielding high performance, they are applied to accomplish many computer vision tasks such as image classification. Current models also do not perform well across different domain settings such as illumination, camera angle and real-to-synthetic. Thus the models are more likely to misclassify unknown classes as known classes. These issues challenge the supervised learning paradigm of the models and encourage the study of transfer learning approaches. Transfer learning allows us to utilise the knowledge acquired from related domains to improve performance on a target domain. Existing transfer learning approaches lack proper high-level source domain feature analyses and are prone to negative transfers for not exploring proper discriminative information across domains. Current approaches also lack at discovering necessary visual-semantic linkage and has a bias towards the source domain. In this thesis, to address these issues and improve image classification performance, we make several contributions to three different deep transfer learning scenarios, i.e., the target domain has i) labelled data; no labelled data; and no visual data. Firstly, for improving inductive transfer learning for the first scenario, we analyse the importance of high-level deep features and propose utilising them in sequential transfer learning approaches and investigating the suitable conditions for optimal performance. Secondly, to improve image classification across different domains in an open set setting by reducing negative transfers (second scenario), we propose two novel architectures. The first model has an adaptive weighting module based on underlying domain distinctive information, and the second model has an information-theoretic weighting module to reduce negative transfers. Thirdly, to learn visual classifiers when no visual data is available (third scenario) and reduce source domain bias, we propose two novel models. One model has a new two-step dense attention mechanism to discover semantic attribute-guided local visual features and mutual learning loss. The other model utilises bidirectional mapping and adversarial supervision to learn the joint distribution of source-target domains simultaneously. We propose a new pointwise mutual information dependant loss in the first model and a distance-based loss in the second one for handling source domain bias. We perform extensive evaluations on benchmark datasets and demonstrate the proposed models outperform contemporary works.
- Description: Doctor of Philosophy
- Authors: Shermin, Tasfia
- Date: 2021
- Type: Text , Thesis , PhD
- Full Text:
- Description: Though deep learning models require a large amount of labelled training data for yielding high performance, they are applied to accomplish many computer vision tasks such as image classification. Current models also do not perform well across different domain settings such as illumination, camera angle and real-to-synthetic. Thus the models are more likely to misclassify unknown classes as known classes. These issues challenge the supervised learning paradigm of the models and encourage the study of transfer learning approaches. Transfer learning allows us to utilise the knowledge acquired from related domains to improve performance on a target domain. Existing transfer learning approaches lack proper high-level source domain feature analyses and are prone to negative transfers for not exploring proper discriminative information across domains. Current approaches also lack at discovering necessary visual-semantic linkage and has a bias towards the source domain. In this thesis, to address these issues and improve image classification performance, we make several contributions to three different deep transfer learning scenarios, i.e., the target domain has i) labelled data; no labelled data; and no visual data. Firstly, for improving inductive transfer learning for the first scenario, we analyse the importance of high-level deep features and propose utilising them in sequential transfer learning approaches and investigating the suitable conditions for optimal performance. Secondly, to improve image classification across different domains in an open set setting by reducing negative transfers (second scenario), we propose two novel architectures. The first model has an adaptive weighting module based on underlying domain distinctive information, and the second model has an information-theoretic weighting module to reduce negative transfers. Thirdly, to learn visual classifiers when no visual data is available (third scenario) and reduce source domain bias, we propose two novel models. One model has a new two-step dense attention mechanism to discover semantic attribute-guided local visual features and mutual learning loss. The other model utilises bidirectional mapping and adversarial supervision to learn the joint distribution of source-target domains simultaneously. We propose a new pointwise mutual information dependant loss in the first model and a distance-based loss in the second one for handling source domain bias. We perform extensive evaluations on benchmark datasets and demonstrate the proposed models outperform contemporary works.
- Description: Doctor of Philosophy
Enhancing factoid question answering using frame semantic-based approaches
- Authors: Ofoghi, Bahadorreza
- Date: 2009
- Type: Text , Thesis , PhD
- Full Text:
- Description: FrameNet is used to enhance the performance of semantic QA systems. FrameNet is a linguistic resource that encapsulates Frame Semantics and provides scenario-based generalizations over lexical items that share similar semantic backgrounds.
- Description: Doctor of Philosophy
- Authors: Ofoghi, Bahadorreza
- Date: 2009
- Type: Text , Thesis , PhD
- Full Text:
- Description: FrameNet is used to enhance the performance of semantic QA systems. FrameNet is a linguistic resource that encapsulates Frame Semantics and provides scenario-based generalizations over lexical items that share similar semantic backgrounds.
- Description: Doctor of Philosophy