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Applications of machine learning and deep learning in antenna design, optimization, and selection : a review

  • Authors: Sarker, Nayan , Podder, Prajoy , Mondal, M. , Shafin, Sakib , Kamruzzaman, Joarder
  • Date: 2023
  • Type: Text , Journal article , Review
  • Relation: IEEE Access Vol. 11, no. (2023), p. 103890-103915
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  • Description: This review paper provides an overview of the latest developments in artificial intelligence (AI)-based antenna design and optimization for wireless communications. Machine learning (ML) and deep learning (DL) algorithms are applied to antenna engineering to improve the efficiency of the design and optimization processes. The review discusses the use of electromagnetic (EM) simulators such as computer simulation technology (CST) and high-frequency structure simulator (HFSS) for ML and DL-based antenna design, which also covers reinforcement learning (RL)-bases approaches. Various antenna optimization methods including parallel optimization, single and multi-objective optimization, variable fidelity optimization, multilayer ML-assisted optimization, and surrogate-based optimization are discussed. The review also covers the AI-based antenna selection approaches for wireless applications. To support the automation of antenna engineering, the data generation technique with computational electromagnetics software is described and some useful datasets are reported. The review concludes that ML/DL can enhance antenna behavior prediction, reduce the number of simulations, improve computer efficiency, and speed up the antenna design process. © 2013 IEEE.

Applications of power electronics in renewable energy systems

  • Authors: Abu-Siada, Ahmed , Islam, Syed
  • Date: 2023
  • Type: Text , Book chapter
  • Relation: Power Electronics Handbook Chapter 23 p. 797-843
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  • Description: The Kyoto and Paris agreements on global reduction of greenhouse gas emissions have prompted renewed interest in the adoption of clean renewable energy systems worldwide. Many renewable energy technologies have been well developed over the years and become morereliable, and cost-competitive with conventional fuel-based generation. The cost of renewable energy technologies is on a falling trend and is expected to fall further with the increase in demand and production. There are many renewable energy sources (RES) such as biomass, solar, wind, mini-hydro, and tidal power. However, solar and wind energy systems make use of advanced power electronics technologies, and therefore, the focus in this chapter will be on solar photovoltaic and wind power systems. © 2024 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Apprenticeships : the problem of attractiveness and the hindrance of heterogeneity

  • Authors: Smith, Erica
  • Date: 2023
  • Type: Text , Journal article
  • Relation: International Journal of Training and Development Vol. 27, no. 1 (2023), p. 18-38
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  • Description: This paper examines a question posed in 2019 in the International Journal on Training and Development: ‘How do we solve a problem like apprenticeship?’ Data sources covering a substantial number of countries are used to present findings on, and analyse, initiatives that have been implemented or that have been considered, and then to develop some analytical constructs to help address the question. Fundamental issues such as the status of vocational education and training and the status of apprenticed occupations are important, but the nature of the apprenticeship arrangements, within countries and within industries are also major factors affecting perceived attractiveness. The paper therefore argues that the heterogeneity of apprenticeship systems and arrangements is a major barrier to solving the attractiveness problem. Moreover, the heterogeneity of potential apprenticeship applicants means that marketing campaigns or other efforts to attract more, and higher quality, apprentices need to be cognisant of individuals’ backgrounds, characteristics, and aspirations. Some tentative ways of addressing these matters are presented, but the conclusion is that the topic needs large-scale research. © 2022 The Authors. International Journal of Training and Development published by Brian Towers (BRITOW) and John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

Artificial intelligence enabled digital twin for predictive maintenance in industrial automation system : a novel framework and case study

  • Authors: Siddiqui, Mustafa , Kahandawa, Gayan , Hewawasam, Hasitha
  • Date: 2023
  • Type: Text , Conference paper
  • Relation: 2023 IEEE International Conference on Mechatronics, ICM 2023, Leicestershire UK, 15-17 March 2023, Proceedings - 2023 IEEE International Conference on Mechatronics, ICM 2023
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  • Description: Industrial automation systems are excessively used in advanced manufacturing environments. These systems are always prone to failure which not only disturbs smooth manufacturing operations but can also cause injuries to operators. Therefore, in this research, a novel predictive maintenance algorithm is proposed that can be used to detect anomalies in the automation system to avoid asset failure. Artificial Intelligence enabled Digital Twin model was used to detect early anomalies to avoid catastrophic effects of equipment failure. Real-time sensor data were used to validate the proposed novel algorithm. The data were recorded via sensors mounted on the physical system. This paper presents the effectiveness of the proposed algorithm to detect anomalies in industrial automation systems under faulty conditions. © 2023 IEEE.

Assembling more-than-human stories: outdoor environmental education as a co-production

  • Authors: Jukes, Scott , Reeves, Ya
  • Date: 2023
  • Type: Text , Book chapter
  • Relation: Learning to confront ecological precarity : engaging with more-than-human worlds Chapter 4 p. 51-74
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  • Description: This chapter draws upon pedagogical experimentation on a ski-touring journey in the Australian Alps. The aim of the chapter is to build upon place-responsive pedagogies in OEE with insight from new materialist and posthumanist theory. The chapter focusses on the generative potential of considering co-productions and assemblages that include the materiality of a more-than-human world. Combining place-responsive and new materialist ideas, the concept of more-than-human stories is offered as a pedagogical strategy that may challenge anthropocentrism and develop different ways of thinking about and with more-than-human places. An example of these ideas in practice is offered, where Ya, an undergraduate student, presents her more-than-human story—One Single Moment—a picture-story book created on the ski-touring journey. Following her picture-story book, she maps the conditions of possibility, the various pedagogical influences that led to the creation of One Single Moment. The aim through this chapter is to offer methodological and pedagogical insight into using new materialist theories in creative and productive ways. © 2023, The Author(s), under exclusive license to Springer Nature Switzerland AG.

Assessment of powered mobility device use among older australians in residential aged care facilities

  • Authors: Dickson, Natalie
  • Date: 2023
  • Type: Text , Thesis , Masters
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  • Description: Autonomous mobility is fundamental for older Australians to participate in the activities that occupy and inspire daily life. Should a mobility difficulty arise, a powered mobility device (PMD) can assist to supplement or restore mobility, choice, and control. A PMD continues to be a valued resource once a person moves into residential aged care. However, increasing frailty among people within this group means that incidents can result in serious injury for PMD users or others living, visiting, or working in this environment. Guidelines for PMD use are available, however, there are no regulations or mandates to seek professional guidance for assessment of competence, equipment prescription, or training. Occupational therapy theory and practice can support all parts of this process. This thesis presents a three-part study using a mixed methods approach to (i) examine PMD use related incidents and injuries within residential aged care, (ii) to evaluate existing measurement tools, and (iii) to develop and undertake initial validation of a new screening tool developed for residents who use PMDs, based on classical test theory (De Vellis, 2006). The new screening tool will address a gap identified among screening tools for PMD capacity and performance skills specific to this population, to improve the balance between much needed autonomy and safety for all stakeholders.
  • Description: Master of Health (Research)

Association of fear of negative evaluation with performance anxiety : mediation by negative self-statements and moderation by positive self-statements during performance in adults

  • Authors: Gomez, Rapson , Watson, Shaun , Brown, Taylor
  • Date: 2023
  • Type: Text , Journal article
  • Relation: Journal of Psychopathology and Behavioral Assessment Vol. 45, no. 3 (2023), p. 650-658
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  • Description: Using individual differences constructs, the current study used cross-sectional data to examine the mediating role of negative self-statements during public speaking on the relationship between fear of negative evaluation and public speaking anxiety (a type of performance anxiety), and how this relationship was moderated by positive self-statements during public performance. The sample comprised 319 adults (men = 105, women = 214) from the general Australian community, with ages ranging from 18 years to 65 years. All participants completed questionnaires covering the different study variables. The findings showed that there was partial mediation by negative self-statements on the relationship between fear of negative evaluation and performance anxiety. There were also moderation effects by positive self-statements for this relationship. Additionally, moderation by positive self-statements was evident at all levels of positive self-statements. The theoretical and clinical implications of the findings for public speaking anxiety are discussed. © 2023, The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer Science+Business Media, LLC, part of Springer Nature.

Associations between smartphone keystroke metadata and mental health symptoms in adolescents: findings from the future proofing study

  • Authors: Braund, Taylor , O'Dea, Bridianne , Bal, Debopriyo , Maston, Kate , Larsen, Mark , Werner-Seidler, Aliza , Tillman, Gabriel , Christensen, Helen
  • Date: 2023
  • Type: Text , Journal article
  • Relation: JMIR Mental Health Vol. 10, no. (2023), p.
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  • Description: Background: Mental disorders are prevalent during adolescence. Among the digital phenotypes currently being developed to monitor mental health symptoms, typing behavior is one promising candidate. However, few studies have directly assessed associations between typing behavior and mental health symptom severity, and whether these relationships differs between genders. Objective: In a cross-sectional analysis of a large cohort, we tested whether various features of typing behavior derived from keystroke metadata were associated with mental health symptoms and whether these relationships differed between genders. Methods: A total of 934 adolescents from the Future Proofing study undertook 2 typing tasks on their smartphones through the Future Proofing app. Common keystroke timing and frequency features were extracted across tasks. Mental health symptoms were assessed using the Patient Health Questionnaire-Adolescent version, the Children's Anxiety Scale-Short Form, the Distress Questionnaire 5, and the Insomnia Severity Index. Bivariate correlations were used to test whether keystroke features were associated with mental health symptoms. The false discovery rates of P values were adjusted to q values. Machine learning models were trained and tested using independent samples (ie, 80% train 20% test) to identify whether keystroke features could be combined to predict mental health symptoms. Results: Keystroke timing features showed a weak negative association with mental health symptoms across participants. When split by gender, females showed weak negative relationships between keystroke timing features and mental health symptoms, and weak positive relationships between keystroke frequency features and mental health symptoms. The opposite relationships were found for males (except for dwell). Machine learning models using keystroke features alone did not predict mental health symptoms. Conclusions: Increased mental health symptoms are weakly associated with faster typing, with important gender differences. Keystroke metadata should be collected longitudinally and combined with other digital phenotypes to enhance their clinical relevance. ©Taylor A Braund, Bridianne O'Dea, Debopriyo Bal, Kate Maston, Mark Larsen, Aliza Werner-Seidler, Gabriel Tillman, Helen Christensen.

Associations of reinforcement sensitivity theory personality constructs, cognitive biases for negative and threatening social information, and social anxiety

  • Authors: Gomez, Rapson , Watson, Shaun , Stavropoulos, Vasileios , Typuszak, Natasha
  • Date: 2023
  • Type: Text , Journal article
  • Relation: Current Psychology Vol. 42, no. 17 (2023), p. 14159-14170
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  • Description: Background: Using Kimbrel’s (2008) mediation model of social anxiety as a theoretical framework, the primary aim of the current study was to use path analysis to examine how biased cognitions for negative and threatening social information mediated the relationships for the personality constructs of the reinforcement sensitivity theory (RST) with generalized and specific social anxiety (target mediation model). A secondary aim was to examine reverse mediation testing (RMT) models, in which the social anxiety constructs were viewed as mediating the relations between RST constructs and biased social cognition constructs. Methods: A total of 302 (males = 101, females = 201) adults (age ranging from 18 to 65 years) from the general community completed questionnaires measuring the behavioral inhibition system/fight-flight-freeze system (BIS/FFFS), the behavioral approach system (BAS), social comparison (SC), social ineptness (SI), and generalized and specific social anxiety. Results: The findings for the target mediation model showed that there was support for indirect effects for the BIS/FFFS and the BAS on generalized and specific social anxiety through SC and SI. For the RMT model, there was support for the indirect effect of the RST constructs with SI through generalized social anxiety. However, specific generalized anxiety did not mediate the relations of the BIS/FFFS and BAS to SC. Conclusions: The findings highlight the importance of cognitive therapy that targets SC and SI in the treatment of social anxiety, especially among those with high BIS/FFFS and low BAS. © 2021, The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer Science+Business Media, LLC, part of Springer Nature.

Associations of UPPS-P negative urgency and positive urgency with ADHD dimensions : moderation by lack of premeditation and lack of perseverance in men and women

  • Authors: Gomez, Rapson , Watson, Shaun
  • Date: 2023
  • Type: Text , Journal article
  • Relation: Personality and Individual Differences Vol. 206, no. (2023), p.
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  • Description: The study examined how dimensions of Whiteside and Lynam's (2003) UPPS-P model of impulsivity (lack of premeditation, lack of perseverance, negative urgency, and positive urgency) were associated directly and interactively with the attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) dimensions of inattention and hyperactivity/impulsivity in men and women separately. A total of 550 adults (men = 147, women = 403), ages ranging from 18 to 65 years, from the general community completed questionnaires covering the study variables. For women, there was support for the additive model for the prediction of inattention, and both inattention and hyperactivity/impulsivity were predicted by lack of premeditation × positive urgency. For men, inattention was predicted by lack of premeditation × negative urgency, and lack of premeditation × positive urgency. In all instances, low levels of premeditation reduced the relationships between the urgency dimensions and ADHD dimensions. The theoretical and clinical implications of the findings are discussed. © 2023 The Author(s)

Attributes of expert anticipation should inform the design of virtual reality simulators to accelerate learning and transfer of skill

  • Authors: Müller, Sean , Dekker, Evan , Morris-Binelli, Khaya , Piggott, Benjamin , Hoyne, Gerard , Christensen, Wayne , Fadde, Peter , Zaichkowsky, Leonard , Brenton, John , Hambrick, David
  • Date: 2023
  • Type: Text , Journal article
  • Relation: Sports Medicine Vol. 53, no. 2 (2023), p. 301-309
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  • Description: Expert sport performers cope with a multitude of visual information to achieve precise skill goals under time stress and pressure. For example, a major league baseball or cricket batter must read opponent variations in actions and ball flight paths to strike the ball in less than a second. Crowded playing schedules and training load restrictions to minimise injury have limited opportunity for field-based practice in sports. As a result, many sports organisations are exploring the use of virtual reality (VR) simulators. Whilst VR synthetic experiences can allow greater control of visual stimuli, immersion to create presence in an environment, and interaction with stimuli, compared to traditional video simulation, the underpinning mechanisms of how experts use visual information for anticipation have not been properly incorporated into its content design. In themes, this opinion article briefly explains the mechanisms underpinning expert visual anticipation, as well as its learning and transfer, with a view that this knowledge can better inform VR simulator content design. In each theme, examples are discussed for improved content design of VR simulators taking into consideration its advantages and limitations relative to video simulation techniques. Whilst sport is used as the exemplar, the points discussed have implications for skill learning in other domains, such as military and law enforcement. It is hoped that our paper will stimulate improved content design of VR simulators for future research and skill enhancement across several domains. © 2022, The Author(s). Correction to: Sports Medicine https://doi.org/10.1007/s40279-022-01735-7, Page 1: The affiliation for Evan Dekker, which previously read: 2Academic Services and Support Directorate, University Drive, Mt. Helen, Ballarat, VIC 3350, Australia has now been updated to read: Academic Services and Support Directorate, Federation University, University Drive, Mt. Helen, Ballarat, VIC 3350, Australia. The original article has been corrected.

Australian men’s sheds and their role in the health and wellbeing of men : a systematic review

  • Authors: Barbagallo, Michael , Brito, Sara , Porter, Joanne
  • Date: 2023
  • Type: Text , Journal article
  • Relation: Health & Social care in the Community Vol. 2023, no. (2023), p. 1-9
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  • Description: Men’s sheds are a community-based organisation that allows a space for a community of men to interact and engage with one another with hands-on activities. As such, men’s sheds form an appropriate setting to deliver health and wellbeing initiatives. This review aims to understand the role of Australian men’s sheds with respect to the health and wellbeing of their male participants. This review was conducted in accordance with the preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analysis (PRISMA) following a three-step process of planning, conducting, and reporting the review. All three authors reviewed all the eligible articles. There was significant methodological heterogeneity between the sources identified (n = 11). A narrative synthesis identified three key themes: health promotion, wellbeing, and socialisation intergenerational mentoring and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander men’s health. Men’s sheds serve as ideal locations for the delivery of initiatives that can positively impact on the health and wellbeing of their male participants. Furthermore, research is needed to explore the implementation and evaluation of these health and wellbeing initiatives for men in their respective communities.

Australian nursing students’ perceptions of being a nurse : a mixed methods study

  • Authors: Allen, Louise
  • Date: 2023
  • Type: Text , Thesis , PhD
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  • Description: Background Nursing students often enter nursing programs with idealistic, altruistic perceptions of what it means to be a nurse. Over time, however, many discover that these perceptions are naïve and unrealistic. Nursing is a demanding profession that requires knowledge, skill and emotional resilience in often demanding and challenging situations that can influence emotional intelligence. Therefore, an early and realistic understanding of professional requirements may reduce transition shock and attrition rates. Aim The aim of this thesis is to explore Bachelor of Nursing (BN) students’ perceptions of being a nurse in Australia. Methods This study used an explanatory sequential mixed methods design. The 34-item Perceptions of a Registered Nurse (PRN) survey tool was developed using a Nominal Group Technique and validated with a sample of 797 participants across three universities and states. Descriptive and inferential statistical analysis was incorporated as applicable. In addition, online semi-structured interviews with 23 nursing students (n = 23) explored their perceptions of a nurse in detail, with a thematic analysis of outcomes. Results Demographic variables influenced perceptions. There were significant differences in item-by-item perceptions related to ‘primary language spoken at home’ (13/34 items; p < .04), ‘university of study’ (10/34 items; p
  • Description: Doctor of Philosophy

Automated methods for diagnosis of Parkinson’s disease and predicting severity level

  • Authors: Ayaz, Zainab , Naz, Saeeda , Khan, Naila , Razzak, Imran , Imran, Muhammad
  • Date: 2023
  • Type: Text , Journal article
  • Relation: Neural Computing and Applications Vol. 35, no. 20 (2023), p. 14499-14534
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  • Description: The recent advancements in information technology and bioinformatics have led to exceptional contributions in medical sciences. Extensive developments have been recorded for digital devices, thermometers, digital equipments and health monitoring systems for the automated disease diagnosis of different diseases. These automated systems assist doctors with accurate and efficient disease diagnosis. Parkinson’s disease is a neurodegenerative disorder that affects the nervous system. Over the years, numerous efforts have been reported for the efficient automatic detection of Parkinson’s disease. Different datasets including voice data samples, radiology images, and handwriting samples and gait specimens have been used for analysis and detection. Techniques such as machine learning and deep learning have been used broadly and reported promising results. This review paper aims to provide a comprehensive survey of the use of artificial intelligence for Parkinson’s disease diagnosis. The available datasets and their various properties are discussed in detail. Further, a thorough overview is provided for the existing algorithms, methods and approaches utilizing different datasets. Several key peculiarities and challenges are also provided based on the comprehensive literature review to diagnose a healthy or unhealthy person. © 2021, The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer-Verlag London Ltd., part of Springer Nature.

Behavioural indicators of compassionate nursing care of individuals with complex needs : a naturalistic inquiry

  • Authors: Younas, Ahtisham , Porr, Caroline , Maddigan, Joy , Moore, Julia , Navarro, Pablo , Whitehead, Dean
  • Date: 2023
  • Type: Text , Journal article
  • Relation: Journal of Clinical Nursing Vol. 32, no. 13-14 (2023), p. 4024-4036
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  • Description: Aims and objectives: To explore behavioural indicators of compassionate nursing care from the perspectives of individuals with multimorbidities and complex needs. Background: Complex patients are individuals with multimorbidity and/or mental health concerns, andoften with medication and drug-related problems requiring ongoing person-centered care, mental health interventions, and family and community resources. They are frequent consumers of health-care services and it is documented that these patients experience discrimination and substandard care. Compassionate care can improve patient care experiences and health outcomes. However, missing is the guidance on how to provide compassionate care for this population from the perspectives of complex patients. Design: A qualitative descriptive approach was conducted in eastern Canada from December 2020–April 2021. The COREQ guidelines were followed for reporting. Methods: Data from in-person and virtual semi-structured interviews with 23 individuals having experiences as complex patients were analysed using reflexive thematic analysis. Among them 19 were homeless and lived in a shelter. Findings: Six indicators of compassionate nursing care were generated: sensitivity, awareness, a non-judgmental approach, a positive demeanour, empathic understanding, and altruism. Conclusions: Individuals perceived that nurses who acknowledge personal biases are better at providing compassionate care by manifesting compassion through their genuine and selfless interest in the complicated health problems and underlying socio-cultural determinants of each patient. Kindness, positivity, and a respectful nursing approach elicit openness and the sharing of heartfelt concerns. Relevance to clinical practice: Comprehensive health assessment, dedicated efforts to know the patient as a human being, and listening to the patient's preferences can improve health outcomes among individuals with complex needs. Healthcare administrators can effect the change by supporting nurses to address complex health and social care needs with compassion. Patient or public contribution: Patients and healthcare professionals helped in data collection at the community care centre. © 2022 John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

Being private, big 4 auditors, and debt raising

  • Authors: Sharpe, Wen , Carey, Peter , Zhang, Hong
  • Date: 2023
  • Type: Text , Journal article
  • Relation: Accounting and Finance Vol. 63, no. 2 (2023), p. 2295-2345
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  • Description: This study investigates the role of auditor choice (Big 4/Non-Big 4) in debt financing for private and public firms. We find private firms have less access to debt than public firms, and Big 4 auditors support debt raising in both private and public firms. Consistent with private firms facing greater information asymmetry, Big 4 auditors are more important for debt raising in private firms than in public firms. The benefit of appointing Big 4 auditors for private firms' debt raising is greater in the opaque information environment of the global financial crisis. It is also greater when firms are smaller, younger, or have poorer financial reporting quality. We also find evidence consistent with Big 4 auditors mitigating agency conflicts and enhancing debt raising when ownership concentration is higher in private firms. © 2022 The Authors. Accounting & Finance published by John Wiley & Sons Australia, Ltd on behalf of Accounting and Finance Association of Australia and New Zealand.

Benchmark23 : undergraduate visual arts

  • Date: 2023
  • Type: Text , Artwork , Visual art work
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  • Description: BENCHMARK23 UNDERGRADUATE VISUAL ARTS THU 20 JUL - SUN 13 AUG 2023 Please join us for the students' exhibition opening on Fri 21 July @5, for 5.30pm. All welcome! An important annual Arts Academy Visual Arts undergraduate students’ exhibition, BENCHMARK showcases a rich mix of works of art completed individually and collaboratively across a broad range of media and studio areas, including painting, printmaking, ceramics and digital media. Here, students not only illustrate high levels of creative skill and ingenuity but also reveal complex concepts and ideas that underpin dynamic approaches, styles and interpretations. *OPEN FOR 'OPEN DAY' SUN 13 AUG 2023 Image: Peta Kalisperis Untitled, 2023 linoprint on paper H76 X W56 cm Courtesy the artist

Benchmarking Australian enabling programs for a national framework of standards, a practice report

  • Authors: Davis, Charmaine , Cook, Chris , Syme, Suzi , Dempster, Sarah , Duffy, Lisa , Hattam, Sarah , Lambrinidis, George , Lawson, Kathy , Levy, Stuart
  • Date: 2023
  • Type: Text , Journal article
  • Relation: Student Success Vol. 14, no. 2 (2023), p. 41-49
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  • Description: Enabling education programs in Australia assist students, who would otherwise have been excluded from higher education, to transition into undergraduate study. These programs emerged independently in response to the needs of individual universities and the varying cohorts of students they serve. The exclusion of these programs from the Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) has meant they remain unregulated, with no national framework for standards. The development of academic standards is a dynamic, consensus driven process, and benchmarking provides a method through which academics from across institutions can work in partnership to reach shared understandings and improve and align practices. This practice report outlines the results of the first comprehensive cross-institutional benchmarking project involving nine Australian universities and demonstrates there is shared understanding of the standards of enabling programs between institutions. These findings will contribute to the establishment of national standards for enabling programs in Australia. ©The Author/s 2023.

Between a rock and a hard place : site selection for Brush-tailed Rock-wallaby (Petrogale penicillata) translocations using an explicit decision-making process

  • Authors: Mathews, Emily
  • Date: 2023
  • Type: Text , Thesis , Masters
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  • Description: Translocation programs are used in species conservation, but their success rates, particularly in Australia, are low. The poor outcomes for translocation programs are commonly attributed to a lack of information about habitat requirements, especially for rare and endangered species. To address this, the identification of suitable release sites using analytical methods such as Habitat Suitability Models (HSM), has become common. Since biodiversity losses are predicted to increase in the future, effective strategies to reduce species decline are required. Evidence-based decisions and scientific data to support conservation decision-making is paramount in conservation efforts. Once widely distributed across the mountainous country of south-eastern Australia, the distribution of the Brush-tailed Rock-wallaby (BTRW) has contracted particularly within the southern extent of their range. Considered critically endangered in Victoria and extinct in the Australian Capital Territory (ACT), it is more important than ever that the habitat requirements of the BTRW are understood to inform future translocations and the protection of this species in the wild. In this study, an explicit decision-making process was combined with Habitat Suitability Modelling (HSM) and ground-truthing methods to inform potential Brush-tailed Rock-wallaby (BTRW) translocations sites within Victoria and the ACT. Although this study is not the first of its kind to use HSM to predict BTRW habitat suitability, it is the first of its kind to apply an explicit decision-making process at two key stages: 1. to inform the selection of key physical and management attributes to be used in a HSM; and 2. to prioritise sites, within experts’ local knowledge areas, for ground-truthing By combining HSM and an explicit decision-making process, this study has been able to identify six suitable and two highly suitable habitat for BTRW across Victoria and the ACT. The use of an explicit decision-making process and ground-truthing methods to validate the model outputs and prioritise sites for ground-truthing has ensured that the final ranking of potential candidate sites can be reliably used by the Southern Brush-tailed Rock-wallaby Recovery Team to inform future translocations.
  • Description: Masters by Research

Beyond Covid-19 : women entrepreneurs and e-commerce policy in the Asia-Pacific