"Beyond home and sex?" : Gender and sexuality in Elizabeth Moon's
- Authors: O'Sullivan, Jennifer
- Date: 2018
- Type: Text , Thesis , Masters
- Full Text:
- Description: Historically, fantasy fiction has tended to present sexuality and gender in a conservative light. Contemporary authors in this genre have the opportunity to imagine worlds in which they can critique these norms and offer new and subversive alternatives. Elizabeth Moon’s work has been seen by some readers and critics (Mains, et al, Bach) to challenge conservative gender roles, and while in some areas this is evident, a critical reading of her Paksworld series through a feminist lens reveals that her work is still largely restricted by normative notions of gender and heteronormative contexts and ideals. In this thesis I argue that while Moon’s female characters are allowed a certain amount of autonomy, they are still often repressed by those around them, silenced, or subject to male dominance and/or sexual violence. Those women in the novels who achieve a position of social, political or spiritual power are forced to make choices between roles: for example, between being a warrior and a mother, and are not allowed to ‘have it all’. Moon does subvert some familiar feminine tropes – her fantasy princesses for example avoid being married against their will, and her female warriors are more complex than simply being ‘sheroes’. Utilising masculinities and disability theory, I also analyse Moon’s treatment of men and masculinity. While Moon presents several familiar male fantasy tropes, she also portrays some surprisingly subversive men. These men are forced to reimagine and reinterpret their own masculine identities by having to confront ageing, disability, mutilation and loss of personal power while negotiating traditionally masculine homo-social environments. Finally, I argue that Moon’s presentation of sexuality in the Paksworld series is problematic and conservative in that very few of her characters are having pleasurable, consensual sex, especially not outside traditional marriage structures. Furthermore, the Paksworld series is largely heteronormative, with same-sex desire identified predominantly with a character who is presented as an antagonist to Paks. Paks herself is asexual, and I argue that Moon uses this as a way to avoid dealing with the issue of female sexual desire rather than an opportunity to explore asexuality as a valid sexual preference or identity. Overall, I argue that despite some subversive elements, Moon’s characters are still largely restricted by conservative expectations of genre, culture, gender and sexuality.
- Description: Masters by Research
- Authors: O'Sullivan, Jennifer
- Date: 2018
- Type: Text , Thesis , Masters
- Full Text:
- Description: Historically, fantasy fiction has tended to present sexuality and gender in a conservative light. Contemporary authors in this genre have the opportunity to imagine worlds in which they can critique these norms and offer new and subversive alternatives. Elizabeth Moon’s work has been seen by some readers and critics (Mains, et al, Bach) to challenge conservative gender roles, and while in some areas this is evident, a critical reading of her Paksworld series through a feminist lens reveals that her work is still largely restricted by normative notions of gender and heteronormative contexts and ideals. In this thesis I argue that while Moon’s female characters are allowed a certain amount of autonomy, they are still often repressed by those around them, silenced, or subject to male dominance and/or sexual violence. Those women in the novels who achieve a position of social, political or spiritual power are forced to make choices between roles: for example, between being a warrior and a mother, and are not allowed to ‘have it all’. Moon does subvert some familiar feminine tropes – her fantasy princesses for example avoid being married against their will, and her female warriors are more complex than simply being ‘sheroes’. Utilising masculinities and disability theory, I also analyse Moon’s treatment of men and masculinity. While Moon presents several familiar male fantasy tropes, she also portrays some surprisingly subversive men. These men are forced to reimagine and reinterpret their own masculine identities by having to confront ageing, disability, mutilation and loss of personal power while negotiating traditionally masculine homo-social environments. Finally, I argue that Moon’s presentation of sexuality in the Paksworld series is problematic and conservative in that very few of her characters are having pleasurable, consensual sex, especially not outside traditional marriage structures. Furthermore, the Paksworld series is largely heteronormative, with same-sex desire identified predominantly with a character who is presented as an antagonist to Paks. Paks herself is asexual, and I argue that Moon uses this as a way to avoid dealing with the issue of female sexual desire rather than an opportunity to explore asexuality as a valid sexual preference or identity. Overall, I argue that despite some subversive elements, Moon’s characters are still largely restricted by conservative expectations of genre, culture, gender and sexuality.
- Description: Masters by Research
"Drugs on the mind" : dual diagnosis : the experience of mental health professionals
- Authors: Soar, Rod
- Date: 2003
- Type: Text , Thesis , Masters
- Full Text:
- Description: Recent publicity has focused on the problems created by the usage of illicit drugs in the community. The growing use of illicit drugs throughout the Grampians region and the lack of resources and professional services available to regional and rural areas raise many questions as to treatment options and the accessibility and appropriateness of drug and alcohol and mental health services. Despite the fact that mental health professionals in rural/regional areas are expected to deliver the most appropriate care to individuals with a comorbid drug and alcohol and psychiatric disorder, a number of these rural/regional mental health professionals have limited preparation and experience in dealing with dual diagnosis issues. This phenomenological study focuses on the area of dual diagnosis, specifically the experiences of health professionals who care for clients diagnosed with a serious mental illness and a coexisting drug and alcohol disorder. Results are described in the form of four themes, which emerged from data collected during in-depth interviews with 13 mental health professionals who care for clients with a dual diagnosis. The themes captured in this research will be described using metaphors as headings. The first theme Sink or swim represents mental health professionals’ initial preparation to care for this group of complex clientele. Treading water symbolises mental health professionals’ endeavours to keep their head above water and reflects on their feelings while endeavouring to do so. Rowing against the tide describes mental health professionals’ understanding of clients’ drug misuse, which impacts greatly on the level of care.
- Description: Master of Nursing
- Authors: Soar, Rod
- Date: 2003
- Type: Text , Thesis , Masters
- Full Text:
- Description: Recent publicity has focused on the problems created by the usage of illicit drugs in the community. The growing use of illicit drugs throughout the Grampians region and the lack of resources and professional services available to regional and rural areas raise many questions as to treatment options and the accessibility and appropriateness of drug and alcohol and mental health services. Despite the fact that mental health professionals in rural/regional areas are expected to deliver the most appropriate care to individuals with a comorbid drug and alcohol and psychiatric disorder, a number of these rural/regional mental health professionals have limited preparation and experience in dealing with dual diagnosis issues. This phenomenological study focuses on the area of dual diagnosis, specifically the experiences of health professionals who care for clients diagnosed with a serious mental illness and a coexisting drug and alcohol disorder. Results are described in the form of four themes, which emerged from data collected during in-depth interviews with 13 mental health professionals who care for clients with a dual diagnosis. The themes captured in this research will be described using metaphors as headings. The first theme Sink or swim represents mental health professionals’ initial preparation to care for this group of complex clientele. Treading water symbolises mental health professionals’ endeavours to keep their head above water and reflects on their feelings while endeavouring to do so. Rowing against the tide describes mental health professionals’ understanding of clients’ drug misuse, which impacts greatly on the level of care.
- Description: Master of Nursing
"So what I do is bang in the search term and see how I go" The information-seeking approaches of Arts Academy students
- Authors: Claridge, Cheryl
- Date: 2015
- Type: Text , Thesis , Masters
- Full Text:
- Description: In this qualitative research project I investigated the use of library systems by a cohort of students from the University of Ballarat Arts Academy. The purpose of the study was to build a clearer picture of how these students use the library resources for their information-seeking, with a view to improving the provision of library services, resources and training. In particular I aimed to identify whether this cohort had a common approach to information-seeking. In this study I thematically analysed the data from eight think-aloud protocols and semi- structured interviews. Participants were Arts Academy students studying Performing Arts, Visual Arts or a Visual Arts/Education dual-degree who were searching for information to complete an assessment task. With the exception of two second year dual-degree students all participants were first year students. The steps taken by participants in information-seeking were identified and the successes and difficulties they experienced with the library’s systems highlighted. The participants in this cohort did not share one specific ‘information-seeking style’ however I identified some common factors across this group of students. All of the participants engaged in a staged process to source the information they required, although in some cases this process was non-linear. They did not however utilise the full capabilities of the search tools they used or access potentially useful tools and resources which the library provides. A number of participants were reticent about using eResources as they had been instructed not to use internet resources for assessment tasks. As a result of this inquiry I have made recommendations relating to the provision of library training and services, collection maintenance and library record standards. Collaboration between library and academic staff would be required to implement these recommendations to ensure optimum outcomes. Areas highlighted for future research include similar studies with student cohorts from different disciplines and an examination of students’ approaches to choosing a topic or focus for assessment tasks.
- Description: Master of Education (Research)
- Authors: Claridge, Cheryl
- Date: 2015
- Type: Text , Thesis , Masters
- Full Text:
- Description: In this qualitative research project I investigated the use of library systems by a cohort of students from the University of Ballarat Arts Academy. The purpose of the study was to build a clearer picture of how these students use the library resources for their information-seeking, with a view to improving the provision of library services, resources and training. In particular I aimed to identify whether this cohort had a common approach to information-seeking. In this study I thematically analysed the data from eight think-aloud protocols and semi- structured interviews. Participants were Arts Academy students studying Performing Arts, Visual Arts or a Visual Arts/Education dual-degree who were searching for information to complete an assessment task. With the exception of two second year dual-degree students all participants were first year students. The steps taken by participants in information-seeking were identified and the successes and difficulties they experienced with the library’s systems highlighted. The participants in this cohort did not share one specific ‘information-seeking style’ however I identified some common factors across this group of students. All of the participants engaged in a staged process to source the information they required, although in some cases this process was non-linear. They did not however utilise the full capabilities of the search tools they used or access potentially useful tools and resources which the library provides. A number of participants were reticent about using eResources as they had been instructed not to use internet resources for assessment tasks. As a result of this inquiry I have made recommendations relating to the provision of library training and services, collection maintenance and library record standards. Collaboration between library and academic staff would be required to implement these recommendations to ensure optimum outcomes. Areas highlighted for future research include similar studies with student cohorts from different disciplines and an examination of students’ approaches to choosing a topic or focus for assessment tasks.
- Description: Master of Education (Research)
"That fella paints like me" : exploring the relationship between Abstract art and Aboriginal art in Australia
- Authors: Brooks, Terri
- Date: 2005
- Type: Text , Thesis , Masters
- Full Text:
- Description: "This research project explores the possibility of a relationship between Abstract art and Aboriginal art in Australia from the mid twentieth century to present. [...] The investigation commences with background information on the history and origins of Abstraction, including the influence of 'primitive art' upon leading practitioners in this field during the movement's formation, before moving to Australia and focussing on two Australian painters. [...] The text also reflects on the rise of the perception of Aboriginal art from being seen as cultural curios in the mid 20th century to its current status as an internationally recognised art movement."--p. 2.
- Description: Master of Arts (Visual Arts)
- Authors: Brooks, Terri
- Date: 2005
- Type: Text , Thesis , Masters
- Full Text:
- Description: "This research project explores the possibility of a relationship between Abstract art and Aboriginal art in Australia from the mid twentieth century to present. [...] The investigation commences with background information on the history and origins of Abstraction, including the influence of 'primitive art' upon leading practitioners in this field during the movement's formation, before moving to Australia and focussing on two Australian painters. [...] The text also reflects on the rise of the perception of Aboriginal art from being seen as cultural curios in the mid 20th century to its current status as an internationally recognised art movement."--p. 2.
- Description: Master of Arts (Visual Arts)
A class of Increasing Positively Homogeneous functions for which global optimization problem is NP-hard
- Authors: Sultanova, Nargiz
- Date: 2009
- Type: Text , Thesis , Masters
- Full Text:
- Description: It is well known that global optimization problems are, generally speaking, computationally infeasible, that is solving them would require an unreasonably large amount of time and/or space. In certain cases, for example, when objective functions and constraints are convex, it is possible to construct a feasible algorithm for solving global optimization problem successfully. Convexity, however, is not a phenomenon to be often expected in the applications. Nonconvex problems frequently arise in many industrial and scienti¯c areas. Therefore, it is only natural to try to replace convexity with some other structure at least for some classes of nonconvex optimization problems to render the global optimization problem feasible. A theory of abstract convexity has been developed as a result of the above considerations. Monotonic analysis, a branch of abstract convex analysis, is analogous in many ways to convex analysis, and sometimes is even simpler. It turned out that many problems of nonconvex optimization encountered in applications can be described in terms of monotonic functions. The analogies with convex analysis were considered to aid in solving some classes of nonconvex optimization problems. In this thesis we will focus on one of the elements of monotonic analysis - Increasing Positively Homogeneous functions of degree one or in short IPH functions. The aim of present research is to show that finding the solution and ²-approximation to the solution of the global optimization problem for IPH functions restricted to a unit simplex is an NP-hard problem. These results can be further extended to positively homogeneous functions of degree ´, ´ > 0.
- Description: Master of Mathematical Sciences (Research)
- Authors: Sultanova, Nargiz
- Date: 2009
- Type: Text , Thesis , Masters
- Full Text:
- Description: It is well known that global optimization problems are, generally speaking, computationally infeasible, that is solving them would require an unreasonably large amount of time and/or space. In certain cases, for example, when objective functions and constraints are convex, it is possible to construct a feasible algorithm for solving global optimization problem successfully. Convexity, however, is not a phenomenon to be often expected in the applications. Nonconvex problems frequently arise in many industrial and scienti¯c areas. Therefore, it is only natural to try to replace convexity with some other structure at least for some classes of nonconvex optimization problems to render the global optimization problem feasible. A theory of abstract convexity has been developed as a result of the above considerations. Monotonic analysis, a branch of abstract convex analysis, is analogous in many ways to convex analysis, and sometimes is even simpler. It turned out that many problems of nonconvex optimization encountered in applications can be described in terms of monotonic functions. The analogies with convex analysis were considered to aid in solving some classes of nonconvex optimization problems. In this thesis we will focus on one of the elements of monotonic analysis - Increasing Positively Homogeneous functions of degree one or in short IPH functions. The aim of present research is to show that finding the solution and ²-approximation to the solution of the global optimization problem for IPH functions restricted to a unit simplex is an NP-hard problem. These results can be further extended to positively homogeneous functions of degree ´, ´ > 0.
- Description: Master of Mathematical Sciences (Research)
A computer-mediated framework to facilitate group consensus based on a shared understanding ConSULT
- Authors: Afshar, Faezeh
- Date: 2004
- Type: Text , Thesis , Masters , PhD
- Full Text: false
- Description: "Group decision-making usually involves a process of discussion and evaluation of alternatives. Important aspects of a group decision support system are: freedom to participate; the ability to explicitly present points of view; the ability to augment or oppose views by supporting evidence and reasoning; and the ability to use and consider other additional views .... The overall aim of this work is to develop an approach that can alleviate some of the problems associated with group commuication and consensus decision-making by effectively supporting group discussions towards consensus. Towards achieving this goal we have developed an approach called ConSULT (Consensus based on a Shared Understanding of a Leading Topic) as a computer-mediated framework to allow argumentation, collection and evaluation of discussion and group decision-making. This approach employs existing theories and techniques in computer-mediated communication, argumentation, Delphi and voting." -- Abstract.
- Description: Master of Information Technology
- Description: "Group decision-making usually involves a process of discussion and evaluation of alternatives. Important aspects of a group decision support system are: freedom to participate; the ability to explicitly present points of view; the ability to augment or oppose views by supporting evidence and reasoning; and the ability to use and consider other additional views .... The overall aim of this work is to develop an approach that can alleviate some of the problems associated with group commuication and consensus decision-making by effectively supporting group discussions towards consensus. Towards achieveing this goal we have developed an approach called ConSULT (Consensus based on a Shared Understanding of a Leading Topic) as a computer-mediated framework to allow argumentation, collection and evaluation of discussion and group decision-making. This approach employs existing theories and techniques in computer-mediated communication, argumentation, Delphi and voting." -- Abstract.
- Authors: Afshar, Faezeh
- Date: 2004
- Type: Text , Thesis , Masters , PhD
- Full Text: false
- Description: "Group decision-making usually involves a process of discussion and evaluation of alternatives. Important aspects of a group decision support system are: freedom to participate; the ability to explicitly present points of view; the ability to augment or oppose views by supporting evidence and reasoning; and the ability to use and consider other additional views .... The overall aim of this work is to develop an approach that can alleviate some of the problems associated with group commuication and consensus decision-making by effectively supporting group discussions towards consensus. Towards achieving this goal we have developed an approach called ConSULT (Consensus based on a Shared Understanding of a Leading Topic) as a computer-mediated framework to allow argumentation, collection and evaluation of discussion and group decision-making. This approach employs existing theories and techniques in computer-mediated communication, argumentation, Delphi and voting." -- Abstract.
- Description: Master of Information Technology
- Description: "Group decision-making usually involves a process of discussion and evaluation of alternatives. Important aspects of a group decision support system are: freedom to participate; the ability to explicitly present points of view; the ability to augment or oppose views by supporting evidence and reasoning; and the ability to use and consider other additional views .... The overall aim of this work is to develop an approach that can alleviate some of the problems associated with group commuication and consensus decision-making by effectively supporting group discussions towards consensus. Towards achieveing this goal we have developed an approach called ConSULT (Consensus based on a Shared Understanding of a Leading Topic) as a computer-mediated framework to allow argumentation, collection and evaluation of discussion and group decision-making. This approach employs existing theories and techniques in computer-mediated communication, argumentation, Delphi and voting." -- Abstract.
A conceptual framework for a theory of liquidity
- Authors: Culham, James
- Date: 2018
- Type: Text , Thesis , Masters , PhD
- Full Text:
- Description: This study contributes to the understanding of liquidity in two ways. First, it considers the multifaceted nature of liquidity and its relationship with money. Second, it constructs a conceptual framework for a theory of liquidity. The first contribution is achieved by clarifying and categorising the various forms of liquidity to identify those overlooked by the existing literature. The second contribution consists of a realist critique of the literature on liquidity and money to highlight the strengths and weaknesses of each theoretical approach. The study reflects on the attempts to analyse liquidity using moneyless models of perfect barter with the assumption that every commodity exhibits perfect saleability; an assumption that removes any need for a medium of exchange and, moreover, crowds out all other forms of liquidity. It is concluded that, because liquidity is a social and monetary phenomenon, it cannot be analysed with models populated by a representative agent consuming a single commodity. Furthermore, this conclusion is not altered by the introduction of ‘financial frictions’, which are fundamentally at odds with the nature of money. Instead, the clarification of the nature of liquidity forms the basis for an interpretation of Keynes’s theory of liquidity preference that emphasises its reliance on liquidity in general, not money in particular. The study introduces the terms redemption liquidity and exchange liquidity to explain the trade-off that underpins the theory of liquidity preference. Properly interpreted, the theory of liquidity preference can then address many of the deficiencies prevalent in the dominant theories of the rate of interest. The study therefore has implications for monetary policy and asset pricing.
- Description: Doctor of Philosophy
- Authors: Culham, James
- Date: 2018
- Type: Text , Thesis , Masters , PhD
- Full Text:
- Description: This study contributes to the understanding of liquidity in two ways. First, it considers the multifaceted nature of liquidity and its relationship with money. Second, it constructs a conceptual framework for a theory of liquidity. The first contribution is achieved by clarifying and categorising the various forms of liquidity to identify those overlooked by the existing literature. The second contribution consists of a realist critique of the literature on liquidity and money to highlight the strengths and weaknesses of each theoretical approach. The study reflects on the attempts to analyse liquidity using moneyless models of perfect barter with the assumption that every commodity exhibits perfect saleability; an assumption that removes any need for a medium of exchange and, moreover, crowds out all other forms of liquidity. It is concluded that, because liquidity is a social and monetary phenomenon, it cannot be analysed with models populated by a representative agent consuming a single commodity. Furthermore, this conclusion is not altered by the introduction of ‘financial frictions’, which are fundamentally at odds with the nature of money. Instead, the clarification of the nature of liquidity forms the basis for an interpretation of Keynes’s theory of liquidity preference that emphasises its reliance on liquidity in general, not money in particular. The study introduces the terms redemption liquidity and exchange liquidity to explain the trade-off that underpins the theory of liquidity preference. Properly interpreted, the theory of liquidity preference can then address many of the deficiencies prevalent in the dominant theories of the rate of interest. The study therefore has implications for monetary policy and asset pricing.
- Description: Doctor of Philosophy
A cost analysis of accidents and injuries in the open cut coalmining industry
- Authors: Esson, Ken
- Date: 1992
- Type: Text , Thesis , Masters
- Full Text: false
- Description: Following a study of back injuries in the Queensland Coal Industry, there arose several questions that needed further research. One of these was the cost of accident and injuries, and the impact of this cost would have on an organisation. The project's research involved a comprehensive study of literature pertaining to the cost of accidents and injuries. This included both insured and uninsured costs. The following four classifications of accidents were researched; first aid treatments; first aid doctor treatments; lost time injury cases; and equipment accident damage cases. A coal mine was selected for the pilot study and, data was collected on the four classifications over a complete year. This means a year that has no out standing accident cases or liablilities. The research was then considered to determine its support for the acceptance or rejection of the hypothesis whic postulates that the current methods used to analyse the cost of accidents or injuries in the coal mining industry are inadequate. As a result of the above condsiderations, a number of key points are put forward in support of the acceptance of the hypothesis. The research established costs both insured and uninsured for the four classifications under review. Then a calculation of a weighted ratio of uninsured costs was made. The paper concludes by making certain recommendations and supporting the need for further research into accident costing within the coal mining fraternity.
- Description: Masters in Applied Science in Occupational Health and Safety
- Authors: Esson, Ken
- Date: 1992
- Type: Text , Thesis , Masters
- Full Text: false
- Description: Following a study of back injuries in the Queensland Coal Industry, there arose several questions that needed further research. One of these was the cost of accident and injuries, and the impact of this cost would have on an organisation. The project's research involved a comprehensive study of literature pertaining to the cost of accidents and injuries. This included both insured and uninsured costs. The following four classifications of accidents were researched; first aid treatments; first aid doctor treatments; lost time injury cases; and equipment accident damage cases. A coal mine was selected for the pilot study and, data was collected on the four classifications over a complete year. This means a year that has no out standing accident cases or liablilities. The research was then considered to determine its support for the acceptance or rejection of the hypothesis whic postulates that the current methods used to analyse the cost of accidents or injuries in the coal mining industry are inadequate. As a result of the above condsiderations, a number of key points are put forward in support of the acceptance of the hypothesis. The research established costs both insured and uninsured for the four classifications under review. Then a calculation of a weighted ratio of uninsured costs was made. The paper concludes by making certain recommendations and supporting the need for further research into accident costing within the coal mining fraternity.
- Description: Masters in Applied Science in Occupational Health and Safety
A critical study of the production of nampla (Thai fish sauce)
- Authors: Laixuthai, Parichart
- Date: 1997
- Type: Text , Thesis , Masters
- Full Text:
- Description: Masters of Applied Science
- Authors: Laixuthai, Parichart
- Date: 1997
- Type: Text , Thesis , Masters
- Full Text:
- Description: Masters of Applied Science
A differential scanning calorimetry study of some metal 2,4 pentanedionates
- Authors: Murray, John
- Date: 1987
- Type: Text , Thesis , Masters
- Full Text: false
- Description: The sublimation enthalpy of beryllium (II), aluminium (III), chromium (III), iron (III), cobalt (III), nickel (II), copper (II), oxovanadium (IV) and zirconium (IV) 2,4 -pentanedionate complexes has been determined by vacuum Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC), subsequent to benzoic acid being proposed as calibrant for this technique. In conjunction with existing thermochemical data for these complexes, metal-ligand homolytic bond dissociation energies are calculated and are rationalized in terms of the ionic size of the coordinated meta and the crystal field stabilization energies for the complex. Old and new methods for the determination of sublimation enthalpy are reviewed and the present data collectively reveal the versatility and precision of DSC fort the direct determination of sublimation enthalpies of metal complexes. The new sublimation enthalpy data presented for metal 2-4- pentanedionate complexes effectively ends the controversy associated with the previously reported corresponding data/
- Description: Master of Applied Science
- Authors: Murray, John
- Date: 1987
- Type: Text , Thesis , Masters
- Full Text: false
- Description: The sublimation enthalpy of beryllium (II), aluminium (III), chromium (III), iron (III), cobalt (III), nickel (II), copper (II), oxovanadium (IV) and zirconium (IV) 2,4 -pentanedionate complexes has been determined by vacuum Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC), subsequent to benzoic acid being proposed as calibrant for this technique. In conjunction with existing thermochemical data for these complexes, metal-ligand homolytic bond dissociation energies are calculated and are rationalized in terms of the ionic size of the coordinated meta and the crystal field stabilization energies for the complex. Old and new methods for the determination of sublimation enthalpy are reviewed and the present data collectively reveal the versatility and precision of DSC fort the direct determination of sublimation enthalpies of metal complexes. The new sublimation enthalpy data presented for metal 2-4- pentanedionate complexes effectively ends the controversy associated with the previously reported corresponding data/
- Description: Master of Applied Science
A hand made wood object : Studio investigation into transformed nature
- Authors: Rein, Jeannette
- Date: 2016
- Type: Text , Thesis , Masters
- Full Text:
- Description: This research explores the importance of retaining traditional hand skills in terms of their relevance to contemporary and future art practice. I examine the hand made and the process of transforming timber into a wooden sculptural form. I investigate how the artist thinks with the material, and how this process gives the artist the ‘sight’ to identify new and original possibilities. Furthermore, I explore how the transformative approach perpetuates new knowledge, and how skills are modified and adapted to suit the changes. I describe this as a dialogic process. The research examines the correlation between the transformative process and the hand made object, the imprint of the maker and how their memories of the processes used, remain embedded in the object. In addition, this research investigates the transformation processes used in creating an object, to provide individualisation within our highly mechanised world, while providing a bridge connecting the past and the future. Through the examination of traditional hand skills, I demonstrate how such skills provide an anchor, a standard of quality and artisanship that connects artists from traditional wood practice, through contemporary praxis, to hand made digital art. My research focuses on the transformation process and traditional hand skills, the vital role they play in the creation of digital hand made objects; as digital processes utilize new materials, processes and machinery that interfaces with traditional analogue tools.
- Description: Masters by Research
- Authors: Rein, Jeannette
- Date: 2016
- Type: Text , Thesis , Masters
- Full Text:
- Description: This research explores the importance of retaining traditional hand skills in terms of their relevance to contemporary and future art practice. I examine the hand made and the process of transforming timber into a wooden sculptural form. I investigate how the artist thinks with the material, and how this process gives the artist the ‘sight’ to identify new and original possibilities. Furthermore, I explore how the transformative approach perpetuates new knowledge, and how skills are modified and adapted to suit the changes. I describe this as a dialogic process. The research examines the correlation between the transformative process and the hand made object, the imprint of the maker and how their memories of the processes used, remain embedded in the object. In addition, this research investigates the transformation processes used in creating an object, to provide individualisation within our highly mechanised world, while providing a bridge connecting the past and the future. Through the examination of traditional hand skills, I demonstrate how such skills provide an anchor, a standard of quality and artisanship that connects artists from traditional wood practice, through contemporary praxis, to hand made digital art. My research focuses on the transformation process and traditional hand skills, the vital role they play in the creation of digital hand made objects; as digital processes utilize new materials, processes and machinery that interfaces with traditional analogue tools.
- Description: Masters by Research
A neural network approach for predicting the direction of the Australian stock market index
- Authors: Tilakaratne, Chandima
- Date: 2004
- Type: Text , Thesis , Masters
- Full Text:
- Description: This research investigated the feasibility and capability of neural network-based approaches for predicting the direction of the Australian Stock market index (the target market). It includes several aspects: univariate feature selection from the historical time series of the target market, inter-market analysis for finding the most relevant influential markets, investigations of the effect of time cycles on the target market and the discovery of the optimal neural network architectures. Previous research on US stock markets and other international markets have shown that the neural network approach is one of most powerful techniques for predicting stock market behaviour. Neural networks are capable of capturing the non-linear stochastic and chaotic patterns in the stock market time series data. This study discovered that the relative return series of the Open, High, Low and Close prices of the target market, show 6-day cycles during the studied period of about 14 years. Multi-layer feedforward neural networks trained with a backpropagation algorithm were used for the experiments. Two major testing methods: testing with randomly selected test data and forward testing, were examined and compared. The best neural network developed in this study has achieved 87%, 81% 83% and 81% accuracy respectively in predicting the next-day direction of the relative return of the Open, High, Low and Close prices of the target market. The architecture of this network consists of 33 input features, one hidden layer with 3 neurons and 4 output neurons. The best input features set includes the relative returns from 1 to 6 days in the past of the Open, High, Low and Close prices of the target market, the day of the week, and the previous day’s relative return of the Close prices of the US S&P 500 Index, US Dow Jones Industrial Average Index, US Gold/Silver Index, and the US Oil Index.
- Description: Master of Information Technology by Research
- Authors: Tilakaratne, Chandima
- Date: 2004
- Type: Text , Thesis , Masters
- Full Text:
- Description: This research investigated the feasibility and capability of neural network-based approaches for predicting the direction of the Australian Stock market index (the target market). It includes several aspects: univariate feature selection from the historical time series of the target market, inter-market analysis for finding the most relevant influential markets, investigations of the effect of time cycles on the target market and the discovery of the optimal neural network architectures. Previous research on US stock markets and other international markets have shown that the neural network approach is one of most powerful techniques for predicting stock market behaviour. Neural networks are capable of capturing the non-linear stochastic and chaotic patterns in the stock market time series data. This study discovered that the relative return series of the Open, High, Low and Close prices of the target market, show 6-day cycles during the studied period of about 14 years. Multi-layer feedforward neural networks trained with a backpropagation algorithm were used for the experiments. Two major testing methods: testing with randomly selected test data and forward testing, were examined and compared. The best neural network developed in this study has achieved 87%, 81% 83% and 81% accuracy respectively in predicting the next-day direction of the relative return of the Open, High, Low and Close prices of the target market. The architecture of this network consists of 33 input features, one hidden layer with 3 neurons and 4 output neurons. The best input features set includes the relative returns from 1 to 6 days in the past of the Open, High, Low and Close prices of the target market, the day of the week, and the previous day’s relative return of the Close prices of the US S&P 500 Index, US Dow Jones Industrial Average Index, US Gold/Silver Index, and the US Oil Index.
- Description: Master of Information Technology by Research
A philosophical analysis of the functions and operation of due process in accounting standard setting in Australia
- Authors: Mehta, Surinder
- Date: 2016
- Type: Text , Thesis , Masters
- Full Text:
- Description: The setting of accounting standards in the Australian context has undergone significant change over the past few decades because of both the introduction of international accounting standards and the outcomes of the Corporate Law Economic Reform Program (CLERP). One major thrust of these reforms was to widen the breadth of participation and to introduce new voices into the Australian accounting standard setting regime. Though there have been recent changes to Australian accounting standard setting arrangements, due process still remains as the underlying procedure for incorporating stakeholder participation. Standard setting resides within a socio-political and economic realm which lies between a capitalistic economic individualism premised upon self-interest and interest group preferences, and an idealistic paradigm of the public interest (common good). Both notions are espoused within modern civil society and present in the formulation of policy and regulation through participation. Recent times have seen the promulgation of accounting standards given over by delegated legislation to private sector interests who compete for desired outcomes and more recently this has been entrenched within the International Accounting Standards Board (IASB) which produces International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS). This research presents a two-fold investigation of the due process which is applied when developing accounting standards in Australia. Firstly, this study questions whether such standards provide an adequate avenue for incorporating both appropriate attributes of participation and accountability in line with the historical understanding of due process as developed through common law. Secondly, this study questions whether such standards provide an appropriate vehicle for widening participation by introducing new voices into the Australian accounting standard setting process. On the former question, common law due process resonates within a paradigm that supports fair dealing and equity between individuals with themselves and with government. On the latter question, this research identifies low and declining stakeholder participation within the due process of accounting standard setting. This is accompanied by the declining interest of previous major participants. In examining the longitudinal participation trends of submitters to the accounting standard setting regime, this research contends that the due process finds itself embedded within the confines of a procedural construct to the detriment of accommodating natural justice through a more enlightened substantive approach. As such, when considered in light of its common law roots, it fails both to provide an adequate level of openness along with accommodating only a limited opportunity to participate, specifically when taking into account opinions and interests. The very construct of common law due process rests upon its ability both to subsume participation within the decision-making process, and for that participation to be substantive in the outcome of the process. That is, such participation gives meaning to the outcome. Instead the current due process as applied within the accounting standard setting environment resonates such participation through abolitionist type approaches. Here self-interested parties compete for advantages from property rights and private benefits in line with the more modern interpretation of the public interest. The approach taken in this thesis is to consider the due process from a philosophical perspective by assessing the questions of accountability and participation within the due process in terms of civil society, the public good, economic individualism, libertarianism, liberalism, and agency, rather than to embed the discussion within the expansive existing studies concerning due process in the accounting standard setting process. The conclusion from this perspective is that due process is clearly a process past its due date.
- Description: Masters by Research
- Authors: Mehta, Surinder
- Date: 2016
- Type: Text , Thesis , Masters
- Full Text:
- Description: The setting of accounting standards in the Australian context has undergone significant change over the past few decades because of both the introduction of international accounting standards and the outcomes of the Corporate Law Economic Reform Program (CLERP). One major thrust of these reforms was to widen the breadth of participation and to introduce new voices into the Australian accounting standard setting regime. Though there have been recent changes to Australian accounting standard setting arrangements, due process still remains as the underlying procedure for incorporating stakeholder participation. Standard setting resides within a socio-political and economic realm which lies between a capitalistic economic individualism premised upon self-interest and interest group preferences, and an idealistic paradigm of the public interest (common good). Both notions are espoused within modern civil society and present in the formulation of policy and regulation through participation. Recent times have seen the promulgation of accounting standards given over by delegated legislation to private sector interests who compete for desired outcomes and more recently this has been entrenched within the International Accounting Standards Board (IASB) which produces International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS). This research presents a two-fold investigation of the due process which is applied when developing accounting standards in Australia. Firstly, this study questions whether such standards provide an adequate avenue for incorporating both appropriate attributes of participation and accountability in line with the historical understanding of due process as developed through common law. Secondly, this study questions whether such standards provide an appropriate vehicle for widening participation by introducing new voices into the Australian accounting standard setting process. On the former question, common law due process resonates within a paradigm that supports fair dealing and equity between individuals with themselves and with government. On the latter question, this research identifies low and declining stakeholder participation within the due process of accounting standard setting. This is accompanied by the declining interest of previous major participants. In examining the longitudinal participation trends of submitters to the accounting standard setting regime, this research contends that the due process finds itself embedded within the confines of a procedural construct to the detriment of accommodating natural justice through a more enlightened substantive approach. As such, when considered in light of its common law roots, it fails both to provide an adequate level of openness along with accommodating only a limited opportunity to participate, specifically when taking into account opinions and interests. The very construct of common law due process rests upon its ability both to subsume participation within the decision-making process, and for that participation to be substantive in the outcome of the process. That is, such participation gives meaning to the outcome. Instead the current due process as applied within the accounting standard setting environment resonates such participation through abolitionist type approaches. Here self-interested parties compete for advantages from property rights and private benefits in line with the more modern interpretation of the public interest. The approach taken in this thesis is to consider the due process from a philosophical perspective by assessing the questions of accountability and participation within the due process in terms of civil society, the public good, economic individualism, libertarianism, liberalism, and agency, rather than to embed the discussion within the expansive existing studies concerning due process in the accounting standard setting process. The conclusion from this perspective is that due process is clearly a process past its due date.
- Description: Masters by Research
A polarographic study of lignin reactions in soda pulping liquors
- Authors: Burton, Peter
- Date: 1986
- Type: Text , Thesis , Masters
- Full Text: false
- Description: Oxidation-reduction reactions between carbohydrates, lignin and quinone additives in Pinus radiata soda pulping liquors have been investigated. A reduction peak at -0.72 V (Vs SCE) was observed using differential pulse polarography when Pinus radiata wood is heated in alkaline solution in the presence of oxygen, and has been shown to result from the oxidation of lignin structures. The results of this study indicate that the electroactive species present in Pinus radiata soda pulping liquors is an oxidation product, resulting from the formation of phenoxy radicals and /or quinone methides. Although reduction potentials for anthraquinone, carbohydrates and the electroactive lignin structure fit the general redox mechanism propsed for accelerated delignification, the species observed by polarography in this study has been shown not to be involved in the main pulping reactions due to its low concentration.
- Description: Master of Applied Science
- Authors: Burton, Peter
- Date: 1986
- Type: Text , Thesis , Masters
- Full Text: false
- Description: Oxidation-reduction reactions between carbohydrates, lignin and quinone additives in Pinus radiata soda pulping liquors have been investigated. A reduction peak at -0.72 V (Vs SCE) was observed using differential pulse polarography when Pinus radiata wood is heated in alkaline solution in the presence of oxygen, and has been shown to result from the oxidation of lignin structures. The results of this study indicate that the electroactive species present in Pinus radiata soda pulping liquors is an oxidation product, resulting from the formation of phenoxy radicals and /or quinone methides. Although reduction potentials for anthraquinone, carbohydrates and the electroactive lignin structure fit the general redox mechanism propsed for accelerated delignification, the species observed by polarography in this study has been shown not to be involved in the main pulping reactions due to its low concentration.
- Description: Master of Applied Science
A quantitative risk assessment of laboratory fume cupboards at Monash University
- Authors: Tillman, C.J.
- Date: 1990
- Type: Text , Thesis , Masters
- Full Text: false
- Description: "In this work, a quantitative risk assessment procedure for laboratory fume cupboards has been developed using estimates of frequency (probabilty x exposure) and severity."
- Description: Masters Degree in Applied Science, Occupational Health and Safety
- Authors: Tillman, C.J.
- Date: 1990
- Type: Text , Thesis , Masters
- Full Text: false
- Description: "In this work, a quantitative risk assessment procedure for laboratory fume cupboards has been developed using estimates of frequency (probabilty x exposure) and severity."
- Description: Masters Degree in Applied Science, Occupational Health and Safety
A randomized controlled trial of a high intensity interval training intervention using a body sensor network and facebook
- Authors: Foy, Daryl
- Date: 2012
- Type: Text , Thesis , Masters
- Full Text:
- Description: Purpose The purpose of this pilot study was to conduct an impact evaluation on adherence to a 5 week high intensity interval training (HIIT) intervention by the use of a body sensor network and social networking site (SNS) software. The study design used was experimental, comprised of two-groups with random allocation to each and pre- and post-tests of repeated sprint performance. Setting University of Ballarat, Australia. Subjects Participants (N = 16) included university student members of a State League 5 field hockey club. The study employed a convenience sample consisting of an intervention group (n=8) and a control group (n=8). Intervention Both groups were given a 5 week HIIT program specifically designed to improve performance in repeated sprint activity (RSA). This program comprised twice weekly training sessions over the 5 weeks with gradual increases in training load and concomitant reduction in rest and recovery. The intervention group used a garment with sensors to gather heart rate and accelerometer data (speed, distance and cadence) that published the physiological data via Bluetooth and GPRS to a purpose-specific software application called SPUTNIK which ran on the Facebook social networking site (SNS). This group could socialise their data amongst themselves and share detailed graphical analysis of their training programs. They were also able to set, change and share their goals and comment on each other’s training, goals and progress. The intervention group could train together as they required. The control group used a heart rate monitor (HRM) to guide their training sessions and a paper-based
- Description: Master Human Movement: Bio-Science
- Authors: Foy, Daryl
- Date: 2012
- Type: Text , Thesis , Masters
- Full Text:
- Description: Purpose The purpose of this pilot study was to conduct an impact evaluation on adherence to a 5 week high intensity interval training (HIIT) intervention by the use of a body sensor network and social networking site (SNS) software. The study design used was experimental, comprised of two-groups with random allocation to each and pre- and post-tests of repeated sprint performance. Setting University of Ballarat, Australia. Subjects Participants (N = 16) included university student members of a State League 5 field hockey club. The study employed a convenience sample consisting of an intervention group (n=8) and a control group (n=8). Intervention Both groups were given a 5 week HIIT program specifically designed to improve performance in repeated sprint activity (RSA). This program comprised twice weekly training sessions over the 5 weeks with gradual increases in training load and concomitant reduction in rest and recovery. The intervention group used a garment with sensors to gather heart rate and accelerometer data (speed, distance and cadence) that published the physiological data via Bluetooth and GPRS to a purpose-specific software application called SPUTNIK which ran on the Facebook social networking site (SNS). This group could socialise their data amongst themselves and share detailed graphical analysis of their training programs. They were also able to set, change and share their goals and comment on each other’s training, goals and progress. The intervention group could train together as they required. The control group used a heart rate monitor (HRM) to guide their training sessions and a paper-based
- Description: Master Human Movement: Bio-Science
A study of health changes after client-centred, team-based rehabilitation
- Authors: MacPhail, Maureen
- Date: 2003
- Type: Text , Thesis , Masters
- Full Text:
- Description: "This study explores the role of rehabilitation as a link between illness and health by describing global and subjective change after rehabilitation."
- Description: Master of Applied Science
- Authors: MacPhail, Maureen
- Date: 2003
- Type: Text , Thesis , Masters
- Full Text:
- Description: "This study explores the role of rehabilitation as a link between illness and health by describing global and subjective change after rehabilitation."
- Description: Master of Applied Science
A study of parents' perceptions of the influence on children's behaviour of imported children's television programs in Jakarta
- Authors: Sidabutar, Tumbur
- Date: 1996
- Type: Text , Thesis , Masters
- Full Text:
- Description: Master of Arts
- Description: The principal aim of this study is to survey parents' perceptions of the influence of imported children's television programs on their children's behaviour. The survey was carried out in the Jakarta area. The study was promoted by a desire to investigate the claim made by some social commentators in Indonesia recently that children's behaviour was worsening, especially since the rapid expansion of commercial television. For the survey, a group of 388 parents of mixed socio-economic status were questioned. As a further step, qualitative research techniques were used to interview key personnel from the Indonesian television industry. Both the quantitative and qualitative data obtained was related to imported children's programs broadcast on both commercial and government channels. The result indicate that there w as no significant correlation between increased negative behaviour in children and the watching of imported children's programs. Most parents were inclined toward the view that they could not be certain whether or not their children's behaviour was influenced by imported children's television programs. Neither did they consider such programs to have a negative influence on their children's behaviour. Variation in parents' socio-economic status did not lead to a significant difference in percentages. Since parents did not perceive there to be any correlation, there may be other factors at work leading children to behave in increasingly negative ways, or perhaps the social commentators are mistaken and children's behaviour is not worsening at all
- Authors: Sidabutar, Tumbur
- Date: 1996
- Type: Text , Thesis , Masters
- Full Text:
- Description: Master of Arts
- Description: The principal aim of this study is to survey parents' perceptions of the influence of imported children's television programs on their children's behaviour. The survey was carried out in the Jakarta area. The study was promoted by a desire to investigate the claim made by some social commentators in Indonesia recently that children's behaviour was worsening, especially since the rapid expansion of commercial television. For the survey, a group of 388 parents of mixed socio-economic status were questioned. As a further step, qualitative research techniques were used to interview key personnel from the Indonesian television industry. Both the quantitative and qualitative data obtained was related to imported children's programs broadcast on both commercial and government channels. The result indicate that there w as no significant correlation between increased negative behaviour in children and the watching of imported children's programs. Most parents were inclined toward the view that they could not be certain whether or not their children's behaviour was influenced by imported children's television programs. Neither did they consider such programs to have a negative influence on their children's behaviour. Variation in parents' socio-economic status did not lead to a significant difference in percentages. Since parents did not perceive there to be any correlation, there may be other factors at work leading children to behave in increasingly negative ways, or perhaps the social commentators are mistaken and children's behaviour is not worsening at all
A study of solid and protein extraction in tofu production
- Authors: Yuwono, Sudarminto
- Date: 1998
- Type: Text , Thesis , Masters
- Full Text: false
- Description: "The aim of this study was to investigate the extraction process, in particular the effects of solid and protein extractability in tofu production and their effects on tofu quality in terms of physical, chemical and sensory characteristics."
- Description: Master of Applied Science (Food Technology)
- Authors: Yuwono, Sudarminto
- Date: 1998
- Type: Text , Thesis , Masters
- Full Text: false
- Description: "The aim of this study was to investigate the extraction process, in particular the effects of solid and protein extractability in tofu production and their effects on tofu quality in terms of physical, chemical and sensory characteristics."
- Description: Master of Applied Science (Food Technology)
A study of sulphur xanthates in relation to their role in froth flotation of sulphide minerals
- Authors: Honeyman, Ronald
- Date: 1980
- Type: Text , Thesis , Masters
- Full Text: false
- Description: Potassium alkyl xanthates are commonly used as collectors in the flotation of sulphide minerals. Much research has been directed to the formulation of mechanisms responsible for the hydrophobicity of the sulphide minerals in xanthate flotation. Alkyl dixanthogen plays an important role in this mixed-potential mechanism, and is regarded as the species which imparts hydrophobicity to the mineral surface. Winter has recently suggested that sulphur xanthates, which are chemically very similar to alkyl dixanthogen, may play a significant role in the processes rendering the sulphide minerals hydrophobic during froth flotation. The aim of this investigation was to develop techniques for the separation and identification of sulphur xanthates at very low levels of conecentration. Techniques employed were Molecular Emission Cavity Analysis Spectroscopy and High Performance Liquid Chromatography. It was possible to extract the sulpur xanthates from simulated flotation liquors, separate the individual species, and determine them to a level of 0.05 ppm in the liquor. Aklyl sulphur dixanthates were found to disproportionate in methanol solution.
- Description: Masters Degree in Applied Science
- Authors: Honeyman, Ronald
- Date: 1980
- Type: Text , Thesis , Masters
- Full Text: false
- Description: Potassium alkyl xanthates are commonly used as collectors in the flotation of sulphide minerals. Much research has been directed to the formulation of mechanisms responsible for the hydrophobicity of the sulphide minerals in xanthate flotation. Alkyl dixanthogen plays an important role in this mixed-potential mechanism, and is regarded as the species which imparts hydrophobicity to the mineral surface. Winter has recently suggested that sulphur xanthates, which are chemically very similar to alkyl dixanthogen, may play a significant role in the processes rendering the sulphide minerals hydrophobic during froth flotation. The aim of this investigation was to develop techniques for the separation and identification of sulphur xanthates at very low levels of conecentration. Techniques employed were Molecular Emission Cavity Analysis Spectroscopy and High Performance Liquid Chromatography. It was possible to extract the sulpur xanthates from simulated flotation liquors, separate the individual species, and determine them to a level of 0.05 ppm in the liquor. Aklyl sulphur dixanthates were found to disproportionate in methanol solution.
- Description: Masters Degree in Applied Science