Assessment of horizontal bore drains performance in brown coal mines in the Latrobe Valley
- Authors: Perdigao, Cristhiana
- Date: 2021
- Type: Text , Thesis , Masters
- Full Text:
- Description: Horizontal bores are essential infrastructures for maintaining the stability of open-pit mine batters. The infiltration of water from large surface catchments during rain events and induced deformation caused by mining activities can cause the build-up of pore water pressures in mine batters, potentially leading to catastrophic slope failures. A field investigation unit containing a camera has been developed to survey long (>300m) horizontal bores. Features observed using the camera along the profile of horizontal bores are discussed. Water flow was quantified by flow meters. X-Ray Diffraction (XRD) was undertaken to investigate the water precipitates within the selected bores. Water flow temperature was recorded to test the hypothesis of a possibility to indicate whether a borehole was draining from the saturated zone or from the surface water through its temperature. The investigations have been conducted to determine the cause of change in the efficiency of horizontal boreholes and find a reliable measure to assess longevity and performance of horizontal drains. Bore efficiency has been defined as the bore functioning as a preferential path for water within the batter to be drained out to reduce the saturated zone and associated pore water pressures within the batter. The results suggest blockages and fractures inside the bores can be considered the leading cause of the change in the efficiency of a bore. Blockages occur because of sediment accumulation and because of coal chunks from internal wall collapses. Internal fractures affect efficiency when they become the water preferred path; thus, retaining water flowing within the batter. The bore’s longevity is considered the period of the bore is considered effective. Water flow measurement is suggested as a reliable measure to assess bores’ longevity.
- Description: Masters by Research
- Authors: Perdigao, Cristhiana
- Date: 2021
- Type: Text , Thesis , Masters
- Full Text:
- Description: Horizontal bores are essential infrastructures for maintaining the stability of open-pit mine batters. The infiltration of water from large surface catchments during rain events and induced deformation caused by mining activities can cause the build-up of pore water pressures in mine batters, potentially leading to catastrophic slope failures. A field investigation unit containing a camera has been developed to survey long (>300m) horizontal bores. Features observed using the camera along the profile of horizontal bores are discussed. Water flow was quantified by flow meters. X-Ray Diffraction (XRD) was undertaken to investigate the water precipitates within the selected bores. Water flow temperature was recorded to test the hypothesis of a possibility to indicate whether a borehole was draining from the saturated zone or from the surface water through its temperature. The investigations have been conducted to determine the cause of change in the efficiency of horizontal boreholes and find a reliable measure to assess longevity and performance of horizontal drains. Bore efficiency has been defined as the bore functioning as a preferential path for water within the batter to be drained out to reduce the saturated zone and associated pore water pressures within the batter. The results suggest blockages and fractures inside the bores can be considered the leading cause of the change in the efficiency of a bore. Blockages occur because of sediment accumulation and because of coal chunks from internal wall collapses. Internal fractures affect efficiency when they become the water preferred path; thus, retaining water flowing within the batter. The bore’s longevity is considered the period of the bore is considered effective. Water flow measurement is suggested as a reliable measure to assess bores’ longevity.
- Description: Masters by Research
Virtual streetgames : a mixed methods study exploring the delivery of an online youth physical activity program
- Authors: Kemel, Paul
- Date: 2021
- Type: Text , Thesis , Masters
- Full Text:
- Description: Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic there was already considerable concern relating to the declining physical activity rates of adolescents and young adults seen across the world. The COVID-19 pandemic, along with the various corresponding social distancing and lockdown guidelines, has further exacerbated these concerns. The utilisation of various forms of technology to maintain and encourage a degree of social connectedness during these timeframes sparked a degree of creativity in how our usual ways of interacting could be modified to the unique social-political circumstances. One such example is the youth community physical activity program Latrobe Streetgames, who adapted their program to be delivered across a range of social media platforms. A mixed methods study was conducted to help understand the impact that the adapted online program had on its participants during the COVID-19 pandemic. The results of the study highlight the negative impact that the various COVID-19 lockdowns had on the target population, and while the ability to maintain some degree of social-physical intractability via the modified Latrobe Streetgames delivery was beneficial, it likely did not outweigh the negative impact of the lockdowns itself. Therefore, as the world moves pasts the pandemic, an emphasis needs to be placed on ensuring that youth physical activity is promoted in order to combat the acquired negative health effects relating to physical, mental and social health.
- Description: Masters by Research
- Authors: Kemel, Paul
- Date: 2021
- Type: Text , Thesis , Masters
- Full Text:
- Description: Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic there was already considerable concern relating to the declining physical activity rates of adolescents and young adults seen across the world. The COVID-19 pandemic, along with the various corresponding social distancing and lockdown guidelines, has further exacerbated these concerns. The utilisation of various forms of technology to maintain and encourage a degree of social connectedness during these timeframes sparked a degree of creativity in how our usual ways of interacting could be modified to the unique social-political circumstances. One such example is the youth community physical activity program Latrobe Streetgames, who adapted their program to be delivered across a range of social media platforms. A mixed methods study was conducted to help understand the impact that the adapted online program had on its participants during the COVID-19 pandemic. The results of the study highlight the negative impact that the various COVID-19 lockdowns had on the target population, and while the ability to maintain some degree of social-physical intractability via the modified Latrobe Streetgames delivery was beneficial, it likely did not outweigh the negative impact of the lockdowns itself. Therefore, as the world moves pasts the pandemic, an emphasis needs to be placed on ensuring that youth physical activity is promoted in order to combat the acquired negative health effects relating to physical, mental and social health.
- Description: Masters by Research
An investigation of Surf Life Saving Australia's Junior Development Program for Nippers
- Authors: Higgerson, Amanda
- Date: 2020
- Type: Text , Thesis , Masters
- Full Text:
- Description: The primary aim of Surf Life Saving Australia (SLSA), through their State and Territory bodies is to provide safe coastal environments for Australian beach goers. With over 312 affiliated clubs across Australia, SLSA provides an opportunity for primary school aged children (Nippers) to experience water safety and aquatic education in an open water environment. Nippers in the Under 8-Under 13 years age groups are involved in a participation-based education program known as the Junior Development Program (JDP), which aims to develop skills required for future lifesaving (Giles & Slade, 2012). The overall aim of this research was to identify and explore the barriers and enablers to involvement in SLSA’s JDP from the perspective of the participants, their parents/carers and those involved in the delivery of the program. Utilising a multiphase mixed method design, 341 Nippers from eight surf lifesaving clubs in New South Wales completed a questionnaire and 30 interviews were conducted – 19 with parents/carers from seven of the eight participating lifesaving clubs, and 11 Age Managers from six of the eight clubs. The findings indicated that the Nippers perceived most lifesaving skills were important and were happy/very happy to be learning about safety of themselves and how to assist others in the surf. Most concerns related to unknowns in terms of sea creatures and adverse weather conditions like storms and lightening. Interviewees believed Nipper participation was based on interpersonal and intrapersonal reasons, with socialisation a positive aspect of the program. In line with common fears reported by Nippers, interviewees reported unfavourable environmental conditions, including big surf, cold weather, weed and stingers, as barriers to participation. The findings and opinions from those involved in the JDP provide insights into barriers and enablers to participation in the program, which is intended to provide important guidance for future delivery of the JDP across Australia.
- Description: Masters by Research
- Authors: Higgerson, Amanda
- Date: 2020
- Type: Text , Thesis , Masters
- Full Text:
- Description: The primary aim of Surf Life Saving Australia (SLSA), through their State and Territory bodies is to provide safe coastal environments for Australian beach goers. With over 312 affiliated clubs across Australia, SLSA provides an opportunity for primary school aged children (Nippers) to experience water safety and aquatic education in an open water environment. Nippers in the Under 8-Under 13 years age groups are involved in a participation-based education program known as the Junior Development Program (JDP), which aims to develop skills required for future lifesaving (Giles & Slade, 2012). The overall aim of this research was to identify and explore the barriers and enablers to involvement in SLSA’s JDP from the perspective of the participants, their parents/carers and those involved in the delivery of the program. Utilising a multiphase mixed method design, 341 Nippers from eight surf lifesaving clubs in New South Wales completed a questionnaire and 30 interviews were conducted – 19 with parents/carers from seven of the eight participating lifesaving clubs, and 11 Age Managers from six of the eight clubs. The findings indicated that the Nippers perceived most lifesaving skills were important and were happy/very happy to be learning about safety of themselves and how to assist others in the surf. Most concerns related to unknowns in terms of sea creatures and adverse weather conditions like storms and lightening. Interviewees believed Nipper participation was based on interpersonal and intrapersonal reasons, with socialisation a positive aspect of the program. In line with common fears reported by Nippers, interviewees reported unfavourable environmental conditions, including big surf, cold weather, weed and stingers, as barriers to participation. The findings and opinions from those involved in the JDP provide insights into barriers and enablers to participation in the program, which is intended to provide important guidance for future delivery of the JDP across Australia.
- Description: Masters by Research
Application of molecular diagnostic methods for the detection and quantification of Fasciola hepatica infection in cattle faecal samples
- Authors: Thakur, Sameer
- Date: 2020
- Type: Text , Thesis , Masters
- Full Text:
- Description: Fasciola hepatica, commonly known as liver fluke, is a globally distributed trematode causing significant production losses in ruminant livestock. Due to reduced drug efficacy, there is a need for appropriate diagnostic tools, which would allow alternative management practices to be developed and minimize economic losses. The traditional ‘gold standard’ method for diagnosis, faecal egg count (FEC), is associated with low sensitivity when diagnosing F. hepatica infection in livestock using faecal samples. The present study aimed to compare the sensitivity and specificity of the molecular diagnostic methods [conventional PCR (cPCR), Loop Mediated Isothermal Amplification (LAMP) and quantitative real time PCR (qPCR)] with the conventional diagnostic method FEC, for detecting F. hepatica infection using cattle faecal samples. Faecal samples were collected from 94 experimentally-infected cattle 12 weeks post infection and 40 faecal samples were collected from cattle with no previous history of F. hepatica infection, as a comparative control. The sensitivity of conventional PCR, LAMP and qPCR was 86.2%, 87.2% and 96.8% respectively, which was similar to the faecal egg count (97.9%). While the specificity of all the molecular methods were 97.5%, and for FEC the specificity was 100%. The potential advantage of these molecular diagnostic tests, with further development, suggest they may be a viable alternative diagnostic test when compared to FEC. In addition, a pilot study was conducted to evaluate the potential use of a commercial snail trap in catching and detecting the intermediate host of F. hepatica in irrigated farmland, as an alternative management strategy. However, under the parameters tested in these experiments, the use of commercial snail traps to catch the intermediate host of F. hepatica from farm irrigation channels was shown to be ineffective.
- Description: Masters by Research
- Authors: Thakur, Sameer
- Date: 2020
- Type: Text , Thesis , Masters
- Full Text:
- Description: Fasciola hepatica, commonly known as liver fluke, is a globally distributed trematode causing significant production losses in ruminant livestock. Due to reduced drug efficacy, there is a need for appropriate diagnostic tools, which would allow alternative management practices to be developed and minimize economic losses. The traditional ‘gold standard’ method for diagnosis, faecal egg count (FEC), is associated with low sensitivity when diagnosing F. hepatica infection in livestock using faecal samples. The present study aimed to compare the sensitivity and specificity of the molecular diagnostic methods [conventional PCR (cPCR), Loop Mediated Isothermal Amplification (LAMP) and quantitative real time PCR (qPCR)] with the conventional diagnostic method FEC, for detecting F. hepatica infection using cattle faecal samples. Faecal samples were collected from 94 experimentally-infected cattle 12 weeks post infection and 40 faecal samples were collected from cattle with no previous history of F. hepatica infection, as a comparative control. The sensitivity of conventional PCR, LAMP and qPCR was 86.2%, 87.2% and 96.8% respectively, which was similar to the faecal egg count (97.9%). While the specificity of all the molecular methods were 97.5%, and for FEC the specificity was 100%. The potential advantage of these molecular diagnostic tests, with further development, suggest they may be a viable alternative diagnostic test when compared to FEC. In addition, a pilot study was conducted to evaluate the potential use of a commercial snail trap in catching and detecting the intermediate host of F. hepatica in irrigated farmland, as an alternative management strategy. However, under the parameters tested in these experiments, the use of commercial snail traps to catch the intermediate host of F. hepatica from farm irrigation channels was shown to be ineffective.
- Description: Masters by Research
When you go looking for me, I am not there : description by absence
- Authors: Crawford, Fiona
- Date: 2020
- Type: Text , Thesis , Masters
- Full Text:
- Description: When women don’t have access to public voices, their stories may be told through symbols and sewing, publicly viewed but understood only by an audience of intimates. My research builds upon my May 2016 residency in Assisi, Italy, and explores description through absence. Punto Assisi, an embroidery tradition predating the Renaissance, is still practised by women of Assisi. Uniquely, the subject matter is empty of detail. The negative space in Punto Assisi work can be seen as echoing the absence of information about the makers. Invisible and indispensable, women and their work have provided the fabric of human society throughout history, yet the names and faces of female artists and artisans are rarely documented. This embroidery style resonated with my interest in women's work and how ubiquitous and anonymous it is. Based on the concept of drawing with thread to manifest content, I explore description through absence, and honour the unknown makers of this art. Studio practice revealed insight into materiality, imagery, form design and palette. The haptic process of sewing gave insight into a universality of the experience of making, a connection crossing time, place and culture. The experience of the maker is highly individual and takes place in diverse contexts. The maker and their experience may be unknown, except to self, however the outcome, the product or the artwork may be indexical of a place, time or the maker, known or unknown. As such, unknown women makers have a presence in their works. The negative space in the uncoloured linen yields a presence and materiality that allows us to engage with what isn’t there. Absence is made material. Materiality, memory, narrative, and identity are themes emerging from this project. In my contemporary application of the style constraints yielded creative freedom. In absence, I found description.
- Description: Master of Arts (Visual and Performing Arts) (Research)
- Authors: Crawford, Fiona
- Date: 2020
- Type: Text , Thesis , Masters
- Full Text:
- Description: When women don’t have access to public voices, their stories may be told through symbols and sewing, publicly viewed but understood only by an audience of intimates. My research builds upon my May 2016 residency in Assisi, Italy, and explores description through absence. Punto Assisi, an embroidery tradition predating the Renaissance, is still practised by women of Assisi. Uniquely, the subject matter is empty of detail. The negative space in Punto Assisi work can be seen as echoing the absence of information about the makers. Invisible and indispensable, women and their work have provided the fabric of human society throughout history, yet the names and faces of female artists and artisans are rarely documented. This embroidery style resonated with my interest in women's work and how ubiquitous and anonymous it is. Based on the concept of drawing with thread to manifest content, I explore description through absence, and honour the unknown makers of this art. Studio practice revealed insight into materiality, imagery, form design and palette. The haptic process of sewing gave insight into a universality of the experience of making, a connection crossing time, place and culture. The experience of the maker is highly individual and takes place in diverse contexts. The maker and their experience may be unknown, except to self, however the outcome, the product or the artwork may be indexical of a place, time or the maker, known or unknown. As such, unknown women makers have a presence in their works. The negative space in the uncoloured linen yields a presence and materiality that allows us to engage with what isn’t there. Absence is made material. Materiality, memory, narrative, and identity are themes emerging from this project. In my contemporary application of the style constraints yielded creative freedom. In absence, I found description.
- Description: Master of Arts (Visual and Performing Arts) (Research)
Intelligent sewer blockage detection system using Internet of Things
- Authors: Buurman, Benjamin
- Date: 2019
- Type: Text , Thesis , Masters
- Full Text:
- Description: Despite being a common issue in both developed and developing countries, wastewater blockages have severe potential consequences. Blockages can be located at sewer mains or individual properties and can also be classified as partial or full. Full blockages completely obstruct a wastewater asset, and partial blockages will often develop into full blockages if left unattended. Currently, blockages are managed by routine manual inspections to wastewater assets on a round-robin schedule. This is highly inefficient and costly, as blockages that form between these inspections and progress to effluent breaches will go undetected. In this thesis we present an Internet of Things (IoT) solution capable of simultaneously monitoring an entire wastewater infrastructure for blockages while still remaining inexpensive, reliable, and practical. Wireless motes use float switch sensors to detect blockages and transmit this to a central system using either LoRa or Wi-Fi communications. Making both LoRa and Wi-Fi available ensures the system can be adapted in any situation across a variety of geographic and economic restrictions. The central system determines whether a surcharge is caused by a blockage or simply the result of regular activity not requiring intervention. Detection of false positives is critical, as deployment of field technicians is an expensive process that moves resources from other skilled work. If a surcharge is determined to be caused by a blockage, the central system will classify it as full or partial before estimating the property or length of main between properties it is located at. Following this, relevant parties will be notified so field technicians can be deployed to resolve the blockage. We performed both practical laboratory testing and simulation modelling on our proposed system, and confirmed it is indeed capable of detecting, classifying, and locating blockages across a wide urban area. Our choice of hardware, software and network equipment ensures that the proposed IoT-based solution is inexpensive, workable, and easily deployable.
- Description: Masters by Research
- Authors: Buurman, Benjamin
- Date: 2019
- Type: Text , Thesis , Masters
- Full Text:
- Description: Despite being a common issue in both developed and developing countries, wastewater blockages have severe potential consequences. Blockages can be located at sewer mains or individual properties and can also be classified as partial or full. Full blockages completely obstruct a wastewater asset, and partial blockages will often develop into full blockages if left unattended. Currently, blockages are managed by routine manual inspections to wastewater assets on a round-robin schedule. This is highly inefficient and costly, as blockages that form between these inspections and progress to effluent breaches will go undetected. In this thesis we present an Internet of Things (IoT) solution capable of simultaneously monitoring an entire wastewater infrastructure for blockages while still remaining inexpensive, reliable, and practical. Wireless motes use float switch sensors to detect blockages and transmit this to a central system using either LoRa or Wi-Fi communications. Making both LoRa and Wi-Fi available ensures the system can be adapted in any situation across a variety of geographic and economic restrictions. The central system determines whether a surcharge is caused by a blockage or simply the result of regular activity not requiring intervention. Detection of false positives is critical, as deployment of field technicians is an expensive process that moves resources from other skilled work. If a surcharge is determined to be caused by a blockage, the central system will classify it as full or partial before estimating the property or length of main between properties it is located at. Following this, relevant parties will be notified so field technicians can be deployed to resolve the blockage. We performed both practical laboratory testing and simulation modelling on our proposed system, and confirmed it is indeed capable of detecting, classifying, and locating blockages across a wide urban area. Our choice of hardware, software and network equipment ensures that the proposed IoT-based solution is inexpensive, workable, and easily deployable.
- Description: Masters by Research
The making and placing of a personal view : Questions of place
- Authors: Farago, Anna
- Date: 2019
- Type: Text , Thesis , Masters
- Full Text:
- Description: The Making and Placing of a Personal View: Questions of Place uses various making methods to explore both the artist’s and others personal connection to place. The research investigates the intersection of memory, identity, and place. Memory is what informs personal history and collective futures. Identity, for the artist is as daughter, sister, mother, wife, friend, crafter, artist, woman and now widow. For others involved in the research, it is as Indigenous Elders, rangers and locals connected to specific sites. Place as which grounds and locates memories and landscapes that preoccupy the creative works. Memory and identity is explored materially through making, connecting art to place using craft’s historical connection with domestic and natural environments. Using the postmodern feminist geography of Doreen Massey, place is a site of flow and routes, rather than origins and roots. The relation between art and Massey’s notion of place is investigated as sympathetic to craft as a feminine epistemology. The creative work created comprises of four large textile patchworks, a series of small embroideries, and a pair of gouache paintings. The making of three large patchwork banner works were informed by conversational interviews conducted with Indigenous and non-Indigenous rangers. The banner works were installed for the duration of a weekend in Darebin Parklands in Alphington, Victoria in 2016 and at Pigeon House Mountain Didthul, Morton National Park, NSW in 2017. Performative and documentation photographs and videos were created in response to these installations. In addition a hand-stitched patchwork was slowly constructed over a year of grief and then used as a cloak and protective cloth in directed performative photos shot in the garden and on the roof of the artist’s home.
- Description: Masters by Research
- Authors: Farago, Anna
- Date: 2019
- Type: Text , Thesis , Masters
- Full Text:
- Description: The Making and Placing of a Personal View: Questions of Place uses various making methods to explore both the artist’s and others personal connection to place. The research investigates the intersection of memory, identity, and place. Memory is what informs personal history and collective futures. Identity, for the artist is as daughter, sister, mother, wife, friend, crafter, artist, woman and now widow. For others involved in the research, it is as Indigenous Elders, rangers and locals connected to specific sites. Place as which grounds and locates memories and landscapes that preoccupy the creative works. Memory and identity is explored materially through making, connecting art to place using craft’s historical connection with domestic and natural environments. Using the postmodern feminist geography of Doreen Massey, place is a site of flow and routes, rather than origins and roots. The relation between art and Massey’s notion of place is investigated as sympathetic to craft as a feminine epistemology. The creative work created comprises of four large textile patchworks, a series of small embroideries, and a pair of gouache paintings. The making of three large patchwork banner works were informed by conversational interviews conducted with Indigenous and non-Indigenous rangers. The banner works were installed for the duration of a weekend in Darebin Parklands in Alphington, Victoria in 2016 and at Pigeon House Mountain Didthul, Morton National Park, NSW in 2017. Performative and documentation photographs and videos were created in response to these installations. In addition a hand-stitched patchwork was slowly constructed over a year of grief and then used as a cloak and protective cloth in directed performative photos shot in the garden and on the roof of the artist’s home.
- Description: Masters by Research
To Wandiligong : a visual journey through memory, time, space, light, landscape and fourteen layers of glass
- Authors: Murray, Kathleen
- Date: 2019
- Type: Text , Thesis , Masters
- Full Text:
- Description: This research project examines the process of conceptualisation and its effects on the development of layers of meaning in a visual context. It explores a journey over time, within an observed environment. It explores the conceptual processes which, like a physical journey, runs through many landscapes. Memory and emotion, analysis and observation, recording and interpretation and as a final destination, the practical application in the making of the pictures. This exegesis compares the differences between the theoretical stances artists have taken in the pursuit of creating work based on the depiction of the landscape. It considers a variety of approaches to image and meaning and determines the effect of disruption as it relates to art practice over centuries and to my own practice. Throughout the work there is an exploration of the different forms of disruption on the landscape, from colonisation through to the visual effects of a changing climate. Consideration is given to the similarities and differences between the practices of visual art and communication design particularly in relation to the role of the audience. The process of research and experimentation in the making of 16 digitally augmented inkjet print, photographic images and an accompanying story map drawing of the journey is described. This involved the investigation of the conceptual development processes and approaches in relation to landscape imagery and the effect of a changing climate on their visual outcomes. The results of my experimentation in capturing images through drawing and photography using graphite pencils and paper and a camera, in a car moving through the landscape, are described. This is followed by a description of my experimentation of the use of a disruptive digital drawing application on photographic images located within an iPad and how the resulting images were conceptualised and created.
- Description: Masters by Research
- Authors: Murray, Kathleen
- Date: 2019
- Type: Text , Thesis , Masters
- Full Text:
- Description: This research project examines the process of conceptualisation and its effects on the development of layers of meaning in a visual context. It explores a journey over time, within an observed environment. It explores the conceptual processes which, like a physical journey, runs through many landscapes. Memory and emotion, analysis and observation, recording and interpretation and as a final destination, the practical application in the making of the pictures. This exegesis compares the differences between the theoretical stances artists have taken in the pursuit of creating work based on the depiction of the landscape. It considers a variety of approaches to image and meaning and determines the effect of disruption as it relates to art practice over centuries and to my own practice. Throughout the work there is an exploration of the different forms of disruption on the landscape, from colonisation through to the visual effects of a changing climate. Consideration is given to the similarities and differences between the practices of visual art and communication design particularly in relation to the role of the audience. The process of research and experimentation in the making of 16 digitally augmented inkjet print, photographic images and an accompanying story map drawing of the journey is described. This involved the investigation of the conceptual development processes and approaches in relation to landscape imagery and the effect of a changing climate on their visual outcomes. The results of my experimentation in capturing images through drawing and photography using graphite pencils and paper and a camera, in a car moving through the landscape, are described. This is followed by a description of my experimentation of the use of a disruptive digital drawing application on photographic images located within an iPad and how the resulting images were conceptualised and created.
- Description: Masters by Research
"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
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
An experimental investigation into the drainage properties of coarse Loy Yang pond ash
- Authors: Stipcevich, Jack
- Date: 2018
- Type: Text , Thesis , Masters
- Full Text:
- Description: The Latrobe Valley mines, Victoria, Australia, are facing some major challenges as they approach the end of their mining life. Most of these challenges surround current rehabilitation practice and the ability to create safe and stable landforms for future land uses well after the mines have closed. As there has been no developed alternative use for the brown coal at this stage, stopping power generation leads to the cessation of mining. AGL Loy Yang is undertaking rehabilitation cover trials on exposed coal batters to investigate optimal cover materials that will enable safe and stable batters well beyond mine closure. A series of rehabilitation trials using coarse coal ash have been constructed by AGL to assess the performance of coarse coal ash as a ‘subsurface drainage layer’. One of the trials includes the use of a 1 metre coarse coal ash layer placed below a 1 metre thick clay cover and above a coal surface shaped to approximately 18 degrees (1V:3H). Without a drainage layer, water may percolate through the clay cover or seep through the intact brown coal, resulting in a build of pore water pressure at the coal – clay interface and increasing the potential for slope failure. The aim of this research work was to assess the spatial distribution of ash properties known to affect drainage behaviour at the field scale; to test and calibrate field-monitoring equipment that can be used to assess drainage behaviour at the field-scale; to provide recommendations for further research on the use of coal ash drainage layer; and to provide a benchmark for future testing and monitoring. Through an experimental investigation, it was shown that there no significant variation exists in the coarse fraction of Loy Yang pond ash’s physical and chemical properties. Monitoring equipment used to determine the field drainage performance of the ash included a T8 Tensiometer and EnviroPro (multi-capacitance sensor) that were calibrated and tested in the laboratory. It was determined that monitoring devices used in this study were suitable for measuring the ash’s hydraulic behaviour only once calibrations had been performed. As a result the tested field equipment were included in the design of a future monitoring program.
- Description: Masters by Research
- Authors: Stipcevich, Jack
- Date: 2018
- Type: Text , Thesis , Masters
- Full Text:
- Description: The Latrobe Valley mines, Victoria, Australia, are facing some major challenges as they approach the end of their mining life. Most of these challenges surround current rehabilitation practice and the ability to create safe and stable landforms for future land uses well after the mines have closed. As there has been no developed alternative use for the brown coal at this stage, stopping power generation leads to the cessation of mining. AGL Loy Yang is undertaking rehabilitation cover trials on exposed coal batters to investigate optimal cover materials that will enable safe and stable batters well beyond mine closure. A series of rehabilitation trials using coarse coal ash have been constructed by AGL to assess the performance of coarse coal ash as a ‘subsurface drainage layer’. One of the trials includes the use of a 1 metre coarse coal ash layer placed below a 1 metre thick clay cover and above a coal surface shaped to approximately 18 degrees (1V:3H). Without a drainage layer, water may percolate through the clay cover or seep through the intact brown coal, resulting in a build of pore water pressure at the coal – clay interface and increasing the potential for slope failure. The aim of this research work was to assess the spatial distribution of ash properties known to affect drainage behaviour at the field scale; to test and calibrate field-monitoring equipment that can be used to assess drainage behaviour at the field-scale; to provide recommendations for further research on the use of coal ash drainage layer; and to provide a benchmark for future testing and monitoring. Through an experimental investigation, it was shown that there no significant variation exists in the coarse fraction of Loy Yang pond ash’s physical and chemical properties. Monitoring equipment used to determine the field drainage performance of the ash included a T8 Tensiometer and EnviroPro (multi-capacitance sensor) that were calibrated and tested in the laboratory. It was determined that monitoring devices used in this study were suitable for measuring the ash’s hydraulic behaviour only once calibrations had been performed. As a result the tested field equipment were included in the design of a future monitoring program.
- Description: Masters by Research
From gold field to municipality : The establishment of Ballarat West 1855-1857
- Authors: Cartledge, Graeme
- Date: 2018
- Type: Text , Thesis , Masters
- Full Text:
- Description: This thesis examines the establishment of the Ballarat West Municipality in the years of 1855 – 1857 and the factors that contributed to the introduction of local self-government in the immediate aftermath of the Eureka Stockade. Underlying the study is the changing administrative requirements necessitated by the transition from a temporary gold field to a permanent city. A central theme explored in relation to this development is that it was a consequence of the emerging culture of modernity of that era precipitating radical political changes in local government that began with the 1835 British Municipal Corporations Act. This theme is expanded to highlight the reform of local government in the Victorian era in response to urbanization and the need for modern and rationalised methods of managing the new towns and growing cities. The difficulty in making and sustaining such progressive changes in Britain is contrasted with the eager adoption of the concept of progress and the new Victorian Municipal Corporations Act of 1854 on the Ballarat goldfields. The question as to why the Municipality was established is answered by exploring the connection between the failure of the Goldfields Commission at the end of 1854 and the belief held by many, that taxes should be accompanied with political representation and should be spent where they were collected. This study exposes the remarkable story of how the first elected councillors, starting from scratch, quickly established administrative systems and brought order to a community emerging out of turmoil. The process of how the municipality was established is uncovered by an extensive survey of the council minutes, the media, council correspondence and public records.
- Description: Masters by Research
- Authors: Cartledge, Graeme
- Date: 2018
- Type: Text , Thesis , Masters
- Full Text:
- Description: This thesis examines the establishment of the Ballarat West Municipality in the years of 1855 – 1857 and the factors that contributed to the introduction of local self-government in the immediate aftermath of the Eureka Stockade. Underlying the study is the changing administrative requirements necessitated by the transition from a temporary gold field to a permanent city. A central theme explored in relation to this development is that it was a consequence of the emerging culture of modernity of that era precipitating radical political changes in local government that began with the 1835 British Municipal Corporations Act. This theme is expanded to highlight the reform of local government in the Victorian era in response to urbanization and the need for modern and rationalised methods of managing the new towns and growing cities. The difficulty in making and sustaining such progressive changes in Britain is contrasted with the eager adoption of the concept of progress and the new Victorian Municipal Corporations Act of 1854 on the Ballarat goldfields. The question as to why the Municipality was established is answered by exploring the connection between the failure of the Goldfields Commission at the end of 1854 and the belief held by many, that taxes should be accompanied with political representation and should be spent where they were collected. This study exposes the remarkable story of how the first elected councillors, starting from scratch, quickly established administrative systems and brought order to a community emerging out of turmoil. The process of how the municipality was established is uncovered by an extensive survey of the council minutes, the media, council correspondence and public records.
- Description: Masters by Research
Measuring depression in deaf adults : Adaptation and validation of the Patient Health Questionnaire 9 (PHQ-9) for Auslan users
- Authors: Lake, Shane
- Date: 2018
- Type: Text , Thesis , Masters
- Full Text:
- Description: There is limited research into the prevalence of depression in the deaf population. Results are inconsistent and research has been hampered by the use of measures not specifically designed for individuals who are deaf. Deaf adults, who use Australian sign language (Auslan) to communicate, may not have the spoken and written language skills in English that are required to understand standard psychological measures. The aim of this research was to adapt and validate a measure of depression, the 9 item Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9), for deaf Auslan users. Following established guidelines, an Auslan version of the PHQ-9, that was conceptually equivalent to the original measure, was produced. A community sample of 34 deaf adults, who use Auslan to communicate, and 278 hearing adults, were recruited from the Australian population. Deaf participants completed an Auslan online survey that included the Auslan version of the PHQ-9 and a previously adapted measure, an Auslan version of the Depression Anxiety Stress Scales-21 (DASS-21-Auslan). Hearing participants completed a written English version of the online survey. The Auslan version of the PHQ-9 demonstrated good internal reliability. Concurrent validity was established using the DASS-21-Auslan, with significant correlations found between the two measures. Principal components analysis identified a single factor structure for the Auslan PHQ-9. Differential item functioning was examined using a parametric technique (ordinal logistic regression) and a non-parametric kernel smoothing technique (TestGraf). No evidence of item bias was found. This research has provided promising results for an Auslan version of the PHQ-9 as a culturally appropriate measure for Auslan users. The Auslan PHQ-9 has the potential to provide mental health practitioners and researchers with a more accurate method of assessing and monitoring depression and depressive symptoms in deaf adults who are Auslan users.
- Description: Masters by Research
- Authors: Lake, Shane
- Date: 2018
- Type: Text , Thesis , Masters
- Full Text:
- Description: There is limited research into the prevalence of depression in the deaf population. Results are inconsistent and research has been hampered by the use of measures not specifically designed for individuals who are deaf. Deaf adults, who use Australian sign language (Auslan) to communicate, may not have the spoken and written language skills in English that are required to understand standard psychological measures. The aim of this research was to adapt and validate a measure of depression, the 9 item Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9), for deaf Auslan users. Following established guidelines, an Auslan version of the PHQ-9, that was conceptually equivalent to the original measure, was produced. A community sample of 34 deaf adults, who use Auslan to communicate, and 278 hearing adults, were recruited from the Australian population. Deaf participants completed an Auslan online survey that included the Auslan version of the PHQ-9 and a previously adapted measure, an Auslan version of the Depression Anxiety Stress Scales-21 (DASS-21-Auslan). Hearing participants completed a written English version of the online survey. The Auslan version of the PHQ-9 demonstrated good internal reliability. Concurrent validity was established using the DASS-21-Auslan, with significant correlations found between the two measures. Principal components analysis identified a single factor structure for the Auslan PHQ-9. Differential item functioning was examined using a parametric technique (ordinal logistic regression) and a non-parametric kernel smoothing technique (TestGraf). No evidence of item bias was found. This research has provided promising results for an Auslan version of the PHQ-9 as a culturally appropriate measure for Auslan users. The Auslan PHQ-9 has the potential to provide mental health practitioners and researchers with a more accurate method of assessing and monitoring depression and depressive symptoms in deaf adults who are Auslan users.
- Description: Masters by Research
Pandemic Influenza at Oodnadatta, 1919 : Aspects of treatment and care in a multiracial community
- Authors: Bullen, Heatheranne
- Date: 2018
- Type: Text , Thesis , Masters
- Full Text:
- Description: On 24 January 1919, a thirty-two-year-old nurse from Sydney, Jean Williamson, disembarked at the railway station at Oodnadatta in the far north of South Australia to commence her new role as sister in charge of the Australian Inland Mission (AIM) hostel. On 18 April that year, Williamson greeted thirty-four-year-old minister from Melbourne, Coledge Harland, who had arrived by train to take up a three-year post as padre for the AIM’s central Australian parish. Just over a month later, an influenza pandemic that had already killed untold numbers of people worldwide reached the isolated township. Drawing on primary documents, including an extensive collection of previously unseen photographs, letter and diaries from Harland and Williamson, this thesis examines the management and care of pandemic influenza at Oodnadatta from May to late July 1919. Intercultural aspects of the management and care of European, Afghan, Chinese and Aboriginal patients are examined in the context of the health and lifestyle of local residents, nursing practices, medicines, foods, accommodation and the contribution of individuals, groups and their roles. This intimate microhistory sheds light on a relatively unknown, yet important group of people in Australia’s frontier history: the missioners and others who cared for seriously ill Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal patients at Oodnadatta, provided culturally sensitive care that afforded respect, dignity and compassion to all. At the time, the gravity of the world wide situation and the sheer need to provide care saw individual efforts go unnoticed; however, in hindsight, it is possible to see and appreciate the significance of what they achieved under the most difficult of circumstances.
- Description: Masters by Research
- Authors: Bullen, Heatheranne
- Date: 2018
- Type: Text , Thesis , Masters
- Full Text:
- Description: On 24 January 1919, a thirty-two-year-old nurse from Sydney, Jean Williamson, disembarked at the railway station at Oodnadatta in the far north of South Australia to commence her new role as sister in charge of the Australian Inland Mission (AIM) hostel. On 18 April that year, Williamson greeted thirty-four-year-old minister from Melbourne, Coledge Harland, who had arrived by train to take up a three-year post as padre for the AIM’s central Australian parish. Just over a month later, an influenza pandemic that had already killed untold numbers of people worldwide reached the isolated township. Drawing on primary documents, including an extensive collection of previously unseen photographs, letter and diaries from Harland and Williamson, this thesis examines the management and care of pandemic influenza at Oodnadatta from May to late July 1919. Intercultural aspects of the management and care of European, Afghan, Chinese and Aboriginal patients are examined in the context of the health and lifestyle of local residents, nursing practices, medicines, foods, accommodation and the contribution of individuals, groups and their roles. This intimate microhistory sheds light on a relatively unknown, yet important group of people in Australia’s frontier history: the missioners and others who cared for seriously ill Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal patients at Oodnadatta, provided culturally sensitive care that afforded respect, dignity and compassion to all. At the time, the gravity of the world wide situation and the sheer need to provide care saw individual efforts go unnoticed; however, in hindsight, it is possible to see and appreciate the significance of what they achieved under the most difficult of circumstances.
- Description: Masters by Research
Susceptibility of rehabilitated mine batter surface to mass movement
- Authors: Allen, Tristan
- Date: 2018
- Type: Text , Thesis , Masters
- Full Text:
- Description: The goal of the research is to quantify coal properties that may affect the processes and controls governing rehabilitated brown coal mine surface mass movements. The research investigates weathering of coal and assesses the difference in strength characteristics between fresh and weathered coal. In addition to quantifying the mechanical properties of coal surfaces in a rehabilitated slope, permeability changes due to weathering of coal are also investigated. Changes in coal strength influence sliding resistance. Changes in coal permeability impact pore pressures above the coal surface, which may also affect sliding resistance on the coal – cover interface. To assess these issues, direct and residual shear tests were used to investigate the changes in shear strength due to weathering at low normal stresses applicable to shallow cover materials. Testing was undertaken with abrasive surfaces to simulate sliding on the contact coal surface beneath cover materials assuming that the cover material is stronger than the coal. The roughness of the abrasive surface proved to be unimportant for large strain shear strength. The shear strength for coal with different weathering and normal effective stresses was examined. Coal cohesion was found to be low, but some rebinding of coal would occur with time. A coal residual friction angle of 39.1 and 37.0 degrees was found for the unsaturated and saturated tested coal respectively. Permeability tests using oxygenated water were undertaken to investigate changes to brown coal permeability as a result of weathering. Even with low levels of oxidation achievable with the permeability test apparatus, coal permeability dropped over time. While the magnitude of the reduction was not large for low oxidation magnitudes, the impact on permeability was demonstrated. A weathering index was developed as part of the study to provide a quantitative basis for assessing the weathered state of coal samples. The index employed changes to Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) spectra to define the state of weathering. To assess the rate and magnitude of weathering of coal through oxidation an autoclave was used to artificially weather brown coal. Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy and Gas Chromatography used to analyse the results. As for the permeability testing the autoclave experiments could not be run for sufficient time to progress to complete weathering by oxidation. Nevertheless the principles of the test and the equipment specifications were developed so that they could be used in future to complete the determination of weathering rates. The research has demonstrated the importance of understanding coal weathering at the upper boundary of a rehabilitated coal surface to the potential for cover mass movements due to sliding at the coal cover interface.
- Description: Masters by Research
- Authors: Allen, Tristan
- Date: 2018
- Type: Text , Thesis , Masters
- Full Text:
- Description: The goal of the research is to quantify coal properties that may affect the processes and controls governing rehabilitated brown coal mine surface mass movements. The research investigates weathering of coal and assesses the difference in strength characteristics between fresh and weathered coal. In addition to quantifying the mechanical properties of coal surfaces in a rehabilitated slope, permeability changes due to weathering of coal are also investigated. Changes in coal strength influence sliding resistance. Changes in coal permeability impact pore pressures above the coal surface, which may also affect sliding resistance on the coal – cover interface. To assess these issues, direct and residual shear tests were used to investigate the changes in shear strength due to weathering at low normal stresses applicable to shallow cover materials. Testing was undertaken with abrasive surfaces to simulate sliding on the contact coal surface beneath cover materials assuming that the cover material is stronger than the coal. The roughness of the abrasive surface proved to be unimportant for large strain shear strength. The shear strength for coal with different weathering and normal effective stresses was examined. Coal cohesion was found to be low, but some rebinding of coal would occur with time. A coal residual friction angle of 39.1 and 37.0 degrees was found for the unsaturated and saturated tested coal respectively. Permeability tests using oxygenated water were undertaken to investigate changes to brown coal permeability as a result of weathering. Even with low levels of oxidation achievable with the permeability test apparatus, coal permeability dropped over time. While the magnitude of the reduction was not large for low oxidation magnitudes, the impact on permeability was demonstrated. A weathering index was developed as part of the study to provide a quantitative basis for assessing the weathered state of coal samples. The index employed changes to Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) spectra to define the state of weathering. To assess the rate and magnitude of weathering of coal through oxidation an autoclave was used to artificially weather brown coal. Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy and Gas Chromatography used to analyse the results. As for the permeability testing the autoclave experiments could not be run for sufficient time to progress to complete weathering by oxidation. Nevertheless the principles of the test and the equipment specifications were developed so that they could be used in future to complete the determination of weathering rates. The research has demonstrated the importance of understanding coal weathering at the upper boundary of a rehabilitated coal surface to the potential for cover mass movements due to sliding at the coal cover interface.
- Description: Masters by Research
The collaborative designer : An investigation into the lived experience of co-design practice
- Authors: Smith, Chrissie
- Date: 2018
- Type: Text , Thesis , Masters
- Full Text:
- Description: This enquiry is motivated by a growing recognition of citizen participation by design disciplines and other disciplines outside of design (such as social science, science and business) in solving complex problems across society. Co-design is the approach that this research focuses on in particular. Codesign is a new field of collaborative practice that has emerged from the Scandinavian tradition of Participatory Design. Integral to the philosophy of both these practices is the decentralisation of the individual expert designer and the empowering of the end user as an active participant. Despite many studies that have provided useful frameworks and insights into the practice of co-design, conceptualisations and discussions around implications for participation and design deployment rarely include the voice of the co-design practitioner. This study uses a descriptive phenomenological approach to explore the experience of practitioners, some trained in design and some not, facilitating co-design practice. Aligned with this approach, detailed interviews were conducted with six practitioners from Australia and New Zealand to understand what is unique or contingent to them personally, situated within their practices. Through a process of detailed and analytic exploration of these six individual descriptions of the phenomenon under investigation, the core constituents of the experience of co-design practice were distinguished for each participant. From these constituents, general structures representing the essences, or invariants common to all experiences under investigation were identified. Based on the careful analysis of the narrative descriptions from the interviewed practitioners, the core aspects of their practice in collaboration with end-user groups and other stakeholders are described. A visual framework is proposed that capture the complexity of their lived experiences of co-design practice.
- Description: Masters by Research
- Authors: Smith, Chrissie
- Date: 2018
- Type: Text , Thesis , Masters
- Full Text:
- Description: This enquiry is motivated by a growing recognition of citizen participation by design disciplines and other disciplines outside of design (such as social science, science and business) in solving complex problems across society. Co-design is the approach that this research focuses on in particular. Codesign is a new field of collaborative practice that has emerged from the Scandinavian tradition of Participatory Design. Integral to the philosophy of both these practices is the decentralisation of the individual expert designer and the empowering of the end user as an active participant. Despite many studies that have provided useful frameworks and insights into the practice of co-design, conceptualisations and discussions around implications for participation and design deployment rarely include the voice of the co-design practitioner. This study uses a descriptive phenomenological approach to explore the experience of practitioners, some trained in design and some not, facilitating co-design practice. Aligned with this approach, detailed interviews were conducted with six practitioners from Australia and New Zealand to understand what is unique or contingent to them personally, situated within their practices. Through a process of detailed and analytic exploration of these six individual descriptions of the phenomenon under investigation, the core constituents of the experience of co-design practice were distinguished for each participant. From these constituents, general structures representing the essences, or invariants common to all experiences under investigation were identified. Based on the careful analysis of the narrative descriptions from the interviewed practitioners, the core aspects of their practice in collaboration with end-user groups and other stakeholders are described. A visual framework is proposed that capture the complexity of their lived experiences of co-design practice.
- Description: Masters by Research
The contribution of poker machines to reduced community wellbeing : A pre and post study
- Authors: Bell, Diana
- Date: 2018
- Type: Text , Thesis , Masters
- Full Text:
- Description: This thesis reports on a study of the impacts of poker machines on community wellbeing, using a pre and post survey method. The study used a variety of indicators to test community wellbeing and gambling attitudes and behaviours before and after a hotel venue with 40 poker machines opened in a new suburb in the designated growth area of Melbourne’s northern fringe. There was a higher proportion of respondents who met the criteria for ‘problem gambling’ after the poker machines were installed, compared to before, particularly when considered as a proportion of people who gambled on poker machines (5.3% compared to 3.6%). A proportion of respondents reported reduced levels of personal happiness, contentment and wellbeing as a result of the introduction of poker machines (16.5%, 12.3% and 16.1% respectively) and 41.5% reported there had been a detrimental impact on the community, in terms of social character. Mean scores on sense of community indexes and social cohesion showed a small decline in the post sample on every measure. Overall, the community reported reduced wellbeing on all measures after the introduction of poker machines. The significance of this study is that measures of community wellbeing and attitudes towards poker machines were measured before their introduction so that this baseline data could be compared with reported wellbeing 18 months after their installation within the suburban area. The substantial proportion of respondents who reported detrimental impact on social character, along with many negatively expressed opinions of poker machines, and a higher rate of problem gambling provide support for the notion that the introduction of poker machines at least contributed to the reduction in community wellbeing. This research provides some suggestions for the use of indicators for measuring the impact of poker machines on community wellbeing.
- Description: Masters by Research
- Authors: Bell, Diana
- Date: 2018
- Type: Text , Thesis , Masters
- Full Text:
- Description: This thesis reports on a study of the impacts of poker machines on community wellbeing, using a pre and post survey method. The study used a variety of indicators to test community wellbeing and gambling attitudes and behaviours before and after a hotel venue with 40 poker machines opened in a new suburb in the designated growth area of Melbourne’s northern fringe. There was a higher proportion of respondents who met the criteria for ‘problem gambling’ after the poker machines were installed, compared to before, particularly when considered as a proportion of people who gambled on poker machines (5.3% compared to 3.6%). A proportion of respondents reported reduced levels of personal happiness, contentment and wellbeing as a result of the introduction of poker machines (16.5%, 12.3% and 16.1% respectively) and 41.5% reported there had been a detrimental impact on the community, in terms of social character. Mean scores on sense of community indexes and social cohesion showed a small decline in the post sample on every measure. Overall, the community reported reduced wellbeing on all measures after the introduction of poker machines. The significance of this study is that measures of community wellbeing and attitudes towards poker machines were measured before their introduction so that this baseline data could be compared with reported wellbeing 18 months after their installation within the suburban area. The substantial proportion of respondents who reported detrimental impact on social character, along with many negatively expressed opinions of poker machines, and a higher rate of problem gambling provide support for the notion that the introduction of poker machines at least contributed to the reduction in community wellbeing. This research provides some suggestions for the use of indicators for measuring the impact of poker machines on community wellbeing.
- Description: Masters by Research
What is the perceived effectiveness of fully on-the-job training for carpentry apprenticeships?
- Authors: Wright, Barry
- Date: 2018
- Type: Text , Thesis , Masters
- Full Text:
- Description: This study examined the training experiences of apprentices and employers who were involved in fully on-the-job training in the building and construction trades, specifically in carpentry. Fully on-the-job training, in apprenticeship, means that all training is delivered at the workplace rather than in an institution or training centre and must include structured training arrangements. The apprentice acquires competence through the performance of normal work duties, with some self-managed or facilitated training, as well as receiving support from the appointed Registered Training Organisation (RTO) trainer or trainers, which is all undertaken on the worksite. In the building and construction trades, carpentry apprentices in Australia must gain skills and knowledge over an extensive range of competencies to achieve their qualification. Traditional construction trade jobs have become more specialised over the past 20 years, which could limit the learning activities in terms of tasks and knowledge, resulting in a restricted range of skills. The project investigates this issue and other possible challenges of this delivery model. This qualitative research project involved individual apprentice and employer interviews together with key stakeholder focus group sessions. The research question was: What is the perceived effectiveness of fully on-the-job training for carpentry apprenticeships? Findings included people’s views regarding the advantages, disadvantages, the learning impacts and the outcomes of fully on-the-job training and ways of compensating for limited job roles.
- Description: Masters by Research
- Authors: Wright, Barry
- Date: 2018
- Type: Text , Thesis , Masters
- Full Text:
- Description: This study examined the training experiences of apprentices and employers who were involved in fully on-the-job training in the building and construction trades, specifically in carpentry. Fully on-the-job training, in apprenticeship, means that all training is delivered at the workplace rather than in an institution or training centre and must include structured training arrangements. The apprentice acquires competence through the performance of normal work duties, with some self-managed or facilitated training, as well as receiving support from the appointed Registered Training Organisation (RTO) trainer or trainers, which is all undertaken on the worksite. In the building and construction trades, carpentry apprentices in Australia must gain skills and knowledge over an extensive range of competencies to achieve their qualification. Traditional construction trade jobs have become more specialised over the past 20 years, which could limit the learning activities in terms of tasks and knowledge, resulting in a restricted range of skills. The project investigates this issue and other possible challenges of this delivery model. This qualitative research project involved individual apprentice and employer interviews together with key stakeholder focus group sessions. The research question was: What is the perceived effectiveness of fully on-the-job training for carpentry apprenticeships? Findings included people’s views regarding the advantages, disadvantages, the learning impacts and the outcomes of fully on-the-job training and ways of compensating for limited job roles.
- Description: Masters by Research
Analysis of mobile banking malware on the Android operating system
- Xu, Dan
- Authors: Xu, Dan
- Date: 2017
- Type: Text , Thesis , Masters
- Full Text:
- Description: The Android platform is the fastest growing smartphone operating system to date. Consequently, malware on Android OS has been increasing at an alarming rate. Similar to Windows-based malware, Android malware also have different families which are responsible for different malicious activities. In this thesis, we focused on one particular group of Android malware which is designed to target banks and financial institutions. These banking malware use different techniques to attack bank clients and banking servers. A coherent framework to analyse the behaviour of these malware needs to be developed, so the impact of theirs attacks could be minimised. This thesis investigates a systematic analysis to understand these malware’s behaviour and distribution method. From public and private sources, 37 samples of banking malware have been collected which represent eight major Android Banking malware families. In addition, we also analysed malware source code by reverse engineering all malware samples. As a result of analysis, a clear overview and better understanding of mobile banking malware on Android OS was established. The results indicated that Android banking malware is evolving in technique and will become more difficult to analyse in the future.
- Description: Masters by Research
- Authors: Xu, Dan
- Date: 2017
- Type: Text , Thesis , Masters
- Full Text:
- Description: The Android platform is the fastest growing smartphone operating system to date. Consequently, malware on Android OS has been increasing at an alarming rate. Similar to Windows-based malware, Android malware also have different families which are responsible for different malicious activities. In this thesis, we focused on one particular group of Android malware which is designed to target banks and financial institutions. These banking malware use different techniques to attack bank clients and banking servers. A coherent framework to analyse the behaviour of these malware needs to be developed, so the impact of theirs attacks could be minimised. This thesis investigates a systematic analysis to understand these malware’s behaviour and distribution method. From public and private sources, 37 samples of banking malware have been collected which represent eight major Android Banking malware families. In addition, we also analysed malware source code by reverse engineering all malware samples. As a result of analysis, a clear overview and better understanding of mobile banking malware on Android OS was established. The results indicated that Android banking malware is evolving in technique and will become more difficult to analyse in the future.
- Description: Masters by Research
Exploring youth perceptions of school (dis)engagement and absence in Hepburn Shire
- Authors: O'Loughlan, Courtney
- Date: 2017
- Type: Text , Thesis , Masters
- Full Text:
- Description: This thesis examines the educational experiences of some young people living in the Hepburn Shire, a Local Government Area (LGA) in the Central Highlands of Victoria. These young people were in various stages of disengaging from the mainstream education on offer in the shire. The research came about via consultation between the secondary school and Federation University in response to data from the Department of Education and Training (DET) showing that the Hepburn area had the lowest school attendance figures of the eleven LGA’s in the Grampians region. The school was interested in the reasons behind the lower figures and sought to gather some further information which might shed light on the experiences of young people who had difficulty in connecting, or staying connected to, school. It was hoped that the resultant findings would inform the approach taken by the schools in offering appropriate programs to support people to re-engage with school. Thus, the research question underpinning this research is: What are the key reasons that school attendance has been identified as being lower in the Hepburn Shire Local Government Area than in other parts of the Grampians region? A critical ethnographic study was undertaken comprised of participant observation, facilitated by the researcher being situated within the school, and a series of semi-structured interviews conducted with young people (of secondary school age), families, teachers, Principals, support staff including welfare providers and a selection of other professionals working with youth and their families in the Hepburn Shire. The study revealed a complexity within the Hepburn community, where a rich diversity of views about child-raising and education was present. Such views spanned philosophies about ‘unschooling’, the benefits of home-schooling, and a sense of permissiveness about not attending school each day. Further, there seemed to be a tendency within the school (both by teachers and other professionals working with youth) to talk about disengaged students and families of nonattending students in terms of deficit: there was something lacking with them, parenting skills, work ethic, behavioural or emotional regulation, that was viewed as contributing to the students’ poor attendance. Finally, the centrality of the teacher-student relationship to both student engagement and disengagement was evident in the conversations with young people and their families. Building respectful, reciprocal relationships with at least one key member of staff seems to be a major protective factor against disengagement. And further, seems to be a pre-requisite for those students who are entering the school for the first time, or who are re-entering after a significant absence.
- Description: Masters by Research
- Authors: O'Loughlan, Courtney
- Date: 2017
- Type: Text , Thesis , Masters
- Full Text:
- Description: This thesis examines the educational experiences of some young people living in the Hepburn Shire, a Local Government Area (LGA) in the Central Highlands of Victoria. These young people were in various stages of disengaging from the mainstream education on offer in the shire. The research came about via consultation between the secondary school and Federation University in response to data from the Department of Education and Training (DET) showing that the Hepburn area had the lowest school attendance figures of the eleven LGA’s in the Grampians region. The school was interested in the reasons behind the lower figures and sought to gather some further information which might shed light on the experiences of young people who had difficulty in connecting, or staying connected to, school. It was hoped that the resultant findings would inform the approach taken by the schools in offering appropriate programs to support people to re-engage with school. Thus, the research question underpinning this research is: What are the key reasons that school attendance has been identified as being lower in the Hepburn Shire Local Government Area than in other parts of the Grampians region? A critical ethnographic study was undertaken comprised of participant observation, facilitated by the researcher being situated within the school, and a series of semi-structured interviews conducted with young people (of secondary school age), families, teachers, Principals, support staff including welfare providers and a selection of other professionals working with youth and their families in the Hepburn Shire. The study revealed a complexity within the Hepburn community, where a rich diversity of views about child-raising and education was present. Such views spanned philosophies about ‘unschooling’, the benefits of home-schooling, and a sense of permissiveness about not attending school each day. Further, there seemed to be a tendency within the school (both by teachers and other professionals working with youth) to talk about disengaged students and families of nonattending students in terms of deficit: there was something lacking with them, parenting skills, work ethic, behavioural or emotional regulation, that was viewed as contributing to the students’ poor attendance. Finally, the centrality of the teacher-student relationship to both student engagement and disengagement was evident in the conversations with young people and their families. Building respectful, reciprocal relationships with at least one key member of staff seems to be a major protective factor against disengagement. And further, seems to be a pre-requisite for those students who are entering the school for the first time, or who are re-entering after a significant absence.
- Description: Masters by Research