A blockchain-based distributed peer-to-peer ecosystem for energy trading
- Authors: Islam, Mohammad
- Date: 2024
- Type: Text , Thesis , PhD
- Full Text:
- Description: Blockchain technologies are revolutionising peer-to-peer (P2P) distributed energy trading. These technologies can leverage microgrid decentralisation and immutable data storage to provide efficient and secure trading to benefit prosumers. A double auction mechanism is best suited for energy trading in a P2P microgrid. This mechanism requires a solvent cryptocurrency reserve for payment settlement. Double auctions give rise to unspent auction reservations (UARs). Existing mechanisms can settle further auctions with UARs but need improvements to do this without affecting trading efficiency. Keeping a cryptocurrency reserve solvent also requires adaptations to existing mechanisms. Auction settlements within a microgrid leave UARs, meaning that other microgrids must join for further auction settlements, and this leads to security vulnerabilities. It is important to develop an ecosystem that can enhance trading efficiency, ensure the solvency of the cryptocurrency reserve and provide security for multi-microgrid energy trading. In distributed energy trading, an auctioneer passes UARs to the next auctioneer as specified by the passing mechanism. Traditional energy trading systems use simple passing mechanisms and basic pricing mechanisms, but this adversely affects trading efficiency and buyers’ economic surplus. Traditional P2P energy trading systems use passing mechanisms that only partially consider the auction capacity of the next auctioneer. We propose a blockchain-based energy trading mechanism using a smart passing mechanism (SPM) that uses an unspent reservation profile (URP) to represent the auctioneers’ capability to pass UARs within a P2P microgrid. We further propose an intelligent passing mechanism (iPass) that incorporates price information into URPs to enhance trading efficiency. We applied three metrics to measure trading efficiency: convergence time, auction settlements and the economic surplus of buyers and sellers. We simulated our mechanisms in Hyperledger Fabric, a permissioned blockchain framework that managed the data storage and smart contracts. Experiments showed that our SPM reduces the convergence time, increases auction settlements and increases the economic surplus of buyers compared with existing mechanisms. Experiments showed that iPass is even more efficient than other passing mechanisms, including SPM, further reducing the convergence time, increasing auction settlements and increasing the economic surplus of buyers and sellers. Settling payments in blockchain-based P2P energy trading requires maintaining the solvency of the cryptocurrency reserve to ensure a stable medium of exchange and reduce price volatility. Stablecoins, as a form of cryptocurrency—the most suitable medium of exchange—are gaining attention from central banks. A consortium of central banks has recommended compliance with capital and liquidity standards for high-quality liquid assets (HQLA). Stablecoins, as a form of HQLA, require the adaptation of these standards for P2P energy trading. We propose a mechanism (NF90) to control the inflow of stablecoins in response to the liquidity coverage ratio (LCR) for reserve resilience and to maintain solvency. The Basel III Accord recommends 100% LCR. We measured the effectiveness of NF90 using LCR as a metric simulating the mechanism in Hyperledger Fabric to manage deceni tralisation, data storage and smart contracts. NF90 was the most effective inflow control mechanism. The use of iPass for a P2P microgrid leaves UARs. Traditional trading mechanisms settle further auctions with UARs within a microgrid, which affects the economic surplus of prosumers. Auction settlements with neighbouring microgrids increase prosumers’ economic surplus, but the usual pricing of double auction mechanisms reduces their economic surplus. Other pricing mechanisms are needed in a multi-microgrid paradigm. Settling auctions for microgrids requires common computational resources that are close to microgrids. Edge computing technologies suit this need, and blockchain technology leverages immutable data storage in cloud servers. However, communication with a cloud server through proprietary edge computing devices exposes the ecosystem to security vulnerabilities. It is important to control access by prosumers and forensic users. Immutable data storage and the retrieval of data are essential. Two challenges in information security are incorporating reliable access control for users and devices while granting access to confidential data for relevant users and maintaining data persistence. This research used a blockchain structure for data persistence. We propose a framework of novel protocols to authenticate users (prosumers and auctioneers) by the edge server and of the edge server by the cloud server. Our framework also provides access to forensic users using immutable blockchain-based data storage with endpoint authentication and a role-based user access control system. We simulated the framework using the Automated Validation of Internet Security Protocols and Applications and showed that it can deal effectively with several security issues.
- Description: Doctor of Philosophy
- Authors: Islam, Mohammad
- Date: 2024
- Type: Text , Thesis , PhD
- Full Text:
- Description: Blockchain technologies are revolutionising peer-to-peer (P2P) distributed energy trading. These technologies can leverage microgrid decentralisation and immutable data storage to provide efficient and secure trading to benefit prosumers. A double auction mechanism is best suited for energy trading in a P2P microgrid. This mechanism requires a solvent cryptocurrency reserve for payment settlement. Double auctions give rise to unspent auction reservations (UARs). Existing mechanisms can settle further auctions with UARs but need improvements to do this without affecting trading efficiency. Keeping a cryptocurrency reserve solvent also requires adaptations to existing mechanisms. Auction settlements within a microgrid leave UARs, meaning that other microgrids must join for further auction settlements, and this leads to security vulnerabilities. It is important to develop an ecosystem that can enhance trading efficiency, ensure the solvency of the cryptocurrency reserve and provide security for multi-microgrid energy trading. In distributed energy trading, an auctioneer passes UARs to the next auctioneer as specified by the passing mechanism. Traditional energy trading systems use simple passing mechanisms and basic pricing mechanisms, but this adversely affects trading efficiency and buyers’ economic surplus. Traditional P2P energy trading systems use passing mechanisms that only partially consider the auction capacity of the next auctioneer. We propose a blockchain-based energy trading mechanism using a smart passing mechanism (SPM) that uses an unspent reservation profile (URP) to represent the auctioneers’ capability to pass UARs within a P2P microgrid. We further propose an intelligent passing mechanism (iPass) that incorporates price information into URPs to enhance trading efficiency. We applied three metrics to measure trading efficiency: convergence time, auction settlements and the economic surplus of buyers and sellers. We simulated our mechanisms in Hyperledger Fabric, a permissioned blockchain framework that managed the data storage and smart contracts. Experiments showed that our SPM reduces the convergence time, increases auction settlements and increases the economic surplus of buyers compared with existing mechanisms. Experiments showed that iPass is even more efficient than other passing mechanisms, including SPM, further reducing the convergence time, increasing auction settlements and increasing the economic surplus of buyers and sellers. Settling payments in blockchain-based P2P energy trading requires maintaining the solvency of the cryptocurrency reserve to ensure a stable medium of exchange and reduce price volatility. Stablecoins, as a form of cryptocurrency—the most suitable medium of exchange—are gaining attention from central banks. A consortium of central banks has recommended compliance with capital and liquidity standards for high-quality liquid assets (HQLA). Stablecoins, as a form of HQLA, require the adaptation of these standards for P2P energy trading. We propose a mechanism (NF90) to control the inflow of stablecoins in response to the liquidity coverage ratio (LCR) for reserve resilience and to maintain solvency. The Basel III Accord recommends 100% LCR. We measured the effectiveness of NF90 using LCR as a metric simulating the mechanism in Hyperledger Fabric to manage deceni tralisation, data storage and smart contracts. NF90 was the most effective inflow control mechanism. The use of iPass for a P2P microgrid leaves UARs. Traditional trading mechanisms settle further auctions with UARs within a microgrid, which affects the economic surplus of prosumers. Auction settlements with neighbouring microgrids increase prosumers’ economic surplus, but the usual pricing of double auction mechanisms reduces their economic surplus. Other pricing mechanisms are needed in a multi-microgrid paradigm. Settling auctions for microgrids requires common computational resources that are close to microgrids. Edge computing technologies suit this need, and blockchain technology leverages immutable data storage in cloud servers. However, communication with a cloud server through proprietary edge computing devices exposes the ecosystem to security vulnerabilities. It is important to control access by prosumers and forensic users. Immutable data storage and the retrieval of data are essential. Two challenges in information security are incorporating reliable access control for users and devices while granting access to confidential data for relevant users and maintaining data persistence. This research used a blockchain structure for data persistence. We propose a framework of novel protocols to authenticate users (prosumers and auctioneers) by the edge server and of the edge server by the cloud server. Our framework also provides access to forensic users using immutable blockchain-based data storage with endpoint authentication and a role-based user access control system. We simulated the framework using the Automated Validation of Internet Security Protocols and Applications and showed that it can deal effectively with several security issues.
- Description: Doctor of Philosophy
A case study to evaluate the effectiveness of chronic disease management plan on self-management among patients with diabetes mellitus at general practice settings
- Authors: Ghasemi, Maryam
- Date: 2024
- Type: Text , Thesis , PhD
- Full Text:
- Description: The chronic disease management (CDM) plan is designed to support people with chronic medical conditions. This plan provides a targeted, comprehensive approach, allowing individuals to receive the necessary care and support to manage their condition. With this plan, patients can access various health services, including visits to their general practitioner and allied health services. These provide the necessary support and care to manage their condition effectively. However, patients with chronic conditions are often poorly served by the current Australian healthcare system, which fails to coordinate care across different service providers. Aim The primary aim of this study was to examine whether the use of CDM plans can improve self-management among patients with diabetes. Method A mixed method collective case study was undertaken. It focused on identifying patients’ predisposing and biometric factors, exploring patients’ and health professionals’ perceptions of the CDM plan and examining the CDM plan’s clinical documentation. Semi-structured interviews were undertaken among patients with diabetes and healthcare professionals in a general practice setting in Victoria, Australia. Results Three main issues emerged from the study: the rigidity of the funding model, system and organisational constraints and the lack of person-centred care. Conclusion To enhance self-management support through CDM plans, it is crucial to understand interdisciplinary and intradisciplinary interactions between patients and healthcare professionals. Organisational structures can apply a powerful contextual influence on how patients and healthcare professionals interact, but individualised CDM plans with tailored allied health services, regular follow-up and review are essential for the sustainability of health outcomes. Primary care settings and services in Australia need to be reformed to meet the needs of high-cost health users with complex chronic conditions. Moving beyond fee-for-service funding can stimulate innovation in service delivery and configuring person-centred care. Payment and funding reform is needed, particularly for people with ongoing complex needs and comorbidities. The study has highlighted the lack of a clear coordination framework guiding CDM plans, lead to inconsistency and poorer patient outcomes. Keywords: Self-management, diabetes mellitus, diabetes self-management, chronic disease management plan, person-centred care plan, integrated care plan, multidisciplinary care plan approach, Andersen Behavioural Model of Health Service Use
- Description: Doctor of Philosophy
- Authors: Ghasemi, Maryam
- Date: 2024
- Type: Text , Thesis , PhD
- Full Text:
- Description: The chronic disease management (CDM) plan is designed to support people with chronic medical conditions. This plan provides a targeted, comprehensive approach, allowing individuals to receive the necessary care and support to manage their condition. With this plan, patients can access various health services, including visits to their general practitioner and allied health services. These provide the necessary support and care to manage their condition effectively. However, patients with chronic conditions are often poorly served by the current Australian healthcare system, which fails to coordinate care across different service providers. Aim The primary aim of this study was to examine whether the use of CDM plans can improve self-management among patients with diabetes. Method A mixed method collective case study was undertaken. It focused on identifying patients’ predisposing and biometric factors, exploring patients’ and health professionals’ perceptions of the CDM plan and examining the CDM plan’s clinical documentation. Semi-structured interviews were undertaken among patients with diabetes and healthcare professionals in a general practice setting in Victoria, Australia. Results Three main issues emerged from the study: the rigidity of the funding model, system and organisational constraints and the lack of person-centred care. Conclusion To enhance self-management support through CDM plans, it is crucial to understand interdisciplinary and intradisciplinary interactions between patients and healthcare professionals. Organisational structures can apply a powerful contextual influence on how patients and healthcare professionals interact, but individualised CDM plans with tailored allied health services, regular follow-up and review are essential for the sustainability of health outcomes. Primary care settings and services in Australia need to be reformed to meet the needs of high-cost health users with complex chronic conditions. Moving beyond fee-for-service funding can stimulate innovation in service delivery and configuring person-centred care. Payment and funding reform is needed, particularly for people with ongoing complex needs and comorbidities. The study has highlighted the lack of a clear coordination framework guiding CDM plans, lead to inconsistency and poorer patient outcomes. Keywords: Self-management, diabetes mellitus, diabetes self-management, chronic disease management plan, person-centred care plan, integrated care plan, multidisciplinary care plan approach, Andersen Behavioural Model of Health Service Use
- Description: Doctor of Philosophy
A qualitative study of Australian indigenous perceptions of success
- Authors: Hamilton, Ian
- Date: 2024
- Type: Text , Thesis , PhD
- Full Text:
- Description: This study explored Australian Indigenous perspectives of the concept of success. Qualitative audio interviews with semi-structured questions and a conversational approach adhered to the Indigenous research paradigm. Participants were provided with an opportunity to share their views. The welcoming nature of Indigenous communities as well as other rewarding experiences for myself were echoed during this study and examples were reported. A local Indigenous individual noticed that Indigenous perspectives of success often differed from many common ideas within a mainstream Western society. This was confirmed by the comments of eleven research participants. The literature review highlighted an earlier literary emphasis on problems rather than the positive aspects of Indigenous communities. Investigating stories related to success was an attempt to avoid adding more unpleasant material that was present in the literature. The literature review empathised with Dennis Foley researching Indigenous success in entrepreneurism and Jeannie Herbert examining success in higher education, followed by an examination of the meaning of success. This study sought generalised community views of success, rather than success in one field. Most data for this research were collected in the central Gippsland region, supplemented with three interviews at Circular Quay in Sydney. All participants indicated they lived a suburban lifestyle; 29 qualitative interviews were conducted, with 26 rated as useful and transcribed verbatim. All interviews satisfied the ethical clearance requirements and followed the advice of key authors arguing for decolonisation when completing modern research. Interviews were analysed by employing grounded theory thematic analysis, using an interpretive method with elements of deductive reasoning. Five observed themes were classified as general comments about success: success is different, success is available to all, difficulty discussing success, determination, and creativity or spirituality. Five themes were classed as definition of success: family support, contribution to community, achieving goals, happiness and continuing culture. A discussion of links between themes argued the broad range of views of participants evinced communal implications for success as well as a devaluation of materialism. Other links included the support for cultural traditions and the inadequacy of common Western definitions of the concept of success. The analysis acknowledged the overlaps between cultures that can exist when comparing Indigenous with mainstream cultures, especially when recognising individual differences. Literature identified concurred with findings from this study. Research limits included sampling restrictions and a limited time frame. Suggestions for further research included extra research be completed in more regions in Australia with more women, a broader age range and more cultural groups. Differences were observed regarding the concept of success for Indigenous individuals when compared with more common mainstream Western views as well appreciating the value of continuing the culture were two examples of the claims made by most participants. Therefore, the findings of the research resulted in recommendations for policymakers, educationists, academic researchers and the general community to converse with Indigenous groups and increase the understanding of the views for the meaning of the concept of success.
- Description: Doctor of Philosophy
- Authors: Hamilton, Ian
- Date: 2024
- Type: Text , Thesis , PhD
- Full Text:
- Description: This study explored Australian Indigenous perspectives of the concept of success. Qualitative audio interviews with semi-structured questions and a conversational approach adhered to the Indigenous research paradigm. Participants were provided with an opportunity to share their views. The welcoming nature of Indigenous communities as well as other rewarding experiences for myself were echoed during this study and examples were reported. A local Indigenous individual noticed that Indigenous perspectives of success often differed from many common ideas within a mainstream Western society. This was confirmed by the comments of eleven research participants. The literature review highlighted an earlier literary emphasis on problems rather than the positive aspects of Indigenous communities. Investigating stories related to success was an attempt to avoid adding more unpleasant material that was present in the literature. The literature review empathised with Dennis Foley researching Indigenous success in entrepreneurism and Jeannie Herbert examining success in higher education, followed by an examination of the meaning of success. This study sought generalised community views of success, rather than success in one field. Most data for this research were collected in the central Gippsland region, supplemented with three interviews at Circular Quay in Sydney. All participants indicated they lived a suburban lifestyle; 29 qualitative interviews were conducted, with 26 rated as useful and transcribed verbatim. All interviews satisfied the ethical clearance requirements and followed the advice of key authors arguing for decolonisation when completing modern research. Interviews were analysed by employing grounded theory thematic analysis, using an interpretive method with elements of deductive reasoning. Five observed themes were classified as general comments about success: success is different, success is available to all, difficulty discussing success, determination, and creativity or spirituality. Five themes were classed as definition of success: family support, contribution to community, achieving goals, happiness and continuing culture. A discussion of links between themes argued the broad range of views of participants evinced communal implications for success as well as a devaluation of materialism. Other links included the support for cultural traditions and the inadequacy of common Western definitions of the concept of success. The analysis acknowledged the overlaps between cultures that can exist when comparing Indigenous with mainstream cultures, especially when recognising individual differences. Literature identified concurred with findings from this study. Research limits included sampling restrictions and a limited time frame. Suggestions for further research included extra research be completed in more regions in Australia with more women, a broader age range and more cultural groups. Differences were observed regarding the concept of success for Indigenous individuals when compared with more common mainstream Western views as well appreciating the value of continuing the culture were two examples of the claims made by most participants. Therefore, the findings of the research resulted in recommendations for policymakers, educationists, academic researchers and the general community to converse with Indigenous groups and increase the understanding of the views for the meaning of the concept of success.
- Description: Doctor of Philosophy
A voice for nature : a history of the Field Naturalists Club of Ballarat
- Authors: Kruss, Susan
- Date: 2024
- Type: Text , Thesis , PhD
- Full Text:
- Description: This thesis examines the Field Naturalists Club of Ballarat (FNCB) and its predecessors in a longitudinal study to understand how Ballarat’s naturalists have provided a voice for nature. The Ballarat Field Club and Science Society was formed in 1882 at the School of Mines Ballarat. It was discontinued around 1890 and then reconstituted in 1915 as the School of Mines Science and Field Naturalists’ Club, which closed in 1918. FNCB, established in 1952, regards itself as a reconstitution of the earlier Ballarat field clubs. Drawing on archival records, newspaper sources, government reports, oral histories and field excursions, this thesis uses narrative to describe the ways in which FNCB has provided advocacy for nature since its inception. This study locates FNCB in changing social and political contexts and argues that the club has provided a quietly determined, reasoned voice over many decades. A story emerges of continuity and resilience through different eras, which has continued into the present. This research is inspired by American historian Roderick Nash and his theory of environmental history as a “history from below” that speaks for the exploited natural world. It examines the achievements of a small organisation at the local level but places its operations in a global context. It argues that global policies and the environment movement formed the context for the club’s representations on behalf of the natural environment and examines how broader movements, ideas and policies affect ground-level nature conservation. It concludes that FNCB, by providing a voice for nature, made an important contribution to protection of the natural environment
- Description: Doctor of Philosophy
- Authors: Kruss, Susan
- Date: 2024
- Type: Text , Thesis , PhD
- Full Text:
- Description: This thesis examines the Field Naturalists Club of Ballarat (FNCB) and its predecessors in a longitudinal study to understand how Ballarat’s naturalists have provided a voice for nature. The Ballarat Field Club and Science Society was formed in 1882 at the School of Mines Ballarat. It was discontinued around 1890 and then reconstituted in 1915 as the School of Mines Science and Field Naturalists’ Club, which closed in 1918. FNCB, established in 1952, regards itself as a reconstitution of the earlier Ballarat field clubs. Drawing on archival records, newspaper sources, government reports, oral histories and field excursions, this thesis uses narrative to describe the ways in which FNCB has provided advocacy for nature since its inception. This study locates FNCB in changing social and political contexts and argues that the club has provided a quietly determined, reasoned voice over many decades. A story emerges of continuity and resilience through different eras, which has continued into the present. This research is inspired by American historian Roderick Nash and his theory of environmental history as a “history from below” that speaks for the exploited natural world. It examines the achievements of a small organisation at the local level but places its operations in a global context. It argues that global policies and the environment movement formed the context for the club’s representations on behalf of the natural environment and examines how broader movements, ideas and policies affect ground-level nature conservation. It concludes that FNCB, by providing a voice for nature, made an important contribution to protection of the natural environment
- Description: Doctor of Philosophy
Aboriginal people in the Northern Mallee Backcountry seasonal visitors? Active land managers?
- Authors: Burch, John
- Date: 2024
- Type: Text , Thesis , PhD
- Full Text:
- Description: This research uses previously unexamined sources and original methodologies to propose a new paradigm for Aboriginal peoples’ occupation of the Victorian Mallee backcountry. It refutes an historiography which saw Aboriginal people as simply ephemeral visitors to this area. In its place it demonstrates that Aboriginal people regularly occupied parts of the backcountry and posits that in those areas they practiced a unique Mallee Economy. In 1878 Robert Brough Smyth proposed that Aboriginal people were simply brief seasonal visitors to the backcountry and hence that the area was not permanently occupied. This has remained the dominant historical understanding and though it has been recently challenged, there is no agreement that it has been discredited. This thesis reviews that proposition and two research questions were formulated from the historiography as the basis for this investigation: 1. To what extent were Aboriginal people in the Northern Mallee ‘seasonal visitors’ and to what extent were they ‘permanent occupiers’? 2. What evidence is there that Aboriginal people in the Northern Mallee were ‘active land managers’? In the absence of an adequate written archive, this research adopted an original and relatively untested strategy of collecting evidence of Indigenous occupation and management of the land from cartographic sources. In the Northern Mallee this meant placing a heavy reliance on maps made to facilitate agricultural settlement, which occurred at least half a century after colonial occupation of the land. Information that was, or might be, indicative of Indigenous land use was gathered from over two hundred maps and archaeological sources and entered into a Geographic Information System (GIS) to allow its interpretation and analysis. Analysis in the GIS was supported by layers of already available data. The boundaries of major bioregional areas, vegetation groups, water features, colonial land-ownership, modern roads and towns, parish boundaries and the mapping of Indigenous land- ownership in North-Western Victoria were all added into the GIS. This research process produced varied but powerful findings that contradicted the conventional historiography. Hundreds of pieces of ‘track’ were collected from maps and when these were analysed a picture of extensive use of the backcountry was constructed. Long pathways provided avenues for trade and communication between the riverine corridors of the Murray, Darling, Murrumbidgee and Wimmera rivers. Other pathways provided connections into South Australia, whilst Wirrengren emerged as a major focus of travel into the Mallee. These ‘highways’ across the land were joined by ‘local roads’ reaching out from the numerous campsites along the densely settled Murray River. The second group of findings centred on the issue of seasonal visiting. The historiography of this understanding was subject to critical review. Brough Smyth’s proposition was placed in the context of ‘pastoral gentlemen’ seeking a rationale to remove Aboriginal people from desirable land, and the absence of early evidence of occupation was related to mapping conventions that afforded no recognition to perceived primitive hunter-gatherers. More recent pressures to conceal Indigenous heritage are also discussed. Demonstrating occupation was predicated on showing the presence of intermittently but regularly used campsites on estates similar to those occupied by Aboriginal people in arid areas. Cartographic sources proved of little value, but information was drawn from archaeological research and local histories, sufficient to show that parts of the backcountry were, within these criteria, permanently occupied. The research methodology proved more suited to the second research question, exploring Indigenous land management. Over 150 small ‘grassy plains’ were mapped in the study area and the GIS showed the location of these plains was apparently not random but appeared weighted towards a specific bioregional area. When these plains were seen in relationship to other non-grassy plains and patches of mallee eucalypts a sense of parts of the mallee as a mosaic of grassed areas and old mallee emerged. It was then posited that this mosaic created the conditions for a distinctive Mallee Economy. The small grassy plains were ideally suited to medium size mammals such as the boodie, bilby and bettongs, and also provided grain, murnong and other tuberous vegetables. The old mallee was, amongst other resources, the home to an iconic food source, Mallee Fowl eggs. Other food sources, some reptiles and the eggs of emus, were probably generally available across the mosaic. Due to the limitations in dating archaeological evidence no relationship could automatically be assumed to exist between the regularly used campsites and the Mallee Economy. But there were suggestions to support this. Most powerfully the GIS showed a strong geographical relationship between the campsites and the grassy plains. In another instance ethnohistorical evidence connected the two. Unable to be definitively answered was the question of whether the unique mosaic of grass and old mallee which allowed the Mallee Economy arose from ‘active land management’. Was the landscape created or maintained by the practice of ‘fire’ and ‘no fire’? There is only very limited direct evidence of landscape management in the backcountry, but the inference is compelling. Inference of active land management is strengthened by emerging evidence that if a regime of ‘fire’ and ‘no fire’ was not practiced the grasslands would have become senescent, if not totally overrun by mallee, and the productivity of the Mallee Economy seriously compromised. The broad findings of the research were that Aboriginal people permanently occupied parts of the Northern Mallee and may have used active land management to practice a unique Mallee Economy. The more specific finding was a map detailing the areas in which it is posited a Mallee Economy was being practiced, those areas in which it is clear it was not being practiced and other areas about which conclusions were not able to be made.
- Description: Doctor of Philosophy
- Authors: Burch, John
- Date: 2024
- Type: Text , Thesis , PhD
- Full Text:
- Description: This research uses previously unexamined sources and original methodologies to propose a new paradigm for Aboriginal peoples’ occupation of the Victorian Mallee backcountry. It refutes an historiography which saw Aboriginal people as simply ephemeral visitors to this area. In its place it demonstrates that Aboriginal people regularly occupied parts of the backcountry and posits that in those areas they practiced a unique Mallee Economy. In 1878 Robert Brough Smyth proposed that Aboriginal people were simply brief seasonal visitors to the backcountry and hence that the area was not permanently occupied. This has remained the dominant historical understanding and though it has been recently challenged, there is no agreement that it has been discredited. This thesis reviews that proposition and two research questions were formulated from the historiography as the basis for this investigation: 1. To what extent were Aboriginal people in the Northern Mallee ‘seasonal visitors’ and to what extent were they ‘permanent occupiers’? 2. What evidence is there that Aboriginal people in the Northern Mallee were ‘active land managers’? In the absence of an adequate written archive, this research adopted an original and relatively untested strategy of collecting evidence of Indigenous occupation and management of the land from cartographic sources. In the Northern Mallee this meant placing a heavy reliance on maps made to facilitate agricultural settlement, which occurred at least half a century after colonial occupation of the land. Information that was, or might be, indicative of Indigenous land use was gathered from over two hundred maps and archaeological sources and entered into a Geographic Information System (GIS) to allow its interpretation and analysis. Analysis in the GIS was supported by layers of already available data. The boundaries of major bioregional areas, vegetation groups, water features, colonial land-ownership, modern roads and towns, parish boundaries and the mapping of Indigenous land- ownership in North-Western Victoria were all added into the GIS. This research process produced varied but powerful findings that contradicted the conventional historiography. Hundreds of pieces of ‘track’ were collected from maps and when these were analysed a picture of extensive use of the backcountry was constructed. Long pathways provided avenues for trade and communication between the riverine corridors of the Murray, Darling, Murrumbidgee and Wimmera rivers. Other pathways provided connections into South Australia, whilst Wirrengren emerged as a major focus of travel into the Mallee. These ‘highways’ across the land were joined by ‘local roads’ reaching out from the numerous campsites along the densely settled Murray River. The second group of findings centred on the issue of seasonal visiting. The historiography of this understanding was subject to critical review. Brough Smyth’s proposition was placed in the context of ‘pastoral gentlemen’ seeking a rationale to remove Aboriginal people from desirable land, and the absence of early evidence of occupation was related to mapping conventions that afforded no recognition to perceived primitive hunter-gatherers. More recent pressures to conceal Indigenous heritage are also discussed. Demonstrating occupation was predicated on showing the presence of intermittently but regularly used campsites on estates similar to those occupied by Aboriginal people in arid areas. Cartographic sources proved of little value, but information was drawn from archaeological research and local histories, sufficient to show that parts of the backcountry were, within these criteria, permanently occupied. The research methodology proved more suited to the second research question, exploring Indigenous land management. Over 150 small ‘grassy plains’ were mapped in the study area and the GIS showed the location of these plains was apparently not random but appeared weighted towards a specific bioregional area. When these plains were seen in relationship to other non-grassy plains and patches of mallee eucalypts a sense of parts of the mallee as a mosaic of grassed areas and old mallee emerged. It was then posited that this mosaic created the conditions for a distinctive Mallee Economy. The small grassy plains were ideally suited to medium size mammals such as the boodie, bilby and bettongs, and also provided grain, murnong and other tuberous vegetables. The old mallee was, amongst other resources, the home to an iconic food source, Mallee Fowl eggs. Other food sources, some reptiles and the eggs of emus, were probably generally available across the mosaic. Due to the limitations in dating archaeological evidence no relationship could automatically be assumed to exist between the regularly used campsites and the Mallee Economy. But there were suggestions to support this. Most powerfully the GIS showed a strong geographical relationship between the campsites and the grassy plains. In another instance ethnohistorical evidence connected the two. Unable to be definitively answered was the question of whether the unique mosaic of grass and old mallee which allowed the Mallee Economy arose from ‘active land management’. Was the landscape created or maintained by the practice of ‘fire’ and ‘no fire’? There is only very limited direct evidence of landscape management in the backcountry, but the inference is compelling. Inference of active land management is strengthened by emerging evidence that if a regime of ‘fire’ and ‘no fire’ was not practiced the grasslands would have become senescent, if not totally overrun by mallee, and the productivity of the Mallee Economy seriously compromised. The broad findings of the research were that Aboriginal people permanently occupied parts of the Northern Mallee and may have used active land management to practice a unique Mallee Economy. The more specific finding was a map detailing the areas in which it is posited a Mallee Economy was being practiced, those areas in which it is clear it was not being practiced and other areas about which conclusions were not able to be made.
- Description: Doctor of Philosophy
American protectionist thought: the economic philosophy and theory of the 19th century American protectionists
- Authors: Frith, Mathew
- Date: 2024
- Type: Text , Thesis , PhD
- Full Text:
- Description: This study contributes to economic knowledge by recovering the system of economic philosophy and theory developed by the 19th century American Protectionists. The account provided in this thesis is comprehensive and covers all major aspects of their theoretical system. Put simply, this study provides an explication and clarification of the economic philosophy and theory of this important, yet neglected, school of economic thought. In doing so, the approach undertaken is one which goes beyond the writings of Alexander Hamilton, Friedrich List, and Henry Charles Carey, and instead draws upon the full corpus of American Protectionist literature. By drawing upon the writings of roughly seventy economists and statesmen from within this neglected tradition, this study has been able to consolidate and distil their ideas into a general and coherent system of economic theory. This thesis therefore recovers an important and original lens through which to interpret and understand the workings of the economy. This is important for both economists and historians of economic thought alike. Whereas most literature in the history of economic thought relegate the American Protectionists to a position of insignificance, this study demonstrates that their system is a refined and sophisticated doctrine of economic thought which rivalled, and even surpassed, other 19th century schools of economic thought. Indeed, against the Whig theory of history, which presupposes that economic knowledge progresses in a linear and upward manner, this thesis contends that superior theories can often be displaced by inferior ones, with knowledge being lost as a consequence. This thesis therefore advances the view that the system of thought developed by the American Protectionists is an example of where important and relevant economic knowledge has been lost. Rediscovering this lost knowledge is thus important not only for purely historical reasons, but for its ability to aid modern economic analysis.
- Description: Doctor of Philosophy
- Authors: Frith, Mathew
- Date: 2024
- Type: Text , Thesis , PhD
- Full Text:
- Description: This study contributes to economic knowledge by recovering the system of economic philosophy and theory developed by the 19th century American Protectionists. The account provided in this thesis is comprehensive and covers all major aspects of their theoretical system. Put simply, this study provides an explication and clarification of the economic philosophy and theory of this important, yet neglected, school of economic thought. In doing so, the approach undertaken is one which goes beyond the writings of Alexander Hamilton, Friedrich List, and Henry Charles Carey, and instead draws upon the full corpus of American Protectionist literature. By drawing upon the writings of roughly seventy economists and statesmen from within this neglected tradition, this study has been able to consolidate and distil their ideas into a general and coherent system of economic theory. This thesis therefore recovers an important and original lens through which to interpret and understand the workings of the economy. This is important for both economists and historians of economic thought alike. Whereas most literature in the history of economic thought relegate the American Protectionists to a position of insignificance, this study demonstrates that their system is a refined and sophisticated doctrine of economic thought which rivalled, and even surpassed, other 19th century schools of economic thought. Indeed, against the Whig theory of history, which presupposes that economic knowledge progresses in a linear and upward manner, this thesis contends that superior theories can often be displaced by inferior ones, with knowledge being lost as a consequence. This thesis therefore advances the view that the system of thought developed by the American Protectionists is an example of where important and relevant economic knowledge has been lost. Rediscovering this lost knowledge is thus important not only for purely historical reasons, but for its ability to aid modern economic analysis.
- Description: Doctor of Philosophy
Changing inner narratives : exploring the influence of transformative learning on coercive control survivors enrolled in Clemente in several locations in Australia
- Authors: Cooper, Lesley
- Date: 2024
- Type: Text , Thesis , PhD
- Full Text:
- Description: Family violence is pervasive in our communities, nationally and internationally, with the emergence of coercive control as a distinct form of abuse that impacts the daily lives of victims-survivors. Coercive control permeates victims’-survivors’ lives through tactics including but not limited to isolation, manipulation, threats of violence and surveillance, reducing their identity, autonomy, and freedom to participate in society, including the ability to work or study. Abusers often utilise an incident of physical violence to instil fear in the victim-survivor, laying a foundation for coercive controlling behaviour that is invisible. This alters victims’-survivors’ cognitive processes in developing their inner narratives, which underpin their beliefs and value systems. The transformative learning process foundational to the Clemente Course in the Humanities enables students to deconstruct their inner narratives and then analyse and reconstruct new inner narratives. Clemente is a community-based, free tertiary-level course offered to the disadvantaged based on the belief that personal transformation can be achieved through fostering critical reflection. This research explores whether an interconnection exists between Clemente, transformative learning, and coercive control within a higher education context. Victim-survivor voices are central to this research, creating a unique opportunity to gain an understanding of their experiences of Clemente and coercive control. Ten participants aged between 18 and 65 who attended Clemente in New South Wales, Australian Capital Territory, and Victoria participated in this research. The research aims to answer three main questions: (1) Does the Clemente course contribute to transformative learning that empowers students who experience coercive control in a family violence context? (2) How do participants describe the transition from coercive control to education and employment? (3) ‘In what ways and to what extent, if any, has participation in the Clemente course empowered students to regain control over their lives and future life trajectories?’ Data for this narrative analysis was collected by (1) a participant intake form gathering demographic student characteristics; (2) a coercive control self-assessment tool that measured students’ perceptions of coercive control; (3) a coercive control measurement tool measuring students changed views on coercive control; (4) the transformative learning tool enabling students self-assessment of their transformational journey from commencing to finishing and (5) semi-structured interviews encouraging expansion of measurement of change responses. The coercive control self-assessment measurement tool was amended from the tools developed by Kelly et al. (2014). This research adds to knowledge in understanding victims’-survivors’ adjustment to life after coercive control. Victims-survivors appreciated studying the humanities within a social and intellectual community where they felt valued and heard. The humanities curriculum, coupled with the intensive Clemente support, appeared to positively contribute to critical thinking skills development, increased confidence, and an ability to exercise more control over their lives, and engage with the community. Victims-survivors who were parents reported feeling like role models for their children indicating the course assisted in more meaningful engagement with their children. It demonstrates that a rigorous educational opportunity that is not vocationally orientated can assist personal development for victims-survivors who aspire to careers not just employment for the sake of earning an income.
- Description: Doctor of Philosophy, Partial
- Authors: Cooper, Lesley
- Date: 2024
- Type: Text , Thesis , PhD
- Full Text:
- Description: Family violence is pervasive in our communities, nationally and internationally, with the emergence of coercive control as a distinct form of abuse that impacts the daily lives of victims-survivors. Coercive control permeates victims’-survivors’ lives through tactics including but not limited to isolation, manipulation, threats of violence and surveillance, reducing their identity, autonomy, and freedom to participate in society, including the ability to work or study. Abusers often utilise an incident of physical violence to instil fear in the victim-survivor, laying a foundation for coercive controlling behaviour that is invisible. This alters victims’-survivors’ cognitive processes in developing their inner narratives, which underpin their beliefs and value systems. The transformative learning process foundational to the Clemente Course in the Humanities enables students to deconstruct their inner narratives and then analyse and reconstruct new inner narratives. Clemente is a community-based, free tertiary-level course offered to the disadvantaged based on the belief that personal transformation can be achieved through fostering critical reflection. This research explores whether an interconnection exists between Clemente, transformative learning, and coercive control within a higher education context. Victim-survivor voices are central to this research, creating a unique opportunity to gain an understanding of their experiences of Clemente and coercive control. Ten participants aged between 18 and 65 who attended Clemente in New South Wales, Australian Capital Territory, and Victoria participated in this research. The research aims to answer three main questions: (1) Does the Clemente course contribute to transformative learning that empowers students who experience coercive control in a family violence context? (2) How do participants describe the transition from coercive control to education and employment? (3) ‘In what ways and to what extent, if any, has participation in the Clemente course empowered students to regain control over their lives and future life trajectories?’ Data for this narrative analysis was collected by (1) a participant intake form gathering demographic student characteristics; (2) a coercive control self-assessment tool that measured students’ perceptions of coercive control; (3) a coercive control measurement tool measuring students changed views on coercive control; (4) the transformative learning tool enabling students self-assessment of their transformational journey from commencing to finishing and (5) semi-structured interviews encouraging expansion of measurement of change responses. The coercive control self-assessment measurement tool was amended from the tools developed by Kelly et al. (2014). This research adds to knowledge in understanding victims’-survivors’ adjustment to life after coercive control. Victims-survivors appreciated studying the humanities within a social and intellectual community where they felt valued and heard. The humanities curriculum, coupled with the intensive Clemente support, appeared to positively contribute to critical thinking skills development, increased confidence, and an ability to exercise more control over their lives, and engage with the community. Victims-survivors who were parents reported feeling like role models for their children indicating the course assisted in more meaningful engagement with their children. It demonstrates that a rigorous educational opportunity that is not vocationally orientated can assist personal development for victims-survivors who aspire to careers not just employment for the sake of earning an income.
- Description: Doctor of Philosophy, Partial
Characterisation of novel Y chromosome-linked circular RNA TTTY15 in the context of coronary artery disease
- Authors: McInerney, Molly-Rose
- Date: 2024
- Type: Text , Thesis , PhD
- Full Text:
- Description: Coronary artery disease (CAD) is the leading cause of death worldwide. Characterised as narrowing of the coronary arteries that results obstruction, lack of blood flow and ischemic injury. CAD progression is regulated by a host of complex molecular pathways pertaining to inflammation, lipid disturbance and cellular dysfunction. Recently, circular RNAs (circRNAs) have been implicated in the regulation of these CAD-associated molecular pathways. CircRNAs represent a relatively recent discovery in the realm of non-coding RNAs, challenging the initial misconception that they are ‘by-products’ of mRNA splicing. Instead, these circRNA molecules have emerged as critical regulators of gene expression in various diseases, spanning from cancers to heart disease. CircRNAs exert their regulatory functions through several mechanisms. They can act as 'miRNA sponges,' sequestering microRNAs (miRNAs) and preventing them from regulating their target genes. Additionally, circRNAs interact with RNA-binding proteins (RBPs), modulating RNA stability and localisation. Some circRNAs also function as 'protein sponges,' influencing protein expression and gene regulation. While circRNAs have gained recognition in the context of obstructive cardiovascular diseases like CAD and atherosclerosis, no circRNAs derived from the Y chromosome have been experimentally characterised in this context. The Y chromosome, typically associated with male-specific traits and sexual development, remains relatively unexplored but recently has been implicated in the regulation of human diseases, including cardiovascular diseases. The exploration of Y-linked circRNAs represents a promising avenue for advancing our understanding of male-specific diseases and may open new possibilities for personalised health interventions.
- Description: Doctor of Philosophy
- Authors: McInerney, Molly-Rose
- Date: 2024
- Type: Text , Thesis , PhD
- Full Text:
- Description: Coronary artery disease (CAD) is the leading cause of death worldwide. Characterised as narrowing of the coronary arteries that results obstruction, lack of blood flow and ischemic injury. CAD progression is regulated by a host of complex molecular pathways pertaining to inflammation, lipid disturbance and cellular dysfunction. Recently, circular RNAs (circRNAs) have been implicated in the regulation of these CAD-associated molecular pathways. CircRNAs represent a relatively recent discovery in the realm of non-coding RNAs, challenging the initial misconception that they are ‘by-products’ of mRNA splicing. Instead, these circRNA molecules have emerged as critical regulators of gene expression in various diseases, spanning from cancers to heart disease. CircRNAs exert their regulatory functions through several mechanisms. They can act as 'miRNA sponges,' sequestering microRNAs (miRNAs) and preventing them from regulating their target genes. Additionally, circRNAs interact with RNA-binding proteins (RBPs), modulating RNA stability and localisation. Some circRNAs also function as 'protein sponges,' influencing protein expression and gene regulation. While circRNAs have gained recognition in the context of obstructive cardiovascular diseases like CAD and atherosclerosis, no circRNAs derived from the Y chromosome have been experimentally characterised in this context. The Y chromosome, typically associated with male-specific traits and sexual development, remains relatively unexplored but recently has been implicated in the regulation of human diseases, including cardiovascular diseases. The exploration of Y-linked circRNAs represents a promising avenue for advancing our understanding of male-specific diseases and may open new possibilities for personalised health interventions.
- Description: Doctor of Philosophy
Comparison between real and simulated driving for training and assessment
- Authors: Thang, Nguyen
- Date: 2024
- Type: Text , Thesis , Masters
- Full Text:
- Description: Driving simulators have emerged as instrumental tools, providing secure, regulated environments for scholarly investigation, driving appraisal, and training. These simulators negate the inherent risks associated with real-world driving experiments and offer a platform for methodical, cost-efficient research. Despite these advantages, the efficacy of driving simulators remains a contentious issue in academia, primarily regarding the transferability of acquired skills to actual driving conditions and the veracity of training and evaluation results. The current study aimed to contribute to this ongoing discourse by comparing four driving experiences—three driving simulator setups (Three-monitor based, video-based, and Virtual Reality-based) and one real on-road driving scenario. The research focused on various aspects such as immersion, performance, physiology, emotion, and simulator sickness. Data were collected from a small but intensively studied sample size of two participants who engaged in all four driving conditions. Metrics such as heart rate, breath rate, speed, acceleration, as well as responses to presence, simulator sickness, and mood questionnaires were amassed. The results revealed that pre-driving mood exerted a marginal influence on participants' physiological responses in this research context. In terms of presence, the three-monitor setup received the highest ratings, followed by Virtual Reality (VR) and 3D video configurations. Intriguingly, VR was implicated in eliciting the most substantial symptoms of simulator sickness. The study also observed individual disparities in baseline physiological measurements and cognitive tasks, elucidating the intricate nature of human interaction within simulated environments. Moreover, no clear relationship was established among immersion, simulator sickness, emotion, physiology, and performance across the four driving conditions, which included three different simulation setups and one real on-road experience. While no statistically significant distinctions in performance were observed among participants, notable variances manifested across distinct speed limit zones and simulator configurations. Given the methodological limitation of only assessing mood pre-experience, the study highlights the imperative to incorporate additional contextual factors, such as mood oscillations during the driving experience, in future research endeavours to enhance our understanding of their consequent impact on performance metrics.
- Description: Masters of Research
- Authors: Thang, Nguyen
- Date: 2024
- Type: Text , Thesis , Masters
- Full Text:
- Description: Driving simulators have emerged as instrumental tools, providing secure, regulated environments for scholarly investigation, driving appraisal, and training. These simulators negate the inherent risks associated with real-world driving experiments and offer a platform for methodical, cost-efficient research. Despite these advantages, the efficacy of driving simulators remains a contentious issue in academia, primarily regarding the transferability of acquired skills to actual driving conditions and the veracity of training and evaluation results. The current study aimed to contribute to this ongoing discourse by comparing four driving experiences—three driving simulator setups (Three-monitor based, video-based, and Virtual Reality-based) and one real on-road driving scenario. The research focused on various aspects such as immersion, performance, physiology, emotion, and simulator sickness. Data were collected from a small but intensively studied sample size of two participants who engaged in all four driving conditions. Metrics such as heart rate, breath rate, speed, acceleration, as well as responses to presence, simulator sickness, and mood questionnaires were amassed. The results revealed that pre-driving mood exerted a marginal influence on participants' physiological responses in this research context. In terms of presence, the three-monitor setup received the highest ratings, followed by Virtual Reality (VR) and 3D video configurations. Intriguingly, VR was implicated in eliciting the most substantial symptoms of simulator sickness. The study also observed individual disparities in baseline physiological measurements and cognitive tasks, elucidating the intricate nature of human interaction within simulated environments. Moreover, no clear relationship was established among immersion, simulator sickness, emotion, physiology, and performance across the four driving conditions, which included three different simulation setups and one real on-road experience. While no statistically significant distinctions in performance were observed among participants, notable variances manifested across distinct speed limit zones and simulator configurations. Given the methodological limitation of only assessing mood pre-experience, the study highlights the imperative to incorporate additional contextual factors, such as mood oscillations during the driving experience, in future research endeavours to enhance our understanding of their consequent impact on performance metrics.
- Description: Masters of Research
Data-driven flexibility assessment for demand response in wastewater treatment plant
- Authors: Yasmin, Roksana
- Date: 2024
- Type: Text , Thesis , Masters
- Full Text:
- Description: Today’s energy system is undergoing a significant transformation, moving from conventional energy sources to renewable energy (RE) systems on both national and global scales. This transition is expected to reduce global carbon emissions and meet the increased energy demand. However, the intermittent nature of renewable energy sources (RESs) can affect power system stability which poses the need for more flexibility in the power system. Supply-side flexibility through peaking power plants is expensive, and relying on conventional generation is undesirable, which shows the urgency of flexibility from the demand-side. Demand-side flexibility through demand response (DR) is a well-accepted mechanism in which consumers change their energy consumption patterns by responding to any power system issue or need and can receive financial benefits. Unlike residential consumers commercial and industrial (C&I) consumers are extensive energy users and potential DR candidates. However, a lack of knowledge about DR implementation and benefits hinders DR participation by C&I consumers having complex industrial processes. Therefore, further research on the applicability of DR for C&I consumers including benefits evaluation is significant. Wastewater treatment plant (WWTP) is one of the C&I consumers in the water industry which accounts for about 2-3% of global electricity use. DR participation by WWTPs can deliver benefits in multiple ways: it can reduce energy costs for the plant; provide sustained stability to the power system and decarbonisation for the wider community. However, WWTP loads and processes are usually interconnected and complicated and might not be interrupted frequently to provide DR as required, which has not been extensively reviewed in past studies. Further, WWTP processes are guided by different control parameters which should be strictly maintained to provide the quality requirements. Besides, the energy consumption of a system can be associated with different parameters and variables that are linked with the loads and processes. A systematic analysis of the energy data to extract information about the key parameters and variables can give an understanding of the potential flexible loads for DR participation. Moreover, the feasibility of DR application while securing techno-economic benefits is vital to encourage and realize DR participation of WWTPs. This research initially performed a literature survey to gain an understanding of the possible means to increase flexibility by C&I consumers which can apply to WWTPs. Consumers with inflexible or restricted loads can participate in DR program with the aid of an energy storage system (ESS), which is useful in storing energy for later use. Besides, onsite renewable generation (ORG) allows consumers to use RES generation during peak demand periods, avoid high energy prices, and respond to grid pressure relief. The literature survey addresses the gaps in both C&I consumers and WWTP-focused DR surveys which can lessen the knowledge barrier for WWTP DR participation. The survey analysis exhibits that, utilising ESS and ORG C&I consumers with inflexible loads can participate in DR programs, which can be applied to WWTPs. Several recommendations are provided which are deemed critical for fruitful DR implementation using appropriate ESS and DR strategy. Afterward, a data analysis is performed using WWTP real energy data which identifies the association of energy consumption with key parameters and variables based on the correlation analysis and ANN model. A systematic approach is developed to evaluate the influence of key features including wastewater inflow and weather parameters on the WWTP energy consumption. This data analysis can provide identifying energy consumption patterns of loads/processes which is useful in assessing DR flexibility. Finally, data-driven flexibility assessment is performed using 5%, 10%, and 15% load shifting flexibility potential on hybrid energy systems (HES). Four HES combining PV, battery, and fuel cells are analysed using HOMER software. The techno-economic assessment shows that up to 29.5% energy cost savings can be obtained with load-shifting flexibility integrated into HES which provides the economic feasibility of DR-ESS-ORG integrated energy system for WWTPs. Besides, the reduction of carbon emissions by 28.3% ensured environmental benefits and explored the promising role of hydrogen-based FC. The sensitivity analysis conducted integrating bioenergy from the WWTP results in additional economic and environmental benefits. In brief, this thesis focuses on WWTP DR participation with both flexible and inflexible loads. The data characterisation analysis can assist in identifying flexible loads for DR and the application of ESS and ORG can assist in DR participation without interrupting any inflexible loads/ processes. Hence, this study provides a comprehensive approach to the DR flexibility assessment of WWTPs. Further, it contributed to addressing the contemporary issues with energy transition and provided promising solutions to respond to the energy transition challenges through WWTP DR flexibility. The application of DR in HES including PV, battery and hydrogen-based FC provides a novel energy system model for WWTPs which can result in energy cost reduction and play a key role in decarbonisation.
- Description: Masters by Research
- Authors: Yasmin, Roksana
- Date: 2024
- Type: Text , Thesis , Masters
- Full Text:
- Description: Today’s energy system is undergoing a significant transformation, moving from conventional energy sources to renewable energy (RE) systems on both national and global scales. This transition is expected to reduce global carbon emissions and meet the increased energy demand. However, the intermittent nature of renewable energy sources (RESs) can affect power system stability which poses the need for more flexibility in the power system. Supply-side flexibility through peaking power plants is expensive, and relying on conventional generation is undesirable, which shows the urgency of flexibility from the demand-side. Demand-side flexibility through demand response (DR) is a well-accepted mechanism in which consumers change their energy consumption patterns by responding to any power system issue or need and can receive financial benefits. Unlike residential consumers commercial and industrial (C&I) consumers are extensive energy users and potential DR candidates. However, a lack of knowledge about DR implementation and benefits hinders DR participation by C&I consumers having complex industrial processes. Therefore, further research on the applicability of DR for C&I consumers including benefits evaluation is significant. Wastewater treatment plant (WWTP) is one of the C&I consumers in the water industry which accounts for about 2-3% of global electricity use. DR participation by WWTPs can deliver benefits in multiple ways: it can reduce energy costs for the plant; provide sustained stability to the power system and decarbonisation for the wider community. However, WWTP loads and processes are usually interconnected and complicated and might not be interrupted frequently to provide DR as required, which has not been extensively reviewed in past studies. Further, WWTP processes are guided by different control parameters which should be strictly maintained to provide the quality requirements. Besides, the energy consumption of a system can be associated with different parameters and variables that are linked with the loads and processes. A systematic analysis of the energy data to extract information about the key parameters and variables can give an understanding of the potential flexible loads for DR participation. Moreover, the feasibility of DR application while securing techno-economic benefits is vital to encourage and realize DR participation of WWTPs. This research initially performed a literature survey to gain an understanding of the possible means to increase flexibility by C&I consumers which can apply to WWTPs. Consumers with inflexible or restricted loads can participate in DR program with the aid of an energy storage system (ESS), which is useful in storing energy for later use. Besides, onsite renewable generation (ORG) allows consumers to use RES generation during peak demand periods, avoid high energy prices, and respond to grid pressure relief. The literature survey addresses the gaps in both C&I consumers and WWTP-focused DR surveys which can lessen the knowledge barrier for WWTP DR participation. The survey analysis exhibits that, utilising ESS and ORG C&I consumers with inflexible loads can participate in DR programs, which can be applied to WWTPs. Several recommendations are provided which are deemed critical for fruitful DR implementation using appropriate ESS and DR strategy. Afterward, a data analysis is performed using WWTP real energy data which identifies the association of energy consumption with key parameters and variables based on the correlation analysis and ANN model. A systematic approach is developed to evaluate the influence of key features including wastewater inflow and weather parameters on the WWTP energy consumption. This data analysis can provide identifying energy consumption patterns of loads/processes which is useful in assessing DR flexibility. Finally, data-driven flexibility assessment is performed using 5%, 10%, and 15% load shifting flexibility potential on hybrid energy systems (HES). Four HES combining PV, battery, and fuel cells are analysed using HOMER software. The techno-economic assessment shows that up to 29.5% energy cost savings can be obtained with load-shifting flexibility integrated into HES which provides the economic feasibility of DR-ESS-ORG integrated energy system for WWTPs. Besides, the reduction of carbon emissions by 28.3% ensured environmental benefits and explored the promising role of hydrogen-based FC. The sensitivity analysis conducted integrating bioenergy from the WWTP results in additional economic and environmental benefits. In brief, this thesis focuses on WWTP DR participation with both flexible and inflexible loads. The data characterisation analysis can assist in identifying flexible loads for DR and the application of ESS and ORG can assist in DR participation without interrupting any inflexible loads/ processes. Hence, this study provides a comprehensive approach to the DR flexibility assessment of WWTPs. Further, it contributed to addressing the contemporary issues with energy transition and provided promising solutions to respond to the energy transition challenges through WWTP DR flexibility. The application of DR in HES including PV, battery and hydrogen-based FC provides a novel energy system model for WWTPs which can result in energy cost reduction and play a key role in decarbonisation.
- Description: Masters by Research
Data-efficient graph learning for responsible prediction and recommendation
- Authors: Tang, Tao
- Date: 2024
- Type: Text , Thesis , PhD
- Full Text:
- Description: Graph learning offers a promising approach to uncover latent complex relationships within single or multiple graphs, thereby enhancing the performance of prediction and recommendation models. However, current graph learning methods often require significant computational resources and detailed training data for optimal performance. In real-world scenarios, graph-structured data are frequently sparse, with missing attributes and errors, particularly in distributed systems. Data heterogeneity can lead to Non-IID issues (e.g., imbalanced distribution) and limited computational resources. Additionally, ethical challenges in AI systems necessitate designing user-centered algorithms that consider privacy, transparency, and responsibility. These issues can degrade model performance, underscoring the need for user-centered, data-efficient graph learning models that enhance efficiency in both centralized and decentralized systems. Considering these challenges, this research investigates data-efficient graph learning for responsible prediction and recommendation in real-world applications. In this thesis, we propose effective and efficient graph learning algorithms for three sub-tasks: (1) Federated Graph Learning on Non-IID EHRs, (2) Multi-view Graph Learning on Sparse EHRs, and (3) Federated Graph Learning for Spatiotemporal Recommendation. Extracting latent disease patterns from Electronic Health Records (EHRs) is crucial for disease analysis and significantly facilitates healthcare decision-making. The first task, federated graph learning on Non-IID EHRs, aims to obtain complex disease graph representations with temporal dynamics from global imbalanced and locally insufficient Non-IID EHRs for downstream disease prediction tasks. We propose a personalized federated graph learning framework named PEARL, designed to avoid performance decreases in the global model on individual clients while enhancing the personalized capabilities of the learned global model. To further improve its effectiveness, we introduce a fine-tuning scheme to personalize the global model using local EHRs. Extensive experiments conducted on the real-world MIMIC-III dataset validate PEARL’s effectiveness, demonstrating significant improvement (10.25% on F1 scores) compared to baseline approaches. The second task, multi-view learning, offers a comprehensive exploration of both structured and unstructured EHRs. However, the intrinsic uncertainty among disease features presents a significant challenge for multi-view feature alignment. The sparsity of realworld EHRs further exacerbates this difficulty. To address these challenges, we introduce a novel fuzzy multi-view graph learning framework named FuzzyMVG, designed to mitigate the impacts of uncertainty in disease features derived from sparse EHRs. Extensive experiments on the real-world MIMIC-III dataset validate FuzzyMVG’s effectiveness. Results in the diagnosis prediction task show higher Precision (0.2991) that FuzzyMVG outperforms other state-of-the-art baselines. Finally, the third task addresses the challenges of limited computational resources, privacy leakage, and data silos in spatiotemporal Point-of-Interests (PoI) recommendation within distributed systems. We propose an efficient federated graph learning-based model to mine complex spatiotemporal features for generating recommendations. Experiments on the PoI recommendation task based on real-life check-in data validate the effectiveness of our proposed model. The results indicate that our recommendation model achieves competitive results (a higher accuracy, RMSE of 0.1096) with lower computational costs than the baselines.
- Authors: Tang, Tao
- Date: 2024
- Type: Text , Thesis , PhD
- Full Text:
- Description: Graph learning offers a promising approach to uncover latent complex relationships within single or multiple graphs, thereby enhancing the performance of prediction and recommendation models. However, current graph learning methods often require significant computational resources and detailed training data for optimal performance. In real-world scenarios, graph-structured data are frequently sparse, with missing attributes and errors, particularly in distributed systems. Data heterogeneity can lead to Non-IID issues (e.g., imbalanced distribution) and limited computational resources. Additionally, ethical challenges in AI systems necessitate designing user-centered algorithms that consider privacy, transparency, and responsibility. These issues can degrade model performance, underscoring the need for user-centered, data-efficient graph learning models that enhance efficiency in both centralized and decentralized systems. Considering these challenges, this research investigates data-efficient graph learning for responsible prediction and recommendation in real-world applications. In this thesis, we propose effective and efficient graph learning algorithms for three sub-tasks: (1) Federated Graph Learning on Non-IID EHRs, (2) Multi-view Graph Learning on Sparse EHRs, and (3) Federated Graph Learning for Spatiotemporal Recommendation. Extracting latent disease patterns from Electronic Health Records (EHRs) is crucial for disease analysis and significantly facilitates healthcare decision-making. The first task, federated graph learning on Non-IID EHRs, aims to obtain complex disease graph representations with temporal dynamics from global imbalanced and locally insufficient Non-IID EHRs for downstream disease prediction tasks. We propose a personalized federated graph learning framework named PEARL, designed to avoid performance decreases in the global model on individual clients while enhancing the personalized capabilities of the learned global model. To further improve its effectiveness, we introduce a fine-tuning scheme to personalize the global model using local EHRs. Extensive experiments conducted on the real-world MIMIC-III dataset validate PEARL’s effectiveness, demonstrating significant improvement (10.25% on F1 scores) compared to baseline approaches. The second task, multi-view learning, offers a comprehensive exploration of both structured and unstructured EHRs. However, the intrinsic uncertainty among disease features presents a significant challenge for multi-view feature alignment. The sparsity of realworld EHRs further exacerbates this difficulty. To address these challenges, we introduce a novel fuzzy multi-view graph learning framework named FuzzyMVG, designed to mitigate the impacts of uncertainty in disease features derived from sparse EHRs. Extensive experiments on the real-world MIMIC-III dataset validate FuzzyMVG’s effectiveness. Results in the diagnosis prediction task show higher Precision (0.2991) that FuzzyMVG outperforms other state-of-the-art baselines. Finally, the third task addresses the challenges of limited computational resources, privacy leakage, and data silos in spatiotemporal Point-of-Interests (PoI) recommendation within distributed systems. We propose an efficient federated graph learning-based model to mine complex spatiotemporal features for generating recommendations. Experiments on the PoI recommendation task based on real-life check-in data validate the effectiveness of our proposed model. The results indicate that our recommendation model achieves competitive results (a higher accuracy, RMSE of 0.1096) with lower computational costs than the baselines.
Design, modelling, and optimization of inlet control valves for gas expanders for extended efficiency
- Authors: Hossain, Md Shazzad
- Date: 2024
- Type: Text , Thesis , PhD
- Full Text:
- Description: The Organic Rankine Cycle (ORC) is a promising process in energy systems due to its compact design and efficient operation with low-temperature heat sources. These attributes make it particularly suitable for small-scale power plants utilizing waste heat and renewable energy, contributing to the broader goal of sustainable energy solutions. A critical component in ORC systems is the gas expander, whose performance greatly influences the overall efficiency of the power plant. Among gas expanders, positive displacement machines, especially rotary type limaçon expanders, are highly advantageous for small-scale applications due to their ability to operate effectively at low speeds, low flow rates, and high-pressure ratios. These machines exhibit favourable pressure characteristics, offering significant efficiency and reliability advantages over conventional expander systems. Traditional gas expansion systems often rely on uncontrolled inlet ports or cam-operated valves that allow working fluid into the expander chamber but lack the ability to regulate the fluid flow effectively. This constraint leads to the wastage of high-quality working fluid and limited adaptability to varying loads. In contrast, a controlled inlet valve with an appropriate control scheme can address this issue by regulating fluid flow, thereby enhancing expander performance. This potential for enhancement, whilst it offers hope for the future of these energy conversion systems, underscores the significance of research projects focusing on designing, modelling, and controlling inlet valves to ensure desirable performance levels are achieved. This research initially proposes two direct-drive rotary valves actuated by a stepper motor and a rotary solenoid. Their performance is examined through mathematical models, and a comparative analysis of their impact on the limaçon gas expander’s performance is provided. The effects of temperature, friction, pressure, and leakage are also analyzed. The study finds that including the stepper motor valve can increase the isentropic and volumetric efficiencies of the expander considerably. However, this valve’s performance is sensitive to inlet pressure, which can degrade expander performance at higher pressures. Conversely, though less sensitive to pressure changes, the rotary solenoid valve yields improvements to these efficiencies to a lesser extent. A fast and accurate mathematical model is essential for optimizing and controlling complex systems such as a valved expander. Traditional analytical models, which are complex and time-consuming, are often computationally intensive and less suited for optimization and control applications. To address this limitation, an artificial neural network model is developed to predict the complex input-output relationships within the limaçon expander-stepper motor valve system. This model achieves high accuracy, with a normalized mean square error of 0.0014 and a coefficient of determination of 0.98, and is computationally efficient, outperforming simpler interpolation methods by 5.07%. The model’s efficiency and reduced computational loads make it suitable for optimizing and controlling the expander-valve system. The inlet valve must be optimized to achieve fast and accurate response characteristics. Thus, a push-pull solenoid valve is optimized using a Simultaneous perturbation stochastic approximation (SPSA) method. This optimization results in a 56-58% improvement in valve response speed. Analytically testing the optimized valve on a generic non-optimized limaçon expander shows that a faster valve alone can enhance the expander’s isentropic and volumetric efficiencies by 2.24% and 5.04% respectively. It is also observed that the optimized valve is robust and performs well even at lower pressures. However, future research will attempt to optimize a complex system that combines a valve and an expander. This thesis offers critical insights into the design and optimization of inlet valves for gas expanders, demonstrating their significant potential to enhance expander performance, particularly within ORC-based power generation. By addressing existing challenges and proposing innovative solutions, this work advances the prior understanding of limaçon expander technology and highlights the untapped potential of controlled inlet valves to improve performance. These findings lay the groundwork for future developments in small-scale renewable energy systems, significantly impacting the commercial viability of ORC-based power generation. However, further research is needed to translate these insights into practical, commercially viable applications.
- Description: Doctor of Philosophy
- Authors: Hossain, Md Shazzad
- Date: 2024
- Type: Text , Thesis , PhD
- Full Text:
- Description: The Organic Rankine Cycle (ORC) is a promising process in energy systems due to its compact design and efficient operation with low-temperature heat sources. These attributes make it particularly suitable for small-scale power plants utilizing waste heat and renewable energy, contributing to the broader goal of sustainable energy solutions. A critical component in ORC systems is the gas expander, whose performance greatly influences the overall efficiency of the power plant. Among gas expanders, positive displacement machines, especially rotary type limaçon expanders, are highly advantageous for small-scale applications due to their ability to operate effectively at low speeds, low flow rates, and high-pressure ratios. These machines exhibit favourable pressure characteristics, offering significant efficiency and reliability advantages over conventional expander systems. Traditional gas expansion systems often rely on uncontrolled inlet ports or cam-operated valves that allow working fluid into the expander chamber but lack the ability to regulate the fluid flow effectively. This constraint leads to the wastage of high-quality working fluid and limited adaptability to varying loads. In contrast, a controlled inlet valve with an appropriate control scheme can address this issue by regulating fluid flow, thereby enhancing expander performance. This potential for enhancement, whilst it offers hope for the future of these energy conversion systems, underscores the significance of research projects focusing on designing, modelling, and controlling inlet valves to ensure desirable performance levels are achieved. This research initially proposes two direct-drive rotary valves actuated by a stepper motor and a rotary solenoid. Their performance is examined through mathematical models, and a comparative analysis of their impact on the limaçon gas expander’s performance is provided. The effects of temperature, friction, pressure, and leakage are also analyzed. The study finds that including the stepper motor valve can increase the isentropic and volumetric efficiencies of the expander considerably. However, this valve’s performance is sensitive to inlet pressure, which can degrade expander performance at higher pressures. Conversely, though less sensitive to pressure changes, the rotary solenoid valve yields improvements to these efficiencies to a lesser extent. A fast and accurate mathematical model is essential for optimizing and controlling complex systems such as a valved expander. Traditional analytical models, which are complex and time-consuming, are often computationally intensive and less suited for optimization and control applications. To address this limitation, an artificial neural network model is developed to predict the complex input-output relationships within the limaçon expander-stepper motor valve system. This model achieves high accuracy, with a normalized mean square error of 0.0014 and a coefficient of determination of 0.98, and is computationally efficient, outperforming simpler interpolation methods by 5.07%. The model’s efficiency and reduced computational loads make it suitable for optimizing and controlling the expander-valve system. The inlet valve must be optimized to achieve fast and accurate response characteristics. Thus, a push-pull solenoid valve is optimized using a Simultaneous perturbation stochastic approximation (SPSA) method. This optimization results in a 56-58% improvement in valve response speed. Analytically testing the optimized valve on a generic non-optimized limaçon expander shows that a faster valve alone can enhance the expander’s isentropic and volumetric efficiencies by 2.24% and 5.04% respectively. It is also observed that the optimized valve is robust and performs well even at lower pressures. However, future research will attempt to optimize a complex system that combines a valve and an expander. This thesis offers critical insights into the design and optimization of inlet valves for gas expanders, demonstrating their significant potential to enhance expander performance, particularly within ORC-based power generation. By addressing existing challenges and proposing innovative solutions, this work advances the prior understanding of limaçon expander technology and highlights the untapped potential of controlled inlet valves to improve performance. These findings lay the groundwork for future developments in small-scale renewable energy systems, significantly impacting the commercial viability of ORC-based power generation. However, further research is needed to translate these insights into practical, commercially viable applications.
- Description: Doctor of Philosophy
Development and evaluation of a driving clinical decision pathway for non–driver trained occupational therapists to guide return-to-driving practices for adults following a change-in-health status
- Authors: Scott, Hayley
- Date: 2024
- Type: Text , Thesis , PhD
- Full Text:
- Description: Driving is a meaningful occupation that provides adults of all ages with the independence and freedom to access and interact with their communities to fulfil life roles (Fristedt et al., 2011). However, as many health events can interfere with the physical, cognitive and perceptual skills needed for safe-driving performance (Austroads, 2022), all occupational therapists have a duty of care to address driving as an occupation (Occupational Therapy Australia, 2022). In Australia, some occupational therapists complete postgraduate training to specialise in driving assessment and rehabilitation. They are known as occupational therapy driver assessors (OTDAs) whose practice is well supported by clinical guidelines and competency standards (Unsworth, 2007). However, non–driver trained occupational therapists (non-OTDAs) lack similar evidence-based guidelines and standards to guide their practice. Clinical decision pathways (CDPs) have been used in health care to link evidence to practice while also providing a standardised method to guide clinical decision-making for specific health conditions and have been found to improve the consistency of care and patient outcomes (Rotter et al., 2010; Schrijvers et al., 2012). The purpose of the research program that is the subject of this thesis was to develop and evaluate the effectiveness of a driving CDP used by non-OTDAs to guide return-to-driving practices for adults following a change-in-health status. A convergent mixed-methods design was used within a pragmatist research paradigm (Creswell & Plano Clark, 2018), which included four separate research studies. In the first study, a descriptive survey and file audits were used to understand the practices of non-OTDAs when addressing driving. This study found functional observations were commonly being used; however, driving was not being consistently addressed in practice due to gaps in self-reported knowledge, skills and the confidence of non-OTDAs. The study also found that non-OTDAs lacked the confidence to interpret assessment findings and the potential impact on driving. The second study investigated whether a performance-based assessment tool, the Multiple Errands Test-Home (Burns et al., 2019), could, alone or in combination with other standardised cognitive tests, predict driving outcomes that could help inform non-OTDA decision-making. While this assessment tool is not associated with driving outcomes, non-OTDAs still require further resources to inform their decision-making regarding driving. As a result, a comprehensive driving CDP was developed. In the third study, OTDA and non-OTDA focus groups reviewed and identified content changes to a newly developed driving CDP for use by non-OTDAs. A high level of consensus on inclusion of content and level of clinical usefulness was obtained to validate the driving CDP for clinical practice. Finally, a before–and-after design was used to evaluate practice changes following the implementation of the driving CDP in non-OTDA practice. This study demonstrated that there had been an increase in the number and type of assessments used and recommendations provided by non-OTDAs as well as an increase in self-reported knowledge, skills and confidence when addressing driving following the implementation of the driving CDP in practice. The research presented in this thesis has made a substantial contribution to non-OTDA practice in Australia. An evidence-based driving CDP has been developed, validated and evaluated to guide non-OTDA practice when addressing driving for adults following a change-in-health status. Finally, this research has described a process for developing CDPs which could be used by occupational therapists in other health related practice areas.
- Description: Doctor of Philosophy
- Authors: Scott, Hayley
- Date: 2024
- Type: Text , Thesis , PhD
- Full Text:
- Description: Driving is a meaningful occupation that provides adults of all ages with the independence and freedom to access and interact with their communities to fulfil life roles (Fristedt et al., 2011). However, as many health events can interfere with the physical, cognitive and perceptual skills needed for safe-driving performance (Austroads, 2022), all occupational therapists have a duty of care to address driving as an occupation (Occupational Therapy Australia, 2022). In Australia, some occupational therapists complete postgraduate training to specialise in driving assessment and rehabilitation. They are known as occupational therapy driver assessors (OTDAs) whose practice is well supported by clinical guidelines and competency standards (Unsworth, 2007). However, non–driver trained occupational therapists (non-OTDAs) lack similar evidence-based guidelines and standards to guide their practice. Clinical decision pathways (CDPs) have been used in health care to link evidence to practice while also providing a standardised method to guide clinical decision-making for specific health conditions and have been found to improve the consistency of care and patient outcomes (Rotter et al., 2010; Schrijvers et al., 2012). The purpose of the research program that is the subject of this thesis was to develop and evaluate the effectiveness of a driving CDP used by non-OTDAs to guide return-to-driving practices for adults following a change-in-health status. A convergent mixed-methods design was used within a pragmatist research paradigm (Creswell & Plano Clark, 2018), which included four separate research studies. In the first study, a descriptive survey and file audits were used to understand the practices of non-OTDAs when addressing driving. This study found functional observations were commonly being used; however, driving was not being consistently addressed in practice due to gaps in self-reported knowledge, skills and the confidence of non-OTDAs. The study also found that non-OTDAs lacked the confidence to interpret assessment findings and the potential impact on driving. The second study investigated whether a performance-based assessment tool, the Multiple Errands Test-Home (Burns et al., 2019), could, alone or in combination with other standardised cognitive tests, predict driving outcomes that could help inform non-OTDA decision-making. While this assessment tool is not associated with driving outcomes, non-OTDAs still require further resources to inform their decision-making regarding driving. As a result, a comprehensive driving CDP was developed. In the third study, OTDA and non-OTDA focus groups reviewed and identified content changes to a newly developed driving CDP for use by non-OTDAs. A high level of consensus on inclusion of content and level of clinical usefulness was obtained to validate the driving CDP for clinical practice. Finally, a before–and-after design was used to evaluate practice changes following the implementation of the driving CDP in non-OTDA practice. This study demonstrated that there had been an increase in the number and type of assessments used and recommendations provided by non-OTDAs as well as an increase in self-reported knowledge, skills and confidence when addressing driving following the implementation of the driving CDP in practice. The research presented in this thesis has made a substantial contribution to non-OTDA practice in Australia. An evidence-based driving CDP has been developed, validated and evaluated to guide non-OTDA practice when addressing driving for adults following a change-in-health status. Finally, this research has described a process for developing CDPs which could be used by occupational therapists in other health related practice areas.
- Description: Doctor of Philosophy
Enablers and potential barriers of female participation in tertiary education in Afghanistan : an analysis of contemporary issues
- Authors: Najibi, Parwaiz
- Date: 2024
- Type: Text , Thesis , PhD
- Full Text:
- Description: Afghanistan’s education system has been devasted by more than four decades of sustained conflict (United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund [UNICEF], 2019). Even completing primary school remains a distant dream for many children, especially those in rural areas, particularly females. According to UNICEF (2019), a key challenge for Afghanistan is that an estimated two-thirds of the female population do not attend school. Furthermore, as personal security in the country deteriorates, female enrolment in tertiary education is also declining (Pherali & Sahar, 2018). In addition, many families have fled their villages because of the ongoing unrest and are concentrated in cities where they live in poverty and have little access to educational services (Baiza, Nevertheless, according to the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (2009), education is the most potent weapon for positive change in the world. Moreover, the increased participation of women in tertiary education improves economic growth and stability (McLean, 2020; UNICEF, 2011). This study examines problems concerning women’s access to tertiary education in Afghanistan and potential solutions to these problems. A mixed methods experimental sequential research design was used for this study (Creswell & Plano Clark, 2011). This study used an online survey of 120 undergraduate students and explored the lived experiences of 10 female undergraduates and 10 graduates through an online individual interview. Further, 10 lecturers were recruited from five disciplines and three universities through individual online interviews. Ethics approval was obtained to engage with only undergraduates/graduates currently living in Australia, because of safety considerations. As per Leighton et al. (2021), snowball sampling was also utilised for surveys and semi-structured interviews. This study aimed to understand the participants’ perspectives concerning the factors influencing their decision to pursue tertiary education and the obstacles preventing Afghan women from participating in tertiary education in Afghanistan. The findings from this study revealed that while women's education is universally acknowledged as essential for economic, cultural, social, and political development, its realisation in Afghanistan is impeded by entrenched cultural, societal, religious, and political factors. The study highlighted the benefits of tertiary education for Afghan women, including increased employment opportunities, higher income potential, and contributions to national development and community advancement. However, these are overshadowed by substantial challenges such as government policy and practices, university system and infrastructure and family and culture restrictions. As measures to increase female enrollment in tertiary education in Afghanistan, this study recommends addressing cultural and social norms through awareness campaigns challenging traditional gender roles. It also recommends engaging influential figures such as fathers, religious leaders, and community elders in advocating for women's education. It is imperative to provide women-friendly campuses, implement security measures, and provide gender-segregated classrooms (when culturally necessary) to ensure a safe and inclusive learning environment. Financial support can alleviate economic burdens, including scholarships and partnerships with international organisations.
- Description: Doctor of Philosophy, Partial
- Authors: Najibi, Parwaiz
- Date: 2024
- Type: Text , Thesis , PhD
- Full Text:
- Description: Afghanistan’s education system has been devasted by more than four decades of sustained conflict (United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund [UNICEF], 2019). Even completing primary school remains a distant dream for many children, especially those in rural areas, particularly females. According to UNICEF (2019), a key challenge for Afghanistan is that an estimated two-thirds of the female population do not attend school. Furthermore, as personal security in the country deteriorates, female enrolment in tertiary education is also declining (Pherali & Sahar, 2018). In addition, many families have fled their villages because of the ongoing unrest and are concentrated in cities where they live in poverty and have little access to educational services (Baiza, Nevertheless, according to the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (2009), education is the most potent weapon for positive change in the world. Moreover, the increased participation of women in tertiary education improves economic growth and stability (McLean, 2020; UNICEF, 2011). This study examines problems concerning women’s access to tertiary education in Afghanistan and potential solutions to these problems. A mixed methods experimental sequential research design was used for this study (Creswell & Plano Clark, 2011). This study used an online survey of 120 undergraduate students and explored the lived experiences of 10 female undergraduates and 10 graduates through an online individual interview. Further, 10 lecturers were recruited from five disciplines and three universities through individual online interviews. Ethics approval was obtained to engage with only undergraduates/graduates currently living in Australia, because of safety considerations. As per Leighton et al. (2021), snowball sampling was also utilised for surveys and semi-structured interviews. This study aimed to understand the participants’ perspectives concerning the factors influencing their decision to pursue tertiary education and the obstacles preventing Afghan women from participating in tertiary education in Afghanistan. The findings from this study revealed that while women's education is universally acknowledged as essential for economic, cultural, social, and political development, its realisation in Afghanistan is impeded by entrenched cultural, societal, religious, and political factors. The study highlighted the benefits of tertiary education for Afghan women, including increased employment opportunities, higher income potential, and contributions to national development and community advancement. However, these are overshadowed by substantial challenges such as government policy and practices, university system and infrastructure and family and culture restrictions. As measures to increase female enrollment in tertiary education in Afghanistan, this study recommends addressing cultural and social norms through awareness campaigns challenging traditional gender roles. It also recommends engaging influential figures such as fathers, religious leaders, and community elders in advocating for women's education. It is imperative to provide women-friendly campuses, implement security measures, and provide gender-segregated classrooms (when culturally necessary) to ensure a safe and inclusive learning environment. Financial support can alleviate economic burdens, including scholarships and partnerships with international organisations.
- Description: Doctor of Philosophy, Partial
Ensemble Approaches for Robust Reconstruction of Gene Regulatory Networks
- Authors: Gamage, Hasini
- Date: 2024
- Type: Text , Thesis , PhD
- Full Text:
- Description: Gene regulatory networks (GRNs) are intricate control systems governing gene expression dynamics, playing a pivotal role in biological processes. The ongoing development of high-throughput microarray and sequencing technologies has greatly facilitated the acquisition of gene expression data, promoting an extensive body of research focused on unravelling the intricacies of GRNs. This endeavour involves deciphering how genes regulate each other, vital for understanding the molecular functions of cells and diseases, and for designing targeted therapies. However, GRN reconstruction is a formidable task due to the high dimensionality, limited sample size, and the presence of noise in gene expression data. Various reverse engineering approaches have been developed to grapple with these challenges. Each method exhibits certain method-specific issues. A recent trend in the field is the emergence of ensemble methods designed to yield robust reconstructions. This thesis presents a comprehensive exploration of GRN inference through the development and application of ensemble methods, offering both theoretical insights and practical tools. This research commenced with a thorough examination of the challenges involved in the reconstruction of GRNs through the utilization of existing individual inference methods, along with an assessment of their inherent limitations. While there is a plethora of GRN modelling approaches available, we focussed on three distinct modelling approaches: Boolean, regression, and information theory-based fuzzy methods. The selection of these methods was underpinned by established categorizations found in the existing literature and substantial empirical evidence of their remarkable performance in GRN inference. Each of these methods is conceptually different, offering diverse vantage points on the inference challenge. One of the primary objectives of this study was to apply ensemble techniques to each selected individual modelling approach, thereby enhancing the inner method diversity to further enhance the individual method performance. The first modelling approach involves a Boolean network. The initial version employed a simple Boolean network and yielded near-optimal results, while the second version enhanced accuracy by incorporating feature selection methods. The second modelling approach treated GRN inference as a regression problem and involved two variations. The first variation combines cross-validated Lasso (LassoCV) and cross-validated Ridge (RidgeCV), while the second variation addressed noisy gene expression data by combining quantile regression (QR) and RidgeCV for gene selection. The third modelling approach was a novel hybrid fuzzy method, a combination of information theory-based pre-processing stage and a subsequent fuzzy method, known as MICFuzzy, which brought substantial performance improvements. Our experiments showed that each of these individual methods produced performance improvements over state-of-the-art methods with regard to both accuracy and efficiency, by increasing the robustness of GRN reconstruction. In conjunction with the enhanced performance of each of these modelling approaches, our ultimate objective was the development of a novel, unique ensemble framework for robust GRN inference, obtained by combining the outcomes of the different modelling techniques. Thus, we developed a novel ensemble framework called GRAMP: A Gene Ranking And Model Prioritisation framework, to aggregate the inferred networks produced by the aforementioned modelling approaches. This framework addresses the need for a reliable approach for ensemble modelling in GRN inference, aggregating the outcome of diverse modelling approaches. GRAMP includes a novel network aggregation method based on gene scores. Gene scores are evaluated based on the performance of each inference method in a specific problem context and both local and global gene ranking. Experimental results using both simulated and real-world gene expression datasets confirmed the superior performance of this ensemble framework in inferring gene regulatory networks. To further enhance the practical application of these ensemble approaches we introduced a user-friendly desktop application that implements the GRAMP framework, allowing researchers to integrate multiple inference methods and datasets from various problem contexts. This tool fills a critical gap in the availability of an interactive software tool for ensemble model building. This application is freely accessible to the research community. This thesis demonstrates how the research offers a systematic exploration of diverse modelling techniques and the success of our ensemble approaches for GRN inference in the form of our published work. These contributions collectively pave the way for producing robust GRN inference in systems biology, with broad-reaching implications for biology and medicine.
- Description: Doctor of Philosophy
- Authors: Gamage, Hasini
- Date: 2024
- Type: Text , Thesis , PhD
- Full Text:
- Description: Gene regulatory networks (GRNs) are intricate control systems governing gene expression dynamics, playing a pivotal role in biological processes. The ongoing development of high-throughput microarray and sequencing technologies has greatly facilitated the acquisition of gene expression data, promoting an extensive body of research focused on unravelling the intricacies of GRNs. This endeavour involves deciphering how genes regulate each other, vital for understanding the molecular functions of cells and diseases, and for designing targeted therapies. However, GRN reconstruction is a formidable task due to the high dimensionality, limited sample size, and the presence of noise in gene expression data. Various reverse engineering approaches have been developed to grapple with these challenges. Each method exhibits certain method-specific issues. A recent trend in the field is the emergence of ensemble methods designed to yield robust reconstructions. This thesis presents a comprehensive exploration of GRN inference through the development and application of ensemble methods, offering both theoretical insights and practical tools. This research commenced with a thorough examination of the challenges involved in the reconstruction of GRNs through the utilization of existing individual inference methods, along with an assessment of their inherent limitations. While there is a plethora of GRN modelling approaches available, we focussed on three distinct modelling approaches: Boolean, regression, and information theory-based fuzzy methods. The selection of these methods was underpinned by established categorizations found in the existing literature and substantial empirical evidence of their remarkable performance in GRN inference. Each of these methods is conceptually different, offering diverse vantage points on the inference challenge. One of the primary objectives of this study was to apply ensemble techniques to each selected individual modelling approach, thereby enhancing the inner method diversity to further enhance the individual method performance. The first modelling approach involves a Boolean network. The initial version employed a simple Boolean network and yielded near-optimal results, while the second version enhanced accuracy by incorporating feature selection methods. The second modelling approach treated GRN inference as a regression problem and involved two variations. The first variation combines cross-validated Lasso (LassoCV) and cross-validated Ridge (RidgeCV), while the second variation addressed noisy gene expression data by combining quantile regression (QR) and RidgeCV for gene selection. The third modelling approach was a novel hybrid fuzzy method, a combination of information theory-based pre-processing stage and a subsequent fuzzy method, known as MICFuzzy, which brought substantial performance improvements. Our experiments showed that each of these individual methods produced performance improvements over state-of-the-art methods with regard to both accuracy and efficiency, by increasing the robustness of GRN reconstruction. In conjunction with the enhanced performance of each of these modelling approaches, our ultimate objective was the development of a novel, unique ensemble framework for robust GRN inference, obtained by combining the outcomes of the different modelling techniques. Thus, we developed a novel ensemble framework called GRAMP: A Gene Ranking And Model Prioritisation framework, to aggregate the inferred networks produced by the aforementioned modelling approaches. This framework addresses the need for a reliable approach for ensemble modelling in GRN inference, aggregating the outcome of diverse modelling approaches. GRAMP includes a novel network aggregation method based on gene scores. Gene scores are evaluated based on the performance of each inference method in a specific problem context and both local and global gene ranking. Experimental results using both simulated and real-world gene expression datasets confirmed the superior performance of this ensemble framework in inferring gene regulatory networks. To further enhance the practical application of these ensemble approaches we introduced a user-friendly desktop application that implements the GRAMP framework, allowing researchers to integrate multiple inference methods and datasets from various problem contexts. This tool fills a critical gap in the availability of an interactive software tool for ensemble model building. This application is freely accessible to the research community. This thesis demonstrates how the research offers a systematic exploration of diverse modelling techniques and the success of our ensemble approaches for GRN inference in the form of our published work. These contributions collectively pave the way for producing robust GRN inference in systems biology, with broad-reaching implications for biology and medicine.
- Description: Doctor of Philosophy
High speed motion planning with practical constraints for robot manipulators
- Le, Minh
- Authors: Le, Minh
- Date: 2024
- Type: Text , Thesis , Masters
- Full Text:
- Description: Robot motion planning is crucial for enabling robot manipulators to perform tasks efficiently and safely within complex environments. The incorporation of task-specific constraints further augments the capabilities of these robots, allowing them to navigate intricate spaces while fulfilling specialized objectives. This thesis pursues three primary research objectives. The first two objectives delve into robot motion planning with an emphasis on task-specific constraints. The first objective aims to achieve high-speed and safe transportation of a grasped object by constraining the end-effector’s spatial acceleration during the motion and integrating this constraint into a motion planning scheme for evaluation. The second objective focuses on preventing spillage when transporting a liquid-filled, open container by constraining the gripper’s pose during movement while maintaining a fast completion time. The third objective proposes a novel approach to collision avoidance in motion planning, utilizing a robust and intuitive mathematical framework. The motion planning framework employed in this thesis leverages the feasibility horizon of a given motion optimization problem to devise a high-speed resulting trajectory. For the first research objective, the recursive Newton-Euler algorithm is applied to formulate the constraints on end-effector spatial acceleration. The Jacobian matrix is used to formulate the task-specific constraint for the second objective concerning the gripper’s pose. For the third objective, the thesis explores the potential of geometric algebra as an alternative framework for robotics, developing a collision avoidance scheme that benefits from the geometrical robustness of geometric algebra. A comprehensive comparison with traditional matrix algebra approaches is also conducted to demonstrate the advantages of geometric algebra. Applying the proposed methods to robot motion planning scenarios demonstrated several improvements. The research produces motion paths exhibiting beneficial characteristics tailored to their respective tasks, such as safely constrained spatial acceleration of the end-effector, stability of the end-effector’s pose, and collision-free trajectories. Additionally, the use of the time-efficient motion planning framework contributes to the overall time efficiency of the resulting motions. This thesis makes significant contributions to the field of robot motion planning. Firstly, it highlights the critical role of task-specific constraints in shaping the trajectory planning process. Secondly, by proposing the adoption of geometric algebra, the research offers a novel approach to addressing the collision avoidance challenge in motion planning. The findings have important implications for the design and implementation of robotic systems, paving the way for more efficient and robust motion planning algorithms. Through this research, I aim to inspire further investigation into the integration of task-specific constraints and the adoption of geometric algebra in robot motion planning, informing future research directions and leading to advancements in robot manipulation and navigation capabilities.
- Description: Master of Engineering Science
- Authors: Le, Minh
- Date: 2024
- Type: Text , Thesis , Masters
- Full Text:
- Description: Robot motion planning is crucial for enabling robot manipulators to perform tasks efficiently and safely within complex environments. The incorporation of task-specific constraints further augments the capabilities of these robots, allowing them to navigate intricate spaces while fulfilling specialized objectives. This thesis pursues three primary research objectives. The first two objectives delve into robot motion planning with an emphasis on task-specific constraints. The first objective aims to achieve high-speed and safe transportation of a grasped object by constraining the end-effector’s spatial acceleration during the motion and integrating this constraint into a motion planning scheme for evaluation. The second objective focuses on preventing spillage when transporting a liquid-filled, open container by constraining the gripper’s pose during movement while maintaining a fast completion time. The third objective proposes a novel approach to collision avoidance in motion planning, utilizing a robust and intuitive mathematical framework. The motion planning framework employed in this thesis leverages the feasibility horizon of a given motion optimization problem to devise a high-speed resulting trajectory. For the first research objective, the recursive Newton-Euler algorithm is applied to formulate the constraints on end-effector spatial acceleration. The Jacobian matrix is used to formulate the task-specific constraint for the second objective concerning the gripper’s pose. For the third objective, the thesis explores the potential of geometric algebra as an alternative framework for robotics, developing a collision avoidance scheme that benefits from the geometrical robustness of geometric algebra. A comprehensive comparison with traditional matrix algebra approaches is also conducted to demonstrate the advantages of geometric algebra. Applying the proposed methods to robot motion planning scenarios demonstrated several improvements. The research produces motion paths exhibiting beneficial characteristics tailored to their respective tasks, such as safely constrained spatial acceleration of the end-effector, stability of the end-effector’s pose, and collision-free trajectories. Additionally, the use of the time-efficient motion planning framework contributes to the overall time efficiency of the resulting motions. This thesis makes significant contributions to the field of robot motion planning. Firstly, it highlights the critical role of task-specific constraints in shaping the trajectory planning process. Secondly, by proposing the adoption of geometric algebra, the research offers a novel approach to addressing the collision avoidance challenge in motion planning. The findings have important implications for the design and implementation of robotic systems, paving the way for more efficient and robust motion planning algorithms. Through this research, I aim to inspire further investigation into the integration of task-specific constraints and the adoption of geometric algebra in robot motion planning, informing future research directions and leading to advancements in robot manipulation and navigation capabilities.
- Description: Master of Engineering Science
Landscape to earthscape : practice and aesthetics in a time of environmental crisis
- Authors: Clarke, Stella
- Date: 2024
- Type: Text , Thesis , Masters
- Full Text:
- Description: This research asks the question: ‘How can contemporary landscape art address and reflect the urgent and complex nature of the environmental crisis we face today?’. It investigates contextual, cross-disciplinary responses to this existential predicament alongside a creative practice-based inquiry. The landscape in question is goldfields bushland in Central Victoria. In this locale, conventional ideas of the rural and scenic may be displaced by a troubled awareness, engendering solastalgia. Not only is the forest successive to major industrial-extractive disturbance, but it is also subject to the climate threat evident in the 2019-20 bushfire disaster. Conceptual interrogations of ‘nature’ are reviewed, alongside artistic engagements with natural environments, from earth-art to climate art. The relational nexus between artist and landscape encompasses sub-issues, from recognizing colonial ways of seeing that reinforce anthropocentrism, to reconceptualizations of modernity’s schism between the human and the non-human. This research connects with environmentalist thought (for example in the work of scientist Matthew Colloff, anthropologist Anna Tsing and interdisciplinary theorist Donna Haraway), and examples of eco-centric art (for example in the work of William Robinson and John Wolseley). The research methodology is informed by the work of theorists including Robin Nelson and Brad Haseman, aiming for an ‘intra-connected’ approach, alongside a studio-based ‘enthusiasm of practice’. The contextual and creative practice-based inquiries operate symbiotically in the research approach; however, for clarity they are dealt with consecutively in the exegesis. Whilst environmentalist thought supports seeing landscape differently, this research aims for greater connection with a fragile living habitat. Concepts which include the idea of the Umwelt, and primal landscapes, correlate with eco-centric tenets to fold into studio practice choices. These choices focus upon organic materials and creating an ‘earthscape’ aesthetics. A key material, charcoal, operates at an indexical level, as a signifier of our carbon-obsessed planetary emergency. Generative of life, it is the colour of mourning; the final body of artworks advocates for a mindful noticing of a vulnerable bushland environment.
- Description: Partial Masters by Research
- Authors: Clarke, Stella
- Date: 2024
- Type: Text , Thesis , Masters
- Full Text:
- Description: This research asks the question: ‘How can contemporary landscape art address and reflect the urgent and complex nature of the environmental crisis we face today?’. It investigates contextual, cross-disciplinary responses to this existential predicament alongside a creative practice-based inquiry. The landscape in question is goldfields bushland in Central Victoria. In this locale, conventional ideas of the rural and scenic may be displaced by a troubled awareness, engendering solastalgia. Not only is the forest successive to major industrial-extractive disturbance, but it is also subject to the climate threat evident in the 2019-20 bushfire disaster. Conceptual interrogations of ‘nature’ are reviewed, alongside artistic engagements with natural environments, from earth-art to climate art. The relational nexus between artist and landscape encompasses sub-issues, from recognizing colonial ways of seeing that reinforce anthropocentrism, to reconceptualizations of modernity’s schism between the human and the non-human. This research connects with environmentalist thought (for example in the work of scientist Matthew Colloff, anthropologist Anna Tsing and interdisciplinary theorist Donna Haraway), and examples of eco-centric art (for example in the work of William Robinson and John Wolseley). The research methodology is informed by the work of theorists including Robin Nelson and Brad Haseman, aiming for an ‘intra-connected’ approach, alongside a studio-based ‘enthusiasm of practice’. The contextual and creative practice-based inquiries operate symbiotically in the research approach; however, for clarity they are dealt with consecutively in the exegesis. Whilst environmentalist thought supports seeing landscape differently, this research aims for greater connection with a fragile living habitat. Concepts which include the idea of the Umwelt, and primal landscapes, correlate with eco-centric tenets to fold into studio practice choices. These choices focus upon organic materials and creating an ‘earthscape’ aesthetics. A key material, charcoal, operates at an indexical level, as a signifier of our carbon-obsessed planetary emergency. Generative of life, it is the colour of mourning; the final body of artworks advocates for a mindful noticing of a vulnerable bushland environment.
- Description: Partial Masters by Research
Pain management for sedated and ventilated patients in australian intensive care settings: current situation and ways to optimise intervention implementation
- Authors: Hamadeh, Samira
- Date: 2024
- Type: Text , Thesis , PhD
- Full Text:
- Description: Background: In intensive care units (ICUs), sedated and ventilated patients frequently encounter pain, which is sometimes undermanaged. The impact of pain management on patient outcomes is profound for it culminates in prolonged length of hospital stay which warrants advanced life support measures. The thesis reports on the current pain management situation of adult sedated and ventilated patients in Australian ICUs. The thesis also delineates the contexts conducive to the successful implementation of pain management interventions and the underlying mechanisms activated in given circumstances, using a theory-driven approach. Aims: The aims of this thesis were threefold: (1) to explore the clinical practices, training, governance, knowledge and attitudes of nurses caring for adult sedated and ventilated patients in ICUs; (2) to seek the program theories that describe how, why and under what circumstances the implementation of pain management interventions in ICUs can be enhanced; and (3) to suggest recommendations for the purpose of optimising the implementation of such interventions in ICUs, towards improving intervention buy-in and sustainability over time. Methods: The thesis was informed by sequential research involving three phases. In Phase 1, a cross-sectional survey with free-text responses was used to collate quantitative and qualitative ddata from intensive care nurses around demographics, clinical practices, governance, knowledge and attitudes using instruments developed from published guidelines (Devlin et al., 2018) and adopted from the literature(Ferrell,2022; Guttormson et al., 2010). Quantitative data were analysed non- parametrically, while narrative responses were analysed thematically. The Consensus-based Checklist for Reporting of Survey Studies (CROSS) and the Standards for Reporting Qualitative Research (SRQR) guidelines were followed. Instrument used to Phase 2 constituted a rapid realist review conducted in a five-step iterative process to develop the project scope/research questions, collate and appraise literature, synthesise evidence and interpret information from data sources to generate and refine the initial program theories about implementation of pain management interventions. The review was informed by the Realist and Meta-narrative Evidence Syntheses: Evolving Standards (RAMESES) publication standards for realist synthesis. Initial searches were undertaken in three electronic databases: MEDLINE, CINHAL and OVID. The review was supplemented with key articles from a bibliographic search of identified articles. The first 200 hits from Google Scholar were screened. Phase 3 comprised a realist evaluation employing realist interviews to refine and test 12 initial program theories obtained from Phase 2. A purposively selected sample of 14 nurses with variant roles were interviewed over a period of six months. Data from Phases 2 and 3 were analysed using an integrated approach of Context (C), Mechanism (M), Outcome (O) categorisation coding, CMO configurations connecting and pattern matching. This phase was governed by the RAMESES publication standards for realist evaluation. Results: In Phase 1, a total of 108 nurses took part in the survey; 92 completed surveys were analysed. Half of the participants used analgesia to complete nursing tasks irrespective of the comfort needs (n = 49, 53.3%) and administered more opioid analgesia when vital signs changed (n = 48, 52.1%). The first-line pharmacologic agent to treat pain was subject to the doctor’s preference (n = 63, 68.5%). Participants administered non-opioid medications first, and then opioids (n = 42, 45.7%), and they provided sedatives when patients were agitated (n = 50, 54.3%). There was no statistically significant difference in participants’ knowledge although those from major tertiary hospitals had a slightly higher knowledge mean rank. Lack of training, paucity of pain management interventions, patient acuity, funding and casual employment were acknowledged barriers. Two overarching themes emerged from the qualitative data: pain assessment, where is it? and the priorities of critical illness. The pain management of sedated and ventilated patients diverged from best practice evidence and required increasing efforts to use best practice interventions. Priorities related to critical illness had implications for decision-making and focus of care. Results from Phases 2 and 3 identified mechanisms such as empowerment, recognition, confidence, awareness and ethical and professional obligations. These mechanisms are activated in the contexts in which pain management interventions are perceived as beneficial, precise, comprehensive, easy to understand and fit for purpose; nurses are willing to accept change and update knowledge; and organisations proactively change infrastructure, provide resources, mitigate barriers, develop shared mental models, update evidence and institute quality assurance. These mechanisms are also triggered in contexts in which intensive care team leaders nurture the development of nurses’ professional identity and facilitate their access to learning, autonomy and self-determination. Adherence to pain management is swayed by the intrinsic merits of the intervention and a positive impact on outcomes. Conclusion: The results delineated the current pain management situation, the contexts affecting the implementation of pain management interventions and the mechanisms activated under given contexts. This thesis recommends that actions be taken at the micro, meso and macro levels to improve implementation buy-in.
- Description: Doctor of Philosophy
- Authors: Hamadeh, Samira
- Date: 2024
- Type: Text , Thesis , PhD
- Full Text:
- Description: Background: In intensive care units (ICUs), sedated and ventilated patients frequently encounter pain, which is sometimes undermanaged. The impact of pain management on patient outcomes is profound for it culminates in prolonged length of hospital stay which warrants advanced life support measures. The thesis reports on the current pain management situation of adult sedated and ventilated patients in Australian ICUs. The thesis also delineates the contexts conducive to the successful implementation of pain management interventions and the underlying mechanisms activated in given circumstances, using a theory-driven approach. Aims: The aims of this thesis were threefold: (1) to explore the clinical practices, training, governance, knowledge and attitudes of nurses caring for adult sedated and ventilated patients in ICUs; (2) to seek the program theories that describe how, why and under what circumstances the implementation of pain management interventions in ICUs can be enhanced; and (3) to suggest recommendations for the purpose of optimising the implementation of such interventions in ICUs, towards improving intervention buy-in and sustainability over time. Methods: The thesis was informed by sequential research involving three phases. In Phase 1, a cross-sectional survey with free-text responses was used to collate quantitative and qualitative ddata from intensive care nurses around demographics, clinical practices, governance, knowledge and attitudes using instruments developed from published guidelines (Devlin et al., 2018) and adopted from the literature(Ferrell,2022; Guttormson et al., 2010). Quantitative data were analysed non- parametrically, while narrative responses were analysed thematically. The Consensus-based Checklist for Reporting of Survey Studies (CROSS) and the Standards for Reporting Qualitative Research (SRQR) guidelines were followed. Instrument used to Phase 2 constituted a rapid realist review conducted in a five-step iterative process to develop the project scope/research questions, collate and appraise literature, synthesise evidence and interpret information from data sources to generate and refine the initial program theories about implementation of pain management interventions. The review was informed by the Realist and Meta-narrative Evidence Syntheses: Evolving Standards (RAMESES) publication standards for realist synthesis. Initial searches were undertaken in three electronic databases: MEDLINE, CINHAL and OVID. The review was supplemented with key articles from a bibliographic search of identified articles. The first 200 hits from Google Scholar were screened. Phase 3 comprised a realist evaluation employing realist interviews to refine and test 12 initial program theories obtained from Phase 2. A purposively selected sample of 14 nurses with variant roles were interviewed over a period of six months. Data from Phases 2 and 3 were analysed using an integrated approach of Context (C), Mechanism (M), Outcome (O) categorisation coding, CMO configurations connecting and pattern matching. This phase was governed by the RAMESES publication standards for realist evaluation. Results: In Phase 1, a total of 108 nurses took part in the survey; 92 completed surveys were analysed. Half of the participants used analgesia to complete nursing tasks irrespective of the comfort needs (n = 49, 53.3%) and administered more opioid analgesia when vital signs changed (n = 48, 52.1%). The first-line pharmacologic agent to treat pain was subject to the doctor’s preference (n = 63, 68.5%). Participants administered non-opioid medications first, and then opioids (n = 42, 45.7%), and they provided sedatives when patients were agitated (n = 50, 54.3%). There was no statistically significant difference in participants’ knowledge although those from major tertiary hospitals had a slightly higher knowledge mean rank. Lack of training, paucity of pain management interventions, patient acuity, funding and casual employment were acknowledged barriers. Two overarching themes emerged from the qualitative data: pain assessment, where is it? and the priorities of critical illness. The pain management of sedated and ventilated patients diverged from best practice evidence and required increasing efforts to use best practice interventions. Priorities related to critical illness had implications for decision-making and focus of care. Results from Phases 2 and 3 identified mechanisms such as empowerment, recognition, confidence, awareness and ethical and professional obligations. These mechanisms are activated in the contexts in which pain management interventions are perceived as beneficial, precise, comprehensive, easy to understand and fit for purpose; nurses are willing to accept change and update knowledge; and organisations proactively change infrastructure, provide resources, mitigate barriers, develop shared mental models, update evidence and institute quality assurance. These mechanisms are also triggered in contexts in which intensive care team leaders nurture the development of nurses’ professional identity and facilitate their access to learning, autonomy and self-determination. Adherence to pain management is swayed by the intrinsic merits of the intervention and a positive impact on outcomes. Conclusion: The results delineated the current pain management situation, the contexts affecting the implementation of pain management interventions and the mechanisms activated under given contexts. This thesis recommends that actions be taken at the micro, meso and macro levels to improve implementation buy-in.
- Description: Doctor of Philosophy
Ranking of modified early warning score using a novel pattern matching technique for continuous patient monitoring
- Authors: Arora, Teena
- Date: 2024
- Type: Text , Thesis , PhD
- Full Text:
- Description: Remote Patient Monitoring (RPM) applications deploy sensors, fog, edge and cloud technologies to monitor diverse patients' health continuously. However, RPM is challenging, particularly when patients' signs are continually monitored due to difficulties in data stream visualisation, dealing with missing data and generating alerts. The thesis advances a systematic approach for alarm generation, a novel pattern-matching method for vital signs data, ranking of the patterns and sophisticated pre-processing methods as solutions to these problems. The main objective of these contributions is to improve patient care using emerging RPM applications. The thesis's initial contribution (1) involves a thorough examination of the RPM application challenges, primarily on the causes of false-positive alerts during continuous monitoring of patients. Usually, sensors in healthcare are susceptible and produce numerous alerts to identify any possible deterioration of health conditions, which tend to make numerous false positive alarms, leading to alarm fatigue. Based on the identified causes, (2) the thesis proposed an approach to provide a systematic framework for creating effective alarm generators, emphasising physiological data, clinical settings, medical sensor devices, and clinical knowledge. Data integrity is crucial in healthcare, and the widespread use of wearable sensors in RPM has produced significant health data. However, the effectiveness of analytical health data models is compromised by the missing data values, noise, and inconsistencies that frequently appear in health data. The thesis (3) contributes health data pre-processing techniques to manage these obstacles and offers quality data for trustworthy health data analysis. The acquisition of health data presents difficulties for continuous RPM, which could result in transmission errors. The thesis (4) contributes a unique computation pattern-matching method to determine patient risk. Data from a clinical field trial is used to assess the proposed technique, which shows that it can detect and forecast missing patterns comparable to machine learning algorithms. Furthermore, the thesis acknowledges the intricacy of incorporating physiological data obtained from wearable sensors into RPM. The focus is on continuously monitoring vital signs, blood pressure, temperature, heart rate, blood oxygen, and respiratory rate. One of the thesis's significant (5) contributions is the derived continuous vital signs sematic parameters known as Trust, Frequency, Slope, and Trend from the raw physiological RPM data readings. A practical clinical tool for quickly recognising and evaluating a patient's vital signs decline is the Modified Early Warning Score (MEWS), which standardises alerts for clinical intervention. The derived parameters and the standard MEWS support better-informed clinical decisions by improving data representation and enabling automated assessment of prioritised alerts. This thesis underscores the potential for enhancing RPM technology in various healthcare settings. By addressing issues such as false alarms, data quality, and data representation, the research aims to improve patient care and clinical decision-making, aligning with its primary objective.
- Description: Doctor of Philosophy
- Authors: Arora, Teena
- Date: 2024
- Type: Text , Thesis , PhD
- Full Text:
- Description: Remote Patient Monitoring (RPM) applications deploy sensors, fog, edge and cloud technologies to monitor diverse patients' health continuously. However, RPM is challenging, particularly when patients' signs are continually monitored due to difficulties in data stream visualisation, dealing with missing data and generating alerts. The thesis advances a systematic approach for alarm generation, a novel pattern-matching method for vital signs data, ranking of the patterns and sophisticated pre-processing methods as solutions to these problems. The main objective of these contributions is to improve patient care using emerging RPM applications. The thesis's initial contribution (1) involves a thorough examination of the RPM application challenges, primarily on the causes of false-positive alerts during continuous monitoring of patients. Usually, sensors in healthcare are susceptible and produce numerous alerts to identify any possible deterioration of health conditions, which tend to make numerous false positive alarms, leading to alarm fatigue. Based on the identified causes, (2) the thesis proposed an approach to provide a systematic framework for creating effective alarm generators, emphasising physiological data, clinical settings, medical sensor devices, and clinical knowledge. Data integrity is crucial in healthcare, and the widespread use of wearable sensors in RPM has produced significant health data. However, the effectiveness of analytical health data models is compromised by the missing data values, noise, and inconsistencies that frequently appear in health data. The thesis (3) contributes health data pre-processing techniques to manage these obstacles and offers quality data for trustworthy health data analysis. The acquisition of health data presents difficulties for continuous RPM, which could result in transmission errors. The thesis (4) contributes a unique computation pattern-matching method to determine patient risk. Data from a clinical field trial is used to assess the proposed technique, which shows that it can detect and forecast missing patterns comparable to machine learning algorithms. Furthermore, the thesis acknowledges the intricacy of incorporating physiological data obtained from wearable sensors into RPM. The focus is on continuously monitoring vital signs, blood pressure, temperature, heart rate, blood oxygen, and respiratory rate. One of the thesis's significant (5) contributions is the derived continuous vital signs sematic parameters known as Trust, Frequency, Slope, and Trend from the raw physiological RPM data readings. A practical clinical tool for quickly recognising and evaluating a patient's vital signs decline is the Modified Early Warning Score (MEWS), which standardises alerts for clinical intervention. The derived parameters and the standard MEWS support better-informed clinical decisions by improving data representation and enabling automated assessment of prioritised alerts. This thesis underscores the potential for enhancing RPM technology in various healthcare settings. By addressing issues such as false alarms, data quality, and data representation, the research aims to improve patient care and clinical decision-making, aligning with its primary objective.
- Description: Doctor of Philosophy
Splitting algorithms with applications in power systems
- Authors: Pham, Nhat
- Date: 2024
- Type: Text , Thesis , PhD
- Full Text:
- Description: In this thesis, we develop novel splitting optimization algorithms and investigate their potential applications in compressed sensing and power system operations. We mainly focus on a class of nonconvex and nonsmooth problems which is more general than the wellknown difference-of-convex (DC) program in the literature. Specifically, we allow weaker convexity assumptions on the components of the objective function. We begin with a proximal subgradient algorithm with extrapolation, which can be viewed as a generalized version of the so-called proximal gradient algorithm to deal with a class of difference of functions. We then propose a Bregman proximal linearized alternating direction method of multipliers for minimizing separable sums coupled by a difference of functions and showed its competitiveness against our first algorithm and other notable algorithms in the literature. Next, we develop an algorithm which extends the Douglas–Rachford splitting, called the doubly relaxed forward-Douglas–Rachford splitting for the sum of two nonconvex and a DC function, and our convergence proof not only extends but also unifies and improves recent convergence analyses in nonconvex settings. We also propose another variant of the Douglas–Rachford splitting, called the backward-Douglas–Rachford algorithm for the generalized DC programming, in which the concave part is evaluated by proximal steps. Finally, we provide an application of a DC regularization term in the development of an efficient forecasting process, which helps to enhance power system’s resiliency against wildfire. All of the algorithms developed in this thesis are tested on several important structured optimization problems, such as compressed sensing, optimal power flow, matrix factorization, and matrix completion, and they are tested on both synthetic data and real-world data.
- Description: Doctor of Philosophy
- Authors: Pham, Nhat
- Date: 2024
- Type: Text , Thesis , PhD
- Full Text:
- Description: In this thesis, we develop novel splitting optimization algorithms and investigate their potential applications in compressed sensing and power system operations. We mainly focus on a class of nonconvex and nonsmooth problems which is more general than the wellknown difference-of-convex (DC) program in the literature. Specifically, we allow weaker convexity assumptions on the components of the objective function. We begin with a proximal subgradient algorithm with extrapolation, which can be viewed as a generalized version of the so-called proximal gradient algorithm to deal with a class of difference of functions. We then propose a Bregman proximal linearized alternating direction method of multipliers for minimizing separable sums coupled by a difference of functions and showed its competitiveness against our first algorithm and other notable algorithms in the literature. Next, we develop an algorithm which extends the Douglas–Rachford splitting, called the doubly relaxed forward-Douglas–Rachford splitting for the sum of two nonconvex and a DC function, and our convergence proof not only extends but also unifies and improves recent convergence analyses in nonconvex settings. We also propose another variant of the Douglas–Rachford splitting, called the backward-Douglas–Rachford algorithm for the generalized DC programming, in which the concave part is evaluated by proximal steps. Finally, we provide an application of a DC regularization term in the development of an efficient forecasting process, which helps to enhance power system’s resiliency against wildfire. All of the algorithms developed in this thesis are tested on several important structured optimization problems, such as compressed sensing, optimal power flow, matrix factorization, and matrix completion, and they are tested on both synthetic data and real-world data.
- Description: Doctor of Philosophy