A novel approach for monitoring training load and wellness in women’s college gymnastics
- Leupold, Olivia, Cheng, Jennifer, Wimberly, Audrey, Nguyen, Joseph, Tilley, David, Gabbett, Tim, Casey, Ellen
- Authors: Leupold, Olivia , Cheng, Jennifer , Wimberly, Audrey , Nguyen, Joseph , Tilley, David , Gabbett, Tim , Casey, Ellen
- Date: 2025
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Sports Health Vol. 17, no. 1 (2025), p. 88-103
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: Background: Monitoring training load has the potential to improve sport performance and reduce injuries in athletes. This study examined training load and its association with wellness in artistic gymnastics. Hypotheses: Training load and changes in training load (acute:chronic workload ratio [ACWR]) vary throughout 1 season; wellness is inversely correlated with training load and ACWR. Study Design: Prospective case series. Level of Evidence: Level 3. Methods: A total of 30 female collegiate gymnasts from 4 Division I National Collegiate Athletic Association teams participated (mean age, 20 ± 2 years). During 4 months, before daily training, wellness surveys assessed sleep, energy, soreness, and mood (1-10; higher = better). After daily training, training load surveys assessed training duration per event (warm-up, vault, bars, beam, floor, strength and conditioning) and session rating of perceived exertion (RPE; 1-10; 10 = hardest) per event. Coaches reported technical complexity of training per event (1-4; 4 = hardest). Training load was calculated as [duration] × [RPE] × [technical complexity]. ACWR represented a ratio between acute [1-week] and chronic [4-week rolling average] training loads. Results: ACWR and weekly training load fluctuated throughout the season (ACWR mean weekly range: 0.68-1.11; training load mean weekly range: 2073-6193 arbitrary units). ACWR and weekly training loads were trichotomized into low, medium, and high groups; positive correlations were observed between each wellness variable and ACWR (P < 0.01) and between each wellness variable and weekly training load (P < 0.01). Conclusion: Our novel training load monitoring framework for women’s college gymnastics enabled us to characterize training load and its relationship with wellness throughout 1 season. This method should be explored in gymnasts across various ages and competitive levels. Clinical Relevance: This study proposes a framework and the initial findings of monitoring training load and wellness in collegiate women’s gymnastics. © 2024 The Author(s).
- Authors: Leupold, Olivia , Cheng, Jennifer , Wimberly, Audrey , Nguyen, Joseph , Tilley, David , Gabbett, Tim , Casey, Ellen
- Date: 2025
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Sports Health Vol. 17, no. 1 (2025), p. 88-103
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: Background: Monitoring training load has the potential to improve sport performance and reduce injuries in athletes. This study examined training load and its association with wellness in artistic gymnastics. Hypotheses: Training load and changes in training load (acute:chronic workload ratio [ACWR]) vary throughout 1 season; wellness is inversely correlated with training load and ACWR. Study Design: Prospective case series. Level of Evidence: Level 3. Methods: A total of 30 female collegiate gymnasts from 4 Division I National Collegiate Athletic Association teams participated (mean age, 20 ± 2 years). During 4 months, before daily training, wellness surveys assessed sleep, energy, soreness, and mood (1-10; higher = better). After daily training, training load surveys assessed training duration per event (warm-up, vault, bars, beam, floor, strength and conditioning) and session rating of perceived exertion (RPE; 1-10; 10 = hardest) per event. Coaches reported technical complexity of training per event (1-4; 4 = hardest). Training load was calculated as [duration] × [RPE] × [technical complexity]. ACWR represented a ratio between acute [1-week] and chronic [4-week rolling average] training loads. Results: ACWR and weekly training load fluctuated throughout the season (ACWR mean weekly range: 0.68-1.11; training load mean weekly range: 2073-6193 arbitrary units). ACWR and weekly training loads were trichotomized into low, medium, and high groups; positive correlations were observed between each wellness variable and ACWR (P < 0.01) and between each wellness variable and weekly training load (P < 0.01). Conclusion: Our novel training load monitoring framework for women’s college gymnastics enabled us to characterize training load and its relationship with wellness throughout 1 season. This method should be explored in gymnasts across various ages and competitive levels. Clinical Relevance: This study proposes a framework and the initial findings of monitoring training load and wellness in collegiate women’s gymnastics. © 2024 The Author(s).
'A meaningful difference, but not ultimately the difference I would want’ : a mixed-methods approach to explore and benchmark clinically meaningful changes in aphasia recovery
- Zingelman, Sally, Cadilhac, Dominique, Kim, Joosup, Stone, Marissa, Harvey, Sam, Unsworth, Carolyn, O'Halloran, Robyn, Hersh, Deborah, Mainstone, Kathryn, Wallace, Sarah
- Authors: Zingelman, Sally , Cadilhac, Dominique , Kim, Joosup , Stone, Marissa , Harvey, Sam , Unsworth, Carolyn , O'Halloran, Robyn , Hersh, Deborah , Mainstone, Kathryn , Wallace, Sarah
- Date: 2024
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Health Expectations Vol. 27, no. 4 (2024), p.
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: Introduction: Outcome measurement instruments (OMIs) are used to gauge the effects of treatment. In post-stroke aphasia rehabilitation, benchmarks for meaningful change are needed to support the interpretation of patient outcomes. This study is part of a research programme to establish minimal important change (MIC) values (the smallest change above which patients perceive themselves as importantly changed) for core OMIs. As a first step in this process, the views of people with aphasia and clinicians were explored, and consensus was sought on a threshold for clinically meaningful change. Methods: Sequential mixed-methods design was employed. Participants included people with post-stroke aphasia and speech pathologists. People with aphasia were purposively sampled based on time post-stroke, age and gender, whereas speech pathologists were sampled according to their work setting (hospital or community). Each participant attended a focus group followed by a consensus workshop with a survey component. Within the focus groups, experiences and methods for measuring meaningful change during aphasia recovery were explored. Qualitative data were transcribed and analysed using reflexive thematic analysis. In the consensus workshop, participants voted on thresholds for meaningful change in core outcome constructs of language, communication, emotional well-being and quality of life, using a six-point rating scale (much worse, slightly worse, no change, slightly improved, much improved and completely recovered). Consensus was defined a priori as 70% agreement. Voting results were reported using descriptive statistics. Results: Five people with aphasia (n = 4, > 6 months after stroke; n = 5, < 65 years; n = 3, males) and eight speech pathologists (n = 4, hospital setting; n = 4, community setting) participated in one of four focus groups (duration: 92–112 min). Four themes were identified describing meaningful change as follows: (1) different for every single person; (2) small continuous improvements; (3) measured by progress towards personally relevant goals; and (4) influenced by personal factors. ‘Slightly improved’ was agreed as the threshold of MIC on the anchor-rating scale (75%–92%) within 6 months of stroke, whereas after 6 months there was a trend towards supporting ‘much improved’ (36%–66%). Conclusion: Our mixed-methods research with people with aphasia and speech pathologists provides novel evidence to inform the definition of MIC in aphasia rehabilitation. Future research will aim to establish MIC values for core OMIs. Patient or Public Contribution: This work is the result of engagement between people with lived experience of post-stroke aphasia, including people with aphasia, family members, clinicians and researchers. Engagement across the research cycle was sought to ensure that the research tasks were acceptable and easily understood by participants and that the outcomes of the study were relevant to the aphasia community. This engagement included the co-development of a plain English summary of the results. Advisors were remunerated in accordance with Health Consumers Queensland guidelines. Interview guides for clinicians were piloted by speech pathologists working in aphasia rehabilitation. © 2024 The Author(s). Health Expectations published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.
- Authors: Zingelman, Sally , Cadilhac, Dominique , Kim, Joosup , Stone, Marissa , Harvey, Sam , Unsworth, Carolyn , O'Halloran, Robyn , Hersh, Deborah , Mainstone, Kathryn , Wallace, Sarah
- Date: 2024
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Health Expectations Vol. 27, no. 4 (2024), p.
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: Introduction: Outcome measurement instruments (OMIs) are used to gauge the effects of treatment. In post-stroke aphasia rehabilitation, benchmarks for meaningful change are needed to support the interpretation of patient outcomes. This study is part of a research programme to establish minimal important change (MIC) values (the smallest change above which patients perceive themselves as importantly changed) for core OMIs. As a first step in this process, the views of people with aphasia and clinicians were explored, and consensus was sought on a threshold for clinically meaningful change. Methods: Sequential mixed-methods design was employed. Participants included people with post-stroke aphasia and speech pathologists. People with aphasia were purposively sampled based on time post-stroke, age and gender, whereas speech pathologists were sampled according to their work setting (hospital or community). Each participant attended a focus group followed by a consensus workshop with a survey component. Within the focus groups, experiences and methods for measuring meaningful change during aphasia recovery were explored. Qualitative data were transcribed and analysed using reflexive thematic analysis. In the consensus workshop, participants voted on thresholds for meaningful change in core outcome constructs of language, communication, emotional well-being and quality of life, using a six-point rating scale (much worse, slightly worse, no change, slightly improved, much improved and completely recovered). Consensus was defined a priori as 70% agreement. Voting results were reported using descriptive statistics. Results: Five people with aphasia (n = 4, > 6 months after stroke; n = 5, < 65 years; n = 3, males) and eight speech pathologists (n = 4, hospital setting; n = 4, community setting) participated in one of four focus groups (duration: 92–112 min). Four themes were identified describing meaningful change as follows: (1) different for every single person; (2) small continuous improvements; (3) measured by progress towards personally relevant goals; and (4) influenced by personal factors. ‘Slightly improved’ was agreed as the threshold of MIC on the anchor-rating scale (75%–92%) within 6 months of stroke, whereas after 6 months there was a trend towards supporting ‘much improved’ (36%–66%). Conclusion: Our mixed-methods research with people with aphasia and speech pathologists provides novel evidence to inform the definition of MIC in aphasia rehabilitation. Future research will aim to establish MIC values for core OMIs. Patient or Public Contribution: This work is the result of engagement between people with lived experience of post-stroke aphasia, including people with aphasia, family members, clinicians and researchers. Engagement across the research cycle was sought to ensure that the research tasks were acceptable and easily understood by participants and that the outcomes of the study were relevant to the aphasia community. This engagement included the co-development of a plain English summary of the results. Advisors were remunerated in accordance with Health Consumers Queensland guidelines. Interview guides for clinicians were piloted by speech pathologists working in aphasia rehabilitation. © 2024 The Author(s). Health Expectations published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.
A 3D numerical model to estimate lightning types for PyroCb thundercloud
- Barman, Surajit, Shah, Rakibuzzaman, Islam, Syed, Kumar, Apurv
- Authors: Barman, Surajit , Shah, Rakibuzzaman , Islam, Syed , Kumar, Apurv
- Date: 2024
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Applied Sciences (Switzerland) Vol. 14, no. 12 (2024), p.
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: Pyrocumulonimbus (pyroCb) thunderclouds, produced from extreme bushfires, can initiate frequent cloud-to-ground (CG) lightning strikes containing extended continuing currents. This, in turn, can ignite new spot fires and inflict massive harm on the environment and infrastructures. This study presents a 3D numerical thundercloud model for estimating the lightning of different types and its striking zone for the conceptual tripole thundercloud structure which is theorized to produce the lightning phenomenon in pyroCb storms. More emphasis is given to the lower positive charge layer, and the impacts of strong wind shear are also explored to thoroughly examine various electrical parameters including the longitudinal electric field, electric potential, and surface charge density. The simulation outcomes on pyroCb thunderclouds with a tripole structure confirm the presence of negative longitudinal electric field initiation at the cloud’s lower region. This initiation is accompanied by enhancing the lower positive charge region, resulting in an overall positive electric potential increase. Consequently, negative surface charge density appears underneath the pyroCb thundercloud which has the potential to induce positive (+CG) lightning flashes. With wind shear extension of upper charge layers in pyroCb, the lightning initiation potential becomes negative to reduce the absolute field value and would generate negative (
- Authors: Barman, Surajit , Shah, Rakibuzzaman , Islam, Syed , Kumar, Apurv
- Date: 2024
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Applied Sciences (Switzerland) Vol. 14, no. 12 (2024), p.
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: Pyrocumulonimbus (pyroCb) thunderclouds, produced from extreme bushfires, can initiate frequent cloud-to-ground (CG) lightning strikes containing extended continuing currents. This, in turn, can ignite new spot fires and inflict massive harm on the environment and infrastructures. This study presents a 3D numerical thundercloud model for estimating the lightning of different types and its striking zone for the conceptual tripole thundercloud structure which is theorized to produce the lightning phenomenon in pyroCb storms. More emphasis is given to the lower positive charge layer, and the impacts of strong wind shear are also explored to thoroughly examine various electrical parameters including the longitudinal electric field, electric potential, and surface charge density. The simulation outcomes on pyroCb thunderclouds with a tripole structure confirm the presence of negative longitudinal electric field initiation at the cloud’s lower region. This initiation is accompanied by enhancing the lower positive charge region, resulting in an overall positive electric potential increase. Consequently, negative surface charge density appears underneath the pyroCb thundercloud which has the potential to induce positive (+CG) lightning flashes. With wind shear extension of upper charge layers in pyroCb, the lightning initiation potential becomes negative to reduce the absolute field value and would generate negative (
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 data-driven trajectory approach for dynamic VAr support in renewable rich power grid
- Alshareef, Abdulrhman, Shah, Rakibuzzaman, Mithulananthan, Nadarajah, Akram, Umer, Alzahrani, Saeed
- Authors: Alshareef, Abdulrhman , Shah, Rakibuzzaman , Mithulananthan, Nadarajah , Akram, Umer , Alzahrani, Saeed
- Date: 2024
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: IEEE Access Vol. 12, no. (2024), p. 77816-77830
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: Short-term voltage stability (STVS) of power grids could be jeopardized due to the nonlinear dynamic characteristics of loads such as induction motors (IMs) and the retirement of synchronous generators. Moreover, the appearance of inverter-based generators (IBGs) in the system would make the grids more susceptible to voltage instability. Hence, there is an indispensable need to identify adequate mitigation measures to deal with these enduring challenges. This paper proposes a driven-data trajectory approach to locate the dynamic VAr support (DVS) to maintain STVS in power grids with high penetration of IBGs. The proposed data-driven trajectory approach ranks the best locations for DVS by comparing grid responses of different possible DVS sites with respect to the desired reference response. The developed approach covers the full signature of grid dynamics in generation and load sides. For illustration, this approach is applied to the Reliability and Voltage Stability (RVS) test system designed for STVS analysis. Several scenarios are tested, including various IM penetrations and IBG integration, control and load compositions, to demonstrate the viability and robustness of the proposed approach. Moreover, the STVS performance of the system with the proposed algorithm is verified through the motor stalling scan. The comprehensive assessment shows that the system exhibits the best STVS performance with DVS placement using the proposed method. © 2013 IEEE.
- Authors: Alshareef, Abdulrhman , Shah, Rakibuzzaman , Mithulananthan, Nadarajah , Akram, Umer , Alzahrani, Saeed
- Date: 2024
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: IEEE Access Vol. 12, no. (2024), p. 77816-77830
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: Short-term voltage stability (STVS) of power grids could be jeopardized due to the nonlinear dynamic characteristics of loads such as induction motors (IMs) and the retirement of synchronous generators. Moreover, the appearance of inverter-based generators (IBGs) in the system would make the grids more susceptible to voltage instability. Hence, there is an indispensable need to identify adequate mitigation measures to deal with these enduring challenges. This paper proposes a driven-data trajectory approach to locate the dynamic VAr support (DVS) to maintain STVS in power grids with high penetration of IBGs. The proposed data-driven trajectory approach ranks the best locations for DVS by comparing grid responses of different possible DVS sites with respect to the desired reference response. The developed approach covers the full signature of grid dynamics in generation and load sides. For illustration, this approach is applied to the Reliability and Voltage Stability (RVS) test system designed for STVS analysis. Several scenarios are tested, including various IM penetrations and IBG integration, control and load compositions, to demonstrate the viability and robustness of the proposed approach. Moreover, the STVS performance of the system with the proposed algorithm is verified through the motor stalling scan. The comprehensive assessment shows that the system exhibits the best STVS performance with DVS placement using the proposed method. © 2013 IEEE.
A distributed VPP-integrated co-optimization framework for energy scheduling, frequency regulation, and voltage support using data-driven distributionally robust optimization with Wasserstein metric
- Esfahani, Moein, Alizadeh, Ali, Amjady, Nima, Kamwa, Innocent
- Authors: Esfahani, Moein , Alizadeh, Ali , Amjady, Nima , Kamwa, Innocent
- Date: 2024
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Applied Energy Vol. 361, no. (2024), p.
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: With deepening decarbonization and increased Renewable Energy Sources (RESs) integration, the power system's inertia has declined, affecting the network's ability to balance power at the distribution level. Concurrently, the proliferation of prosumers presents a regulatory opportunity for Distribution System Operators (DSOs), despite the complexity introduced by their high number and varied behaviors. This paper introduces a new co-scheduling model optimizing prosumers' capacities through Virtual Power Plants (VPPs) in local networks, enhancing DSO oversight and facilitating prosumer participation in regulation markets. The proposed model concurrently schedules energy provision alongside voltage and frequency regulation capacities. Recognizing prosumers' behavioral uncertainties, Data-Driven Distributionally Robust Optimization (DDRO) is employed to ensure adequate capacity for VPP engagement. Importantly, the paper outlines a mechanism allowing DSOs to partner with multiple privately-owned VPPs, ensuring privacy through an adaptive Alternative Direction Method of Multipliers (ADMM) method. This method avoids the exchange of sensitive information, ensuring confidentiality and scalability. Consequently, VPPs can proficiently manage scheduling and communicate their regulation capacities. The operator then dispatches control signals based on regulation needs and network flow. Results from the IEEE 33 bus test system confirm the model's efficacy in enhancing voltage support and frequency regulation, and generating revenue for both VPPs and prosumers. © 2023
- Authors: Esfahani, Moein , Alizadeh, Ali , Amjady, Nima , Kamwa, Innocent
- Date: 2024
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Applied Energy Vol. 361, no. (2024), p.
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: With deepening decarbonization and increased Renewable Energy Sources (RESs) integration, the power system's inertia has declined, affecting the network's ability to balance power at the distribution level. Concurrently, the proliferation of prosumers presents a regulatory opportunity for Distribution System Operators (DSOs), despite the complexity introduced by their high number and varied behaviors. This paper introduces a new co-scheduling model optimizing prosumers' capacities through Virtual Power Plants (VPPs) in local networks, enhancing DSO oversight and facilitating prosumer participation in regulation markets. The proposed model concurrently schedules energy provision alongside voltage and frequency regulation capacities. Recognizing prosumers' behavioral uncertainties, Data-Driven Distributionally Robust Optimization (DDRO) is employed to ensure adequate capacity for VPP engagement. Importantly, the paper outlines a mechanism allowing DSOs to partner with multiple privately-owned VPPs, ensuring privacy through an adaptive Alternative Direction Method of Multipliers (ADMM) method. This method avoids the exchange of sensitive information, ensuring confidentiality and scalability. Consequently, VPPs can proficiently manage scheduling and communicate their regulation capacities. The operator then dispatches control signals based on regulation needs and network flow. Results from the IEEE 33 bus test system confirm the model's efficacy in enhancing voltage support and frequency regulation, and generating revenue for both VPPs and prosumers. © 2023
A global review on arid zone restoration : approaches and challenges
- Stapleton, Joseph, Bates, Sarah, Lewis, Megan, Turner, Shane, Warne, David, Florentine, Singarayer
- Authors: Stapleton, Joseph , Bates, Sarah , Lewis, Megan , Turner, Shane , Warne, David , Florentine, Singarayer
- Date: 2024
- Type: Text , Journal article , Review
- Relation: Restoration Ecology Vol. 32, no. 6 (2024), p.
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: Arid environments have become degraded in recent times through human activity highlighting the need for restoration works to reverse this trend. One of the most common forms of restoration works is revegetation. However, revegetation is difficult in the arid zone due to a combination of environmental factors such as low moisture and extreme temperatures, as well as financial and administrative factors. In this review, we investigated the literature describing various methods available for arid revegetation, and assess their utility for revegetation activities. Each of the methods investigated were found to have potential advantages and disadvantages, though some general trends were observed. Two main planting methods were identified, “out-planting” and “direct seeding.” Which of these methods to use depends on the conditions of the project being undertaken. Out-planting appeared to be the most suited approach to smaller scale projects with higher budget availability, whereas direct seeding was more suited to large scale, lower budget projects. Weed control prior to planting was identified as being critical for success in most works, whereas soil ripping was beneficial for direct seeding projects. Among the soil amendments investigated, water-holding gels were most likely to be beneficial, whereas fertilizers were riskier due to their potential to reduce drought tolerance and increase weed invasion. Microbial inoculation with mycorrhiza showed high potential to improve plant performance but may be held back by the lack of suitable commercial sources. Newer seed technologies, such as synthetic seed coats and pellets, show promise, but this issue still requires further research and development. © 2023 The Authors. Restoration Ecology published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of Society for Ecological Restoration.
- Authors: Stapleton, Joseph , Bates, Sarah , Lewis, Megan , Turner, Shane , Warne, David , Florentine, Singarayer
- Date: 2024
- Type: Text , Journal article , Review
- Relation: Restoration Ecology Vol. 32, no. 6 (2024), p.
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: Arid environments have become degraded in recent times through human activity highlighting the need for restoration works to reverse this trend. One of the most common forms of restoration works is revegetation. However, revegetation is difficult in the arid zone due to a combination of environmental factors such as low moisture and extreme temperatures, as well as financial and administrative factors. In this review, we investigated the literature describing various methods available for arid revegetation, and assess their utility for revegetation activities. Each of the methods investigated were found to have potential advantages and disadvantages, though some general trends were observed. Two main planting methods were identified, “out-planting” and “direct seeding.” Which of these methods to use depends on the conditions of the project being undertaken. Out-planting appeared to be the most suited approach to smaller scale projects with higher budget availability, whereas direct seeding was more suited to large scale, lower budget projects. Weed control prior to planting was identified as being critical for success in most works, whereas soil ripping was beneficial for direct seeding projects. Among the soil amendments investigated, water-holding gels were most likely to be beneficial, whereas fertilizers were riskier due to their potential to reduce drought tolerance and increase weed invasion. Microbial inoculation with mycorrhiza showed high potential to improve plant performance but may be held back by the lack of suitable commercial sources. Newer seed technologies, such as synthetic seed coats and pellets, show promise, but this issue still requires further research and development. © 2023 The Authors. Restoration Ecology published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of Society for Ecological Restoration.
A literature review of the design, modeling, optimization, and control of electro-mechanical inlet valves for gas expanders
- Hossain, Md Shazzad, Sultan, Ibrahim, Phung, Truong, Kumar, Apurv
- Authors: Hossain, Md Shazzad , Sultan, Ibrahim , Phung, Truong , Kumar, Apurv
- Date: 2024
- Type: Text , Journal article , Review
- Relation: Energies Vol. 17, no. 18 (2024), p.
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: The ever-growing concerns about global warming and the rapid depletion of fossil fuels have triggered a rising interest in the research for cleaner, more efficient, and cost-effective energy generation. Organic Rankine cycle systems have immense potential to become a strong alternative to conventional methods of energy generation. However, such systems’ efficiency is limited by the performance of the incorporated gas expanders or prime movers. Conventional gas expanders often utilize ports or cam-operated valves. Ported expanders offer limited efficiency and controllability and produce high emissions, causing a large amount of heated and compressed gas to be wasted. Cam-operated valves, in contrast, increase expansion performance compared to ported expanders; however, they have no variability and adaptability to changes in system parameters such as gas pressure, temperature, dryness fraction, and load variation, to name a few. On a positive note, this issue can be addressed by adopting a variable timing and fast-operating, control valve with an accurate and adaptive control mechanism at the expander inlet. A properly designed and controlled valve can greatly improve the system performance of gas expanders and pave the way for an efficient low-cost alternative energy generation. This manuscript provides a comparative review of recent progress on the design, modeling, optimization, and control aspects of valves for gas expanders. A clear pathway on the scope of further development is also drawn based on the present state of the art. © 2024 by the authors.
- Authors: Hossain, Md Shazzad , Sultan, Ibrahim , Phung, Truong , Kumar, Apurv
- Date: 2024
- Type: Text , Journal article , Review
- Relation: Energies Vol. 17, no. 18 (2024), p.
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: The ever-growing concerns about global warming and the rapid depletion of fossil fuels have triggered a rising interest in the research for cleaner, more efficient, and cost-effective energy generation. Organic Rankine cycle systems have immense potential to become a strong alternative to conventional methods of energy generation. However, such systems’ efficiency is limited by the performance of the incorporated gas expanders or prime movers. Conventional gas expanders often utilize ports or cam-operated valves. Ported expanders offer limited efficiency and controllability and produce high emissions, causing a large amount of heated and compressed gas to be wasted. Cam-operated valves, in contrast, increase expansion performance compared to ported expanders; however, they have no variability and adaptability to changes in system parameters such as gas pressure, temperature, dryness fraction, and load variation, to name a few. On a positive note, this issue can be addressed by adopting a variable timing and fast-operating, control valve with an accurate and adaptive control mechanism at the expander inlet. A properly designed and controlled valve can greatly improve the system performance of gas expanders and pave the way for an efficient low-cost alternative energy generation. This manuscript provides a comparative review of recent progress on the design, modeling, optimization, and control aspects of valves for gas expanders. A clear pathway on the scope of further development is also drawn based on the present state of the art. © 2024 by the authors.
A low-cost deep-learning-based system for grading cashew nuts
- Pham, Van-Nam, Do Ba, Quang-Huy, Tran Le, Duc-Anh, Nguyen, Quang-Minh, Do Van, Dinh, Nguyen, Linh
- Authors: Pham, Van-Nam , Do Ba, Quang-Huy , Tran Le, Duc-Anh , Nguyen, Quang-Minh , Do Van, Dinh , Nguyen, Linh
- Date: 2024
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Computers Vol. 13, no. 3 (2024), p.
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: Most of the cashew nuts in the world are produced in the developing countries. Hence, there is a need to have a low-cost system to automatically grade cashew nuts, especially in small-scale farms, to improve mechanization and automation in agriculture, helping reduce the price of the products. To address this issue, in this work we first propose a low-cost grading system for cashew nuts by using the off-the-shelf equipment. The most important but complicated part of the system is its “eye”, which is required to detect and classify the nuts into different grades. To this end, we propose to exploit advantages of both the YOLOv8 and Transformer models and combine them in one single model. More specifically, we develop a module called SC3T that can be employed to integrate into the backbone of the YOLOv8 architecture. In the SC3T module, a Transformer block is dexterously integrated into along with the C3TR module. More importantly, the classifier is not only efficient but also compact, which can be implemented in an embedded device of our developed cashew nut grading system. The proposed classifier, called the YOLOv8–Transformer model, can enable our developed grading system, through a low-cost camera, to correctly detect and accurately classify the cashew nuts into four quality grades. In our grading system, we also developed an actuation mechanism to efficiently sort the nuts according to the classification results, getting the products ready for packaging. To verify the effectiveness of the proposed classifier, we collected a dataset from our sorting system, and trained and tested the model. The obtained results demonstrate that our proposed approach outperforms all the baseline methods given the collected image data. © 2024 by the authors.
- Authors: Pham, Van-Nam , Do Ba, Quang-Huy , Tran Le, Duc-Anh , Nguyen, Quang-Minh , Do Van, Dinh , Nguyen, Linh
- Date: 2024
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Computers Vol. 13, no. 3 (2024), p.
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: Most of the cashew nuts in the world are produced in the developing countries. Hence, there is a need to have a low-cost system to automatically grade cashew nuts, especially in small-scale farms, to improve mechanization and automation in agriculture, helping reduce the price of the products. To address this issue, in this work we first propose a low-cost grading system for cashew nuts by using the off-the-shelf equipment. The most important but complicated part of the system is its “eye”, which is required to detect and classify the nuts into different grades. To this end, we propose to exploit advantages of both the YOLOv8 and Transformer models and combine them in one single model. More specifically, we develop a module called SC3T that can be employed to integrate into the backbone of the YOLOv8 architecture. In the SC3T module, a Transformer block is dexterously integrated into along with the C3TR module. More importantly, the classifier is not only efficient but also compact, which can be implemented in an embedded device of our developed cashew nut grading system. The proposed classifier, called the YOLOv8–Transformer model, can enable our developed grading system, through a low-cost camera, to correctly detect and accurately classify the cashew nuts into four quality grades. In our grading system, we also developed an actuation mechanism to efficiently sort the nuts according to the classification results, getting the products ready for packaging. To verify the effectiveness of the proposed classifier, we collected a dataset from our sorting system, and trained and tested the model. The obtained results demonstrate that our proposed approach outperforms all the baseline methods given the collected image data. © 2024 by the authors.
A mixed-method evaluation of peer-led education about attitudes towards consumers' recovery among Mental Health Nurses working in acute inpatient psychiatric units
- Sreeram, Anju, Cross, Wendy, Townsin, Louise
- Authors: Sreeram, Anju , Cross, Wendy , Townsin, Louise
- Date: 2024
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: International Journal of Mental Health Nursing Vol. 33, no. 4 (2024), p. 1082-1099
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: Despite integrating the recovery model of care in mental health, mental health professionals still have pessimistic attitudes towards the recovery of people with mental illness. Positive attitudes towards recovery are essential components to integrate recovery-oriented practices in all areas of mental health. Evidence shows that education and training are effective while emphasising the importance of consumer-based interventions to enhance recovery attitudes. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of peer-led education about recovery attitudes towards people with mental illness among Mental Health Nurses working in acute inpatient settings. The methodology used was a sequential explanatory mixed method with pre- and post-test design involving three phases. Phase 1: survey (n = 103), phase 2: post-test survey immediate (n = 17) and follow-up (n = 11) and phase 3: in-depth interviews (n = 12). The results show that Mental Health Nurses have positive recovery attitudes with some room for improvement. Most participants agreed with all items of the Recovery Attitudes Questionnaire. However, the participants had various views on the relationship between faith and recovery. The peer-led education significantly improved RAQ items 1, 2, 3, 4 and 6 statistically. Furthermore, peer-led education effectively enhanced recovery attitudes immediately after the intervention and helped to maintain sustainable attitudes 3 months later. A qualitative exploration of recovery attitudes revealed three main themes: participants' reflections, recovery hurdles and interpersonal relationships. © 2024 The Authors. International Journal of Mental Health Nursing published by John Wiley & Sons Australia, Ltd.
- Authors: Sreeram, Anju , Cross, Wendy , Townsin, Louise
- Date: 2024
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: International Journal of Mental Health Nursing Vol. 33, no. 4 (2024), p. 1082-1099
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: Despite integrating the recovery model of care in mental health, mental health professionals still have pessimistic attitudes towards the recovery of people with mental illness. Positive attitudes towards recovery are essential components to integrate recovery-oriented practices in all areas of mental health. Evidence shows that education and training are effective while emphasising the importance of consumer-based interventions to enhance recovery attitudes. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of peer-led education about recovery attitudes towards people with mental illness among Mental Health Nurses working in acute inpatient settings. The methodology used was a sequential explanatory mixed method with pre- and post-test design involving three phases. Phase 1: survey (n = 103), phase 2: post-test survey immediate (n = 17) and follow-up (n = 11) and phase 3: in-depth interviews (n = 12). The results show that Mental Health Nurses have positive recovery attitudes with some room for improvement. Most participants agreed with all items of the Recovery Attitudes Questionnaire. However, the participants had various views on the relationship between faith and recovery. The peer-led education significantly improved RAQ items 1, 2, 3, 4 and 6 statistically. Furthermore, peer-led education effectively enhanced recovery attitudes immediately after the intervention and helped to maintain sustainable attitudes 3 months later. A qualitative exploration of recovery attitudes revealed three main themes: participants' reflections, recovery hurdles and interpersonal relationships. © 2024 The Authors. International Journal of Mental Health Nursing published by John Wiley & Sons Australia, Ltd.
A new systemic disease mouse model for glioblastoma capable of single-tumour-cell detection
- Ware, Thomas, Luwor, Rodney, Zhu, Hong-Jian
- Authors: Ware, Thomas , Luwor, Rodney , Zhu, Hong-Jian
- Date: 2024
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Cells Vol. 13, no. 2 (2024), p.
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: Background: Glioblastoma is characterised by extensive infiltration into the brain parenchyma, leading to inevitable tumor recurrence and therapeutic failure. Future treatments will need to target the specific biology of tumour recurrence, but our current understanding of the underlying mechanisms is limited. Significantly, there is a lack of available methods and models that are tailored to the examination of tumour recurrence. Methods: NOD-SCID mice were orthotopically implanted with luciferase-labelled donor U87MG or MU20 glioblastoma cells. Four days later, an unlabelled recipient tumor was implanted on the contralateral side. The mice were euthanised at a humane end-point and tissue and blood samples were collected for ex vivo analyses. Results: The ex vivo analyses of the firefly-labelled MU20 tumours displayed extensive invasion at the primary tumour margins, whereas the firefly-labelled U87MG tumours exhibited expansive phenotypes with no evident invasions at the tumour margins. Luciferase signals were detected in the contralateral unlabelled recipient tumours for both the U87MG and MU20 tumours compared to the non-implanted control brain. Remarkably, tumour cells were uniformly detected in all tissue samples of the supratentorial brain region compared to the control tissue, with single tumour cells detected in some tissue samples. Circulating tumour cells were also detected in the blood samples of most of the xenografted mice. Moreover, tumour cells were detected in the lungs of all of the mice, a probable event related to haematogenous dissemination. Similar results were obtained when the U87MG cells were alternatively labelled with gaussian luciferase. Conclusions: These findings describe a systemic disease model for glioblastoma which can be used to investigate recurrence biology and therapeutic efficacy towards recurrence. © 2024 by the authors.
- Authors: Ware, Thomas , Luwor, Rodney , Zhu, Hong-Jian
- Date: 2024
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Cells Vol. 13, no. 2 (2024), p.
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: Background: Glioblastoma is characterised by extensive infiltration into the brain parenchyma, leading to inevitable tumor recurrence and therapeutic failure. Future treatments will need to target the specific biology of tumour recurrence, but our current understanding of the underlying mechanisms is limited. Significantly, there is a lack of available methods and models that are tailored to the examination of tumour recurrence. Methods: NOD-SCID mice were orthotopically implanted with luciferase-labelled donor U87MG or MU20 glioblastoma cells. Four days later, an unlabelled recipient tumor was implanted on the contralateral side. The mice were euthanised at a humane end-point and tissue and blood samples were collected for ex vivo analyses. Results: The ex vivo analyses of the firefly-labelled MU20 tumours displayed extensive invasion at the primary tumour margins, whereas the firefly-labelled U87MG tumours exhibited expansive phenotypes with no evident invasions at the tumour margins. Luciferase signals were detected in the contralateral unlabelled recipient tumours for both the U87MG and MU20 tumours compared to the non-implanted control brain. Remarkably, tumour cells were uniformly detected in all tissue samples of the supratentorial brain region compared to the control tissue, with single tumour cells detected in some tissue samples. Circulating tumour cells were also detected in the blood samples of most of the xenografted mice. Moreover, tumour cells were detected in the lungs of all of the mice, a probable event related to haematogenous dissemination. Similar results were obtained when the U87MG cells were alternatively labelled with gaussian luciferase. Conclusions: These findings describe a systemic disease model for glioblastoma which can be used to investigate recurrence biology and therapeutic efficacy towards recurrence. © 2024 by the authors.
A novel model predictive current control with reduced computational burden based on discrete space vector modulation for PMSM drives
- Sun, Jun
- Authors: Sun, Jun
- Date: 2024
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: CPSS transactions on power electronics and applications Vol. 9, no. 3 (2024), p.
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: Discrete space vector modulation (DSVM) technique is commonly adopted in model predictive control (MPC) to mitigate current harmonics and torque ripples. Nevertheless, the employment of DSVM typically leads to heavy computational burden and high switching frequency (SF). To solve these problems, a novel model predictive current control (MPCC) scheme based on DSVM is proposed in this paper for permanent magnet synchronous motor (PMSM) drives. Firstly, a simple voltage vectors (VVs) pre-selection strategy based on the stator flux increment is introduced to eliminate the redundant virtual VVs generated by DSVM for the purpose of lower computational burden. Then, a hierarchical search strategy is designed to generate the candidate VVs online, which can further simplify the DSVM technique. In addition, an efficient optimal switching sequence (OSS) method is also employed to reduce the switching losses without weakening the control performance. Compared to the existing strategies, the proposed scheme possesses lower complexity and SF as well as superior performance. The effectiveness of the proposed scheme is supported by comparative experimental results on a PMSM platform.
- Authors: Sun, Jun
- Date: 2024
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: CPSS transactions on power electronics and applications Vol. 9, no. 3 (2024), p.
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: Discrete space vector modulation (DSVM) technique is commonly adopted in model predictive control (MPC) to mitigate current harmonics and torque ripples. Nevertheless, the employment of DSVM typically leads to heavy computational burden and high switching frequency (SF). To solve these problems, a novel model predictive current control (MPCC) scheme based on DSVM is proposed in this paper for permanent magnet synchronous motor (PMSM) drives. Firstly, a simple voltage vectors (VVs) pre-selection strategy based on the stator flux increment is introduced to eliminate the redundant virtual VVs generated by DSVM for the purpose of lower computational burden. Then, a hierarchical search strategy is designed to generate the candidate VVs online, which can further simplify the DSVM technique. In addition, an efficient optimal switching sequence (OSS) method is also employed to reduce the switching losses without weakening the control performance. Compared to the existing strategies, the proposed scheme possesses lower complexity and SF as well as superior performance. The effectiveness of the proposed scheme is supported by comparative experimental results on a PMSM platform.
A novel multi-objective deep q-network: addressing immediate and delayed rewards in multi-objective q-learning
- Authors: Zhang, Youming
- Date: 2024
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: IEEE Access Vol. 12, no. (2024), p. 144932-144949
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: Current multi-objective reinforcement learning (MORL) research often struggles to balance multiple objectives and manage the stability and performance of learning algorithms, especially in complex environments. To address this, we propose a new multi-objective deep Q-network (MO-DQN) framework that integrates linear scalarization in MORL. This framework has the following features: First, we provide immediate feedback by incorporating linear scalarization into reward processing. Compared with some complex multi-objective optimization methods, this approach is relatively easy to understand and implement, offering greater convenience for practical applications. Additionally, linear scalarization accelerates the learning process and enhances the algorithm's ability to dynamically adjust strategies. Second, we develop the Linear Scalarized Multi-objective Deep Q-Network (LSMO-DQN) under different reward mechanisms, improving MO-DQN's ability to balance multiple objectives effectively. Immediate reward strategies accelerate learning and enable rapid adjustments, benefiting dynamic environments. In contrast, delayed reward strategies help understand long-term action impacts and promote strategic decision-making. Experiments are conducted in two different multi-objective environments, where our proposed method slightly outperforms other techniques, indicating its robustness and adaptability. Specifically, LSMO-DQN achieves higher cumulative rewards and demonstrates improved stability across various reward structures. The findings suggest that integrating linear scalarization in reward processing not only enhances learning performance but also provides a more straightforward approach to managing the trade-offs in multi-objective settings. These results highlight the potential of LSMO-DQN to improve learning performance, particularly in scenarios with data imbalances. © 2024 The Authors.
- Authors: Zhang, Youming
- Date: 2024
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: IEEE Access Vol. 12, no. (2024), p. 144932-144949
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: Current multi-objective reinforcement learning (MORL) research often struggles to balance multiple objectives and manage the stability and performance of learning algorithms, especially in complex environments. To address this, we propose a new multi-objective deep Q-network (MO-DQN) framework that integrates linear scalarization in MORL. This framework has the following features: First, we provide immediate feedback by incorporating linear scalarization into reward processing. Compared with some complex multi-objective optimization methods, this approach is relatively easy to understand and implement, offering greater convenience for practical applications. Additionally, linear scalarization accelerates the learning process and enhances the algorithm's ability to dynamically adjust strategies. Second, we develop the Linear Scalarized Multi-objective Deep Q-Network (LSMO-DQN) under different reward mechanisms, improving MO-DQN's ability to balance multiple objectives effectively. Immediate reward strategies accelerate learning and enable rapid adjustments, benefiting dynamic environments. In contrast, delayed reward strategies help understand long-term action impacts and promote strategic decision-making. Experiments are conducted in two different multi-objective environments, where our proposed method slightly outperforms other techniques, indicating its robustness and adaptability. Specifically, LSMO-DQN achieves higher cumulative rewards and demonstrates improved stability across various reward structures. The findings suggest that integrating linear scalarization in reward processing not only enhances learning performance but also provides a more straightforward approach to managing the trade-offs in multi-objective settings. These results highlight the potential of LSMO-DQN to improve learning performance, particularly in scenarios with data imbalances. © 2024 The Authors.
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 review of multi-disciplinary decomposition research and key drivers of variation in decay
- McIntyre, Donna, Dawson, Blake, Long, Benjamin, Barton, Philip
- Authors: McIntyre, Donna , Dawson, Blake , Long, Benjamin , Barton, Philip
- Date: 2024
- Type: Text , Journal article , Review
- Relation: International Journal of Legal Medicine Vol. 138, no. 5 (2024), p. 2181-2192
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: The decomposition of animal remains is a multifaceted process, involving ecological, biological, and chemical interactions. While the complexity is acknowledged through concepts like the necrobiome, it’s unclear if this complexity is reflected in research. Appreciation of the complexity of decomposition is crucial for identifying sources of variation in estimations of time since death in medico-legal science, as well as building broader ecological knowledge of the decomposition process. To gain insights into the extent of multidisciplinary research in the field of decomposition science, we conducted an examination of peer-reviewed literature on four key drivers of variation: volatile organic compounds, microbes, drugs/toxins, and insects. Among 650 articles, we identified their scientific discipline, driver/s of variation investigated, and year of publication. We found that 19% explored relationships between two drivers, while only 4% investigated interactions between three. None considered all four drivers. Over the past three decades, there has been a steady increase in decomposition research publications, signifying its growing importance. Most research (79%) was linked to forensic science, highlighting opportunities for interdisciplinary collaboration in decomposition science. Overall, our review underscores the need to incorporate multidisciplinary approaches and theory into contemporary decomposition research. © The Author(s) 2024.
- Authors: McIntyre, Donna , Dawson, Blake , Long, Benjamin , Barton, Philip
- Date: 2024
- Type: Text , Journal article , Review
- Relation: International Journal of Legal Medicine Vol. 138, no. 5 (2024), p. 2181-2192
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: The decomposition of animal remains is a multifaceted process, involving ecological, biological, and chemical interactions. While the complexity is acknowledged through concepts like the necrobiome, it’s unclear if this complexity is reflected in research. Appreciation of the complexity of decomposition is crucial for identifying sources of variation in estimations of time since death in medico-legal science, as well as building broader ecological knowledge of the decomposition process. To gain insights into the extent of multidisciplinary research in the field of decomposition science, we conducted an examination of peer-reviewed literature on four key drivers of variation: volatile organic compounds, microbes, drugs/toxins, and insects. Among 650 articles, we identified their scientific discipline, driver/s of variation investigated, and year of publication. We found that 19% explored relationships between two drivers, while only 4% investigated interactions between three. None considered all four drivers. Over the past three decades, there has been a steady increase in decomposition research publications, signifying its growing importance. Most research (79%) was linked to forensic science, highlighting opportunities for interdisciplinary collaboration in decomposition science. Overall, our review underscores the need to incorporate multidisciplinary approaches and theory into contemporary decomposition research. © The Author(s) 2024.
A review of the biology, distribution, and management challenges posed by the invasive weed Ziziphus mauritiana L., with special reference to its invasion in Australia
- Roberts, Jason, Dhileepan, Kunjithapatham, Florentine, Singarayer
- Authors: Roberts, Jason , Dhileepan, Kunjithapatham , Florentine, Singarayer
- Date: 2024
- Type: Text , Journal article , Review
- Relation: Weed Research Vol. 64, no. 1 (2024), p. 8-18
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: Ziziphus mauritiana is an economically detrimental and environmentally destructive plant in non-native areas where it has escaped cultivation. It forms dense, impenetrable thickets that restrict the movement of livestock across the landscape and has the capacity to alter various ecological functions at the site of invasion, all of which contribute towards land degradation and the reduction of economic profitability. Although there are several management strategies implemented to control Z. mauritiana, it is clear that no single-method approach will effectively control the species in the long-term. Whilst chemical and mechanical methods appear to show promising results, they tend to be restricted to areas that are easily accessible and, even so, can be challenging and laborious to treat evenly across dense thicket areas. Several prospective biological control agents have been identified for Z. mauritiana, although further investigations are required to ascertain the host specificity, and to explore and identify their climatic and environmental suitability of host specific agents for release in non-native regions. Ecological burning alone is not effective in controlling Z. mauritiana and will likely increase its emergence. As such, it could be adopted as part of an integrated management approach to assist other methods for long-term control, but again the development of such an approach requires further investigation. To contribute towards the control of Z. mauritiana, this review explores its biology, distribution and management challenges whilst identifying areas of research that will assist in the long-term and confident control of the species, with an emphasis on its invasion in Australia. © 2024 The Authors. Weed Research published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of European Weed Research Society.
- Authors: Roberts, Jason , Dhileepan, Kunjithapatham , Florentine, Singarayer
- Date: 2024
- Type: Text , Journal article , Review
- Relation: Weed Research Vol. 64, no. 1 (2024), p. 8-18
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: Ziziphus mauritiana is an economically detrimental and environmentally destructive plant in non-native areas where it has escaped cultivation. It forms dense, impenetrable thickets that restrict the movement of livestock across the landscape and has the capacity to alter various ecological functions at the site of invasion, all of which contribute towards land degradation and the reduction of economic profitability. Although there are several management strategies implemented to control Z. mauritiana, it is clear that no single-method approach will effectively control the species in the long-term. Whilst chemical and mechanical methods appear to show promising results, they tend to be restricted to areas that are easily accessible and, even so, can be challenging and laborious to treat evenly across dense thicket areas. Several prospective biological control agents have been identified for Z. mauritiana, although further investigations are required to ascertain the host specificity, and to explore and identify their climatic and environmental suitability of host specific agents for release in non-native regions. Ecological burning alone is not effective in controlling Z. mauritiana and will likely increase its emergence. As such, it could be adopted as part of an integrated management approach to assist other methods for long-term control, but again the development of such an approach requires further investigation. To contribute towards the control of Z. mauritiana, this review explores its biology, distribution and management challenges whilst identifying areas of research that will assist in the long-term and confident control of the species, with an emphasis on its invasion in Australia. © 2024 The Authors. Weed Research published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of European Weed Research Society.
A self-determination theory approach to teacher digital competence development
- Chiu, Thomas, Falloon, Garry, Song, Yanjie, Wong, Vincent, Zhao, Li, Ismailov, Murod
- Authors: Chiu, Thomas , Falloon, Garry , Song, Yanjie , Wong, Vincent , Zhao, Li , Ismailov, Murod
- Date: 2024
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Computers and Education Vol. 214, no. (2024), p.
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: Teacher Digital Competence (TDC) framework guides policy revision and professional development, empowering teachers for future classrooms by technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI) and metaverse. Falloon (2020) expanded the TPACK framework to include personal-ethic and personal-professional competencies, addressing ethical, safe, and productive functioning in diverse, digital environments for a new TDC framework. The two new sets of personal-competencies are very important to the use of AI and metaverse in education. However, research on implementation of Falloon's (2020) TDC framework that requires interdisciplinary collaboration among school members is limited. Teachers' engagement in TDC development activities is influenced by school digital learning policy and culture, and explained by three needs satisfaction in Self-determination Theory. Therefore, this study had two goals. First it proposed and examined a research model using school learning support as a predictor, needs satisfactions as mediating variable and the two new sets of TDC as criterion variables by analyzing questionnaire data. Second, it identifies needs-supportive strategies for digital education by analyzing interviews and school documents. The participants were 370 school teachers. The results showed that the positive effect of the school learning support on TDC, and needs satisfaction fully mediated the relationship between perceived school learning support and the two sets of personal competencies. We also suggested 12 ways for designing school digital policy and culture that satisfy teachers' needs, and validated instruments of the two sets of personal competencies. TDC that covers teacher artificial intelligence competence is important to the future teacher professional development. © 2024 The Authors
- Authors: Chiu, Thomas , Falloon, Garry , Song, Yanjie , Wong, Vincent , Zhao, Li , Ismailov, Murod
- Date: 2024
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Computers and Education Vol. 214, no. (2024), p.
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: Teacher Digital Competence (TDC) framework guides policy revision and professional development, empowering teachers for future classrooms by technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI) and metaverse. Falloon (2020) expanded the TPACK framework to include personal-ethic and personal-professional competencies, addressing ethical, safe, and productive functioning in diverse, digital environments for a new TDC framework. The two new sets of personal-competencies are very important to the use of AI and metaverse in education. However, research on implementation of Falloon's (2020) TDC framework that requires interdisciplinary collaboration among school members is limited. Teachers' engagement in TDC development activities is influenced by school digital learning policy and culture, and explained by three needs satisfaction in Self-determination Theory. Therefore, this study had two goals. First it proposed and examined a research model using school learning support as a predictor, needs satisfactions as mediating variable and the two new sets of TDC as criterion variables by analyzing questionnaire data. Second, it identifies needs-supportive strategies for digital education by analyzing interviews and school documents. The participants were 370 school teachers. The results showed that the positive effect of the school learning support on TDC, and needs satisfaction fully mediated the relationship between perceived school learning support and the two sets of personal competencies. We also suggested 12 ways for designing school digital policy and culture that satisfy teachers' needs, and validated instruments of the two sets of personal competencies. TDC that covers teacher artificial intelligence competence is important to the future teacher professional development. © 2024 The Authors
A stackelberg game theory model for integrated community energy storage systems
- Dorahaki, Sobhan, Muyeen, S., Amjady, Nima
- Authors: Dorahaki, Sobhan , Muyeen, S. , Amjady, Nima
- Date: 2024
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: IEEE Access Vol. 12, no. (2024), p. 152908-152920
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: The rise of distributed energy resources (DERs) in the energy landscape underscores the pivotal role of prosumers in the ongoing energy transition. With the significant investment required for individual energy storage (IES), community energy storage (CES) emerges as a key facilitator, enabling the smooth incorporation of renewable energy sources and strengthening grid flexibility. This paper explores the dynamic interplay between CES owners, who serve as key economic actors in local energy communities, and prosumers within these communities through a Stackelberg game framework. A bi-level optimization framework aimed at empowering CES systems is introduced to address the proposed Stackelberg game framework. At the upper level of this framework, the goal is to maximize the profit of the CES system while the flexibility limits of the upstream electricity grid and other constraints are addressed. On the other hand, individual prosumers at the lower level optimize their actions to minimize billing costs and enhance comfort in alignment with their preferences. The bi-level optimization problem is reformulated into a linear single-level optimization problem using the Karush-Kuhn-Tucker (KKT) approach. The results indicate that implementing flexibility constraints can effectively smooth energy exchanges with the upstream grid. However, the distribution system operator must account for the potential reduction in the CES system's operational profit to incentivize the CES owner to participate in the flexibility enhancement program. © 2013 IEEE.
- Authors: Dorahaki, Sobhan , Muyeen, S. , Amjady, Nima
- Date: 2024
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: IEEE Access Vol. 12, no. (2024), p. 152908-152920
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: The rise of distributed energy resources (DERs) in the energy landscape underscores the pivotal role of prosumers in the ongoing energy transition. With the significant investment required for individual energy storage (IES), community energy storage (CES) emerges as a key facilitator, enabling the smooth incorporation of renewable energy sources and strengthening grid flexibility. This paper explores the dynamic interplay between CES owners, who serve as key economic actors in local energy communities, and prosumers within these communities through a Stackelberg game framework. A bi-level optimization framework aimed at empowering CES systems is introduced to address the proposed Stackelberg game framework. At the upper level of this framework, the goal is to maximize the profit of the CES system while the flexibility limits of the upstream electricity grid and other constraints are addressed. On the other hand, individual prosumers at the lower level optimize their actions to minimize billing costs and enhance comfort in alignment with their preferences. The bi-level optimization problem is reformulated into a linear single-level optimization problem using the Karush-Kuhn-Tucker (KKT) approach. The results indicate that implementing flexibility constraints can effectively smooth energy exchanges with the upstream grid. However, the distribution system operator must account for the potential reduction in the CES system's operational profit to incentivize the CES owner to participate in the flexibility enhancement program. © 2013 IEEE.
A study on critical failure factors for implementation of sustainable Lean Six Sigma from Indian manufacturing industries perspective using BWM technique
- Kumar, Sandeep, Kumar, Ravinder, Phanden, Rakesh, Kumar, Ajay, Bala, Jagadeesh, Bharath Kumar, S., Giri, Jayant, Sathish, Rao, Agrawal, Ashish, Vishwanatha, H.
- Authors: Kumar, Sandeep , Kumar, Ravinder , Phanden, Rakesh , Kumar, Ajay , Bala, Jagadeesh , Bharath Kumar, S. , Giri, Jayant , Sathish, Rao , Agrawal, Ashish , Vishwanatha, H.
- Date: 2024
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Frontiers in Mechanical Engineering Vol. 10, no. (2024), p.
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: The adoption of Lean Six Sigma has become increasingly widespread in manufacturing industries worldwide. It is a powerful methodology for optimizing operational efficiency and quality, leading to increased productivity, reduced costs, and higher customer satisfaction. However, implementing LSS effectively, especially in Indian manufacturing sectors striving for sustainability, presents significant challenges. In this paper, the authors have presented the critical factors that impede the successful integration of sustainable Lean Six Sigma practices within the Indian manufacturing landscape. Through a systematic review of existing literature and empirical studies, authors have identified the eighteen failure factors. To prioritize these factors, authors have employed the Best Worst Method (BWM), a decision-making tool that aids in ranking factors based on their importance and impact. It is a multi-criterion decision-making (MCDM) methodology to solve different types of fact-based decision–making problems. This method involves initially identifying the best (most important) and worst (least important) factors, followed by pairwise comparisons to determine their relative significance. Results depict that “Failure of leadership to inspire and motivate”, “Lack of well-defined framework for executing initiatives”, and “High implementation cost and poor estimation of cost” are three top-level critical failure factors. Copyright © 2024 Kumar, Kumar, Phanden, Kumar, Bala, Bharath Kumar, Giri, Sathish, Agrawal and Vishwanatha.
- Authors: Kumar, Sandeep , Kumar, Ravinder , Phanden, Rakesh , Kumar, Ajay , Bala, Jagadeesh , Bharath Kumar, S. , Giri, Jayant , Sathish, Rao , Agrawal, Ashish , Vishwanatha, H.
- Date: 2024
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Frontiers in Mechanical Engineering Vol. 10, no. (2024), p.
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: The adoption of Lean Six Sigma has become increasingly widespread in manufacturing industries worldwide. It is a powerful methodology for optimizing operational efficiency and quality, leading to increased productivity, reduced costs, and higher customer satisfaction. However, implementing LSS effectively, especially in Indian manufacturing sectors striving for sustainability, presents significant challenges. In this paper, the authors have presented the critical factors that impede the successful integration of sustainable Lean Six Sigma practices within the Indian manufacturing landscape. Through a systematic review of existing literature and empirical studies, authors have identified the eighteen failure factors. To prioritize these factors, authors have employed the Best Worst Method (BWM), a decision-making tool that aids in ranking factors based on their importance and impact. It is a multi-criterion decision-making (MCDM) methodology to solve different types of fact-based decision–making problems. This method involves initially identifying the best (most important) and worst (least important) factors, followed by pairwise comparisons to determine their relative significance. Results depict that “Failure of leadership to inspire and motivate”, “Lack of well-defined framework for executing initiatives”, and “High implementation cost and poor estimation of cost” are three top-level critical failure factors. Copyright © 2024 Kumar, Kumar, Phanden, Kumar, Bala, Bharath Kumar, Giri, Sathish, Agrawal and Vishwanatha.