Young mothers: Discursive constructions of their lives and identities
- Authors: Felstead, Karen
- Date: 2020
- Type: Text , Thesis , PhD
- Full Text:
- Description: The notion that early motherhood is a significant problem for society is widely documented in the academic literature, and there is a complicated history surrounding young pregnant and parenting women in social and educational policy contexts. Less is known about young mothers themselves and how they experience the social and material effects of early motherhood. The purpose of this study was to examine how young mothers, who attended a young parent program in Lake City in Victoria Australia, experienced early motherhood and how they contested the social discourses that framed their lives. Using a poststructural lens and drawing on the work of Michel Foucault, this thesis used narrative inquiry and discourse analysis to examine the complex nature of seven young mothers’ lives. Analysis of the narrative data showed that despite the complexities, early motherhood was a significant turning point as the young mothers drew on resources of resistance and responsibility to transform their lives. An analysis of the social welfare policy practices identified surveillance and regulation measures as responses to alleviate long-term welfare dependency but did not account for the structural and economic barriers that young mothers encountered in their lives. In educational contexts, the young mothers in this study had experienced disrupted education trajectories before moving to an alternative setting. The findings highlight that they were ‘invisible’ in mainstream educational contexts and while ‘learning from the margins’ in the young parent program. This study found that the voice of the young mother was missing in the social and educational policy discourses, and the complexities of early motherhood were not accounted for within the policies. This thesis argues that young mothers’ voices need to be included in strategic policy responses to address issues of inequity and reduce the structural and economic barriers faced by young mothers.
- Description: Doctor of Philosophy
- Authors: Felstead, Karen
- Date: 2020
- Type: Text , Thesis , PhD
- Full Text:
- Description: The notion that early motherhood is a significant problem for society is widely documented in the academic literature, and there is a complicated history surrounding young pregnant and parenting women in social and educational policy contexts. Less is known about young mothers themselves and how they experience the social and material effects of early motherhood. The purpose of this study was to examine how young mothers, who attended a young parent program in Lake City in Victoria Australia, experienced early motherhood and how they contested the social discourses that framed their lives. Using a poststructural lens and drawing on the work of Michel Foucault, this thesis used narrative inquiry and discourse analysis to examine the complex nature of seven young mothers’ lives. Analysis of the narrative data showed that despite the complexities, early motherhood was a significant turning point as the young mothers drew on resources of resistance and responsibility to transform their lives. An analysis of the social welfare policy practices identified surveillance and regulation measures as responses to alleviate long-term welfare dependency but did not account for the structural and economic barriers that young mothers encountered in their lives. In educational contexts, the young mothers in this study had experienced disrupted education trajectories before moving to an alternative setting. The findings highlight that they were ‘invisible’ in mainstream educational contexts and while ‘learning from the margins’ in the young parent program. This study found that the voice of the young mother was missing in the social and educational policy discourses, and the complexities of early motherhood were not accounted for within the policies. This thesis argues that young mothers’ voices need to be included in strategic policy responses to address issues of inequity and reduce the structural and economic barriers faced by young mothers.
- Description: Doctor of Philosophy
Human rights for or by the people? Securing economic, social and cultural rights in a post-war/post-conflict context
- Authors: Fernando, Dinesha
- Date: 2023
- Type: Text , Thesis , PhD
- Full Text:
- Description: This grounded theory (GT) study explores the economic, social and cultural (ESC) conditions and associated rights in post-war Sri Lanka during the past 10 years (2009– 2019). Tamils have been left in a challenging position after the war in terms of how other citizens have been perceiving them and their uniqueness has been disputed in terms of their rights. The overall position of the Tamils in the country has changed in recent history, which is a unique situation not only for the Tamils but also for the whole country. The 30-year Sri Lankan civil war is an important example of transformations during resettlement and the transitions back to normalcy. For many years, the war produced serious loss of life, assets and property, and in addition to these losses, the majority of people were affected either directly or indirectly. It is probably without choice that over the past decades, the Sri Lankans have faced significant economic, social, and cultural rights (ESCR) challenges, especially in the north of the country. In the 10 years since the Sri Lankan Government brought an end to the devastating civil war, the country has seen improvements in the overall security and freedom of movement, infrastructure, investment, and growth; yet there remain many ESCR challenges. This thesis identifies the forces that have been acting for and against securing ESCR for minority Tamils in post-war Sri Lanka. Specifically, the thesis identifies the strategies to secure ESCR in a post-war situation when ESCR are absent or insecure. The grounded-up nature of this thesis explores capturing the ESCR-related post-war experiences, attributes and learnings rather than gathering facts and describing acts. The thesis was designed to address the research questions in a direct manner: (1) What are the forces acting for and against securing ESCR for minority Tamils in post-war Sri Lanka; and (2) What would be the most effective strategies for securing ESCR for minority Tamils in post-war Sri Lanka? This constructivist grounded theory study collected qualitative data through in-depth, one-on-one semi-structured interviews and observations. In an effort to chart and examine what individuals and communities do in the absence of secure ESCR, I uncovered surprising and interesting coping strategies adopted by communities in their efforts to secure ESCR. A significant aim of this study was to share the results/findings with regional policymakers, especially in the north of Sri Lanka. Furthermore, with the availability of funds, this study could be expanded to incorporate a larger context in the form of a book published to assist in improving the lives of war-affected victims’ in terms of future access, promotion, protection and enjoyment of ESCR.
- Description: Doctor of Philosophy
- Authors: Fernando, Dinesha
- Date: 2023
- Type: Text , Thesis , PhD
- Full Text:
- Description: This grounded theory (GT) study explores the economic, social and cultural (ESC) conditions and associated rights in post-war Sri Lanka during the past 10 years (2009– 2019). Tamils have been left in a challenging position after the war in terms of how other citizens have been perceiving them and their uniqueness has been disputed in terms of their rights. The overall position of the Tamils in the country has changed in recent history, which is a unique situation not only for the Tamils but also for the whole country. The 30-year Sri Lankan civil war is an important example of transformations during resettlement and the transitions back to normalcy. For many years, the war produced serious loss of life, assets and property, and in addition to these losses, the majority of people were affected either directly or indirectly. It is probably without choice that over the past decades, the Sri Lankans have faced significant economic, social, and cultural rights (ESCR) challenges, especially in the north of the country. In the 10 years since the Sri Lankan Government brought an end to the devastating civil war, the country has seen improvements in the overall security and freedom of movement, infrastructure, investment, and growth; yet there remain many ESCR challenges. This thesis identifies the forces that have been acting for and against securing ESCR for minority Tamils in post-war Sri Lanka. Specifically, the thesis identifies the strategies to secure ESCR in a post-war situation when ESCR are absent or insecure. The grounded-up nature of this thesis explores capturing the ESCR-related post-war experiences, attributes and learnings rather than gathering facts and describing acts. The thesis was designed to address the research questions in a direct manner: (1) What are the forces acting for and against securing ESCR for minority Tamils in post-war Sri Lanka; and (2) What would be the most effective strategies for securing ESCR for minority Tamils in post-war Sri Lanka? This constructivist grounded theory study collected qualitative data through in-depth, one-on-one semi-structured interviews and observations. In an effort to chart and examine what individuals and communities do in the absence of secure ESCR, I uncovered surprising and interesting coping strategies adopted by communities in their efforts to secure ESCR. A significant aim of this study was to share the results/findings with regional policymakers, especially in the north of Sri Lanka. Furthermore, with the availability of funds, this study could be expanded to incorporate a larger context in the form of a book published to assist in improving the lives of war-affected victims’ in terms of future access, promotion, protection and enjoyment of ESCR.
- Description: Doctor of Philosophy
The determinants and development of fast bowling performance in cricket
- Authors: Feros, Simon
- Date: 2015
- Type: Text , Thesis , PhD
- Full Text:
- Description: This thesis sought to reveal the physical and kinematic determinants of pace bowling performance. After drawing on these determinants, a secondary aim was to investigate whether pace bowling performance could be enhanced with chronic resistance training and warm-up strategies. However, before the physical and kinematic determinants of pace bowling performance could be identified, and the effects of two training interventions and warm-ups on pace bowling performance, a new pace bowling test was created, and the test-retest reliability of its performance and kinematic measures were evaluated. Knowledge of a variables’ test-retest reliability is important for interpreting the validity of correlations, but also for the determination of a meaningful change following a training intervention. Only one published study to date has explored the test-retest reliability of a pace bowling assessment, and this test only measured bowling accuracy (1). Previous research has not comprehensively examined the relationships between physical qualities and pace bowling performance. Several important physical qualities (e.g., power, speed-acceleration, flexibility, repeat-sprint ability) have been excluded in correlational research, which may be crucial for optimal pace bowling performance. Furthermore, there is only one published training intervention study on pace bowling research (2). Consequently there is scant evidence for coaches to design training programs proven to enhance pace bowling performance. Baseball pitching studies have trialled the effects of heavy-ball throwing in the warm-up on subsequent throwing velocity and accuracy, but this approach has not been studied in cricket pace bowling, especially after several weeks of training. Therefore, four studies were conducted in this PhD project to address these deficiencies in the literature. The purpose of Study 1 (Chapter 3) was to ascertain the test-retest reliability of bowling performance measures (i.e., bowling speed, bowling accuracy, consistency of bowling speed, and consistency of bowling accuracy) and selected bowling kinematics (i.e., approach speed, step length, step-length phase duration, power phase duration, and knee extension angle at front-foot contact and at ball release) in a novel eight-over test, and for the first four overs of this test. The intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC), standard error of measurement (SEM), and coefficient of variation (CV) were used as measures of test-retest reliability (3). Following a three week familiarisation period of bowling, 13 participants completed a novel eight-over bowling test on two separate days with 4–7 days apart. The most reliable performance measures in the bowling test were peak bowling speed (ICC = 0.948–0.975, CV = 1.3–1.9%) and mean bowling speed (ICC = 0.981–0.987, CV = 1.0–1.3%). Perceived effort was partially reliable (ICC = 0.650– 0.659, CV = 3.8–3.9%). However, mean bowling accuracy (ICC = 0.491–0.685, CV = 12.5–16.8%) and consistency of bowling accuracy failed to meet the pre-set standard for acceptable reliability (ICC = 0.434–0.454, CV = 15.3–19.3%). All bowling kinematic variables except approach speed exhibited acceptable reliability (i.e., ICC > 0.8, CV < 10%). The first four overs of the bowling test exhibited slightly poorer test-retest reliability for all measures, compared to the entire eight-over test. There were no systematic biases (i.e., p > 0.05) detected with all variables between bowling tests, indicating there was no learning or fatigue effects. The smallest worthwhile change was established for all bowling performance and kinematic variables, by multiplying the SEM by 1.5 (4). It is recommended that the eight-over pace bowling test be used as a more comprehensive measure of consistency of bowling speed and consistency of bowling accuracy, as bowlers are more likely to be fatigued. However, if coaches seek to assess pace bowlers in shorter time, delimiting the test to the first four overs is recommended. Both versions of the pace bowling test are only capable of reliably measuring bowling performance outcomes such as peak and mean bowling speed, and perceived effort. The second study of this PhD project examined the relationships between selected physical qualities, bowling kinematics, and bowling performance measures. Another purpose of this novel study was to determine if delivery instructions (i.e., maximal-effort, match-intensity, slower-ball) influenced the strength of the relationships between physical qualities and bowling performance measures. Given that there were three delivery instructions in the bowling test, an objective of this study was to explore the relationship between bowling speed and bowling accuracy (i.e., speed-accuracy trade-off). Thirty-one participants completed an eight-over bowling test in the first session, and a series of physical tests, spread over two separate sessions. Each session was separated by four to seven days. Mean bowling speed (of all pooled deliveries) was significantly correlated to 1-RM pull-up strength (rs [24] = 0.55, p = 0.01) and 20-m sprint time (rs [30] = -0.37, p = 0.04), but the correlations marginally increased as delivery effort increased (i.e., maximal-effort ball). Greater hamstring flexibility was associated with a better consistency of bowling speed, but only for a match-intensity delivery (rs [29] = -0.49, p = 0.01). Repeat-sprint ability (i.e., percent decrement on 10 × 20-m sprints, on every 20 s) displayed a stronger correlation to consistency of bowling speed (rs [21] = -0.42, p = 0.06) than for mean bowling speed (rs [21] = 0.15, p = 0.53). Bench press strength was moderately related to bowling accuracy for a maximal-effort delivery (rs [26] = -0.42, p = 0.03), with weaker but non-significant (p > 0.05) correlations for match-intensity and slower-ball deliveries. Bowling accuracy was also significantly related to peak concentric countermovement jump power (rs [28] = -0.41, p = 0.03) and mean peak concentric countermovement jump power (rs [27] = -0.45, p = 0.02), with both physical qualities displaying stronger correlations as delivery effort increased. Greater reactive strength was negatively associated with mean bowling accuracy (rs [30] = 0.38, p = 0.04) and consistency of bowling accuracy (rs [30] = 0.43, p = 0.02) for maximal-effort deliveries only. Faster bowling speeds were correlated to a longer step length (rs [31] = 0.51, p < 0.01) and quicker power phase duration (rs [31] = -0.45, p = 0.01). A better consistency of bowling accuracy was associated with a faster approach speed (rs [31] = -0.36, p = 0.05) and greater knee flexion angle at ball release (rs [27] = -0.42, p = 0.03). No speedaccuracy trade-off was observed for the group (rs [31] = -0.28, p = 0.12), indicating that most bowlers could be instructed to train at maximal-effort without compromising bowling accuracy. Pull-up strength training and speed-acceleration training were chosen for the “evidence-based” training program (Study 3). Heavy-ball bowling was also considered as part of the evidence-based training program, as it is a specific form of training used previously, and because there was a shortage of significant relationships (p < 0.05) between physical qualities and bowling performance measures in Study 2. The third investigation of this PhD project compared the effects of an eight-week evidence-based training program or normal training program (not a control group) on pace bowling performance, approach speed, speed-acceleration, and pull-up strength. Participants were matched for bowling speed and then randomly split into two training groups, with six participants in each group. After an initial two-week familiarisation period of bowling training, sprint training, and pull-up training, participants completed two training sessions per week, and were tested before and after the training intervention. Testing comprised the four-over pace bowling test (Study 1), 20-m sprint test (Study 2), and 1-RM pull-up test (Study 2). In training, the volume of bowling and sprinting was constant between both groups; the only differences were that the evidence-based training group bowled with heavy balls (250 g and 300 g) as well as a regular ball (156 g), sprinted with a weighted-vest (15% and 20% body mass) and without a weighted-vest, and performed pull-up training. Participants were instructed to deliver each ball with maximal effort in training, as no speed-accuracy trade-off was observed for the sample in Study 2. The evidence-based training group bowled with poorer accuracy and consistency of accuracy, with only a small improvement in peak and mean bowling speed. Heavy-ball bowling may have had a negative transfer to regular-ball bowling. Although speculative, a longer evidence-based program may have significantly enhanced bowling speed. Coaches could use both training programs to develop performance but should be aware that bowling accuracy may suffer with the evidence-based program. The evidence-based training group displayed slower 20-m sprint times following training (0.08 ± 0.05 s). However, the normal training group was also slower (0.10 ± 0.09 s), indicating the potential for speed-acceleration improvement is compromised if speed training is performed immediately after bowling training; most likely due to residual fatigue. Consequently it is recommended that speed-acceleration training be conducted when bowlers are not fatigued, in a separate session, or at the beginning of a session. The evidence-based training group improved their 1-RM pull-up strength by 5.8 ± 6.8 kg (d = 0.68), compared to the normal training group of 0.2 ± 1.7 kg (d = 0.01). The difference between training groups is due to the fact that the normal training group were not prescribed pull-up training. As many participants could not complete the pull-up exercise due to insufficient strength, the dumbbell pullover may be a suitable alternative that is more specific to the motion of the bowling arm (i.e., extended arm). The fourth study of this PhD project explored the acute effects of a heavy-ball bowling warm-up on pace bowling performance, and determined if these acute effects could be enhanced or negated following an evidence-based training program. This study involved the same participants who completed the evidence-based training program in Study 3. These participants were required to perform two different bowling warm-ups (heavy-ball or regular-ball) in pre and post-test period, followed by the four-over pace bowling test (Study 1). In pre-test period, bowling accuracy was 8.8 ± 7.4 cm worse for the heavy-ball warm-up compared to the regular-ball warm-up (d = 1.19). In post-test period however, bowling accuracy was 5.5 ± 6.4 cm better in the heavy-ball warm-up compared to the regular-ball warm-up (d = -0.90). A similar trend was observed for consistency of bowling accuracy. These findings indicate that pace bowlers adapt to heavy-ball bowling, and bowl more accurately with a regular ball if they warm-up with a heavy ball first (but only after eight weeks of heavy-ball training). Coaches could employ a heavy-ball warm-up prior to training or a match, but only after eight weeks of evidence based training. It is hypothesised that a less biomechanically similar exercise to the pace bowling motion such as resisted push-ups / bench press throws could be more effective in eliciting potentiation by activating higher order motor units without negatively transferring to bowling performance. From the studies presented in this thesis, it is concluded that peak and mean bowling speed are the most reliable bowling performance measures, and all kinematic variables apart from approach speed possess excellent reliability. Furthermore, 1-RM pull-up strength and 20-m speed are significantly correlated to bowling speed. An evidence-based training program can develop peak and mean bowling speed, but the cost to bowling accuracy and consistency of bowling accuracy does not make this training program worthwhile in enhancing pace bowling performance. A heavy-ball warm-up impairs bowling accuracy and consistency of bowling accuracy compared to the regular-ball warm-up, but only prior to training with the heavier balls. Pace bowlers adapt to heavyball bowling after eight weeks of training, but must use the heavy balls in the warm-up to bowl more accurately with a regular ball, otherwise pace bowling performance is below optimal.
- Description: Doctor of Philosophy
- Authors: Feros, Simon
- Date: 2015
- Type: Text , Thesis , PhD
- Full Text:
- Description: This thesis sought to reveal the physical and kinematic determinants of pace bowling performance. After drawing on these determinants, a secondary aim was to investigate whether pace bowling performance could be enhanced with chronic resistance training and warm-up strategies. However, before the physical and kinematic determinants of pace bowling performance could be identified, and the effects of two training interventions and warm-ups on pace bowling performance, a new pace bowling test was created, and the test-retest reliability of its performance and kinematic measures were evaluated. Knowledge of a variables’ test-retest reliability is important for interpreting the validity of correlations, but also for the determination of a meaningful change following a training intervention. Only one published study to date has explored the test-retest reliability of a pace bowling assessment, and this test only measured bowling accuracy (1). Previous research has not comprehensively examined the relationships between physical qualities and pace bowling performance. Several important physical qualities (e.g., power, speed-acceleration, flexibility, repeat-sprint ability) have been excluded in correlational research, which may be crucial for optimal pace bowling performance. Furthermore, there is only one published training intervention study on pace bowling research (2). Consequently there is scant evidence for coaches to design training programs proven to enhance pace bowling performance. Baseball pitching studies have trialled the effects of heavy-ball throwing in the warm-up on subsequent throwing velocity and accuracy, but this approach has not been studied in cricket pace bowling, especially after several weeks of training. Therefore, four studies were conducted in this PhD project to address these deficiencies in the literature. The purpose of Study 1 (Chapter 3) was to ascertain the test-retest reliability of bowling performance measures (i.e., bowling speed, bowling accuracy, consistency of bowling speed, and consistency of bowling accuracy) and selected bowling kinematics (i.e., approach speed, step length, step-length phase duration, power phase duration, and knee extension angle at front-foot contact and at ball release) in a novel eight-over test, and for the first four overs of this test. The intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC), standard error of measurement (SEM), and coefficient of variation (CV) were used as measures of test-retest reliability (3). Following a three week familiarisation period of bowling, 13 participants completed a novel eight-over bowling test on two separate days with 4–7 days apart. The most reliable performance measures in the bowling test were peak bowling speed (ICC = 0.948–0.975, CV = 1.3–1.9%) and mean bowling speed (ICC = 0.981–0.987, CV = 1.0–1.3%). Perceived effort was partially reliable (ICC = 0.650– 0.659, CV = 3.8–3.9%). However, mean bowling accuracy (ICC = 0.491–0.685, CV = 12.5–16.8%) and consistency of bowling accuracy failed to meet the pre-set standard for acceptable reliability (ICC = 0.434–0.454, CV = 15.3–19.3%). All bowling kinematic variables except approach speed exhibited acceptable reliability (i.e., ICC > 0.8, CV < 10%). The first four overs of the bowling test exhibited slightly poorer test-retest reliability for all measures, compared to the entire eight-over test. There were no systematic biases (i.e., p > 0.05) detected with all variables between bowling tests, indicating there was no learning or fatigue effects. The smallest worthwhile change was established for all bowling performance and kinematic variables, by multiplying the SEM by 1.5 (4). It is recommended that the eight-over pace bowling test be used as a more comprehensive measure of consistency of bowling speed and consistency of bowling accuracy, as bowlers are more likely to be fatigued. However, if coaches seek to assess pace bowlers in shorter time, delimiting the test to the first four overs is recommended. Both versions of the pace bowling test are only capable of reliably measuring bowling performance outcomes such as peak and mean bowling speed, and perceived effort. The second study of this PhD project examined the relationships between selected physical qualities, bowling kinematics, and bowling performance measures. Another purpose of this novel study was to determine if delivery instructions (i.e., maximal-effort, match-intensity, slower-ball) influenced the strength of the relationships between physical qualities and bowling performance measures. Given that there were three delivery instructions in the bowling test, an objective of this study was to explore the relationship between bowling speed and bowling accuracy (i.e., speed-accuracy trade-off). Thirty-one participants completed an eight-over bowling test in the first session, and a series of physical tests, spread over two separate sessions. Each session was separated by four to seven days. Mean bowling speed (of all pooled deliveries) was significantly correlated to 1-RM pull-up strength (rs [24] = 0.55, p = 0.01) and 20-m sprint time (rs [30] = -0.37, p = 0.04), but the correlations marginally increased as delivery effort increased (i.e., maximal-effort ball). Greater hamstring flexibility was associated with a better consistency of bowling speed, but only for a match-intensity delivery (rs [29] = -0.49, p = 0.01). Repeat-sprint ability (i.e., percent decrement on 10 × 20-m sprints, on every 20 s) displayed a stronger correlation to consistency of bowling speed (rs [21] = -0.42, p = 0.06) than for mean bowling speed (rs [21] = 0.15, p = 0.53). Bench press strength was moderately related to bowling accuracy for a maximal-effort delivery (rs [26] = -0.42, p = 0.03), with weaker but non-significant (p > 0.05) correlations for match-intensity and slower-ball deliveries. Bowling accuracy was also significantly related to peak concentric countermovement jump power (rs [28] = -0.41, p = 0.03) and mean peak concentric countermovement jump power (rs [27] = -0.45, p = 0.02), with both physical qualities displaying stronger correlations as delivery effort increased. Greater reactive strength was negatively associated with mean bowling accuracy (rs [30] = 0.38, p = 0.04) and consistency of bowling accuracy (rs [30] = 0.43, p = 0.02) for maximal-effort deliveries only. Faster bowling speeds were correlated to a longer step length (rs [31] = 0.51, p < 0.01) and quicker power phase duration (rs [31] = -0.45, p = 0.01). A better consistency of bowling accuracy was associated with a faster approach speed (rs [31] = -0.36, p = 0.05) and greater knee flexion angle at ball release (rs [27] = -0.42, p = 0.03). No speedaccuracy trade-off was observed for the group (rs [31] = -0.28, p = 0.12), indicating that most bowlers could be instructed to train at maximal-effort without compromising bowling accuracy. Pull-up strength training and speed-acceleration training were chosen for the “evidence-based” training program (Study 3). Heavy-ball bowling was also considered as part of the evidence-based training program, as it is a specific form of training used previously, and because there was a shortage of significant relationships (p < 0.05) between physical qualities and bowling performance measures in Study 2. The third investigation of this PhD project compared the effects of an eight-week evidence-based training program or normal training program (not a control group) on pace bowling performance, approach speed, speed-acceleration, and pull-up strength. Participants were matched for bowling speed and then randomly split into two training groups, with six participants in each group. After an initial two-week familiarisation period of bowling training, sprint training, and pull-up training, participants completed two training sessions per week, and were tested before and after the training intervention. Testing comprised the four-over pace bowling test (Study 1), 20-m sprint test (Study 2), and 1-RM pull-up test (Study 2). In training, the volume of bowling and sprinting was constant between both groups; the only differences were that the evidence-based training group bowled with heavy balls (250 g and 300 g) as well as a regular ball (156 g), sprinted with a weighted-vest (15% and 20% body mass) and without a weighted-vest, and performed pull-up training. Participants were instructed to deliver each ball with maximal effort in training, as no speed-accuracy trade-off was observed for the sample in Study 2. The evidence-based training group bowled with poorer accuracy and consistency of accuracy, with only a small improvement in peak and mean bowling speed. Heavy-ball bowling may have had a negative transfer to regular-ball bowling. Although speculative, a longer evidence-based program may have significantly enhanced bowling speed. Coaches could use both training programs to develop performance but should be aware that bowling accuracy may suffer with the evidence-based program. The evidence-based training group displayed slower 20-m sprint times following training (0.08 ± 0.05 s). However, the normal training group was also slower (0.10 ± 0.09 s), indicating the potential for speed-acceleration improvement is compromised if speed training is performed immediately after bowling training; most likely due to residual fatigue. Consequently it is recommended that speed-acceleration training be conducted when bowlers are not fatigued, in a separate session, or at the beginning of a session. The evidence-based training group improved their 1-RM pull-up strength by 5.8 ± 6.8 kg (d = 0.68), compared to the normal training group of 0.2 ± 1.7 kg (d = 0.01). The difference between training groups is due to the fact that the normal training group were not prescribed pull-up training. As many participants could not complete the pull-up exercise due to insufficient strength, the dumbbell pullover may be a suitable alternative that is more specific to the motion of the bowling arm (i.e., extended arm). The fourth study of this PhD project explored the acute effects of a heavy-ball bowling warm-up on pace bowling performance, and determined if these acute effects could be enhanced or negated following an evidence-based training program. This study involved the same participants who completed the evidence-based training program in Study 3. These participants were required to perform two different bowling warm-ups (heavy-ball or regular-ball) in pre and post-test period, followed by the four-over pace bowling test (Study 1). In pre-test period, bowling accuracy was 8.8 ± 7.4 cm worse for the heavy-ball warm-up compared to the regular-ball warm-up (d = 1.19). In post-test period however, bowling accuracy was 5.5 ± 6.4 cm better in the heavy-ball warm-up compared to the regular-ball warm-up (d = -0.90). A similar trend was observed for consistency of bowling accuracy. These findings indicate that pace bowlers adapt to heavy-ball bowling, and bowl more accurately with a regular ball if they warm-up with a heavy ball first (but only after eight weeks of heavy-ball training). Coaches could employ a heavy-ball warm-up prior to training or a match, but only after eight weeks of evidence based training. It is hypothesised that a less biomechanically similar exercise to the pace bowling motion such as resisted push-ups / bench press throws could be more effective in eliciting potentiation by activating higher order motor units without negatively transferring to bowling performance. From the studies presented in this thesis, it is concluded that peak and mean bowling speed are the most reliable bowling performance measures, and all kinematic variables apart from approach speed possess excellent reliability. Furthermore, 1-RM pull-up strength and 20-m speed are significantly correlated to bowling speed. An evidence-based training program can develop peak and mean bowling speed, but the cost to bowling accuracy and consistency of bowling accuracy does not make this training program worthwhile in enhancing pace bowling performance. A heavy-ball warm-up impairs bowling accuracy and consistency of bowling accuracy compared to the regular-ball warm-up, but only prior to training with the heavier balls. Pace bowlers adapt to heavyball bowling after eight weeks of training, but must use the heavy balls in the warm-up to bowl more accurately with a regular ball, otherwise pace bowling performance is below optimal.
- Description: Doctor of Philosophy
Revision and validation of the Australian Competency Standards for Occupational Therapy Driver Assessors to ensure best practice
- Authors: Fields, Sally
- Date: 2022
- Type: Text , Thesis , PhD
- Full Text:
- Description: Occupational therapy driver assessment and rehabilitation is an advanced and complex area of practice. Users of this service require that occupational therapy driver assessors are, and remain, competent in their role. Competency standards support and inform occupational therapy driver assessment and rehabilitation practice, ensure standardisation of practice, and determine whether practice can be deemed competent. Competency standards for occupational therapy driver assessors in one Australian state, Victoria, were published in 1998 to provide a benchmark for service provision and guide training. Since then, occupational therapy driver assessor practice has undergone further developments and growth, including a significant increase in research evidence underpinning this advanced practice area. As a result, the competency standards required revision to reflect contemporary practice and enable their use and application across all Australian states and territories. The purpose of the research program reported in this thesis was to revise and validate the Australian Competency Standards for Occupational Therapy Driver Assessors and determine if education and practice using these standards led to increased adherence to their use in clinical practice. A sequential, exploratory, mixed methods design was used within a pragmatist research paradigm to revise and validate the competency standards for occupational therapy driver assessors from a national perspective. Four separate research studies were conducted. In the first study, an overview was undertaken to summarise the current evidence for including cognitive and perceptual assessments within fitness-to-drive evaluations, to inform the revision of the competency standards for occupational therapy driver assessors. The second study involved focus groups with Australian occupational therapy driver assessors and expert educators and identified the changes and revisions required to be made to the Victorian competency standards for occupational therapy driver assessors. Content themes and changes were extracted from the focus groups and combined with research evidence to draft the revised standards. The third study collected feedback from consumers and Australian driver licensing authorities to incorporate into the revised draft. This was followed by a two-round Delphi process with Australian occupational therapy driver assessors to achieve consensus and validate the Australian Competency Standards for Occupational Therapy Driver Assessors. A high level of consensus on the content of all competency standards and underlying practice behaviours was obtained in the final round. Finally, a mixed-methods multiple case-study methodology was adopted, and multiple forms of evidence were collected from file audits, semi-structured interviews and an individualised education session with occupational therapy driver assessors. This study demonstrated that, for this sample, occupational therapy driver assessors’ adherence to the Australian Competency Standards for Occupational Therapy Driver Assessors increased following an individually tailored education package about the standards. The research in this thesis has contributed to the evidence base for occupational therapy driver assessor practice. The Australian Competency Standards for Occupational Therapy Driver Assessors have been revised, validated and published, and the impact of an education package to increase adherence has been investigated. These competency standards: (i) assist occupational therapy driver assessors’ clinical practice, support occupational therapy registration and regulatory agencies to evaluate practice against a standard and (iii) provide universities with a framework to deliver postgraduate training in occupational therapy driver assessment and rehabilitation. Finally, this research has described a process that can be utilised in other areas of occupational therapy practice to develop and validate competency standards.
- Description: Doctor of Philosophy
- Authors: Fields, Sally
- Date: 2022
- Type: Text , Thesis , PhD
- Full Text:
- Description: Occupational therapy driver assessment and rehabilitation is an advanced and complex area of practice. Users of this service require that occupational therapy driver assessors are, and remain, competent in their role. Competency standards support and inform occupational therapy driver assessment and rehabilitation practice, ensure standardisation of practice, and determine whether practice can be deemed competent. Competency standards for occupational therapy driver assessors in one Australian state, Victoria, were published in 1998 to provide a benchmark for service provision and guide training. Since then, occupational therapy driver assessor practice has undergone further developments and growth, including a significant increase in research evidence underpinning this advanced practice area. As a result, the competency standards required revision to reflect contemporary practice and enable their use and application across all Australian states and territories. The purpose of the research program reported in this thesis was to revise and validate the Australian Competency Standards for Occupational Therapy Driver Assessors and determine if education and practice using these standards led to increased adherence to their use in clinical practice. A sequential, exploratory, mixed methods design was used within a pragmatist research paradigm to revise and validate the competency standards for occupational therapy driver assessors from a national perspective. Four separate research studies were conducted. In the first study, an overview was undertaken to summarise the current evidence for including cognitive and perceptual assessments within fitness-to-drive evaluations, to inform the revision of the competency standards for occupational therapy driver assessors. The second study involved focus groups with Australian occupational therapy driver assessors and expert educators and identified the changes and revisions required to be made to the Victorian competency standards for occupational therapy driver assessors. Content themes and changes were extracted from the focus groups and combined with research evidence to draft the revised standards. The third study collected feedback from consumers and Australian driver licensing authorities to incorporate into the revised draft. This was followed by a two-round Delphi process with Australian occupational therapy driver assessors to achieve consensus and validate the Australian Competency Standards for Occupational Therapy Driver Assessors. A high level of consensus on the content of all competency standards and underlying practice behaviours was obtained in the final round. Finally, a mixed-methods multiple case-study methodology was adopted, and multiple forms of evidence were collected from file audits, semi-structured interviews and an individualised education session with occupational therapy driver assessors. This study demonstrated that, for this sample, occupational therapy driver assessors’ adherence to the Australian Competency Standards for Occupational Therapy Driver Assessors increased following an individually tailored education package about the standards. The research in this thesis has contributed to the evidence base for occupational therapy driver assessor practice. The Australian Competency Standards for Occupational Therapy Driver Assessors have been revised, validated and published, and the impact of an education package to increase adherence has been investigated. These competency standards: (i) assist occupational therapy driver assessors’ clinical practice, support occupational therapy registration and regulatory agencies to evaluate practice against a standard and (iii) provide universities with a framework to deliver postgraduate training in occupational therapy driver assessment and rehabilitation. Finally, this research has described a process that can be utilised in other areas of occupational therapy practice to develop and validate competency standards.
- Description: Doctor of Philosophy
Positionality of disengaged students in a rural town
- Authors: Fish, Tim
- Date: 2012
- Type: Text , Thesis , PhD
- Full Text:
- Description: This thesis critically analyses the way disengaged youth participating in an alternative education program are positioned within a small rural town, New Goldfields (a pseudonym), a town of 2,300 people in the Wimmera region of Victoria.
- Description: Doctor of Philosophy
- Authors: Fish, Tim
- Date: 2012
- Type: Text , Thesis , PhD
- Full Text:
- Description: This thesis critically analyses the way disengaged youth participating in an alternative education program are positioned within a small rural town, New Goldfields (a pseudonym), a town of 2,300 people in the Wimmera region of Victoria.
- Description: Doctor of Philosophy
An investigation into the agronomic factors affecting sustainability, surface hardness and rotational traction on community-level football grounds during drought conditions.
- Authors: Ford, Phillip
- Date: 2013
- Type: Text , Thesis , PhD
- Full Text:
- Description: Excessive hardness and rotational traction are the factors most associated with non-contact, ground-related injury risk in football. Irrigation has the greatest influence on surface hardness, and also in determining the turfgrass species that can be sustained. However, irrigation is prohibited on many Australian community-level grounds during drought. This thesis investigated the influence of various agronomic factors on surface hardness and on rotational traction, with the aim of devising strategies to reduce ground-related injury risk in drought conditions. In replicated plots tested over a drought period, Clegg hardness values on a football ground peaked at 160 gravities when turfgrass coverage was present, compared to values in excess of 200 gravities when turf coverage was absent. If the Clegg threshold was set at 160 g for community-level football, many grounds would stay open for play provided they sustained turfgrass coverage. In southern mainland Australia during drought and without irrigation, only a drought-resistant species such as couchgrass (Cynodon dactylon and hybrids) could do this. However, couchgrass has been linked by past epidemiological evidence to a higher risk of knee injury than perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne), which was attributed to couchgrass having a higher rotational traction. In data presented in this thesis, perennial ryegrass actually had significantly higher rotational stiffness than couchgrass on four out of eight assessment dates. Consequently, there appears no reason to favour perennial ryegrass and to recommend against the use of couchgrass for reasons concerning rotational traction. Furthermore, the largest range in rotational traction was between areas of full grasscover compared to denuded areas. The thesis concluded that the ability to sustain turfgrass coverage provided the most effective agronomic solution for moderating both hardness and rotational traction on community-level football fields, and that a turfgrass species should be selected primarily on its ability to best sustain that coverage.
- Description: Doctor of Philosophy
- Authors: Ford, Phillip
- Date: 2013
- Type: Text , Thesis , PhD
- Full Text:
- Description: Excessive hardness and rotational traction are the factors most associated with non-contact, ground-related injury risk in football. Irrigation has the greatest influence on surface hardness, and also in determining the turfgrass species that can be sustained. However, irrigation is prohibited on many Australian community-level grounds during drought. This thesis investigated the influence of various agronomic factors on surface hardness and on rotational traction, with the aim of devising strategies to reduce ground-related injury risk in drought conditions. In replicated plots tested over a drought period, Clegg hardness values on a football ground peaked at 160 gravities when turfgrass coverage was present, compared to values in excess of 200 gravities when turf coverage was absent. If the Clegg threshold was set at 160 g for community-level football, many grounds would stay open for play provided they sustained turfgrass coverage. In southern mainland Australia during drought and without irrigation, only a drought-resistant species such as couchgrass (Cynodon dactylon and hybrids) could do this. However, couchgrass has been linked by past epidemiological evidence to a higher risk of knee injury than perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne), which was attributed to couchgrass having a higher rotational traction. In data presented in this thesis, perennial ryegrass actually had significantly higher rotational stiffness than couchgrass on four out of eight assessment dates. Consequently, there appears no reason to favour perennial ryegrass and to recommend against the use of couchgrass for reasons concerning rotational traction. Furthermore, the largest range in rotational traction was between areas of full grasscover compared to denuded areas. The thesis concluded that the ability to sustain turfgrass coverage provided the most effective agronomic solution for moderating both hardness and rotational traction on community-level football fields, and that a turfgrass species should be selected primarily on its ability to best sustain that coverage.
- Description: Doctor of Philosophy
The role of sprint training in hamstring strain injury prevention for field sport athletes
- Authors: Freeman, Brock
- Date: 2022
- Type: Text , Thesis , PhD
- Full Text:
- Description: Hamstring strain injuries (HSI) are regularly reported as the most common injury in many field-based sports with a high-speed running (HSR) component. Typically, these injuries occur during sprinting efforts, predominantly in the Biceps Femoris Long Head (BFLH). Furthermore, the burden of HSI is amongst the highest in field sports, and the risk of recurrent injury is elevated, and inflated by age. It is of interest to managers, technical coaches, physical preparation staff and athletes to reduce the risk of sustaining a HSI. Therefore, extensive research in HSI has identified several non-modifiable and modifiable risk factors, such as eccentric hamstring strength, BFLH fascicle length, and HSR exposure. Currently, almost all interventions designed to reduce the risk of HSI have utilised resistance training or stretching interventions. This is despite the scientific literature indicating that; 1) sprinting is the most common mechanism associated with hamstring strain injury, and 2) sprinting places a far greater demand on the hamstrings than interventions that are resistance or flexibility based. Therefore, the primary aim of this thesis was to establish the role of sprint training in HSI prevention in field sport athletes. The aim of Study 1 was to understand the beliefs and practices of professional Australian Football (AF) physical performance coaches towards the training and assessment prescribed to mitigate the risk of HSI. A Delphi-validated mixed methods survey was implemented to assess the beliefs and practices of High-Performance Managers of professional AF teams. All the participants in this study reported that they believed sprinting (acceleration and maximum speed) was the most common activity associated with HSI. Similarly, all participants also indicated they performed sprint training for injury prevention purposes. However, a range of relative speeds were reported to quantify HSR, whilst a sprint was reported as 85%Vmax. Whilst respondents reported they believed that sprint training was important, one participant indicated that they felt the need to be conservative with the prescription of sprint training for fear of injury, and the consequences associated with this. Due to the identified discrepancies in speed thresholds used in practical setting (Study 1) and academic settings (Literature Review), Study 2 was designed to determine the absolute, and relative speeds associated with jogging, running, striding, near maximum sprinting, and sprinting. The secondary aim was to visually describe the gait patterns associated with HSR and sprinting. Fifteen participants completed two data collection periods, where they performed a series of run throughs at different gait patterns. These gait patterns were adapted from a review of time-motion research in field sports. The running gaits of jogging, running, striding, near-maximum sprinting, and sprinting correspond with the relative speeds of 56%Vmax, 66%Vmax, 78%Vmax, 87%Vmax, and 100%Vmax, respectively. Significant (p = 0.01) differences were observed for all variables between striding, near-maximum sprinting, and sprinting. This highlights that previously reported thresholds in Study 1 are likely not quantifying the true sprinting demands. Publicly available injury information indicates a spike in HSI during the 2018 Australian Football League (AFL) season, a trend that occurred in the relatively uninterrupted 2020 AFL season. As Study 2 indicated that thresholds used to quantify the demands of sprinting in training and competition, Study 3 primarily aimed to determine the amount of running completed in relative speed bands during the pre-season and then the first eight weeks of the season. The secondary aim was to determine how individual athletes vary from the group average across the pre-season and the first eight rounds of the season. This study completed a retrospective analysis of 55 professional Australian footballers during the pre-season and first eight rounds of the 2019 season. Significantly less (p < 0.05) weekly volume was reported during the first 8 weeks of the season in the speed thresholds of 71-80%Vmax, 81-90%Vmax, and 91-100%Vmax. However, athletes in this study only completed an average of 18m above 90%Vmax in the pre-season, a stimulus too low to achieve an injury prevention and conditioning effect. Individual analysis highlighted that whilst a small number of athletes achieved a consistent sprinting load, several athletes did not achieve more than 2m above 90%Vmax during both the pre and in-season periods. This lack of preparation may provide a rationale for the injury rates during the first eight rounds. To improve the preparation of athletes using a sprinting stimulus, Study 4 focussed on addressing modifiable risk factors for HSI. The primary aim of this study examined the effects of acceleration and maximum speed sprint training of eccentric hamstring strength, BFLH fascicle length, and sprint performance. Initially, a training study with 60 participants was planned, but due to the Victorian Government’s COVID-19 restrictions, this was modified to a case study design with 11 participants. A 6-week training intervention consisting of acceleration sprinting (<15m) or maximum speed sprinting with a gradual build up (flying 10-20m) was implemented. Participants that performed acceleration or maximum speed sprinting improved Biceps Femoris fascicle length by 23% and 20%, respectively. This was an increase of more than the Minimum Detectable Change (MDC95 = 0.96cm, 95% CI =0.93 – 0.99cm). The participants who completed normal training experienced no change in the BFLH fascicle length. Neither sprint training intervention produced a change in eccentric hamstring strength that was greater than the typical error in the test. Both sprinting interventions improved sprint performance outcomes, however both acceleration and maximum speed training produced a larger improvement in maximum speed (-11% and -9%, respectively) than in acceleration qualities (-2% and -3%, respectively). Both acceleration and maximum speed training incurred positive improvement in relative force production (F(0) (N/kg)) and relative power production (Pmax (W/kg)). This was similar for DRF and RFpeak and indicates that sprint training without resistance will improve Force-Velocity-Power Variables. This project has provided new information regarding the role of sprint training for hamstring strain injury prevention. Firstly, both 6 weeks of low volume acceleration and maximum speed sprinting improve BFLH fascicle length. Secondly, currently employed velocity thresholds in professional AF are likely too slow to quantify the HSR and sprinting demands. Thirdly, analysis using thresholds that are faster than previously reported revealed that the overall volume of sprinting (>90%Vmax) is too low to elicit an injury prevention or training stimulus. This information will inform the future practices of key stakeholders surrounding sprint training in field sport athletes. The identification of the positive benefits of maximum speed sprinting, and a faster, more accurate definition of sprinting has large potential to improve hamstring strain injury prevention and increase physical performance.
- Description: Doctor of Philosophy
- Authors: Freeman, Brock
- Date: 2022
- Type: Text , Thesis , PhD
- Full Text:
- Description: Hamstring strain injuries (HSI) are regularly reported as the most common injury in many field-based sports with a high-speed running (HSR) component. Typically, these injuries occur during sprinting efforts, predominantly in the Biceps Femoris Long Head (BFLH). Furthermore, the burden of HSI is amongst the highest in field sports, and the risk of recurrent injury is elevated, and inflated by age. It is of interest to managers, technical coaches, physical preparation staff and athletes to reduce the risk of sustaining a HSI. Therefore, extensive research in HSI has identified several non-modifiable and modifiable risk factors, such as eccentric hamstring strength, BFLH fascicle length, and HSR exposure. Currently, almost all interventions designed to reduce the risk of HSI have utilised resistance training or stretching interventions. This is despite the scientific literature indicating that; 1) sprinting is the most common mechanism associated with hamstring strain injury, and 2) sprinting places a far greater demand on the hamstrings than interventions that are resistance or flexibility based. Therefore, the primary aim of this thesis was to establish the role of sprint training in HSI prevention in field sport athletes. The aim of Study 1 was to understand the beliefs and practices of professional Australian Football (AF) physical performance coaches towards the training and assessment prescribed to mitigate the risk of HSI. A Delphi-validated mixed methods survey was implemented to assess the beliefs and practices of High-Performance Managers of professional AF teams. All the participants in this study reported that they believed sprinting (acceleration and maximum speed) was the most common activity associated with HSI. Similarly, all participants also indicated they performed sprint training for injury prevention purposes. However, a range of relative speeds were reported to quantify HSR, whilst a sprint was reported as 85%Vmax. Whilst respondents reported they believed that sprint training was important, one participant indicated that they felt the need to be conservative with the prescription of sprint training for fear of injury, and the consequences associated with this. Due to the identified discrepancies in speed thresholds used in practical setting (Study 1) and academic settings (Literature Review), Study 2 was designed to determine the absolute, and relative speeds associated with jogging, running, striding, near maximum sprinting, and sprinting. The secondary aim was to visually describe the gait patterns associated with HSR and sprinting. Fifteen participants completed two data collection periods, where they performed a series of run throughs at different gait patterns. These gait patterns were adapted from a review of time-motion research in field sports. The running gaits of jogging, running, striding, near-maximum sprinting, and sprinting correspond with the relative speeds of 56%Vmax, 66%Vmax, 78%Vmax, 87%Vmax, and 100%Vmax, respectively. Significant (p = 0.01) differences were observed for all variables between striding, near-maximum sprinting, and sprinting. This highlights that previously reported thresholds in Study 1 are likely not quantifying the true sprinting demands. Publicly available injury information indicates a spike in HSI during the 2018 Australian Football League (AFL) season, a trend that occurred in the relatively uninterrupted 2020 AFL season. As Study 2 indicated that thresholds used to quantify the demands of sprinting in training and competition, Study 3 primarily aimed to determine the amount of running completed in relative speed bands during the pre-season and then the first eight weeks of the season. The secondary aim was to determine how individual athletes vary from the group average across the pre-season and the first eight rounds of the season. This study completed a retrospective analysis of 55 professional Australian footballers during the pre-season and first eight rounds of the 2019 season. Significantly less (p < 0.05) weekly volume was reported during the first 8 weeks of the season in the speed thresholds of 71-80%Vmax, 81-90%Vmax, and 91-100%Vmax. However, athletes in this study only completed an average of 18m above 90%Vmax in the pre-season, a stimulus too low to achieve an injury prevention and conditioning effect. Individual analysis highlighted that whilst a small number of athletes achieved a consistent sprinting load, several athletes did not achieve more than 2m above 90%Vmax during both the pre and in-season periods. This lack of preparation may provide a rationale for the injury rates during the first eight rounds. To improve the preparation of athletes using a sprinting stimulus, Study 4 focussed on addressing modifiable risk factors for HSI. The primary aim of this study examined the effects of acceleration and maximum speed sprint training of eccentric hamstring strength, BFLH fascicle length, and sprint performance. Initially, a training study with 60 participants was planned, but due to the Victorian Government’s COVID-19 restrictions, this was modified to a case study design with 11 participants. A 6-week training intervention consisting of acceleration sprinting (<15m) or maximum speed sprinting with a gradual build up (flying 10-20m) was implemented. Participants that performed acceleration or maximum speed sprinting improved Biceps Femoris fascicle length by 23% and 20%, respectively. This was an increase of more than the Minimum Detectable Change (MDC95 = 0.96cm, 95% CI =0.93 – 0.99cm). The participants who completed normal training experienced no change in the BFLH fascicle length. Neither sprint training intervention produced a change in eccentric hamstring strength that was greater than the typical error in the test. Both sprinting interventions improved sprint performance outcomes, however both acceleration and maximum speed training produced a larger improvement in maximum speed (-11% and -9%, respectively) than in acceleration qualities (-2% and -3%, respectively). Both acceleration and maximum speed training incurred positive improvement in relative force production (F(0) (N/kg)) and relative power production (Pmax (W/kg)). This was similar for DRF and RFpeak and indicates that sprint training without resistance will improve Force-Velocity-Power Variables. This project has provided new information regarding the role of sprint training for hamstring strain injury prevention. Firstly, both 6 weeks of low volume acceleration and maximum speed sprinting improve BFLH fascicle length. Secondly, currently employed velocity thresholds in professional AF are likely too slow to quantify the HSR and sprinting demands. Thirdly, analysis using thresholds that are faster than previously reported revealed that the overall volume of sprinting (>90%Vmax) is too low to elicit an injury prevention or training stimulus. This information will inform the future practices of key stakeholders surrounding sprint training in field sport athletes. The identification of the positive benefits of maximum speed sprinting, and a faster, more accurate definition of sprinting has large potential to improve hamstring strain injury prevention and increase physical performance.
- Description: Doctor of Philosophy
Making junior cricket safer for Sri Lanka : Creating opportunities for injury prevention
- Authors: Gamage, Prasanna
- Date: 2019
- Type: Text , Thesis , PhD
- Full Text:
- Description: With the immense popularity of the game of cricket in Sri Lanka, school level cricket is played competitively and socially by a large number of participants. As in many other sports, musculoskeletal injuries are a common occurrence in cricket. Exposure to hot and humid environments in Sri Lankan conditions during outdoor cricket play can also pose a risk for junior cricketers. To date, there has been no attempt to examine injury or illness among Sri Lankan junior cricketers, which hinders opportunities for injury prevention. The first aim of this thesis was to examine musculoskeletal injuries with a view to identifying injury incidence and associated risks during competitions. Specific injuries among different groups of cricketers were identified including 46.0% in fielders, 25.4% in bowlers and 20.3% in batters. Injury risk perceptions of junior cricketers recognised that these injuries were common, and highlighted the role of coaches and school cricket teachers in supporting junior cricketers. The second aim of the thesis was to study the potential impact of exertional heat illnesses (EHI) during cricket play. A considerable variation in heat stress risk parameters (climate, duration, and intensity of play) were observed among cricketers during test-cricket play. Study of risk perceptions related to EHI showed the importance of understanding EHI risks such as humidity and use of helmets. The results of this PhD have been provided to Sri Lankan Cricket and school cricket authorities with recommendation to develop and implement injury preventive measures such as use of helmets during batting to minimise the high number of match-time-loss facial injuries, and educating junior cricketers in modifying their perceived risk attitudes and beliefs related to musculoskeletal and EHI risks. Overall, this PhD has met the aim of completing the first large-scale scientific contribution towards promoting safety and preventing injuries among Sri Lankan junior cricketers.
- Description: Doctor of Philosophy
- Authors: Gamage, Prasanna
- Date: 2019
- Type: Text , Thesis , PhD
- Full Text:
- Description: With the immense popularity of the game of cricket in Sri Lanka, school level cricket is played competitively and socially by a large number of participants. As in many other sports, musculoskeletal injuries are a common occurrence in cricket. Exposure to hot and humid environments in Sri Lankan conditions during outdoor cricket play can also pose a risk for junior cricketers. To date, there has been no attempt to examine injury or illness among Sri Lankan junior cricketers, which hinders opportunities for injury prevention. The first aim of this thesis was to examine musculoskeletal injuries with a view to identifying injury incidence and associated risks during competitions. Specific injuries among different groups of cricketers were identified including 46.0% in fielders, 25.4% in bowlers and 20.3% in batters. Injury risk perceptions of junior cricketers recognised that these injuries were common, and highlighted the role of coaches and school cricket teachers in supporting junior cricketers. The second aim of the thesis was to study the potential impact of exertional heat illnesses (EHI) during cricket play. A considerable variation in heat stress risk parameters (climate, duration, and intensity of play) were observed among cricketers during test-cricket play. Study of risk perceptions related to EHI showed the importance of understanding EHI risks such as humidity and use of helmets. The results of this PhD have been provided to Sri Lankan Cricket and school cricket authorities with recommendation to develop and implement injury preventive measures such as use of helmets during batting to minimise the high number of match-time-loss facial injuries, and educating junior cricketers in modifying their perceived risk attitudes and beliefs related to musculoskeletal and EHI risks. Overall, this PhD has met the aim of completing the first large-scale scientific contribution towards promoting safety and preventing injuries among Sri Lankan junior cricketers.
- Description: Doctor of Philosophy
Barley non-starch polysaccharide content and its relationship with kernel hardness and water uptake
- Authors: Gamlath, Jayantha
- Date: 2009
- Type: Text , Thesis , PhD
- Full Text: false
- Description: Harder kernels in barley are thought to be a factor affecting the modification of the endosperm during malting by restricting water and enzyme movement within the endosperm. The traditional method used in the malting industry to determine barley endosperm vitreousness is by visual assessment. Since this method is subjective, laborious and requires training, an alternative method is needed. Similarly, the causes and factors influencing kernel hardness are uncertain. The prime objectives of this study were: to identify an appropriate method to quantify kernel hardness; investigate the relationship between kernel hardness and endosperm composition; and to investigate the relationship between barley variety and environmental influences on endosperm composition in relation to the kernel hardness of malting barley.
- Description: Doctor of Philosophy
- Authors: Gamlath, Jayantha
- Date: 2009
- Type: Text , Thesis , PhD
- Full Text: false
- Description: Harder kernels in barley are thought to be a factor affecting the modification of the endosperm during malting by restricting water and enzyme movement within the endosperm. The traditional method used in the malting industry to determine barley endosperm vitreousness is by visual assessment. Since this method is subjective, laborious and requires training, an alternative method is needed. Similarly, the causes and factors influencing kernel hardness are uncertain. The prime objectives of this study were: to identify an appropriate method to quantify kernel hardness; investigate the relationship between kernel hardness and endosperm composition; and to investigate the relationship between barley variety and environmental influences on endosperm composition in relation to the kernel hardness of malting barley.
- Description: Doctor of Philosophy
Derivative free algorithms for nonsmooth and global optimization with application in cluster analysis
- Authors: Ganjehlou, Asef Nazari
- Date: 2009
- Type: Text , Thesis , PhD
- Full Text:
- Description: This thesis is devoted to the development of algorithms for solving nonsmooth nonconvex problems. Some of these algorithms are derivative free methods.
- Description: Doctor of Philosophy
- Authors: Ganjehlou, Asef Nazari
- Date: 2009
- Type: Text , Thesis , PhD
- Full Text:
- Description: This thesis is devoted to the development of algorithms for solving nonsmooth nonconvex problems. Some of these algorithms are derivative free methods.
- Description: Doctor of Philosophy
Regeneration of sulfur rich amines in a combined capture system aimed to lower the cost of PCC in Australian coal fired power plants
- Authors: Garg, Bharti
- Date: 2019
- Type: Text , Thesis , PhD
- Full Text:
- Description: Coal is the dominant and most reliable source of energy in Australia. However, the increasing global temperatures and its impact on the climate raises concerns on the use of coal worldwide. Due to availability of abundant, cheap quality coals, Australia is researching how it and its international customers can continue to use its abundant coal resources whilst limiting greenhouse emissions. Hence, low CO2 emitting energy technologies like carbon capture and storage (CCS) have an important role to play not only in power but also the cement and steel industries Post-combustion CO2 capture (PCC), the most developed technology in CCS using aqueous amines to capture CO2, still face challenges for its large-scale commercialisation. The cost of electricity with PCC rises to almost double that produced without integrating PCC technology in new power stations. The retrofit of PCC technology into existing power stations is very site specific and costs can be around half of the cost of building a new power plant. Apart from this, the implementation of PCC poses an energy penalty to the power station as the efficiency of the plant can drop almost by 10-11% due to the increased solvent heating and CO2 compression loads. Particularly with the nations like Australia, the cost of PCC installation is even higher as there are no flue gas desulfurisation (FGD) units in Australian power stations. The presence of harmful gases like SO2 in coal-fired power plant flue gases affect CO2 capture performance during PCC due to the higher affinity of amines to absorb stronger acidic gases against CO2 which is a weaker acid gas than SO2. These stronger acidic gases tend to form heat stable salts with the absorbent amines used to capture CO2 . Heat stable salts refer to the thermally non-regenerable protonated amines which are usually produced when the amine solution is contaminated by organic acids (Weiland et al., 2004). Hence, the bonded amine is not available for CO2 capture, increasing the requirement for makeup amine resulting in higher operating cost. Therefore, FGD units are an essential requirement before the installation of PCC facilities in a coal-fired power station. This results in a levelised cost of electricity in Australian power plants that is high compared to nations which have FGD installed in their power stations. CSIRO has developed a combined capture process to simultaneously capture CO2 and SO2 from Australian power plant flue gases using a single amine absorbent in order to lower the cost of PCC installation in Australia. The process generates a unique sulfur rich amine absorbent which needs regeneration. This thesis investigates various amine regeneration processes, using MEA as a reference, and their commercial viability to the CS-Cap process. Due to the unique nature of the sulfur rich absorbent generated in the CS-Cap process, its amine is recoverable through many other regeneration processes besides standard thermal reclamation. My thesis investigates the effectiveness of regeneration techniques like Ion exchange, Electro-dialysis, Crystallisation, Nano-filtration in regenerating the sulfur rich amine. Initially the theoretical investigation was carried as a part of literature review and further a brief exploratory laboratory scale evaluation of the most suited technologies was carried out. The results obtained from laboratory scale experimentation were fed to an Aspen Plus simulation model in order to understand the behaviour of the system under various operating conditions. Further a cost estimation was carried out in order to produce a high level cost for the selected regeneration technologies in the CS-Cap process. The cost of the regeneration technologies were further integrated into the overall CO2 capture process in order to compare the cost of standard FGD + PCC process against the CS-Cap process which answers the broader research question whether the CS-Cap process will be economical for Australian coal power plants. Overall this thesis reveals the effectiveness of various technologies in regenerating sulfur rich amines. It suggests CSIRO’s patented CS-Cap process is a cost-effective approach for capturing CO2 from Australian coal fired power plants despite its sensitivity to regeneration cost.
- Description: Doctor of Philosophy
- Authors: Garg, Bharti
- Date: 2019
- Type: Text , Thesis , PhD
- Full Text:
- Description: Coal is the dominant and most reliable source of energy in Australia. However, the increasing global temperatures and its impact on the climate raises concerns on the use of coal worldwide. Due to availability of abundant, cheap quality coals, Australia is researching how it and its international customers can continue to use its abundant coal resources whilst limiting greenhouse emissions. Hence, low CO2 emitting energy technologies like carbon capture and storage (CCS) have an important role to play not only in power but also the cement and steel industries Post-combustion CO2 capture (PCC), the most developed technology in CCS using aqueous amines to capture CO2, still face challenges for its large-scale commercialisation. The cost of electricity with PCC rises to almost double that produced without integrating PCC technology in new power stations. The retrofit of PCC technology into existing power stations is very site specific and costs can be around half of the cost of building a new power plant. Apart from this, the implementation of PCC poses an energy penalty to the power station as the efficiency of the plant can drop almost by 10-11% due to the increased solvent heating and CO2 compression loads. Particularly with the nations like Australia, the cost of PCC installation is even higher as there are no flue gas desulfurisation (FGD) units in Australian power stations. The presence of harmful gases like SO2 in coal-fired power plant flue gases affect CO2 capture performance during PCC due to the higher affinity of amines to absorb stronger acidic gases against CO2 which is a weaker acid gas than SO2. These stronger acidic gases tend to form heat stable salts with the absorbent amines used to capture CO2 . Heat stable salts refer to the thermally non-regenerable protonated amines which are usually produced when the amine solution is contaminated by organic acids (Weiland et al., 2004). Hence, the bonded amine is not available for CO2 capture, increasing the requirement for makeup amine resulting in higher operating cost. Therefore, FGD units are an essential requirement before the installation of PCC facilities in a coal-fired power station. This results in a levelised cost of electricity in Australian power plants that is high compared to nations which have FGD installed in their power stations. CSIRO has developed a combined capture process to simultaneously capture CO2 and SO2 from Australian power plant flue gases using a single amine absorbent in order to lower the cost of PCC installation in Australia. The process generates a unique sulfur rich amine absorbent which needs regeneration. This thesis investigates various amine regeneration processes, using MEA as a reference, and their commercial viability to the CS-Cap process. Due to the unique nature of the sulfur rich absorbent generated in the CS-Cap process, its amine is recoverable through many other regeneration processes besides standard thermal reclamation. My thesis investigates the effectiveness of regeneration techniques like Ion exchange, Electro-dialysis, Crystallisation, Nano-filtration in regenerating the sulfur rich amine. Initially the theoretical investigation was carried as a part of literature review and further a brief exploratory laboratory scale evaluation of the most suited technologies was carried out. The results obtained from laboratory scale experimentation were fed to an Aspen Plus simulation model in order to understand the behaviour of the system under various operating conditions. Further a cost estimation was carried out in order to produce a high level cost for the selected regeneration technologies in the CS-Cap process. The cost of the regeneration technologies were further integrated into the overall CO2 capture process in order to compare the cost of standard FGD + PCC process against the CS-Cap process which answers the broader research question whether the CS-Cap process will be economical for Australian coal power plants. Overall this thesis reveals the effectiveness of various technologies in regenerating sulfur rich amines. It suggests CSIRO’s patented CS-Cap process is a cost-effective approach for capturing CO2 from Australian coal fired power plants despite its sensitivity to regeneration cost.
- Description: Doctor of Philosophy
Progress in Australia over the 20th century : the ups, downs and reversals that occurred in Australian human wellbeing over the 20th century
- Authors: Gathercole, Michael
- Date: 2005
- Type: Text , Thesis , PhD
- Full Text:
- Description: "This study is an investigation of progress in Australia over the 20th century. Progress is defined here as the enhancement of human wellbeing. For the purposes of this study, human wellbeing will be characterised by five main components: knowledge, environment, economy, individual and social. Enhancement refers to positive directional change in terms of these components. The study firstly develops a framework to conceptualise progress. It then collects and uses statistical data in a descriptive study of what happened in Australia, over those 100 years, in terms of progress in general and in terms of its components. The study also develops a typology of relationships for models of progress, which best explain the Australian data. This study finally explores some of the relationships between the elements that make up the components of progress and looks at ways to best explain what has happened..." --p.1.
- Description: Doctor of Philosophy
- Authors: Gathercole, Michael
- Date: 2005
- Type: Text , Thesis , PhD
- Full Text:
- Description: "This study is an investigation of progress in Australia over the 20th century. Progress is defined here as the enhancement of human wellbeing. For the purposes of this study, human wellbeing will be characterised by five main components: knowledge, environment, economy, individual and social. Enhancement refers to positive directional change in terms of these components. The study firstly develops a framework to conceptualise progress. It then collects and uses statistical data in a descriptive study of what happened in Australia, over those 100 years, in terms of progress in general and in terms of its components. The study also develops a typology of relationships for models of progress, which best explain the Australian data. This study finally explores some of the relationships between the elements that make up the components of progress and looks at ways to best explain what has happened..." --p.1.
- Description: Doctor of Philosophy
Differential desiring practice- A path into a Deleuze inspired literary discourse
- Authors: Gaudlitz, Erika
- Date: 2011
- Type: Text , Thesis , PhD
- Full Text:
- Description: Drawing on Deleuze’s and Deleuze-Guattari’s differential and A path into a Deleuze inspired literary discourse in Difference and repetition and The logic of sense; Anti-Oedipus and A thousand plateaus and their engagement with literary texts in Kafka: Toward a minor literature; Proust and signs and Masochism: Coldness and cruelty, I unfold the following problematic in this thesis: What Deleuze (and Deleuze-Guattari) inspired critical practice can be theorized which allows the reading of works that resist interpretative representational practices? Proposing the differential, the libidinal, the schizoanalytic, the symptomatological and the simulacral as schizoid processes of discursive dissociation, this thesis theorizes and develops such a practice. More specifically I unravel and explore, theoretically and practically, the strands of what I term a differential desiring practice. Further I demonstrate the usefulness and power of this differential desiring practice, engaging first with Duras’ work as schizoid and liminal processes of event and becoming; and second with Carter’s work as schizoanalytic and parodic processes. Overall this thesis presents differential desiring practice as a reading and writing practice marked by thematic and stylistic schizodicity and discursive dissociation. Such a presentation not only opens a new path into a Deleuze inspired literary discourse by reappraising Deleuze’s and Deleuze-Guattari’s differential and schizoanalytic project, but puts forward a productive model for working with recalcitrant literary texts.
- Description: Doctor of Philosophy
- Authors: Gaudlitz, Erika
- Date: 2011
- Type: Text , Thesis , PhD
- Full Text:
- Description: Drawing on Deleuze’s and Deleuze-Guattari’s differential and A path into a Deleuze inspired literary discourse in Difference and repetition and The logic of sense; Anti-Oedipus and A thousand plateaus and their engagement with literary texts in Kafka: Toward a minor literature; Proust and signs and Masochism: Coldness and cruelty, I unfold the following problematic in this thesis: What Deleuze (and Deleuze-Guattari) inspired critical practice can be theorized which allows the reading of works that resist interpretative representational practices? Proposing the differential, the libidinal, the schizoanalytic, the symptomatological and the simulacral as schizoid processes of discursive dissociation, this thesis theorizes and develops such a practice. More specifically I unravel and explore, theoretically and practically, the strands of what I term a differential desiring practice. Further I demonstrate the usefulness and power of this differential desiring practice, engaging first with Duras’ work as schizoid and liminal processes of event and becoming; and second with Carter’s work as schizoanalytic and parodic processes. Overall this thesis presents differential desiring practice as a reading and writing practice marked by thematic and stylistic schizodicity and discursive dissociation. Such a presentation not only opens a new path into a Deleuze inspired literary discourse by reappraising Deleuze’s and Deleuze-Guattari’s differential and schizoanalytic project, but puts forward a productive model for working with recalcitrant literary texts.
- Description: Doctor of Philosophy
Reciprocal peer tutoring in an Australian undergraduate clinical skills setting : A mixed methods study
- Authors: Gazula, Swapnali
- Date: 2019
- Type: Text , Thesis , PhD
- Full Text:
- Description: Background Incorporation of active learning approaches in the preparation of nursing students for future educational roles is an imperative. Reciprocal peer tutoring (RPT) is an active teaching/learning approach, in which individuals from similar academic levels rotate teaching/learning roles. This study aimed to explore the outcomes of RPT on undergraduate nursing students learning. Design/Methods A sequential explanatory mixed methods design, incorporating pre-post intervention surveys and focus groups with a convenience sample of 102 final-year students, from a cohort of 132 (RR = 77.3%), from a regional Australian university campus. Prior to attendance, online resources were provided on teaching fundamentals and two selected clinical skills, namely tracheostomy suctioning and intravenous cannulation. Attending participants were randomly allocated into pairs, rotating teaching and learning roles within clinical skills laboratories. Pre-post intervention survey tools examined knowledge and self-reported attitudes to a peer teaching and clinical teaching preferences (Clinical Teaching Preference Questionnaire). Post-intervention measures included a peer teaching experience (Peer Teaching Experience Questionnaire). Focus group interviews (n = 4) were conducted with 22 participants, to further understand students’ RPT experiences. Results There was positive improvement in attitudes to peer teaching (M = 49.2, SD = 10.0 to M = 52.3, SD = 8.2, p < 0.05, [95% CI = 0.7 to 5.4]). Knowledge scores also increased significantly (M = 6.9, SD = 2.0 to M = 9.7, SD = 1.9), p < 0.05 [95% CI = 2.3 to 3.2]. Aggregate mean knowledge scores increased more for peer teachers (M = 3.3) than they did for peer learners (M = 2.2). Thematic outcomes from focus groups indicated challenging yet beneficial journeys, collective learning outcomes, along with benefits of RPT including enhanced teaching, self-confidence, communication, and independent and collaborative learning. Conclusion This study concludes that RPT is effective in clinical skills teaching and sets a foundation for further research.
- Description: Doctor of Philosophy
- Authors: Gazula, Swapnali
- Date: 2019
- Type: Text , Thesis , PhD
- Full Text:
- Description: Background Incorporation of active learning approaches in the preparation of nursing students for future educational roles is an imperative. Reciprocal peer tutoring (RPT) is an active teaching/learning approach, in which individuals from similar academic levels rotate teaching/learning roles. This study aimed to explore the outcomes of RPT on undergraduate nursing students learning. Design/Methods A sequential explanatory mixed methods design, incorporating pre-post intervention surveys and focus groups with a convenience sample of 102 final-year students, from a cohort of 132 (RR = 77.3%), from a regional Australian university campus. Prior to attendance, online resources were provided on teaching fundamentals and two selected clinical skills, namely tracheostomy suctioning and intravenous cannulation. Attending participants were randomly allocated into pairs, rotating teaching and learning roles within clinical skills laboratories. Pre-post intervention survey tools examined knowledge and self-reported attitudes to a peer teaching and clinical teaching preferences (Clinical Teaching Preference Questionnaire). Post-intervention measures included a peer teaching experience (Peer Teaching Experience Questionnaire). Focus group interviews (n = 4) were conducted with 22 participants, to further understand students’ RPT experiences. Results There was positive improvement in attitudes to peer teaching (M = 49.2, SD = 10.0 to M = 52.3, SD = 8.2, p < 0.05, [95% CI = 0.7 to 5.4]). Knowledge scores also increased significantly (M = 6.9, SD = 2.0 to M = 9.7, SD = 1.9), p < 0.05 [95% CI = 2.3 to 3.2]. Aggregate mean knowledge scores increased more for peer teachers (M = 3.3) than they did for peer learners (M = 2.2). Thematic outcomes from focus groups indicated challenging yet beneficial journeys, collective learning outcomes, along with benefits of RPT including enhanced teaching, self-confidence, communication, and independent and collaborative learning. Conclusion This study concludes that RPT is effective in clinical skills teaching and sets a foundation for further research.
- Description: Doctor of Philosophy
Analytical and numerical approaches to evaluate the effect of time-dependent and time-independent soil characteristics on the stability of deep excavations
- Authors: Ghadrdan, Mohsen
- Date: 2021
- Type: Text , Thesis , PhD
- Full Text:
- Description: Excavating the ground for different purposes, such as extracting valuable materials or undertaking urban construction, may cause concerns regarding the stability of the formed slopes, which can affect the environment, the economy, and human lives. Slope stability analysis in large-scale and deep excavations such as open-pit mines is challenging due to uncertainties regarding varying material parameters, complex field conditions and lack of or insufficient data such as pore water pressure distribution, in-situ stress conditions, and discontinuities. Despite different advanced analytical and numerical slope stability techniques having been developed, slope stability analysis may produce unreliable conclusions due to these uncertainties and challenges. This study’s objective is to investigate the effect of different factors associated with slope stability through a case study of the Yallourn brown coal open pit mine in Australia. In this study, the two most common slope stability methods—the Limit Equilibrium Method (LEM) and the Finite Element Method (FEM)—were employed. A comprehensive study was conducted to determine how the generation and dissipation of Negative Excess Pore-Water Pressure (NEPWP) affect slope stability assessments. Additionally, due to the complex geological stratigraphy of the site, different scenarios for geological layering were defined and investigated for the slope stability analyses. Moreover, the sensitivity of the slope stability assessment to not only different material characteristics but also different formulations and assumptions of LEM and FEM are presented.
- Description: Doctor of Philosophy
- Authors: Ghadrdan, Mohsen
- Date: 2021
- Type: Text , Thesis , PhD
- Full Text:
- Description: Excavating the ground for different purposes, such as extracting valuable materials or undertaking urban construction, may cause concerns regarding the stability of the formed slopes, which can affect the environment, the economy, and human lives. Slope stability analysis in large-scale and deep excavations such as open-pit mines is challenging due to uncertainties regarding varying material parameters, complex field conditions and lack of or insufficient data such as pore water pressure distribution, in-situ stress conditions, and discontinuities. Despite different advanced analytical and numerical slope stability techniques having been developed, slope stability analysis may produce unreliable conclusions due to these uncertainties and challenges. This study’s objective is to investigate the effect of different factors associated with slope stability through a case study of the Yallourn brown coal open pit mine in Australia. In this study, the two most common slope stability methods—the Limit Equilibrium Method (LEM) and the Finite Element Method (FEM)—were employed. A comprehensive study was conducted to determine how the generation and dissipation of Negative Excess Pore-Water Pressure (NEPWP) affect slope stability assessments. Additionally, due to the complex geological stratigraphy of the site, different scenarios for geological layering were defined and investigated for the slope stability analyses. Moreover, the sensitivity of the slope stability assessment to not only different material characteristics but also different formulations and assumptions of LEM and FEM are presented.
- Description: Doctor of Philosophy
Latrobe Valley circular industrial ecosystem
- Authors: Ghayur, Adeel
- Date: 2019
- Type: Text , Thesis , PhD
- Full Text:
- Description: Climate change, energy security, pollution and increasing unemployment in the face of automation are four critical challenges facing every region in the twenty-first century, including the Latrobe Valley in Victoria, Australia. The Valley – location of the largest brown coal deposits and forest industry in the southern hemisphere – is undergoing unprecedented and rapid changes. Its ageing brown coal power plants are retiring and replacements are not planned, leading to job insecurity. Solutions are needed that ensure continued economic activity in the region whilst allowing for the Valley to contribute its fair share in the fight against the climate change. The aim of this study is to investigate a possible local solution that could help tackle these issues of the Latrobe Valley in addition to plastic pollution and energy insecurity. Transitioning from linear to circular materials flow is one possible solution that favours sustainability and job security. Consequently, a multiproduct succinic acid biorefinery is modelled, acting as an industrial hub in a potential Latrobe Valley circular economy. This allows for employment creation in the value-addition of its platform chemicals into carbon negative and environment-friendly products. Additionally, such a biorefinery concept has the capacity to tackle Post-combustion CO2 Capture (PCC) industry’s wastes. It is anticipated that any future utilisation of brown coal as an energy vector would entail PCC to ensure carbon neutrality. A PCC industry produces CO2 and amine wastes that require adequate disposal. The modelled biorefinery has the capacity to valorise both. The simulation and the techno-economic analysis show the modelled Carbon Negative Biorefinery consumes 656,000 metric tonnes (t) of pulp logs and 42,000 t of CO2 to produce 220,000 t of succinic acid, 115,000 t of acetic acid and 900 t of dimethyl ether, annually. Biorefinery’s CAPEX and OPEX stand at AU$ 635,000,000 and $ 180,000,000 respectively. The calculated Minimum Selling Price for succinic acid is $ 990/t, only 6.4% higher than a typical biorefinery. Subsequently, biorefinery’s capacity as an anchor tenant is also simulated via technical evaluations of four value-added products: • Poly(butylene succinate) as biodegradable polymer replacing petro-plastics – simulation results show 1 t of succinic acid produces 0.19 t of tetrahydrofuran and 0.44 t of poly(butylene succinate); • Carbon fibre for insulation products, sporting goods and foams – 1 t of lignin and 0.8 t of acetic anhydride produce 0.8 t of carbon fibre; • Succinylated lignin adhesive for replacing urea-formaldehyde in the wood industry – simulation results show the biorefinery concept having the capacity to valorise both waste amine and CO2 from a PCC plant; and • Renewable fuels like hydrogen as energy vectors – a small biorefinery can potentially provide dozens of gigawatt hours of stored power for backup and peak demands, annually. In summary, results of this research are: • A biorefinery can valorise PCC plant wastes; • Multiproduct succinic acid biorefinery is economically viable; • Renewable fuels are ideally suited as energy storage vectors for a renewable energy grid both in developing and developed countries; • Bioproducts can reduce CO2 emissions thereby mitigate climate change; • Bioproducts can replace petro-products and reduce pollution; • Bioproducts can replace construction industry materials associated with CO2 emissions; • Biorefineries can help a region transition from a linear to a circular economy; and • Circular economies have the potential to generate secure jobs. In conclusion, this research identifies platform biochemicals as potential key drivers in a linear economy’s transition to a circular economy.
- Description: Doctor of Philosophy
- Authors: Ghayur, Adeel
- Date: 2019
- Type: Text , Thesis , PhD
- Full Text:
- Description: Climate change, energy security, pollution and increasing unemployment in the face of automation are four critical challenges facing every region in the twenty-first century, including the Latrobe Valley in Victoria, Australia. The Valley – location of the largest brown coal deposits and forest industry in the southern hemisphere – is undergoing unprecedented and rapid changes. Its ageing brown coal power plants are retiring and replacements are not planned, leading to job insecurity. Solutions are needed that ensure continued economic activity in the region whilst allowing for the Valley to contribute its fair share in the fight against the climate change. The aim of this study is to investigate a possible local solution that could help tackle these issues of the Latrobe Valley in addition to plastic pollution and energy insecurity. Transitioning from linear to circular materials flow is one possible solution that favours sustainability and job security. Consequently, a multiproduct succinic acid biorefinery is modelled, acting as an industrial hub in a potential Latrobe Valley circular economy. This allows for employment creation in the value-addition of its platform chemicals into carbon negative and environment-friendly products. Additionally, such a biorefinery concept has the capacity to tackle Post-combustion CO2 Capture (PCC) industry’s wastes. It is anticipated that any future utilisation of brown coal as an energy vector would entail PCC to ensure carbon neutrality. A PCC industry produces CO2 and amine wastes that require adequate disposal. The modelled biorefinery has the capacity to valorise both. The simulation and the techno-economic analysis show the modelled Carbon Negative Biorefinery consumes 656,000 metric tonnes (t) of pulp logs and 42,000 t of CO2 to produce 220,000 t of succinic acid, 115,000 t of acetic acid and 900 t of dimethyl ether, annually. Biorefinery’s CAPEX and OPEX stand at AU$ 635,000,000 and $ 180,000,000 respectively. The calculated Minimum Selling Price for succinic acid is $ 990/t, only 6.4% higher than a typical biorefinery. Subsequently, biorefinery’s capacity as an anchor tenant is also simulated via technical evaluations of four value-added products: • Poly(butylene succinate) as biodegradable polymer replacing petro-plastics – simulation results show 1 t of succinic acid produces 0.19 t of tetrahydrofuran and 0.44 t of poly(butylene succinate); • Carbon fibre for insulation products, sporting goods and foams – 1 t of lignin and 0.8 t of acetic anhydride produce 0.8 t of carbon fibre; • Succinylated lignin adhesive for replacing urea-formaldehyde in the wood industry – simulation results show the biorefinery concept having the capacity to valorise both waste amine and CO2 from a PCC plant; and • Renewable fuels like hydrogen as energy vectors – a small biorefinery can potentially provide dozens of gigawatt hours of stored power for backup and peak demands, annually. In summary, results of this research are: • A biorefinery can valorise PCC plant wastes; • Multiproduct succinic acid biorefinery is economically viable; • Renewable fuels are ideally suited as energy storage vectors for a renewable energy grid both in developing and developed countries; • Bioproducts can reduce CO2 emissions thereby mitigate climate change; • Bioproducts can replace petro-products and reduce pollution; • Bioproducts can replace construction industry materials associated with CO2 emissions; • Biorefineries can help a region transition from a linear to a circular economy; and • Circular economies have the potential to generate secure jobs. In conclusion, this research identifies platform biochemicals as potential key drivers in a linear economy’s transition to a circular economy.
- Description: Doctor of Philosophy
Non-linear analogues of Lagrange functions in constrained optimization
- Authors: Giri, Jason
- Date: 2005
- Type: Text , Thesis , PhD
- Full Text:
- Description: "This thesis investigates several non-linear analogues of Lagrange functions in the hope of answering the question 'Is it possible to generalise Lagrange functions such that they may be applied to a range of nonconvex objective problems?' The answer to this question is found to be yes for a particular class of optimization problems. Furthermore the thesis asserts that in derivative free optimization the general schema which is most theoretically and practically appealing involves the reformulation of both objective and constraint functions, whilst the least practically successful approach for everything but the most simple convex case is the augmented Lagrangian approach."
- Description: Doctor of Philosophy
- Authors: Giri, Jason
- Date: 2005
- Type: Text , Thesis , PhD
- Full Text:
- Description: "This thesis investigates several non-linear analogues of Lagrange functions in the hope of answering the question 'Is it possible to generalise Lagrange functions such that they may be applied to a range of nonconvex objective problems?' The answer to this question is found to be yes for a particular class of optimization problems. Furthermore the thesis asserts that in derivative free optimization the general schema which is most theoretically and practically appealing involves the reformulation of both objective and constraint functions, whilst the least practically successful approach for everything but the most simple convex case is the augmented Lagrangian approach."
- Description: Doctor of Philosophy
It takes a village to raise a family : designing desire-based community support with parents receiving a family service in south-west Ballarat
- Authors: Goff, Rachel
- Date: 2021
- Type: Text , Thesis , PhD
- Full Text:
- Description: In Victoria, Australia, the family services system is characterised by high referral rates and ongoing challenges to meet the needs of families who are experiencing risks and vulnerabilities. These issues are demonstrating the fact that there is a need to strengthen the level of community support that is being provided to children and their families prior to the escalation of their circumstances. Although the current neoliberal family services system has a key policy priority of reducing and managing family risk and vulnerability, it is neglecting to account for what families no longer want or are yet to experience. This is a shortcoming that the research study that is the subject of this thesis has addressed. In the context of a place-based, government–industry–university collaboration, this research study used a human-centred design methodology to engage with eight parents who were living in the south-west region of Ballarat, Victoria – an area characterised by socio-spatial disadvantage – and receiving a family service. This research study collected data over two phases of investigation. First, it explored the parents’ conceptualisations and experiences of community support in semi-structured interviews. Second, in a design workshop and post-workshop feedback and review interviews, it examined their views, priorities and recommendations for how their self-defined communities might support them in ways that would meet their own and their families’ needs. The research study found that parents conceptualise and experience community support as primarily informal, relational and bound to interpersonal characteristics such as reciprocity, trust, connection and belonging. It also found that their key priorities were supporting their children’s needs, their growing minds and their social skills, as well as bringing people together to promote equality. The parents who participated in this study proposed four recommendations: address the systemic constraints that are impacting on social cohesion; provide more opportunities for parents to support each other; provide non-judgemental and tailored services that can be accessed as a last resort; and enable greater self-determination, equality, trust and safety. These recommendations indicate that parents do not view community support as synonymous with risk and vulnerability; rather, they consider such support enables transformative change to occur in spite of it. Therefore, this research study has provided an understanding of the support that Victorian families want from their communities and has indicated that the paradigms that underpin the family services system are potentially incompatible with parents’ needs and desires.
- Description: Doctor of Philosophy
- Authors: Goff, Rachel
- Date: 2021
- Type: Text , Thesis , PhD
- Full Text:
- Description: In Victoria, Australia, the family services system is characterised by high referral rates and ongoing challenges to meet the needs of families who are experiencing risks and vulnerabilities. These issues are demonstrating the fact that there is a need to strengthen the level of community support that is being provided to children and their families prior to the escalation of their circumstances. Although the current neoliberal family services system has a key policy priority of reducing and managing family risk and vulnerability, it is neglecting to account for what families no longer want or are yet to experience. This is a shortcoming that the research study that is the subject of this thesis has addressed. In the context of a place-based, government–industry–university collaboration, this research study used a human-centred design methodology to engage with eight parents who were living in the south-west region of Ballarat, Victoria – an area characterised by socio-spatial disadvantage – and receiving a family service. This research study collected data over two phases of investigation. First, it explored the parents’ conceptualisations and experiences of community support in semi-structured interviews. Second, in a design workshop and post-workshop feedback and review interviews, it examined their views, priorities and recommendations for how their self-defined communities might support them in ways that would meet their own and their families’ needs. The research study found that parents conceptualise and experience community support as primarily informal, relational and bound to interpersonal characteristics such as reciprocity, trust, connection and belonging. It also found that their key priorities were supporting their children’s needs, their growing minds and their social skills, as well as bringing people together to promote equality. The parents who participated in this study proposed four recommendations: address the systemic constraints that are impacting on social cohesion; provide more opportunities for parents to support each other; provide non-judgemental and tailored services that can be accessed as a last resort; and enable greater self-determination, equality, trust and safety. These recommendations indicate that parents do not view community support as synonymous with risk and vulnerability; rather, they consider such support enables transformative change to occur in spite of it. Therefore, this research study has provided an understanding of the support that Victorian families want from their communities and has indicated that the paradigms that underpin the family services system are potentially incompatible with parents’ needs and desires.
- Description: Doctor of Philosophy
Care leavers recovering voice and agency through counter-narratives
- Authors: Golding, Frank
- Date: 2021
- Type: Text , Thesis , PhD
- Full Text:
- Description: The publications in this thesis discuss recurring issues in the historical context of out-of-home Care (OOHC). They were written for various audiences but are arranged not by date of publication but thematically so as to present a coherent argument about the recovery of voice and agency by those who experienced OOHC. The thesis begins with an Overview which discusses autoethnographic and multi-layered approaches to history and shows how subject matter helps determine the choice of methodology and sources and, in turn, how methodologies influence the selection of sources and shape content. Authorities in Australia have a long history of removing children from their families when they are deemed to be neglected or ‘in moral danger’. Out of the public gaze, these children were often rendered silent, their voices simply unheard or deliberately supressed by the exercise of total institutional power. This thesis analyses how children were marginalised, cast as ‘the other’, and framed as deserving no better than they got. In the aftermath of a series of inquiries into institutional child maltreatment—some of which came about as a result of survivor advocacy and relied heavily on direct testimony—we now better understand children’s institutional experiences. In this changing environment, advocacy groups are effectively challenging the received accounts of historical Care. Their challenge has gained impetus from the opening up of records through rights legislation, especially access to personal case files. Large numbers of Care leavers have found their files inaccurate, incomplete, or misleading, and this discovery has stimulated many to produce compelling counter-narratives of the lived experiences of their childhood, and the living experiences that endure. The thesis concludes with an extended analytical commentary reflecting new interpretations of emerging histories, assessing changes in the status of Care leavers, and identifying directions warranting further development in OOHC.
- Description: Doctor of Philosophy
- Authors: Golding, Frank
- Date: 2021
- Type: Text , Thesis , PhD
- Full Text:
- Description: The publications in this thesis discuss recurring issues in the historical context of out-of-home Care (OOHC). They were written for various audiences but are arranged not by date of publication but thematically so as to present a coherent argument about the recovery of voice and agency by those who experienced OOHC. The thesis begins with an Overview which discusses autoethnographic and multi-layered approaches to history and shows how subject matter helps determine the choice of methodology and sources and, in turn, how methodologies influence the selection of sources and shape content. Authorities in Australia have a long history of removing children from their families when they are deemed to be neglected or ‘in moral danger’. Out of the public gaze, these children were often rendered silent, their voices simply unheard or deliberately supressed by the exercise of total institutional power. This thesis analyses how children were marginalised, cast as ‘the other’, and framed as deserving no better than they got. In the aftermath of a series of inquiries into institutional child maltreatment—some of which came about as a result of survivor advocacy and relied heavily on direct testimony—we now better understand children’s institutional experiences. In this changing environment, advocacy groups are effectively challenging the received accounts of historical Care. Their challenge has gained impetus from the opening up of records through rights legislation, especially access to personal case files. Large numbers of Care leavers have found their files inaccurate, incomplete, or misleading, and this discovery has stimulated many to produce compelling counter-narratives of the lived experiences of their childhood, and the living experiences that endure. The thesis concludes with an extended analytical commentary reflecting new interpretations of emerging histories, assessing changes in the status of Care leavers, and identifying directions warranting further development in OOHC.
- Description: Doctor of Philosophy
An investigation of heat stress epidemiology, prevention guidelines, and sporting environment
- Authors: Gonsalves, Marlon
- Date: 2022
- Type: Text , Thesis , PhD
- Full Text:
- Description: As temperatures rise, the frequency of heatwaves, extreme summer heat and less night-time cooling increases. An uncontrolled increase in heat production affects performance and subsequently affects the health of the athlete resulting in exertional heat illness (EHI). EHI is a result of an uncontrollable rise in core body temperature arising from a thermoregulatory response. With rising temperatures, the risk of EHI when exercising or participating in sport increases. However, assessing the risk of EHI is contingent on accurate epidemiological data and addressing the risk of EHI is reliant on effective evidence-based interventions. This thesis assessed the risk of EHI through four interlinked studies: (ⅰ) an analysis of heat-related sports and leisure hospitalisations and emergency department presentations to determine trends in incidence rates and compare them with meteorological trends; (ⅱ) a document analysis of all sports and leisure activity heat-related injury prevention resources in Australia to develop an understanding of the content within those resources; (ⅲ) an investigation of surface temperatures of commonly used artificial sports surfaces to assess the risk posed by such surfaces and measure the differences in microclimates; and, (ⅳ) an assessment of the concordance of meteorological data of multiple artificial sports surfaces with meteorological data from the nearest Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) weather station and a local City of Ballarat (COB) environmental monitoring system (EMS). A total of 1055 heat injury hospitalisations and emergency department (ED) presentations were recorded between July 2008 and June 2018, which included 171 sport-related hospitalisations,139 ED presentations, 83 leisure-related hospitalisations and 662 ED presentations. There were significant correlations between ED presentations for heat-related sports injuries and mean, minimum and maximum temperature, mean and maximum temperature anomaly, summer maximum temperature, and summer maximum temperature anomaly. Three overarching categories emerged through the document analysis process: preventive strategies (n=299, 63.9%), risk factors (n=94, 20.1%), and treatment (n=75, 16.0%). Activity modification, which included information on rescheduling games and extra breaks, was the most common intervention. Cricket, soccer, swimming, and triathlon had the most complete set of heat resources. During the 2020–2021 summer period a total of 1245 measurements were recorded across five artificial sports surfaces: athletics, hockey, lawn bowls, soccer, tennis. The lawn bowls turf was the hottest surface with a mean surface temperature of 54.43 (± 13.46) °C. An increase in surface temperature corresponded to an increase in air temperature, wet bulb temperature and a decrease in relative humidity but the effect varied across the five surfaces. An increase in solar radiation and air temperature also corresponded to an increase in surface temperature. On all five surfaces measured, the BOM air temperatures were the lowest, followed by the on-site air temperatures and then the COB air temperatures on all surfaces. The highest Wet Bulb Globe Temperature (WBGT) measurements of 24.38 (± 2.39) °C were recorded by the COB sensor, while the lowest WBGT measurements 20.76 (± 1.99) °C were recorded by the BOM. There was a statistically significant difference in the WBGT categorisation between on-site estimate measurements and BOM measurements, p <0.001. The incidence of heat-related hospitalisations and ED presentations provides a baseline from which heat-related guidelines and interventions can be developed, evaluated, and modified. Heat resources considered in the document analysis suggest EHI is preventable if appropriate precautions are implemented. With a focus on preventing EHI, heat resources mainly provided recommendations on modifying activities and reducing exposure to extreme conditions. These results imply the EHI risk posed by artificial sport surfaces are not uniform and safety polices should be updated to reflect the link between air temperature and surface temperature. Understanding how surface temperature is influenced by air temperature, solar radiation and cloud cover allows for more accurate predictions of playing conditions on these artificial sport surfaces. Differences were observed between the individual meteorological measurements, the WBGT measurements and the heat stress categorisation. Overall, a significant discord existed for both individual meteorological variables and WBGT modelled from multiple sources of available data. The findings from this thesis have implications for athlete welfare and strengthening future interventions. Overall, this doctoral research project quantifies the scale of heat-related injuries, reviews the policies to address these heat-related injuries and provides new knowledge on the risk posed by artificial sports surfaces.
- Description: Doctor of Philosophy
- Description: As temperatures rise, the frequency of heatwaves, extreme summer heat and less night-time cooling increases. An uncontrolled increase in heat production affects performance and subsequently affects the health of the athlete resulting in exertional heat illness (EHI). EHI is a result of an uncontrollable rise in core body temperature arising from a thermoregulatory response. With rising temperatures, the risk of EHI when exercising or participating in sport increases. However, assessing the risk of EHI is contingent on accurate epidemiological data and addressing the risk of EHI is reliant on effective evidence-based interventions. This thesis assessed the risk of EHI through four interlinked studies: (
- Authors: Gonsalves, Marlon
- Date: 2022
- Type: Text , Thesis , PhD
- Full Text:
- Description: As temperatures rise, the frequency of heatwaves, extreme summer heat and less night-time cooling increases. An uncontrolled increase in heat production affects performance and subsequently affects the health of the athlete resulting in exertional heat illness (EHI). EHI is a result of an uncontrollable rise in core body temperature arising from a thermoregulatory response. With rising temperatures, the risk of EHI when exercising or participating in sport increases. However, assessing the risk of EHI is contingent on accurate epidemiological data and addressing the risk of EHI is reliant on effective evidence-based interventions. This thesis assessed the risk of EHI through four interlinked studies: (ⅰ) an analysis of heat-related sports and leisure hospitalisations and emergency department presentations to determine trends in incidence rates and compare them with meteorological trends; (ⅱ) a document analysis of all sports and leisure activity heat-related injury prevention resources in Australia to develop an understanding of the content within those resources; (ⅲ) an investigation of surface temperatures of commonly used artificial sports surfaces to assess the risk posed by such surfaces and measure the differences in microclimates; and, (ⅳ) an assessment of the concordance of meteorological data of multiple artificial sports surfaces with meteorological data from the nearest Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) weather station and a local City of Ballarat (COB) environmental monitoring system (EMS). A total of 1055 heat injury hospitalisations and emergency department (ED) presentations were recorded between July 2008 and June 2018, which included 171 sport-related hospitalisations,139 ED presentations, 83 leisure-related hospitalisations and 662 ED presentations. There were significant correlations between ED presentations for heat-related sports injuries and mean, minimum and maximum temperature, mean and maximum temperature anomaly, summer maximum temperature, and summer maximum temperature anomaly. Three overarching categories emerged through the document analysis process: preventive strategies (n=299, 63.9%), risk factors (n=94, 20.1%), and treatment (n=75, 16.0%). Activity modification, which included information on rescheduling games and extra breaks, was the most common intervention. Cricket, soccer, swimming, and triathlon had the most complete set of heat resources. During the 2020–2021 summer period a total of 1245 measurements were recorded across five artificial sports surfaces: athletics, hockey, lawn bowls, soccer, tennis. The lawn bowls turf was the hottest surface with a mean surface temperature of 54.43 (± 13.46) °C. An increase in surface temperature corresponded to an increase in air temperature, wet bulb temperature and a decrease in relative humidity but the effect varied across the five surfaces. An increase in solar radiation and air temperature also corresponded to an increase in surface temperature. On all five surfaces measured, the BOM air temperatures were the lowest, followed by the on-site air temperatures and then the COB air temperatures on all surfaces. The highest Wet Bulb Globe Temperature (WBGT) measurements of 24.38 (± 2.39) °C were recorded by the COB sensor, while the lowest WBGT measurements 20.76 (± 1.99) °C were recorded by the BOM. There was a statistically significant difference in the WBGT categorisation between on-site estimate measurements and BOM measurements, p <0.001. The incidence of heat-related hospitalisations and ED presentations provides a baseline from which heat-related guidelines and interventions can be developed, evaluated, and modified. Heat resources considered in the document analysis suggest EHI is preventable if appropriate precautions are implemented. With a focus on preventing EHI, heat resources mainly provided recommendations on modifying activities and reducing exposure to extreme conditions. These results imply the EHI risk posed by artificial sport surfaces are not uniform and safety polices should be updated to reflect the link between air temperature and surface temperature. Understanding how surface temperature is influenced by air temperature, solar radiation and cloud cover allows for more accurate predictions of playing conditions on these artificial sport surfaces. Differences were observed between the individual meteorological measurements, the WBGT measurements and the heat stress categorisation. Overall, a significant discord existed for both individual meteorological variables and WBGT modelled from multiple sources of available data. The findings from this thesis have implications for athlete welfare and strengthening future interventions. Overall, this doctoral research project quantifies the scale of heat-related injuries, reviews the policies to address these heat-related injuries and provides new knowledge on the risk posed by artificial sports surfaces.
- Description: Doctor of Philosophy
- Description: As temperatures rise, the frequency of heatwaves, extreme summer heat and less night-time cooling increases. An uncontrolled increase in heat production affects performance and subsequently affects the health of the athlete resulting in exertional heat illness (EHI). EHI is a result of an uncontrollable rise in core body temperature arising from a thermoregulatory response. With rising temperatures, the risk of EHI when exercising or participating in sport increases. However, assessing the risk of EHI is contingent on accurate epidemiological data and addressing the risk of EHI is reliant on effective evidence-based interventions. This thesis assessed the risk of EHI through four interlinked studies: (