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Conversion of wastewater, municipal solid waste and algae to electricity, treated water, and valuable products
No full textThe thesis is research for a conceptual design to convert wastewater, municipal solid waste, and algae into electricity, treated water, and valuable products. The system objectives were created and used as the foundation of the research.
A detailed literature review identified the integration research gaps which led to the proposed research questions. The research questions guided the development of an iterative design process. The process design used and integrated technologies of waste sorting, biological decomposition and conversion, multiple thermal treatments and combustion of fuel from the waste. A simulation was created and simulated in Aspen Plus V11.0 which was then optimized. The result of the simulation affirmed the potential synergies to achieve system objectives while determining the power requirements and sizing of operating units for financial analysis. The financial analysis of the simulated process yielded a positive net present value of $1.33 billion AUD, confirming the economic viability of the conceptual design and the robust range of valuable products.
The conceptual design achieved the system objectives to negate power demands on an electric network for treating water with excess of 30kW, reducing municipal solid waste from being landfill, and produce a diverse range of 23 valuable products and negate any carbon emissions from 72% of the baseline land requirements of similar wastewater treatment plants. The conversion of waste materials into valuable resources and power in this thesis provides a viable solution for sustainable waste management and resource recovery to support environmental, social and economic objectives
Understanding needs, barriers, and facilitators to self-management among people living with type 2 diabetes in Lilongwe and Blantyre, Malawi
No full textBackground
Type 2 diabetes is a growing concern in Malawi because of the increasing prevalence and limited resources available for diabetes care and management. A shortage of healthcare providers, inadequate healthcare infrastructure, limited access to diabetes medications and supplies, and the high cost of treatment limits access to diabetes care and support for people with type 2 diabetes in Malawi. This can impact the provision of comprehensive care that addresses their needs and preferences. To control the impact of the disease on their health and wellbeing and reduce the risk of complications, people living with type 2 diabetes need to consistently engage in self-management activities. It is important to understand the supportive care needs of people living with type 2 diabetes, including the factors that facilitate or hinder their self-management efforts to inform the provision of support that will help people living with type 2 diabetes to effectively manage their condition. This study sought to understand the supportive care needs of people living with type 2 diabetes in Malawi and explore the factors that facilitate of hinder self-management behaviours.
Methods
This research was conducted at two public referral hospitals in Malawi: Kamuzu Central Hospital (KCH) and Queen Elizabeth Central Hospital (QECH) using a sequential explanatory mixed methods design. In the first phase, a survey with questions soliciting information about demographics and disease related information, followed by a modified Supportive Care Needs Survey (SCNS-SF34) was administered to a convenience sample of 286 adults living with type 2 diabetes who were attending diabetes clinic at KCH or QECH. Data were analysed using IBM Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) Statistics version 29.0.1.0 for Windows. Descriptive and logistic regression models were used to assess supportive care needs and determine associated factors, respectively.
In the second phase face-to-face semi-structured interviews were conducted with a purposive sample of 12 participants to explore their perceptions and experiences of supportive care needs, as well as barriers and facilitators to self-management. The data were analysed using thematic analysis.
Data integration occurred at various points in the study, including at the design, methods, interpretation, and reporting levels. Findings from the two phases were integrated narratively using a joint display approach to provide a comprehensive understanding of the supportive care needs and self-management challenges.
Results
Quantitative results
A total of 286 adults who had been diagnosed with type 2 diabetes (156 at KCH and 130 at QECH) completed the survey. The mean age of participants was 51.2 years (SD ± 13.19), and the majority were female (n = 194; 67.8%) and married (n = 186; 65%). Most participants (n = 186; 65%) were prescribed oral antidiabetic medications and the median time since diagnosis was 6 years (IQR 2 – 11 years). The prevalence of unmet needs was high across all domains of supportive care. Health systems and information needs (n = 266; 93%) were most likely to be unmet, followed by patient care and support needs (n = 243; 85%). The prevalence of unmet needs among participants at KCH was significantly higher for psychological needs (91% vs 67.7%; p = .001), physical and daily living needs (88.5% vs 70.8%; p ≤ .001), patient care and support needs (89.7% vs 79.2%; p = .013) and needs related to sexuality (75.6% vs 64.6%; p = .042). For participants at KCH, having secondary education increased the odds of reporting unmet health systems and information needs (AOR 1.054; 95% CI 1.05–68.99); in turn, older age (AOR .949; 95% CI .01–.99) reduced the likelihood of reporting unmet needs relating to sexuality. At QECH, female participants were less likely to report unmet needs relating to sexuality (AOR .309; 95% CI .099–.966), and the likelihood of reporting unmet psychological needs was lower for participants who were employed (AOR.151; 95% CI .037–.610).
Qualitative results
The thematic analysis of qualitative data revealed specific needs and self-management facilitators and barriers that supported, expanded on and, in some instances, contradicted the quantitative findings. The themes were categorised according to three a priori headings, namely 1) Supportive care needs, 2) Self-management facilitators, and 3) Barriers to self-management. Several subthemes were generated within each category.
The analysis demonstrated that the perceptions of unmet supportive care needs related to physical and daily living, psychological aspects, sexuality, patient care and support and information and health care systems emerged consistently in both the quantitative and qualitative results. In addition, integration of the results deepened understanding, by revealing relationships between supportive care needs and identified self-management facilitators and barriers. An important finding of this study is the significant variation in needs reported by participants at the two hospitals, despite both being tertiary-level public hospitals. Application of the socioecological model for interpreting and discussing the results demonstrated that all levels of the model (factors at the intrapersonal, interpersonal, community, organisational and policy levels) influenced perceived unmet supportive care needs and barriers and facilitators to self-management.
Conclusions
This study revealed high levels of unmet supportive care needs in adults living with type 2 diabetes in two areas of Malawi. Unmet needs were prevalent across several domains particularly within health systems and information, patient care and support and psychological. These needs were most pronounced among participants from KCH in Lilongwe compared to QECH in Blantyre and associations between unmet needs with self-management barriers and facilitators were observed. Limited access to self-management resources, inadequate family and social support, and challenges within the healthcare system, were identified as barriers to self-management. However, supportive family and social networks adherence to medical advice, acceptance of the condition, and motivation were identified as factors that support self-management. Addressing unmet supportive care needs and barriers for people living with type 2 diabetes in Malawi requires strengthening health care systems, enhancing patient education and promoting comprehensive support. The study highlights the need for effective health policies and patient centred approaches tailored to people’s needs and preferences to improve quality of life and health outcomes
The impacts of COVID-19 restrictions on care-givers of people with cognitive impairment and their support needs: A mixed-methods systematic review
Get PDFThe COVID-19 pandemic and ensuing restrictions/lockdowns have caused significant physical and psychological consequences for people with cognitive impairment who are heavily dependent on their care-givers. However, little is known about the impact on care-givers, the factors that exacerbate their situation and what supports they need. The aims of this paper are threefold: (a) to examine the impact of COVID-19 physical restrictions on both formal and informal care-givers of people with cognitive impairment; (b) to identify attributing factors influencing this impact; and (c) to recognise their support needs. Further, this paper informs future research, policy and practice. Guided by the Joanna Briggs Institute framework, a systematic review was conducted using a mixed-methods convergent integrated approach. Eight databases were searched using keywords related to COVID-19 restriction, dementia care-givers, impacts and care settings, followed by a manual search. The study was limited to primary research published in English between January 2020 and December 2021. Of the 840 records identified, 30 met the inclusion criteria. Service withdrawal and social distancing has effectively led to the reprivatisation of care to the family, particularly women. Care-givers experienced negative impacts including reduced psychological wellbeing and physical health, increased care burden and financial difficulties. A number of clinical attributes and socio-demographic factors influenced the COVID-19 impact on care-givers. Consequently, counselling services, assistance with care and financial support were identified as support needs. Implementation of new support and the strengthening of existing services are recommended to enhance resilience, build capacity to support care-givers in any given situation and mitigate the effects of future outbreaks
Assessing a model of customer rage: Does customer entitlement moderate relationships between rage emotions, expressions and behaviors?
Get PDFAcross travel and tourism services research, studies investigating “customer rage” typically prioritize the direct point-of-consumption, often within airport, airline, or hotel contexts. However, the sector is awash with intermediaries (e.g., travel agencies, insurance brokers, booking platforms), which serve as primary points-of-contact capable of shaping customer expectations. Accordingly, the consequences of service failure therein are nuanced and complex. Yet, extant research often portrays service failure as unilateral (i.e., solely the firm in question’s responsibility), overlooking one core demand-side characteristic: the customer’s sense of entitlement. Thus, while this study draws upon the Iranian travel agency setting (as a service intermediary) to assess a model of customer rage, it also explores whether customer entitlement moderates the relationships between customers’ rage emotions, expressions, and behaviors. Doing so, 736 survey responses were analyzed. Findings demonstrate how customer rage emerges in response to service failure, alongside the conditions under which customer entitlement moderates relationships therein
Scale development for measuring sustainability of urban destinations from the perspectives of residents, tourists, businesses and government
No full textThis study develops four subjective scales to measure a destination’s sustainability from the perspectives of residents, tourists, businesses and government agencies. Using the expert opinion survey, participants were asked to evaluate the initial list of indicators based on five aspects of sustainability, including economic, socio-cultural, environmental, political and technological sustainability for each stakeholder group. Then, the scales were validated using partial least squares - structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) and confirmatory composite analysis (CCA). This article has a unique theoretical contribution by developing four scales to measure the sustainability of destinations from the perspective of four main stakeholders. Moreover, this article provides practical implications and can assist tourism providers and governments in better understanding sustainable urban tourism development and shaping policy
Life stories and digital learning: A social care approach to culturally and linguistically diverse ageing
No full textThis brief report has been prepared to provide a written record of the program ‘Life Stories and Digital Learning: A Social Care Approach to CaLD Ageing’ (conducted in 2019 at MYVISTA aged care facility). It presents an evaluation of the program as reported by program participants and facilitators. It ends with brief recommendations and a summary of the learnings from the program
A practical mobile measurement approach for urban climate data collection: Proposing a method to investigate the cooling effect of urban green areas in Joondalup, Western Australia
No full textA practical mobile measurement approach was designed and implemented to collect urban climate data for studies focused on investigating the cooling effect of urban green areas (UGAs). The approach involved classifying UGAs, followed by strategic placement of transects and the selection of measurement points across diverse urban features. Data collection was conducted using a mobile weather station mounted on an e-bike along the designed transects. A fixed reference station was also used to provide consistent baseline measurements, enabling meaningful comparisons with mobile station data. Additionally, meteorological data from coastal and inland reference stations (three sites) were characterized to isolate the cooling influence of urban green areas from natural spatial and temporal temperature variability driven by land–sea interactions. A mobile measurement setup was also designed to balance the challenges of speed and data collection. Multiple measurement scenarios were then implemented to ensure data collection from all locations at different times and on varying days. Finally, a pilot mobile measurement was conducted in Joondalup, WA, over 24 days during the summer to assess the real-world performance of the proposed approach. Results showed that classifying UGAs into distinct categories facilitated the design of transects, ensuring coverage of diverse urban features and representation of all UGA classifications. Reliability testing indicated that 95% of the temperature differences between the fixed and mobile stations fell within the limits of -0.03°C and 0.4°C, with variations outside this range reflecting cooler or warmer conditions. Eight measurement scenarios were developed to ensure comprehensive data collection, with each scenario repeated multiple times to capture temporal variability, averaging 6 hours of data collection per day. The pilot measurements demonstrated that implementing the practical approach yields sufficient and reliable data for estimating the cooling effect of UGAs. This study serves as a practical resource, introducing researchers, urban planners, and postgraduate students to design and conduct an efficient field measurement in similar studies
Art in public: Potential public pedagogy post-pandemic
No full textThis article speculates how art in public space might evolve in a COVID-19 world. We examine the complexity embedded within the realm of public space using two public art projects as case studies: an artwork produced as part of an artist residency inside the Parliament of Western Australia and a public artwork commission for a highway interchange at Wanneroo, Western Australia. Both projects are used as examples to speculate on how we might navigate the complexity and possibilities for art in public as a consequence of a refiguration of such public spaces resulting from COVID-19 prevention measures. This article postulates how both projects inform the public pedagogy of alternate venues and the efficacy of art in intervening in often closed spaces to offer altered experiences to existing structures. We then focus on what public art is, does and who the traditional audiences have been and why, questioning the efficacy of this art form. Expectations are then scrutinized, concluding that tools for assessment, while available, are rarely employed
WS₂ and Ag thin films encased trimetallic Ni-Co-Zn micro-flakes as an efficient electrocatalyst for hydrogen evolution reaction
No full textSingle transition metal-based electrocatalysts typically exhibit lower HER activity compared to precious metals. However, combining multiple transition metals can elevate HER activity to levels on par with precious metals. Meanwhile, WS₂ is recognized as an effective HER electrocatalyst, with ongoing research exploring enhancements through doping and heterostructure formation. In the present study, a highly efficient HER electrocatalyst (Ag/NCZ-MF/WS₂) was developed by integrating WS₂ and Ag thin films with tri-metallic Ni-Co-Zn micro flakes (NCZ-MF). The designed electrocatalyst Ag/NCZ-MF/WS₂ exhibited excellent HER performance, achieving a current density of 10 mA/cm² at a low overpotential of 94 mV, with a Tafel slope of 56 mV/dec. Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) revealed minimal solution and charge transfer resistances (Rs = 1.35 Ω, Rct = 9 ×10⁻³ Ω), highlighting its superior electrochemical performance. Furthermore, chronoamperometry confirmed the long-term stability of Ag/NCZ-MF/WS₂, showing negligible activity loss after 10 h of continuous operation. The low intrinsic resistances, abundant active sites, high conductivity, enhanced and durable HER performance of Ag/NCZ-MF/WS₂ electrocatalyst, positioning it as a promising alternative to precious metal-based electrocatalysts
Community service organizations and actions for climate justice: An exploration of the Western Australian context
No full textThis study utilized Feminist Participatory Action Research in collaboration with community service organizations (CSOs) in Western Australia to assess knowledges, capacities and capabilities regarding climate justice. Through surveys, interviews, and workshops, CSO workers explored organizational responses to climate change and social justice. Participants self-reported a low-to-medium understanding of climate justice and a desire for capacity building, especially in decolonial practice. Half of participating organizations had policies regarding climate change and social justice and engaged in climate advocacy, but identified a lack of sectorial and organizational leadership. Participants recommended opportunities for CSOs to operationalize climate justice and disaster resilience via climate justice mainstreaming, partnerships and collective activism. CSOs prioritized co-producing a Climate Justice and Resilience Toolkit as a social innovation to embed climate justice and disaster resilience across CSO operations. This demonstrates the significance of collaboration in addressing the social injustices of climate change and fostering innovative outcomes for CSOs