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Novel Biomarkers of Disorders Causing Secondary Mitochondrial Dysfunction
No full textThe diagnosis and monitoring of rare diseases relies on the quantification of disease-associated biomarkers. Primary mitochondrial disorders (PMD) have benefited from biomarker research, with studies showing that mitokines (fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF21) and growth differentiation factor 15 (GDF15)) are elevated in individuals with PMDs. Given that mitokine elevations may represent a protective response to oxidative stress, increases may also occur in disorders causing secondary mitochondrial dysfunction (SMD), including fatty acid oxidation defects (FAODs), organic acidaemias/acidurias (OAs), and Rett syndrome (RTT). This thesis employed both targeted and untargeted analytical approaches to investigate biomarkers associated with SMD (with a particular focus on RTT). The initial study showed higher mitokine concentrations in individuals with FAODs and OAs compared to controls using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. This work was expanded to RTT where mitokine concentrations were measured in both a murine model and in humans. Elevated mitokine levels were observed in affected female mice relative to wild-type (WT) controls. However, the same mitokines were not elevated in affected male mice when compared to WT controls. Mitokine concentrations in female humans with RTT were increased when compared to the unaffected human controls; however, these elevations correlated with sodium valproate therapy. Lastly, untargeted multi-omic analysis (transcriptomic, proteomic, phosphoproteomic, and metabolomic) of blood from individuals with RTT identified enrichment of mitochondrial and ribosomal pathways. Differential correlation network analysis suggested a complex interaction between immune-related and neuronal molecules that may underlie altered glutamatergic signalling. Overall, this body of work highlights the use of both targeted and untargeted methodologies to investigate biomarkers and provides functional insights into the pathophysiology underpinning RTT
Plastic and organic waste photoreforming for green hydrogen evolution and valuable products
No full textAs the world transitions to a carbon-neutral future, photoreforming offers a promising route to address two challenges simultaneously: waste reduction and renewable energy production. In this process, a photocatalyst harnesses sunlight to drive water reduction to hydrogen and waste oxidation to organic compounds under ambient conditions. This thesis investigates ambient-temperature photoreforming of plastic and biomass waste using platinum-loaded graphitic carbon nitride (Pt/g-C3N4 or Pt/CN) for its visible-light response, chemical stability, and availability. Four nitrogen-rich precursors (dicyandiamide, melamine, thiourea, urea) were studied to assess their effect on g-C3N4 properties and PET photoreforming. Melamine-derived g-C3N4 with 3 wt.% Pt achieved the highest hydrogen evolution rate (7.33 mmol H2 gcat-1 h-1) and stable PET conversion to valuable organics over 8 days, attributed to its higher crystallinity and chemical resistance. To further improve performance, post-thermal and chemical oxidation treatments were applied to melamine-derived g-C₃N₄, producing high-surface-area (>400 m2 g-1), hydrophilic photocatalysts. These enabled efficient photoreforming of biomass-derived 5-(hydroxymethyl)furfural (HMF) in neutral water, achieving hydrogen evolution rates nearly four times higher than untreated CN and maintaining stability over five days. The influence of synthesis temperature on CN properties was also explored for real-world plastic waste. Pt/CN550 showed high activity for PET and other plastics, outperforming P25. Its optimal performance arose from balanced crystallinity, surface reactivity, and co-catalyst formation. Overall, this work demonstrates the potential of g-C₃N₄-based catalysts for integrated hydrogen production and sustainable plastic/biomass waste reforming, providing valuable insights for future recycling strategies
ARC Industry Laureate Fellowship Project newsletter - Fixing the NDIS for People with Psychosocial Disability
No full textThe five-year Australian Research Council (ARC) Industry Laureate Fellowship project, led by Professor Jennifer Smith-Merry, continues to make strong progress toward improving outcomes for people with psychosocial disability within the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS).
This project (2024–2029) is designed to address key gaps in NDIS operation and data for one of its largest participant groups. The research team is developing new evidence on scheme outcomes, cost-effectiveness, and participant and stakeholder experiences to help improve supports for people with psychosocial disability—both within and beyond the NDIS
The Colonial Origins of Nazi Ideology: Genocidal Practices from Namibia to Germany
No full textThis essay analyses the connections between German colonial violence and the Holocaust, arguing that the systematic dehumanisation of colonised peoples in Africa provided a conceptual and psychological foundation for Nazi genocidal practices. In making this argument, this essay challenges historiographical claims of the Holocaust being an unprecedented event, demonstrating that Nazi genocidal practices represented the internal application of colonial extermination strategies.Scholarships & Prizes Office. University of Sydne
Amygdala integrity in frontotemporal dementia
No full textThe amygdala is a highly interconnected subcortical brain region located bilaterally in the
medial temporal lobes, playing a critical role in numerous cognitive and socioemotional
processes. Damage to the amygdala is consistently observed in frontotemporal dementia
(FTD) and is linked to emotional and behavioural disturbances. Yet, the extent of amygdala
involvement in different FTD clinical subtypes and its specific relationship with social
cognitive impairment remains unclear. Crucially, the amygdala comprises multiple distinct
subregions, previous research, however, often considers it as a homogenous structure,
overlooking its subregional changes.
This thesis employed cutting-edge neuroimaging techniques to comprehensively
investigate the volumetric and structural connectivity changes of the amygdala in FTD, and
their clinical implications. Using longitudinal data, Chapter 3 revealed distinct amygdala
subregional atrophy trajectories across FTD subtypes. Chapter 4 demonstrated that
empathy and emotion recognition deficits in FTD were differentially associated with
amygdala subregional volumes, particularly the superficial and centromedial
subregions. Chapter 5 applied fixel-based analysis and tractography to identify subtype-
specific disruptions in amygdala structural connectivity. Chapter 6 expanded these findings
to further show that disrupted structural connections between the amygdala and other
brain regions were associated with social cognitive deficits, specific to each FTD subtype.
Together, this work demonstrates that amygdala subregional volumes and structural
connections are differentially affected across FTD subtypes, and are distinctly engaged in
empathy loss and emotion recognition deficits. These findings provide critical insights into
disease progression and aid in the development of targeted biomarkers and therapeutic
strategies
Developing All Abilities Touch Football: Foundations for a Classification Framework
No full textApproximately 16% of the global population is estimated to live with a disability. However, individuals with disabilities are less likely to meet physical activity guidelines compared to their non-disabled counterparts. They are also twice as likely to be physically inactive, which increases their risk of developing chronic health conditions associated with inactivity. All Abilities Touch Football (AATF) offers individuals with intellectual and/or physical impairments an opportunity to participate in organised sport and develop their skills in a supportive environment. However, as AATF’s sporting profile continues to grow, accommodating players with diverse abilities in the same sport while ensuring fair and safe competition is becoming increasingly challenging. This thesis aimed to provide a comprehensive understanding of AATF, offering foundational insights to enhance participation and playing opportunities for AATF players while evaluating the feasibility of implementing a classification framework for the sport. Chapter Two presents a systematic review of impairment and activity limitation measures used in Para sport classification. Chapter Three explores stakeholder perspectives on the current challenges and opportunities in AATF, including the potential for a classification framework. Chapter Four assesses the range of player abilities by measuring physical performance through fitness tests and observing activity limitations. Chapter Five quantifies the demands of AATF competition. The findings emphasise the importance of redefining the sport’s structure by potentially developing a classification framework to better support a range of player abilities, improve competitive balance, and promote broader participation across all levels of the sport
Behaviour of Sandy Soils with Varying Fines Content and Saturation Under Monotonic and Cyclic Triaxial Loading: Experimental Study and Model Validation
No full textThe behaviour of sandy soils under varying loading and saturation conditions is fundamental in geotechnical engineering, particularly for the safe and resilient design of foundations, embankments, and earth structures. While the behaviour of fully saturated soils is relatively well understood, the mechanical response of partially saturated soils, especially under cyclic loading remains a topic of active research due to its complexity and significant impact on infrastructure performance. This study investigates the influence of fines content and degree of saturation on the monotonic and cyclic behaviour of sandy soils and validates a constitutive model capable of simulating these responses within a Critical State Soil Mechanics (CSSM) framework.
An extensive triaxial testing program was conducted on sandy soils mixed with varying proportions of non-plastic feldspar fines under both saturated and partially saturated conditions. Tests included monotonic and cyclic loading to capture key behavioural characteristics. Results show that fines content and degree of saturation strongly influence soil response. Low fines content (30%) produced a fines-dominated compressive response. Partially saturated soils exhibited enhanced cyclic resistance due to matric suction, though very low saturation led to brittleness and strain localisation.
This study demonstrates the potential of a critical state-based model to simulate complex soil responses under different saturation and fines conditions, while also highlighting the limitations in current modelling approaches for cyclic behaviour. The findings underscore the importance of targeted experimental data for model calibration and point to the need for further model development, particularly in simulating cyclic degradation, suction hysteresis, and strain accumulation with improved computational efficiency
ROMAN HEADS, GREEK HEARTS, CANAANITE SOULS. Culture, Religion and Identity at Pella of the Decapolis during the Roman Period 64/63 BCE To 295 CE
No full textThis thesis aims to shed light on the Roman period of Pella, a significant archaeological site located in northern Jordan. The research employs a multi-layered analysis of the excavated material, literary references, numismatic evidence, and site records to explore the questions of culture, religion, and identity at Pella. It is argued that although Pella was affiliated with the Decapolis, or ‘Ten Cities’ of predominantly Greek traditions and outlook, during the Roman period, the city was exposed to different cultural, environmental and political influences and developed a unique civic identity.
Although Pella evolved as an essentially ‘Roman’ urban landscape, there are significant gaps in our knowledge of the occupation sequence for this period. Drawing on the archaeological, historical and environmental information, it is proposed that the population of Roman Pella experienced periods of both discernible prosperity and extreme hardship and that these primarily reflected the political and economic environment of the Decapolis region and nearby Judaea.
Central to the thesis is contextualising Roman Pella chronologically, historically and environmentally. The relationship between Pella and the other core cities of the Decapolis under their Greek and Roman rulers is examined in detail through historical references, archaeological information and the city coins. By analysing and critically interpreting the available data from Pella and placing it within its chronological, historical and contextual framework, it is possible to bring this elusive city into sharper focus. It is argued that the Roman city of Pella was a relatively small but crucial provincial city which played peripheral but sometimes critical roles in contemporary events in the Southern Levant. As such, Pella assisted in promoting Roman rule in the region and underwent significant changes in its urban landscape during the late first century CE and late second century CE
The MaaS Blueprint for Regional Towns and Rural Hinterlands
No full textThis Blueprint document presents a vision for how transport services in rural and regional areas in the NSW context could be better organised to meet the needs of residents and visitors. The Blueprint features a mobility framework for Rural and Regional MaaS which is multi-modal (including all modes available, including the private car) and multi-service (e.g., non-mobility services such as parcel deliveries, library services, food and medicine distribution, media streaming). The Blueprint also provides a focus on decarbonising transport and combatting social exclusion
BARGAINING WITH THE RULERS : THE POLITICS OF CONSTITUENCY–BASED DECISIONS IN FIFTH–CENTURY GAUL
No full textThis thesis focuses on the careers of three separate Gallic rulers of the fifth century: Constantine III,
Theoderic II and Euric. Although the past forty years has witnessed a renewed scholarly interest in
the local aspects of rule and leadership in this period, there has been no detailed study that accounts
for the various stakeholders themselves which surrounded the Gallic rulers.
This thesis will argue that, while the personal ambitions of rulers were important, policies were not
shaped by them. Rather, four constituencies – a ruler’s army, the imperial court, the local aristocracy,
and the local episcopate – determined a ruler’s decision. Moreover, it will demonstrate that these four
groups swayed rulers in their own ways, but that each reign can be best understood by examining
the ebb and flow of each constituency’s ever-changing influence. As the importance of local
constituencies grew over the course of the century, Gallic bishops and aristocrats had greater say in
the policies of Theoderic and Euric, than they had under Constantine III. Conversely, the ability of
civilian and military office-holders at the imperial court in Italy to affect the Tolosan kings’ decisions
waned. As the central Italian administration grew distant from Gallic affairs, the local constituencies seized control. This dissertation aims to cast new light upon the people within these constituencies,
as well as the communities they represented. It will show how a constituency consisted of ambitious
individuals and parties who formed loose alliances with each other in order to pressure a ruler into
enacting a particular policy