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CRC#30: Critical Impact through Productisation
No full textThis report investigates the scheduling benefits and challenges of prefabricated construction in medium-rise timber buildings, specifically focusing on the critical path impact of productisation. The study explores various aspects of modular construction, productised risk, dynamic scheduling and systems integration in productised building projects
PD control-based reachable set synthesis for singular Takagi-Sugeno fuzzy systems with time-varying delay
No full textThis article focuses on the reachable set synthesis problem for singular Takagi-Sugeno fuzzy systems with time-varying delay. The main contribution is that we design a proportional plus derivative state feedback controller to ensure that the singular fuzzy system is normal and the system states are bounded by a derived ellipsoid. In the light of the Lyapunov stability theory and the parallel distributed compensation method, the sufficient criteria are shown in the format of linear matrix inequalities. Furthermore, we investigate another case of reachable set synthesis, where the reachable set to be found is contained in a given ellipsoid. Finally, we use two examples to exhibit the usefulness of the proposed method
The emergent literacy skills of 4- to 5-year-old children with and without a history of late talking
No full textPurpose: To explore the emergent literacy skills of 4- to 5-year-old children with a history of late talking (H-LT) and a history of typical development (H-TD) by: (1) determining if the two groups differ on measures of emergent literacy, and (2) identifying the proportion in each group presenting with weak emergent literacy profiles. Method: The emergent literacy skills of 4- to 5-year-old children with a H-LT (n = 13) and a H-TD (n = 11) were compared on measures of phonological awareness, print awareness (including print concepts and letter-sound knowledge), and narrative. Cut-off scores reflecting weak performance for each measure were determined. Children scoring below the cut-off on at least two measures were identified as having a weak emergent literacy profile. Result: Group means indicated poorer emergent literacy performance in children with a H-LT compared to a H-TD, however, comparisons were not statistically significant (p > 0.05). Proportionally, more children with a H-LT had a weak emergent literacy profile (8/13; 62%) compared to children with a H-TD (2/11; 18%). Conclusion: Children with a H-LT may be more vulnerable for emergent literacy difficulties. By assessing multiple emergent literacy skills, individualised profiles for children can be determined and reported alongside between-group comparisons
Soil-structure interaction issues in integral abutment bridges
No full textIntegral Abutment Bridges (IABs) are constructed without expansion joints and bearings, connecting the bridge deck monolithically to the end abutments. Therefore, the construction and maintenance costs of IABs are low compared to conventional bridges with bearings and joints. However, the soil-structure interaction issues are more complex for IABs due to the transfer of deck movements to the foundations through the abutments. Hence abutments of these bridges play an important role in the performance of the substructure and consequently the design approach for the substructure. In this paper, soil-structure interaction issues are investigated for the deck movements due to cyclic thermal loading, which occurs as a combination of daily and seasonal temperature changes. The development of a physical model facility to simulate the problem is described with scaling laws and material properties. The settlement problem at the bridge approach and stress ratcheting phenomena observed at the abutment soil interface are discussed using results from model tests. For the prediction of lateral earth pressure distribution behind abutments, currently available methods are discussed, and modifications are proposed. Finally, the effectiveness of Expanded Polystyrene (EPS) geofoam as an inclusion is discussed to mitigate approach settlement and stress ratcheting problems due to cyclic thermal loading. The results of this study confirm that EPS geofoam is a highly effective material to minimise adverse soil-structure interaction issues in integral bridge abutments
[In Press] "Transience, disruption, and unfamiliarity in refugee journeys" : how are newly arrived refugee families supported in their children's transition to school in a host country?
No full textNewly arrived refugee families face cultural and linguistic difficulties when navigating their children’s transition to school in a host country. However, little is known about how families are supported in their child’s transition to school. Therefore, this article aimed to investigate how leaders and facilitators in community hubs and centers support refugee families in their child’s transition to school in Australia. Data gathered from interviews with 32 community hub leaders and center facilitators from three Australian states were analyzed thematically. The support provided to families fell into six themes: promoting children’s early learning; building families’ or mothers’ capital about starting school; promoting connections between school, families, and children; offering cultural and linguistic brokerage; providing soft entry support; and easing children’s and families’ transition to school via school-based transition activities and programs. The implications of this holistic model of support for educators that is built on place and strength-based approaches in facilitating newly arrived refugee children’s and families’ smooth start to school in their new communities are outlined
Tradition, scripture, and environmental destruction : transformation of ecological paradigm in rural society of Bangka Island
No full textBangka Island's artisanal tin mining activity contributes to environmental degradation in the region, affecting certain village areas that have traditionally upheld local wisdom, beliefs, and cultural values. The emergence of an anthropocentric religious perspective, predominantly introduced by educated youth within rural communities, is considered the primary catalyst for a shift in the village community's paradigm regarding the human-nature relationship. Therefore, this study aims to investigate two aspects: firstly, it delves into the contextual factors that lead to the proliferation of anthropocentric viewpoints among educated youth; and secondly, it examines how such perspectives may diminish the significance of local wisdom and villagers' beliefs regarding the human-nature connection. Drawing on data gathered through participant observation and ethnographic analysis, the research identifies two main factors contributing to the rise of anthropocentric interpretations of religious texts among educated youth. Firstly, Ulama Nusantara, the Muslim scholars in the archipelago, widely disseminate anthropocentric teachings in their religious references. Secondly, emerging beliefs regard their traditional beliefs in supernatural beings as part of erroneous teachings. By framing Islam, particularly the interpretation of religious texts such as the Quran and Hadith, as a viable solution to societal challenges, young individuals have effectively instigated a shift towards an anthropocentric paradigm. Consequently, this paradigm shift prompts a gradual erosion of traditional values and local wisdom, which have been handed down through generations
Mechanisms of soil organic carbon stabilization and its response to conversion of primary natural broadleaf forests to secondary forests and plantation forests
No full textSoil organic carbon (SOC) is highly susceptible to land cover change. The assessment of SOC stabilization mechanisms is therefore crucial to understand the carbon (C) dynamic in terrestrial ecosystems. However, the mechanisms underlying the stabilization of SOC following forest conversion of primary natural broadleaf forests (BF) to secondary forests (SF) and plantation forests (PF) remain unclear. Here, we investigated the soil aggregate distribution and associated SOC concentration, and the dynamics of iron (Fe) and aluminum (Al) oxides in BF (24 sites), SF (25 sites), and PF (16 sites) soils in subtropical China. Results showed that SOC concentrations both in the bulk soil and within aggregates significantly decreased when BF were converted to SF and PF, and these reductions were more pronounced in the topsoil (0–10 cm) than those in the subsoil (10–30 cm). Soil macro-aggregates (>250 μm) accounted for the largest proportions of aggregate fractions by mass (40.3 %, 38.9 %, and 39.4 %) and their associated SOC decreased with forest conversion and contributed the greatest proportions of C (11.1 g kg 1, 10.2 g kg 1, and 9.6 g kg 1) to the bulk soil C in BF, SF, and PF, respectively, suggesting that the SOC within macroaggregate contributed to the largest decrease in SOC. The decreases in SOC within macro-aggregate, especially with the conversion of BF to PF, were mainly ascribed to the reductions of tree biomass, C stocks of litter and root, and the decreases in the concentration of the Fed/Ald and Fep/Alp oxides but not the concentration of total Fe/Al oxides in gravel and soil. These findings recommend that mixtures of suitable native broadleaf species (e.g., BF species) with plantation species to enhance SOC stabilization in PF, thereby improving the stabilization and sequestration of SOC. Overall, these results help explain why soil C stabilization decreases following forest conversion, and propose an approach for the rehabilitation of plantation forests
Understanding Indo-Fijian girls’ experiences in sport, physical activity and physical education : an intersectional study
Get PDFWhilst other sporting narratives of girls and women from the Global North have been well explored, there is limited research about girls from a Fijian background. Furthermore, within this ethnic/cultural group, their diverse voices are not well understood. Indo-Fijian girls who are of a South Asian background, and were born and reside in Fiji, are marginalised to a triple degree in the country’s sporting platforms: they face gender inequalities emanating from a patriarchal society; secondly, they are marginalised in terms of race and ethnicity, thus not having access to the same sporting opportunities that their iTaukei (Fijian natives) counterparts do, especially in mixed-race team sports. Finally, Indo-Fijian girls are economically disenfranchised, living in the peripheries of the Global South, where they struggle with a lack of funding, inequitable policies and an unstable political climate. This triple layer of marginalisation deprives Indo-Fijian girls/young women of real opportunities and rights in the sporting fields to play sports for better health and fitness as equal Fijian citizens. This study reports on a one-year ethnographic research and presents sporting narratives of young Indo-Fijian women aged between 16 and 25 years from the capital city of Fiji. The data was collected employing photo-elicitation interviews aiming to illuminate the experiences and trajectories within formal and recreational sport and physical activity of Indo-Fijian girls. The paper draws upon critical, intersectional and poststructuralist theories to thematically analyse the data. The young women’s narratives reveal that many times their athletic pursuits and passion disrupt the Fijian gender, racial and class orders as they consistently exercise their daily and sporting agency; sometimes these girls also find themselves complying with the hegemonic gender/racial order. This study amplifies local and marginalised voices of Indo-Fijian girls and emphasises the urgent need for inclusive and innovative educational pathways for Indo-Fijian girls in Fiji’s schools, thus fulfilling the country’s ratification of the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW)
What can Australian schools do better? : supporting students during menstruation
No full textMenstrual management is recognized as a critical issue for young people internationally. Relatively little published research explores issues pertaining to menstruation in school education. This paper is based on the results of an Australian survey of 5007 young women aged 13–25, which examined their experiences of menstruation and dysmenorrhea. It focuses specifically on participant qualitative responses to the question, “What do you think schools could do to better support girls during their period?” Six key themes were identified across responses. These related to sanitation; pain management; removing stigma; adequate breaks; and being considerate. The findings reported herein highlight some of the challenges menstruating young people encounter at school and give voice to their needs; these have important implications for school improvement in this area
Enduring familial relationships and identity preservation make simple adoption the preferred permanency option for children in out-of-home care
Get PDFLarge numbers of children in Australia are in long-term out-of-home care (OOHC). Legal frameworks available for their care are long-term foster care, guardianship, and plenary adoption. Views of individuals with OOHC or adoption experience on these legal frameworks were explored via an online survey. A legal framework called simple adoption, which makes children legal members of adoptive families without legally excising them from birth families, was also considered. The respondents (N = 1019) evaluated aspects of these frameworks as strengths or weaknesses from which scores were calculated. Overall, simple adoption had the highest strength score, followed by plenary adoption, guardianship, and long-term foster care. The highest weakness score was for long-term foster care, followed by guardianship, plenary adoption, and simple adoption. That simple adoption enabled enduring familial relationships between children and their adoptive families while retaining legal identity and legal connection with birth families contributed to its favourable evaluation