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Success from the perspective of the successful: equity, success and completion in higher education
No full textSuccess is often assumed to have a common definition and to be a transparent term. However, the data shows that success is, in reality, personal, sociocultural and structural. According to government policy and institutional measures, it is considered in terms of pass/fail, grade averages or gaining employment (O’Shea & Delahunty, 2018). However, when students are asked about success, whilst there are references to vocational and quantifiable notions of success, equally, highly valuable personal, community and familial experiences are conveyed. This research clearly reveals the multidimensional and contextual nature of success
Understanding the equity implications of university early entry schemes: final report
No full textIn Australia, an increasing number of students are accessing higher education through alternative entry pathways (Li et al., 2022). These pathways include, for example, bridging, foundation, and enabling programs; portfolio entry; articulation through Vocational Education and Training providers; and, receiving credit/advanced standing for a professionally recognised qualification. By and large, these mechanisms are the result of decades of government policy aimed at both expanding and widening access to higher education, allowing potential students to enter university through more wide-ranging admission pathways that do not rely on an Australian Tertiary Admission Rank (ATAR). Given that there has been no systematic enquiry into early entry to date in Australia, the project aimed to gather preliminary qualitative evidence about young people’s experiences and opinions of early entry (including complementary insights garnered from their parents/carers), with a specific focus on those from underrepresented equity backgrounds – individuals who are often disadvantaged by the ATAR system (Jackson et al., 2023) and/or experience other forms of marginalisation during their schooling (see, for example, Reay, 2017), potentially impacting their post-school transitions and capacity to access higher education (Burke, 2012)
Effect of antiviral prophylaxis on influenza outbreaks in aged care facilities in three local health districts in New South Wales, Australia, 2014
No full textBackground: There was a record number (n = 111) of influenza outbreaks in aged care facilities in New South Wales, Australia during 2014. To determine the impact of antiviral prophylaxis recommendations in practice, influenza outbreak data were compared for facilities in which antiviral prophylaxis and treatment were recommended and for those in which antivirals were recommended for treatment only. Methods: Routinely collected outbreak data were extracted from the Notifiable Conditions Information Management System for two Local Health Districts where antiviral prophylaxis was routinely recommended and one Local Health District where antivirals were recommended for treatment but not routinely for prophylaxis. Data collected on residents included counts of influenza-like illness, confirmed influenza, hospitalizations and related deaths. Dates of onset, notification, influenza confirmation and antiviral recommendations were also collected for analysis. The Mann–Whitney U test was used to assess the significance of differences between group medians for key parameters. Results: A total of 41 outbreaks (12 in the prophylaxis group and 29 in the treatment-only group) were included in the analysis. There was no significant difference in overall outbreak duration; outbreak duration after notification; or attack, hospitalization or case fatality rates between the two groups. The prophylaxis group had significantly higher cases with influenza-like illness (P = 0.03) and cases recommended antiviral treatment per facility (P = 0.01). Discussion: This study found no significant difference in key outbreak parameters between the two groups. However, further high quality evidence is needed to guide the use of antivirals in responding to influenza outbreaks in aged care facilities
Shear-activated nanoparticles with nitroglycerin to selectively enhance collateral-mediated penumbral perfusion during ischaemic stroke
No full textBackground: Presence of good collateral circulation is a strong predictor of favourable outcome after stroke. There is increasing evidence that poor collaterals in hypertensive animals may be due to increased myogenic tone, indicating that collateral vasodilatory therapies may be particularly effective. To effectively develop such therapies, we need a greater understanding of the factors that regulate collateral blood flow in normotensive versus hypertensive patients. The most intuitive approach to pharmacologically open vasoconstricted vessels and improve flow to the penumbra in the presence of hypertension is use of vasodilators. However, treatment with vasodilators is associated with systemic vasodilation and hypotension, which can be harmful in compromised stroke patients. Nitroglycerin (glyceryl trinitrate; GTN) is a well-known vasodilator and the most studied nitric oxide (NO) donor in the treatment of ischaemic stroke. To date, clinical trials with systemic nitroglycerin have failed to improve patients’ functional outcome, with some indicators suggesting a possibility of harm. It is likely that reduced blood pressure in penumbra resulted from systemic hypotension counteracts benefits of collateral dilation. Therefore, a more targeted approach is needed. Recent work by our group suggests that leptomeningeal collateral fluid shear stress in normotensive Wistar rats during stroke is 3–7 times higher (100 dynes/cm2) than systemic vessels. This unique feature may provide a novel way to selectively deliver vasodilators to collaterals, using nanoparticle aggregates containing nitroglycerin (NG-NPAs), that only release the drug in areas with high levels of shear stress (≥ 100 dynes/cm2). Aims: The aims for this thesis were to: 1) quantify collateral blood flow and determine key regulators of collateral blood flow during stroke in spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHRs) (Chapter 4); 2) review the effect of nitroglycerin on infarct size and cerebral blood flow in experimental stroke (Chapter 5); 3) investigate whether shear stress in SHRs reaches prerequisite level for nanoparticle aggregate drug deployment (Chapter 6); 4) determine the efficacy of NG-NPAs in enhancing penumbral perfusion during stroke without causing systemic side effects (Chapter 6); 5) compare the effect of NG-NPAs versus free nitroglycerin on penumbral perfusion during cerebral ischaemia (Chapter 6). Methods: All experiments in this thesis used the model of transient middle cerebral artery occlusion (tMCAO) in male hypertensive rats. Aim 1: An open cranial window was made, and fluorescent imaging with fluorescent microspheres was performed to visualise leptomeningeal collaterals and measure collateral blood flow velocity and collateral diameter at baseline and during occlusion. Data obtained from this experiment was used to calculate total collateral blood flow. Aim 2: A systematic review and meta-analysis were conducted to determine the effect of nitroglycerin on infarct size in animal models of ischaemic stroke. Aim 3: The methodology is the same as in aim 2, but collateral blood flow characteristics data was used to calculate shear stress. Aim 4: Animals were randomised to receive intravenous infusion of NG-NPAs (containing 4μg/kg/min of nitroglycerin) or Blank-NPAs (control-NPAs) 25 minutes following tMCAO for 40 minutes. Laser speckle contrast imaging (LSCI) was performed through a cranial window to measure collateral supplied penumbral perfusion before and during drug/control infusion. Infarct volume was measured at 24 hours post-stroke. Aim 5: Animals received intravenous infusion of free nitroglycerin in a dose equivalent to this packaged in nanoparticles (4μg/kg/min), a 10-times-higher dose (40μg/kg/min) or saline (control), commencing 25 minutes after tMCAO. The experimental protocol is the same as in aim 4. Results: Aim 1: Average collateral blood flow post-stroke significantly increased relative to pre-stroke baseline (pre-MCAO: 16.8 ± 7.1nL/min vs. post-MCAO: 146.4 ± 37.7nL/min, p = 0.02). There was a strong positive correlation between changes in collateral blood flow and vessel diameter post-occlusion (r = 0.7–0.99, p = 0.3–0.002). Aim 2: Three publications met inclusion criteria (10 comparisons reporting infarct size). Overall, nitroglycerin did not significantly reduce infarct volume (normalised mean difference [NMD] point estimate = 20.2% [95% CI -1.52-52.7%, p = 0.068]). Aim 3: Shear stress significantly increased in collateral vessels following stroke in SHRs (baseline: 43.80 ± 11.60 dynes/cm2 vs. post-stroke: 252.2 ± 100.4 dynes/cm2, p = 0.03). Aim 4: NG-NPAs in SHRs significantly increased collateral-mediated penumbral perfusion relative to Blank-NPAs at 40 minutes post-infusion (NG-NPA: 44.9% ± 10.5% vs. Blank-NPAs: 11.9% ± 6.4% of pre-infusion baseline p = 0.03), without reducing blood pressure (40 minutes, NG-NPA: +5.6 ± 2.7% vs. Blank-NPA: -0.66 ± 3.5% of pre-infusion baseline p = 0.88). NG-NPA significantly reduced infarct volume at 24 hours (NG-NPA treated rats: 126 ± 15.6mm3 versus Blank-NPA treated: 172.1 ± 13.8mm3, p = 0.04). Aim 5: Free nitroglycerin at neither 4μg/kg/min nor 40μg/kg/min had a significant effect on penumbral perfusion versus saline (both p > 0.9), but significantly reduced blood pressure at 40 minutes after infusion onset (4μg/kg/min: p = 0.006; 40μg/kg/min: p 100 dynes/cm2). Aim 4: Administration of shear-activated nanoparticles with nitroglycerin significantly enhanced penumbral perfusion and reduced infarct volume without reducing systemic blood pressure. Aim 5: Administration of free nitroglycerin (the same as and 10 times the dose of nitroglycerin in the NG-NPAs) did not significantly affect penumbral perfusion but caused significant drop in blood pressure. My results indicate that NG-NPAs may provide a novel and effective way to selectively enhance collateral flow, increase penumbral perfusion and reduce infarct volume in experimental stroke
A generalized segregation and dispersion model for liquid-fluidized beds
No full textThis work builds upon our previous two studies [Ramirez, W.F., Galvin, K.P., 2005. Dynamic model of multispecies segregation and dispersion in liquid fluidized beds. A.I.Ch.E. Journal 51, 2103-2108; Galvin, K.P., Swann, R., Ramirez, W.F., 2006. Segregation and dispersion of a binary system of particles in a fluidized bed. A.I.Ch.E. Journal 52, 3401-3410] in establishing a dynamic continuum description of the segregation and dispersion of multiple particle species in a liquid-fluidized bed. A correlation for the particle dispersion coefficient, based on the kinetic theory of gases, is investigated in this present paper. Our adjustable model parameter was found to vary inversely with a particle Froude number, in a manner similar to the variation of the particle drag coefficient with the particle Reynolds number. Hence a new relationship for the dispersion coefficient, based around the kinetic theory of gases, was proposed and validated. The validation applies to a nominal particle Reynolds number in the range of 20-1000. A new solution strategy to the dynamic segregation and dispersion model, a shell balance approach, was developed to overcome the potential for a singularity above the bed where exceedingly low particle concentrations arise. This approach guarantees mass conservation of the particles. The model was validated against steady-state experimental data of binary particle systems consisting notionally of one particle size and two different particle densities. When the particle densities of the two species are very similar, it becomes necessary to treat each particle species as having a range of particle sizes, given that the small size range was equally significant to the difference in particle density. In this case the model was applied to 10 particle species. Moreover, the model is capable of capturing the dynamics of the layer inversion problem, illustrating the power of the model to describe complex fluidization behaviour
Transforming iron ore processing – Simplifying the comminution and replacing reverse flotation with magnetic and gravity separation
No full textMuch of the remaining iron ore resources in Brazil consist of low-grade itabirite ores. Accordingly, a typical beneficiation circuit includes a four-staged crushing/screening plant, followed by grinding in a closed-circuit ball mill, desliming in hydrocyclones and final ore mineral concentration via multistage reverse flotation and thickening of the final product. With the need for decarbonisation in the iron and steelmaking industry, there is a growing demand for high grade iron ore concentrate at more than 67% Fe. In the context of declining ore grades, there is an increasing need for a more effective circuit for beneficiating the itabirite ore. A proposed flowsheet consisting of a primary crushing stage, SAG mill, primary concentration using a VPHGMS magnetic separator, and a final concentration stage using the Reflux Classifier was investigated. The work demonstrated the significant reduction in energy consumption, and the potential for achieving high Fe grade of more than 67%, with high recovery, and in turn considerable process simplification. The new circuit would eliminate secondary to tertiary crushing, desliming stages, complex flotation circuits, product thickening and the flotation reagent plant. Further project assessments indicated an 8% smaller footprint, and 5% CAPEX and 42% OPEX reductions compared with the conventional circuit. These improvements would lead to a 50% higher Net Present Value
In between space
No full textAnne Graham constructed eight rooms corresponding to a normal dwelling: a bedroom, a bathroom, a kitchen, a studio, a library, a living room, an office and a gallery. Everyday routines that occur while occupying these spaces became the formal framework for the work. The actions and the objects in the spaces were intended to be more than functional: the spaces became ‘social sculptures’. Quite, intimate and familiar activities appeared strange due to their displacement. By evoking associations, the spaces, actions and objects became, in effect, ‘transitional objects or phenomena’. These rooms, in the words of Gordon Matta Clark, are intended to take “a normal situation and retranslate it into overlapping and multiple readings of conditions past and present”
Indirect cost and benefit assessment of climate adaptation strategies for extreme wind events in Queensland
No full textThe intensity of tropical cyclones and severe storms are likely to increase due to climate change. Brisbane and the northeast coast of Queensland are regions where design wind specifications may be inadequate under either current or likely future climate conditions. An appropriate adaptation strategy may be one that increase wind classifications for new houses leading to reduced vulnerability of new construction. The present paper will assess the damage risks, adaptation costs and cost-effectiveness of this adaptation measures for residential construction in Cairns, Townsville, Rockhampton and South East Queensland assuming time-dependent changes in frequency and intensity of cyclonic and non-cyclonic winds to 2100. Loss functions are also developed for direct and indirect losses. It was found that increasing design wind loads for new houses in Brisbane and South East Queensland will lead to a net benefit (net present value NPV) of up to $10.5 billion by 2100 assuming a discount rate of 4%, which includes approximately 95% of direct benefit and 5% of indirect benefit. The benefits are highest for Brisbane due to its large population and high vulnerability of existing residential construction, and have 90-100% likelihood to achieve a net benefit by 2100
A conceptually simple derivation of the Kelvin equation (short communication)
No full textThis note provides a conceptually simple derivation of the Kelvin equation, based on the principles of hydrostatics, rather than the more elegant and abstract thermodynamic approach of equating the chemical potential of each of the phases. With the new derivation, the physical picture of a drop in equilibrium with its own vapour is more readily appreciated, and hence the basis of the Kelvin equation more easily understood by those less skilled in the science of thermodynamics. In turn, a number of the potential limitations [Powles, 1985. Journal of Physics A Mathematical and General 18, 1551-1560] of the Kelvin equation become physically obvious, notably the assumption that the liquid is incompressible, the vapour is an ideal gas, and the interfacial tension is independent of the curvature of the interface. In turn, appropriate corrections can easily be introduced as required. (c) 2005 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved
Collaboration and the Italian solo cantata
No full textCompared with opera, the solo cantata of the Italian baroque is a genre apparently born in solitary confinement. The editor’s task an equally lonely one. But decades of transcribing and performing previously unedited cantatas have enabled this researcher interaction with singers, literary scholars, editors, performer-researchers and audiences. Such collaboration mirrors the intensely social origins of the genre, involving interactions between composer, singer, poet, copyist, player and patron