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Socio-Economic Integration of Newly Arrived Refugees in Australia
No full textSince its inception in 1950, the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) has aimed to assist refugees in resettling and integrating them into host countries. The UNHCR's role has become increasingly critical in the twenty-first century as global challenges have multiplied. Wars, famine, political instability, and climate change have more than doubled the number of displaced people worldwide from 51.2 million in 2013 to 117.3 million by 2023. Similarly, the refugee population has grown from 16.7 million to 37.9 million during this period (UNHCR 2023). This dramatic increase has heightened the importance of understanding and facilitating successful refugee integration in host countries.
While refugees may present short-term challenges to host countries, including initial settlement costs and resource allocation, substantial evidence suggests their long-term contributions significantly outweigh these initial costs. Studies from the United States, United Kingdom, and Germany demonstrate that refugees often outperform economic migrants in various economic metrics (Cortes 2004; Ruiz & Vargas-Silva 2018). The Australian context reveals similar patterns; the Productivity Commission (2006) found that while refugees initially depend more on government services, this dependency decreases markedly after ten years, and after twenty years, they surpass other migrant groups in economic contribution. Research indicates refugees are twice as likely as average citizens to establish businesses (Legrain & Burridge 2019), demonstrating their significant entrepreneurial potential and highlighting the importance of effective integration policies.
This research investigates the socio-economic integration of newly arrived refugees in Australia, adopting an economic psychology lens to explore the complex interplay of economic, social, and psychological factors. The study comprises three empirical chapters, each addressing a distinct aspect of refugee integration. The first chapter examines how pre-arrival trauma and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) influence refugees' early economic outcomes. The second explores the effectiveness of Australian government support programs in improving the subjective well-being of refugees during their initial settlement period. The third investigates the role of altruism in remittance-sending behaviour, a critical yet underexplored dimension of refugee economics.
The analysis is based on data from the Building a New Life in Australia (BNLA) longitudinal survey, which follows 2,399 newly arrived refugees from 2013 onwards. The BNLA dataset is unique, as it captures refugees’ experiences within six months of their arrival, providing detailed insights into their early integration journeys. Most participants hold permanent humanitarian visas, offering a consistent legal framework for analysis. The study employs advanced econometric techniques, including bivariate mixed proportional hazard models, propensity score matching, and the Lewbel (2012) model, to ensure robust and credible findings.
The first empirical chapter focuses on the economic consequences of trauma. Drawing on measures of pre-arrival trauma and PTSD, the study investigates their impact on labour market outcomes such as employment status, income, and hours worked. The findings reveal that trauma has a lasting negative effect on refugees' early economic integration in Australia. Psychological factors, including self-efficacy, trust, and perceptions of belonging, mediate this relationship, highlighting the importance of addressing mental health and psychosocial challenges in integration policies. These results suggest that early interventions targeting trauma and fostering psychological resilience could significantly improve refugees’ economic outcomes.
The second chapter examines the role of government support programs in enhancing the well-being of newly arrived refugees. Using the Lewbel (2012) method to construct internal instruments, the study assesses both monetary and non-monetary forms of support. Contrary to expectations, the findings indicate that these programs do not significantly improve refugees' subjective well-being in their early years in Australia. Factors such as trust in government institutions, feelings of belonging, and loneliness appear to play a more critical role in shaping well-being than direct financial assistance. These insights call for a more holistic approach to refugee support, focusing on building social connections, fostering trust, and enhancing English language proficiency alongside financial aid.
The third chapter explores the altruistic motives underlying refugees’ remittance-sending behaviour. Despite facing economic challenges, many refugees prioritise sending money to family members abroad, often at the expense of their own financial stability. This chapter employs an instrumental variable approach, using Hofstede’s cultural dimensions as instruments, alongside propensity score matching for robustness. The results show that altruism, as measured by monetary donations and voluntary help, significantly increases both the frequency and amount of remittances. Employment status, family size abroad, and income are key predictors of remittance behaviour. These findings highlight the dual pressures refugees face—integrating economically in their host country while maintaining transnational ties.
This thesis makes several important contributions to the understanding of refugee integration in Australia. By focusing on psychological factors such as trust, self-efficacy, and belonging, the first study provides actionable insights for policymakers aiming to enhance refugees’ economic participation. The second study underscores the limitations of current government support programs, advocating for a more comprehensive approach that addresses refugees' social and psychological needs. The third study sheds light on the often-overlooked economic sacrifices refugees make to support family members abroad, emphasising the need for policies that consider their transnational obligations. Overall, this research highlights the multifaceted nature of refugee integration and the critical role of psychological well-being in shaping economic and social outcomes. The findings advocate for policies that move beyond short-term financial support to foster long-term integration through mental health support, community engagement, and targeted interventions that build trust and resilience. By leveraging the rich BNLA dataset, this thesis aligns with the survey’s aim to deepen understanding of the challenges faced by refugees in their early settlement period and to inform evidence-based policy development.</p
Comparative genomics of a vertically transmitted thiotrophic bacterial ectosymbiont and its close free‐living relative
No full textThiotrophic symbioses between sulphur‐oxidizing bacteria and various unicellular and metazoan eukaryotes are widespread in reducing marine environments. The giant colonial ciliate Zoothamnium niveum, however, is the only host of thioautotrophic symbionts that has been cultivated along with its symbiont, the vertically transmitted ectosymbiont Candidatus Thiobius zoothamnicola (short Thiobius). Because theoretical predictions posit a smaller genome in vertically transmitted endosymbionts compared to free‐living relatives, we investigated whether this is true also for an ectosymbiont. We used metagenomics to recover the high‐quality draft genome of this bacterial symbiont. For comparison we have also sequenced a closely related free‐living cultured but not formally described strain Milos ODIII6 (short ODIII6). We then performed comparative genomics to assess the functional capabilities at gene, metabolic pathway and trait level. 16S rRNA gene trees and average amino acid identity confirmed the close phylogenetic relationship of both bacteria. Indeed, Thiobius has about a third smaller genome than its free‐living relative ODIII6, with reduced metabolic capabilities and fewer functional traits. The functional capabilities of Thiobius were a subset of those of the more versatile ODIII6, which possessed additional genes for oxygen, sulphur and hydrogen utilization and for the acquisition of phosphorus illustrating features that may be adaptive for the unstable environmental conditions at hydrothermal vents. In contrast, Thiobius possesses genes potentially enabling it to utilize lactate and acetate heterotrophically, compounds that may be provided as byproducts by the host. The present study illustrates the effect of strict host‐dependence of a bacterial ectosymbiont on genome evolution and host adaptation.</p
Cultural differences in customer emotions
No full textE-commerce platforms have emerged as leading arenas for fostering customer engagement, offering unique pathways for gauging customer satisfaction through reviews and enabling diverse approaches to analyzing content. This inquiry arises from the increasing inclination toward incorporating customer feedback into cultural examinations, addressing a research gap in cultural studies centered on e-commerce platforms across various societies. What sets this study apart is its focus on scrutinizing the emotional expressions of both Eastern and Western consumers as depicted in their online feedback. The findings revealed 27 distinct emotions discernible in both sets of reviews, with notable variations in their distributions. Theoretically, the research posited and verified a novel conceptual correlation between emotions and cultures. On a practical level, it provided businesses with insights into their customers' emotional experiences, facilitating more culturally targeted approaches to customer engagement.</p
Remake Collaboration Icons
No full textThis icon set was developed as part of Julia English's PhD Thesis (2024) "Collaborations for Remake: Participation in Practice", with the icons used as part of diagrams within the research process and Thesis.The 50+ icons include:8 remaking method icons & 1 matching recycling icon (duetone) (2 style variations)12 fashion supply chain icons (monotone)25 remake collaboration steps (monotone & multiple colour variations)The files attached include:SVG file with all iconsAdobe Illustrator file with all iconsIndividual icons as PNGsThese icons are free to use, adapt and alter with attribution. It is hoped that they may be a useful tool for others to communicate about remake collaborations within fashion. For examples of icons in use, please see Julia English's PhD Thesis.</p
Authentic learning and job readiness: Are mixed-reality simulations effective tools for preparing business students for the real world?
No full textAdvances in technology have significantly enhanced the quality of mixed-reality simulations, incorporating both real and virtual aspects. Mixed-reality simulations have been used to develop individual knowledge, skills and abilities in higher education; however, the use of such simulations to introduce authentic learning activities into higher education courses remains under-researched. In the current paper, we detail the design, implementation, continuous improvements and student perceptions of a mixed-reality simulation used in a final-year undergraduate business unit. An iterative approach proved important to improving the simulation across deliveries. Clear instructions, student preparation, familiarisation with the technology used and support for the development of communication skills also influenced student perceptions of the activity. Our findings from over 200 students indicate that the use of mixed-reality simulations is an authentic and effective teaching approach for the development and demonstration of employability skills. This study is useful to educators seeking to understand the value of mixed-reality simulations in higher education and their ability to provide authentic learning experiences which increase overall student satisfaction.
Implications for practice or policy:
Student satisfaction and employability skills can be improved through participation in authentic mixed-reality simulations.
Students may require support developing communication skills required to interact with the simulation.
Educators can enhance the student experience by demonstrating how the simulation works, familiarising them with the avatars and how they interact with participants.
Educators should focus on continuous improvement to get the simulation right.
Universities should consider implications for workloads, technical support and budgets when introducing mixed-reality simulations.</p
Internationally Validated Open Access Indicators of Large Public Urban Green Space for Healthy and Sustainable Cities - Supplementary Material
No full textThis data package contains supplementary materials related to 'Internationally Validated Open Access Indicators of Large Public Urban Green Space for Healthy and Sustainable Cities' first published in Geographical Analysis on 15 September 2025 https://doi.org/10.1111/gean.70023This research is related to large public urban green space (LPUGS) availability and accessibility indicator validation conducted for 13 diverse cities worldwide, and was initiated by the Global Observatory of Healthy and Sustainable Cities for the 1000 Cities Challenge and inclusion in the Global Healthy & Sustainable City Indicators (GHSCI) open-source software.This data package contains the following:The Jupyter Notebook hosting a custom Python script that makes use of the Google Earth Engine API to apply Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) filtering on areas of public open space derived from the GHSCI open-source software to identify LPUGS.A folder for each of the 13 cities involved in the study, containing spatial data in .shp format for the urban centre boundary, large public urban green spaces, accessibility grid, and pedestrian network. Additionally, official local reference data is included for the 4 select cities analysed.The instructional video provided to collaborators is also included as a .mp4 file, which outlines how to access the accessibility web map, how to perform the LACO-Wiki validation, and how to access and record comments in the live spreadsheet.The complete validation spreadsheet with comments included as a .pdf file.Supplementary tables listing the urban centre boundary source files, official local reference data details, and further characteristic details of the 13 cities analysed as a .pdf file.Additionally, please follow this link to the GitHub repository hosting the accessibility web maps used in the validation exercise for each city.</p
Thermally Stable Triboelectric Nanogenerator for Self-powered Devices
No full textTriboelectrification is a widely occurring and versatile effect with a wide range of material options. The working of a triboelectric nanogenerator (TENG) is based on the combined impact of triboelectrification and electrostatic induction. The major advantages of TENG include its lightweight, low cost, easy fabrication, materials availability, and high output voltage. TENGs have been used for several applications, including self-powered wearables, power electronics, healthcare, structural
monitoring, and security systems. Although a wide range of materials are available for designing and fabricating TENG, there are limited options for choosing an electropositive triboelectric layer. Several advancements have been made in terms of
materials, fabrication techniques, designs, and power management systems. However, temperature affects the output performance of the device, limiting its applications in harsh environmental conditions. Therefore, to address these issues,
this work includes synthesizing and developing eco-friendly nanomaterials (layered double hydroxides (LDH)) to fabricate a thermally stable and biocompatible triboelectric nanogenerator. The findings show that incorporating LDH, even with low loading, enhances the surface, thermal, and dielectric properties of the PVA and PDMS polymers. The LDH-polymer nanocomposite-based TENG shows high output voltage, power density, and durability. Moreover, the designed TENG device shows output thermal stability at a high temperature of 200°C. The fabricated device demonstrates its application for human gesture sensing, human motion monitoring and classification, and vibration analysis for structural health monitoring. This thesis
provides solutions to biocompatible, non-toxic, and thermally stable triboelectric materials for future TENG applications in extreme weather conditions.</p
Enhancing human-building interaction and spatial experience in cultural spaces
No full textIn the realm of architectural evolution, the paradigm of static built environments has progressively shifted towards adaptive, responsive, and intelligent spaces. This paper presents a pioneering government-funded applied research project, the ‘Spatially Intelligent Arts Centre’, which exemplifies the convergence of multiple disciplines in the pursuit of redefining the traditional notion of a static arts centre. This endeavour sought to transform an existing arts centre building into a dynamic and intelligent space, thereby redefining its agency to foster novel user experiences and optimize operational efficiency. The project transcended conventional boundaries by merging the expertise of architects, computer scientists, user experience designers, spatial computing specialists, technology developers, and interface designers. Through transdisciplinary collaboration and adopting a design-thinking methodology, the project not only challenges the conventional limitations of architectural design but also offers a tangible illustration of the burgeoning field of human-building interaction research and practice. This paper details the conceptual underpinnings, technical implementations, and experiential outcomes of the Spatially Intelligent Arts Centre project, underscoring its significance as a model for implementation of human-building interaction in the context of a cultural building.</p
Italian Neorealism in Vietnamese Cinema: A look at Rom (2019)
No full textNeorealism has been employed to describe what is defined as a movement in cinema. Vietnamese films in recent years have produced the neorealist works that describe the human conditions in the
context of social environment and of psychological understanding. Using the qualitative research with an
example Rom (Tran Thanh Huy, 2019), the paper aims to cover four points: (1) Italian neorealism embedded
within Vietnamese cinema, (2) neorealist films’ aesthetics of reality in Vietnamese movies, (3) Rom’s organizing principles underlying Italian neorealism, and (4) Rom’s aesthetic of reality and film contexts. The finding shows that the Vietnamese cinema turns from socialist realism and rural realism to economic realism and urban realism; economic difficulty and poverty, and contemporary issues are the main themes; neorealist films reflect working class people and poor people in economic transformation; and Rom reflects a true neorealist film with non-professional actors, real shooting locations, everyday subject matter and an aesthetic reflection of harsh
reality. The research implicates the potential trend in depicting lower classes as protagonists in the regional urban settings in Vietnamese contemporary cinema in post-renovation period.</p
Impact of surface treatments on the electron affinity of nitrogen-doped ultrananocrystalline diamond
No full textIn recent years, various forms of nanocrystalline diamond (NCD) have emerged as an attractive group of diamond/graphite mixed-phase materials for a range of applications from electron emission sources to electrodes for neural interfacing. To tailor their properties for different uses, NCD surfaces can be terminated with various chemical functionalities, in particular hydrogen and oxygen, which shift the band edge positions and electron affinity values. While the band edge positions of chemically terminated single crystal diamond are well understood, the same is not true for nanocrystalline diamond, which has uncontrolled crystallographic surfaces with a variety of chemical states as well as graphitic grain boundary regions. In this work, the relative band edge positions of as-grown, hydrogen terminated, and oxygen terminated nitrogen-doped ultrananocrystalline diamond (N-UNCD) are determined using ultraviolet photoelectron spectroscopy (UPS), while the band bending is investigated using photoelectrochemical measurements. In contrast to the widely reported negative electrode affinity of hydrogen terminated single crystal diamond, our work demonstrates that hydrogen terminated N-UNCD exhibits a positive electron affinity owing to the increased surface and bulk defect densities. These findings elucidate the marked differences in electrochemical properties of hydrogen and oxygen terminated N-UNCD, such as the dramatic changes in electrochemical capacitance.</p