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Computational multiphase flow analysis for improving targeted nasal drug delivery
No full textNasal drug delivery is a popular way to treat several respiratory diseases, which are a common source of morbidity. It has proved to achieve better, systematic bioavailability than oral delivery. However, its efficacy is compromised by current devices that do not perform to the fullest. For the potential of these treatment technologies to be realised, new device designs are needed that preferentially target drug delivery to specific parts of the nose. The delivery method preference is based on treatment requirements and patients comfort. In this research, three different alternative drug delivery methods, namely nasal spray, nasal saline irrigation and nebulizers, are screened using computational methods. High-fidelity numerical simulations were performed to characterize the liquid sheet formation and its disintegration into droplets of a nasal spray. The study aimed to provide insight into the internal and external near-nozzle spray characterization of a continuous spray and to establish good validation against experimental data. Design exploration of irrigation devices and evaluation of head-tilt positions were carried out to get an insight into flow dynamics during nasal irrigation. The results provided comprehensive information on regional penetration, adding value to squeeze bottle/device design and guidance for clinicians and patients for effective targeted nasal drug delivery. In addition, CFD investigations of the influence of nebulizer administration techniques, such as breathing patterns and nozzle types, were carried out. The outcomes of this work will assist with the development of new innovative nasal drug delivery device designs for effective respiratory treatment based on numerical analyses
Improving the efficiency of urban wastewater management, case study of Hanoi City, Vietnam
No full textThe pressing issue of wastewater management in urban areas of developing countries demands comprehensive research to address institutional and technical challenges effectively. This thesis focuses on “Improving the efficiency of urban wastewater management with a specific case study in Hanoi City, Vietnam.” The urban wastewater pollution in Hanoi, stemming from the direct discharge of daily-life wastewater into natural sources, poses a grave environmental threat. Currently, centralized wastewater management (CEWWM) is the predominant approach in Hanoi, but its effectiveness in the Vietnamese context is questionable. The study aligns with the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment's shift toward decentralized wastewater management (DEWWM).
The objectives of this research encompass a thorough assessment of the technical and institutional aspects of wastewater management in Vietnam, the optimization of a nature-based treatment system for suburban Hanoi, and an evaluation of the proposed model's effectiveness at the city level in terms of environmental and economic management.
To address these objectives, the study formulates three research questions. Firstly, how has the wastewater system been treated and managed technically and institutionally in Vietnam? What are the issues of the wastewater management system in Hanoi? (RQ1). Secondly, what is the optimal model for a NBS treatment system based on MSL utilizing local material to filter wastewater of the Hanoi suburb? (RQ2). Lastly, what is the optimal combination between CWWT and DWWT using the proposed MSL treatment system in the study area in terms of economic and environmental benefits? (RQ3).
Hanoi faces severe wastewater pollution due to rapid growth and inadequate infrastructure. Untreated wastewater directly enters waterways, heavily polluting them. This necessitates immediate action to develop effective wastewater management solutions. Hanoi's wastewater management improvements include private sector involvement, digital document management using advanced technology, and a stronger policy framework. As the capital, Hanoi benefits from significant resource allocation. Wastewater management struggles in Hanoi due to unclear responsibilities between ministries, complex licensing processes, an ineffective monitoring system, and insufficient staffing and funding. These challenges prevent comprehensive and efficient management.
The research employs a mixed-method approach, incorporating surveys from 195 residents and conducting twenty in-depth interviews with experts, lecturers, and managers experienced in wastewater treatment and management. The study explores green technological options, emphasizing nature-based treatment systems (NBTs) that operate through a complex synergy of soil, water, vegetation, and atmosphere to reduce the negative impact of untreated wastewater on surface water bodies.
The research culminates in the development of a decentralized wastewater treatment model using local soil and rock materials to treat wastewater at the source. This model utilizes the MSL technique, incorporating laterite, sandy soil, zeolite, and Phragmites australis plantings. The study evaluates the efficiency of this model by measuring pollutant concentrations such as Biological Oxygen Demand (BOD), Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD), Total Suspended Solids (TSS), total nitrogen (TN), and total phosphorus (TP).
This research has shown that: 1) The technique of treating wastewater using CWs with filtration plants can treat domestic wastewater. 2) The model of adsorbent materials combined with Phragmites australis and vertical top-down flow for best wastewater treatment results. The treatment efficiency of N and P reaches about 50% and 70% respectively. 3) Model of adsorbent combined with planting trees has good potential to treat domestic wastewater in suburban areas or rural areas of Vietnam, contributing to reducing environmental pollution. 4) Around the Phragmites australis root area, the DO content is higher than other areas in the column. The root zone of the top-down flow filtration model (CT2) has the highest value (> 6mg / l). 5). The model of adsorbent combined with planting trees has good potential to treat domestic wastewater in suburban areas or rural areas of Vietnam, contributing to reducing environmental pollution.
Furthermore, the study employs Cost-Benefit Analysis (CBA) to compare the application of decentralized wastewater management (DEWWM) with conventional centralized wastewater management (CEWWM) in Thanh Oai district, Hanoi. The technique of combining soil materials and planting P. australis for efficient wastewater treatment demonstrates promising results, with cost-effectiveness, environmental protection, pollution reduction, and reduced load on centralized wastewater treatment systems being notable advantages. This research contributes valuable insights to the field of urban wastewater management, particularly in the context of developing countries like Vietnam
Forgotten but Not Gone: A Video Art Project Examining Video Library Culture as a Creative Tool, Focusing on the Artistic Community of Melbourne
No full textForgotten But Not Gone is a video art project which synthesises video art, social/participatory and documentary methods to explore and reflect upon the significance of VHS and video lending libraries in relation to artistic communities in Melbourne. It centres on a handful of significant independent and institutional libraries,and artists, as a focus to the inquiry. Through oral history gathering and site studies, an archive of audiovisual materials was produced which fed into the production of new creative works, including a pop-up video art lending library, an artist game and a feature length documentary. This trio of works explore how artists used video shops, how VHS and video libraries facilitated cultural production and how the legacies of these experiences and impulses have extended into the internet era
Mapping Curatorial Discourse: Positioning Southeast Asian Women Photographers in Australian Galleries
No full textApproached from the perspective of a curator, this research examines the curatorial methodologies used for exhibitions of the work of Southeast Asian women photographers in the Australian context. Focusing on the geo-cultural and gender positioning of the artist, the research utilises exhibition examples to investigate the power relations between the curator and the artist within a gallery setting. In 2020, I undertook the practice-led curatorial project Minstrel Kuik: she who has no self, a solo exhibition of Malaysian artist Minstrel Kuik, at Horsham Regional Art Gallery in Victoria. The exhibition highlights my own curatorial approach and provides insights into how curators may interpret an artist’s subjectivity. The research draws on literature from Southeast Asian and Australian art history, positionality and intersectional theory, and curatorial studies. Following the literature review and my own curated project, I extended my scope to include interviews with other Australian curators working with Southeast Asian artists (particularly in photography) to comprehend the current practices utilised in contemporary art exhibitions. By comparing and contrasting my own curatorial practices with other contemporary curators’ work in this field, the research maps current curatorial discourses and the impacts of these approaches on the presentation of Southeast Asian artists in Australian galleries. The analysis and outcomes of the research offer new insights which identify a tendency toward collaborative practices between artists and curators, emphasizing the use of positionality and intersectionality in curatorial approaches which recognise the diversity in women’s identities and practices.</p
Effects of Land Use Change on Tropical Peat Soil Properties: Implications for Peatland Restoration
No full textIndonesian tropical peatlands play an important role in conserving biodiversity, sequestering carbon and sustaining the livelihoods of local people. Despite these values, Indonesian peatlands have been deforested, drained and converted during the past three decades leading to increased peat decomposition, carbon emissions, fires, and changes in peat soil properties. There is a critical need to reduce the rate of peatland degradation in Indonesia and to restore vast areas of degraded peatlands. Knowledge on physical and chemical peat properties is important to support peatland restoration programs. However, there is limited published data for many peat soil properties which are relevant to peatland restoration efforts.
To assess the current state of knowledge on peat soil properties in Southeast Asia, a systematic review and meta-analysis study was conducted (Chapter 2). Research on tropical peat properties has increased in the past decades, reflecting growing research interest in this topic. However, research predominantly report on bulk density, pH, carbon (C), and nitrogen (N) content, with other properties remaining under-researched. This meta-analysis revealed significant differences in bulk density and pH between less managed and intensively managed peatlands, indicating that land use changes impact peat soil properties. The review emphasises the need for standardised methodologies to measure peat soil properties and identifies research gaps, including less-explored peat properties and geographic regions.
Bulk measures of C and N, and their ratios, have been most often used to assess the effects of land use change and restoration success of tropical peatlands. However, there is currently only limited information about organic carbon composition of tropical peat soils. 13C NMR spectroscopy was used to evaluate the change in composition of organic carbon under changing land use. This study provides evidence that land use change significantly affected the organic carbon composition of tropical peat soils (Chapter 3). The alkyl C/O-alkyl C ratio is a more informative indicator of the degree of decomposition than the C/N ratio, having a more consistent trend with land use. A ten-year revegetation attempt showed promising results in tree performance but was unlikely to contribute to increasing peat accumulation and soil carbon stocks, indicated by the high dominance of alkyl C, especially in the upper (0–40 cm) soil layers.
There is a need for rapid and cost-effective methods to monitor the success of restoration efforts. The study explored the use of MIR spectroscopy to characterise organic carbon and predict chemical peat soil properties (Chapter 4). This study demonstrated that MIR spectroscopy combined with Partial Least Squares Regression (PLSR) analysis can be used to develop robust predictive models, with excellent models for N (R2 = 0.90, RMSE = 0.10, LCCC = 0.95, and RPIQ = 0.07) and the C/N ratio (R2 = 0.84, RMSE = 6.23, LCCC = 0.92, RPIQ = 3.64) and a strong model for C content (R2 = 0.78, RMSE = 2.04, LCCC = 0.88, and RPIQ = 1.78). This spectroscopic method could be appropriate for analysing the large numbers of samples that will be required for national-scale monitoring of the success of tropical peatland restoration interventions.
Finally, to address a key knowledge gap on tropical peat soil physical properties and to understand water movement through peat soil profiles, unsaturated hydraulic conductivity K(ѱ), under five different land uses was measured (Chapter 5). The K(ѱ) varied over two orders of magnitude, i.e. ranging from 0.23 x 10-4 to 3.70 x 10-2 cm s-1 at tension -1 cm and from 0.10 x 10-4 to 0.24 x 10-2 cm s-1 at tension -3 cm. It was significantly different between land uses and between depths at both supply tensions. However, this study did not find a relationship between K(ѱ) and chemical measures of the degree of decomposition (C/N, alkyl C/O-alkyl C, and carbohydrate/aromatic ratio), which may be due to the variability of the botanical origin of the peat materials. The application of MIR-PLSR to predict K(ѱ) was explored in this present study and yielded a moderate prediction model (R2 = 0.55, RMSE = 0.13, LCCC = 0.71, and RPIQ = 2.44) between measured and predicted model of K(ѱ) at tension -1 cm, that could allow the model to be used as initial screening. Direct measurements of K(ѱ) are time-consuming and costly, this prediction model may be useful for field estimation.
Overall, this thesis provides novel insights into the effects of land use change on tropical peat soil’s physical and chemical properties. The study indicates that the C/N ratio may not be a sufficient measure to monitor the degree of decomposition of tropical peat. Hence, it is essential to incorporate MIR spectroscopy to examine carbon composition and degree of decomposition, as it allows for a rapid process. In addition, the robust MIR-PLSR predictive model developed in this thesis can provide rapid and cost-effective estimates of C, N, and C/N ratios, as well as potentially other properties of tropical peat soil. This comprehensive approach will enhance our understanding of decomposition processes, which will be valuable for developing methods to monitor the success of tropical peatland restoration efforts.</p
Investigating the Sustainability of Modern Construction Practices Focusing on Prefabricated Construction
No full textPrefabricated construction (PFC) is a popular modern method of construction (MMC) that has revolutionised the global construction industry. PFC is transforming the lacklustre performance of traditional construction processes by manifesting modernisation and technology and providing diverse benefits. However, the effective adoption of prefabrication in developing countries is considerably restricted compared to developed and industrialised economies. Research attempts in South Asian countries such as Sri Lanka are seldom considered due to insufficient R&D initiatives. Thus, it is imperative to investigate the contemporary status and the sustainability performance of these MMCs to promote their adoption. Despite many research claims over its sustainability benefits, understanding the sustainability performance of PFC through actual cases would provide real-time evidence to further promote prefabrication.
Hence, the current research maintains a twofold perspective on the sustainability of PFC as sustainability evaluation and enhancement. Life cycle sustainability assessment (LCSA) is one of the comprehensive tools to evaluate holistic sustainability by integrating the three sustainability dimensions (environmental, economic, and social) from a life cycle perspective. A comprehensive literature survey conducted identified that the current knowledge body requires integrated methodological guidance to conduct PFC-related life cycle assessments (LCAs), life cycle economic assessments (LCEAs), social-life cycle assessments (S-LCAs) and LCSAs. Furthermore, little effort is directed towards properly studying relationships between LCSA indicators and sustainable development goals (SDGs) related to PFC.
From the perspective of sustainability enhancement, rigorous efforts are needed to identify strategies to elevate the sustainability performance of PFC projects during their whole life cycle. Therefore, the current research aims to develop a lifecycle-based decision support framework for sustainability evaluation and enhancement of PFC. The following objectives will realise the aim: (1) Investigate the contemporary status of PFC in Sri Lanka and Australia, (2) Develop integrated methodological and assessment frameworks to evaluate the sustainability of PFC, (3) Develop a decision-support framework to enhance the sustainability of PFC, (4) Validate the developed frameworks for evaluating and enhancing PFC considering Sri Lanka and Australia. The current study followed a mixed-methods approach to accomplish the proposed research aim and objectives. A continuous literature survey, pilot studies, questionnaire surveys, expert-based validations, field visits and field and case study data gathering were done to reach study objectives. Further, data analysis approaches such as statistical methods, case study-based content analysis, qualitative content analysis, and life cycle-based assessment methods (LCA, LCC, S-LCA and LCSA) were incorporated to achieve the documented targets.
The top three most significant barriers to adopting PFC in Sri Lanka include challenges in prefabricated component transportation, high capital investment cost and lack of awareness of the benefits of prefabricated construction among owners/developers. Furthermore, reduced overall project time (Fast delivery), efficient consumption of materials, and overall project cost savings ranked top as the most influential sustainability drivers for PFC adoption in Sri Lanka. Measurable indicator systems connecting with SDGs related to prefabricated construction aspects are crucial outcomes from the current research to support global sustainable development. The case study-based qualitative analysis found 66 sustainability performance indicators relevant to 157 completed PFC cases in Australia, where ‘High quality’ and ‘Reduced overall project time (Fast delivery)’ were heavily represented.
The LCA study compared an office building in Sri Lanka and showed that the building with prefabricated components provides environmental impact savings. On top of that, the results highlighted that the design for the disassembly version of a modular building performed better in terms of all environmental impacts than the linear version. LCSA study outcomes showed that the social sustainability aspects of modular construction in Sri Lanka should focus more on elevating holistic sustainability performance compared to the Australian context. Moreover, the most critical strategy cluster for enhancing PFC sustainability in Australia is revealed as ‘Project level early design and strategic decisions’. Further, the study indicates that novel and new technology integration, effective supply chain, and operational management in PFC project life cycles are crucial to enhancing TBL sustainability. The developed knowledge-based decision support tool proposes an action plan to improve the readiness of these strategies for PFC sustainability enhancement depending on the user's assessment of individual decision-making factors.
The academic contribution of the research is to create a robust basis for future research on the sustainability evaluation of PFC and other MMCs. The practical value of the study is to provide decision-making guidance to PFC stakeholders on enhancing sustainability performance and the contemporary status of PFC in developing (Sri Lanka) and developed (Australia) economies. Further, the current research intended to transfer knowledge and best practices from a developed country context, where PFC is advanced, to a developing country context, where PFC adoption is still not matured.</p
Members' perspectives of good governance practice of Thailand's credit union cooperatives
No full textPurpose: This study explores the awareness (AWN) levels of good governance amongst Thai credit union cooperatives' (CUCs) members and the factors hindering good governance practice in Thai CUCs. Design/methodology/approach: This study used a survey questionnaire from 629 members of 36 selected CUCs in Thailand. This study analysed the determinants of governance AWN levels of Thai CUCs' members using the ordered probit model. The study also employs OLS estimation to investigate the factors hindering good governance practices. Findings: The study shows that members of different CUC types and sizes have different levels of governance AWN. Members' characteristics, experiences, and perceptions significantly influence CUC members' AWN of governance issues. The findings also suggest that a lack of morality, transparency, participation, responsibility and accountability are key obstacles that hinder good governance practices of Thai CUCs. Originality/value: This is the first study that attempts to assess the level of AWN amongst Thai CUCs' members in different CUC sizes and types. This is also the first research that identifies the factors that hinder good governance practice in Thai CUCs based on members' evaluations. The study's findings provide important reference and implications for Thai policy makers and CUCs' board of managers to enhance members' AWN and CUCs' governance performance, and thus increase income and living standard of CUCs' members in the long term
Accelerated Learning Control for Point-to-Point Tracking Systems
No full textIn this study, we investigate the accelerated learning control schemes for point-to-point tracking systems (PTSs) with measurement noise. The asymptotic convergence of the generated input sequence has been a long-standing open issue for point-to-point tracking problems because there are infinite possible input candidates that can drive the system dynamics to track the desired reference at specified time instants. An accelerated gradient algorithm and its generalized version with a novel direction regulation matrix are proposed, with the learning gain is adaptively triggered by the practical tracking errors. The learning gain remains constant at the early stage and begins to decrease after a certain number of iterations. The input sequence generated by the proposed scheme converges to a specified limit for any fixed initial input, with the limit being closest to the initial input, in a certain sense. Numerical simulations are provided to verify the theoretical results
Energy absorption of multilayer aluminum foam-filled structures under lateral compression loading
No full textThis article proposes a biomimetic multilayer foam-filled structure (BMFS) that mimics the microstructural characteristics of biological structures such as human bone and whale baleen. The lateral compression performance of such structures is investigated using experimental and numerical analyses. The proposed structure consists of three layers of aluminum foam with different densities filled in several concentric circular aluminum tubes. The test includes a solid design (Design-1) and a hollow design (Design-2). A series of quasi-static compression tests and finite element simulations are conducted, and the results show that BMFS exhibits a more advantageous sequential collapse deformation pattern for practical use. An energy absorption analysis of each layer shows that the energy absorption ratio of the foam layer reaches 85%. Comparing Models 1–3 of the two designs shows that the energy efficiency decreases, and the work efficiency increases, as the foam density increases. In addition, the interaction between the tubes and foams enhances the energy absorption properties of the structure. The parameter study shows that the energy absorption characteristics of Design-2 are insensitive to the diameter of the tube. The SEA of Design-1 increases with the thickness of Tube-1
Implementing organisational change in a digitalising facilities management organisation through stewardship interventions
No full textPurpose: While digitalisation requires facilities management (FM) organisations to change at an increasing rate, little is known about the mechanisms that create ownership and enable individuals to implement changes in everyday FM practice. In this study, these mechanisms are explored from a stewardship perspective. The purpose of this paper is to provide insights into the dynamics of organisational change in FM by analysing how stewardship behaviour leads to change. Design/methodology/approach: A process model for implementing organisational change is constructed, based on existing theoretical insights from stewardship and intrapreneurship literature. The model is evaluated in a case study through analysis of critical events. Interviewing was the key data collection method. Findings: The process model gives an event-driven explanation of change through psychological ownership. Analysis of multiple critical events suggests that the model explains intra-organisational as well as inter-organisational change. The case data further suggests that, compared with intra-organisational change, tailored relational and motivational support is more important for inter-organisational change because of the higher risks involved. Job crafting emerged as an unanticipated finding that offers interesting prospects for future FM research. Practical implications: The process model offers guidance for leaders in FM organisations on providing tailored support to internal and external employees during periods of organisational change. Originality/value: Stewardship and intrapreneurship are combined to provide insights on organisational change in FM. The study demonstrates how intrapreneurial behaviour and stewardship behaviour can be linked to create innovation within and between organisations