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A Sustainable Approach to the Utilisation of Non-Clinical Medical Waste and Food Waste in ConcreteApplications
No full textIn this research, the potential to utilise waste materials to improve the mechanical properties of concrete was explored. The two main sources of waste materials that are the key focus within this research stem from global issues that are currently being faced. These issues relate to the coronavirus pandemic and the global food loss issue. Firstly, the use of single-use plastic-based personal protective equipment (PPE) has been on a sharp incline since the onset of the Coronavirus pandemic in late 2019. This has led to a significant increase in the generation of PPE waste and various environmental strains from excess waste ending up in landfill that requires different recycling solutions to reduce its environmental impact from disposal or incineration. The coronavirus pandemic placed the world on hold in late 2019, and since then, health care waste management systems have been failing to keep the waste under control. Studies indicate that over 30% of healthcare facilities are not equipped to handle existing waste loads, let alone the additional waste introduced into the system due to the COVID-19 pandemic. This excess waste opened a unique opportunity to explore the potential opportunity for medical waste PPE to be utilised as fibre reinforcement in concrete.Secondly, food waste is another stream experiencing economic loss with estimates showing global food loss is set to reach 2.1 billion tonnes, resulting in $1.5 trillion globally by 2030. Whereas the consumption of coffee has been on a steady trend, increasing between 1.7-2.5% annually, and it is currently the most consumed beverage globally. However, the consumption of coffee leads to an excessive amount of spent coffee grounds (SCG) ending up in the food waste cycle. Historically, coffee grounds have been tried and tested as an aggregate replacement in concrete with limited to no success. However, this thesis explores an innovative solution to transform spent coffee grounds into biochar to be utilised as a fine aggregate replacement within concrete applications. Therefore, having the ability to minimise the volume of SCG that are sent to landfills. This thesis therefore aims to explore the utilisation of single-use waste PPE generated from the coronavirus pandemic in structural concrete to aid in scaling back the quantity of waste ending up in a landfill. Single-use nitrile gloves, isolation gowns and face masks were separately added to aggregates at varying percentages of the volume of concrete. The compressive strength, modulus of elasticity, indirect tensile strength and flexural strength tests of the concrete samples were undertaken as well as microstructural analysis to ascertain the effect of varying concentrations and materials on the mechanical properties and quality of concrete and the specific materials bond performance within the cement matrix. The results of this thesis demonstrate steady trend development across compressive strength, flexural strength and the modulus of elasticity with increases of 22%, 20% and 11%, respectively, across varying applications of waste PPE. At the same time, the results of the SEM-EDS analysis present an excellent bond formation between the materials utilised and the cement matrix. Typically, SCG cannot act as a suitable aggregate replacement in concrete due to its high organic content. This thesis aims to explore the effect of turning SCG into biochar as a fine aggregate replacement in an attempt to scale back the current global food loss issue. The research explores SCG in its natural state and in the form of biochar created at varying temperatures to measure how the material interacts within the cement matrix. Biochar was produced from SCG at both 350 degrees and 500 degrees Celsius and incorporated into concrete samples between 5-20% by volume of fine aggregates. The effects of the different pyrolysing temperatures on the properties of biochar blended concrete were investigated through a series of compressive strength tests and an SEM analysis. The results demonstrate that the coffee biochar (CBC) increases the overall compressive strength of concrete by up to 29.3%. In this research, two innovative solutions to current global trends have been explored to take a sustainable approach to concrete applications. The outcomes of this study will provide practical guidance on the application of both non-clinical medical waste and food waste in the applications of sustainable concrete. The research has the potential to benefit local governments, communities, and the construction industry as well as medical grade PPE manufacturers and waste management industries.</p
Scaling Residential Analysis of Urban Liveability and Sustainability Indicators From Local to Global
No full textCity planning contributes to complex, interrelated crises that threaten population, ecosystem and planetary health and sustainability. Calls to actions for urban indicators to inform planning for healthy and sustainable cities have been advocated for with increasing urgency. Yet, their delivery within and between-cities remains inequitable and faltering. Advances in computational power and data availability mean that the technical capacity to identify where policies and planning goals are not being met and inform interventions to improve urban equity for diverse contexts globally is unprecedented. However, the effective realisation of urban indicators to support planning for healthy and sustainable cities—indicators that are comparable, contextualised, meaningful and reproducible—is hindered by a concurrent crisis in reproducibility and trust in science.
Through this thesis I have developed methods for scaling up analysis and reporting of indicators for healthy and sustainable neighbourhoods and cities in formats to meet the needs of diverse stakeholders. In the first part of this thesis, I addressed the question: How can urban liveability be measured both locally, and at scale in a meaningful and useful way to support the needs of diverse stakeholders? I reviewed gaps in existing approaches for measuring urban liveability identifying a need for policy relevant urban indicators to be produced at different scales, in different mediums, for different audiences, and for different places. I proposed and demonstrated a flexible method of residential analysis for entire cities that could be extended for new indicators in diverse urban settings, as well as repeated longitudinally or in new cities for meaningful comparisons across time, between cities as well as within cities.
However, to create local impact, you need local involvement, which occurs through collaboration and contextualisation. Therefore, in the second part of my thesis, I addressed a deeper question: What do diverse stakeholders need to monitor, plan and advocate for healthy and sustainable cities? A synthesis of action research and software engineering methodologies was used to build knowledge of how to scale from code that could be used, to software designed for and with a specific group of users to be useful, usable, and used in diverse global settings. Engaging with an international network of researchers, students, practitioners and advocates, I elucidated and iteratively implemented their requirements for calculating and communicating urban indicators. An open science toolkit was co-designed, and is now being used to support local teams around the world to participate in a 1000 City Challenge to map, monitor and build contextual understanding of indicators of healthy and sustainable cities.</p
GOLEM: Gameplay Observations underLying the Minecraft Experience
No full textPlease fill out this terms of use form before accessing the dataset, and to request raw video data: https://forms.gle/4hJJNVBeZWoBSKWV8 This dataset presents an array of physiological data collected during Minecraft gameplay. It contains the raw EMG, PPG, EDA, video*, screen-recorded gameplay and (processed) EEG and eye blink rate data from 17 participants. It also contains the scripts for processing the EEG and blink rate data. All physiological data have been cropped to the start and end of the Minecraft gameplay of the main task for ease of use. Full details of the data collection (including hardware and software specifications) can be found in the accompanying publication "Multimodal Measurement of Cognitive Load in a Video Game Context: A Comparative Study between Subjective and Objective Metrics" by E J Pretty, R Guarese, C A Dziego, H M Fayek and F Zambetta.Variable DescriptionsEMG: Measured in volts (V), collected from Myoware Muscle Sensor 1.0EDA: Measured in microsiemens (µS) by the EmotibitPPG: Raw arbitrary units measured by the EmotibitVideo*: Collected by a Logitech C922 Pro Stream WebcamEEG: Measured in microvolts by an OpenBCI Ultracortex IV headsetGameplay: Captured by OBSIt's initial usage is for detecting cognitive load using a variety of sensors to establish the validity of their use in comparison to subjective measures of cognitive load.*video data available upon request</p
Storage of Hydrogen in Multilayer Graphene
No full textThis project has investigated electrochemical hydrogen storage in multilayer graphene (MLG) electrodes with a proton battery setup. The proton battery combines both electrolyser (charging) and fuel cell (discharging) modes in one compact unit. In the design developed at RMIT University, it is effectively a reversible proton exchange membrane (PEM) fuel cell, with an integrated storage electrode to store neutralised protons, that is, atomic hydrogen (H). It is thus a very different approach to that of the usual hydrogen storage system with multiple components. Previous work at RMIT University on the proton battery concept has focused mainly on activated carbon (AC) electrodes. An electrochemical hydrogen storage (H-storage) of 0.8 wt% using unheated activated carbon from phenolic resin electrodes has been achieved, and 2.2 wt% with heated discharges (~ 70 °C). The present project has focused on the potential to increase H-storage both per unit mass and per unit volume of the electrode by employing MLG electrodes, considering storage by electric double layer capacitance, pseudocapacitance and chemisorption mechanisms. Research was undertaken on a number of MLG materials including chemically converted graphene oxide, graphene nanoplatelets (from Sigma Aldrich), graphene oxide (GO) (from Sigma Aldrich), reduced graphene oxide (rGO) and GO/rGO/single wall carbon nanotube (SWCNT) composites. These materials have been characterised by X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscope, transmission electron microscope, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, Raman spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, Brunauer-Emmett-Teller surface area, and pore size distributions, as well as electrical conductivity measurements. The electrochemical behaviour of the various MLG electrodes has been measured using cyclic voltammetry, galvanostatic charge & discharge, and electrochemical H-storage in a proton battery. The H-storage results were in the following ranges: 0.19 – 0.51 wt% for chemically converted graphene oxide, 0.30 – 1.80 wt% for graphene nanoplatelets, 0.61 – 1.00 wt% for graphene oxide, 0.37 – 0.49 wt% for reduced graphene oxide, and 0.13 – 3.41 wt% for GO/rGO/SWCNT composites. It was concluded that a number of key factors significantly affected the gravimetric H wt% recovered from a charged electrode. These included the graphene morphology and inter-layer separation, functional group presence(s), and certain features of the testing method employed. The latter included, in particular, the soak time of the electrode in the electrolyte prior to charging and discharging, the faradic charge level delivered to the electrode and the electrode discharge temperature. The research has led to definition of a set of criteria for designing high performing MLG electrodes for the future. These criteria include an interlayer separation within the MLG of between 0.8 and 1 nm on average, holes in or gaps between layers to allow hydronium transport between layers, a preference for H-storage by chemisorption over pseudocapacitance over double layer capacitance, high electron conductivities both in-plane and between planes, and high proton conductivity supported by the Grotthus mechanism when acid is absorbed between layers. Some opportunities to increase the H-storage of MLG electrodes are identified such as preparing MLG electrodes with much higher specific surface areas thereby exposing more carbon surface for electrochemical hydrogen (EC) H-storage, increasing the MLG interlayer electron conductivity by preparing composites containing a conductive polymer component (such as polyaniline or polypyrrole) or synthesising targeted MLG/SWCNT composites based on hydrogen weight percent (H wt%) results achieved thus far.</p
Fibre Fantasies: A critical examination of wellness claims in textile marketing
No full textWith an increase in consumer demand for health and lifestyle products, some fashion and textile apparel brands are referencing problematic sources or misinterpreting scientific claims on the health benefits of textile fibres to sell wellness products a saturated social media market. This paper will unpack the textile fibre wellness phenomenon under an ethical consumption framework, specifically referencing the mystified storytelling tactic adapted by wellness brands from luxury brand marketing strategies. It will then provide examples of textile fibre wellness claims as case studies, examined through an objective lens in specific reference to claims of fibre frequencies and anti-microbial capabilities. The aim is to highlight the conflicting issues at play in wellness textile marketing and the need for stronger guidelines and legislation to assist brands and consumers to navigate this complex terrain in an ethical manner.</p
Optimizing engineering potential in sustainable structural concrete brick utilizing pond ash and unwashed recycled glass sand integration
No full textThe Australian construction sector faces a dual challenge of high demand for concrete bricks and the need for sustainable materials. This research investigates eco-friendly structural concrete brick formulations, incorporating pond ash and unwashed recycled glass sand. It aims to provide scientific evidence on their engineering performance as per AS/NZS 4455.1:2008 standard, thermal insulation, and fire resistance properties. Additionally, microstructural, chemical, and pore-structure analyses are carried out to gain insights into the reaction mechanisms and the evolution of their properties. Findings indicate that bricks with 15 % pond ash and 20 % unwashed glass sand meet structural requirements with compression strength of 29.63 MPa at 28 days. Enhanced thermal insulation is observed due to the lower densities of pond ash and glass sand. After a 2-hour exposure to elevated temperatures, the unexposed surface of these bricks remains below 180°C, satisfying fire resistance criteria for wall elements. However, microstructure and chemistry analyses suggest lower compression and tensile strength comparable conventional bricks because of low reactivity of the pond ash and the smooth surface of the glass sand.</p
Ambient Pressure: Exhibition and Monograph (2019-2024)
No full textBACKGROUND Landscape photography is not ideologically neutral, although traditionally it has been presented as such. Liz Wells’s argument that “the frame as a device in landscape photography begs interrogation” underpins the creative approach and research methods of “Ambient Pressure”. This project seeks to draw attention to and critique the framing of nature — its representation and idealisation — in landscape photography through experimental material interventions. CONTRIBUTION “Ambient Pressure” is a series of photographic prints that problematises landscape photography through physical modifications of conventional nature imagery. The artworks were produced through analogue and digital interventions in which negatives and prints were cut, burned, folded, marked, or obstructed. By physically disrupting the pictorial conventions of landscape photography, they can no longer be viewed as neutral ‘windows’ onto an environment and instead point to evidence that photographs are constructions. The methods used literally and figuratively rupture the framing device by drawing attention to its existence, challenging the conventions of landscape photography. SIGNIFICANCE “Ambient Pressure” was selected for a solo exhibition in the 2022 Belfast Photo Festival by a jury of leading photographic curators, including Shana Lopes (SF MoMA) and Marta Weiss (V&A Museum). The festival drew an estimated 100,000 visitors. Development of the project has spanned seven years (2017–2024). Significant new material was created for the 2023 monograph published by Tall Poppy Press, with the most recent installation in 2024. The book was included in “New Photobooks from Australia” at the V&A Museum and is now held in the National Art Library. Exhibitions of the project include: UniSC Art Gallery (Australia, 2024), Harry Wood Gallery (USA, 2023), Museum of Art and Culture yapang (Australia, 2023), Athens Photo Festival (Greece, 2022), Copenhagen Photo Festival (Denmark, 2021), Encontros da Imagem (Portugal, 2020), and the Aperture Foundation (USA, 2019). Articles featuring the project were published in online magazines LensCulture, Fisheye Magazine, and Lomo Photography.</p
Effect of low frequency ultrasound on lactose‐protein interactions in protein solution containing different casein to whey protein ratios
No full textMilk systems containing varying casein‐whey ratios (80:20, 60:40, 50:50, 40:60, 20:80) and lactose concentrations similar to those of bovine milk underwent ultrasound at 20 kHz for 1, 5 and 10 min. The influences of low‐frequency ultrasound on the physicochemical, structural, thermal and water mobility properties of lactose/protein systems were examined. The physiochemical properties, protein structural changes, water mobility and lactose crystallisation behaviour were mainly a function of the type of protein, the ratio of proteins and the sonication time. The particle size, turbidity and pH values of all milk systems decreased with the increase in sonication time. A higher proportion of whey in the system decreased the lactose crystallisation temperature without sonication. FTIR results indicated that the addition of lactose to the milk system delayed the protein‐protein aggregation until 5 min of sonication.</p
Germination effects on nutritional quality: A comprehensive review of selected cereals and pulses changes
No full textIn recent years the consumption of cereals and pulses have been subjected to food and nutrition trends as consumers become more aware of the benefits of plant-based nutrition. Cereals are excellent sources of many essential nutrients such as proteins, dietary fibers, lipids, minerals, and vitamins, as well as bioactive compounds like polyphenols and GABA. However, the nutritional value of cereals and pulses may decrease by the presence of antinutritional factors such as trypsin inhibitors, oxalate, and phytic acid. Germination, which breaks the seed dormancy by activating endogenous enzymes, is identified as the most effective and economical option to boost the nutritional qualities and reduce the activity of antinutrients in cereal and pulses. Germination offers numerous health benefits to humans by enhancing the bioactive compounds in cereals and pulses, including antidiabetic, antihypertensive, and anticancer activities. In addition, germination enhances the bioavailability and bioaccessibility of nutrients and bioactive substances in the human gut by improving the digestibility of complex molecules in cereals and pulses. This review is to summarize how germination affects the nutritional and functional composition of cereals and pulses in the development of functional foods. The review also discusses how germination affects the bioavailability, bioaccessibility, and digestion of nutrients in cereals and pulses.</p
Antioxidant and antidiabetic potential of Acanthus mollis L. using choline chloride-based deep eutectic solvents
No full textIn recent years, the study of medicinal plants’ therapeutic properties has increased due to their effects and biological activities. The Acanthaceae family consists of 242 genera and 3947 species mainly distributed across tropical and subtropical zones. This family is known to contain a wide range of bioactive compounds, such as, alkaloids, triterpenes steroids glycosides, polyphenols, and polysaccharides. Herein, the antioxidant and anti-diabetic effects of Acanthus mollis (AM) extracted by green alternative technology; ultrasound assisted-deep eutectic solvents extraction (UAE- DES) were determined. The data obtained, showed that AM seeds had the highest Total Phenolic Content, antioxidant activity and anti-diabetic activity compared to AM seeds shell. The presence of antioxidants with anti-diabetic proper- ties in AM could potentially serve as a foundation for innovative drug formulations capable of addressing several diseases. However, it is strongly advised that studies, including toxicity assessments, be conducted with a view to- wards pharmaceutical applications.</p