18397 research outputs found
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Chapter 2: How governance can drive circular economy collaborations for the plastics and packaging eco-system
No full textNo description supplied</p
Wound care applications of fungal endophyte metabolite-based electrospun fibres
No full textThis research focused on developing advanced wound dressings using antibacterial compounds derived from endophytic fungi, which are defined as microbes colonizing the internal tissue of plants. These fungi, sourced from native Australian plants informed by traditional Indigenous knowledge, offer a sustainable solution to combat antibiotic-resistant infections. By incorporating these compounds into polycaprolactone nanofibre mats, novel wound dressings were created with antibacterial properties. This innovation could lead to more effective, sustainable wound care products and help reduce the growing global impact of antimicrobial resistance, benefiting both the healthcare system and society at large.</p
Machine Learning for Addressing Eating Disorders on Social Media
No full textThis research uses machine learning to examine eating disorders by analysing interactions on social media. It first identifies different types of users, such as those affected or offering support. It then estimates the severity of their situations by examining what they post and how they engage online. This work aims to improve the early detection of eating disorders and guide the development of digital tools for awareness and support, contributing to better mental health in society.</p
High-speed information processing based on optical microcombs and its performance optimization
No full textIn recent decades, photonic technologies offer a solution by enabling ultrahigh speeds for advanced information processing. Among them, microwave photonic signal processors provide high reconfigurability in achieving diverse processing functions. Optical microcombs show appealing advantages by providing numerous wavelength channels from a compact device. This thesis focuses on the realization and performance improvement of microwave photonic signal processors based on optical microcombs. The influence of theoretical and experimental factors is demonstrated and the performance between discrete and integrated systems is compared. This work guides the design of microwave photonic signal processors and opens avenues to new applications.</p
Exploring the Delivery of a Violence Intervention Program in a Forensic Mental Health Hospital
No full textLittle research has explored patients' and staff perspectives of violence intervention programs in forensic mental health hospitals; however, this can provide valuable information about what works well and what does not. The aim of this thesis is to explore barriers and enablers, within the environment and within the person, that may impact the delivery of and engagement in a violence intervention program. Results from the thesis highlight the critical role that the hospital environment has in delivering offence specific programs. Specifically, staff should have the appropriate resources and support to deliver the program, and participants should be well supported to engage in the program.</p
Project Report: Gender Diversity on Sporting Committees
No full textThis report investigates gender diversity within sporting committees across various clubs in Boroondara, a region known for its vibrant community sports culture. The study aims to understand the participation and representation of women and gender-diverse individuals in these committees, highlighting local efforts and challenges in achieving balanced and inclusive sports governance. A mixed-method approach was employed, including preliminary screening surveys (n=20) and in-depth interviews (n=14) with committee members from clubs involved in sports such as lacrosse, athletics, tennis, hockey, football (Australian Rules), croquet, cricket, pétanque, and soccer. The study received ethics approval from Swinburne University of Technology Human Research Ethics Committee.
The study found that, among survey respondents, the average number of committee members per club is 9.8, with 36% identifying as women or gender-diverse. The average tenure in committee roles is 2.4 years. Support from local councils and State Sporting Organisations (SSOs) was noted, including resources, funding, and leadership programs. Gender diversity positively influenced committee dynamics by fostering inclusivity and productivity, reducing traditional gender roles in volunteer tasks, and improving decision- making processes. However, entrenched "old school" mentalities remain barriers to inclusivity. There were no consistent themes regarding diversity programs. Despite this, social programs were identified as a common driver of inclusive participation, helping to achieve better representation of women on committees. Time constraints, family responsibilities, traditional gender roles, burnout, and administrative overload were significant barriers. Entrenched committee and club cultures also hindered gender diversity. Informal recruitment practices, a sense of responsibility, and leveraging networks such as past players were identified as enablers. However, there is limited evidence of structured or strategic approaches specifically aimed at increasing women’s representation on committees.
To address these challenges, this report recommends several strategies: Council Recommendations
• Capacity Building Regarding Gender, Diversity, and Inclusion
• Leadership Networks and Mentorship
• Support and or Funding for Social Programs
• Knowledge Management and Transition
Club Recommendations
• Defining Roles and Reducing Workload on Committees
• Flexible Meeting Arrangements
• Addressing Gender Norms
• Improve Representation
The findings of this study underscore the importance of continued efforts to promote gender diversity and inclusion within sporting committees. By implementing the recommendations, councils and clubs can create more inclusive environments, foster diverse leadership, and better serve their communities.</p
Opening the black box of child support: Shining a light on how financial abuse is perpetrated
No full textThis report draws on the experiences of 675 single mothers who h ave engaged with the Australian child support system. Their survey responses reveal how violence is the backdrop to women’s engagement within each stage of the child support process, from application to collection.</p
Effects of Monochromatic and Polychromatic Led Spectra for Hydroponic Production of <i>Lactuca Sativa</i> var. <i>Crispa </i>and <i>Brassica Oleracera</i> var. <i>Sabellica</i>
No full textThe study provides a guide to aspiring indoor farmers on what to consider when using LED lights to grow coral lettuce and curly kale. By testing with the combination of lights, it has shown that white LED light produced the heaviest lettuce while high red and blue light mixed with small amounts of white light created a more visually appealing kale. Findings can help aspiring farmers to improve yield and quality and hopefully, making indoor farming a viable solution for local food production.</p
Deconstructing the Evolving Direct-to-Consumer Model: Experiential Value, Relational Strategies, and Narrative Design
No full textThis thesis deconstructs the direct-to-consumer model to explore how experiential value is created when brands bypass intermediaries to sell directly to consumers. The first study is a systematic literature review synthesising direct-to-consumer research to identify theoretical, contextual, and methodological gaps. Responding to these gaps, the second study investigates how small- and medium-sized brands use relationship marketing in digital direct-to-consumer settings to generate experiential value. Findings inform the third study, examining how archetypal narrative design influences consumer responses in digital contexts. Together, the studies contribute an integrated framework that conceptualises how experiential value is created and communicated in direct-to-consumer settings.</p
Resting-state brain dynamics are associated with body fat percentage and sympathetic outflow in healthy adults
No full textPURPOSE: Increased adiposity is associated with the development of cardiometabolic disturbances, with sympathetic dysregulation playing a crucial role in the early phase. Both adiposity and chronic sympathetic activation may impair cerebral function, increasing the risk of neurodegenerative diseases. However, whether adiposity and sympathetic activity are associated with brain dynamics in the healthy state is not fully understood. METHODS: We performed magnetoencephalography in 29 healthy participants (12 males and 17 females; age 19-72 years; body fat percentage 7-45.3%) to record brain dynamics as neural activity index and functional connectivity. Adiposity was assessed using body fat percentage and microneurography was used to assess muscle sympathetic nerve activity. RESULTS: Individuals with higher fat percentage had higher muscle sympathetic nerve activity. Group comparison showed lower activity in the left posterior cingulate gyrus (delta and theta bands) and left precuneus (delta band) in individuals with higher fat percentage. Stronger connectivity between the right superior frontal gyrus and left temporal pole (delta band) was also seen in this group. Neural activity index in the right caudate (theta and low-gamma bands) correlated positively with muscle sympathetic nerve activity while correlating negatively with body fat percentage. CONCLUSION: We have shown that resting-state brain activity and functional connectivity are associated with adiposity and sympathetic activity even in healthy individuals with no manifest cardiometabolic diseases. Thus, the findings highlight that understanding central pathways associated with the healthy state may help to uncover the pathophysiology of obesity and associated metabolic disorders.</p