18397 research outputs found
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Transcription Factor-induced Differentiation of Immortalised Neuronal Cell Lines
No full textThis PhD thesis investigated induced differentiation of neuronal cell lines using various transcription factors and gene integration techniques. The induced neuronal cell lines were tested according to their phenotypic and molecular characteristics, as well as functional capabilities. The neuronal cell lines were then co-cultured with myotubes to investigate neuromuscular junction formation, which was analysed using image-based techniques. The outcome of this research provided novel methods for generating mature and robust neuronal cells relatively rapidly. The cell lines generated provide a convenient model for more accurately investigating neuronal development and disease, as well as neuromuscular junctions.</p
The Impact of Vertical Integration Strategy on Corporate Performance and Stock Yield: Evidence from China
No full textUnder China's IPO rule changes background, this study examines how food and beverage firms' upstream-downstream integration impacts their business performance and stock results, using 15 years of data on 50 listed companies. It finds no direct link but indirect link to performance and stock yield, effects act through three key business factors (specifically book-to-market ratio, profit factor and investment factor). The findings help firms balance supply chain control and flexibility, and guide policymakers to support fair competition and industry growth.</p
Dimensions of Gender Euphoria: Social, Self, and Community Affirmation
No full textGender euphoria encompasses positive feelings stemming from a person’s gender identity, expression, or affirmation, and many trans and gender diverse people see it as important for wellbeing. However, gender euphoria has received little empirical attention and lacked a means for comprehensive evaluation. Consequently, little is known regarding the factors associated with gender euphoria, or how experiences of gender euphoria vary across different subpopulations. Collectively, the studies comprising this thesis advance understanding of gender euphoria and produce knowledge to inform future research and guide community organisations, gender affirming care providers, and mental health supports to actively promote trans wellbeing.</p
Nuclear Shadows: Nuclear weapons testing in the Pacific and the Fijian response: 1966-1975
No full textAt a time of decolonisation, the Pacific became a nuclear “proving ground” for successive colonial powers, with 315 explosive nuclear weapons tests conducted between 1946 and 1996 in the region. This thesis examines Fiji in the first period of French nuclear testing in the region (1966-1975). Fiji acted as the geographical and activist hub for nuclear resistance in the Pacific. Engaging in critical discourses informed by activism historiography and post-colonial frameworks, the thesis seeks to rebalance dominant narratives through a re-collection of memory, archival discovery and political analysis.</p
Psychological ownership of borrowed money and its impact on borrowing: a multi-study experiment
No full textThis study explores whether people develop a personal sense of ownership over borrowed money, and how this feeling affects their borrowing decisions. Through controlled experiments, it is found that people who feel a stronger sense of responsibility for borrowed money are willing to borrow larger amounts. The impact of this feeling depends on the source of money and the purpose of the borrowed money. These findings help move beyond a purely financial view of debt. They offer practical guidance for creating better loan products, improving financial education, and developing policies that support responsible and safer borrowing.</p
Metasurfaces for Radiative Cooling
No full textThis thesis investigates microstructured radiative cooling materials fabricated using femtosecond laser direct writing. It covers the design principles, fabrication methods, characterisation, and performance of laser-machined metasurfaces on sapphire, metals, silicon, and a polymer-based cooling film. The results show that laser-induced patterns enhance thermal emission and reduce mid-infrared reflectance through both structural and chemical surface modifications, improving radiative cooling efficiency. Different laser beam types and machining parameters were studied to control micro- and nanostructure formation. A scalable polymer film was also demonstrated for practical cooling applications. The research advances understanding of light–matter interactions and supports development of novel cooling technologies.</p
Data-driven Modelling and Linear Mean-Flow Analyses of Airfoil Instabilities in Transitional Flow Regimes (Modélisation Basée sur les Données et Approches Linéarisées pour la Prédiction des Instabilités d’un Profil d’Aile dans des Régimes d’Écoulements Transitionnels)
No full textThis research investigates how air flows around wings when it shifts from smooth (laminar) to irregular patterns (turbulent). These complex motions can cause dangerous vibrations and loud noise in aircraft and wind turbines. While engineers increasingly rely on computer simulations to design safe and efficient systems, available models describing complex air motion are often either too slow or lack accuracy. This work explores optimisation techniques to improve the modelling these motions at a low computational cost. The findings offer a step toward creating improved tools that help engineers address noise and safety risks more effectively during design.</p
Numerical Investigation of 3D Printed Fibre Reinforced Composites under Tensile Loading Condition
No full textDr Taasnim Ahmed Himika's research delivers a significant advancement in additive manufacturing of continuous fibre-reinforced composites through rigorous numerical investigation of fibre orientation, nozzle geometry, and extrudate stacking sequence. By explicitly modelling extrudate cross-sections and process-induced voids, her research investigated manufacturing parameters, tensile strength, and energy absorption. It was found that using square nozzles with a regular stacking sequence could achieve near-conventional composite strength, while a staggered sequence maximises energy absorption. These outcomes will guide structural design decisions across several industries, such as defence, automotive, aerospace, and construction sectors, and contribute to the continued growth of the $46 billion global additive manufacturing industry, strengthening Australia's economic and technological competitiveness.</p
Frame the Future: Creating digital stories to understand emerging public health challenges from a youth perspective via the StoryLab concept
No full textNo description available.</p
The Glutamate Hypothesis in Schizophrenia: Multimodal Insights into Cognitive and Molecular Dysregulation in Ultra-Treatment-Resistance
No full textThis thesis focuses on how changes in key brain chemicals (e.g. glutamate) are linked to schizophrenia and its most severe forms. By reviewing existing studies, analysing brain chemistry data, and combining findings across an extensive range of investigations, this research provides evidence for changes across brain region, stages of illness, and treatment exposure. The results suggest a dynamic process that evolves overtime and is shaped by medication, rather than a single abnormality. The thesis also shows how differences in research methods can strongly influence results, helping explain explaining inconsistent findings and offering clearer direction for future research and treatment development.</p