18397 research outputs found
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Investigation of Marangoni flow in Three-dimensional Geometry of Aqueous Micro-foams
No full textThis thesis delves into the dynamics of aqueous foams, essential in varied fields such as cosmetics and oil recovery. It explores how soap-like substances (surfactants) and their varying amounts affect foam's flow, specifically through a process where differences in surface tension drive motion (Marangoni flow). Studies include how these flows behave under different conditions, such as UV light exposure. The findings enhance our understanding of foam dynamics, enabling better control in industrial applications. This could lead to more efficient processes in the production and use of foams, benefiting economic and environmental aspects of these industries
Evaluation of properties of lignin derived from local biomass using low temperature transition mixture and its extraction process
No full textThe current study applied sucrose/malic acid/water (SMAW) low transition temperature mixture (LTTM) for the pretreatment of oil palm empty fruit bunch, oil palm trunk, oil palm mesocarp fibre, oil palm kernel shell, rice husk, coconut husk, coconut shell, and cocoa kernel shell. The outcomes from this study represented the culmination of extensive experimentation and analysis and have the potential to offer valuable insights into lignin recovery and pretreatment methodologies for diverse lignocellulosic feedstocks. The implications of these findings can potentially be applied in the scale-up implementation of the SMAW LTTM for multi-feedstock biomass pretreatment
A novel virtual manufacturing system synergising operations and operators for enhanced efficiencies
No full textManufacturing industries are vital for Australia's economic growth. Amongst various challenges inefficiencies due to operator operations real-time synchronization is major hurdle. The Virtual Manufacturing System framework (VMS) developed, integrates operations and operators for real-time data capture and analysis. A real-world textile manufacturing industry was implemented with VMS for significant efficiency improvements, ~35% reduction in operation times and production costs, driven by operator performance analysis and predictive models. This framework will set a benchmark for diverse industries and highlights the potential for future advancements, such as incorporating Industrial Internet of Things and bionic enhancements for operators, to further enhance manufacturing efficiencies
Development and Evaluation of Road Network Pricing Models for Travel Demand Management
No full textThis research explores the role of road pricing for managing travel demand and promoting sustainable transport. By reviewing international literature and conducting simulation experiments, it evaluates effectiveness of road pricing, its benefits, and public acceptance in Australia. Findings indicate potential traffic congestion reductions and emissions cuts with appropriate pricing strategies. The study also develops road pricing choice models based on public attitudes obtained through a survey of Australian travellers, highlighting factors influencing road user acceptance. These insights provide policy directions for equitable and efficient road pricing reforms, crucial for Australia's sustainable transport future, bridging knowledge gaps and guiding evidence-based decision-making
Exploring Artificial Intelligence in COVID-19 Detection Through Cough Sound Analysis
No full textPrevious studies feature cough sound recordings and AI for COVID-19 pre-screening. These studies often neglect cough segmentation and relies on single-source datasets. This study introduces a deep learning framework with cough segmentation methods using 15 MFCC coefficients and a Mini VGGNet model. Cross-dataset training and testing with Cambridge, Coswara, and NIH Malaysia datasets were also conducted. Findings highlight manual segmentation (0.4-second duration, 0.1-second overlap) as the optimal cough segmentation method. The best performing model was trained on 80% of merged dataset (triple sourced) and tested on 20% of the Cambridge set achieving 0.921 test-accuracy, 0.973 AUC, 0.910 precision, and 0.910 recall
Discovery of Inhibitors Targeting p38γ and PLK1 Using Combined Virtual Screening, Molecular Dynamics Simulations and Biological Evaluation
No full textThis thesis described the discovering processes of potential inhibitors targeting p38γ or/and PLK1 by in silico discoveries and in vitro evaluations. This study was the first large scale in silico screening for p38γ inhibitors and the first attempt for computing discovery of specific PLK1 inhibitors. The study also first proposed the idea of dual PLK1 and p38γ inhibitors and highlighted its possibility of synergistic anticancer effects. The study addresses an unmet clinical need on the discovery of novel inhibitors for aggressive cancers and provides an innovative in silico pipeline for dual inhibitor discovery
Re-imagining safety and community in digital spaces: Online games events during Melbourne's COVID-19 lockdowns
No full textThis thesis examines safety, accessibility and inclusivity at two online games events, Freeplay Independent Games Festival and PAX Online. It utilises textual policy analysis, digital ethnography and semi-structured interviews to chart how these events moved online in 2020 during Melbourne, Australia's ongoing COVID-19 lockdown restrictions. Issues around safety and inclusivity permeate discussions of games community and industry spaces, therefore, games culture is an exemplary site of inquiry for understanding safety and inclusivity at events. Further, the COVID-19 pandemic necessitated a pivot to online modes of event delivery which demonstrated the creative possibilities for safer, more inclusive and community-focused digital spaces
Microwave-assisted Graft Copolymerization of Methyl Methacrylate onto Wood Fibers and its Application in Wood Plastic Composites
No full textThe present research aims to investigate methods to improve the material properties of wood plastic composites (WPC). WPCs, like any other natural fiber reinforced polymer composite, have poor interfacial bonding between the hydrophilic natural fibers and hydrophobic polymer matrix. In this study, the graft copolymerization technique is successfully used as treatment on wood fibers prior to fabricating the polymer composite. The WPCs produced with grafted wood showed marginally improved tensile strength and reduced water absorption properties. In application, the improved material may be used as furniture or decking for enhanced durability especially in conditions of high humidity
Entrepreneurial Behaviour in Times of a Disaster: The Role of Technology as an enabler
No full textThe global pandemic disrupted everyone, yet entrepreneurs thrived using digital technologies to maintain operations. The study examines entrepreneurial behaviour during this time, finding how the entrepreneurs leveraged digital technology to sustain or pivot their businesses. They tapped into their own skills alongside digital technology advantages, to adapt. This research aids new entrepreneurs and their support networks; such as associations that run workshops or consultations, in building resilience during crises
Nonequilibrium vortex thermodynamics in two-dimensional Bose–Einstein condensates
No full textThis thesis explores the complex behaviors of whirl-like structures, known as vortices, in fluids that behave according to quantum mechanics, unlike ordinary liquids. Using computer models and machine learning simulation techniques, the study investigates how these vortices interact and organize themselves under different conditions. The findings enhance our understanding of fluid dynamics in quantum environments and offer new insights into the fundamental laws of thermodynamics in such systems far from equilibrium. This research not only advances scientific knowledge in quantum vortex related physics but also has potential implications for developing new quantum related technologies