18397 research outputs found
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Simultaneous Integration of Renewable Energy Resources and D STATCOM Using Advance Optimization Technique for Improved Power Quality
No full textThis thesis addresses the growing energy demand and the slow expansion of power systems by integrating renewable energy sources and Distribution Synchronous Static Compensators (D-STATCOM) into low voltage distribution networks. Excessive renewable penetration can cause voltage imbalances and power losses. The proposed method uses photovoltaic (PV)-based distributed generators (DG) with non-linear backstepping controllers and Lyapunov-controlled D-STATCOM to mitigate these issues. Optimal placement and sizing, achieved through Grey Wolf and Black Widow optimization algorithms, minimize power losses and enhance voltage stability. The integration of PV-DG and D-STATCOM improves power quality and system performance, as evidenced by the study's outcomes
How start-ups progress into the post-start-up stage
No full textThis PhD research examined the critical success factors of start-ups transitioning from their initial formation to a more mature, post-start-up stage. The study identified factors that significantly influenced the success or failure of start-ups during this transition. The research findings provide a roadmap for start-ups seeking to enhance their likely success and survival, along with providing deep insights for supporting actors such as policymakers. The research fills a significant gap in the existing literature, primarily focusing on start-up networking and human, financial, and knowledge resources. Overall, the study provides deep insights into the factors that influence the success or failure of start-ups during the post-start-up transition period
Voluntary Postural Control in People with Low Back Pain
No full textPostural control, crucial for maintaining balance in both voluntary and involuntary movements, is influenced by body sensation. However, the impact of low back pain on body sensation remains unclear. This study adapted the SwayDA device to measure body sensation in individuals with low back pain. The main findings revealed a general decrease in body sensation among those with low back pain, associated with the severity of disability and postural control performance. Additionally, individuals with low back pain tended to employ conservative postural control strategies. These results underscore the significance of evaluating body sensation in individuals with low back pain
The Role of Project Monitoring and Evaluation in International Development Projects: An Agency Theory Perspective
No full textProject impact is one of the fundamental dimensions of success in international development projects, a dimension that so many fail to achieve. Drawing on agency theory, this study conceptualizes that monitoring and evaluation influence international development project impact by resolving information asymmetry and goal incongruence. The empirical results reveal that resolving goal incongruence through project monitoring and evaluation activities affect international development project impact. The information asymmetry, however, was only resolved through project monitoring. These novel findings have substantial implications for both theory and practice because we examine the individual effects of project monitoring and project evaluation on international development project impact through the resolution of goal incongruence and information asymmetry for a behavioral-control context, such as international development projects
Tensile behaviour and energy absorption of thin-walled tubes with origami patterns
No full textThis study explores the deployment behavior and energy absorption performance of origami-based thin-walled tubes, known as origami bellows, under axial tension. The investigation is carried out through numerical simulations, theoretical analysis, and experimental validation. Various deformation processes of origami bellows with different geometries are simulated, and analytical models for mean tensile force are developed based on the observed deformation mechanisms. The potential applications of origami bellows include serving as flexible joints for pipelines that need to accommodate movement caused by seismic activity or blast loading, safety ropes for mitigating falling accidents, and arresting cables for aircraft carriers
Decision-Making for HIV AIDS Prevention: Altruism and the Moral Norm
No full textThe purpose of this enquiry was to understand how gay men form and maintain their attitudes toward HIV transmission preventative behaviors. Autobiographical life histories of sixteen gay men showed that once they acquired knowledge of preventative behavior they consistently adhered to that behavior. They adhered because of fear of HIV infection and because they held a moral norm that obligated them to behave altruistically (Schwartz, 1977) to protect not only themselves, but also their sex partners, loved ones, and their positive self-evaluation. They saw their HIV negative status, and their adherence, as pre-requisite and enabler for achieving their goals in life. Dick and Basu’s (1994) Framework for Customer Loyalty, a commercial marketing communications theoretical framework, explains development and maintenance of these men’s loyalty (their consistent adherence). This understanding, within a marketing communications framework, will inform development of social marketing communications aiming to increase adherence to behaviors that prevent HIV transmission
Enabling Community Engagement to Maximise Co-Benefits in Achieving Social-Ecological Resilience in Urban-Waterways Management
No full textThis study aimed to give communities a responsive role in looking after urban waterways. Instead of just integrating their inputs, we want them to help make decisions and take care of their waterways more responsibly. This is not just about following rules; it is about making it a natural part of life. This approach can bring multiple benefits, including cleaner water for swimming and for wildlife, pleasant places for relaxing, and even higher property values. Also, working together with local leaders, everyone can make sure decisions are fair and help keep the waterways healthy and enjoyable for everyone to use.</p
University-industry collaboration: Improving new product development with small and medium enterprises
No full textSmall and medium enterprises are crucial players in Australia, representing 99.4% of businesses and providing 68% of local employment. New product development is vital for their growth but requires significant resources, leading many companies to outsource development. Collaboration with higher education institutions can provide access to essential resources and knowledge. However, only 7.6% of Australian small and medium enterprises engaged with universities for innovation (2020-21), representing a significant opportunity for improvement. This research addresses gaps in extant knowledge by using a multi-qualitative method to study university-industry collaboration at a micro-level, resulting in new frameworks and recommendations to improve collaboration practice.</p
Intimate partner violence exposure during infancy and social functioning in middle childhood: An Australian mother and child cohort study
No full textSocial functioning of children with experiences of intimate partner violence (IPV) between caregivers in early childhood has received less attention than emotional–behavioral outcomes. Drawing on data from 1507 ten-year-old Australian-born children and their mothers participating in a community-based longitudinal study, this study examined the associations between IPV exposure during infancy and social development during middle childhood. IPV during the first 12 months of life was associated with lower social skills, higher peer problems, and peer victimization at age 10 years, while accounting for concurrent IPV. This study provides evidence for the long-term impacts of early-life IPV exposure on children's social functioning, and the importance of prevention and early intervention programs focused on social development following experiences of IPV
I Am More than HIV: A Qualitative Exploration of Factors That Can Strengthen Resilience Among HIV-Positive Gay Men in Australia
No full textIntroduction: HIV-positive gay men continue to experience stigma related to sexual orientation and HIV status. Although resilience toward such stressors can be achieved, limited Australian research exists that examines how resilience is strengthened toward these dual stigmas. Methods: A total of 20 men from Melbourne, Australia, participated in semi-structured interviews between March and October 2019 to explore ways in which they manage such stigmas. Results: Reflexive thematic analysis identified two primary themes: (1) “intrapersonal control,” which relates to individual mind set and lifestyle changes that participants utilized to strengthen resilience; (2) “systemic change,” which includes participants’ needs for better public health messaging. Findings show resilience was enhanced when proactive approaches to sexual orientation, HIV health appraisal, lifestyle changes, and social support were made. Further, outdated HIV awareness campaigns and a lack of current messaging regarding HIV transmission in the wider community were identified as inhibiting resilience development and promoting stigma among gay men. Conclusion: The results from this study show ways that Australian gay men strengthen their resilience through both intrapersonal (e.g., self-awareness, reappraisal, and self-efficacy) and external resources (e.g., education and public awareness) and how health care providers and social policy makers could better support the men to achieve this. Social-Policy Implications: Findings suggest that targeted public health responses are required to compliment the advances made in biomedicine and viral suppression