18397 research outputs found
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Engineering Smart Self-Cleaning Plasma Sprayed Coatings from Modified Titanium Dioxide
No full textThis thesis delivered a superhydrophilic, self‑cleaning TiO₂ coating for an air‑terminal prototype developed with Lightning Protection International (LPI). Outdoor testing over 2.5 years confirmed stable wettability and self‑cleaning behaviour without manual maintenance, despite low photocatalytic activity in simulated degradation experiments. Optimised APS parameters—including a mixed‑phase anatase/rutile feedstock (F31GS), Ar:H₂ plasma, 500 A arc current, and N₂ carrier gas—were critical to achieving long‑term performance. Key findings highlighted the role of crystallite size, phase composition, and defect engineering in governing coating behaviour. This work advances understanding of APS TiO₂ coatings and informs future design of functional surfaces for commercial applications.</p
From the margins to the political mainstream: discourses of discontent, and the promotion of fringe values in pandemic and post-pandemic Victoria
No full textThis thesis examines the rise of fringe ideologies and sentiments in Victoria since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. Libertarianism, populism and conspiracy belief, social and/or religious conservatism, exclusionary, anti-progressive politics and anti-government sentiment became more visible during pandemic-related opposition and protest connected to “freedom” movements, and have more recently been evident in examples of tolerance, acceptance or promotion of fringe values in mainstream politics. The thesis makes its social contribution by deepening our understanding of the dynamics underlying the mainstreaming of the fringe, thus equipping us with knowledge essential for addressing and overcoming the challenges this poses.</p
Organic Matrix and Biomimetic Minerals as an Eco-friendly Binder
No full textThis research introduces an eco-friendly alternative to cement, one of the largest industrial contributors to global carbon emissions. Drawing inspiration from nature, it develops a novel binder made from calcium carbonate using an algae-based material that captures and locks away carbon dioxide. The process creates a strong, durable hybrid material with potential for construction use. By uniting carbon capture with sustainable building practices, this work presents a promising pathway to lower the environmental footprint of the construction industry while advancing greener, more resilient infrastructure for future societies.</p
The Role of AGN in Quenching Massive and Ultra-Massive Galaxies: Insights from Machine Learning, Emission Line Diagnostics, and JWST Observations
No full textThis thesis investigates AGN-driven quenching in massive galaxies at redshift 3 < z < 4. Analyzing spectroscopic data from ground-based observatories and JWST, we found a high AGN prevalence (60-70%) in ultra-massive systems. We developed a novel "BPT+S" diagram to improve AGN classification and explored machine learning techniques to study galaxy evolution. Comparisons between observed star formation histories and the TNG300 simulation confirmed that AGN feedback is critical for rapid quenching. Our work provides direct observational evidence for the dominant role of AGN in shutting down star formation in the early universe.</p
The Role of Place in Human-Nature Relations
No full textAddressing the current ecological crisis requires a positive shift in behaviour toward the environment more broadly that can be sustained over a long period. This research contributes to the feasibility of such an approach, through understanding how people conceptualise the environment in the context of their lives. Aided by biographical interviews and guided tours, this research examines the relationship between humans and nature within the place of Balranald, New South Wales, Australia. Findings of this thesis contributes to broader discussions about perceptions of the environment, as well as how phenomenological studies of nature can be undertaken empirically.</p
GRADING CARBON: Architectural design framework for functionally graded biochar cementitious composites towards carbon sequestering building elements
No full textThis research explores how to lower the carbon footprint of concrete by adding biochar, a carbon-rich material that stores carbon. By using a graded design, varying the amount of biochar throughout the cementitious material matrix, this study reduces the embodied carbon of building elements while maintaining their strength. It also studies practical fabrication methods, including 3D printing and casting, to shape these material topologies efficiently. The work presents a creative and innovative path toward building low-carbon structures and shows how material design can help the construction industry become more sustainable.</p
Finding Dark Matter with Computer Vision: Probing the Subhalo Mass Function
No full textDark matter is over five times more abundant than all visible matter in the universe, yet nearly a century after its discovery, we still don’t know what it is. Images of gravitational lenses -- massive objects that bend light from distant galaxies -- may hold the key, encoding dark matter signatures in the distorted images. With advances in artificial intelligence, it’s natural to ask whether machine learning can help detect these hidden signatures. This thesis explores that possibility under various conditions, finding that it is a much more challenging problem than initially thought.</p
Singular Perturbation-Based Control of the Flexible Joint Robot
No full textThis research developed new control methods to improve the accuracy and reliability of robotic arms with flexible joints. These methods help robots move more precisely and remain stable, even when facing unexpected changes or disturbances. The findings can benefit industries such as manufacturing, healthcare, and space exploration by making robots safer, more efficient, and easier to use.</p
The Use and Adoption of Digital Technology among Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in Indonesia: A Multi-Stage Approach
No full textMany small and medium enterprises (SMEs) struggle to adopt digital technology, threatening their competitiveness. Therefore, this research examines factors that encourage or discourage digital uptake among Indonesian SMEs. Drawing on both quantitative and qualitative data, the findings reveal that top management support, a strong digital culture, and an international orientation are particularly influential from an organisational perspective. Meanwhile, from an environmental perspective, government regulations and access to training also shape how SMEs decide whether to adopt new technologies. These insights can help SME managers prioritise digital initiatives and guide policymakers in developing strategies to support SMEs’ in a digital world.</p