18397 research outputs found
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An integrated thermal-mechanical origami sandwich channels in non-modular electric vehicles
No full textThis study proposes novel battery packs in electric vehicles based on the origami structure, which integrates the cooling system and mechanical structure into one single component. In terms of the cooling performance, the maximum temperature can be reduced by up to 5°C and 45°C, under the fast-discharging and short-circuit conditions, respectively. For the mechanical property, the origami structure enhances the peak crushing force by 200kN, and the impact energy absorption capability is improved by up to 107% under the quasi-static and dynamic conditions. Furthermore, the volume utilization rate for the energy storage can be increased from 61.5% to 85.5%
Development of an Active Pharmaceutical Ingredient (API) Loaded Hydrogel Targeting Bacterial Vaginosis
No full textThe administration of therapeutic drugs includes various methods, with mucosal administration focusing on applying drugs through mucosal glands in areas like the mouth, nose, throat, rectum, and vagina. The vaginal route is a promising avenue for drug delivery, with carrier systems like vaginal tablets, hydrogels, and suppositories.
This research evaluates hydrogels as carriers for active pharmaceutical ingredients (API) targeting bacterial vaginosis (BV), a common infection in women of reproductive age, posing risks to sexual and reproductive health. The thesis reviews recent studies on the vaginal microbiome, BV conditions, and various vaginal drug delivery systems. The goal is to enhance our understanding of effective drug delivery for treating BV, contributing to improved women's health.</p
Why Firms Embrace Social Sustainability and How Does it Affect Firm Performance? The Role of Motives and Supply Chain Connectivity
No full textThis empirical research gathered survey data from Australian supply chain managers, analyzing firms' adoption of social practices and their impact on performance. It explores how supply chain connectivity, especially through technology, impact the relationship between supplier practices and firm performance. By understanding these dynamics, the study offers insights into fostering a socially sustainable environment, emphasizing measures like safe working conditions, fair wages, gender equality, and human rights protection to achieve both social and economic goals. Encouraging practitioners to prioritize social issues in supply chain, the research fosters globally ethical working conditions for positive societal impact.</p
Colorectal cancer survivors' experiences and views of shared and telehealth models of survivorship care: A qualitative study
No full textObjectives: The number of colorectal cancer (CRC) survivors is increasing and current models of survivorship care are unsustainable. There is a drive to implement alternative models of care including shared care between general practitioners (GPs) and hospital-based providers. The primary objective of this study was to explore perspectives on facilitators and barriers to shared care. The secondary objective was to explore experiences of telehealth-delivered care. Method: Qualitative data were collected via semi-structured interviews with participants in the Shared Care for Colorectal Cancer Survivors (SCORE) randomised controlled trial. Interviews explored patient experiences of usual and shared survivorship care during the SCORE trial. In response to the COVID pandemic, participant experiences of telehealth appointments were also explored. Interviews were recorded and transcribed for thematic analysis. Results: Twenty survivors of CRC were interviewed with an even number in the shared and usual care arms; 14 (70%) were male. Facilitators to shared care included: good relationships with GPs; convenience of GPs; good communication between providers; desire to reduce public health system pressures. Barriers included: poor communication between clinicians; inaccessibility of GPs; beliefs about GP capacity; and a preference for follow-up care with the hospital after positive treatment experiences. Participants also commonly expressed a preference for telehealth-based follow-up when there was no need for a clinical examination. Conclusions: This is one of few studies that have explored patient experiences with shared and telehealth-based survivorship care. Findings can guide the implementation of these models, particularly around care coordination, communication, preparation, and personalised pathways of care
Benchmark Dataset for Tape Fibre Layups
No full textThis dataset contains surface scans of fibre tape layups for benchmarking evaluation algorithms and training Machine Learning algorithms that detect defects in these scans. It consists of a set of 1200 real scans, collected using a laser line triangulation sensor, and 1200 artificial images that aim to mimic the real scans. All images have pixel-accurate annotations.For both subsets, a split into training data (990 images) and test data (210 images) has been predefined. For benchmarking purposes, it is recommended only to use the test data split of the real scans. All data points can be used for training and evaluating machine learning algorithms. </p
Benchmarking Data Set for Defect Detection Systems in the Carbon Fibre Tape Placement Process
No full textIn this paper, we present a benchmark dataset for defect detection systems in the carbon fibre tape placement process. The dataset includes a combination of artificial and real scans, providing a comprehensive representation of the defects encountered in this manufacturing process. We describe the process of creating the dataset, including the translation of process features into a geometrical model and the collection and processing of real data.</p
Generative AI at work: Empowering employee mental wellbeing
No full textWith individuals and organisations using the technology in new and ever-smarter ways, it is transforming work as we know it. Greater productivity, enhanced learning and insights, more innovation and creativity – the benefits are mounting.
In addition to transforming work, Generative AI (GenAI) has the potential to support positive workplace mental wellbeing. Whether it is through assigning repetitive and mundane tasks to a ‘digital assistant’, customising wellness routines for employees or using GenAI for collaborative problem-solving, adaptive learning and collective decision-making, the technology is a game- changer.
Of course, the rapid uptake of technology must be carefully considered to maximise gains and minimise detrimental impacts. Organisations must also ensure they create an appropriate culture within which the use of GenAI tools is normalised and encouraged for all knowledge workers. Organisations can address this by providing clear guidelines on workplace use and training to support their employees.
This report explores the benefits and drawbacks of using GenAI to help address workforce mental health challenges. The aim of this report is to examine the experiences of Australian workers and to use those lessons to support organisational leaders as they deploy GenAI and execute effective strategies that can make a difference to improving mental wellbeing for workers.</p
A New Anti-Rotational Bio-Inspired Structure in Bicycle Helmet
No full textThis study investigated innovative bicycle helmet designs inspired by the unique structural features of horsetail plants and the human spine, aiming to reduce rotational acceleration, a key factor in severe brain injuries. Simulation results demonstrated that the developed bio-inspired lattice structure reduced rotational acceleration by 44% compared to traditional liners. Experimental tests further validated the effectiveness of this design, showcasing its potential for enhancing head protection. Future research will focus on refining these findings to improve helmet performance in real-world scenarios.</p
‘We’ve been robbed’: Young women and gender diverse people’s housing experiences and solutions
No full textTo understand the housing experiences of young women and young gender diverse people living in Australia, YWCA Australia has partnered with researchers at Swinburne University of Technology. In this study, a generational, gendered, and intersectional approach is used to investigate the lived experience of housing insecurity and/or homelessness risk and homelessness experienced by a diverse range of young women and young gender diverse people aged 18 to 30 years. Using a ‘housing aspirations’ lens, this research centres the voices and lived experiences of young women and young gender diverse people, to focus on housing challenges experienced by them in contemporary Australia, as well as to identify and articulate the housing solutions that they say are needed.</p
Building digital and data capabilities for sexual health policy and practice Stage Two report: Working with young adults aged 18-29
No full textThis report presents findings from Stage Two of Professor Kath Albury’s Australian Research Council Future Fellowship Project (2022 – 2026) Digital and data capabilities for sexual health policy and practice. Stage One demonstrated a clear need for sexual and reproductive health organisations, practitioners and policies to build capacity to better engage with young adults’ digital and data cultures (see Albury and Mannix, 2023). The Stage One report can be accessed here. In Stage Two, we sought to better understand how young people's participation in digital sexual cultures and/or use of digital platforms and technologies contributes to their sexual and reproductive health and wellbeing. We also asked health consumers and health professionals about the kinds of platforms and resources they think can be most helpful for organisational learning in sexual and reproductive health promotion and clinical service contexts.</p