18397 research outputs found
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Adoption of New Generation Reusable Coffee Cups Exchange Systems by Australian Coffee Drinkers: Sustainability and Circular Economy Perspectives
No full textThis thesis explores the adoption of coffee cup exchange systems in Australia, emphasising the cognitive and affective factors driving consumer participation. While previous research has primarily focused on pro-environmental behaviour of eco-friendly coffee consumption, it has largely overlooked the effectiveness of emerging sustainable coffee cup exchange systems. The theoretical model integrates the push, pull, and mooring migration model, the theory of planned behaviour, and the technology acceptance model. The findings reveal significant implications for policymakers and businesses, demonstrating that environmental concern, knowledge, perceived ease of use, and perceived usefulness are crucial determinants of consumers' intentions to adopt these systems.</p
Plant Disease Identification using Deep Learning Approach
No full textThis study explores the performance of SOTA models for plant disease identification, extending beyond accuracy to include in-depth explainability through visualization. Additionally, three novel models (PlantAIM, FF-ViT, and CL-ViT) are proposed to address existing challenges in the field. For the research community, this study provides a comprehensive performance benchmark and introduces new methodologies to tackle current limitations. For the broader society, the findings enhance public trust in automated plant disease identification models and contribute to more robust models adaptable to various tasks and environments.</p
A qualitative study exploring political skills and how politicians develop them
No full textSkills are important in every profession, but the situation in politics is distinct. While political skills are essential for politicians, many of whom have these skills intuitively, there is a significant lack of research on political skills within the field. Additionally, high-quality political skills training is scarce. Given the crucial role politicians play in democratic institutions and the complexities they face, one would expect substantial attention to training them effectively and a comprehensive body of literature on the subject. However, this is not the case, highlighting an opportunity for further exploration.This thesis aims to investigate what constitutes political skills in Australia and how Australian politicians develop these skills. Through qualitative research involving interviews with 40 politicians and thematic analysis of the data, political skills are defined as the skills to build trust, influence, and persuade others to support a decision within a political context. Furthermore, a typology of political skills is developed, encompassing intellectual skills, communication skills, and social acuity. The study also reveals that politicians primarily acquire these skills through experience rather than structured learning. This indicates that there are opportunities to expand learning methods and provide diverse individuals, including those without prior political experience, with the tools to become effective in the political arena.</p
Social Connection 101 (Revised edition)
No full textThis resource is designed to help enhance social connection in communities by providing a clear understanding of what it is, how it works, and ways to activate and measure it. Originally developed in 2021 as an evidence-based guide, it has been used to support initiatives like befriending services and aged-care strategies. This updated version includes an improved framework and new tools for measuring social connection.</p
Development of RAFT derived polymer coatings to prevent medical device related infections
No full textThe use of medical devices can be associated with serious clinical complications due to device-related infections. Over the past few decades, the chemical modification of device surfaces with thin polymeric coatings has been demonstrated to be a promising strategy to prevent these infections. This project developed multifunctional antibacterial coatings featuring low surface adherence against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus as well as the release of antibacterial agencies such as antibiotics to inhibit the proliferation of planktonic bacteria both on the surface and in the vicinity of the coatings. This approach is expected to be translated into biomedical device applications.</p
Property development as a profession: A study in new forms of professional practice for property development
No full textProperty developers are key entrepreneurial and economic agents in the provision of living space. Their activities have a profound influence over the outcomes of the processes involved in the provision of living space. Property development is widely considered to be an economic practice, defined and driven by commercial interests. Very consider it a professional practice with a potentially strong role in protecting a public interest. This study examines the conceptual and normative conditions for professionalising property development in order to evaluate professionalisation for yielding improved social outcomes through ethical and socially and environmentally sustainable provision of living space.</p
Dataset summary of participant demographic information
No full textThe study of the perception of empathy is limited, particularly in voice-based prototypes. The objective of this study is to identify to what extent perceptions of empathy in CA prototypes corresponds with the engineered empathy levels for these voice-based prototypes. In addition, as a secondary aim, this study investigates how the demographic characteristics of participants affect their perception of empathy in a mental health helpline service context. The dataset refers to this participant group recruited through the Swinburne Research Experience Program.</p
Swinburne Women's Academic Network: Celebrating 10 Years
No full textCelebrating 10 years of SWAN with 10 unique stories. Each story offers a glimpse into SWAN’s programs, impact, and lived experiences, told through the voices of those who have participated in, championed, or advocated for our work. This personal lens reflects the essence of SWAN: a community-driven, grassroots network built on the generous sharing of time, knowledge, and support. We hope these stories bring you closer to understanding what SWAN stands for and inspires you with the spirit at its heart.</p
Exploring Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion across the Aquatic and Leisure Ecosystem in Victoria
No full textThis mixed-methods research examined Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) across Victoria’s aquatic and leisure sector, focusing on policies, practices, and engagement with five key groups: First Nations peoples, LGBTIQA+ communities, CALD populations, women and girls, and people with disabilities. While enthusiasm for DEI was evident, gaps emerged in leadership, policy coherence, and workforce capability. The report recommends stronger leadership, tailored community strategies, ongoing training, and robust monitoring. A structured DEI Roadmap supports these actions, aiming to foster inclusive workplaces and equitable community participation aligned with sector-wide wellbeing goals.</p
Cognitive perspectives on hearing voices within schizophrenia-spectrum diagnoses
No full textThis thesis investigated key cognitive theories and functions associated with hearing voices in schizophrenia and related conditions. A systematic review highlighted the breadth of cognitive literature, as well as inconsistencies in the definition and measurement of voice hearing experiences. The first empirical study identified inhibition and auditory signal detection as possible mechanisms associated with hearing voices. The second empirical study demonstrated the highly varied and nuanced ways that individuals with first-hand experience of voices relate to proposed cognitive models. This research highlights the need for further conceptual integration across models, and the alignment of mechanism-based research to possible therapeutic applications.</p