18397 research outputs found
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Embodied Posture Analysis for Industry Operator Safety Enhancements
No full textThe Australian Bureau of Statistics reported 2.8% work-related fatalities per 100,000 workers in 2022, with over 623,663 Musculoskeletal Disorders (MSDs) claims between 2008 and 2022. Such claims costed over A$28.6 billion annually, impacting 1.6% of the Australian gross domestic product . The prevailing challenge in addressing MSDs was the absence of real-time posture prediction capabilities. This research develops a novel real-time closed-loop Posture Prediction Framework (PPF) aimed at mitigating MSDs among industry operators for real-time prediction and mitigation capabilities. This was achieved through integration, data acquired by sensors, mathematical models and appropriation through artificial intelligence for feedback/alert systems. The real world benchmarking was demonstrated in rolling stock manufacturing, established worker safety, offering substantial socio-economic benefits by ensuring the health and well-being of individuals
Mechanical Properties of Graphene-Reinforced Mortar and Concrete under Quasi-Static and Dynamic Loadings
No full textThis study investigated the effects of adding graphene to mortar and concrete and found that it improves their quasi-static and dynamic mechanical properties. Microstructure analyses and finite element analysis models were used to understand the behaviour of the materials at the nanoscale, and a parametric study explored the effects of beam size and impact velocity on the flexural response of graphene-reinforced concrete beams. The study is crucial for safe and resilient structures and can lead to the development of more durable nanomaterial-reinforced construction materials, safer structural designs, reduced emissions, lower ecological impact, and reduced maintenance costs
Towards Secure and Trusted AI Systems: Techniques and Applications of Adversarial Machine Learning
No full textThe rapid integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) systems across diverse domains has led to transformative advancements, accompanied by substantial concerns about their security and trustworthiness. This thesis explores how to make AI systems more secure and trustworthy. It introduces methods to 1) detect backdoor attacks that compromise the model integrity, 2) protect the privacy of training data, 3) ensure accountability of AI code generater, and 4) safeguard personal data from unauthorized use. By addressing these critical issues, the research aims to enhance the security and reliability of AI technologies, ultimately benefiting society by fostering more secure and trustworthy AI applications
Portfolio Risk Management in the Crypto Era: A Quantitative Analysis on Cryptocurrency’s Safe Haven Status for BRICS and G7 Portfolios Using Wavelet Coherence, DCC-MGARCH and Value at Risk Approach
No full textThis thesis explores whether cryptocurrencies can act as safe-haven assets during financial crises, comparing their behaviour with traditional investments across G7 and BRICS countries. Using Wavelet Coherence, DCC MGARCH and Value at Risk methodologies, it reveals that certain cryptocurrencies (especially stablecoins) can help reduce portfolio risks during turbulent times and Bitcoin helps improving profitability during crises. The findings further challenge assumptions about asset-backed cryptocurrencies, showing that gold-backed ones may amplify risk. This work offers valuable insights for investors and policymakers on managing portfolio stability, contributing to a deeper understanding of digital asset’s role in modern financial markets.</p
Mainstreaming nature-based solutions in and with cities: Insights for transformative practices in planning and governance
No full textThis research explores how cities can play a transformational role in adapting to climate change and biodiversity loss by better understanding processes of mainstreaming. It focuses on how change can be actioned, examined with a case study of urban forestry governance in metropolitan Melbourne, as an example of mainstreaming nature-based solutions in cities. This thesis develops new frameworks to broaden and deepen the knowledge around what mainstreaming is, how it can be achieved, and pathways for changing governance norms to make nature-based solutions - as one type of sustainability solution - a mainstream consideration in urban politics and urban planning.</p
Comparative Studies of Play Practices for Children’s Learning and Development in Early Childhood Education in Australia, Indonesia and Vietnam
No full textPlay is highly valued in the early childhood curriculum framework and practices in Australia, Indonesia and Vietnam for its significant role in assisting young children’s learning and development. However, different understandings of the notion of play lead to different approaches to implement play to support children’s learning and development in these countries. Therefore, this chapter aims to discuss how play is differently conceptualised and implemented in children’s learning in the three different countries in order to support children’s development in various aspects of development. A comparative study was conducted, embracing both qualitative and quantitative methods research methods in different contexts. Dealing with societal demands on academic or cognitive outcomes in the Indonesian context, a transformational Playworld is presented to show how play supports children’s development and learning of concepts. Despite practical barriers in the Australian context, it is found that educators recognise children’s agency and use play as a pedagogical approach to afford and support children’s agency. In the Vietnamese context, play is applied in the form of games as a means to learn foreign languages in the context of voluntary English learning for pre-schoolers. It is argued that play links to children’s learning and meets the demands on different aspects of children’s development. The play implementation in these countries discussed in this chapter draws attention to the different forms of play that can be considered as strategies for teachers to develop children’s learning and support children’s development.</p
The Road Ahead: Medical Cannabis and its Impact on Driving
No full textThis thesis examines the effects of medical cannabis on driving performance, with a focus on neurocognitive functions, oculomotor activity, and mood. Drawing on findings from a systematic review, randomised controlled trial, and semi-naturalistic observational study, it investigates how cannabis influences essential abilities such as attention, memory, decision-making, and motor coordination required for safe driving. The research delves into the impact of factors including dosage, route of administration, and tolerance developed with ongoing use. By identifying risks and proposing mitigation strategies, this thesis aims to guide public policy and clinical practice in managing cannabis-related driving impairment within therapeutic contexts.</p
How might the built environment prevent or actively support people experiencing delirium?
No full textDelirium is associated with significant adverse
outcomes, including increased risk of death, falls,
cognitive decline and extended hospital stays.
Despite its impact, many hospitals lack design
features that minimise the risk of delirium.
Several environmental factors contribute to the
onset and management of delirium in hospitals. Key
elements include noise, lighting and the familiarity
of the space.
Excessive noise can disrupt sleep and exacerbate
delirium symptoms. The sterile, unfamiliar nature of
hospital environments often exacerbates patients'
feelings of disorientation and vulnerability, further
complicating delirium management.
Healthcare professionals and caregivers emphasise
the importance of the built environment in
reducing the severity of delirium. Lighting, familiar
environments, sensory stimulation and orientation
aids are crucial in supporting patients. Architectural
design modifications, including noise-reducing
materials, dynamic lighting systems and more
engaging, human-scaled interiors, can significantly
impact patient outcomes.
This report identifies four key recommendations to
enhance the hospital environment for patients with
delirium, as below.
By integrating these recommendations into hospital
design, healthcare facilities can create more
supportive environments that not only enhance
patient well-being but also potentially reduce
the incidence and severity of delirium. Investing
in thoughtful design strategies and advanced
technological innovations is essential to adapt to
the changing population and mitigate the long-term
costs associated with delirium.</p
Exploring the relationship between spiritual intelligence and employee mental well-being of temporary migrant workers in Australia
No full textThis paper explores the relationship between spiritual intelligence and the mental well-being of temporary migrant workers in Australia. Data were collected from 443 temporary migrants in Australia working in different organisations. Analysis using Structural Equation Modelling indicates that temporary migrant workers with a higher level of spiritual intelligence are likelier to have better mental well-being. The study also reveals that spiritual well-being mediates the relationship between spiritual intelligence and mental well-being. These findings shed light on the importance of spiritual intelligence and spiritual well-being in the mental well-being of temporary migrant workers.</p
Beyond Reasonable Doubt? Understanding police attrition of reported sexual offences in the ACT
No full textThis report presents the findings of a study that aimed to understand the reasons for the high rate of attrition of reported sexual offences in the Australian Capital Territory (ACT). This ‘Police Process Review’ adopted a rigorous, trauma- informed methodology, triangulating findings across multiple sources to determine trends.</p