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Trade and distribution of coastal fish in Vanuatu: Understanding system function and implications for livelihoods, food security and governance
No full textThe practice of the exchange of coastal fish resources has existed in Vanuatu for as long as people have inhabited the islands. In the modern era, this exchange is increasingly visible through the buying and selling of these resources for cash to purchase food and livelihood security. Ongoing development challenges, such as a growing population, and changing social demographics, means that maintaining these outcomes is neither easy nor a given, which is further exacerbated by climate change-induced disruptions such as more intense and frequent tropical cyclones. Balancing local human development demands with the need to ensure healthy and productive ecosystems is critical to meeting long-term national development targets. In the context of coastal fisheries, this places sustainable local management front and centre in Vanuatu. Whilst much attention of resource management is focused on what happens on reefs and in the water, these small-scale fisheries systems extend far beyond this to include trade and distribution practices on land. This thesis focuses on these practices, understanding that this area of the system critically influences both fishing practices as well access to and acquisition of fish. It merits specific focus for management and governance towards achieving sustainability and human well-being.The thesis’s main objective is to understand the structure and functioning of the coastal fish-based market system in the Republic of Vanuatu, its resilience to disruption, and what it means for rural livelihoods. It seeks to inform current policy regimes on opportunities to improve equitable access to, and sustainable management of, the coastal finfish fishery in Vanuatu. To address this, the thesis is guided by a series of linked research questions across four thematic areas: (i) the coastal fishery in Vanuatu, (ii) the coastal fish-based market system, (iii) rural livelihoods, and (iv) resilience.The interdisciplinary nature of this research is shaped by a mixed-method grounded-theory approach, whereby both quantitative and qualitative methods were used. Empirically-informed understandings provided a broader conceptual framing that informed the thesis questions relevant and responsive to local realities. The empirical chapters each applied different approaches. Chapter 3, which focused on a national analysis of coastal fisheries dependence, involved a secondary data analysis. Chapter 4, which examined a baseline understanding of fish trade and distribution from Vanuatu’s coastal fisheries, employed a combination of secondary data analysis, and a phone survey. Chapter 5, which examined people’s engagement in fish trade and its contributions to livelihoods, employed a semi-structured household survey. Chapter 6 which examined the resilience of market actors on fish trade, employed a combination of secondary data analysis and a phone survey.The thesis describes the engagement of artisanal fishing households in the small-scale fisheries sector and the patterns of fish consumption in Vanuatu. The mapping of the trade and distribution of fish and the dynamics of the coastal fish trade system, sheds light on the spatial and temporal differences in the supply, trade and distribution of fish in Vanuatu, as well as market organisation (including various actors such as fishers and traders). The study furthermore unpacks impacts on livelihoods and the adaptive strategies of artisanal households in which fishing is a primary livelihood activity. In doing so it presents different livelihood strategies among primary and non-primary fishery dependent households, but also highlights that both household types rely heavily on fish trade for their livelihoods, especially as a post-disaster livelihood strategy. Finally, Vanuatu’s fish trade system, being frequently disrupted by various shocks and shifts, has built considerable resilience through market actors drawing from important adaptive capacity domains such as social networks, trade agency, and flexibility. All key findings are brought together to address the thesis’s overarching objective of providing insights into current and future use and governance of coastal fisheries in Vanuatu.Considering the uncertain futures for coastal people across the Pacific Islands region, finding new avenues towards sustainable, stable and productive human-environment systems is critical. This thesis offers new insights for current policy regimes in Vanuatu and beyond, and opportunities to improve equitable access to, and sustainable management of, Vanuatu’s coastal finfish fishery.</p
Deep Learning-Based EEG Mental State Classification to Support Mental Focus in Female Cricketers
No full textMental focus is critical for optimal performance in cricket, especially for female athletes who often encounter unique psychological pressures and limited mental conditioning support. This study bridges this gap by combining Electroencephalography (EEG) with deep learning to classify three mental states, calm, focus, and neutral, aimed at enhancing personalized training protocols. EEG data were recorded using the portable Muse 2 headband during targeted mental tasks, and raw signals were transformed into wavelet-based time-frequency images. These images were then analyzed using pretrained convolutional neural networks, including AlexNet, ResNet, and XceptionNet. AlexNet achieved the highest classification accuracy of 99.34%, an Average of 92% with cross-validation, demonstrating the effectiveness of transfer learning and data augmentation for EEG-based mental state recognition. The findings provide actionable insights for coaches and athletes to tailor mental training and highlight the potential for real[1]time feedback systems that assist cricketers in managing their cognitive states under pressure. Future work will focus on integrating these models into wear[1]able technologies for in-game mental monitoring and adaptive coaching. This research underscores the promise of EEG-driven, data-informed approaches in modern sports training, advocating for improved mental preparation and support, tailored to female athletes.</p
Electrolyte Engineering Towards Aqueous Zinc-Ion Batteries for Wide Temperature Applications
No full textZinc-ion batteries (ZIBs) show promise for grid-scale energy storage but face challenges such as zinc dendrite growth, the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER), and passivation. Practical applications in places with harsh temperature conditions require ZIBs to operate reliably across a wide temperature range. However, the high freezing points of aqueous electrolytes cause salt precipitation and reduced ionic conductivity at low temperatures. Ion transport, including the diffusion of Zn2+ in the bulk electrolyte, the desolvation of Zn2+ at the electrolyte/electrode interface, and the migration of Zn2+ through the solid electrolyte interphase (SEI), is significantly slowed at subzero temperatures, leading to energy and power density loss. Electrolyte strategies such as "water-in-salt", co-solvent, additives, eutectic, and ionic liquids have been proposed to solve these challenges.The co-solvent strategy is an effective approach. Co-solvents with good miscibility with water can destroy the hydrogen bonds (HBs) between water molecules, thereby lowering the freezing point of the electrolyte. This thesis presents three innovative electrolyte design strategies using co-solvent systems to suppress side reactions, enhance anti-freezing properties, and improve zinc-ion transport kinetics. The weak co-solvent G2 reduces solvated water molecules and increases anion in the solvation sheath, resulting in a weakly solvating electrolyte with accelerated desolvation and suppressed side reactions. The strong co-solvent/H2O hybrid electrolyte suffers from sluggish desolvation kinetics. The coordination intervention strategy using urea and a halogen-mediated hybrid electrolyte strategy employing potassium iodide (KI) are proposed to weaken the coordination between Zn2+ and solvents. These approaches effectively inhibit water-related side reactions, accelerate Zn2+ diffusion and desolvation.This thesis offers a comprehensive understanding of the relationships between solvation structures (solvent-solvent, solvent-ion, and ion-ion interactions) and battery performance, including enhanced anti-freezing properties, highly reversible Zn plating/stripping, and accelerated Zn2+ transport kinetics. These innovative approaches lay a solid foundation and provide valuable insights for designing electrolytes for next-generation ZIBs.</p
“Waiting for Someone to Ask”: Successful Implementation of an IPV Response by Bicultural Settlement Staff with Refugee Women in Australia
No full textRefugee women are less likely to seek support for intimate partner violence (IPV). This study examined an IPV intervention by bicultural settlement staff in Australia, aiming to enhance the capacity of settlement services to address IPV. The Safety and Health After Arrival (SAHAR) study was conducted in five settlement services in New South Wales. Bicultural caseworkers were trained to use the ACTS IPV screening tool and follow-up protocol, translated into several languages. Data were collected through focus groups (24 caseworkers, 4 IPV specialists) and interviews (5 managers). Seven themes emerged: (1) Confidence grew rapidly; (2) Clear and simple tools matter; (3) Language matching facilitates connection; (4) Settlement services can do this; (5) Disclosing is more complex for refugee women; (6) Care and inclusivity enable disclosure and help-seeking; (7) Women choose different pathways. Culturally tailored interventions and bicultural workers are crucial for supporting IPV disclosure and response. Implementing IPV screening in settlement services is feasible, increasing IPV awareness and providing disclosure opportunities. Ongoing training, support, and further research on long-term sustainability are needed.</p
Maritime Security and the Blue Economy in Southeast Asia: Linkages, Impacts and Prospects
No full textThis paper explores the critical interplay between maritime security and the Blue Economy in Southeast Asia, emphasising that regional economic aspirations are intertwined with geopolitical realities. While ASEAN has made significant strides in articulating a collective vision for the Blue Economy—most notably through the 2021 Leaders’ Declaration and the 2023 ASEAN Blue Economy Framework—these initiatives largely sidestep the region’s complex security challenges. The authors argue that maritime disputes, criminal activities, and great power competition, particularly in the South China Sea, pose significant threats to Blue Economy outcomes. These tensions undermine regional cooperation, deter investment, and hinder sustainable development. Conversely, the paper posits that advancing Blue Economy initiatives could foster improved maritime security, leveraging the symbiotic relation between development and stability. Three key sectors are examined for their impact: marine spatial planning, maritime connectivity (including port development and shipbuilding), and monitoring, control, and surveillance (MCS). The paper highlights the need for integrated, cross-border marine spatial planning, equitable port development, and regional MCS frameworks to support sustainable fisheries and deter illegal activities. Policy recommendations include establishing ASEAN task forces for marine spatial planning and port security, investing in regional shipbuilding, and leveraging existing maritime domain awareness infrastructure for MCS. The authors advocate for a shift in ASEAN’s approach—from avoiding security issues to actively engaging with them through economic cooperation. The paper calls for ASEAN to embrace the Blue Economy not just as a growth strategy, but as a pathway to regional peace, stability, and sustainable ocean governance.</p
Constructing Asymmetric Sn-Cu-C Interface via Defective Carbon Trapped Atomic Clusters for Efficient Neutral Nitrate Reduction
No full textMulti-atom cluster (MACs) catalysts have recently attracted significant research interest for their potential to catalyze multi-electron reactions through cooperative interactions among adjacent active sites. However, the controllable synthesis of MACs and the electrocatalytic mechanism understanding of their synergistic effects remain challenging. Herein, we develop a defect engineering strategy to anchor bimetallic SnCu atomic clusters at defective graphene (SnCu-DG) via carbon defect-mediated atomic trapping, wherein edge defects act as confined reactors for cluster nucleation. Taking nitrate reduction as an example, the SnCu-DG catalyst achieves a high NH3 Faradaic efficiency (99.5%) at neutral electrolyte condition, accompanied by a record intrinsic activity of 2.61 × 10−17 mmol h−1 siteCu−1, surpassing Cu-DG and SnCu-G counterparts by 16.0- and 7.8-fold, respectively. X-ray adsorption spectra and theoretical calculations reveal the electrons transfer between Cu and carbon defect sites while Sn incorporation intensifies asymmetric charge polarization across the Sn-Cu-C interface. This dual modulation collaboratively optimizes the catalytic microenvironment, simultaneously enhancing *NO2− adsorption, accelerating water dissociation kinetics, and breaking the intrinsic linear scaling between intermediate adsorption and hydrogenation.</p
No-one to talk to: Australian Small and Medium Enterprises, tacit knowledge and internationalisation
No full textAustralia’s export earnings are dependent on a small assortment of commodities destined for a limited range of geographic markets. This is often presented as a ‘natural’ result of large reserves of minerals, limited capital and a small population – the comparative advantage argument. However, this situation has inherent portfolio risks, and is not inevitable. Other countries such as Sweden and Finland have large mineral and forestry resources, but also have more diverse industrial bases and export earnings. A complex web of economic, cultural and historical factors accounts for the composition of industrial output, but it is not simply a reflection of resource endowments.Among the many factors shaping the composition of industrial output is the ‘quality’ of knowledge available within the economy and the extent to which it is disseminated. Knowledge is the foundation resource on which capabilities are created, and taxonomies of knowledge generally make a primary distinction between codified and tacit knowledge. Codified knowledge is distinguished because it can be represented symbolically (language, mathematics, digital). Most codified knowledge can be disseminated relatively easily through publication and by instruction in organisations such as schools, universities, and similar settings. In contrast, tacit knowledge is generated and gained from experience, practice, observation and interpersonal contacts.Firms’ activities can be conceptualised as value chains, linking the activities involved to design, produce and market products. Both codified and tacit knowledge contribute to each of these activities, however tacit knowledge can often provide the crucial point of difference in value chain activities. Tacit knowledge also underpins general managerial and entrepreneurial competence.The thesis contends that by the mid-twentieth century appropriate structures to generate and disseminate codified knowledge had been established across Australia. These structures were ‘appropriate’ in the sense that it was no longer necessary to rely on migration for expertise in most disciplines, although skilled migration continued to compensate for quantitative shortfalls. However, access to and dissemination of tacit industry knowledge was more problematic.</p
Three Essays on Energy Consumption Modelling
No full textAlongside the introduction, literature review, and conclusion chapters, this thesis consists of three chapters—Chapters Three, Four, and Five—each derived from a publication or conference presentation and each presenting an empirical study on energy consumption modelling.Chapter Three examines the energy security and economic growth nexus of 14 non-OECD Asia countries (located in the SAARC and ASEAN regions) for the period 1996 to 2019. The chapter considered five different energy security measures for non-renewable energy sources as factors to investigate this nexus. These energy security measures focus on energy availability, developability, and accessibility dimensions. The panel corrected standard error (PCSE) estimator was used to investigate the influence of energy security indicators on growth. The study further assessed the moderating effect of six institutional quality variables to explore the detrimental effect of energy security indicators on economic growth. The results revealed that an increase in the non-renewable energy demand-supply ratio intensified energy insecurity and reduced economic growth in the region. Therefore, policy makers should shift their focus on energy supply security by investing more in green energy sources.Chapter Four explores the effect of aggregate and disaggregate energy consumption on total factor productivity (TFP) growth, across 13 non-OECD Asia countries spanning from 1990 to 2019. Stochastic frontier analysis technique was employed to derive the TFP series, and the PCSE method was used to analyse this relationship, while robustness analysis was conducted by replacing dependent and independent variables and employing alternative techniques. The study also addressed potential endogeneity problems by using the valid instrument variable and employing the two-stage least square method. The findings indicated that energy consumption had a positive effect on TFP growth. A 1% increase in energy consumption enhanced TFP growth by 0.073%. This study aimed to provide valuable insights to energy policymakers regarding the significance of energy usage in TFP growth.Chapter Five analyses the relationship between energy uncertainty and energy consumption. Using the panel vector autoregressive (VAR) generalised method of moments (GMM) method, this study investigated the relationship between EUI and the energy consumption of six Asian countries from 1996-2021. The study used the EUI index recently introduced by Dang et al. (2023). The findings of the study indicated that an increase in EUI will reduce energy consumption per capita in Asia. The negative impact of EUI on energy consumption is primarily due to the oil price channel. The increasing uncertainty in the energy sector affects oil prices, which in turn influences energy consumption. The Granger causality findings showed that there was bidirectional causality between EUI and energy consumption. This chapter further analysed the moderating effect of trade openness and FDI in examining that relationship. The results suggested that both moderating variables reinforce the negative influence of EUI on energy consumption.</p
Sustainability and Stakeholder Engagement in Building Information Modelling-Enabled Construction: A Review of Critical Success Factors in Design and Planning Phases
No full textThis scoping literature review examines critical success factors (CSFs) in the design and planning phases of BIM-enabled construction projects, focusing on integrating sustainability practices across the quadruple bottom line: profit, people, planet, and process. By introducing the novel ‘Process’ pillar, this study aims to bridge critical gaps in sustainability research, emphasising technology-driven practices and mapping 62 CSFs from 31 studies to specific stakeholder roles, and focuses on early project phases in which decisions have the most significant impact on long-term outcomes. The findings highlight how early-phase decisions, guided by the QBL framework, can optimise project outcomes and drive long-term sustainability through effective stakeholder engagement. Despite advancements, the design and planning phases of BIM-enabled construction projects consistently exhibit an underrepresentation of end users and environmental considerations. These omissions highlight inadequacies in stakeholder engagement, which are critical for achieving comprehensive sustainability and aligning project outcomes with user needs and environmental goals. This research maps CSFs to corresponding stakeholders, revealing a complex network with the BIM coordinator/manager playing a pivotal role. This mapping underscores the importance of integrating stakeholder inputs, particularly from end users, early in the project lifecycle to enhance functionality and ensure the long-term viability of construction projects. However, current practices often overlook this, leading to a potential misalignment between project deliverables and user expectations. The construction industry can move towards more sustainable, efficient, and user-focused outcomes by addressing these gaps. This study calls for a paradigm shift in BIM methodologies to adopt a construction environment that is not only efficient but also adaptable to the needs of its users and the environmental imperatives of today’s world.</p
The interplay of capability and complexity in military context: definitions, challenges, and implications
No full textThis paper explores the interplay between capability and complexity within the context of military forces. The findings here describe how these two concepts intersect and highlight the capability definitions, themes, challenges, opportunities, and applications. By running a thorough review of 314 articles, 10 key research themes have been identified, including: 1) Capability Development and Assessment, 2) Regional Defence Studies, 3) Technological Advancements in Military, 4) Strategic Analysis, 5) Operational Tactics, 6) Defence Industry Dynamics, 7) Organisational and Management Aspects, 8) Cybersecurity and Network Capabilities, 9) Military Training and Exercises, and 10) Policy and Political Implications. Among these themes, the literature highlights the importance of a subtle understanding of capability and complexity for well-informed decision-making in military and defence domains. Moreover, this study identifies gaps in existing research and emphasises the need for a coherent theoretical framework to guide decision-makers for military capability acquisitions. The findings have implications for enhancing national security, defence capability planning and resource allocation strategies.</p