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Adaptable frameworks: Toward a unified theory of individuality in diverse evolutionary systems
No full textThis thesis is about individuality in Darwinian systems. It puts four contemporary frameworks in discussion, ultimately combining Godfrey-Smith’s (2009) view of Darwinian populations with Clarke’s (2011) account of the functions of individuality to develop an initial proposal for the identification of evolutionary individuality. This proposal has significant flexibility to account for the diversity of Darwinian phenomena while also being anchored to specified processes of individuation such that the proposal can generate informative explanations of evolutionary phenomena. Evolutionary systems are often described in terms of individuated populations of entities. However, there is substantial debate about how to systematically individuate these systems given their diversity and given apparent transitions in individuality across scales—from the molecular to the multicellular—over time.Through an analysis of gene and multilevel selection, I will argue that explanations that parse hierarchical systems into entities at different scales are predictively equivalent. This metaphysical complexity makes the identification of individuality more difficult, as we need other criteria than predictive validity to prefer descriptions over one another. I argue that gene and multilevel selection attempt to prefer certain descriptions despite this equivalence of explanations. They justify this by an appeal to entities with a significant relationship to features of the Darwinian process, which enables them to capture that process more powerfully. I will show that both are limited as the features they identify are either too specific to be generalisable or not specific enough to satisfactorily differentiate phenomena. I argue that Godfrey-Smith’s (2009) account of paradigmatic reproduction has the potential to avoid these extremes. Its robust account of paradigmatic Darwinian systems allows his account to generate descriptions that are explanatorily powerful for a wide range of evolutionary phenomena. However, I also show how this potential wide applicability is limited by his focus on paradigmatic reproduction. Finally, I introduce Clarke’s (2011) account of functions of individuation to argue that Clarke’s and PGS’s accounts are substantially compatible. Combining them provides an account flexible enough for diverse systems while still identifying concrete processes. This proposal has the potential to be a significant tool for expanding our understanding of the individuation of Darwinian systems.</p
Enhance Wire Arc Additive Manufacturing Performance for Fabricating Complex Parts Using Artificial Intelligence: Learning, Prediction and Control
No full textDirect Energy Deposition (DED) is an advanced additive manufacturing technique that uses focused thermal energy to fuse materials by melting them as they are deposited. This process allows for precise control over material placement, enabling the creation of complex geometries and the repair of existing components. A specialized form of DED, Wire Arc Additive Manufacturing (WAAM), utilizes an electric arc as the heat source and wire as the feedstock material. WAAM offers several advantages, including low capital investment and higher manufacturing efficiency, making it an attractive option for producing medium to large-sized parts, particularly in the maritime and aerospace industries. Over the past decade, advancements in WAAM technology have enabled more reliable and cost-effective manufacturing solutions, solidifying its role in the production of critical components for these sectors.However, with the increasing demand for high-quality, complex metal parts in the industry, the traditional WAAM process which is primarily used for manufacturing large parts with simple and regular geometrical features, faces significant challenges. The main challenge in fabricating complex parts lies in optimizing deposition parameters to ensure the desired dimensions and mechanical properties of the final part. Traditional WAAM processes often struggle with adaptive control at fine scales, especially when fabricating custom parts with irregular or intricate geometries. Achieving precise control of weld bead geometry is essential, as deviations can lead to structural defects and compromised part quality. Furthermore, complex deposition paths increase the risk of defects such as porosity and incomplete fusion, necessitating advanced monitoring techniques to maintain production standards and prevent defects from propagating.To address these challenges, this thesis proposes an intelligent WAAM (IWAAM) system that integrates cutting-edge AI techniques to improve the fabrication process for high-quality, complex parts. The key contributions of this work are: (i) the development of an automatic bead modelling system for solid parts, powered by machine learning algorithms capable of predicting and optimizing deposition parameters to ensure consistency and precision across varying geometries; (ii) a novel parameter optimization method for thinwall parts that harnesses and quantifies the expertise of skilled human welders, translating their decision-making processes into a systematic framework for adaptive control; (iii) an in-depth investigation into the flexibility enhancement provided by the surface tension transfer (STT) process, highlighting its benefits over the commonly used cold metal transfer (CMT) process in terms of more nuanced parameter adjustments and adaptability for complex geometries; and (iv) the design and implementation of a real-time monitoring system that employs recurrent neural networks to process sequential molten pool images, enabling timely detection and correction of potential defects during the fabrication process.Experimental validation of the proposed IWAAM system involved fabricating multiple complex parts, demonstrating the system’s effectiveness in achieving high-quality results with enhanced control over bead geometry and defect mitigation. The research significantly advances the development of intelligent WAAM processes, paving the way for more sophisticated and widely adoptable manufacturing solutions within the industry.</p
Aqueous Electrolyte Regulation Towards Long-Lasting Zinc Metal Anode
No full textTo mitigate the negative impacts on human life caused by the greenhouse effect, people around the world are making great efforts to use clean energy instead of traditional fossil fuels. In this process, the large-scale energy storage systems (EESs) play a crucial role because most of clean energy sources are intermittent and volatile. In recent ten years, aqueous zinc-ion batteries (AZIBs) have attracted great attention as a promising candidate for large-scale EESs due to their high safety, low cost, and environmental friendliness. Nevertheless, issues related to the zinc metal anode, such as hydrogen evolution reactions (HER), corrosion reactions, and dendrite growth, significantly hider the industrial application of AZIBs. Electrolyte regulation is one of the most efficient methods to address these problems. In this doctoral thesis, the issues related to the zinc anode and the recent developments in electrolyte regulation methods, including solvation structure regulation, electric double layer (EDL) regulation, and solid electrolyte interphase (SEI) regulation, are thoroughly summarized. Based on these theories and experiences, one cosolvent and two electrolyte additives have been developed, significantly improving the electrochemical properties of the zinc metal anode.In the first work, logP, where P is the octanol-water partition coefficient, a general parameter to describe the hydrophilicity and lipophilicity of chemicals, is proposed as a standard for selecting co-solvents for Zn(CF3SO3)2 electrolyte, which demonstrated by testing seven different types of solvents. The solvent with a similar logP value to the salt anion CF3SO3- can interact with CF3SO3-, Zn2+ and H2O, leading to a reconstruction of the electrolyte solvation structure. To prove the concept, methyl acetate (MA) is demonstrated as an example due to its similar logP value to CF3SO3-. Both the experimental and theoretical results illustrate that MA molecules not only enter into the solvation shell of CF3SO3-, but also coordinate with Zn2+ or H2O, forming a MA and CF3SO3- involved core-shell solvation structure. The special solvation structure reduces H2O activity and contributes to forming an anion-induced ZnCO3-ZnF2-rich SEI. As a result, the Zn||Zn cell and Zn||NaV3O8·1.5H2O (NVO) cell with MA-involved electrolyte exhibit superior performances to that with MA-free electrolyte.In the second work, a functional group assembly strategy is proposed to design electrolyte additives for modulating the EDL, thereby realizing a long-lasting zinc metal anode. Specifically, by screening ten common functional groups, N, N-dimethyl-1H-imidazole-1-sulfonamide (IS) is designed by assembling an imidazole group, characterized by its high adsorption capability on the zinc anode, and a sulfone group, which exhibits strong binding with Zn2+ ions. Benefiting from the adsorption functionalization of the imidazole group, the IS molecules occupy the position of H2O in the inner Helmholtz layer of the EDL, forming a molecular protective layer to inhibit H2O-induced side reactions. Meanwhile, the sulfone group in IS, acting as a binding site to Zn2+, promotes the de-solvation of Zn2+ ions, facilitating compact zinc deposition. Consequently, the utilization of IS significantly extending the cycling stability of Zn||Zn and Zn||NVO full cell.In the third work, ethylene glycol bis(propionitrile) ether (DENE) is developed as a dual-function electrolyte additive to prolong the cycling stability of the zinc metal anode. Due to the abundant polar groups in the structure of DENE, it interacts with H2O through hydrogen bond (H-bond), thereby breaking the original H-bond network of H2O. Furthermore, DENE exhibits a lower lowest unoccupied molecular orbital compared to H2O, causing it to decompose before H2O during the battery charging process to form a DENE-derived SEI. These synergistic effects inhibit the HER, corrosion reactions, and zinc dendrite growth, leading to a dramatic increase in the lifespan of both the Zn||Zn and Zn||NVO cells.In summary, this doctoral thesis develops an electrolyte cosolvent selection method, an EDL regulating additive design method, and a dual-function electrolyte regulation additive for promoting the cycling stability of the zinc metal anode. Based on findings described above, I believe this thesis can offer valuable insights and references for further researchers, facilitating the expedited commercialization of AZIBs.</p
Which Suburbs Have the Best Access to Affordable, Healthy Food in Illawarra and Shoalhaven?
No full textThe "Let’s Talk About Food" survey, conducted with over 700 households in the Illawarra and Shoalhaven regions, explored residents' thoughts on food availability, affordability, and accessibility in their communities. Key findings reveal that while most residents feel they can access healthy food shops, affordability remains a major concern. There is also strong dissatisfaction with the low availability of farmers markets and locally grown food, as well as a perceived overabundance of fast food and unhealthy food advertising. Community food initiatives, such as community gardens and food assistance programs, are seen as insufficient. Some differences between Wollongong, Shellharbour, Kiama and Shoalhaven regions existed. • Wollongong: High accessibility to healthy food and culturally diverse options, but food costs remain a concern, with low satisfaction in access to local produce. • Shellharbour: Good access to healthy food but concerns about limited local produce and high fast-food presence. • Shoalhaven: Easy access to healthy food from home and workplaces, yet concerns exist around food affordability and cultural diversity. • Kiama: Strong satisfaction with local produce and minimal fast-food concerns, but concerns around food affordability and limited cultural food variety exist. This report proposes recommendations to improve the availability, affordability, and accessibility of local food options, strengthen food security, and support healthier food environments in the region.</p
‘The Law Has a Resistance to the Mother’s Experience’: Sentencing Mothers in New South Wales
No full textIn the context of rapidly rising rates of incarceration of women in New South Wales and across Australia, this thesis considers the impact of New South Wales sentencing law on mothers and argues for law reform.When a judicial officer is sentencing an offender in New South Wales, they are required to consider the objective seriousness of the offence and the circumstances of the offender in a process of ‘intuitive synthesis’. This process seeks to consider the life history and circumstances of an offender and the likely consequences of a sentence when determining an appropriate punishment.However, there are specific limitations on the extent to which judicial officers can consider factors relating to mothering in sentencing, including the likelihood that children will be deprived of parental care. This is due to the common law principle that separation of parents and children is part of the ordinary operations of the criminal legal system, and that hardship to third parties can only be considered in sentencing where there are exceptional circumstances. This limits consideration of certain life circumstances, with profoundly gendered impacts.This doctoral research applies key insights from critical feminist theory on mothering, in conjunction with legal analysis and qualitative research, to demonstrate that the consequences of incarcerating mothers are shaped by a gendered social order in which women still perform the vast majority of care labour associated with children.Qualitative interview research was conducted with judges of the New South Wales District Court, magistrates of the New South Wales Local Court, legal practitioners, support and social workers and formerly incarcerated mothers. The interview data demonstrate that children whose mothers are incarcerated experience different consequences to children whose fathers are incarcerated. Furthermore, mothers must cope with both the pain of separation from children and the profound stigma associated with failing in the maternal role. These extremely onerous dimensions of punishment are gendered and they are not recognised in sentencing decision-making. They present a structural injustice in our sentencing regime that demands consideration.</p
Could Settlers of Catan make you a better strategist?
No full textChristmas is just around the corner, and you might be wondering how to spend those long, lazy afternoons. If you’re tired of the same old Monopoly, perhaps it’s time to try Settlers of Catan.It’s a strategy board game for three to four players fighting to be the dominant force on Catan island. Settlers of Catan fundamentally changed the board game industry since its launch in 1995. It has sold more than 40 million copies and led to dozens of spinoffs.Catan offers the strategic thrill of Monopoly, without the endless arguments or (occasional) tears. Instead of bankrupting your family, you could be building roads, trading resources and collecting victory points.It’s also an effective tool for developing strategic capabilities. These are skills that can be used to solve complex problems and plan for future success.</p
Recovering the History of Chinese Amahs Travelling to Britain, 1840s–1930s
No full textThis article analyses the history of the travelling Chinese amahs (nursemaids) that came to Britain with employer families. Chinese amahs were engaged to care for children on voyages from Singapore, Hong Kong and China to London from the mid-nineteenth century to the middle of the twentieth century. Very little is known about the lives of these women and their stories have not been acknowledged in histories of Chinese labour migration. This article seeks to recover the history of Chinese amahs in Britain by drawing on fragmentary historical evidence, including shipping records, immigration documents, newspaper articles, employers’ memoirs, and institutional archives. I argue that, while the mass digitisation of historical records presents new opportunities for bringing to light the stories of mobile subaltern workers, it has not resolved the challenges associated with research of this kind.</p
Medication-related harm resulting in hospital admissions in the last 5 years of life
No full textMedication-related harm resulting in hospital admissions in the last 5 years of life of those aged 65 years or older.</p
Influence of followers’ voice and silence on leaders’ ethical behaviour
No full textWhile leadership research has predominantly focused on leaders' qualities and behaviours, the role of followers has often been neglected. This study, which is based on followership theory, aims to examine the role of followers in leadership. Particularly, it focuses on implicit followership theories (IFTs)—the cognitive schemas or mental models that individuals use to make sense of follower behaviours and followers' roles within organisations—and aims to understand their influences on followers' voice and silence. Moreover, this study aims to examine whether perceptions of power distance play a moderating role between IFTs and employee voice and silence. Furthermore, the present study aims to examine the influence of employee voice and silence on leaders' ethical behaviours. This study significantly contributes to the evolving fields of followership, leadership, and organisational ethics. By adopting a follower-centric approach, the study highlights the critical role of followers' voice and silence in promoting ethical leadership.This study employed a positivist paradigm and a descriptive research design to achieve its aims. Data was collected from 1,130 working adults from the public and private sectors in Pakistan and Australia. These two countries were chosen due to their contrasting socio-cultural contexts, particularly regarding power distance. The sampling strategy combined non-probability methods, snowball sampling in Pakistan, and quota sampling via an online panel in Australia. The study employed partial least squares structural equation modelling (PLS-SEM) to test the hypothesised relationship among the studied variables, as it is highly suitable for studies with complex models that involve multiple latent variables and relationships between the constructs they examine.The study found that positive prototypes (focusing on traits such as enthusiasm) were positively related to employee voice in both countries, with a particularly strong effect in Pakistan. Antiprototypes (focusing on traits such as incompetence), on the other hand, were associated with employee silence in Pakistan but not in Australia, highlighting that negative leadership prototypes played a more significant role in silencing employees in Pakistan than in Australia. The study also found support for the idea that employee voice was related to leaders' ethical behaviour, with slightly stronger effects in Australia. In contrast, employee silence was negatively related to ethical leadership. This relationship was stronger in Pakistan, suggesting that cultural factors might amplify the relationship between employee silence and leaders' ethical behaviour. However, the moderating effect of power distance was largely weak and insignificant in both countries.This study makes five key theoretical contributions to the literature on leadership and followership. First, it expands understanding of followership by examining implicit followership theories and their impact on follower behaviours. The study provides evidence that followers’ perceptions about their role significantly affect employee behaviour in organisations. Employees who think that the role of followers is that of team players who are hardworking and go above and beyond are more likely to engage in voice. Second, the study is the first of its kind to explore how implicit followership theories can explain silence and asserts that this relationship differs across cultures. Third, the study demonstrates that followers are not passive entities in the leadership process, but active participants whose behaviour, such as voice and silence, can shape organisational outcomes. Fourth, this study's comparative analysis of Australia and Pakistan adds a cross-cultural dimension to the literature on followership and leadership. Lastly, this study challenges the traditional, leader-centric view of leadership, thereby advancing leadership theory to include the reciprocal and interactive nature of the leader-follower relationship.From a managerial perspective, the study offers several important implications for organisations seeking to improve leadership effectiveness and foster a healthy organisational culture. The findings suggest that managers should redefine leadership and followership roles, recognising that employees are not merely passive followers, but active contributors to leadership success. This calls for a shift in organisational culture toward one that values and cultivates exemplary followership, promoting shared responsibility for organisational outcomes. Additionally, the study highlights the importance of managers fostering a culture of employee voice by establishing open communication channels and promoting participative leadership styles. By prioritising employee contributions and rewarding actionable suggestions, managers can cultivate an environment where employees feel safe and motivated to express ideas, concerns, and ethical issues. In contrast, employee silence, which can signal distrust or a fear of retaliation, should be actively addressed by creating a psychologically safe environment and ensuring that followers feel supported in voicing concerns without facing negative consequences.</p
Remotely Sensing Climate Change Along the Australian Coast: Beach Behaviour in the Anthropocene Differs from the Holocene
No full textThe abstract for this item has not been populated.</p