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Spatial and Temporal Suitability of Monitoring Datasets for Assessing Coastal Change
No full textThe complex interactions between coastal processes and geomorphology occurs over a range of spatial and temporal scales. To effectively monitor and understand these interactions, coastal monitoring programs require appropriate data, technology, and analytical techniques covering those diverse spatiotemporal scales. This study aims to describe and compare coastal monitoring methods and technologies, by assessing their suitability across various spatial and temporal scales using three case studies from the Illawarra coastline, including Woonona-Bellambi Beach, Warilla Beach, and Minnamurra Beach. These sites were selected based on the sediment compartment they form part of, anthropogenic modification, data availability, and technology for geospatial analyses.The study utilises satellite records from 1987 through derived data products to assess shoreline stability at each study site, with notable changes associated with anthropogenic structures or activities (e.g., seawalls, dune management or installation of river training walls) and river inlets. High temporal coverage photogrammetry combined with high spatial resolution airborne LiDAR data was used to assess foredune geomorphic change over seven decades to identify the relative stability at each site. Results show erosion and recovery at Woonona-Bellambi and Warilla Beaches following large-scale storm events, as well as foredune volume changes due to anthropogenic modifications. Minnamurra Beach experienced minimal impact from both human activities and storm events. Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) LiDAR surveys provided exceptionally high spatial resolution data; however, data processing workflows require improvement. Terrestrial Laser Scanning surveys were time-intensive but delivered very high spatial resolution, with data coverage for the beach face and foredune front.The results emphasise that different datasets and trend indicators offer complementary insights into coastal change. Long-term trend analysis benefits from high temporal coverage and resolution, such as satellite-derived shorelines, while event and sub-annual change assessments require high spatial resolution with targeted coverage. A framework has been developed to support selecting and applying suitable monitoring technologies and datasets most effective at capturing the spatial and temporal range of processes and trend indicators of interest.Overall, this research project focused on closed compartment beaches of the Illawarra Coast that have been exposed to erosion and are slowly recovering. Application of this study to other compartments in NSW that exhibit different morphodynamics will allow the framework to be refined, become more applicable to the coast of NSW, and improve the use of coastal monitoring data to guide decision making and coastal adaptation.</p
Forensic geology and gas reservoir data from the bit: new learnings from Yabby technology
No full textNew geosensing and gas reservoir technology (the ‘Yabby’) can be directly applied to Underground In-Seam (UIS) drilling to improve confidence in underground operational interpretation. The methodology uses various pressure sensors mounted on a rig and separator system, coupled with analytical software that produces real-time data from which 3D spatial attributes can be accurately determined. Soft and weak zones can be identified, and structures can be located confidently. The system includes formation flow analysis, drill performance management and reporting functions. This paper describes the technology and demonstrates its application with recent case studies. It also introduces new developments associated with the technology, including a colour sensor that improves geosensing interpretation and applications from surface boreholes designed to assist fugitive emission gas reservoir assessments.This technology provides geological certainty for longwall mining in structurally challenging terrains. Any disruption to the longwall's continuous operation can result in production loss, costing millions of dollars in lost revenue. Certainty regarding the geological integrity of a longwall panel is an integral part of modern mining. In mines that need to drain gas for safety purposes, up to 200,000m per year of UIS drilling can be undertaken, and this data is sporadically used (or not at all) to inform the geological model, and with significant caveats due to the uncertainty of the data currently supplied by UIS drilling. Yabby changes this paradigm by providing accurate, quantitative, high-resolution data from UIS drilling.The Yabby also incorporates an instrumented separator system that measures formation flow metrics during drilling, enables pressure build-up tests, and provides unparalleled insight into the variances present in the gas reservoir. Potential outburst-prone zones can be located in advance of the face, areas of high and low permeability identified, and detailed down-hole flow data provided within and between individual boreholes. Quantitative knowledge is now in the hands of the gas drainage engineer, and decision-making can now be based on facts rather than experience or ‘gut feel’.The Yabby operates as a passive data collector on the drilling rig and has no tangible impact on drilling operations. It can be fitted to any drilling rig in about a day and removed at the end of a project or transferred to another rig if desired. An enormous amount of valuable drilling performance data is gathered, which can be directly applied to improve drill metrics or mitigate issues relating to drilling dysfunction. Work is underway to incorporate aspects of the drill metrics into a visual display to assist drillers in maintaining their position in-seam and provide feedback on drilling dysfunction, cuttings clearance, and other desired drilling-related feedback loops.The Yabby has been commercially operational for over four (4) years. It has logged and reported more than 500,000m of continuous data in underground and surface applications. Yabby systems are now operational in NSW, QLD, and North America.</p
Experimental analysis and risk assessment of projectiles expelled from mine openings due to underground coal mine explosions
No full textThe safety of personnel working in coal mines is a critical concern that necessitates a comprehensive understanding of explosion dynamics, mining operations, and safety protocols. While there is a considerable body of knowledge about gas emissions and gas/coal dust explosions in underground mines, little attention has been paid to the potential risks associated with explosive forces and projectiles expelled through mine openings. Such hazards can result in injuries and fatalities to personnel underground and at the mine portal, as well as catastrophic damage to infrastructure in the vicinity of the mine opening on the surface. Previously, the authors successfully developed a methodology for prescribing exclusion zones around mine entrances against blast wave hazards (Remennikov and Gan, 2023a, Gan and Remennikov, 2024). To address projectile hazards, the authors employed the methodology from the NATO manual AASTP-1 (2023) which was intended for ammunition storage and applied in the context of mining in the interim. For this project, the previous work is expanded to produce new data from innovative test setups that closely replicate the conditions of underground coal mine drifts. For the first time, the effect of the angle of drift inclination on projectile hazard safety distances is studied experimentally as it is anticipated that larger angles of mine drift inclination could make the projectile range more severe. The proposed methodology is based on establishing a relationship between the parameters of blast waves around a mine opening (e.g., peak static and dynamic overpressure, impulse, etc), characteristics of objects (e.g., geometry, drag coefficient, mass, size, etc), an incline of drift, and the resulting behaviour of the projectiles (e.g., initial velocity, flight trajectory, maximum travel distance, etc). An Advanced Blast Simulator (ABS) with cross-sectional dimensions of 0.3 m x 0.3 m is employed for this study to conduct a series of gas explosion experiments simulating blast waves and projectiles expelling from a mine portal entry and over the mine surface. Projectiles representing geometrically scaled mining objects and generic shapes of various sizes and masses are considered. The outcome of this project will support the development of exclusion zones around mine entries to prevent infrastructure damage and personnel injury due to blast wave and projectile hazards.</p
Generative Artificial Intelligence in Work-Integrated Learning: Resources for university staff, students, and industry partners
No full textNavigating the evolving landscape of generative AI (GenAI) is challenging, especially in work-integrated learning (WIL)
where diverse environments have varying policies and perspectives. Universities face complex decisions on how to support students, staff, and supervisors in using GenAI effectively. In October 2024, a group of education and work-integrated learning researchers got together to discuss the implications of GenAI for WIL for students, educators, and workplace supervisors. This set of resources was developed as a result, and refined with input from students, industry partners, and educators. The resources are customisable to assist educators, industry partners and students undertaking WIL to reflect on and engage in ethical and critical discussions and practices around GenAI.</p
Study on microstructure, mechanical and tribological properties of a novel high-entropy alloy based self-lubricating composite Al<sub>0.5</sub>CrFeNiV<sub>0.5</sub>-hBN
No full textA new high-entropy alloy (HEA) based self-lubricating composite with good mechanical and tribological properties has been designed and fabricated, using Al0.5CrFeNiV0.5 HEA as matrix and hexagonal boron nitride (hBN) as solid lubricant. In addition to the well dispersed hBN particles, the novel composite is consisted of (Al,Ni)-rich, (Cr,V)-rich, (Cr,Fe,V)-rich, CrVB4, and AlN phases. High temperature nanoindentation tests of the composite revealed its excellent thermal softening resistance, showing very good mechanical strength stability in a wide temperature range. Additionally, the composite also exhibits substantial improvements in friction reduction and anti-wear performance from RT to 700 °C. The enhanced mechanical and tribological properties are attributed to the hBN and new phases formed by reactions between hBN and Al0.5CrFeNiV0.5 HEA matrix. The main wear mechanisms during sliding of the Al0.5CrFeNiV0.5-hNB composite against the Si3N4 balls shift from abrasion and plastic deformation to oxidation and adhesive wear as the wear testing temperature is increased.</p
Popular feminist television: women-centric series, feminisms and transmedia engagements in the subscription environment
No full textThe abstract for this item has not been populated.</p
AI Control Techniques for Stabilization and Energy-Saving of Pneumatic Conveying Systems
No full textFor a typical pneumatic conveying system, various combinations of mass flow rate of solids (), mass flow rate of air () and pressure drop (Δ) can be considered for the conveying of a given bulk material and pipeline. However, there are only a few combinations located in the vicinity of the optimal condition that can convey the bulk material at the design or desired capacity while consuming the lowest amount of energy.Traditional control systems exhibit several limitations, particularly in their lack of adaptability to changing operating conditions. When operating conditions change (e.g. due to varying bulk material properties), the pneumatic conveying systems will continue running with the same parameter inputs as the initial design or operating condition. Moreover, the pre-designed operating parameters are typically conservative with a certain safety margin to prevent unstable flow or pipeline blockages. Consequently, most pneumatic conveying systems operate under sub-optimal conditions, leading to excessive energy consumption. Therefore, it is imperative to develop “smart” operation/control strategies and technologies capable of addressing these issues, which can lead to improved performance, reliability and significant energy savings.This study proposes an intelligent approach that employs both Artificial Neural Network (ANN) and fuzzy control techniques to achieve stable and energy-saving operation of pneumatic conveying systems, especially when subjected to external variations. ANN is used initially to automatically develop accurate Pneumatic Conveying Characteristics (PCC) and determine the optimal operating conditions for the system. A fuzzy controller is then developed and utilised to maintain real-time control, ensuring the system operates around the optimal condition in response to external disturbances.</p
Navigating the trauma—The experiences of significant others supporting patients with severe burn injury: A narrative inquiry
No full textAim: To explore the experiences of significant others of adult patients with severe burn injury in the Intensive Care Unit. Specifically, this study explored the strategies implemented by significant others and obstacles faced that served to protect or placed them at risk of psychological sequelae during their experience of trauma. Design: A qualitative study using a Narrative Inquiry approach was undertaken. Methods: Individual semi-structured interviews were conducted with 17 participants during 2021–2022, who were a significant other of an adult patient in ICU with severe burn injury. These participants were recruited from the two major severe burns receiving hospitals in New South Wales, Australia. Participants' stories were analysed using a narrative analysis approach informed by Polkinghorne. The COREQ guideline was used in reporting. Results: As each participant navigated the traumatic experience of supporting a loved one with a severe burn injury, they faced unique obstacles to maintaining their own mental health and well-being. They employed strategies that were likely to protect them on this journey. Psychologically protective factors included taking back control, coexisting in the trauma with the patient and forging a trauma bond. These strategies effectively contained the trauma and protected others (such as children, extended family and friends). While this allowed significant others an element of control, it also effectively isolated them from the support of family and friends. Conclusion: This study shows that significant others may also experience personal trauma and may not recognize this as they focus all their attention on supporting the patient with the burn injury. Implications for Practice: With increased awareness of both protective and risk factors, support can be directed towards enhancing protective factors and addressing risk factors, thereby decreasing their impact and improving support for significant others. Patient or Public Contribution: No patient or public contribution.</p
Implementation of a data-driven quality improvement program in primary care for patients with coronary heart disease: a mixed methods evaluation of acceptability, satisfaction, barriers and enablers
No full textBackground The study aimed to understand the acceptability, satisfaction, uptake, utility and feasibility of a quality improvement (QI) intervention to improve care for coronary heart disease (CHD) patients in Australian primary care practices and identify barriers and enablers, including the impact of COVID-19. Methods Within the QUality improvement for Effectiveness of care for people Living with heart disease (QUEL) study, 26 Australian primary care practices, supported by five Primary Health Networks (PHN) participated in a 1-year QI intervention (November 2019 - November 2020). Data were collected from practices and PHNs staff via surveys and semi-structured interviews. Quantitative and qualitative data were analysed with descriptive statistics and thematic analysis, respectively. Results Feedback was received from 64 participants, including practice team members and PHN staff. Surveys were completed after each of six workshops and at the end of the study. Interviews were conducted with a subgroup of participants (n =9). Participants reported positive satisfaction with individual QI features such as learning workshops and monthly feedback reports. Overall, the intervention was well-received, with most participants expressing interest in participating in similar programs in the future. COVID-19 and lack of time were identified as common barriers, whereas team collaboration and effective leadership enabled practices' participation in the QI program. Additionally, 90% of the practices reported COVID-19 effected their participation due to vaccination rollout, telehealth set-up, and continuous operational review shifting their focus from QI. Conclusion Data-driven QI programs in primary care can boost practice staff confidence and foster increased implementation. Barriers and enablers identified can also support other practices in prioritising effective strategies for future implementation.</p
Intimate partner violence and post-migration stressors reported by refugee women accessing settlement services.
No full textIntimate partner violence (IPV) is highly prevalent globally, with increased risk for women in situations of conflict, post conflict and resettlement. The Safety and Health after Arrival (SAHAR) study tested IPV screening with women accessing settlement services in New South Wales, Australia, using the validated ACTS tool, along with brief response involving risk assessment, safety planning and referral. A three month follow-up telephone survey was administered to women who had attended four participating sites which delivered the intervention. The survey explored the nature of any IPV experienced, factors associated with disclosure, and responses provided to those who identified IPV. Data is reported on 316 women of whom 48 (15%) identified current IPV. For 45 women who responded to Composite Abuse Scale items, the most common forms of abuse were forced isolation from family/friends (56% 25/45), blame for abusive behaviour (53% 24/45), "put downs" (44% 20/45) and physical violence 38% (17/45). Psychological distress and post-migration stressors were significantly higher for women who disclosed IPV compared to those who did not. Length of residency in Australia and whether the screening occurred during the first or subsequent service visits, were not associated with the likelihood of disclosing IPV. The majority of women who disclosed reported the caseworker's response to be helpful and involved risk assessment, safety planning and referral. Screening and response to disclosure in settlement services provide opportunities to address abuse experienced by this group of women who are less likely to report experiences of abuse or use mainstream services.</p