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LCP MEMS sensor and package design for CPAP devices
No full textEmpirical thesis.Bibliography: pages 175-176.1. Introduction -- 2. Background and related work -- 3. LCP MEMS pressure sensor -- 4. Design change considerations -- 5. LCP MEMS flow sensor -- 6. Discussion -- 7. Conclusion -- 8. Future work -- 9. Abbreviations -- Appendices -- Bibliography.The ability to accurately measure fluid flow velocity and direction are important measures for data collection in a variety of industries including environmental science, biotechnology, aerospace and emergency response organisations. As a result of extensive research and development into micro-electromechanical systems (MEMS), a low-cost, miniaturised, biomimetic piezoresistive sensor inspired by the lateral line sensory system has been developed to be more durable, flexible, robust to harsh environments, more cost effective to manufacture and more sensitive than traditional MEMS flow sensors on the market today. This thesis aims to design, simulate, assemble and test different packaging designs and configurations for the LCP sensor in order to determine its usability and performance in air flow monitoring within the medical industry, by comparing the air flow velocity detection capabilities of the system with a commercially available sensor inside a Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) device, used to treat patients with sleep apnea.It is demonstrated in this thesis that the pressure sensor configuration and flow sensor configuration outperform the commercial sensor in low flow velocity detection, reduced signal noise and the ability to show a measurable voltage change per ILPM change in flow rate, but there is a lack of response time due to the mechanical nature of the sensor. Various future work suggestions are recommended, with preliminary testing of the flow sensor in a nasal mask completed.Mode of access: World wide web.1 online resource (xvii, 176 pages colour illustrations
Characterisation of a gimbal's response when attached to a drone to roll, pitch and yaw movements of a drone
No full textEmpirical thesis.Bibliography: pages 55-56.1. Introduction -- 2. Literature review -- 3. Project methodology -- 4. Gimbal response to simulated step-response experiment -- 5. Discussion -- 6. COnclusion -- Appendix -- Bibliography.With the increased capability of drones, comes the increased need for the ability to attach level sensitive packages and fly whilst these packages remain in a horizontal and leveled position. This thesis looks into the characteristic response of a horizontal and leveling gimbal device when used with a sensor suite consisting of two pairs of vector magnetometers. The project centres on the idea of using the gimbal to keep a sensor suite of vector magnetometers leveled, while connected to a low flying drone for meteorite detection. However, the scope of this device goes beyond that, looking into its applications in UXO detection and forensic geoscience.The project incorporates testing methods with the goal of analysing and commenting on the characteristic responses of a gimbal. To accomplish this, a mechanical lever apparatus was constructed to simulate a step input change of the drone's roll movement for the reason of testing a gimbal's response. The response of the gimbal was captured using a high speed camera and then analysed over a sequence of frames using image processing software. The effect of the amplitude of the input angle change and added centralised mass onto the gimbal camera mount are explored through the comparison of the gimbal response's Overshoot , Settling Time (Tˢ), and Steady State Error (SSE) during testing.Mode of access: World wide web.1 online resource (xv, 56 pages colour illustrations
The interpretation of sentences with disjunction by child and adult speakers of Mandarin
No full textTheoretical thesis.Bibliography: pages 219-228.Chapter 1: Introduction -- Chapter 2: Differences in scope assignments for child and adult speakers of Mandarin -- Chapter 3: Disjunction and universal quantification in Mandarin -- Chapter 4: The interpretation of disjunction in VP Ellipsis in Mandarin Chinese -- Chapter 5: Conclusion.It has been proposed that there is a gap between the linguistic data language learners are exposed to and the linguistic competence they achieve in just a few years. This has been called 'Plato's Problem,' or the 'poverty - of - the - stimulus.' Noam Chomsky pro poses that this gap is filled by linguistic knowledge that is not learned; knowledge that originates in the human mind itself. The present thesis investigates the degree to which Mandarin - speaking children's understanding of sentences with disjunction is likely to be learned from adult input. Chapter 1 reviews the broad themes of the thesis, including the relevant theoretical foundations and a review of cross - linguistic empirical findings from studies of children's interpretation of sentences with disjunction. Chapter 2 presents a study investigating how Mandarin - speaking children and adults interpret negative sentences with disjunction where the disjunction phrase appears in a preverbal position. The conclusion from this study is that children and adults exhibit different scope preferences in response to sentences with disjunction either preceding or following negation. To explain the differences between children and adults, we follow previous literature in supposing that adults analyze disjunction as a polarity sensitive expression, which cannot be interpreted as being inside the scope of negation. Chapter 3 reports the findings of a study examining how Mandarin - speaking children and adults interpret disjunction in sentences with a universal quantifier. The findings indicate that children 'reconstruct' the disjunction phrase, whereas adults do not. Chapter 4 introduces a linguistic structure that cancels the polarity sensitivity of disjunction in Mandarin. In addition, that study investigates the interpretations assigned to disjunction by Mandarin - speaking children and adults in negative sentences with either overt or covert disjunction. The findings confirm that Mandarin - speaking adults, but not children, analyze disjunction as a polarity sensitive expression. The study reveals th at children and adults generate the same scope assignments in VP ellipsis structures, which neutralize the polarity sensitivity of disjunction. Chapter 5 summarizes the conclusions of the three experimental studies. The thesis presents evidence that child speakers of Mandarin have acquired certain abstract knowledge of language that is unlikely to have been learned from the linguistic data available to them.1 online resource (xi, 228 pages illustrations
Development of biofunctional ruby nanoparticles for optical imaging of opioid receptors
No full textEmpirical thesis.Includes bibliographical references.Abstract -- 1. Introduction and outline -- 2. Photoluminescent probes - functionalisation and applications in molecular imaging -- 3. Experimental methodology -- 4. Results of functionalising fluorescent silica nanoparticles -- 5. Results on functionalising photoluminescent silica-coated ruby nanoparticles -- 6. Summary and future perspective.There is an increasing demand for high performance photoluminescent nanoparticles in the life sciences, where the targeted labelling and optical imaging of biomolecules are needed. Photostability, low environmental sensitivity and narrow spectra make nanoparticles superior over existing molecular fluorophores. Ruby nanocrystals, termed nanorubies, represent an excellent example, especially their long photoluminescence lifetime allowing dramatic improvement of the optical contrast. However, premature surface functionalisation procedures have hindered the widespread use of nanorubies.To address this challenge, the first aim was to develop facile and reproducible protocols to functionalise nanoruby with biomolecules, specifically, NeutrAvidin. The second aim was to demonstrate the use of developed biofunctional nanorubies to label opioid receptors in live and fixed cells, followed by high-sensitivity optical imaging.Silica nanoparticles formed a test-bed to develop conjugation methods based on amide and click chemistries. Biotin-binding assays and receptor labelling studies showed that click chemistry was most specific, efficient, reproducible and controllable. Amide-based chemistries, in comparison, resulted in non-specific binding and low-contrast imaging. The developed click chemistry protocol, when extended to silica-coated nanorubies, allowed specific labelling and high-sensitivity imaging of opioid receptors.This study enables the wide use of nanoruby for ultrasensitive and real-time imaging of a broad class of receptor-ligand systems.Mode of access: World wide web1 online resource (xi, 59 (5) pages) colour illustration
The US-Jordan free trade agreement: benign or malign for the economic development of Jordan?
No full textTheoretical thesis.Bibliography: pages 98-113.Chapter 1. Introduction -- Chapter 2. Free trade, GATT and the relative advantages of multilateral or bilateral free trade agreements -- Chapter 3. Qualitative studies measuring the effects of FTAs -- Chapter 4. FTAs and the economic considerations for Jordan -- Chapter 5. Exploring the signing of the FTA from the perspective of the US -- Chapter 6. Recommendations and conclusion -- Appendix -- Bibliography.The United States (US) and Jordan Free Trade Agreement (FTA) has significantly affected the Jordanian economy and society in both positive and negative ways. It has been a new player in the Jordanian economic order against the backdrop of Jordan's economic crisis and high unemployment, but it has failed to yield the promised economic benefits. Indeed, the legality of unfair and ambiguous clauses of the FTA has raised significant debate, and many critics view the FTA as a tool to advance foreign policy and promote the geostrategic interests of the US in the Middle East.This thesis analyses the effects of the US-Jordan FTA to identify economic changes in Jordan's economy. It examines the economic rationales of the parties for free trade, the economic effects of the FTA on Jordan and the extra-economic considerations that led the parties to sign the FTA.Further, this study identifies clauses of the US-Jordan FTA for possible amendments with the aim of minimising adverse effects and maximising economy-wide benefits for Jordan. The proposed reforms will considerably improve economic gains and benefit Jordanian trade policy-makers, strategists and negotiators by enhancing their understanding of the pitfalls, challenges and opportunities presented by the FTA. For example, the reforms will reduce poverty, increase health services, improve education and create an overall positive effect on the economy. In a wider context, this research will provide insights to government and non-government agencies of other countries that want to pursue preferential bilateral FTAs as a vehicle for their economic development.Mode of access: World wide web1 online resource (viii, 113 pages
Analysis of heatwave response plans and adaptation to cope with heatwaves now and in the future in aged care facilities
No full textEmpirical thesis.Bibliography: pages 146-182.Chapter 1. Introduction -- Chapter 2. Literature review -- Chapter 3. Methods -- Chapter 4. Paper 1. Acomparison of heatwave response plans from an aged care facility perspective -- Chapter 5. Paper 2. Adaptation to climate change impacts in aged care facilities : an international perspective -- Chapter 6. Paper 3. Heatwave preparedness and planning in aged care facilities in Victoria, Australia -- Chapter 7. Discussion and conclusions -- References -- Appendices.Heatwaves result in significant excess mortality, particularly amongst the elderly, and increases in the frequency and duration of heatwaves are projected in the coming decades. This thesis examines heatwave response planning and adaptation with a focus on the health of the elderly in aged care facilities. Three related pieces of research were conducted to explore different aspects of this topic, these being a comparison of heatwave response plans from an aged care facility perspective, strategies for adaptation to climate change impacts in aged care facilities, and heatwave preparedness and planning in aged care facilities in Victoria, Australia. Selected heatwave response plans at national, state/provincial, and municipal levels were examined, with a particular focus on specific responses aimed at residents of aged care facilities. Heatwave response plans were sourced from several countries that are experiencing demographic transition that features growing ageing populations. A total of 23 heatwave response plans were obtained. Most of the plans were from Australia, with only three plans each available from Canada and the United Kingdom, and only two available from the United States. Key components found across the plans were analysis of temperature thresholds, heat stress prevention measures, and communication strategies. Only three heatwave response plans analysed included specific guidance for aged care facilities. These results underline the need for governments to implement effective guidelines that include specific provisions for aged care facilities.The exploration of adaptation strategies focussed on potential adaptive categories of primary, secondary and tertiary preventions: divided into short-term and long-term adaptation measures. These measures include adaptations such as heat-alarm sensor detectors, client's care plan review schedule, increased staffing during heatwaves, families and carer's involvement, active and passive air-conditioning, and backup power supplies.Victorian aged care facilities were invited to complete an online survey containing 50 questions on heatwave preparedness and planning. Thirty-nine surveys were completed. Eighty-seven percent had a heatwave policy in place, and 92% had a heatwave response plan. Chi squared (χ2) test statistics found a strong statistically significant relationship between facilities having heatwave response plans and their healthcare assessment process including consideration of the risks and prevention of dehydration. The study found 92% of sampled aged care facilities use air-conditioning to cool residents during heatwaves. These and other results suggest living in the sampled Victorian aged care facilities is not a risk factor for direct heat-related illnesses during heatwaves. However, ongoing staff heatwave education, training, and communication must continue to reduce heat-related illnesses associated with residents of aged care facilities.Mode of access: World wide web1 online resource (xiv, 195 pages) graphs, table
L2 motivational self, social identity, and swearing - perspectives from Korean EFL speakers
No full textTheoretical thesis.Bibliography: pages 81-95.1. Introduction -- 2. Literature review -- 3. Methodology -- 4. Findings -- 5. Discussion and conclusionFor more than a decade the L2 Motivational Self System (Dörnyei, 2005) has been the framework of choice for many researchers examining motivation in EFL contexts. Although this framework has been used to study motivation in a range of different settings, it appears little has been published on the relationship between L2 social identity (real or imagined future social identities) and the three components which constitute the L2 Motivational Self System.Exploring the topic of swearing and taboo language as a means of expressing elements of an individual's various L2 social identities, this study uses a semi-structured interview approach to elicit data from ten Korean users of English in order to gain a deeper understanding of the relationship between social identity, taboo language, and motivation.Results reveal that the relationship between these elements is dynamic; with factors such as current and previous learning contexts, current domains of use, and future 'imagined' domains of use all having a bearing on not only one's ability to employ swearing and taboo language for identity projection, but also on the level of importance an individual places on being able to use swearing and taboo language to construct and display L2 social identities. Results also revealed that a lack of knowledge related to both linguistic and pragmatic functions of English swearing and taboo language prevented some participants from using this linguistic style to express elements of their L2 social identities. This linguistic, pragmatic, and sociocultural knowledge deficit was predominantly due to the Korean EFL learning context.This research highlights the importance of the learning context, domains and opportunities for use, and the role of the ideal L2 self for those wishing to construct and display various social identities via swearing and taboo language.1 online resource (102 pages
Penalised method of sieves for semi-parametric AFT model with right-censored survival data
No full textTheoretical thesis.Bibliography: pages 55-57.1. Introduction -- 2. Literature Review -- 3. Penalised Method of Sieves -- 4. Asymptotic Properties -- 5. Simulation design -- 6. Conclusion and discussion.The accelerated failure time (AFT) model is an important alternative semi-parametric survival model apart from the commonly used Cox proportional hazard (Cox) model. The function form of the AFT model is analogous to the classical linear regression model, which directly links survival time to the regression coefficients. However, unlike the Cox model, an estimation of the non-parametric component is always required in the AFT model. Estimation of the non-parametric component is computational challenge. In this thesis we extend the approach of Ma [1] and develop a penalised method of sieves to estimate the regression coefficients as well as the non-parametric component of the AFT model. Inspired by the method of sieves [2] [3], we adopt the M-spline family to construct an approximating function for the non-parametric component. To facilitate the approach, we set up the relevant constrained maximisation problem. The combination of a modified Newton's method and the multiplicative algorithm is used to solve the optimisation problem. A simulation study is conducted to compare our proposed method with a penalised likelihood method [4] and a rank-based method [5].1 online resource (1-57 pages
Acidic receiving waters impact on metal solubility from conventionally treated mine drainage
No full textTheoretical thesis.Bibliography: pages 56-63.List of figures -- List of tables -- Introduction -- Literature review -- Methods-- Results -- Discussion -- Conclusions: future research and key developments of the study.Research, management and regulations surrounding acid mine drainage typically focuses on the composition of the drainage and treated discharge. Absent from applied and site based research, and consequently regulation, is how lime neutralised alkaline discharge behaves once discharged into naturally acidic streams. In effect , precipitated metals in the alkaline discharge and sediment, the result of lime treatment, are re - acidified as water returns to its naturally acidic state, causing the dissolution of metals into the environment. This is the case at Clarence Colliery, an underground coal mine located in a World Heritage listed area 100 km from Sydney. Total and dissolved metals in water and sediment were measure d longitudinally downstream and sediment from the mine discharge was ex posed to different pH (4 - 8) in extraction tests. Results revealed that remobilisation of metals commenced as soon as 200m down stream (pH change 8.05 to 7.75), with contamination extending 21km downstream. Metal solubility increased in sediments as pH retuned to its natural acidic condition (pH 5). The study highlights the need for environmental regulators to assess metal remobilisation from conventional lime treatment systems and points to legacy contamination issues associated with metal rich sediments alr eady located in stream1 online resource (66 pages) illustration
Using Bessel-Gaussian beam in optical trapping of nanoparticles for gensitive gravimetry
No full textTheoretical thesis.Bibliography: pages 54-59Chapter 1: Introduction and motivation -- Chapter 2: Physics of optical trapping and introduction to Bessel beams -- Chapter 3: Spatial characterization Bessel-Gaussian Beam: Lens-Axicon System -- Chapter 4: Initial implementation of optical trapping -- Chapter 5: Conclusion and future work -- Chapter 6: Bibliography.Over the past decade, researchers have developed very sensitive force detection techniques including yoctonewton (10−24 N) force measurement, yoctogram-scale mass sensitivity and femto-scale magnetic field sensing. However, the measurement of gravitational or inertial forces to such high precision still to date remains a scientific and technological challenge. Compact integrated room temperature inertial sensors capable of sensing ultra-small changes in inertial forces is still lacking.In this thesis, I propose an all-optically controlled novel design for performing sensitive gravimetry based on trapped and levitated nanoparticles using Bessel-Gaussian beams. I particularly focus on the characterization of Bessel-Gaussian beam and its challenges and application in optical trapping. Optical trapping in vacuum and air has near-complete mechanical isolation from the environment. Without the need for clamping mechanism and robust decoupling from surrounding environment, the all-optical trapping and cooling techniques will yield potentially ultrahigh Q-factor resulting in ultrasensitive force detection at room temperature.1 online resource (60 pages