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The emancipation paradox: a critical study of the Kantian tradition in political philosophy
No full textTheoretical thesis.Bibliography: pages 191-202.Introduction -- Rancière, equality and political philosophy -- Who is the subject of humanity: the paradox of emancipation in the philosophy of Immanuel Kant -- Who is the subject of justice? John Rawls, equality and the emancipation paradox -- Habermas and discourse ethics and the subject of communication -- Forst's critical theory of justice, power, and the subject of justification.This thesis argues that within Kantian and post-Kantian political philosophy, specifically in the work of Immanuel Kant, John Rawls, Jürgen Habermas and Rainer Forst, there is a problematic that I designate as the emancipation paradox. The Emancipation Paradox is understood as the failed attempts in the work of these philosophers to bridge the gap between universal moral claims about the equality of persons and the practical inequality of the political institutions that they develop. I begin by examining the work of Jacques Rancière who I argue has best explicated the issues of the emancipation paradox. Throughout Rancière's published work there is a continuing theme of locating with ancient and contemporary philosophy a problematic that arises over the equivocation between universal claims of the Human Being and particularistic practical conclusions. The main body of this thesis is the critical analysis of the work of Immanuel Kant, John Rawls, Jürgen Habermas and Rainer Forst. The critical analysis locates within each philosopher a focal point from which the paradox arises. In Kant it is the concept of 'Humanity', in Rawls it is the concept of the 'basic structure of society', in Habermas it is the method of 'Communicative Action' and in Forst it is the idea of 'Justification'. Each of these focal points is examined by seeing what "work" they do in the theory presented, and the assumptions that are made by its usage. I conclude the thesis by suggesting that our methods of inquiry need to pay more attention to the possible implicit conclusions that may appear in political philosophy's use of universalistic language.1 online resource ( ix, 202 pages
Beyond brain decoding: methodological and empirical contributions to brain decoding methods and their link to behaviour
No full textTheoretical thesis.Thesis by publication.Includes bibliographical references.Chapter 1. Introduction -- Chapter 2. Decoding dynamic brain patterns from evoked responses -- Chapter 3. Asymmetric compression of representational space -- Chapter 4. Beyond brain decoding -- Chapter 5. DiscussionBrain decoding methods have transformed the field of Cognitive Neuroscience in the last two decades. As this field has matured, researchers are now asking challenging questions about the interpretation of decoding methods, such as whether the information decoded from neuroimaging data is used by the brain for behaviour. The focus of this thesis is to address the challenge of linking information measured with decoding methods to human behaviour. In the first empirical chapter, using magneto-encephalography (MEG), I describe a broad set of options for conducting time series decoding studies and test the effects that different options in the decoding analysis pipeline can have on the experimental results. The results show that decisions made at all stages of the analysis can significantly affect the results and interpretation of decoding studies. In the second empirical chapter, I explore the distance to bound model as a method for linking brain decoding with behaviour. Using MEG decoding, I tested whether this model can account for behavioural changes in reaction time for categorising degraded objects by animacy. I found that the distance to bound model successfully predicted reaction time, accuracy, and decision time parameters derived from a prominent model of decision making. These findings provide evidence for a systematic relationship between decoded brain representations and perceptual decision-making behaviour. In the third empirical chapter, I examine the distinction between decodable information, and information that can be used in behaviour. Using a searchlight approach on functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging (fMRI) data, I first investigated where decodable information existed in the brain. Secondly, I assessed where in the brain the decoded information was suitable for "read out" by the brain for behaviour. I found that behaviour can only be predicted from a subset of the locations that had decodable information. These results highlight the distinction between decodable information, and information that is relevant for behaviour in the brain. In conclusion, this thesis advances current knowledge on brain decoding methods and on approaches to relating brain representations to behaviour, which is a fundamental challenge in cognitive neuroscience. The results show that decodable information has to be interpreted with caution, and emphasize that continuing to develop methods for linking neuroimaging to behaviour is critical for advancing our understanding of the brain.Mode of access: World wide web.1 online resource ( xii, 258 pages) illustration
High resolution multispectral image and machine learning algorithms for saltmarsh classification and biomass modelling
No full textEmpiriical thesis.Bibliography: pages 168-184.Chapter 1. General introduction -- Chapter 2. Endmember identification from EO-1 Hyperion and a comparison between hyperspectral and multispectral images for a saltmarsh community in the Hunter Wetland National Park -- Chapter 3. Spectral separability and spatial sampling unit analysis of saltmarsh species class using Worldview-2 and Landsat 8 OLI data -- Chapter 4. Scope for saltmarsh classification and biomass estimation using Support Vector Machine (SVM) and Random Forest (RF) : a review -- Chapter 5. Support vector machine (SVM) classifier with small training samples for wetland saltmarsh environment -- Chapter 6. An evaluation of equal training sample allocation for a saltmarsh environment using Random Forest (RF) and Support Vector Machine (SVM) classification algorithms -- Chapter 7. Saltmarshes biomass modelling using Random Forest (RF) and Support Vector Machine (SVM) regressions from multispectral data -- Chapter 8. Synthesis: High spatial resolution multispectral image and machine learning algorithms for saltmarsh classification and biomass modelling -- Appendix -- Bibliography.Saltmarsh is one of the important vegetation of wetlands. Due to a range of pressures, it has been declared as an Endangered Ecological Community (EEC) in Australia. Therefore, monitoring and mapping of the distribution of saltmarshes species are important to wetland management, conservation and distribution. This rigorous task requires intensive fieldwork and collection of ancillary data that are time-consuming. Remote Sensing offers a practical and economic means of plant sciences classification and biomass modelling. However, selecting suitable remote sensing systems and their data are important for mapping saltmarshes. Hyperspectral remote sensing can be used to monitor this endangered community. However, there are some crucial limitations of hyperspectral data that have been found in the current study area and discussed in the introduction. To overcome these limitations, Worldview-2 with its higher spatial (1.84 m) resolution is seen as a trade-off between the advantages of multispectral resolution satellite data and hyperspectral data.In this thesis, imagery acquired by three different sensors were used to compare the performance of machine learning classification methods and biomass regression models. Maximum Likelihood Classifier (MLC) and two advanced algorithms, Random Forest (RF) and Support Vector Machine (SVM) were used for classification. These two algorithms were also tested to develop a biomass model for Sporobolus virginicus species using multispectral Worldview-2 data. Reflectance and NDVI based vegetation indices derived from 8 bands of Worldview-2 multispectral data were used for four experiments to develop the biomass model. Proportional reduction of sample size (100 % to 33%) was focused to test the potentiality of both algorithms. RF showed significant changes in overall accuracy when the sample size was reduced from 100 % to 33%. Conversely, there were no significant changes in the accuracy for SVM when the sample size equally dropped from 100 % to 33%. When biomass model for RF (R2 =0.72, RMSE = 0.166 kg/m2) and SVR (R2 = 0.66, RMSE = 0.200 kg/m2) were compared, there was a significant (p =< 0.0001) difference was observed. Further research is crucial to explore the sensitivity of this method with the spatial autocorrelation of the training samples for random forest application in saltmarsh monitoring.Mode of access: World wide web1 online resource (xviii, 184 pages) colour illustrations, map
Planktonic metabolism and microbial activity in the Macquarie Marshes, Australia
No full textTheoretical thesis.Bibliography: pages 46-53.1. Thesis introduction -- 2. Planktonic metabolism and microbial response to inundation in the Macquarie Marshes, Australia -- 3. Synthesis and areas of further research.Planktonic metabolism, the gross primary productivity of phytoplankton (GPP) and planktonic respiration (PR) in an aquatic system, is affected by inundation, nutrients, and microbial activity. Variations in planktonic metabolism and microbial communities in the water column were investigated in three hydro-geomorphologically distinct zones of the Macquarie Marshes with different historical inundation frequency (IF). Soil samples were inundated in a mesocosm, GPP and PR were determined using incubation methods, and Biolog EcoplatesTM were used to assess functional microbial diversity. Zone 1 (moderate-IF) had the highest mean GPP (18.62±6.58 mg C m-3 h-1) and lowest PR (3.30±8.07 mg C m-3 h-1) compared with zone 2 (low-IF) and zone 3 (very low-IF), the latter having the lowest GPP (13.72±8.07 mg C m-3 h-1) and highest PR (30.07±7.26 mg C m-3 h-1). GPP/PR showed zones 1 and 2 to be autotrophic, while zone 3 was heterotrophic. Ecoplates showed the highest microbial activity in zone 3 (AWCD=1.77±0.25) and lowest activity in zone 1 (AWCD=1.31±0.16), indicating the clear linkage of bacterial communities with PR in the rarely inundated area which leads to heterotrophic conditions. Thus, environmental water decision-making should take into account the antecedent ecological conditions of the targeted floodplains to inform the delivery of environmental flows.1 online resource (v, 65 pages : illustrations, maps
Biogeochemical flux and phytoplankton succession : a year-long sediment trap record in the Australian sector of the Subantarctic Zone
No full textThe Subantarctic Zone (SAZ) plays a crucial role in global carbon cycling as a significant sink for atmospheric CO2. In the Australian sector, the SAZ exports large quantities of organic carbon from the surface ocean, despite lower algal biomass accumulation in surface waters than other Southern Ocean sectors. We present the first analysis of diatom and coccolithophore assemblages and seasonality, as well as the first annual quantification of bulk organic components of captured material at the base of the mixed layer (500 m depth) in the SAZ. Sediment traps were moored in the SAZ southwest of Tasmania as part of the long-term SAZ Project for one year (September 2003 to September 2004). Annual mass flux at 500 m and 2000 m was composed mainly of calcium carbonate, while biogenic silica made up on average <10% of material captured in the traps. Organic carbon flux was estimated at 1.1 g m⁻² y⁻¹ at 500 m, close to the estimated global mean carbon flux. Low diatom fluxes and high fluxes of coccoliths were consistent with low biogenic silica and high calcium carbonate fluxes, respectively. Diatoms and coccoliths were identified to species level. Diatom and coccolithophore sinking assemblages reflected some seasonal ecological succession. A theoretical scheme of diatom succession in live assemblages is compared to successional patterns presented in sediment traps. This study provides a unique, direct measurement of the biogeochemical fluxes and their main biological carbon vectors just below the winter mixed layer depth at which effective sequestration of carbon occurs. Comparison of these results with previous sediment trap deployments at the same site at deeper depths (i.e. 1000, 2000 and 3800 m) documents the changes particle fluxes experience in the lower “twilight zone” where biological processes and remineralisation of carbon reduce the efficiency of carbon sequestration.17 page(s
Contemporary topics in fish cognition and behaviour
No full textThe field of fish cognition and behaviour is now well established and recent developments reflect a shift to mechanistic, comparative and theoretical approaches compared to early work. In this review we briefly summarise recent advances in four major areas of research: spatial learning, social cognition, numerical competency and cognition, consciousness and pain. The debate on whether fish are conscious and able to feel pain is particularly topical, and we discuss recent behavioural and adaptive arguments in favour of fish pain. In this review we also propose interesting avenues of research in which fish have been given little attention in comparison with other vertebrate species.7 page(s
School-based cognitive behavioral interventions for anxious youth : study protocol for a randomized controlled trial
No full textBackground: Anxiety disorders are prevalent among adolescents and may have long-lasting negative consequences for the individual, the family and society. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is an effective treatment. However, many anxious youth do not seek treatment. Low-intensity CBT in schools may improve access to evidence-based services. We aim to investigate the efficacy of two CBT youth anxiety programs with different intensities (i.e., number and length of sessions), both group-based and administered as early interventions in a school setting. The objectives of the study are to examine the effects of school-based interventions for youth anxiety and to determine whether a less intensive intervention is non-inferior to a more intensive intervention. Methods/design: The present study is a randomized controlled trial comparing two CBT interventions to a waitlist control group. A total of 18 schools participate and we aim to recruit 323 adolescents (12-16 years). Youth who score above a cutoff on an anxiety symptom scale will be included in the study. School nurses recruit participants and deliver the interventions, with mental health workers as co-therapists and/or supervisors. Primary outcomes are level of anxiety symptoms and anxiety-related functional impairments. Secondary outcomes are level of depressive symptoms, quality of life and general psychosocial functioning. Non-inferiority between the two active interventions will be declared if a difference of 1.4 or less is found on the anxiety symptom measure post-intervention and a difference of 0.8 on the interference scale. Effects will be analyzed by mixed effect models, applying an intention to treat procedure. Discussion: The present study extends previous research by comparing two programs with different intensity. A brief intervention, if effective, could more easily be subject to large-scale implementation in school health services. Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT02279251. Registered on 15 October 2014. Retrospectively registered.11 page(s
A New find of danburite in the Luc Yen mining area, Vietnam
No full textIn the summer of 2015, gem-quality danburite was found in an eluvial deposit of ruby, sapphire, spinel, and tourmaline at the foot of the marble mountains of An Phu in the Luc Yen area of Vietnam’s Yen Bai Province. This danburite is notable for its honey yellow color and excellent transparency. For the present study, rough and cut samples were investigated by standard gemological methods, photoluminescence, spectroscopic analysis (Raman, FTIR, and UV-Vis-NIR), electron microprobe, and femtosecond LA-ICP-MS chemical analysis. Microscopic observations revealed fingerprints and two-phase inclusions (gas/liquid). Additionally, growth zoning was visible with different blue intensities under a long-wave UV lamp. The samples were characterized by high concentration of lanthanides (totaling about 1116 ppm on average) together with the presence of other elements such as Al, Sr, Y, Hf, Pb, and Th, while the concentrations of transition metals were below detection limits. All Raman, UV-Vis-NIR, and photoluminescence results revealed the bands related to rare earth elements. FTIR spectroscopy showed the presence of hydroxyl in the danburite structure.9 page(s
"I am the Dark and the Dark can't bring me down": Community, agency and discourse in the New York City metal scene
No full textTheoretical thesis.Bibliography: pages 55-58Introduction -- Chapter one : The narratives of metal and the narrative self -- Chapter two -- Social bonds and discourse in community -- Chapter three : Lyrics and ideological frameworks -- Chapter four : Transcendence, collective effervescence and gigs -- Conclusion.Metal is a genre that has permeated across national and cultural boundaries, becoming embedded in a multitude of localised meanings and practices through the emergence of local metal scenes. With a dedicated and loyal fan base that has lasted over four decades, metal has become a global genre. This thesis provides an analytical examination of one such locality, that of New York City. This thesis aims to illuminate the role that the metal scene plays in forging a highly integrated, interconnected and interdependent community. The metal scene of New York City is imperative in constructing a sense of self and a sense of being in this world for my informants. It is a community that lies at the forefront of agency and discourse, socialising scene members into particular modes of being, acting and thinking. By analysing the production of meaning in this scene, the relationships between macro and micro processes, and the interactions between the metanarratives and myths of metal and the sociopolitical climate of the United States, I emphasise the distinct way that local scenes manifest themselves in the context of broader cultural forces. This study is guided by three primary goals: to investigate the construction of the self in a highly fractured contemporary cosmopolitan context; to contribute to the dissolution of binary notions of egocentric/sociocentric societies; and, to examine the role that music plays in forging coherent and meaningful life worlds.1 online resource (61 pages
Design, synthesis and characterisation of porphyrin, fullerene and napthalene diimide conjugates of Tröger's base
No full textThesis by publication.Includes bibliographical references.1. Literature review -- 2.1. Synthesis of naphthalene diimide analogues of Tröger's base and Hünlich's base -- 2.2. Tröger's base-C60 analogue -- 3. Synthesis and photophysical properties of A-shaped non-conjugated porphyrin dyad -- 4. Synthesis and photophysical properties of A-shaped non-conjugated porphyrin dyad -- 5. Synthesis and photophysical studies of β,β'-pyrrolic tetraaryl fused-porphyrin Tröger's base-naphthalene diimide dyad -- 6. Discussion, conclusions and further work.Porphyrins, naphthalene diimide and fullerene-C60 are particularly important chromophores that have been used in light-energy conversion research and the design and synthesis of artificial photosynthetic systems. The electron donor (porphyrins) and electron acceptors (naphthalene diimide or fullerene-C60) play key roles in mimicking the photosynthetic antenna-reaction centre of plants. The main aim of this thesis is to provide further insight into the construction of donor-acceptor compounds separated by a well-defined V-shaped bridging molecule. Various linear and conjugated porphyrin arrays have been developed to better understand structure-electronic properties relationship between the two chromophores but the emphasis of this thesis is the development of synthetic methods for the construction of these donor-acceptor systems. In particular, we focus on Tröger's base as a V-shaped bridge molecule between two chromophores. This thesis first describes the synthesis of new Tröger's bases with the desired functional groups such as nitro, amino, ester, alcohol and aldehyde then postmodification of Tröger's base to append chromophores. Novel architectures were made such as symmetric porphyrin dyads using two different types of porphyrin and hybrid porphyrin-Tröger's base-naphthalene diimide and porphyrin-Tröger's base-C60 dyads. In addition, bis-naphthalene diimide Tröger's base and Tröger's base-C60 were made in order to develop methodology for postmodification of TB to append NDI and C60, respectively. Preliminary photophysical characterisation (fluorescence and UV/Vis) is presented but charge transfer properties of selected compounds will be studied by cyclic voltammetry and transient absorbent spectroscopy in the future. All Tröger's base compounds made are racemic.1 online resource (266 pages