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Incremental processing in a polysynthetic language (Murrinhpatha)
No full textLanguage processing is rapidly incremental, but evidence bearing upon this assumption comes from very few languages. In this paper we report on a study of incremental processing in Murrinhpatha, a polysynthetic Australian language, which expresses complex sentence-level meanings in a single verb, the full meaning of which is not clear until the final morph. Forty native Murrinhpatha speakers participated in a visual world eyetracking experiment in which they viewed two complex scenes as they heard a verb describing one of the scenes. The scenes were selected so that the verb describing the target scene had either no overlap with a possible description of the competitor image, or overlapped from the start (onset overlap) or at the end of the verb (rhyme overlap). The results showed that, despite meaning only being clear at the end of the verb, Murrinhpatha speakers made incremental predictions that differed across conditions. The findings demonstrate that processing in polysynthetic languages is rapid and incremental, yet unlike in commonly studied languages like English, speakers make parsing predictions based on information associated with bound morphs rather than discrete words
EDAF: Early Detection of Atrial Fibrillation from Post-stroke Brain MRI
No full textAtrial fibrillation (AF) is a common cause of ischemic stroke, accounting for up to one-third of all cases. Untreated AF can increase the risk of stroke by up to five times and make stroke recurrence more likely. Anticoagulation has proven beneficial in reducing stroke risk. However, AF is often paroxysmal and asymptomatic, remaining undetected and undiagnosed in up to 30% of cases. The current methods for AF detection are usually lengthy (cardiac monitoring), expensive (smart devices), or invasive (implantable cardiac monitors), limiting their routine use. We present a novel method to screen for AF by analyzing infarct patterns of stroke patients from brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans. We propose EDAF, a novel method based on the segment anything model (SAM) that leverages the power of a foundational deep learning model to efficiently analyze brain MRI and identify whether the underlying stroke etiology is AF. EDAF is trained and validated using a retrospectively acquired dataset of 235 post-stroke patients, achieving an area under the receiver operating characteristic (AUROC) of in identifying the presence of AF. EDAF can achieve optimal solutions with minimal training, highlighting its potential for use in low-resource settings. As MRI is readily available in stroke centers and routinely performed on many patients after a stroke, either during their admission or as an outpatient, the proposed method can effectively identify patients for further AF investigation
The Dicranemataceae (Gigartinales, Rhodophyta) revisited: molecular data indicate polyphyly in yet another wholly or primarily Australian endemic family
No full textThe Dicranemataceae was monographed morphotaxonomically by Kraft in 1977, to which the four genera Dicranema Sond., Peltasta J.Agardh., Reptataxis Kraft and Tylotus J.Agardh were attributed. All, save for a species of Tylotus J.Agardh (from east Asia), were endemic to Australia. Additions (in 2006 and 2014 respectively) were the genus Pinnatiphycus N’Yeurt, Payri & P.W.Gabrielson from New Caledonia and Fiji and a new species of Tylotus from Hawaii. General features emphasised by Kraft were similarities of apical and internal structure, zonate tetrasporangia, monoecious gametophytes and placentate cystocarps. The genera did not show uniformity in regard to thallus habits and especially carposporophytes, however, the major differences of which were not accorded any family-level significance. Two later studies, N’Yeurt et al. in 2006 and Kraft et al. in 2014, presented limited molecular data but did not treat the family as a whole or fully resolve relationships between all of the taxa, leaving Kraft’s assumption that the family was monophyletic unchallenged. We address all of the genera, both anatomically and molecularly, and support proposal of two new families, the Peltastaceae and Tylotaceae, in addition to a monogeneric Dicranemataceae. A new genus and species of Peltastaceae, Peltastanomala virantra G.W.Saunders & Kraft, has unique axial and spermatangial anatomies and an unexpected family association with Peltasta. Two additional new genera and species (Chambersius thyrsus G.W.Saunders & Kraft and Huismanophycus marinus G.W.Saunders & Kraft) are even more dissimilar to Peltasta in habit and structure but weakly allied to the Peltastaceae on molecular evidence. Both are therefore regarded as incertae sedis
How Does Artificial Intelligence Shape Innovation?
No full text© 2025 Yangyang DengMy dissertation aims to explore how artificial intelligence (AI) shapes innovation processes and outcomes through three interconnected studies. In the first study, I explore the link between AI and innovation through a systematic literature review, examining AI’s roles and effects in innovation activities. I identify AI’s dual roles as both an innovation component and a research tool, with both roles exerting both positive and negative effects on innovation. The literature review uncovers a critical gap in understanding AI’s impact on innovation as a research tool, specifically the mechanisms through which AI influences innovation and its impact on innovation outcomes. To address this gap, I conduct a second study to explore how AI is applied in the drug discovery process, investigating the mechanisms through which AI affects innovation. I employ a qualitative research design, analyzing AI-driven biotech firms in drug discovery and conducting interviews with industry experts. I find that the use of AI enhances innovation performance primarily by addressing the inherent uncertainty and complexity of innovation processes. Moreover, AI exhibits significant bottlenecks in innovation and requires various complementary resources to overcome these bottlenecks and achieve desired outcomes. In the third study, I employ a quantitative research design to examine how AI adoption influences innovation outcomes, particularly breakthrough innovations. Using patent data, I find that, on its own, using AI does not significantly increase the likelihood of breakthroughs. However, inventors equipped with rich domain knowledge can amplify AI’s advantages, thereby enhancing the likelihood of achieving breakthrough innovations. Overall, my three studies advance our understanding of how AI shapes innovation by providing valuable insights into how AI’s capabilities and limitations influence innovation and identifying key complementarities in AI applications
Older Workers, Unfair Dismissal, and Age Discrimination Law: Strengthening Employment Protection? Comparative Perspectives from Australia and the UK
No full textDismissal, retirement and redundancy are critical points in the employment relationship where older workers might be subject to unfair treatment. In the Australian Human Rights Commission’s (AHRC) National Prevalence Survey, of those who had experienced age discrimination at work in the last two years (n = 309), 11% reported that they had experienced poor treatment that resulted in them leaving the job or had been made redundant or dismissed, and 12% reported being threatened with redundancy or dismissal, or being asked to retire. While this is less frequent than other reported experiences of age discrimination (such as having limited employment, promotion, or training opportunities, at 52% of affected respondents), the consequences of experiencing discrimination at the point of dismissal, retirement or redundancy are personally and financially significant for older workers.
Drawing on a mixed-method, multi-year comparative study of the enforcement of age discrimination law in the UK and Australia, this chapter interrogates the relationship between age discrimination law and unfair dismissal, particularly as it affects older workers. Integrating statistical analysis of claims and cases, including 1,208 reported UK Employment Tribunal decisions and 108 Australian cases; qualitative expert interviews with 101 expert respondents; and a survey of 76 legal practitioners and advocates who work in this area, I consider the ways in which age discrimination and unfair dismissal are linked in practice, and whether these linkages work to strengthen or undermine employment protection
Gas Storage Within Porous Materials
No full text© 2025 Jia Ming GohThe widespread use of fossil fuels has resulted in significant greenhouse gas emissions, prompting a global transition toward renewable energy to address pressing environmental challenges. However, renewable energy sources face issues of intermittency and site-specific limitations, necessitating transitional solutions such as hydrogen (H2) and natural gas (NG) to bridge the gap between traditional and sustainable energy systems. Despite their potential, both H2 and NG are hindered by low volumetric energy densities, which complicate storage and transportation.
This thesis begins by examining various gas storage technologies, categorized into physical and material-based methods. While compressed gas storage remains the most mature and dependable solution, the heavy reliance of many existing methods on high-pressure systems underscores the need to address associated challenges. Advances in gas storage vessels are explored, focusing on macroscale tank designs for improved space utilization and decentralized approaches like micro- and nanoscale gas vessels. The review concludes by identifying research gaps and highlighting the need for innovative solutions to overcome these challenges.
One of the core innovations presented in this thesis is the concept of a bioinspired cellular pressure vessel (CPV) for gas storage, designed with a network of interconnected three-dimensional cavities based on the Schwarz-P triply periodic minimal surface (TPMS). Prototyped using additive manufacturing and validated through finite element analysis and hydrostatic testing, the CPV achieves superior volumetric efficiency and safety compared to conventional pressure vessels. Its modular design enables flexible shaping to fit restricted or irregular spaces, allowing for up to 28% more gas storage at the same pressure or a 30% reduction in pressure for the same capacity. The CPV optimizes storage efficiency, adapts to constrained spaces, and enhances safety, making it a transformative solution for energy, scientific exploration, and aerospace.
Expanding into nanoscale innovations, this thesis also presents a novel approach to high-density gas storage using nanoporous materials encapsulated by ice, forming decentralized nanoscale pressure vessels. This method exploits the unique properties of silicalite-1, a hydrophobic zeolite with a highly ordered pore structure and a hydrophilic external surface, making it ideal for keeping micropores dry while interacting with water at the surface. By freezing water to seal nanopores and trapping gas, with controlled release through moderate heating, this technique demonstrated a 60% increase in methane (CH4) storage capacity compared to conventional adsorption methods under identical conditions. Operating safely at ambient pressure and moderate temperatures, this scalable and cost-effective approach leverages water’s ubiquity to reduce infrastructure demands, further advancing gas storage solutions.
Building on the potential of nanoporous materials for gas storage, the last part of this thesis explores activated carbon (AC) as a framework for microscale pressure vessels using water-based pore encapsulation. Leveraging the hydrophobicity of AC’s micropores, this method enables high-density gas storage at ambient pressure and moderate temperatures. At an initial pressure of 50 bar CH4, the water-assisted approach retained nearly 90% of deliverable capacity – an impressive 320% improvement over traditional adsorption methods under identical conditions. Surface properties of AC, influenced by hydrophilic functional groups, created competitive adsorption environments for gases like nitrogen (N2) and H2, with heat treatment enhancing deliverable capacities by up to 48%. These findings demonstrate the scalability and efficiency of AC as a cost-effective solution for gas storage, paving the way for optimizing porous materials in sustainable energy applications.
Overall, this thesis contributes to advancing high-pressure gas storage systems by addressing key challenges in volumetric efficiency, safety, and scalability, providing innovative solutions across macroscale and nanoscale applications to support future energy needs
Women’s Political Representation in Pakistan – A Historical Overview
No full textThis report offers a detailed historical analysis of women's political representation in Pakistan, tracing developments from independence to the present day. It examines how various regimes—from early liberal governments to military dictatorships and democratic transitions—have influenced the inclusion and marginalisation of women in political institutions. The report highlights significant constitutional changes, quota allocations, and the role of reserved seats in facilitating women's entry into national and provincial legislatures. Although there have been progressive reforms under certain governments, such as those led by Zulfikar Ali Bhutto and Benazir Bhutto, as well as an increased quota under Pervez Musharraf, women's political agency continues to be limited by patriarchal norms, indirect electoral mechanisms, and elite capture. The analysis identifies the structural and socio-cultural barriers that impede meaningful participation, including limited grassroots mobilisation, a lack of political training, and exclusion from key decision-making bodies. Ultimately, while numerical representation has improved, the substantive political empowerment of women in Pakistan remains limited and precarious
Essays in matching
No full text© 2025 Jacob CorenoThis thesis analyzes discrete resource allocation problems without monetary transfers. The first chapter examines the multi-unit assignment problem, characterizing draft mechanisms widely used in sports leagues. The second chapter studies the multi-object reallocation problem, offering an axiomatic characterization of the generalized Top Trading Cycles mechanism. The final chapter addresses probabilistic assignment, extending social welfare efficiency to constrained settings. These contributions provide theoretical insights that support the design of fair and efficient mechanisms for real-world applications
Emerging evidence to reduce the burden of tuberculosis in children and young people
No full textTuberculosis (TB) remains a major global health challenge. Children, adolescents, and young mothers are high-risk populations for TB with unique challenges and needs. Children are often misdiagnosed or diagnosed too late, resulting in long-term sequelae or mortality, while adolescents, despite having more recognizable adult-type TB and being an important source of community transmission, can be difficult to engage in care as they often fall between pediatric and adult models of care. TB during pregnancy poses significant risks to the mother-infant pair, yet antenatal screening to ensure timely treatment initiation is often inadequate. Recent research advancements to address these challenges include more accessible TB management aids, shorter effective drug regimens, child-friendly drug formulations, strategies for active case finding to expand treatment coverage including of asymptomatic disease, and more options for preventive therapy. These advances have informed global policy and guidelines; however, major gaps in translation from policy to practice remain. This narrative review discusses the progress and identifies potential solutions with insights from the Asia-Pacific region to ongoing challenges in TB detection, treatment, and prevention in children and young people, with a view to TB elimination
The Notion of Flexibility in the Interpretation and Application of Islamic Legal Texts: The Contributions of the Ḥanbalī Jurist Ibn Qudāmah
No full text© 2025 Alhassan ShaibuThis thesis explores the conceptual and methodological contributions of the Hanbali jurist Ibn Qudamah (d.629/1223) to Islamic legal theory (usul al-fiqh). It emphasises the inherent flexibility within his interpretive approach and its potential for reconciling Islamic law with modernity. The study analyses his linguistic interpretations of the Qur'an and Sunnah and their interplay with contextual changes, highlighting his prioritisation of authorial intent or God’s intent (murad Allah) behind revelatory texts, as articulated in Q.16:89 and Q.2:38.
The findings reveal that Ibn Qudamah’s interpretive approach demonstrated significant flexibility but was firmly rooted in uncovering the divine intent and the effective cause (illah) underpinning specific rulings before interpreting or reviewing them. His methodology prioritised divine guidance over human assumptions, indicating that while socio-historical contexts were acknowledged, they served primarily to elucidate rather than override the divine intent.
Notably, his approach does not support wholesale revisions of legal rulings based solely on perceived contemporary needs for change, except where it can be shown that socio-historical contexts were integral to the initial formulation of specific rulings. This underscores his balanced yet cautious stance on change and reform.
By advocating for an interpretive framework that harmonises the principles of authorial intent with socio-historical contexts, this study contributes to modern Islamic legal reforms. It suggests that Ibn Qudamah’s approach offers a valuable model for preserving the intrinsic purpose of revelatory texts while addressing the challenges posed by contemporary contexts