Digital Commons Network^™

Beyond The Moons Of August, Beatriz Copello

University of Wollongong Thesis Collection 1954-2016

"Beyond the Moons of August" was born from my angst about recording and understanding my past. While writing this manuscript, I submerged myself in the depths of my mind, by conjuring the dead and finally putting them to rest, and rescuing from my memory stories, people and events long buried in this invisible cemetery. Through writing this novel I recreated my past, I re-interpreted events long gone, I sought revenge and forgiveness. Catharsis and creativity went hand in hand with the writing of "Beyond the Moons of August".

This book represents an era of my life which, like a shadow, …

"Rekindling The Spirit Of Adventure: Through Participation In The Expedition Component Of The Duke Of Edinburgh's Award : The Value Of This Challenge For The Participant", Peter L. Bailey

University of Wollongong Thesis Collection 1954-2016

Each year thousands of students are involved in the Bronze Duke of Edinburgh's Award. The Award is divided into four components: community service, a physical recreation pursuit a personal skill development and the expedition component. The expedition component requires a two day one night preliminary expedition and a two day and one night qualifying expedition. This research explores the Bronze Duke of Edinburgh's Award Expedition in terms of active involvement, cooperative teamwork, self-confidence, social effectiveness, stress management and time efficiency during these expeditions.

This research involves a case study of the Bronze Duke of Edinburgh's Award program at Southern Highlands …

Creating Engaging Self-Learning Opportunities For Out-Of-School Children In Sri Lanka: Employing Constructivist Design Principles For Distance And Open Learning, Nandawathie Wanniarachchi Kankanange

University of Wollongong Thesis Collection 1954-2016

Education plays a vital role in improving people's quality of life and is an essential part of social and human development. Addressing the issue of access to quality education is a matter of urgency, and yet the formal education system has not tended to provide education for all. For out-of school children, therefore, distance and open learning methodologies have been adopted by developing countries as an alternative path to address their educational needs. The challenge is h o w to develop suitable programs and learning materials to motivate and engage learners to learn.

The purpose of this study was to …

Understanding Magistrates' Work, Garry Francis Hiskey

University of Wollongong Thesis Collection 1954-2016

Magistrates hear about 98% of the criminal cases and about 90% the civil cases in courts in Australia.

This thesis examines the understanding magistrates have of their work. It provides an analysis of what magistrates do in court and their understanding of this work. The core data is based on reflections by and discussion with magistrates about what they do in court and the data identifies three core aspects of their daily work experience: decision-making, communication and work environment. The thesis shows how these concepts are themselves interlinked.

The thesis examines some (very little) 'official' or 'objective' information on what …

Adaptation To Renal Transplantation: An Exploratory Qualitative Study, Edwin Maurice Bouvet

University of Wollongong Thesis Collection 1954-2016

Knowledge of individual client's emotional and psychological reactions to renal transplantation is essential for the effective delivery of preoperative and post-operative nursing care. In this study six recipients of donor kidneys were each interviewed over a period of six months at two monthly intervals.

The interviews were unstructured, almost conversational, and the qualitative data collected was analysed based on the principles of phenomenology and organized into eight basic themes. After close examination of the material collected, significant issues of concern were identified and these became the focus of further and more intense study. This culminated in chapter six with three …

Evaluation Of An Eight Week Modified Exercise Program For Overweight Children, Brodie Cambourne

University of Wollongong Thesis Collection 1954-2016

The incidence of overweight and obesity amongst Australian children is high and steadily increasing. Reasons offered for this trend in childhood obesity include increase in availability of foods high in fat and decreased opportunity to participate in regular exercise. Recent research is bringing light to the difficulties overweight children have participating in daily living tasks. These difficulties are a result of the excess weight carried by these children and include a decreased range of motion, impaired balance and co-ordination and increased energy expenditure during daily tasks. A solution for combating this increase in childhood obesity, may be to provide children …

The Effect Of Novel Distractors On Physiological Responses To Pain, Ran D. O'Donohue

University of Wollongong Thesis Collection 1954-2016

This thesis reports a psychophysiological examination of the effects of distractors on pain in the cold-pressor test (immersion of a limb in ice-cold water). Visual distractor stimuli at two levels of novelty were compared with no distraction in a between-group design.

Carbon Based Anode Materials For Lithium-Ion Batteries, Yueping Yao

University of Wollongong Thesis Collection 1954-2016

A systematic investigation of carbon based anode materials has been made in this Master’s thesis project. The physical, structural and electrochemical properties of these anode materials have been characterized by a variety of techniques. A literature review summarizes the principles of lithium-ion battery operation, cathode materials, anode materials and electrolytes. Multiwall carbon nanotubes (MWNTs) were synthesized by chemical vapor deposition (CVD) method, using nanocrystalline iron powders as the catalyst. The diameter of the as-prepared MWNTs is about 20-50nm. Electrochemical testing shows that the MWNT electrodes had a reversible lithium storage capacity of 340-350mAh/g. The kinetics of Li-ion insertion in carbon …

Seam Position Detection In Pulsed Gas Metal Arc Welding, Hao Shen

University of Wollongong Thesis Collection 1954-2016

Lack of fusion is a commonly occurring defect in Pulsed Transfer Gas Metal Arc Welding. Under optimum process parameter settings, such defects are mainly caused by positional error of the torch in relation to the joint profile. This project investigated relationships between seam tracking error and welding process parameters in order to detect lack of fusion. Using digital signal processing techniques, it was found that there existed consistent linear relationships between torch standoff and process variables in both the time and frequency domains. In the time domain, when the torch standoff increases, the mean values of both current power decrease, …

Solar Activity And Recent Climate Change: Evaluating The Impact Of Geomagnetic Activity On Atmospheric Circulation, Daniel R. Palamara

University of Wollongong Thesis Collection 1954-2016

Solar-climate studies have a long and controversial history and the relevance of solar activity to recent climate change remains unclear. Despite prevalent scepticism and uncertainty, recent developments in both solar and atmospheric sciences warrant the reinvestigation of possible solar-climate relationships. The advent of public access to enormous databases of solar and atmospheric variables encourages the reinvestigation of possible solar-climate relationships, particularly those involving solar-modulated geomagnetic activity variations. If further studies demonstrate that climate change has been influenced by geomagnetic activity then research can progress to predicting, modelling, and quantifying the effect. Conversely, if a geomagnetic-activity influence on climate change can …

Australian Press Coverage Of The Armenian Genocide 1915-1923, Vahe Georges Kateb

University of Wollongong Thesis Collection 1954-2016

Under the cover of WWI, the Young Turk government of the Ottoman Empire deported and exterminated the Armenian population from historical Armenia (Eastern provinces of modern day Turkey) and surrounding regions. However, since then, successive Turkish governments have denied any wrongdoing and blamed Armenians for their fate. The Australian press, as the only mass medium of the period, covered extensively the extermination of the Armenians. However todays press often refers to the same events ambiguously, using the word alleged and giving equal coverage to the Turkish denial of the events. In addition, young turk has become a complimentary phrase. This …

Improving The Modelling Of The Distributional Properties Of Financial Time Series - An Application Of Dynamic Models Within The Context Of Conditional Variance Of Basis Risk, Riccardo Biondini

University of Wollongong Thesis Collection 1954-2016

The thesis investigates the problems involved in effectively modelling the (time-varying basis risk (the risk of large movements in the relationship between the spot price and the derivatives price) and the subsequent calculation of effective hedge ratios. The specific purpose of this research involves the identification of conditional variance models that accommodate the time series properties commonly encountered in many spot and futures return series, by targeting changes in basis volatility over time. The research analyses the problem of incorporating conditional basis variance into the time series model by extending popular specifications to include long-run (cointegration) information. The analysis investigates …

Intelligent Knowledge Acquisition Using Case-Based Reasoning: Knowledge Sharing And Reuse, Seung Hwan Kang

University of Wollongong Thesis Collection 1954-2016

This research aims to investigate the feasibility of using techniques in case-based reasoning for the knowledge acquisition phase in the development of knowledge management systems to allow knowledge sharing and reuse. Case-based reasoning is one area of artificial intelligence that allows us to deal with situation that are similar to the current ones and use them to solve new problems. The application of case-based reasoning techniques allows the knowledge management systems to acquire new knowledge by adopting the knowledge gained in new cases and reusing the old ones in the case repository. This way, it allows old knowledge to be …

A Comparison Of Binaural Ultrasonic Sensing Systems, Benjamin D. Stanley

University of Wollongong Thesis Collection 1954-2016

Autonomous robotic systems have been under development for a number of years. This development is being driven partly by the need to explore the processes and logic that humans use in accomplishing repetitive tasks and partly by the need to provide probes and vehicles in environments that present threats to humans. It is this need to send robots into harsh environments which has provided the impetus for this thesis to explore the use of binaural ultrasonic sensors for robotic agents thereby enabling them to take the place of living agents. In all, five sensor systems were built and investigated. Two …

Characteristics Of A Supportive Context For Distributed Learning: A Case Study Of The Implementation Of A New Degree, Geraldine E. Lefoe

University of Wollongong Thesis Collection 1954-2016

In 2000, the University of Wollongong opened a new campus and two education access centres on the South Coast of New South Wales, Australia. The Faculty of Arts implemented a new degree, the Bachelor of Arts (Community and Environment), as part of this initiative and the first year of implementation of this new degree is the focus of the study. The purpose of the study was to inform policy and practice at the University of Wollongong and to contribute to the small body of research in the area. A qualitative case study approach was used to investigate the experience of …

New Theoretical Frameworks Of Learning Activities, Learning Technologies And A New Method Of Technology Selection, Richard Caladine

University of Wollongong Thesis Collection 1954-2016

Traditionally, the design of learning events was part of the role of teachers and trainers and in the past when learning technologies were part of teaching and learning events, for example in Distance Education or Open Learning, specialist Instructional Designers typically undertook the design. Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) are now central to learning in many contexts and no longer can specialist designers meet the high demand to design the vast number of technology-centred learning events in Higher Education and Human Resource Development. Most teachers and trainers are not equipped to undertake the selection of learning technologies but there is …

Assessing The Effectiveness Of Corporate Web Sites: An Experimental Study Of The Web Acceptance Model, Koo-Won Suh

University of Wollongong Thesis Collection 1954-2016

There has been an ongoing need for designing and assessing corporate Web sites as important marketing communication tools. Typically, most research on Web site effectiveness has adopted traditional advertising evaluation models. A fundamental shortcoming of this approach is that it does not provide much information about user interaction. As corporate Web sites are new interactive media and Web user characteristics are far different from those of traditional communication media, new approaches should be developed. To overcome the inherent shortcomings of previous research, this study has developed a new theoretical framework, the Web Acceptance Model (WAM), which explores customer acceptance and …

Optimization Of Metal Transfer And Fusion Using Current Control In Dip Transfer Gmaw, Gary Dean

University of Wollongong Thesis Collection 1954-2016

This research sets out to explore the mass and thermal transfer mechanisms involved in gas metal arc welding. This analysis was undertaken to enable improved process control strategies to be developed and evaluated. As a result of the investigations a new current control approach is proposed for dip transfer GMAW for use with conventional primary inverter power sources. This new control approach offers improved spatter reduction and fusion control compared to conventional constant voltage control systems. The control approach is based on the premise that if optimum droplet transfer conditions exist, then the short circuit current can be minimized through …

Development Of A New Silicon Based Detector Module For Pet, Peter R. Hooper

University of Wollongong Thesis Collection 1954-2016

In the quest to develop high spatial resolution Positron Emission Tomography (PET), the goal of this work is to characterise the innovative silicon detector array that forms the foundation of a new PET detector module design. The new detector module circumvents the current requirement for photomultiplier tubes by the implementation of its solidstate detector analogues. The detector module is based upon pixelated scintillation crystals optically coupled to custom designed silicon 8x8 photodiode arrays and read out by a 128 channel low noise charge sensitive preamp. Each element pad of the array has an active area of 3x3 mm2 and, for …

Hidden In The Sands Of Time: Geoarchaeology Of Sandstone Landscapes In The Keep River Region, Northern Territory, Australia, Ingrid A. Ward

University of Wollongong Thesis Collection 1954-2016

This geoarchaeological study aims to establish the geomorphic context of Aboriginal cultural landscapes and archaeological sites in the Keep River region, Northern Territory, over the Late Quaternary. The geomorphic focus of the thesis is concentrated on the sand sheets, which occur at the base of the sandstone escarpments. Sample locations include the occupation (rockshelter and sand sheet) sites of Goorurarmum, Jinmium and Karlinga, and non-occupation(creek) sites at Karlinga and Sandy Creek Gorge. The thesis presents five interrelated studies, including (i) an assessment of the theoretical relevance of geoarchaeology in northern Australia; and three studies at different timescales, evaluating (ii) long-term …

Maintaining Quality Services In Thai Accredited Hospitals In A Climate Of Economic Uncertainty, Panee Sitakalin

University of Wollongong Thesis Collection 1954-2016

In 1997, Thailand suffered a severe economic downturn. The government was obliged to control health spending whilst also attempting to maintain the quality of hospital services. In the same year, the Thailand Hospital Accreditation Program (HA-Thai) was established. This built on earlier accreditation schemes, and an initial group of thirty-five public and private hospitals joined the program. This study explores the strategies the managers of these 35 hospitals used to maintain the quality of their services since the economic downturn. It also investigated the managers’ perception and understanding of the Hospital Accreditation Program. Little is currently known about the use …

Facilitating Learning: Mine, Yours And Others' :Gaining Insight Into The Facilitation Of Corporate Experiential Learning Programs Through The Lenses Of Personal Experience And The Learning Styles Analysis, Tracey Dickson

University of Wollongong Thesis Collection 1954-2016

Writing and research on facilitation of experiential learning, including corporate programs, predominantly focuses upon what the facilitator is to do, with little or no consideration for where the facilitation occurs. Using a heuristic research process that involves an immersion in the dominant literature on experiential learning (with an emphasis upon North American literature), and through the use of the 'lenses' of personal experience and the use of the Teaming Styles Analysis, this thesis follows a journey of exploration into the world of experiential learning. The journey includes forays into deconstruction of a popular article on facilitation as well as exploring …

Characterisation Of The Structure And Properties Of Arc Welded Zinc Alloy Coated Sheet Steels, Yan Wang Chen

University of Wollongong Thesis Collection 1954-2016

High strength, cold rolled, corrosion resistant ZINCALUME™ (ZA) and ZINC-HIT EN™ (ZHT) G550 sheet steels are widely used in the construction and automotive industries. The sheet steel is commonly joined by gas metal arc welding (GMAW) because of its low cost and high productivity. However, two significant problems can occur: porosity in the weld bead and loss of strength in the heat affected zone (HAZ). As a result of the strength loss, the design strength is currently down-graded to the fully annealed yield strength (250 or 300 MPa). The full strength potential of the steels cannot be utilised unless the …

Investigation On Cathode Materials For Lithium-Ion Batteries, Z. P. Guo

University of Wollongong Thesis Collection 1954-2016

This Ph.D project was motivated by a desire to prepare and study advanced cathode materials with high capacity and long cycle life for rechargeable lithium ion batteries. The structural, physical and electrochemical properties of the cathode materials determine the performance of cathodes and thereby affect the whole performance of lithium ion batteries. In this study, several methods have been used to improve the performance of electrodes, including doping, synthesis methods, etc.

A starting point for the study was a survey of the literature pertaining to the cathode materials for lithium ion batteries. Many different cathode materials are described. It provides …

The Fundamental Mechanisms Involved In The Production Of Thin Films Pulsed Laser, Jeffery Ronald Mckinnon

University of Wollongong Thesis Collection 1954-2016

The discovery of high-temperature superconductors, coincident with the development short wavelength excimer lasers, made the use of the lasers to produce the thin films the pulsed laser deposition process (PLD) a logical step.

The major thrust of research into high-temperature superconducting thin films has been increase the effective thickness of the film, the area of the film or to produce long of film on a metallic substrate known as coated conductors. With this in mind we set to establish a starting point from which we could address one of these areas.

When we looked at the literature we found that …

Common Law Recognition Of Opportunity Costs: The Classification Dilemma And The Religious Legacy, Scott Elbert Dobbs

University of Wollongong Thesis Collection 1954-2016

This thesis examines the history and contemporaneous common law position on the recovery of opportunity costs associated with money sums which are paid late or otherwise withheld from proper payment by defendants. Economics and finance define opportunity cost as 'the next most profitable employment of an asset', but this definition has only recently been recognised in Australian courts. Since the formation of the common law in the post-Conquest era, opportunity costs have not been recognised in litigation as recoverable losses. In contrast, opportunity costs have been recognised by courts when associated with tangible assets such as land or goods through …

Corporate Governance: Ownership Structure And Firm Performance - Evidence From Thailand, Jira Yammeesri

University of Wollongong Thesis Collection 1954-2016

Corporate governance has succeeded in attracting a good deal of public interest because of its importance for economic development and society in general. Shleifer and Vishny (1997, p. 737) note "corporate governance deals with the w a y in which suppliers of finance to corporations assure themselves of getting a return on their investment". Corporate governance has been a subject of continuing debate since Berle and Means (1933) suggested that the growing dispersion of ownership can give rise to separation of ownership and control. Jensen and Meckling (1976) argued that the existence of the separation ownership and control leads to …

Decomposition And Interpolation Techniques For Very Low Bit Rate Wideband Speech Coding, Christian Ritz

University of Wollongong Thesis Collection 1954-2016

Applications that require the transmission or storage of speech, such as mobile telephony, operate in limited bandwidth environments. Such applications rely on efficient speech coding algorithms to best utilise the available bandwidth. Most existing research has focused on coding of narrowband speech signals, which are typically sampled at 8 kHz. Such research has led to many low bit rate solutions. Recent and emerging applications including video telephony and Internet telephony desire speech signals that have a much higher quality than narrowband speech signals. Such quality can be obtained using wideband speech, which is sampled at twice the rate (16 kHz) …

Scalable And Perceptual Audio Compression, Mohammed Raad

University of Wollongong Thesis Collection 1954-2016

This thesis deals with scalable perceptual audio compression. Two scalable perceptual solutions as well as a scalable to lossless solution are proposed and investigated. One of the scalable perceptual solutions is built around sinusoidal modelling of the audio signal whilst the other is built on a transform coding paradigm. The scalable coders are shown to scale both in a waveform matching manner as well as a psychoacoustic manner. In order to measure the psychoacoustic scalability of the systems investigated in this thesis, the similarity between the original signal's psychoacoustic parameters and that of the synthesized signal are compared. The psychoacoustic …

Place-Making In The East Kimberley: A Study Of Land Interests And Symbolic Capital In North West Australia, Ruth Lane

University of Wollongong Thesis Collection 1954-2016

This thesis addresses the relationship between representations of place and embodied activity and experience. To translate this question into the context of the East Kimberley in the late 1990s, I focus on the manner in which planning processes since the 1960s have represented the East Kimberley as a place and ascribed value to land. Employing the concept of 'land interests', I describe in detail changing relationships to land for Aboriginal people, farmers and tourists since the 1960s. I focus on mobility, as an indicator of their embodied experience, and tease out aspects of the social identities of these groups that …