Digital Commons Network^™

A Secure And Energy-Aware Approach For Cognitive Radio Communications, Haitham Khaled, Iftekhar Ahmad, Daryoush Habibi, Quoc Viet Phung

Research outputs 2014 to 2021

The cognitive radio (CR) technique has revealed a novel way of utilizing the precious radiospectrum via allowing unlicensed users to opportunistically access unutilized licensed bands. Using sucha technique enables agile and flexible access to the radio spectrum and can resolve the spectrum-scarcityproblem and maximize spectrum efficiency. However, two major impediments have been limiting thewidespread adoption of cognitive radio technology. The software-defined radio technology, which is theenabling technology for the CR technique, is power-hungry and this raises a major concern for battery-constrained devices such as smart phones and laptops. Secondly, the opportunistic and open nature ofthe CR can lead to major …

Gait Entrainment In Coupled Oscillator Systems: Clarifying The Role Of Energy Optimization In Human Walking, Ryan T. Schroeder

Theses: Doctorates and Masters

Empirical evidence suggests that parameters of human gait (e.g. step frequency, step length) tend to minimize energy expenditure. However, it is unclear if individuals can adapt to dynamic environments in real time, i.e. continuously optimize energy expenditure, and to what extent. Two coupled oscillator systems were used to test the learned interactions of individuals within dynamic environments: (1) experienced farmworkers carrying oscillating loads on a flexible bamboo pole and (2) individuals walking on a treadmill while strapped to a mechatronics oscillator system providing periodic forces to the body. Reductionist trajectory optimization models predicted energy-minimizing gait interactions within the coupled oscillator …

The Jekyll’S Hide Project. Devising Jekyll’S Hide: A Critical Analysis Of The Performative Elements And Working Methods Of Jerry Lewis And The Butoh Dancers Tatsumi Hijikata And Kazuo Ohno, Hugo Belviso

Theses: Doctorates and Masters

This practice-led research project explored the process of devising for performance for the stage via physical theatre workshops. The research was informed by Japanese butoh dance-theatre and its two creators, Tatsumi Hijikata and Kazuo Ohno, and by the work of American comic Jerry Lewis. I began with exercises in group workshops derived from butoh movement practice, followed by inspiration drawn from Jerry Lewis’s performance and directorial work in his films, and from Robert Louis Stevenson’s Strange case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde. I developed a workshop exercise and devising process where ideas and methodologies from butoh and Jerry …

The External Validity Of A Novel Contract-Relax Stretching Technique On Knee Flexor Range Of Motion, Anthony D. Kay, Joshua Dixon, Liam D. Bligh, Anthony J. Blazevich

Research outputs 2014 to 2021

Introduction: Compromised joint range of motion (ROM) can negatively affect the capacity to perform activities of daily living in clinical populations. Recently, similar improvements in dorsiflexion ROM were reported following dynamometry‐based contract‐relax (CR) stretching and modified CR stretching technique (stretch‐return‐contract [SRC]) where the contraction phase was performed “off stretch.” As neither the impact of SRC on other muscle groups nor the ecological validity of SRC performed in an applied environment has been tested, the acute effects of both techniques in dynamometry‐ (CR_dyna and SRC_dyna) and field‐based (CR_field and SRC_field) environments were compared with the …

Power Output, Cadence, And Torque Are Similar Between The Forward Standing And Traditional Sprint Cycling Positions, Paul F. J. Merkes, Paolo Menaspà, Chris R. Abbiss

Research outputs 2014 to 2021

Purpose: Compare power output, cadence, and torque in the seated, standing, and forward standing cycling sprint positions.

Methods: On three separated occasions (ie, one for each position), 11 recreational male road cyclists performed a 14 seconds sprint before and directly after a high-intensity lead-up. Power output, cadence, and torque were measured during each sprint. Results: No significant differences in peak and mean power output were observed between the forward standing (1125.5 ± 48.5 W and 896.0 ± 32.7 W, respectively) and either the seated or standing positions (1042.5 ± 46.8 W and 856.5 ± 29.4 W; 1175.4 ± 44.9 W …

Web Content Management System And Accessibility Awareness: A Comparative Study Of Novice Users And Accessibility Outcomes, Fatima Artiba Diaz

Theses: Doctorates and Masters

Since its creation, the Web has progressively developed and become a vital source of information in every domain and for almost all people. It is crucial to guarantee that the information contained on the Web is available for everyone, especially for people with special needs. Removing accessibility barriers is fundamentally based on tools, skills and support of all contributors, particularly the content creators, to ensure information is navigable and usable in the context of the end users experience. Web Content Management Systems play a significant role in structuring, storing and provision content to the Web and have evolved to address …

The Socialisation Of Early Career Principals In Western Australia, Simon Fittock

Theses: Doctorates and Masters

This research aimed to investigate and understand the socialisation of early career principals in Western Australian public schools. It is widely acknowledged that school principals are critical in the successful education of students and delivering on this is seen to be the core purpose of the role. It is evident that the development of effective principals has great value. As a result, the socialisation of principals during the formative early career stage, whereby they learn the necessary knowledge, skills and understandings of the role, is important in the educational experiences of students. Due to the impact principals have on student …

‘I’M My Own Boss…’: Active Intermediation And ‘Entrepreneurial’ Worker Agency In The Australian Gig-Economy, Tom Barratt, Caleb Goods, Alex Veen

Research outputs 2014 to 2021

Platform firm in the gig-economy are disrupting work as a social practice, production systems and recasting capital-labour relations. This qualitative study examines worker agency in the Australian food-delivery sector; a segment where platforms actively intermediate both product and labour markets. Within this sector, worker agency poses a potential challenge to platform-organisations; however this study reveals how these platforms’ work organisation and market regulation constrain agency potential. Shaped by the work’s spatio-temporal features, organisational fixes and institutional context, it is shown how food-delivery workers, transiently attached to the labour market, predominantly engage in ‘entrepreneurial agency’ – a low-level agency expression aimed …

Stable Dispersion Of Coal Fines During Hydraulic Fracturing Flowback In Coal Seam Gas Reservoirs - An Experimental Study, Faisal Ur Rahman Awan, Alireza Keshavarz, Hamed Akhondzadeh, Sarmad Al-Anssari, Ahmed Al-Yaseri, Ataollah Nosrati, Muhammad Ali, Sefan Iglauer

Research outputs 2014 to 2021

In subterranean coal seam gas (CSG) reservoirs, massive amounts of small-sized coal fines are released during the production and development stages, especially during hydraulic fracturing stimulation. These coal fines inevitably cause mechanical pump failure and permeability damage due to aggregation and subsequent pore-throat blockage. This aggregation behavior is thus of key importance in CSG production and needs to be minimized. Consequently, such coal fines dispersions need to be stabilized, which can be achieved by the formulation of improved fracturing fluids. Here, we thus systematically investigated the effectiveness of two additives (ethanol, 0.5 wt % and SDBS, 0.001 and 0.01 wt …

Investigation Of The Association Between Dietary Fibre, Protein And Fat With Manganese Content In Food, Madhura Jayasinghe, Binosha Fernando, Subhashinie Senadheera, Pubudu Gunawardene, Somathilaka Ranaweera

Research outputs 2014 to 2021

Manganese deficiency may cause severe health disorders and is becoming prevalent in societies that are rapidly urbanising. Determining the Manganese contents and its relationship with the intake of protein, fibre and fats is important; which may allow people to select Manganese rich foods based on their major macronutrients. A cross-sectional study including detailed dietary assessment for two weeks, followed by proximate analysis of regularly consumed diets was conducted using 1200 adults from three different social segments as; lecturers/teachers (400), managerial employees in the private sector (400), and houses wives (400). Each social segment was assumed to elicit different lifestyles and …

International Olympic Committee Consensus Statement: Methods For Recording And Reporting Of Epidemiological Data On Injury And Illness In Sport 2020 (Including Strobe Extension For Sport Injury And Illness Surveillance (Strobe-Siis)), Roald Bahr, Ben Clarsen, Wayne Derman, Jiri Dvorak, Carolyn Emery, Caroline Finch, Martin Hägglund, Astrid Junge, Simon Kemp, Karim M. Khan, Stephen W. Marshall, Willem Meeuwisse, Margo Mountjoy, John W. Orchard, Babette Pluim, Kenneth L. Quarrie, Bruce Reider, Martin Schwellnus, Torbjorn Soligard, Keith A. Stokes, Taoomas Timpka, Evert Verhagen, Abhinav Bindra, Rcihard Budgett, Lars Engebretsen, Ugur Erdener, Karim Charmari

Research outputs 2014 to 2021

Injury and illness surveillance, and epidemiological studies, are fundamental elements of concerted efforts to protect the health of the athlete. To encourage consistency in the definitions and methodology used, and to enable data across studies to be compared, research groups have published 11 sport-specific or setting-specific consensus statements on sports injury (and, eventually, illness) epidemiology to date. Our objective was to further strengthen consistency in data collection, injury definitions and research reporting through an updated set of recommendations for sports injury and illness studies, including a new Strengthening the Reporting of Observational Studies in Epidemiology (STROBE) checklist extension. The IOC …

Assessment Of Post-Wildfire Erosion Risk And Effects On Water Quality In South-Western Australia, David Blake, Petter Nyman, Helen Nice, Frances M.L. D'Souza, Christopher R.J. Kavazos, Pierre Horwitz

Research outputs 2014 to 2021

Investigations of wildfire impact on water resources have escalated globally over the last decade owing to an awareness of climate-related vulnerabilities. Within Australia, research into post-wildfire erosion has focused on water supply catchments in the south-eastern region. Here, we examine post-wildfire erosion risk and its potential for water quality impacts in a catchment in south-western Australia. The catchment of the Harvey River, which drains from forested escarpments onto an agricultural coastal plain and into valuable coastal wetlands, was burnt by wildfire in 2016. The aims of this study were to determine erosion risk across contrasting landforms and variable fire severity, …

Contribution Of Advanced Regeneration Of Pinus Radiata D. Don. To Transpiration By A Fragment Of Native Forest In Central Chile Is Out Of Proportion With The Contribution To Sapwood Area, Don A. White, Richard P. Silberstein, Francisco Balocchi-Contreras, Juan Jose Quiroga, Pablo Ramirez De Arellano

Research outputs 2014 to 2021

The transpiration of Nothofagus glauca (Phil.) Krasser and advanced Pinus radiata D. Don. regeneration was measured in a fragment of native N. glauca forest. Over the eight months of this study, P. radiata contributed approximately 60% of the total stand transpiration. This was out of proportion with the approximately 34% of the stand sapwood area contributed by P. radiata. This was due to the significantly greater sap flux density of the P. radiata compared to the N. glauca between May and October. Though the results are from a small study conducted as part of a larger experiment, it is argued …

Predictors Of Ceasing Or Reducing Statin Medication Following A Large Increase In The Consumer Copayment For Medications: A Retrospective Observational Study, Karla Seamon, Frank Sanfilippo, Max Bulsara, Libby Roughead, Anna Kemp-Casey, Caroline Bulsara, Gerald F. Watts, David Preen

Research outputs 2014 to 2021

OBJECTIVES:

Previous Australian research has shown that following the 21% increase in patient copayments for medications on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) in 2005, the use of lipid-lowering therapy declined by 5%. This study aimed to determine the demographic and clinical characteristics of individuals who continued, reduced or ceased their use of statin medication in 2005.

STUDY TYPE:

Retrospective observational study using routinely collected administrative data.

METHOD:

We used pharmaceutical claims, hospital separations and mortality records from 2000 to 2005 for the Western Australian population. The cohort comprised stable users of statin medication in 2004. Based on changes in statin …

Bilingualism Is Associated With A Delayed Onset Of Dementia But Not With A Lower Risk Of Developing It: A Systematic Review With Meta-Analyses, Stefano Brini, Hamid R. Sohrabi, Jeffrey J. Hebert, Mitchell R.L. Forrest, Matti Laine, Heikki Hämäläinen, Mira Karrasch, Jeremiah Peiffer, Ralph Martins, Timothy J. Fairchild

Research outputs 2014 to 2021

Some studies have linked bilingualism with a later onset of dementia, Alzheimer’s disease (AD), and mild cognitive impairment (MCI). Not all studies have observed such relationships, however. Differences in study outcomes may be due to methodological limitations and the presence of confounding factors within studies such as immigration status and level of education. We conducted the first systematic review with meta-analysis combining cross-sectional studies to explore if bilingualism might delay symptom onset and diagnosis of dementia, AD, and MCI. Primary outcomes included the age of symptom onset, the age at diagnosis of MCI or dementia, and the risk of developing …

Vortex Fluidic Mediated Synthesis Of Polysulfone, Aghil Igder, Scott Pye, Ahmed Hussein Mohammed Al-Antaki, Alireza Keshavarz, Colin L. Raston, Ata Nosrati

Research outputs 2014 to 2021

Polysulfone (PSF) was prepared under high shear in a vortex fluidic device (VFD) operating in confined mode, and its properties compared with that prepared using batch processing. This involved reacting the pre-prepared disodium salt of bisphenol A (BPA) with a 4,4′-dihalodiphenylsulfone under anhydrous conditions. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) established that in the thin film microfluidic platform, the PSF particles are sheet-like, for short reaction times, and fibrous for long reaction times, in contrast to spherical like particles for the polymer prepared using the conventional batch synthesis. The operating parameters of the VFD (rotational speed of the glass tube, its tilt …

Pollen Adaptation To Ant Pollination – A Case Study From The Proteaceae, Nicola Delnevo, Eddie Van Etten, Nicola Clemente, Luna Fogu, Evelina Pavarani, Margaret Byrne, William Stock

Research outputs 2014 to 2021

Background and aims:

Ant-plant associations are widely diverse and distributed throughout the world, leading to antagonistic and/or mutualistic interactions. Ant pollination is a rare mutualistic association and reports of ants as effective pollinators are limited to a few studies. Conospermum (Proteaceae) is an insect-pollinated genus well represented in the south-western Australia biodiversity hotspot, and here we aimed to evaluate the role of ants as pollinators of C. undulatum.

Methods:

Pollen germination after contact with several species of ants and bees was tested for C. undulatum and five co-flowering species for comparison. We then sampled the pollen load of floral …

Summary Of Nutrition Among Aboriginal And Torres Strait Islander People, Australian Indigenous Healthinfonet

Research outputs 2014 to 2021

No abstract provided.

Randomised Placebo-Controlled Cross-Over Study Examining The Role Of Anamorelin In Mesothelioma (The Anthem Study): Rationale And Protocol, Siao Nge Hoon, Katrina Fyfe, Carolyn J. Peddle-Mcintyre, Samantha Bowyer, Felicity Hawkins, Emily Jeffery, Hui Jun Chih, Jenette Creaney, Anna Nowak, Fraser Brims

Research outputs 2014 to 2021

Introduction Cachexia is common in malignant mesothelioma (MM); half of patients have malnutrition and low skeletal muscle mass. Malnourished patients have worse quality of life (QoL). Weight loss is strongly associated with poor survival. Anamorelin is an oral ghrelin receptor agonist that improves appetite, body weight and QoL in advanced cancer. The aim of this study is to examine the efficacy of anamorelin in improving appendicular skeletal muscle mass (ASM) and patient-reported outcomes in patients with MM with cachexia. Methods and analysis A single-centre, phase II, randomised, placebo-controlled cross-over pilot study with 28-day treatment periods and 3-day washout. Forty patients …

Development Of An Infrared Pollution Index To Identify Ground-Level Compositional, Particle Size, And Humidity Changes Using Himawari-8, M. Sowden, D. Blake, D. Cohen, A. Atanacio, Ute Mueller

Research outputs 2014 to 2021

Speciated air quality data informs health studies and quantitates impacts. However, monitoring is concentrated around populated regions whilst, large remote and rural regions remain unmonitored despite risks of dust-storms or wild-fires. Sub-hourly, infrared, geostationary data, such as the 10-min data from Himawari 8, could potentially be used to quantify regional air quality continually. Monitoring of Aerosol Optical Depth (AOD) is restricted to visible spectra (i.e. daytime only), while newer quantification methods using geostationary infrared (IR) data have focused on detecting the presence, or absence, of an event. Limited attention has been given to the determination of particle size and aerosol …

Non-Song Vocalizations Of Humpback Whales In Western Australia, Angela Recalde-Salas, Christine Erbe, Chandra Salgado Kent, Miles Parsons

Research outputs 2014 to 2021

This study presents non-song vocalizations of humpback whales (Megaptera novaeangliae) from two migratory areas off the Western Australian coast: Geographe Bay and Port Hedland. A total of 220 sounds were identified as non-song sounds in 193 h of recordings reviewed. Of those, 68 were measured and qualitatively classified into 17 groups using their spectral features. One group (HW-02) had a high level of variation in terms of spectral slope. However, further classification using statistical classification methods was not possible because of the small sample size. Non-song sound frequencies varied from 9 Hz to 6 kHz, with the majority of sounds …

Rdtids: Rules And Decision Tree-Based Intrusion Detection System For Internet-Of-Things Networks, Mohammad Amine Ferrag, Leandros Maglaras, Ahmed Ahmim, Makhlouf Derdour, Helge Janicke

Research outputs 2014 to 2021

This paper proposes a novel intrusion detection system (IDS), named RDTIDS, for Internet-of-Things (IoT) networks. The RDTIDS combines different classifier approaches which are based on decision tree and rules-based concepts, namely, REP Tree, JRip algorithm and Forest PA. Specifically, the first and second method take as inputs features of the data set, and classify the network traffic as Attack/Benign. The third classifier uses features of the initial data set in addition to the outputs of the first and the second classifier as inputs. The experimental results obtained by analyzing the proposed IDS using the CICIDS2017 dataset and BoT-IoT dataset, attest …

Using Climate Change Models To Inform The Recovery Of The Western Ground Parrot Pezoporus Flaviventris, Shaun W. Molloy, Allan H. Burbidge, Sarah Comer, Robert A. Davis

Research outputs 2014 to 2021

Translocation of species to areas of former habitat after threats have been mitigated is a common conservation action. However, the long-term success of reintroduction relies on identification of currently available habitat and areas that will remain, or become, habitat in the future. Commonly, a short-term view is taken, focusing on obvious and assumed threats such as predators and habitat degradation. However, in areas subject to significant climate change, challenges include correctly identifying variables that define habitat, and considering probable changes over time. This poses challenges with species such as the western ground parrot Pezoporus flaviventris, which was once relatively common …

Managing Science Teachers’ Adoption Of The 2005 Tanzanian Inquiry And Student-Centred Curriculum: Revealing Schoolbased Leaders’ Practices And Achievements, Noel Mark Makwinya

Theses: Doctorates and Masters

Many countries have made considerable changes to their education systems in response to the forces of globalisation. Tanzania is no exception. The most recent educational change attempt in Tanzania relates to the introduction of the 2005 Tanzanian Inquiry and Student- Centred Curriculum.

Sound change-leadership is a necessary condition for the realisation of change, particularly in influencing its adoption. Within the descriptive qualitative research paradigm, this study employed a Type IV (embedded and multiple) case-study design to examine and describe science teachers’ lived experiences in dealing with this latest Tanzanian curriculum and the role played by school-based leaders in influencing such …

Management Of Oral Medicine Emergencies During Covid-19: A Study To Develop Practise Guidelines, Guangzhao Guan, Na Lv, Ming Sun, Ajith Polonowita, Li Mei

Journal of Dental Sciences

Abstract Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic has become a significant global public health concern. Since the announcement of the Public Health Emergency of International Concern, many countries have implemented lockdown and restrictive quarantines; therefore, routine dentistry, as well as oral medicine practise, have been suspended in several countries. However, urgent oral cares and emergencies are still operated and delivered by on-call dental practitioners. The objective of this study was to investigate the management of oral medicine emergency during a viral pandemic such as COVID-19. During the lockdown period, digital technologies, such as video conferencing with Zoom, Google Meeting or WhatsApp, are …

No Happy Accident: Defining The Factors Contributing To The Success And Longevity Of A Long-Running Community Engagement Program, Jennifer Irvine

Theses: Doctorates and Masters

The Kalamunda Community Learning Centre (‘the Centre’) was established in 1977 by a group of four women, following their attendance at a conference held by the Women’s Electoral Lobby. Originally named the Kalamunda Women’s Learning Centre, it was established with a charter to improve the status of women, whilst providing a place to alleviate isolation and boredom for ‘stay at home’ mothers. Through its structure, underpinned by feminist ideology, the Centre also provided a place for women to practice skills that would build their confidence with respect to returning to the workforce. From its beginnings with a predominant focus on …

Heat-Cured Poly(Methyl Methacrylate) Resin Incorporated With Different Food Preservatives As An Anti-Microbial Denture Base Material, Montri Ratanajanchai, Widchaya Kanchanavasita, Kallaya Suputtamongkol, Amonrat Wonglamsam, Sirinporn Thamapipol, Ornthida Sae-Khow

Journal of Dental Sciences

Abstract Background/purpose The colonization of microorganisms onto denture bases is one common problem that can contribute to oral diseases. Herein, three food preservatives, including zinc oxide, potassium sorbate, and sodium metabisulfite were introduced as anti-microbial additives into a heat-polymerized poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA). Materials and methods Relative microbial reductions of the modified PMMA resins against Staphylococcus aureus , Pseudomonas aeruginosa , and Candida albicans were evaluated. The in vitro cytotoxicity of the materials was measured against mouse fibroblast L929 cells. A three-point flexural test was performed to determine a flexural strength and modulus properties of the materials. Results The incorporation of …

Changes In Student Attitudes And Beliefs After Sbirt Training, Jennifer Todd

All-Inclusive List of Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Substance use and abuse is a widespread issue and has resulted in the need for professionals to research and develop prevention efforts and interventions from a community based, public health approach. Those who are providing addictions related training in these settings often have limited time and resources with which to provide efficient and effective training. Information related to the impact of training with specific disciplines, such as social work, nursing, and physician assistant, is also needed in order to more effectively alter the approach based on those receiving the training. The purpose of this study was to evaluate factors that …

Prevalence And Types Of Incivility In Occupational Therapy Fieldwork, Deborah J. Bolding, Travis Dudley, Adrienne Dahlmeier, Lauren Bland, Aimee Castro, Adrianna Covarrubias

Faculty Research, Scholarly, and Creative Activity

Civility between health professions students and fieldwork educators enhances positive learning outcomes, while incivility can lead to stress, loss of confidence, mistakes, disengagement, and decreased patient outcomes. A survey of recent graduates of occupational therapy programs (N = 247) explored the prevalence and types of incivility and bullying experienced during their Level II fieldwork experiences. Respondents reported that incivility in fieldwork education was widespread, with more severe experiences of bullying reported by 16% of respondents. Occupational therapy programs and fieldwork educators must take an active role in prevention and management of uncivil behaviors, and promote positive academic and patient care …

A Sense Of Brutality: Philosophy After Narco-Culture, Carlos Alberto Sánchez

Faculty Research, Scholarly, and Creative Activity

Contemporary popular culture is riddled with references to Mexican drug cartels, narcos, and drug trafficking. In the United States, documentary filmmakers, journalists, academics, and politicians have taken note of the increasing threats to our security coming from a subculture that appears to feed on murder and brutality while being fed by a romanticism about power and capital. Carlos Alberto Sánchez uses Mexican narco-culture as a point of departure for thinking about the nature and limits of violence, culture, and personhood. A Sense of Brutality argues that violent cultural modalities, of which narco-culture is but one, call into question our understanding …