Master's thesis of Applied Sciences

This research focuses on two key research questions: how to measure spatial accessibility to green space in urban areas at fine resolution; and what is the status of spatial inequity in accessibility to green space in the MMA. Guided by the two research questions and based on a systematic review of literature on accessibility in general accessibility to green space in particular, a methodology has been developed for producing results needed to answer the research questions.

246p runthenight05 01-03-2023 8 3   Download

Brachytherapy is a form of radiotherapy in which radioactive sources are placed at short distances from, or even inside the target volume. The use of high dose rate brachytherapy is a widely accepted and clinically proven treatment for some stages of prostate cancer. The aim of this project was to investigate potential improvements on two of the most important aspects of high dose rate (HDR) and pulsed dose rate (PDR) prostate brachytherapy - prostate definition and treatment delivery verification.

121p runthenight05 01-03-2023 7 3   Download

This research investigates other built-in sensors and develops methods for improving the accuracy of indoor positioning. Combination with the wireless network, it can be a viable alternative solution for the indoor positioning purposes of the smartphone users. The main advantage of this solution is that it can be deployed with a minimal cost, as no specialized hardware is necessary for setting up the system.

91p runthenight05 01-03-2023 12 3   Download

To achieve the aim, the first objective is preliminary experiments on preparation of polypropylene blends with silicone elastomer masterbatch and characterize by analysis of mass composition, mechanical properties, and dynamic mechanical properties to investigate any improvement of properties. The silicone elastomer masterbatch will then be substituted with propylene-maleic anhydride graft copolymer waxes or other compatibilizers.

147p runthenight05 01-03-2023 7 3   Download

The aims of the study are to investigate (1) whether acupuncture may provide symptomatic relief for SP and (2) whether acupuncture is safe in the management of SP in adults by conducting a systematic review of RCTs and non-randomised controlled trials (non-RCTs).

250p runthenight05 01-03-2023 16 4   Download

The aim of this research was to examine if a visual based training method could improve badminton player's decision making and in game performance. This research comprises a collection of research problems relating 10 visual based training, digital learning and general tau theory in relation 10 badminton.

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This purpose of this work was to investigate the patient radiation doses and image quality of a Philips/Agfa computed radiographic (CR) system and a Philips indirect-capture digital radiographic (DR) system in a paediatric setting. A CDRAD digital radiographic contrast-detail phantom was used to assess radiographic image quality. Perspex slabs of three different thicknesses (6, 11 and 16 cm) were used to simulate paediatric patients of three arbitrary ages.

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This research has raised the question of whether the vibration transmission at a wall junction depends on how the wall is excited (by either a sound wave or a mechanical shaker). The aim of this research is to investigate this question and hence contribute to the revision of the series of standards. Villot and Guigou-Carter (2000) have considered this problem but their equations (10) and (13) appear to be in error. This research will endeavour to derive the correct equations and r epeat Villot and Guigou Carter’s calculations.

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The primary objective of the research is to develop a balanced scorecard framework for construction contractors and measu re performance of contractors using that framework. The results of the questionnaire survey carried out and follow-up interviews conducted among 34 senior managers in Melbourne revealed that the above performance measurement framework is appropriate to use in a contracting organisation. The respondents perceive that the process management perspective measurement is more desirable than others.

200p runthenight05 01-03-2023 9 3   Download

This history of antimicrobials is marked with impressive discoveries, the majority of which have their origin in natural products. However in this work, the antimicrobial activity of β- nitrostyrenes and related compounds of synthetic origin is reviewed and investigated with a particular focus on the influence of fluorine functionality. Various fluorinated β-methyl-β-nitrostyrene compounds were prepared, their minimum inhibition concentration in cultures of Gram positive, Gram negative and a fungus and their lipophilicity was determined.

133p runthenight05 01-03-2023 8 3   Download

The aim of this thesis is to ensure that accurate calibration factors are provided to radiotherapy clinics when moving to the new linac-based primary standard calibrations. Specifically, this thesis quantifies the error introduced when using a calibration factor from the ARPANSA Elekta linac on a Varian high energy platform beam at 6 MV.

102p runthenight05 01-03-2023 8 3   Download

The general aims of the present study are to determine the risks involved in acupuncture practice in Victoria, Australia as it is the first state that has systematically registered a non-medical associated treatment regiment and from an analysis of these risks, to develop an integrated framework for clinical risk management of acupuncture.

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The broad objective of research reported here was to develop a multi-publishing workflow for student atlases.

162p runthenight05 01-03-2023 5 3   Download

The purpose of the study is to quantify breast dose to reassure patients and staff that these understandings still apply. A combination of measurements and simulations were used to estimate absorbed breast dose. Gafchromic® XR-QA2 film was used to measure breast dose placed inside the RANDO® phantom in a series of controlled experiments. The RANDO® is an anthropomorphic phantom commonly used for dosimetry investigations. Gafchromic® XR QA2 film is a radiochromic film that changes colour when irradiated. Simulation is commonly used and readily available.

195p runthenight05 01-03-2023 7 3   Download

The alumina refining industry is one of a number of global industries that produce process waters containing mercury. The research program detailed in this dissertation focuses on processes for removing mercury from Bayer digestion condensate streams. Bayer refinery digestion condensate is chemically unique because it exhibits high pH and is chemically reducing, thermodynamically favouring the presence of elemental mercury.

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This research project aimed to: (a) determine the demographic profile and common conditions of patients in a Teaching Clinic; (b) describe the adverse events from Chinese medicine treatment; (c) examine the overall treatment outcomes and treatment interventions of Chinese medicine in patients with respiratory disorders; and (d) assess the level of knowledge and compliance with Chinese medicine in patients with respiratory disorders.

304p runthenight07 01-03-2023 9 3   Download

This study investigated trace essential metals (Cu, Zn and Cr) and non-essential metals (Pb, Cd and Hg) in water, sediment and tissues of water spinach, snake head fish and swamp eel from the Saigon River. Sampling was conducted from January to December 2004 at three sites. Three water and sediment samples, edible parts of twenty water spinach (Ipomea aquatica) samples (leaves and stems), twenty snake head fish (Channa striata) and twenty swamp eels (Monopterus albus) were collected at each site.

148p runthenight07 01-03-2023 12 3   Download

This thesis documents a research program in which Australian grown Danshen extracts and related bioactive compounds have been demonstrated to be effective in scavenging free radicals, namely ROS generation, in a cell free system and NADPH oxidase derived superoxide (O2-) generation in vascular tissue (rat aorta). Danshen extracts, both aqueous and ethanol, and their active compounds (Tanshinone IIA, Salvianolic Acid B and Danshensu) demonstrated anti-oxidant activity however findings exhibited stronger activity in a cell free system than in the aortic vascular tissue.

138p runthenight07 01-03-2023 10 3   Download

This study investigated the sublethal effects of salinity on four macroinvertebrate species commonly occurring in Australian freshwater ecosystems. These were; the introduced worm Lumbriculus variegatus Müller (Annelida: Oligochaeta), the introduced snail Physa acuta Draparnaud (Gastropoda: Physidae), the shrimp Paratya australiensis Kemp (Decapoda: Atyidae) and the midge Chironomus tepperi Skuse (Diptera: Chironomidae). The effects of salinity on growth, development and reproduction of these species were investigated through a series of laboratory tests.

202p runthenight07 01-03-2023 10 3   Download

This research thesis will explore, from the results of the life experiences of families and couples who lived through the Wangary fire (South Australia, January 2005), the complexities of work, parenting, relationships, changing responsibilities and roles and sense of place. All of these factors have relevance to the review and development of bushfire management policy and related community awareness and preparedness programs.

178p runthenight07 01-03-2023 11 3   Download