SACM - Australia
Permanent URI for this collectionhttps://drepo.sdl.edu.sa/handle/20.500.14154/9648
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Item Restricted Dissent and Fairness in the Development of the Law(The University of Melbourne, 2024) Mohiadeein, Nayar; Bourke, JudyThe Thesis focuses on the connection between dissenting judgments and the aspect of fairness in Australia by highlighting the importance of dissent and societal views, viewing different versions of fairness in dissenting judgments in two crucial cases (Mabo v Queensland) and (Carr v Western Australia), the rewards and risks of judicial dissent , and lastly judicial activism.13 0Item Restricted Adsorption of Heavy Metals onto Thermochemically Treated Waste Materials(University of Newcastle, 2024) Alatawi, Rehab; Donne , ScottHeavy metals pose serious environmental threats due to their toxicity, impacting both health and ecosystems. Among the various technologies for removing heavy metals from aqueous solutions, adsorption is widely recognized as one of the most efficient. Biochar, with its remarkable efficiency as an adsorbent for heavy metal removal, has attracted considerable attention This thesis focuses on how biochar, produced under varied pyrolysis conditions, effectively adsorbs heavy metals, offering strong evidence of its efficacy in this regard. Chapter 3 investigates how different pyrolysis conditions, such as temperature, atmosphere, heating time, and activation agents, affect the physical and chemical properties of biochar derived from pine wood chips and sugarcane trash and its ability to adsorb heavy metal ions. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) were utilised to analyse the biochar's surface area, pore size, and functional groups. The adsorption capacity for heavy metal ions was evaluated using inductively coupled plasma-optical emission spectroscopy (ICP-OES). Results show that pyrolysis temperature notably impacts the surface areas of biochar, especially above 500°C, significantly affecting carbon surfaces. Consequently, higher pyrolysis temperatures lead to increased adsorption of heavy metal ions. Additionally, longer pyrolysis durations generally result in higher adsorption capacities. Furthermore, pyrolysis gases enhance surface areas and functional groups, making them highly effective at adsorbing heavy metals. Activated biochar with KOH significantly increased the porosity, pore sizes, and oxidative functional groups on its surface, thereby increasing its ability to adsorb heavy metals. In chapter four, the removal of cadmium (Cd (II)), copper (Cu (II)), lead (Pb (II)), and iron (Fe (II)) by biochar produced from pine wood chips and sugarcane trash under optimal (WC600, SC600) and suboptimal (WC300, SC300) pyrolysis conditions, considering factors such as temperature, atmosphere, activation, and duration, as detailed in Chapter 3, has been found to be the initial metal concentration and pH of the solution. The Langmuir isotherm model was employed to determine adsorption parameters. Surface complexation, ion exchange, and precipitation were identified as the primary removal mechanisms. Adsorption isotherm studies revealed that on WC600, the order of adsorption capacities was Pb > Cu > Cd > Fe, while on SC600, it was Cu > Pb > Cd > Fe. Conversely, on WC300 and SC300, the order was Cu > Fe > Pb > Cd due to the specific iv properties of these biochars. The pH of the solution has a significant impact on the adsorption of heavy metal ions onto biochar within the pH range of 1-8. Chapter 5 aimed to study the competitive adsorption of heavy metals in quaternary-metal solutions on KOH-activated biochars from pine wood chips and sugarcane trash (WC600 and SC600), focusing on equilibrium analysis. Batch experimental data fit the Langmuir model. The maximum adsorption capacities of metals by WC600 followed the order Fe (0.0033 mg g -1 ) > Cu (0.00182 mg g-1 ) > Pb (0.00112 mg g-1 ) > Cd (0.00035 mg g-1) , while for SC600, they were in the sequence Fe (0.00295 mg g-1 ) > Cu (0.00177 mg g-1 ) > Pb (0.00098 mg.g-1 ) > Cd (0.00036 mg.g-1 ) in the quaternary- metal adsorption isotherm. Fe exhibited the highest retention, while Cd showed easy exchange with Fe. Adsorption of Fe2+, Cu2+, Cd2+, and Pb2+ on WC600 reached equilibrium within 1 to 24 hours. Surface complexation, cation-cation interaction, precipitation, and ion exchange are crucial in biochar adsorption behaviour. Chapter six details the enhancement of activated pine wood chips and sugarcane trash by KOH through an electrochemical process to improve heavy metal ion removal from water. Treatment was carried out at different potentials (-0.3, -0.6, 0.3, 0.6, 1.5, 2 V) to modify the biochar. FTIR analysis identified oxygen, nitrogen, and carbon-containing functional groups on the modified biochar surface. Results show that higher potentials (1.5, 2 V) led to increased oxygen-containing groups on the biochar surface, improving the removal of heavy metal ions (Cu2+, Cd2+, Pb2+, Fe2+). Lead and iron had the highest adsorption rates, while cadmium had the lowest. Notably, treating with hydrogen peroxide at 2V enhanced cadmium adsorption. Electrochemically modified biochar offers an efficient method for removing heavy metal ions from wastewater, with benefits such as high efficiency, cost-effectiveness, and reduced processing time, making it a valuable tool for environmental remediation. This study's findings provide useful insights into developing biochar-based materials for wastewater treatment applications13 0Item Restricted Bimetallic Nanoporous Sponges(University of Technology Sydney, 2025-02-11) Alzahrani, Sanaa Abdullah M; Dowd, Annette Roslyn, Cortie, Michael Bernard, De Silva, Sujeewa Sujeewa BuddhimaliNanoporous silver (np-S) is a promising nanomaterial with unique physical properties distinct from its bulk counterpart, including high surface area, enhanced chemical sensing and tuneable optical and electrical properties. This thesis explores the fabrication and characterisation of np-S thin films and bulk structures using the dealloying method. Ag-Al alloy precursors with varying aluminium content (24.6–72.6 at.%) were sputter-deposited as thin films and dealloyed in NaOH, resulting in a ligament-pore structure. Smaller ligament sizes (13 nm) increased electron scattering, increased electrical resistivity and altered optical behaviour toward less metallic characteristics. Additionally, gradient np-S thin films (G-np-S) were synthesized, showing systematic shifts in optical properties and enhanced Surface-Enhanced Raman Spectroscopy (SERS) activity with decreasing pore size. Antibacterial studies against Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Escherichia coli revealed that np-S films with smaller ligaments exhibited moderate antibacterial effects due to increased surface area. Heat treatment of bulk Al-Ag precursors affected morphology, increasing pore and ligament sizes, which improved antibacterial performance against E. coli due to structural homogenisation. This research demonstrates the potential of np-S for applications in biosensors, plasmonic photocatalysis, and optical devices, highlighting the role of preparation conditions in controlling morphology, in turn tuning its electrical, optical and antibacterial properties.14 0Item Restricted Public Language and the Construction of Meaning: A Poetics of Recent American Presidential Inauguration Speeches(Victoria University, 2024-12-17) Fath Addin, Mohammed; Clark, Tom and Lucas, RoseThis thesis investigates how public language constructs and communicates meaning by focusing on the 21st-century American presidential inauguration speeches of Presidents George Walker Bush, Barack Hussein Obama, Donald John Trump, and Joseph Robinette Biden. This research examines the poetic and rhetorical devices, patterns of repetition and variation, and the evolution of the inauguration speech as a genre through a case study approach using close poetic readings informed by the analysis of poetry. This research is significant because it contributes to understanding meaning construction in public language, the evolution of the inauguration speech genre, and the significant power of poetry and poetics in enhancing message delivery in what might be described as non-poetic language. Employing the Inaugural Speech Genre Theory developed by Campbell and Jamieson, this study sheds light on the intricate interplay between language, power, and meaning in the context of presidential inaugurations. It draws upon previous studies on political rhetoric, public discourse, and speech genre analysis and provides new perspectives and methodologies, offering valuable insights into the construction and communication of meaning in public language. By examining the poetic elements, rhetorical strategies, and patterns of repetition and variation in the selected speeches, this research enriches the field of presidential inaugurations and contributes to the broader literature on political rhetoric and public discourse. This study provides a framework for analysing the aesthetic and persuasive dimensions of public language, opening avenues for further research in the analysis of meaning construction in diverse communicative contexts.19 0Item Embargo Development and Evaluation of an Educational Resource to Promote Skin-to-Skin Contact between Mother and Neonate in Saudi Arabia(The University of Newcastle, 2024-12) Hawsawi, Abeer; Fernandez, Ritin; Mackay, Maria; Alananzeh, Ibrahim; Al Mutair, AbbasIntroduction Skin-to-skin contact is crucial for both the baby and the mother for a better health outcome but the low practice rate in Saudi Arabia is a national concern. Consequently, there was an urgent need to develop an educational intervention to improve the uptake of skin-to-skin contact. Therefore, this study aimed to develop and evaluate the effectiveness of educational resources to promote skin-to-skin contact in Saudi Arabia. Methodology and methods A multi-method design, grounded in the Knowledge to Action framework, included a scoping review, surveys, and a clinical controlled trial followed by a mixed-methods approach incorporating semi-structured interviews and surveys. The educational resources, available in both English and Arabic, consisted of a pamphlet, a PowerPoint presentation, and a short video. These resources were developed through co-creation, involving healthcare providers, mothers, and university researchers. An online consensus development conference involving 14 participants ensured the cultural and linguistic appropriateness of the resources. A total of 383 participants were recruited from two Saudi hospitals (control, n=192 and intervention, n=191) using a convenience sampling method to test the effect of the educational resource. Data analysis Data were collected using online surveys before and after the educational intervention. Semi structured interviews with eight mothers in the intervention group further explored their experiences with the intervention. The data were analysed using SPSS version 29. Descriptive and inferential statistics, including Chi-square and T-tests, were used to compare outcomes between the control and intervention groups. A p-value of <0.05 was considered statistically significant. Qualitative data from interviews were analysed using thematic analysis. Results The online consensus development conference effectively guided the development and implementation of the educational intervention. The rates of correct skin-to-skin practice and breastfeeding within an hour after birth were significantly higher in the intervention group. Mothers reported a highly positive experience with the educational intervention. Conclusion The online consensus development conference facilitated the design and implementation of an effective intervention, significantly improving adherence to optimal skin-to-skin and early breastfeeding practices, with high maternal satisfaction.19 0Item Restricted Vortex-Induced Photo-Contact Electrification Synthesis of Func6onal Metal Nanomaterials(Flinders University, 2025-03-13) Alotaibi, Badriah; Raston, ColinMetal nanomaterials with precise control over their shape, morphology, and size (ranging from nanometers to micrometers), have gain significant interest due to the unique chemical, physical, thermal, op5cal, mechanical, and conduc5ve proper5es. These materials hold an immense poten5al for a wide range of applica5ons par5cularly in catalysis. Over the years, various synthesis methods have been developed including boAom-up and top-down. A notable progress has been occurred using these methods, for controlling the synthesis of zero-dimensional (0D), onedimensional (1D) and two-dimensional (2D) nanostructures. However, there are several limita5ons and challenges that s5ll to be address, including the necessity of using high amounts of reagents, long processing 5me, the use of chemical stabilisers, the high cost of the associated complex processing, and scalability issue. This dissertation focuses on creating a paradigm shift in metal nanomaterials synthesis to overcome its limitation, by using the Vortex Fluidic Device (VFD) which is a continuous flow reactor utilizing rotating liquid tubes to generate a dynamic thin film. This can enhance chemical reactions through increased mass transfer, micro-mixing, and shear stress applied to the dynamic thin film of liquid. Thin film microfluidics offer numerous benefits in chemical processing due to their large surface-to-volume ratios, resulting in reduced reaction times, precise control over residence time and temperature, enhanced safety measures, and crucially enable scalability considerations from the initial stages of research. This contribute significantly to the development of environmentally sustainable processes that are also economically feasible. My PhD research aimed at utilizing a cutting-edge VFD to establish an unprecedented method of generating pristine gold (Au), silver (Ag), and rhenium(Re) nanoparticles and gold@graphene oxide (Au@GO) nanocomposite, where the size and morphology of nanoparticles can be controlled in water and in the absence of added reducing agents or other excipients such as surfactants. This involves UV irradiation of an aqueous metal source in a thin film of liquid generated in the VFD within a rapidly rotating quartz tube, resulted in a charge transfer between dielectric surfaces during contact and separation known as Contact Electrification (CE). The CE phenomena occur at the solid (tube surface)-liquid interface, forming reactive oxygen species present, competing with CE reduction of metal on the surface of the tube coupled with the photo-induced oxidation of water. The findings establish a paradigm for VFD processing in water under such UV irradiation involving photo-induced CE, which allows access to different nanoparticles crystallization of 1D, 2D, 3D structures and composite materials beyond what is possible using traditional batch processing strategies, with the surfaces pristine and the overall processing having beneficial green chemistry metrics. These metal nanomaterials show promising potential for catalysis applications along with other possible uses currently under investigation. The VFD offers the advantage of synthesising nanomaterials by employing simple one-step methods that eliminate the use of chemical stabilizers and surfactants, while maintaining scalability.9 0Item Restricted The perspectives of clients and social welfare workers regarding support programs offered by non-profit organisations in Mecca, Saudi Arabia.(The University of Western Australia, 2024-09-12) Alzahrani, Ali Sarhan; Young, Susan; Eltaiba, NadaThis exploratory study aimed to explore the experiences of low-income individuals and social workers with low-income socioeconomic support programs in non-profit organisations in Mecca, Saudi Arabia. A multiple case study approach was used the collection of information from 33 clients and 17 social workers across five different organisations. While all clients participated in individual interviews, 9 social workers participated in individual interviews and 8 preferred to participate in 3focus groups. Social work was a guiding framework for understanding these experiences by considering their alignment with social work principles and theories of empowerment and systems. The results of the present thesis revealed that the organisational practices of non-profit organisations strongly influenced these experiences. Further, at the macro level, results revealed a randomness and overlap in the social care services provided by non-profit organisations. This was caused by a lack of cooperation and networking between non-profit organisations, which prompted duplication between organisations for both services and clients, as well as age gaps in coverage, especially for individuals aged 18–35. At the macro level, non-profit organisations indicated that they suffer from many challenges that limit the efficacy of their organisational practices, such as inefficiency in specialised human resources, a lack of policies and poor financial resources. They also indicated that important decisions related to their clients and services distribution did not align with the principles of social work—especially justice. At the micro level, clients were dissatisfied with policies that did not account for individual differences and with the low level of professionalism exhibited by social workers who expose clients to discrimination, neglect and abuse. Clients also expressed their fear of general social care policies that limit their benefit from programs such as starting small projects. Concurrently, social workers revealed the challenges they faced due to administrative challenges in their organisations, such as their smaller numbers compared to clients, lack of support and tools, discrimination in wages and insufficient professional development, which made them feel exhausted. The present thesis concludes that reforms must be implemented at all levels to realign the strategies of non-profit organisations with general social welfare policies, as well as to achieve the desired goals of Saudi Vision 2030. The study also contributed to identifying the importance of developing social work in Saudi society in a manner that is appropriate to it by emphasising the importance of increasing organisational performance by applying appropriate organisational practices. These practices should follow the social work framework and focus on justice, empowerment, and equity. This thesis also stresses the importance of respecting the dignity of low-income individuals and prioritising the development of social workers, identifying their capabilities and creating an appropriate work environment that enables them to practice effective professional practices.26 0Item Restricted SNAPLOGIC INTEGRATION AT REECE(RMIT University, 2025) Alotaibi, Abdullah Abdulaziz A; Bindu, Amal Chandrasenan; Trigunarsyah, BambangThis report examines the transformative integration of a century-old leader in the plumbing and bathroom supplies industry in Australia. Faced with the limitations of a legacy ERP system, which resulted in data silos and operational inefficiencies, Reece made a strategic decision to modernize its operations through intelligent integration. By partnering with SnapLogic, a pioneer in AI-driven integration platforms, Reece aimed to enhance its operational efficiency and foster seamless collaboration across its various systems. The report outlines the project's background, detailing how Reece transitioned from a monolithic ERP system to a best-of-breed software approach. This shift was motivated by the need for flexibility, improved customer service, and the ability to respond swiftly to market changes. After a thorough evaluation process, Reece selected SnapLogic for its user-friendly interface, robust capabilities, and alignment with Reece's vision for a scalable and future-proof solution. The implementation was executed using a phased approach, focusing on integrating critical systems such as Workday, Oracle, and Salesforce within an ambitious six-month timeline. Key findings of the report highlight the success of the SnapLogic integration in significantly improving Reece's operational efficiency, enhancing data visibility, and enabling data-driven decision-making. By breaking down data barriers and automating processes, the integration facilitated real-time insights, which enhanced both decision- making and customer service capabilities. Several lessons learned from the Reece- SnapLogic project are identified as critical for other organizations considering similar transformations. These include the importance of stakeholder engagement throughout the decision-making process, the necessity of comprehensive training programs for empowering employees, the effectiveness of a phased implementation strategy to minimize risks, and the value of leveraging data analytics to drive operational effectivenesS28 0Item Restricted Improving Energy Efficiency and Network Lifetime in IoT Systems: A Novel Theoretical Framework and Experimental Validation(La Trobe University, 2024-12-03) Almudayni, Ziyad; Soh, BenThe Internet of Things (IoT) integrates devices, sensors and actuators into a unified network that delivers a range of services to end-users through internet connectivity. Over the past decade, the demand for IoT devices has surged due to their ability to simplify and enhance everyday activities. However, maintaining network stability and optimising performance in IoT systems involves addressing several key factors, such as power consumption, cost, bandwidth, data rate and processing time. Despite significant advancements in IoT research, there is still a notable gap in comprehensive studies on reducing energy consumption across the diverse layers and components of IoT systems. This research addresses the need for an integrated framework to enhance power efficiency in IoT environments by focusing on five critical areas: IoT architecture, communication technologies, IoT application types, IoT application protocols, and overall challenges faced by IoT networks. The thesis presents three innovative approaches designed to improve the energy efficiency and network lifetime of IoT systems. The first approach introduces the constrained application protocol 45 (CoAP45), an enhanced protocol that minimises CPU usage by optimising server update mechanisms and thus reducing energy consumption for resource-constrained IoT nodes. The second approach, the mist fuzzy healthcare system (MFHS), leverages mist computing and fuzzy logic to reduce processing time and energy consumption by pre-allocating resources based on real-time data categorisation, significantly improving healthcare IoT applications. The third approach, the IoT-mist bat algorithm (IMBA), uses bio-inspired optimisation techniques to dynamically allocate resources in complex IoT environments, enhancing load distribution, task completion rate and energy efficiency. Extensive experimental evaluations demonstrate that these three approaches successfully extend the operational lifetime of IoT networks while reducing power consumption and processing delays. The results indicate that CoAP45, MFHS and IMBA provide viable solutions for addressing the limitations of existing protocols and frameworks, thereby contributing to more sustainable and effective IoT systems. This research offers a novel theoretical and practical framework for future studies aiming to optimise energy efficiency in IoT networks, with potential applications in healthcare, industrial automation, and smart city environments.56 0Item Restricted Corporate Greenwashing, Environmental Disclosure Regulation, and Cost of Bank Loans: International Evidence(University of Newcastle, 2024) Al Sharmah, Saleh; Shamsuddin, Abul; Duong,Huu; Li, JialongA primary objective of mandatory corporate environmental disclosure rules is to provide investors with material information on firms’ environmental performance and ensure corporate accountability for any environmental wrongdoings. However, corporate greenwashing, in which firms disseminate relatively benign environmental impacts while concealing more environmentally damaging ones, can severely compromise this objective. To investigate this issue, the first empirical study examines how the staggered introduction of corporate environmental disclosure mandates affects corporate greenwashing engagement worldwide . The primary finding shows that affected firms by these mandates significantly reduced their greenwashing by genuinely improving their overall environmental practices. This reduction is more pronounced among larger firms, those with greater analysts’ coverage, those less financially constrained, and affected firms in countries with greater environmental awareness norms. Further analysis reveals that through the green commitment channel, affected firms boosted green investments, implemented environmental reduction initiatives and adjusted operations, leading to a greenwashing reduction. Subsequently, affected firms experienced reduced financial performance. These findings highlight the effectiveness of environmental disclosure mandates in promoting substantive and transparent corporate environmental practices and disclosures and their negative consequences on corporate financial performance. The second empirical study argues that greenwashing borrowers, who selectively disseminate only favourable environmental information while withholding information on the most environmentally damaging actions, expose banks to higher informational and credit risks. Therefore, banks will likely charge greenwashing borrowers higher loan rates on their lent loans to compensate for enduring these two risks. To test this argument, this study uses data from 38 countries between 2005 and 2019 to examine the impact of firm-level greenwashing on bank loan costs. The findings show that banks charged higher rates to corporate greenwashers, but this effect is found only after the enforcement of the Paris Agreement in 2016. Further, this effect is more pronounced in countries with higher climate vulnerability, fewer Environmental Non-Governmental Organizations (ENGOs), and among borrowing firms with fewer analysts following them. Overall, the results highlight the negative impacts of corporate greenwashing engagement on corporate borrowing costs.15 0