Calculus in the real world: transforming the way we teach mathematics in primary education. This project will demonstrate that, with the aid of computers, primary school students can solve university-level advanced mathematics problems. After studying with multi-media teaching materials and specialised software, the students will undertake a university engineering examination - and pass with flying colours!
Development of an implantable blood flow and pressure monitor for pulmonary hypertension. The aim is to develop an implantable device for continuous measurement of blood pressure and flow rate in the pulmonary artery. The device is to store data and download it on request to an external device. Development steps include design of the sensor lead incorporating impedance electrodes and a pressure transducer, numerical modelling of the electrode system, characterising pressure and flow waveforms f ....Development of an implantable blood flow and pressure monitor for pulmonary hypertension. The aim is to develop an implantable device for continuous measurement of blood pressure and flow rate in the pulmonary artery. The device is to store data and download it on request to an external device. Development steps include design of the sensor lead incorporating impedance electrodes and a pressure transducer, numerical modelling of the electrode system, characterising pressure and flow waveforms for condensed storage, establishing flow sensor and blood flow relationships and assessment of sensor stability and calibration demands. The device will facilitate research in pulmonary hypertension and may lead to clinical devices for monitoring effectiveness of treatment.Read moreRead less
The novel production and analysis of breaking waves utilising circular-track moving disturbances. Surfing is a major industry in Australia, contributing $11billion to the economy. It has high active participation levels; but locations with good surfing conditions are limited and becoming crowded. New technologies, such as the circular-track wave pool, are required to provide safe environments for surfing with controllable high quality waves. The research in this proposal will considerably advanc ....The novel production and analysis of breaking waves utilising circular-track moving disturbances. Surfing is a major industry in Australia, contributing $11billion to the economy. It has high active participation levels; but locations with good surfing conditions are limited and becoming crowded. New technologies, such as the circular-track wave pool, are required to provide safe environments for surfing with controllable high quality waves. The research in this proposal will considerably advance knowledge of wave mechanics; provide the ability to design a commercially-viable wave pool and ensure the Australian surfing industry and sport continue to expand. The project will thus result in major scientific, economic and social benefits for Australia.Read moreRead less
Expand the capacity of an international multidisciplinary research network focussed on the ethical, legal and social implications of emerging biotechnologies. This project will ensure that Australia plays a central role in international debates and research activities aimed at regulating and facilitating advances in biotechnology. The project will also provide Australian researchers with direct access to key international experts in the field.
Breeding for improved Australian hop varieties by induced mutations. Hop (Humulus lupulus) plants are vital to the brewing industry. Their main commercial products are alpha-acids and oils, which contribute to the bitter taste and aroma of beer. Hops possess different alpha-acids, including humulone (desirable) and cohumulone (non-desirable), and different oils, including humulene (desirable). Recently, beta-acids have been identified as useful compounds for emerging markets. Induced mutagen ....Breeding for improved Australian hop varieties by induced mutations. Hop (Humulus lupulus) plants are vital to the brewing industry. Their main commercial products are alpha-acids and oils, which contribute to the bitter taste and aroma of beer. Hops possess different alpha-acids, including humulone (desirable) and cohumulone (non-desirable), and different oils, including humulene (desirable). Recently, beta-acids have been identified as useful compounds for emerging markets. Induced mutagenesis will be used to alter the genetic make-up of hops, to obtain varieties with: (i) higher humulone; (ii) lower cohumulone; (iii) higher humulene; and (iv) higher beta-acids. This research will greatly assist the Australian hop industry by short-cutting traditional breeding performed by crossing.Read moreRead less
Skin friction control using engineering and biological surface coatings. The development of techniques to reduce skin friction in water conveying assets will increase renewable energy production from existing hydro-electric plant and improve the energy efficiency of water conveying utilities. There is also potential for application to marine biofouling problems and reducing fuel usage by shipping. Passive (non-chemical) and biological control methods to reduce fouling and friction will be sought ....Skin friction control using engineering and biological surface coatings. The development of techniques to reduce skin friction in water conveying assets will increase renewable energy production from existing hydro-electric plant and improve the energy efficiency of water conveying utilities. There is also potential for application to marine biofouling problems and reducing fuel usage by shipping. Passive (non-chemical) and biological control methods to reduce fouling and friction will be sought to minimise environmental impact and maintain potable water quality. This multidisciplinary project combining engineering, photogrammetry and biological sciences will provide valuable training for the project team members and develop a pool of skilled personnel available to Australian industries.Read moreRead less
Improvement of water conveying efficiency in hydroelectric power generation systems by optimising pipe friction losses. The growth of bacterial and algal slimes on the surface of water conveying system significantly reduces the net electricity generation from Tasmania's hydroelectric system.
The aim of this project is to develop an optimal maintenance strategy to control this growth which will balance maintenance downtime against the potential increase in electricity production. The growth resp ....Improvement of water conveying efficiency in hydroelectric power generation systems by optimising pipe friction losses. The growth of bacterial and algal slimes on the surface of water conveying system significantly reduces the net electricity generation from Tasmania's hydroelectric system.
The aim of this project is to develop an optimal maintenance strategy to control this growth which will balance maintenance downtime against the potential increase in electricity production. The growth response to cleaning techniques and surface coatings will be investigated.
The potential for increased power production from this renewable energy source will have considerable economic benefit for Tasmania.Read moreRead less
Children, on-line learning and authentic teaching skills in primary education. The main aim of this project is to identify the authentic skills and strategies adopted by teachers of online learning programs in rural and urban locations. By studying teaching and learning behaviours in primary education we seek to match best practice in teaching with quality online learning outcomes. ICT experts acknowledge the urgency of this knowledge. Without clear indicators for teachers we run the risk of mis ....Children, on-line learning and authentic teaching skills in primary education. The main aim of this project is to identify the authentic skills and strategies adopted by teachers of online learning programs in rural and urban locations. By studying teaching and learning behaviours in primary education we seek to match best practice in teaching with quality online learning outcomes. ICT experts acknowledge the urgency of this knowledge. Without clear indicators for teachers we run the risk of mismatched traditional techniques and minimising teaching effectiveness. The expected outcomes will be benchmarked data linking numeracy and literacy standards with best practice in on-line teaching, and an accompanying interactive web based professional development package grounded in theory.Read moreRead less
The age of personalised medicine: regulatory challenges for Australia. Australia is entering an age of personalised medicine where therapies and tests will be based on individual genetic profiles. This project aims to ensure that there is a best practice regulatory and governance environment for facilitating responsible research and clinical service delivery through a process of evidence-based regulatory reform.
Carbonaceous adsorbents for ultra-high performance liquid chromatography. This project aims to develop a new generation of mechanically and thermally stable carbon-nanocarbon composite adsorbents for ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography. The structure of adsorbents will be constructed according to advanced core-shell design with non-porous carbon central core and porous shell formed by highly ordered uniform nanocarbon particles. The unique properties of carbon-nanocarbon composite adsor ....Carbonaceous adsorbents for ultra-high performance liquid chromatography. This project aims to develop a new generation of mechanically and thermally stable carbon-nanocarbon composite adsorbents for ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography. The structure of adsorbents will be constructed according to advanced core-shell design with non-porous carbon central core and porous shell formed by highly ordered uniform nanocarbon particles. The unique properties of carbon-nanocarbon composite adsorbents will put liquid chromatography to qualitatively new levels of the separation performance that may open new possibilities for medicine and biodiagnostics. The resulting technology also has a strong potential to be used in other priority areas such as preparation of electrodes and supercapacitors for energy storage devices.Read moreRead less