Further Enquiries:
Adelaide Graduate Centre
Level 6
115 Grenfell Street
The University of Adelaide
SA 5005
AUSTRALIA
Email
Telephone: +61 8 8313 5882
Facsimile: +61 8 8313 5725
Opening Hours
Mon-Fri: 9:00am-5:00pm
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AHEGS Abstract Examples
Anatomy & Pathology >>
AHEGS Abstract Example
Anatomy & Pathology
Osteoarthritis is a progressive joint disease and a common cause of disability. Osteoarthritis is characterised by changes in both the bone and cartilage. The aetiology of osteoarthritis is still unclear and there is no cure for this disease.
Animal models are important to study the pathogenesis of osteoarthritis and to evaluate suitable drugs. A rat model of osteoarthritis was characterised which closely mimicked human osteoarthritis disease progression. The antiresorptive drug alendronate preserved subchondral bone and moderately protected cartilage in this animal model of osteoarthritis. Normalising subchondral bone changes offers an optimal and improved treatment option for osteoarthritis.
Anthropology >>
AHEGS Abstract Example
Anthropology
This thesis is a study of Hip Hop scenes in the Australian cities of Adelaide and Melbourne. Based on ethnographic fieldwork, my research builds on a growing body of scholarship that examines the production and consumption of Hip Hop outside of the United States of America.
In this thesis I examine how Hip Hoppers define, express, and actively work to sustain, living or authentic Hip Hop culture in Australia. I demonstrate that authenticity is an evaluative concept that is used to claim status and to formulate and defend cultural boundaries.
Architecture >>
AHEGS Abstract Example
Architecture
This dissertation explores the phenomenon of architectural exchange and the particular idea that buildings - like the builders, ideas, materials, and representations with which they are constructed - are more mobile than we tend to think.
By re-examining the architecture of three distant yet geographically interconnected cities, in a period of political and economic reciprocity, a variety and complexity of multi-lateral architectural exchanges between and through these selected 'gateway cities' is revealed. Better understanding of architectural hybridity in localities typically regarded as culturally autonomous, and the processes and mechanisms by which this occurs, provides broader insight into cultural mobility.
Asian Studies >>
AHEGS Abstract Example
Asian Studies
This thesis examines how structural ageing and the radical social changes of the latter half of the 20th century might shape how ageing is experienced by baby boomers and subsequent generations.
The thesis contextualises these social changes through theories of late modernity and uses Census data to examine how baby boomers differ from previous generations. It then draws on a representative sample of baby boomers from the North West Adelaide Health Study to explore how different subgroups of baby boomers prepare for later life. Health, housing, financial and participatory resources are examined through a detailed quantitative analysis.
Biochemistry >>
AHEGS Abstract Example
Biochemistry
This study explored the various mechanisms underlying differential transcriptional control of eukaryotic genes via the basic Helix-Loop-Helix/Per-Arnt-Sim (bHLH/PAS) family transcription factors, including how small molecule agonists and cell suspension culture activate the Aryl hydrocarbon Receptor (AhR) and how the AhR interacts with a general dimerization partner protein termed Arnt.
The data present in this thesis not only advances our current understanding on the non-canonical pathways of AhR activation, but also lends novel insights into how eukaryotic genes are regulated at the transcriptional level.
Business >>
AHEGS Abstract Example
Business
This study examined the effectiveness of the reforms to the Malaysian disclosure requirements on executive directors' remuneration. It analysed 200 publicly listed Malaysian companies from 2000 to 2008.
The result showed that there was significant improvement in the level of disclosure of executive directors' remuneration after the reforms. However, Malaysian companies appeared to take advantage of weaknesses in the reforms to fall back on the practice of disclosing the minimum of the mandatory requirements. The result also showed that agency theory, legitimacy theory, signaling theory and proprietary costs may explain the level of disclosure of executive directors' remuneration.
Chemical Engineering >>
AHEGS Abstract Example
Chemical Engineering
Cyanobacteria, belonging to the genus Spirulina has been found to produce bioactive compounds that have potential to be used as anticancer, antiHIV, antioxidant and antibacterial agents. In view of the multiple uses of Spirulina, significant research has been undertaken and this genus has been shown to be a promising source of novel pharmaceutical compounds.
The main objective of this project was to investigate the molecular biology of commercial Spirulina isolates and an Australian Spirulina isolate, determine suitable extraction techniques, test their bio-activity against a range of viruses and determine the appropriate methods for continuous production for identified bio-chemically active compounds.
Chemistry >>
AHEGS Abstract Example
Chemistry
Increasing drug resistance from S. aureus is an unresolved threat to society. One strategy to combat this, involves developing novel antimicrobial agents that target under-explored pathways.
S. aureus biotin protein ligase (SaBPL) is presented as one such target. The development of a novel class of selective and potent SaBPL inhibitors is reported herein. The key feature from this class, employs the 1,2,3-triazole as a synthetically and biologically stable bioisostere of the phosphoroanhydride linker, which is found in the reaction intermediate of SaBPL. A number of X-ray crystal structures of these inhibitors bound to SaBPL are also reported.
Civil & Environmental Engineering >>
AHEGS Abstract Example
Civil and Environmental Engineering
The USE region of SA covers over 1Mha and is the largest area affected by dryland salinity in SA.
To mitigate the threat of flooding and secondary salinisation, an extensive network of drains has been constructed and this has modified the hydrologic regime that hundreds of wetlands in the region are now exposed to and the quality of the water that supplies them will be greatly affected by increased salinity.
This work examined the impact of these landscape scale changes on wetlands, and investigated ways in which water from the drainage system might be used for ecological benefit in wetlands.
Computer Science >>
AHEGS Abstract Example
Computer Science
This thesis presents the Distributed Active Resource Architecture (DARC), a modular, dynamic software system for the flexible construction of distributed storage and I/O infrastructure.
DARC is comprised of a component-oriented framework and distributed runtime system, inspired by the Actor Model. These components form the fundamental unit through which all functionality and external interfaces are provided, while all communication occurs via asynchronous message-passing. The composition of DARC components is based on directed graphs and an embedded domain-specific language, enabling arbitrary I/O topologies and distributed, nested compositions. This thesis describes the design, implementation and evaluation of the system.
Dentistry >>
AHEGS Abstract Example
Dentistry
Periodontal Ligament Associated Protein-I (PLAP-1) is a novel protein which may play a significant role in suppressing the osteogenic tendency of the PDL.
In this study, the expression of PLAP-1 was investigated using an ankylosis model induced by hypothermal insult. Results show that PLAP-1 was expressed in the PDL, dental pulp, capillaries and the nasal cartilage. Also, there was increased PLAP-1 reactivity especially near the cementum suggesting, though inconclusively, of PLAP-1 being more associated with mineralisation than maintenance of the PDL. Further research is required to elucidate the true role of PLAP-1 within the PDL.
Econometrics >>
AHEGS Abstract Example
Econometrics
This research focuses on the estimation of a class of econometric models for unknown nonlinear functionals of nonstationary stochastic processes. The proxy of the nonstationary processes studied here is the Levy processes including Brownian motion as a particular one.
The methodology is to expand the functionals into orthogonal series, then the coefficients in the expansion are estimated by econometric method. Accordingly, the estimators of the unknown functionals are established utilising the estimated coefficients.
To obtain the asymptotic distribution of the functional estimators, an asymptotic theory in a quite general setting is investigated, which also extends the existing results considerably.
Education >>
AHEGS Abstract Example
Education
This policy-oriented study examines ways of addressing current global challenges through values-based Education for Sustainable Development (ESD) drawing on key international and Australian documents and the work of scholars in the field.
The most commonly expressed values, knowledge, skills and quality characteristics of ESD are identified from the documents and synthesised to form evaluative criteria for implementing values-based ESD in schooling.
A critical analysis of the developing Australian National Curriculum for Schooling is conducted based upon the evaluative criteria for ESD, to identify the extent to which the curriculum meets the goal of sustainable development, with recommended modifications and adjustments.
Electrical Engineering >>
AHEGS Abstract Example
Electrical Engineering
Bistatic Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) offers advantages over monostatic but also poses challenges. For research into bistatic SAR, the DSTO's Ingara airborne SAR was supplemented with a ground-based receiver to simultaneously collect monostatic and bistatic data. This thesis addresses various processing challenges posed by such data.
Herein, monostatic and bistatic image formation using the Polar Format Algorithm is discussed and results shown. Interferometric coherence is demonstrated between various monostatic and bistatic image-pairs. Variants of three distributed-target-based polarimetric calibration algorithms are derived and compared, and a new noise-estimating approach is proposed. Calibration using targets and the direct-path signal are also examined.
English >>
AHEGS Abstract Example
English
Ostensibly a novel about music, fuga is also a novel about grief, identity, memory and place. Ranging across landscapes from Orkney to Kangaroo Island, and across musical landscapes from Bach to Berg, it tells the story of Eva Byrne, a gifted violinist forging a career in London, whose life is unravelling in the wake of traumatic events.
Examining the relationship between music and words, The Musicalisation of fuga, how music influenced and shaped the writing of a novel, explores the influence of musical ideas and strategies on the genesis of both the novel and the novelist.
Entrepreneurship, Commercialisation & Innovation >>
AHEGS Abstract Example
Entrepreneurship, Commercialisation & Innovation
This behavioural research adopts a repeated measures longitudinal research design to examine the effects of personal values, entrepreneurial attitude, and entrepreneurial intentions on business start-up behaviour.
Measures were taken immediately prior to the study commencing (baseline), one year later (immediately after an intensive one-year entrepreneurship training intervention program ended that all participants in the study were exposed to), and, then, three and a half years after completion of the intervention program (end-of-study). Two groups of participants were involved in the study: Nascent necessity entrepreneurs and non-entrepreneurs. Significant differences were identified between and within the groups over time.
Environmental Biology >>
AHEGS Abstract Example
Environmental Biology
Hibbertia (Dilleniaceae) has been studied for 200 years, but the systematics of species from SE Australia have not been addressed. Many of the taxa placed into 16 informal groups by Toelken are undescribed and their phylogenetic relationships are unknown. Therefore, a comprehensive morphological and molecular phylogenetic analysis of 87 SE Australian taxa within Hibbertia subgen. Hemistemma was conducted.
Molecular and morphological data were analysed both separately and together and the results show that taxa from Toelken's informal groups were placed instead into eight clades. Although overall clade support was low, there were well-supported species groups within them."
Environmental Biology >>
AHEGS Abstract Example
Environmental Biology
This thesis examines developmental energy use and gas exchange in two Australian Myobatrachid amphibians and the Australian lungfish. The effects of temperature and oxygen on lungfish embryonic physiology is documented and the energy cost of development examined across amphibians and fishes.
A model of energy partitioning is used to describe differences in development time and growth of the two amphibians. The influence of the egg capsule, perivitelline fluid and embryonic morphology in gas exchange are investigated and a new method for quantifying the relationship between oxygen consumption and oxygen level is introduced.
Genetics >>
AHEGS Abstract Example
Genetics
Npas4 is a calcium-regulated transcription factor which, in the adult, is expressed within neurons of the brain where it regulates the expression of several genes that are important for neuronal survival and synaptic plasticity. The work described in this thesis provides the first evidence that Npas4 is expressed developmentally by a population of early neural progenitor cells and suggests a novel developmental role for Npas4 that is unrelated to its function in the adult brain.
Npas4 was found to be expressed during early embryonic development while reduced Npas4 expression resulted in impaired neural progenitor cell formation and impaired neuronal maturation.
Geology & Geophysics >>
AHEGS Abstract Example
Geology & Geophysics
This thesis provides an up to date study of the various types and occurrences of gold-(base metal) mineralisation in the Adelaide Fold Belt, South Australia. The geological setting, mineralogy, geochemistry, fluid and isotope characterisitics of mineralisation are investigated, as well as the timing of mineralisation.
The results of this thesis suggest that investigated gold mineralisation formed in a late stage of the Delamerian Orogeny when metamorphic hydrothermal fluids driven by the heat of upwelling mantle mobilised gold, other metals and sulphur from the local meta-sediments, especially the lower units of the Neoproterozoic Adelaidean sequence.
History >>
AHEGS Abstract Example
History
Instead of viewing Isaiah Berlin's turn to the Counter-Enlightenment as an unintended blow against his own liberalism, this thesis will interpret his reading of the Counter-Enlightenment as a search for a lens with which to examine totalitarianism. Berlin's neglected essay on Joseph de Maistre is of greatest importance.
Maistre's darkly prescient thought - out of place in his own time, yet in its element a century later - provides Berlin with a window onto totalitarian thought. For Berlin, Maistre, not Voltaire, is the surest guide to the twentieth century's most shockingly original contribution to political thought and practice, totalitarianism.
Law >>
AHEGS Abstract Example
Law
Conflict between work obligations and responsibilities to care for others, such as children and elderly parents, is one of the most significant issues for workers in contemporary Australia.
This PhD thesis examines Australian employment law initiatives designed to address collision between work and care responsibilities. It explores whether those legal initiatives adequately recognize diverse work and care practices, particularly in terms of gender, sexual orientation and race. Accounting for diversity is important for a number of reasons, including in terms of social inclusion, equality and non-discrimination.
Linguistics >>
AHEGS Abstract Example
Linguistics
This study compares the toponymy of Norfolk Island, South Pacific with the toponymy of Dudley Peninsula, Kangaroo Island.
The results demonstrate that Norfolk Island toponymy is less accessible to outsiders and is more grammatically and culturally insular than Dudley Peninsula toponymy. By working intimately with informants, ecolinguistic fieldwork was shown to be effective at emphasising the significance of local, unofficial and esoteric placename knowledge.
This thesis argues that the idea of 'insular toponymies' is appropriate to describe place-naming in isolated island societies. The term 'toponymic ethnography' is put forward as a new concept for linguistic and cultural research in toponymy.
Mathematics >>
AHEGS Abstract Example
Mathematics
Models for the adsorption of methane gas in various nanocontainers are developed exploiting the Lennard-Jones potential together with the continuum approximation, which assumes that discrete molecular structures may be approximated by replacement over the entire surface with uniform surface densities.
Firstly, an entirely new model for a methane molecule that avoids the detailed atomic orientations of the molecule, is developed, and thus provides a major simplification to the calculations, and compares favourably with a detailed discrete formulation. This model is subsequently employed to examine various carbonaceous nanocontainers such as nanotubes, graphite and carbon nanocones.
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