Graduate Student Papers

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How the Climate Change Threat is Shifting Australia's National Counter-Terrorism Strategy
Mortazavigazar, Amir (2023-03-08)
In this paper, we analyse how extremism and acts of terror will manifest themselves in Australia over the upcoming decades. Australia maintains a robust counter-terrorism strategy along with a comprehensive security apparatus to support that strategy. However, it is becoming apparent to the Australian intelligence community and the Australian government that the national security challenges that Australia will be facing due to climate change have been neglected over the past few years. COVID-19 restrictions demonstrated that issue-motivated extremism can fuel acts of terror and assist violent extremist organisations in their recruitment and radicalisations. In this paper, we demonstrate how climate change mitigation policies can result in issue-motivated extremism and empower violent extremist organisations which can result in acts of terror that would jeopardise Australia’s national security, therefore, we recommend that Australia’s National Intelligence apparatus broaden the issue-motivated extremism purview of terrorism by including climate change related grievances. Furthermore, we recommend amending Australia’s social cohesion and value statements to alleviate climate change related grievances and raise awareness about the threats of climate change related extremism.
Integrating health, economic, and environmental trade-offs into decarbonization decision-making in New England
Mortazavigazar, Amir (2024-05-15)
Emerging nuclear energy technologies: An alternative path to Australia's energy security
Mortazavigazar, Amir (Menzies Research Centre, 2023-12-18)
Gender Differences in Farmers' Indigenous Knowledge of Vegetables Disease Management: Implication for Artificial Intelligence-Enabled Farmers' Decision Support System
Deji, Olanike; Adisa, Priscilla; Ogunbona, Philip; Faniyi, Ebunoluwa; Olowoyo, Olamide; Jubril, Abimbola; Omotola, Olajide; Olukayode, Samuel (Rural Sociological Association of Nigeria, 2021)
The study was carried out in Osun State, Nigeria with the aim to analyse male and female vegetable farmers’ indigenous knowledge of disease management. It specifically assessed the indigenous knowledge of male and female farmers on the symptoms, causes, curative, and preventive measures of the vegetable crop diseases. This was done with the aim to provide gender-responsive benchmark data that could enhance the effective adoption of AI-enabled decision support system for crop disease management. Structured interview schedule was used to elicit quantitative data from 106 respondents (59 males and 47 females) for the study. Descriptive statistics was used to analyse the data. Majority of the male and female farmers used indigenous knowledge in identifying the symptoms, causes, curative and preventive measures of most common vegetable crop diseases. Expert/Extension professional-based human intelligence was also a major source of information on crop disease management among the male and female farmers, but the female farmers experienced lower extension contacts than the males. Scientific study and integration of gender responsive and enabling indigenous knowledge on crop disease management into the AI-enabled farmers’ decision support system involving experts and extension professionals is recommended for effectiveness and sustainability
A Camelid-Derived STAT-Specific Nanobody Inhibits Neuroinflammation and Ameliorates Experimental Autoimmune Encephalomyelitis (EAE)
Mbanefo, Evaristus C.; Seifert, Allison; Yadav, Manoj Kumar; Yu, Cheng-Rong; Nagarajan, Vijayaraj; Parihar, Ashutosh; Singh, Sunanda; Egwuagu, Charles E. (MDPI, 2024-06-16)
Proinflammatory T-lymphocytes recruited into the brain and spinal cord mediate multiple sclerosis (MS) and currently there is no cure for MS. IFN-γ-producing Th1 cells induce ascending paralysis in the spinal cord while IL-17-producing Th17 cells mediate cerebellar ataxia. STAT1 and STAT3 are required for Th1 and Th17 development, respectively, and the simultaneous targeting of STAT1 and STAT3 pathways is therefore a potential therapeutic strategy for suppressing disease in the spinal cord and brain. However, the pharmacological targeting of STAT1 and STAT3 presents significant challenges because of their intracellular localization. We have developed a STAT-specific single-domain nanobody (SBT-100) derived from camelids that targets conserved residues in Src homolog 2 (SH2) domains of STAT1 and STAT3. This study investigated whether SBT-100 could suppress experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE), a mouse model of MS. We show that SBT-100 ameliorates encephalomyelitis through suppressing the expansion of Th17 and Th1 cells in the brain and spinal cord. Adoptive transfer experiments revealed that lymphocytes from SBT-100-treated EAE mice have reduced capacity to induce EAE, indicating that the immunosuppressive effects derived from the direct suppression of encephalitogenic T-cells. The small size of SBT-100 makes this STAT-specific nanobody a promising immunotherapy for CNS autoimmune diseases, including multiple sclerosis.
Construction Supply Chain Management Practice and Impact on Project Performance: Perspective From Nigerian Construction Firms
Adegoke, Abiola; Dada, Joshua (Nigerian Institute of Quantity Surveyors, 2022-10-27)
This paper investigates the awareness and extent of construction supply chain management (CSCM) practice by construction firms in Nigeria. In addition, the impact of CSCM on project cost and time performance was evaluated. Design/methodology/approach – A well structure questionnaire survey was administered on the ninety-two construction firms registered with the Bureau of Public Procurement of Oyo State in Southwestern Geopolitical Zone of Nigeria. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used to analyse the elicited data. The results show that construction firms in Nigeria are generally aware of CSCM. While the experience of small, medium and large-scale construction firms on CSCM practice differs, information acquisition and sharing (among other ten significant variables) was found to be the most important element. In determining the impact of CSCM practice on project cost, the eleven identified significant elements were used to develop a multi linear regression model equation Y = 3.654-0.053X1 – 0.036X2 – 0.041X3 - 0.065X4- 0.024X5 - 0.013 X6 - 0.021 X7- 0.021X8- 0.013 X9 - 0.035 X10 - 0.011X11. (Where Y is the cost of construction project and X1…X11 are elements of CSCM practice). In the same vein a model equation showing the impact of CSCM practice on project duration was developed as Y = 5.189-0.022X1 – 0.014X2 – 0.034X3 - 0.025X4- 0.060X5 - 0.011X6 - 0.036 X7 - 0.016X8 - 0.034 X9 - 0.014 X10 - 0.023X11. The generated model equations show an inverse relationship between cost and duration of construction projects and elements of CSCM practice. This implies that adequate utilisation of the elements of CSCM practice will lead to an appreciable reduction in project cost and time. Apart from the general impact of CSCM practice; the quantum effect of each of the elements can be evaluated from the model equations.
Gender Analysis of Factors Influencing Soil and Water Conservation Technology Utilization among Vegetable Farmers in Ekiti and Oyo States, Nigeria
Faniyi, Ebunoluwa; Deji, Olanike; Olowoyo, Olamide; Sulaimon, Waheed; Aduwo, Oluwafunke (Nigerian Journal of Rural Sociology, 2019)
The study assessed the gender analysis of factors associated with soil and water conservation technology usage among vegetable farmers in Ekiti and Oyo States, Nigeria. It specifically, described the socioeconomic characteristics of vegetable farmers and examined the gender-specific factors associated with soil and water conservation technology utilisation in vegetable production. The study adopted a multi-stage sampling procedure. Data were elicited from the respondents using an interview schedule and focus group discussion guide. The study used inferential and descriptive statistics to analyse the data from the survey. The findings showed that the mean age for male was 35 years and female vegetable farmers 41 years. While the mean years of vegetable farming experience for male was 16 years and female vegetable farmers was 19 years. Varimax factor rotation pattern was used to isolate six factors associated with soil and water conservation technology usage for male vegetable farmers, which were information-source factor (14.4%), family factor (14.0%), resources factor (11.7%), economic factor (10.5%), soil-fertility factor (8.3%), and institutional factor (8.0%). Also,five factors were isolated for the female vegetable which were include; personal-experience factor (21.6%), information source factor (20.0%), land acquisition factor (10.7%), resources factor (10.0%), and group membership factor (7.7%). Information, resources, economic, personal experience, and land acquisition were the gender-specific factors influencing soil water conservation (SWC) technology usage. It was recommended that the factors identified should be noted as springboard for technology development and dissemination in Nigeria, this will help in the removal of the existing gender gaps among the farmers, especially in the rural areas and ensure sustainable agricultural practices and rural transformation.
Effects of the Phosphodiesterase 10A Inhibitor MR1916 on Alcohol Self-Administration and Striatal Gene Expression in Post-Chronic Intermittent Ethanol-Exposed Rats
Bertotto, Luísa B.; Lampson-Stixrud, Dolly; Sinha, Anushka; Rohani, Nicki K.; Myer, Isabella; Zorrilla, Eric P. (MDPI, 2024-02-09)
Alcohol use disorder (AUD) requires new neurobiological targets. Problematic drinking involves underactive indirect pathway medium spiny neurons (iMSNs) that subserve adaptive behavioral selection vs. overactive direct pathway MSNs (dMSNs) that promote drinking, with a shift from ventromedial to dorsolateral striatal (VMS, DLS) control of EtOH-related behavior. We hypothesized that inhibiting phosphodiesterase 10A (PDE10A), enriched in striatal MSNs, would reduce EtOH self-administration in rats with a history of chronic intermittent ethanol exposure. To test this, Wistar rats (n = 10/sex) with a history of chronic intermittent EtOH (CIE) vapor exposure received MR1916 (i.p., 0, 0.05, 0.1, 0.2, and 0.4 µmol/kg), a PDE10A inhibitor, before operant EtOH self-administration sessions. We determined whether MR1916 altered the expression of MSN markers (Pde10a, Drd1, Drd2, Penk, and Tac1) and immediate-early genes (IEG) (Fos, Fosb, ΔFosb, and Egr1) in EtOH-naïve (n = 5–6/grp) and post-CIE (n = 6–8/grp) rats. MR1916 reduced the EtOH self-administration of high-drinking, post-CIE males, but increased it at a low, but not higher, doses, in females and low-drinking males. MR1916 increased Egr1, Fos, and FosB in the DLS, modulated by sex and alcohol history. MR1916 elicited dMSN vs. iMSN markers differently in ethanol-naïve vs. post-CIE rats. High-drinking, post-CIE males showed higher DLS Drd1 and VMS IEG expression. Our results implicate a role and potential striatal bases of PDE10A inhibitors to influence post-dependent drinking.
Psychosocial Factors Associated with Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms One Year Postpartum
Cunningham, Shayna D.; Carandang, Rogie Royce; Boyd, Lisa M.; Lewis, Jessica B.; Ickovics, Jeannette R.; Rickey, Leslie M. (MDPI, 2023-12-27)
Pregnancy carries substantial risk for developing lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTSs), with potential lifelong impacts on bladder health. Little is known about modifiable psychosocial factors that may influence the risk of postpartum LUTSs. We examined associations between depressive symptoms, perceived stress, and postpartum LUTSs, and the moderating effects of perceived social support, using data from a cohort study of Expect With Me group prenatal care (n = 462). One year postpartum, 40.3% participants reported one or more LUTS. The most frequent LUTS was daytime frequency (22.3%), followed by urinary incontinence (19.5%), urgency (18.0%), nocturia (15.6%), and bladder pain (6.9%). Higher odds of any LUTS were associated with greater depressive symptoms (adjusted odds ratio (AOR) 1.08, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.04–1.11) and perceived stress (AOR 1.12, 95% CI 1.04–1.19). Higher perceived social support was associated with lower odds of any LUTS (AOR 0.94, 95% CI 0.88–0.99). Perceived social support mitigated the adverse effects of depressive symptoms (interaction AOR 0.99, 95% CI 0.98–0.99) and perceived stress (interaction AOR 0.97, 95% CI 0.95–0.99) on experiencing any LUTS. Greater depressive symptoms and perceived stress may increase the likelihood of experiencing LUTSs after childbirth. Efforts to promote bladder health among postpartum patients should consider psychological factors and social support.
Effects of Activation Barriers on Quenching to Stabilize Prebiotic Chemical Systems
Sheng, Qianyi; Intoy, Ben Fredrick; Halley, J. W. (MDPI, 2024-01-12)
We have previously shown in model studies that rapid quenches of systems of monomers interacting to form polymer chains can fix nonequilibrium chemistries with some lifelike properties. We suggested that such quenching processes might have occurred at very high rates on early Earth, giving an efficient mechanism for natural sorting through enormous numbers of nonequilibrium chemistries from which the most lifelike ones could be naturally selected. However, the model used for these studies did not take account of activation barriers to polymer scission (peptide bond hydrolysis in the case of proteins). Such barriers are known to exist and are expected to enhance the quenching effect. Here, we introduce a modified model which takes activation barriers into account and we compare the results to data from experiments on quenched systems of amino acids. We find that the model results turn out to be sensitive to the width of the distribution of barrier heights but quite insensitive to its average value. The results of the new model are in significantly better agreement with the experiments than those found using our previous model. The new parametrization of the model only requires one new parameter and the parametrization is more physical than the previous one, providing a chemical interpretation of the parameter p in our previous models. Within the model, a characteristic temperature Tc emerges such that if the temperature of the hot stage is above Tc and the temperature of the cold stage is below it, then the ‘freezing out’, in a quench, of a disequilibrium ensemble of long polymers is expected. We discuss the possible relevance of this to models of the origin of life in emissions from deep ocean rifts.
Gender Specific Factors Associated With Hazards of Pesticide Usage among Cocoa Farmers in Nigeria
Olowoyo, Olamide; Deji, Olanike Fasilat; Sulaimon, Waheed Suberu; Faniyi, Ebunoluwa Oyindamola (2019)
This study assessed the gender specific factors associated with health and environmental hazards of pesticide usage among cocoa farmers in Ekiti State, Nigeria a region known with predominance in cocoa production. It specifically described the socio-economic characteristics of male and female cocoa farmers and isolate factors associated with health and environmental hazards of pesticide usage in cocoa production. 120 male cocoa farmers and 120 female cocoa farmers were selected through multi stage purposive sampling technique in five local government areas of the state, to make a total of 240 respondents for the study. The study adopts the use of inferential and descriptive statistics to analyze the data from the survey. The mean age for male and female cocoa farmers was 52.5±9.82 and 45.2± 8.49 respectively while the mean years of cocoa farming experience for male and female cocoa farmers was 27.9±9.23 and 22.3±9.68 respectively. Varimax factor rotation pattern was used to isolate six factors associated with health and environmental hazards for male cocoa farmers which include: ‘information source factor’, ‘extension contact factor’, ‘experience factor’, ‘knowledge-pesticide usage factor’, ‘group membership factor’ and ‘family factor’ and six factors associated with health and environmental hazards for female cocoa farmers which include: ‘knowledge factor’, ‘information source factor’ ‘group membership factor’ ‘extension contact factor’ ‘family factor’ and ‘pesticide usage’ were isolated. Awareness of the gender specific factors to understanding hidden gender issues associated with hazards of pesticide usage among cocoa farmers was recommended. Hence, this is to ensure sustainable pesticide usage and to boost environmental productivity for rural development.
Gender Utilization of Forest Products among Rural Dwellers in Osun State, Nigeria
Sulaimon, Waheed Suberu; Deji, Olanike Fasilat; Olowoyo, Olamide; Faniyi, Ebunoluwa Oyindamola (2019)
This study specifically determined male and female’s level of utilization of forest products among rural dwellers in Osun State, Nigeria through the instrumentality of gender lens. Multi-stage sampling procedure was used in selecting a total of 240 respondents. Structured interview schedule and Focus Group Discussion Guide were used to collect quantitative and qualitative data. Data collected were analyzed using descriptive and inferential tools. The results show that the mean level of utilization of forest products for male respondents was 266.99±70.31, while that of female respondents was 248.23±72.04 (with a maximum obtainable score of 747). The results of t-test show that calculated t-value of 2.042 was higher than the critical t-value of 0.042 at p≤0.05 with 238 degrees of freedom. This result implies that there was a significant difference in the utilization of forest products by male and female respondents. The Focus Group Discussion results show that male respondents have favorable disposition in their utilization of economically viable forest products than females. This in turn has created a source of financial advantage through a robust economic engagement of males in the study area. However, females have always been at the receiving end of natural resource policies which tend to favor males at their detriment. This in turn has hindered sustainable utilization of forest products in the study area In conclusion; there was a significant difference in the level of utilization of forest products by male and female respondents. The result of this statistical analysis indicates that the calculated t-value of 2.042 is higher than the critical t-value of 0.042 at 0.05 level of significance with 238 degree of freedom. Hence, the study seeks attention in addressing this inequality by engendering policy frameworks which tends to focus on gender equality in order to ensure sustainable forest resource utilization as a panacea for economic development.
Gender Perception on the Health and Environmental Hazards of Pesticide Usage among Cocoa Farmers in Ekiti State, Nigeria
Olowoyo, Olamide; Fasilat, Deji Olanike (Science Publishing Group, 2017)
The study was conducted in Ekiti State, Nigeria among male and female cocoa farmers, to assess the gender differential in perception of the health and environmental hazards of pesticides usage. Multi stage purposive sampling technique was used to select 120 male cocoa farmers and 120 female cocoa farmers to make a total of 240 respondents for the study. Descriptive and inferential statistics was used to analyse the data. The result showed that male cocoa farmers, likewise female cocoa are vulnerable to health, (tearing and redness of eyes, body pain, headache) hazards, likewise they also indicated their experience of environmental (air pollution, pollute streams) hazards. About 64% Male and 54% female cocoa farmers had a positive perception of the health and environmental hazards of pesticides usage but there was a significant difference between male and female cocoa farmers perception of pesticides hazards. It was concluded that majority male as well as female cocoa farmers in Ekiti State were vulnerable to one pesticide hazards or the other. Adequate and frequent training was recommended for male and female cocoa farmers on pesticides hazards, at the same time less reliance on pesticides usage to reduce vulnerability to the hazards.
Water Infrastructure Sustainable Development
Adesoji, Tolulope (2022-11-15)
This paper explores the role of water infrastructure in sustainable development, with a specific focus on stormwater management. The paper emphasizes sustainable approaches within the water sector, examining stormwater management techniques that mitigate flooding risks. Central to this discussion is the concept of green infrastructure as an example of a decentralized system. The paper also identifies and measures social and environmental indicators influenced by sustainable water infrastructure development.
National Strategy for Road Transportation Electromobility
Adesoji, Tolulope (2022)
This paper explores the challenges and opportunities in transitioning from fossil fuel vehicles to electric vehicles in the road transportation sector. This paper focuses on the pivotal role of lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) in electric vehicles (EVs). The study advocates the need for comprehensive strategies, which include national policies, rebates, tax credits, and battery recycling investments to help mitigate environmental impacts, reduce carbon emissions, and stimulate economic growth. The paper also emphasizes the importance of recycling spent batteries while scrutinizing the environmental and social consequences of raw material mining for battery production. The paper also proposed strategies to balance promoting electromobility and addressing potential equity and environmental concerns while offering a holistic perspective on the sustainable evolution of road transportation.
Beyond the regulatory radar: knowledge and practices of rural medical practitioners in Bangladesh
Sujon, Hasnat; Sarker, Mohammad H. R.; Uddin, Aftab; Banu, Shakila; Islam, Mohammod R.; Amin, Md. R.; Hossain, Md. S.; Alahi, Md. F.; Asaduzzaman, Mohammad; Rizvi, Syed J. R.; Islam, Mohammad Z.; Uzzaman, Md. N. (2023-11-30)
Background: Informal and unregulated rural medical practitioners (RMPs) provide healthcare services to about two-thirds of people in Bangladesh, although their service is assumed to be substandard by qualified providers. As the RMPs are embedded in the local community and provide low-cost services, their practice pattern demands investigation to identify the shortfalls and design effective strategies to ameliorate the service. Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional study in 2015–16 using a convenient sample from all 64 districts of Bangladesh. Personnel practising modern medicine, without any recognized training, or with recognized training but practising outside their defined roles, and without any regulatory oversight were invited to take part in the study. Appropriateness of the diagnosis and the rationality of antibiotic and other drug use were measured as per the Integrated Management of Childhood Illness guideline. Results: We invited 1004 RMPs, of whom 877 consented. Among them, 656 (74.8%) RMPs owned a drugstore, 706 (78.2%) had formal education below higher secondary level, and 844 (96.2%) had informal training outside regulatory oversight during or after induction into the profession. The most common diseases encountered by them were common cold, pneumonia, and diarrhoea. 583 (66.5%) RMPs did not dispense any antibiotic for common cold symptoms. 59 (6.7%) and 64 (7.3%) of them could identify all main symptoms of pneumonia and diarrhoea, respectively. In pneumonia, 28 (3.2%) RMPs dispensed amoxicillin as first-line treatment, 819 (93.4%) dispensed different antibiotics including ceftriaxone, 721 (82.2%) dispensed salbutamol, and 278 (31.7%) dispensed steroid. In diarrhoea, 824 (94.0%) RMPs dispensed antibiotic, 937 (95.4%) dispensed ORS, 709 (80.8%) dispensed antiprotozoal, and 15 (1.7%) refrained from dispensing antibiotic and antiprotozoal together. Conclusions: Inappropriate diagnoses, irrational use of antibiotics and other drugs, and polypharmacy were observed in the practising pattern of RMPs. The government and other stakeholders should acknowledge them as crucial partners in the healthcare sector and consider ways to incorporate them into curative and preventive care.
Mapping Out the Core Constructs of Social Justice as Heuristics in Selected Technical Communication Articles Using the 4Rs Model
Ojedele-Adejumo, Temitope (ACM, 2023-10-26)
This study analyzes social justice thematic directions in technical communication research using Walton et al.’s 4Rs model to determine the field’s conceptualization of justice.
Folkloric Tradition as an Epistemology of Environmental Justice
Ojedele-Adejumo, Temitope (ACM, 2023-10-26)
This paper explores the connection of Nigerian folkloric tradition to environmental justice through rhetorical analyses of oral traditions. It aims to establish effective approaches to discussing environmental justice in technical communication, focusing on transnational environmental policies and bottom-up interventions. The paper serves as a representative research approach for exploring other non-western traditions and their connection to environmental issues and justice pursuits.
Planning Locomotion Techniques for Virtual Reality Games
Moore, Cameron; Lages, Wallace (ACM, 2023-10-09)
Locomotion is a fundamental component in many virtual reality (VR) games. However, few techniques have been designed with game’s demands in mind. In this paper, we propose two locomotion techniques for fast-paced VR games: Repeated Short-Range Teleports and Continuous Movement Pads. We conducted a user study with 27 participants using these techniques against Smooth Locomotion and Teleport in a game-like scenario. We found that Movement Pads can be a suitable alternative for games, with competitive performance on various criteria such as time, damage taken, usability, workload, and user preference. On the other hand, Repeated Short-Range Teleport displayed lower usability and higher mental workload.
MEMTIS: Efficient Memory Tiering with Dynamic Page Classification and Page Size Determination
Lee, Taehyung; Monga, Sumit Kumar; Min, Changwoo; Eom, Young Ik (ACM, 2023-10-23)
The evergrowing memory demand fueled by datacenter workloads is the driving force behind new memory technology innovations (e.g., NVM, CXL). Tiered memory is a promising solution which harnesses such multiple memory types with varying capacity, latency, and cost characteristics in an effort to reduce server hardware costs while fulfilling memory demand. Prior works on memory tiering make suboptimal (often pathological) page placement decisions because they rely on various heuristics and static thresholds without considering overall memory access distribution. Also, deciding the appropriate page size for an application is difficult as huge pages are not always beneficial as a result of skewed accesses within them. We present Memtis, a tiered memory system that adopts informed decision-making for page placement and page size determination. Memtis leverages access distribution of allocated pages to optimally approximate the hot data set to the fast tier capacity. Moreover, Memtis dynamically determines the page size that allows applications to use huge pages while avoiding their drawbacks by detecting inefficient use of fast tier memory and splintering them if necessary. Our evaluation shows that Memtis outperforms state-of-the-art tiering systems by up to 169.0% and their best by up to 33.6%.

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