http://hdl.handle.net/2440/36789 2013-05-20T07:24:29Z 2013-05-20T07:24:29Z Hill, Michael Maxwell http://hdl.handle.net/2440/77826 2013-05-20T01:54:58Z 2011-12-31T13:30:00Z

Title: Developing a generic software-defined radar transmitter using GNU Radio. Author: Hill, Michael Maxwell Abstract: Research into the development of software defined radars (SDRs) often combines the GNU Radio software toolkit, with the Universal Software Radio Peripheral (USRP) hardware platform. Studies have already demonstrated that these tools can be combined to develop and implement versatile, low-cost, SDR systems. These studies focus on the question as to whether or not a GNU Radio and USRP based SDR can address a specific set of requirements for a particular radar application; but do not explore the characteristic behaviour of the technology. Understanding the characteristic behaviour of this technology, more specifically its limitations and accuracy, is critical to radar designers considering using these tools to achieve SDR design requirements. This thesis examines how effectively GNU Radio and the USRP can be combined to create a software-defined radar transmitter. A SDR transmitter has been developed using these tools as a subject for experimentation and implemented to produce a set of generic radar waveforms at a frequency of 5.8GHz. This set consists of continuous wave, 1 μs pulsed waveforms and frequency modulated continuous waveforms with sweep ranges from 0.5 to 25MHz. Characterisation tests thoroughly investigated and verified limitations of the USRP performance, and identified many others that were unknown at the time or did not match expected values. Waveform verification tests demonstrated that these tools can be used to accurately transmit CW, pulsed and frequency modulated waveforms with characteristics similar to those in this study. GNU Radio and the USRP can be combined to effectively produce a generic radar transmitter, however some imperfections such as intermodulation products and poor local oscillator suppression may be unacceptable for some radar transmission applications.

2011-12-31T13:30:00Z Rehn, Dana Kelly-Anne http://hdl.handle.net/2440/77094 2013-04-22T03:30:07Z 2010-12-31T13:30:00Z

Title: The image and identity of the alchemist in seventeenth-century Netherlandish art. Author: Rehn, Dana Kelly-Anne Abstract: This dissertation explores the representation of the alchemist in Netherlandish art during the heyday of alchemy in seventeenth-century Europe amidst the Scientific Revolution. While contemporary debates regarding the position that alchemy and magic in general had on the development of modern science has held particular interest for scholars working in the discipline of the history of science, the rich iconographic tradition of the alchemist in seventeenth-century Netherlandish painting has not been explored in detail from a wider socio-cultural perspective. It is for this reason that the image and identity of the alchemist is analysed in selected seventeenth-century Netherlandish paintings in order to not only explore their position within the Scientific Revolution, but also to shed light on their meaning and function within the socio-cultural context of the Golden Age in the Netherlands. The contradictory perception of the alchemist in this period as either fools and charlatans or 'scientific' scholars is shown to reflect the fear and apprehension that accompanied the dynamic nexus between religious change and scientific experimentation in this transformative period of the early modern European Scientific Revolution, in addition to heightened class-consciousness amidst the Golden Age in the Netherlands.

2010-12-31T13:30:00Z McLiesh, Paul Christopher http://hdl.handle.net/2440/76546 2013-05-14T01:00:21Z 2011-12-31T13:30:00Z

Title: Orthopaedic nursing in the 2010s: a critical ethnography Author: McLiesh, Paul Christopher Abstract: This is a complex yet subtle story- it is a story about orthopaedic nurses, who they are, what do they do and why. Background Orthopaedic nursing is a speciality that has members in many settings and institutions throughout the world. Orthopaedic nurses identify themselves as a distinct group who share common beliefs, values and actions. Their patients have similar needs and they work in similar ways to meet those needs. Changes in nursing and changes in the surgical treatment of orthopaedic patients have impacted the way orthopaedic nurses’ deliver care. In part, this has created a threat to the speciality as some no longer see the need to have the care of orthopaedic patients delivered by specialist orthopaedic nurses. Aims This study describes the orthopaedic nursing group and makes evident the value of their roles and actions in caring for their patients. It asks if the group identifies as a speciality, how that speciality is defined and what are the essential skills needed to be considered an orthopaedic nurse. It identifies the common needs of members of the group, how those needs are meet by leaders of the group and what it is that makes them leaders of the group. Methodology A critical ethnography framework was used for this research as it best matched the aims of understanding the group and what factors influence its existence. Method The research was conducted in two phases. Participants were self-selected. The first phase used an online questionnaire that asked a series of questions about the participants’ backgrounds, their roles and activities as members of the group. Phase two consisted of six semi-structured interviews with six participants selected from phase one. Findings The orthopaedic nursing group is a complex and difficult group to define. The group and its members vary in a number of ways but share common elements. They describe an attraction to orthopaedic nursing that is based on the type of nursing and the team focussed nature of the work. Orthopaedic patients are often restricted to bed or have limited mobility. This has implications for the way their nursing care is delivered. Much of the care they require is basic nursing care but it needs to be delivered in a unique way by orthopaedic nurses. The skills and knowledge needed to deliver this care may not be overtly obvious to outsiders, or even to someone looking directly at the care being delivered but for nurses from other specialities who try to deliver that same care it becomes more obvious. It is difficult for some orthopaedic nurses to articulate the specifics of that care as they have learned to deliver that care over time from other members of the group at almost an intuitive level. Changes to the surgical management of orthopaedic patients have been the most significant issue influencing the way the group practices. Some in the group and others outside the group have seen the reduction in the requirement for specific skills such as traction as a sign that the group is no longer a specialist group and that orthopaedic patients do not need their care delivered by specialists. However the fundamentals of orthopaedic nursing remain unchanged and still need to be delivered by specialist nurses. Leadership of the group is a complex issue and is often undervalued, even by the leaders themselves. Developing teams, attracting new staff to the speciality, relationships with other disciplines and inspiring and promoting orthopaedic nursing are all responsibilities of the group but must be fostered and directed by the leaders. Conclusion Orthopaedic nursing remains a strong speciality but continues to face many challenges. While the specific skills and knowledge required by orthopaedic nurses continues to fluctuate, the fundamentals remain constant. It is vital that the group considers their current position and use this knowledge to help influence the future direction of the group. The future of the group is dependent on how it responds to external and internal changes and demands. This is how the speciality has evolved and is the best way forward to ensure success in the future.

2011-12-31T13:30:00Z Papoulis, Debra http://hdl.handle.net/2440/70613 2012-05-01T06:37:20Z 2010-12-31T13:30:00Z

Title: An evaluation of mental health services in the Whyalla Hospital Accident and Emergency Department: a comparison of a new and old model of care. Author: Papoulis, Debra Abstract: In January 2009 the first Mental Health Nurse Practitioner positions were rolled out in country South Australia, as a result of ongoing mental health reform at both commonwealth and state levels. This thesis reports on research comparing the practice model of a new Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Service, utilising a Mental Health Consultation Liaison model of care and an older, established, in reach General Practitioner model, of mental health service delivery in a regional accident and emergency department in South Australia. The new Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Service is provided by a Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (Candidate), who secured a position with Country Health SA when they were rolled out in 2009. To answer the research question ‘Does the Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Service improve mental health service delivery in the Accident and Emergency Department of the Whyalla Hospital?’ a comparative descriptive study design utilising an empirical and analytical approach was employed. The study compares waiting times, admission rates and re-presentations to the accident and emergency department within 28 days of the original presentation. It also compares the incidence of consultation with other health professionals and the referral to community based mental health services taking place from the Accident and Emergency Department for the two models. The results of the study are presented and represent significant statistical differences between the two models of care. The major findings of the study conclude engagement with the Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (Candidate) provides an opportunity for specialised comprehensive mental health assessment, timely therapeutic engagement and early intervention commenced in the Accident and Emergency Department. The high rate of consultation liaison from the Accident and Emergency Department as well as referral to community based mental health services is consistent with enhanced care coordination.

2010-12-31T13:30:00Z