http://hdl.handle.net/10453/19978 2026-10-15T03:48:07Z http://hdl.handle.net/10453/197222 Title: The Roles of Narrative in Community Resilience: A Framework for Understanding and Action Authors: Fernandez de Casas, Julia Abstract: This research examines the role of narratives in shaping community resilience in the face of social, environmental, and economic change. While resilience research has largely focused on structural capacities such as governance, networks, and resources, comparatively less attention has been given to the cultural and interpretive processes through which communities make sense of disruption and organise collective responses. The research follows a three‑stage mixed‑qualitative design. First, a conceptual synthesis integrates resilience theory, systems thinking, and narrative studies to identify key resilience‑enabling factors and six narrative roles through which communities interpret and respond to change. Second, comparative case studies of Findhorn and Narara Ecovillages examine how narratives emerge, evolve, and interact with governance arrangements, social capital, diversity, and everyday practices. Third, interviews and participatory workshops explore how narratives operate within governance processes, collective decision‑making, and day‑to‑day community life. Building on this analysis, the thesis develops a narrative–resilience framework that explains how shared meanings, identities, and interpretive practices influence how communities anticipate, respond to, and adapt to change. The findings show that narratives function as a form of cultural infrastructure, shaping how communities interpret change, coordinate action, and sustain collective purpose. Two key narrative dynamics are identified: narrative plasticity, the capacity of stories to evolve and recombine while maintaining coherence, and narrative ecology, the wider system of interacting narratives through which learning, adaptation, and continuity are supported. The research demonstrates that resilience does not arise from narrative processes or structural conditions alone, but from their ongoing interaction. Narratives gain influence when supported by governance arrangements, leadership configurations, and relational infrastructures that shape how stories circulate, are contested, and become institutionalised. In this sense, resilience operates not only as a structural capacity but also as an interpretive and relational process enacted through evolving narrative systems. The thesis contributes a transferable framework to support community practitioners, planners, and policymakers seeking to strengthen resilience in complex social‑ecological systems. Description: University of Technology Sydney. TD School. 2025-01-01T00:00:00Z http://hdl.handle.net/10453/197221 Title: Nuclear-targeted CRISPR Delivery By Using Aptamer-modified Polymer Lipid Nanoparticles Authors: Xu, Zichen Abstract: Efficient clinical translation of CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing requires delivery platforms capable of overcoming intracellular barriers and promoting nuclear localization. In this study, aptamer-functionalized polymer-lipid hybrid nanoparticles (PLHNPs) were developed as a nuclear-targeted non-viral delivery system for CRISPR/Cas9 in cancer cells. The nanoparticles consisted of a biodegradable PLGA core and a lipid shell conjugated with the AS1411 aptamer, which targets nucleolin overexpressed on the membrane and in the nuclei of many cancer cells. This design was intended to enhance both cellular uptake and nuclear transport. The PLHNPs were prepared by nanoprecipitation and optimized for size, polydispersity, surface charge, and loading efficiency. Aptamer conjugation was confirmed by FTIR and zeta potential analysis. In MDA-MB-231 and HCT-116 cells, AS1411-modified PLHNPs showed enhanced uptake and effective nuclear accumulation of CRISPR/Cas9 complexes, as demonstrated by 3D confocal imaging. Functional studies targeting Lcn2 showed increased indel formation, reduced gene expression, and suppressed cell migration. Compared with non-targeted systems, the aptamer-modified PLHNPs achieved approximately 30% higher editing efficiency. Description: University of Technology Sydney. Faculty of Engineering and Information Technology. 2025-01-01T00:00:00Z http://hdl.handle.net/10453/197220 Title: The Effectiveness of 5-methyltetrahydrofolate Versus Folic Acid Prenatal Multivitamins in Couples with a history of Recurrent Pregnancy Loss: A Randomised, Controlled Feasibility Trial Authors: Ledowsky, Carolyn Jane Abstract: 𝗕𝗮𝗰𝗸𝗴𝗿𝗼𝘂𝗻𝗱 Recurrent pregnancy loss (RPL) remains a significant clinical challenge. Emerging evidence suggests high cumulative folic acid (FA) exposure may have biochemical implications in some individuals. Alternative folate forms, including 5 methyltetrahydrofolate (5 MTHF), are increasingly available, yet evidence in RPL is limited. MTHFR polymorphisms may influence folate availability. 𝗠𝗲𝘁𝗵𝗼𝗱𝘀 A two phase design was undertaken. Phase 1 was a double blind controlled feasibility trial of 22 couples with RPL, comparing a prenatal multivitamin containing 2,500 mcg FA or 5 MTHF. Outcomes included recruitment, adherence, acceptability and biochemical responsiveness. A qualitative sub study explored women’s experiences following pregnancy loss. Phase 2 was a national cross sectional survey of Australian health professionals. 𝗥𝗲𝘀𝘂𝗹𝘁𝘀 Participants demonstrated high adherence to the study protocol and supplementation. All couples carried MTHFR polymorphisms. Qualitative findings identified gaps in continuity of care and support following loss. Among 175 health professionals, most routinely prescribed FA, rarely included male partners, and reported a strong need for clinical guidance. 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝗰𝗹𝘂𝘀𝗶𝗼𝗻 This thesis provides novel feasibility data and contextual insights into the use of different folate forms in couples experiencing recurrent pregnancy loss. While clinical effectiveness cannot be inferred, the findings support the need for adequately powered trials evaluating folate form, dose, and metabolic context in RPL. Description: University of Technology Sydney. Faculty of Health. 2025-01-01T00:00:00Z http://hdl.handle.net/10453/197219 Title: Smart Pavement Materials with Integrated Functionalities: Sensing, Healing, Thermal Responsiveness, and Photocatalysis Authors: Deng, Zhizhong Abstract: Cement–asphalt pavements are widely used in modern transport infrastructure. Yet, their serviceability and durability are often compromised by surface cracking caused by heavy traffic loads, temperature fluctuations, and environmental degradation, particularly from urban vehicle emissions. This thesis addresses these challenges by developing and analysing multifunctional pavement materials that integrate four core functions: (1) self-sensing, (2) self-healing, (3) temperature regulation through thermochromic materials, and (4) photocatalytic air purification. The self-sensing function supports both Structural Health Monitoring (SHM) and Traffic Detection (TD). Conventional cementitious sensors typically incorporate conductive fillers such as carbon black (CB), carbon fibre (CF), or carbon nanotubes (CNTs) to alter electrical conductivity. However, their performance is often inconsistent and difficult to control. To overcome these limitations, this thesis systematically investigates the influence of pore structure, humidity, and ion concentration on piezoresistive behaviour. Additionally, the integration of self-healing and self-sensing functions was explored to enable real-time monitoring of micro-crack repair in cementitious composites, thereby enhancing long-term durability. The role of ion concentration in healing efficiency was also examined, offering new insights into optimising self-healing processes. Thermochromic (TC) materials were incorporated to mitigate pavement temperature fluctuations. While previous studies largely considered individual functions in isolation, this research demonstrates the cooperative effects of combining TC coatings with self-sensing composites. The results show that thermochromic coatings significantly reduce humidity loss, thereby enhancing piezoresistive performance while simultaneously lowering surface temperature. The photocatalytic function was investigated as a means of reducing traffic-related air pollutants. Although electron–hole recombination typically limits photocatalytic efficiency, this thesis demonstrates that multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs), when integrated as conductive fillers, act as effective electron acceptors. This mechanism improves charge separation and enhances photocatalytic activity. The synergy between self-sensing and photocatalytic functions was experimentally validated, underscoring the application potential of such multifunctional composites. This thesis develops and evaluates multifunctional pavement materials that integrate self-sensing, self-healing, thermochromic, and photocatalytic properties. Novel cementitious and asphalt-based composites incorporating carbon nanotubes and seawater were designed to enhance sustainability and resilience. Experimental programs investigated mechanical, electrical, and functional behaviours using advanced techniques, including CT scanning, NMR, and spectroscopy. The results demonstrate that carbon-based additives enable reliable piezoresistive sensing, seawater enhances chloride-binding capacity, and thermochromic coatings regulate surface temperature. Collectively, these findings establish new design strategies for smart pavements that improve structural monitoring, durability, and environmental performance. Description: University of Technology Sydney. Faculty of Engineering and Information Technology. 2026-01-01T00:00:00Z