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Operational Constraints of a Low-Power Superconducting Applied-Field Magnetoplasmadynamic Thruster in High Magnetic Fields
No full textNo description supplie
Tourette Syndrome VR Interactive Experience Based on Patient Interviews: A Study To Enhance Public Awareness
No full textTourette Syndrome (TS) is a neurodevelopmental disorder that has long been misunderstood by society, especially among adolescents. Traditional educational methods cannot effectively convey the inner experiences of individuals with TS and lack immersion. This study attempts to use virtual reality (VR) as a medium to construct a VR interactive experience that simulates the daily challenges of individuals with TS to enhance the public's understanding and empathy for TS.This study adopted a methodology that combines Research Through Design (RTD) and collaborative design (Co-Design), involving three individuals with TS in interviews. VR prototypes of three narrative scenes, “school”, “restaurant” and “clinic” were developed. The goal was to create a complete empathy path from third-person observation to first-person immersion and promote rational understanding through a multi-level progressive perspective.In the experimental phase, 16 public participants were recruited, and their changes in the four dimensions of TS knowledge, attitude, social distance and openness were evaluated through pre-test and post-test questionnaires. The results showed that all dimensions were significantly improved after the VR experience, and the effect was particularly prominent in social distance and knowledge understanding. Post-test feedback also showed that most participants recognized the effectiveness of VR experience in educational communication.This study preliminarily verified the application potential of VR in empathy education for TS, and provided a reference for future practice and promotion in actual scenarios such as classroom teaching, medical training, and public advocacy. </p
Nowhere to hide: Volcanic ash invasion of limestone caves in New Zealand
No full textAbstract
Limestone caves are commonly located close to volcanic regions and can preserve signals of past eruptions, providing crucial chronostratigraphic constraints within and beyond U-Th dating limits for karst development and cave evolution. Here we document five caves in the Waitomo karst region of New Zealand that contain volcanic ash (tephra) from the Taupō Volcanic Zone, a highly active region of silicic volcanism. The cave-hosted deposits are glassy due to their protection from weathering, with one example being poorly sorted and locally indurated where pyroclastic flows filled the cave. Other deposits are bedded and inferred to have been water remobilized into the caves from surficial ash deposits. Glass compositions indicate that tephras located in cave floors and roof cavities and on cave walls were sourced from four caldera-forming eruptions, the 1.55 Ma Ngaroma, 1 Ma Kidnappers, 349 ka Whakamaru, and ca. 50 ka Rotoiti events, plus a smaller-volume event from Taupō volcano at ca. 40 ka, highlighting the repeated impact of explosive eruptions on this region. Tephra studies in caves thus provide crucial information that can be used to constrain cave sediment and volcanic histories, vertebrate fossil chronologies, and cave system and landscape evolution
Photobleaching as a Radiation Damage Mitigation Technique for Optical Fiber Sensors in Extreme Environments
No full textModern day society demands energy at an alarming rate and if that energy is to be obtained from non-renewable sources, the impact on the climate and the planet will be devastating. We are in dire need of large-scale renewable energy sources that can cope with that demand. Nuclear fusion energy has been, for decades, one of the most promising candidates to become the energy of the future. However, due to its elevated technical and scientific complexity, there are still some challenges that need to be tackled down before it can be successfully implemented into the main grid. Most magnetic confinement nuclear devices rely on superconducting magnets to confine the plasma. But even High-Temperature superconductors (HTS) only show superconducting properties when they operate in cryogenic environments (below 77 K). Superconducting materials are susceptible to quenching, a phenomenon by which a localized temperature raise leads to a localized increase in the resistance (it ceases to be superconductor), which in turn, increases the temperature even further by Joule heating. This feedback loop can quickly create a vast increase in the overall resistance of the material and even lead to a fatal breakdown. Such event would cause elevated costs and disruptions in the supply and must be prevented. The first strategy to avoid superconducting quenching is to monitor the temperature closely so that, if a small temperature increase is detected, the current can be dumped safely before the thermal runaway occurs. But, in order to detect this, we need temperature sensors that can detect a small (1-5 K) temperature change very fast while the magnet is cryogenically cold. On top of that, the sensors must be able to withstand immense level of ionizing radiation and electromagnetic noise and provide a very fast response. Classical voltage-based sensors do not perform well under these harsh conditions but optical fiber sensors seem to be a promising candidate for the task.Optical fiber sensors can be used as distributed sensors to monitor the temperature all along the superconducting tape. They are immune to electromagnetic noise and work well in cryogenic environments. They can also provide a time response sufficiently fast for such demanding applications. However, ionizing radiation can cause a darkening of the optical fibers that can vastly reduce their transmission, to the point where they can not be used anymore. This phenomenon is called radiation-induced attenuation (RIA) and is the main obstacle towards the implementation of optical fibers in radiation-rich environments.Ionizing radiation creates and activates defects in the silica matrix of the optical fibers. These defects generate new optical absorption bands that cause an increase in the attenuation. Although RIA can grow to the order of thousands of dB/km, it can be mitigated by thermal or optical annealing. In both techniques, charged carriers trapped in the defects are supplied sufficient energy to jump to the conduction or valence bands and recombine naturally. In the case of thermal annealing, the energy is supplied by heating, whereas a source of light is used for the optical annealing (also known as photobleaching). The radiation tolerance of optical fibers can also be increased by tweaking the dopants in the fiber, as the composition of the optical fiber plays a crucial role in its response to radiation.In this work we study the RIA and photobleaching phenomena focusing on the effect of ionizing radiation at cryogenic temperature, which was one of the most unexplored areas in the field. We investigated the RIA dynamics under different conditions, with special focus on the relation between photobleaching efficiency and power of the photobleaching light. We investigated the RIA under neutron and X-ray irradiation at cryogenic temperatures and demonstrated the effectiveness of photobleaching as a radiation-mitigation technique in a variety of application-relevant environments. Different types of fibers (with different compositions) were also studied, including some radiation-resistant optical fibers. Finally, the effect of different wavelengths of photobleaching light were also investigated and a theoretical model was presented and validated against the experimental data. The model was also used to estimate the effect of other agents (not explored experimentally) in the RIA and photobleaching phenomena. The goal of this project was to study the radiation-induced attenuation of different optical fibers subjected to harsh conditions and fill a gap in the body of knowledge that could help assess the applicability of optical fiber sensors in environments involving high doses of ionizing radiation and low temperatures, as in space or nuclear fusion reactors. It was shown that, while low temperature can have a devastating impact on RIA, the photobleaching can be effectively used as a radiation-damage mitigation technique in all the cases we investigated. Combining photobleaching with optical fiber radiation-hardening techniques could quite possibly enable the use of optical fibers even in the extremely harsh conditions imposed by a nuclear fusion reactor. Optical fibers are, therefore, still a promising candidate for quench prevention applications in these type of environments.</p
The Impact of Trivialisation of Mental Illness on Seeking Diagnosis, Treatment, and Disclosure/Discussion in Young Women
No full textOver the past two decades, anti-stigma campaigns have successfully reduced public stigma associated with mental illness and increased awareness of these conditions. However, these efforts may have also contributed to the normalisation and trivialisation of mental illness, creating an additional barrier for young adults seeking help. Trivialisation where mental illness is minimised or downplayed—remains an underdeveloped area of research, particularly regarding its impact on help-seeking and disclosure among young adults. This thesis explored how the trivialisation of mental illness impacted young women’s experiences of help-seeking, diagnosis, and disclosure. A qualitative, social constructionist framework guided this research. Seven young women (aged 19–25) living in Aotearoa participated in semi-structured interviews conducted online or in person. Data was analysed using Reflexive Thematic Analysis, resulting in the creation of four themes; (i) The Nature of Trivialisation; (ii) Anger, Hurt and Acceptance – Immediate Reactions to Trivialisation; (iii) “It sticks with you” – The Lasting Impact of Trivialisation; and (iv) Improving Mental Health Support: Recommendations and Advice. Findings demonstrate the immediate and long-term impacts of trivialisation on young women’s perceptions of their mental illness, their willingness to disclose, and how they sought treatment and support. Many participants reported self-trivialising their mental illness, where they internalised the trivialising attitudes of others and minimised their own experiences. Additionally, trivialisation acted as a barrier to professional help-seeking, leading to self doubt, hopelessness, and a reluctance to seek help. This research has important implications for health professionals (particularly front-line mental health workers), mental health campaigners, and researchers. Trivialisation is a significant barrier that young adults with mental illness must navigate when seeking help and disclosing their condition. Addressing this requires greater awareness of trivialisation and its impacts, alongside changes in public attitudes and targeted mental health interventions.</p
Eco Ever After: A Web Guide for Creating a Ceremony to the Earth
No full textMany young adults in Aotearoa New Zealand are eager to see positive action in addressing the pressing sustainability challenges facing us today. As the urgency of our rapidly changing climate exacerbates our ever-growing estrangement from nature, it is critical to explore new pathways that empower individuals to take meaningful and lasting environmental action. Despite their collective awareness and enthusiasm, and despite existing pathways for sustainability-related engagement, individual commitment to environmental action remains elusive. While programmes, policies, and grassroots organisations encourage young adults to support sustainability initiatives, few succeed in offering experiences that resonate with young adults. Situated in a research-through-design (RtD) framework, this project applies critical design and design activism to explore new ways of fostering ecological mindsets in young adults. The question guiding this research is: How might design activism be applied to reinterpret wedding traditions to cultivate ecological mindfulness among young adults? Offering an emotionally resonant and imaginative alternative to conventional sustainability messaging, this project presents a model for future-building through reimagined rituals and symbols from contemporary wedding ceremonies. Combining a mixed-methods approach with a RtD framework, this study draws on literature from eco-psychology, marriage traditions, sustainable practices, and design activism, and incorporates insights from surveys and usability testing conducted with young adults in Aotearoa. These insights informed the iterative development of an accessible web guide that facilitates the creation of a personalised “commitment ceremony” to the Earth. By demonstrating the role of critical design in supporting design activism and fostering ecological mindfulness, this research contributes to the growing field of ‘design for social innovation.’ The research outcomes suggest that emotionally meaningful and creative reinterpretations of familiar traditions, when framed through a counter-narrative addressing a wicked problem, have the potential to motivate young adults toward cultivating ecological mindfulness.</p
Loop By Loop: Proposing a standardised modular garment system
No full textThe environmental impacts from the fashion industry continue to increase through textile waste, over consumption and low-quality materials that reduce the lifetime of a garment. These issues are heightened by an accelerating trend cycle, which gives wearers the constant stimulation and the desire for new. In response, designers and researchers are increasingly seeking sustainable alternatives. Zhang et al. (2024) highlight the potential of modular fashion as one approach. They suggest that further research is required to investigate how garments can be modularised effectively. The development of interfaces, design frameworks and collaborative relationships across the industry is required. This research proposes a process to develop a standardised modular garment system as an attempt to extend the wearability of a garment while reducing the garments environmental impact. Focusing on user-centred design and sustainable practices, this research explores how modularity can foster adaptability, self-expression, creativity, and the reduction of textile waste. Through background research, iterative prototyping and two phases of user testing, a loop connection system was developed to allow for the construction and deconstruction of garment modules. The outcome consists of a proposed connection system, a bodice anchor and 4 interchangeable module pairs. All of which are contributing to the overall versatility of the garment. An additional outcome is the iterative user-centred development process itself. This process suggests that collaboration can lead to garments that more effectively meet wearers needs. While the number of possible combinations is theoretically open-ended, the system allows for at least 90 distinct variations. This research contributes to the ongoing development of modular garment systems and proposes a collaborative process for developing a user-centred modular connection system.</p
Greywacke Fault Zone Elastic Properties: Field and Laboratory Constraints
No full textStraddling the Australian-Pacific plate boundary, New Zealand has high rates of tectonic deformation. This deformation produces earthquakes on faults in the brittle upper crust. Within New Zealand, faults are most commonly located in greywacke bedrock, low-grade metamorphosed sandstone and siltstone rocks that comprise the Torlesse Supergroup. In this study, mapping was performed in the Central Southern Alps on the Liebig and Ostler-Great Groove faults, and samples of Rakaia Terrane sandstone, siltstone, and cataclasite rocks were collected for geophysical characterisation. Combined with previously collected Rakaia Terrane greywacke samples, a set of 67 samples were studied. Samples were classified as representative of three phases of the seismic cycle: the intact pre-seismic, fractured coseismic and post-seismic, and mineral sealed interseismic. Elastic wave speeds for the samples were measured using a bench top ultrasonic oscilloscope at room temperature and atmospheric pressure. Results show that intact sandstone has a Vp of 5.37 ± 0.07 km/s and a Vs of 3.26 ± 0.04 km/s, while intact siltstone has a Vp of 5.34 ± 0.10 km/s and a Vs of 3.13 ± 0.08 km/s. Fractured sandstone has a Vp of 4.40 ± 0.16 km/s and a Vs of 2.71 ±0.08 km/s, fractured siltstone has a Vp of 4.73 ± 0.14 km/s and a Vs of 2.73 ± 0.07 km/s and cataclasite has a Vp of 4.59 ± 0.16 km/s and a Vs of 2.80 ± 0.11 km/s. Sealed sandstone has a Vp of 5.26 ± 0.06 and Vs of 3.17 ± 0.02 km/s, while siltstone has a Vp of 5.35 ± 0.04 km/s and a Vs of 3.09 ± 0.05 km/s. Five samples showed intrinsic P-wave anisotropy of 16% to 33% and S-wave anisotropy of 9% to 17%. Laboratory measurements of P- and S-wave velocities, combined with grain densities and porosities determined using a nitrogen pycnometer and the water submersion method, were used to calculate the elastic moduli. Comparing elastic moduli across three phases of the seismic cycle reveals important trends. Intact samples, indicative of preseismic rocks that have not experienced brittle deformation, have a bulk modulus of 39.4 ± 3.82 GPa and shear modulus of 26.43 ± 1.5 GPa. Fractured rocks, having experienced brittle coseismic deformation, exhibit a reduction in elastic moduli, with a bulk modulus of 28.7 ± 6.78 GPa and shear modulus of 19.37 ± 3.07 GPa. Interseismically, when vein-forming minerals precipitate, sealing open fractures, the elastic moduli increase to intact values. Sealed rocks have a bulk modulus of 39.03 ± 3.72 GPa and shear modulus of 27.73 ± 2.08 GPa. Using the elastic wave velocity and density results, three numerical models were constructed to calculate the seismic anisotropy exhibited by: (1) vertically dipping isotropic layers of intact sandstone and siltstone; (2) vertically dipping intact sandstone interlayered with sandstone layers containing randomly oriented fractures; and (3) a vertically dipping simulated fault zone comprising a central fault core composed of sandstone containing randomly oriented fractures surrounded on both sides by layers of sealed sandstone and intact sandstone Model results show that alternating sandstone and siltstone layers produce minimal anisotropy (0.01%). In contrast, alternating layers of intact and fractured rock exhibit a 2.5% P-wave anisotropy and a 2.2% S-wave anisotropy. The fault zone model produces a maximum P-wave anisotropy of 17.3% and a S-wave anisotropy of 9.5%.This study highlights the roles that seismic cycle processes, specifically coseismic fracturing and interseismic sealing through mineral precipitation from fluids, play in controlling greywacke sandstone and siltstone elastic moduli. The findings also have implications for the interpretation of geophysical data, showing that fractured rocks interlayered with intact and/or sealed rocks can produce seismic wave anisotropy. Moreover, the work underscores the importance of integrating field and laboratory research to understand rock properties and their applications.</p
Tip-Over Detection and Avoidance of Wheeled Mobile Robots in Unknown Uneven Environments
No full textWheeled mobile robots (WMRs) have become indispensable in industries such as agriculture, manufacturing, defence, and planetary exploration. While they perform reliably on flat and structured surfaces, their operation in unknown and uneven terrains presents significant challenges. Among these challenges, tip-over hazards pose critical risks, potentially causing mission failures and damage to the robot. This research addresses the limitations of existing methods for tip-over detection and avoidance of robots, by proposing a comprehensive framework that combines practical solutions to enhance the stability of four-wheeled mobile robots (FWMRs) navigating unstructured terrains.A review of the existing static measures reveals that Force-Angle Stability Margin (FASM), Tip-Over Moment (TOM) and Moment Height Stability (MHS) prove useful, however, they fail to capture the full range of dynamic effects and terrain interactions relevant to FWMRs in rugged terrains. Moreover, the practical accurate estimation of the stability measures in unknown environments remains unsolved, whereas tip-over avoidance in these environments remains an open problem.With the above research gaps in focus, a novel stability measure--Acceleration Angle Tip-Over Measure (AATOM) is proposed, comprehensively considering all the dynamic factors leading to a tip-over specific to FWRMs. Unlike existing methods, this measure quantitatively evaluates tip-over stability, expressed in actionable terms suitable for real-time control systems. The measure is also extended to the unstable region, where a measure of the control actions for recovery (AATOM--R) from an ongoing tip-over is developed.To support the practical development of the proposed stability measure, two complementary models are developed. The first is a physics-based model using interoceptive sensors to estimate forces and moments acting on the robot. The second is a deep learning-based predictive model that uses interoceptive sensor data to forecast and estimate the support polygon of the robot. By combining these models, the overall system achieves real-time tip-over stability estimation, even in the absence of prior knowledge about the terrain.To effectively avoid tip-overs in harsh unknown environments where there is no map of the terrain, a deep-learning-based stability predictor is developed using the past data acquired by interoceptive sensors. Building on these predictive capabilities, a control strategy is designed to mitigate tip-over risks by adjusting robot trajectories and velocities. In the event of an unpredictable sudden tip-over or an unavoidable tip-over from local trajectory adjustments, the control algorithm uses the recovery measure developed in this thesis to recover from the ongoing tip-over. The integration of this control system into a manually operated FWMR demonstrates its effectiveness in real-world scenarios, significantly reducing tip-over incidents.In summary, this work presents a practical implementation of the framework on a skid-steering FWMR equipped with interoceptive sensors. Experimental evaluations validate the system's ability to operate autonomously in unknown environments while maintaining stability. The results highlight the adaptability of the proposed overall approach, where safety and reliability are critical in challenging terrains.</p
Pan-Nationalist Influences on Literary Croatian and Norwegian Bokmål: Two Case Studies Showing Contingency in Nationalism
No full textLanguage planners espousing pan-nationalism influenced the orthography of standard literary Croatian and Norwegian Bokmål. Specifically, ‘Slovak’ intellectuals Jan Herkel and Jan Kollár influenced the Croatian orthography of Ljudovit Gaj, and ‘Danish’ intellectuals Rasmus Rask and N. M. Petersen influenced Knud Knudsen's Bokmål. Slovaks and Danes influenced Croatian and Norwegian orthography because Croats and Norwegians imagined the ‘national language’ in pan-national terms: Slovaks participated as fellow Slavs, and Danes as fellow Norwegians. The influence of pan-nationalism helps problematize teleological narratives of ‘national awakening’, since the emergence of the ‘Croatian’ and ‘Norwegian’ literary languages cannot be analysed solely in terms of Croatian or Norwegian nationalism
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