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Ordered phases in ternary wurtzite group-III nitrides: A first-principles study
No full textA first-principles-based lattice model is applied to investigate the ordered phases of mixed group-III nitride ternary alloys. The model surveys the atomistic configurations with the lowest formation enthalpy for a wide range of compositions. We found novel ordered phases in wurtzite structures having specific compositions of three- and four-sevenths molar fractions of group-III cations. The configurations of group–III atoms on cation sites in those phases consist of a characteristic fragment of the ordered phases of one-third and one-half ordered phases that were previously reported. The simulation results indicate that group-III cations in ternary nitrides follow spatial positioning “atomistic distancing rules” that can be described by the pairwise interaction energy of group-III cations to realize the stabilities of the ordered structures. To minimize the formation enthalpy of a mixed crystal, the minor B, Al, Ga, and In atoms on cation sites remain neither too close to nor too distant from each other, allowing those ordered phases to be realized
Mapping island information ecosystems: Exploring the role of the ‘Bōsai Musen’ emergency and disaster broadcasting system in the everyday life of Amami islands
No full textBōsai Musen (BM) is part of Japan’s extensive disaster and emergency broadcasting system. This article, based on ethnographic research that sought to map the communicative ecology of the Amami Islands, focuses on the use of Bōsai Musen and its integration in the islands' information ecosystem in the form of convivial technology that reflects resiliency and agency. Many remote island communities still rely heavily on this system to get information not only about weather emergencies but also vital community related news. Most island communities have either a loudspeaker mounted on a tall pole in a central location, or a device installed in individual homes or a combination of both. The degree of access, frequency of use, amount and type of information and engagement with it, as well as their technology status (digital or analogue, single or multichannel, varies significantly depending on t the communicative ecology of an individual island or community. What has emerged from this research is a system that is well integrated into the everyday life of some Amami island communities and forms an integral part not only of their disaster and emergency information ecosystem but overall communicative ecology. The article also presents a more integrated approach to mapping island information ecosystems.
Note: this research is not concerned with the technical aspects of BM or its role in disaster prevention but its ‘softer’ role in the wider communicative ecology of the islands
The making of a professional: Insights from four decades within vocational education
No full textThis study delves into the complex construction of professional identity among professional administrative staff within New Zealand’s vocational education sector, marking a significant contribution to the discourse on professional identity in this context.
Since the beginning of the 21st century, research into the professional identity of staff within higher education has emerged, predominantly within university settings or focusing on leadership roles. However, there has been a lack of research specifically addressing the special character of vocational education in New Zealand.
Originating from my personal experiences, observations, and reflections on my work identity and the factors and environments that have influenced both my own identity and those of others, this study draws upon my time working in the New Zealand vocational education sector from 1979 to 2024. It combines my journey with the stories of eighteen participants and insights from three eminent practitioners, employing a methodological mix of autoethnography, narrative inquiry, and qualitative description. This approach sheds light on the intricate interaction between individual experiences and the broader institutional, societal, and political forces that shape professional identity.
The findings introduce new knowledge and perspectives to the conversation about professional identity construction within higher education. The study highlights the critical themes of the importance of nomenclature, the influence of professional space, self-perception, shaped through the foundational influences of family and whānau, and the crucial roles of leadership and professional networks in shaping identity. These themes reveal the complex interplay between individual and collective identity narratives, particularly within the unique context of vocational education in the New Zealand higher education sector.
At this pivotal moment for vocational education, this study provides practical implications for practice and policy. By enhancing the understanding and cultivation of professional identity among non-teaching staff, a heightened sense of professional identity not only enriches the professional lives of staff but also strengthens their commitment and engagement, thereby contributing to the delivery of applied vocational education relevant to the workplace of the 21st century
Namaste Aotearoa!: Bridging community through culture
No full textRESEARCH QUESTION
How can architecture help to unite the Indian community in Aotearoa?
ABSTRACT
Art is a way to connect with people. For centuries, art and its explicit forms have been influenced by the culture that helps people unite and form a community. India is a diverse nation with people from all different aspects of society who form numerous communities.
When people settle in a different country, they try to find solace in their respective neighbourhoods, creating a gap between all the communities and jeopardising the heritage of the Indian community at large. This project attempts to help the different Indian communities unite through art.
Auckland is often described as a melting pot of cultures due to the many ethnicities found here. The cultural characteristic of Auckland is that it is a blend of art, food, festivals, music, and theatre. With the rapid growth of urbanisation in the past decade, spaces need to be allotted for various entertainment practices. These spaces serve as gathering spots for the respective communities to enjoy traditional activities and preserve their culture.
This research explores the idea of designing an Indian-themed performance art centre, aiming to create a space that celebrates Indian culture while engaging with the urban fabric of this city. This can be achieved by blending traditional Indian architectural elements and concepts with contemporary design principles to reminisce the rich culture of India.
By placing together traditional and modern parameters, this art precinct acts as a bridge, providing a dynamic and lively venue that not only supports artistic expressions but also strengthens the bond between diverse Indian communities and the broader Auckland community.
The research contributes to the discourse of how art and culture can be adapted and represented in modern architectural practice, offering spaces for people and enthusiasts to know more about the culture and heritage of their country and to entertain them through performing art. The overall objective is achieved by collaborating with people of diverse backgrounds in a foreign country to celebrate their culture and to be a part of the Indian community.
SITE: Cross Street, which branches off K-Road, Auckland, New Zealan
Real time traffic classification and volume count using automated image processing
No full textOBJECTIVE
Implement a system able to detect the movement, classification, and number of vehicles through analysing fixed camera video footage with the help of image processing techniques.
• Classifies vehicles into three categories
• Uses adaptive approach with Python and OpenCV, implementing Gaussian Mixture Model technique
• Validates with real traffic camera footag
Unveiling forecasting potential: ARIMA vs. LSTM for NZX50 Index time series analysis
No full textPURPOSE
The purpose of this presentation is to evaluate the forecasting effectiveness of the ARIMA model (a statistical approach) in comparison to the LSTM model (an advanced Machine Learning and Deep Learning technique
Assessing the efficacy and safety of STOP (successful treatment for paranoia)—an app‑based cognitive bias modification therapy for paranoia: A randomised clinical trial protocol
No full textBackground
Paranoia, the belief that you are at risk of significant physical or emotional harm from others, is a common difficulty, which causes significant distress and impairment to daily functioning, including in psychosis-spectrum disorders. According to cognitive models of psychosis, paranoia may be partly maintained by cognitive processes, including interpretation biases. Cognitive bias modification for paranoia (CBM-pa) is an intervention targeting the bias towards interpreting ambiguous social scenarios in a way that is personally threatening. This study aims to test the efficacy and safety of a mobile app version of CBM-pa, called STOP (successful treatment of paranoia).
Methods
The STOP study is a double-blind, superiority, three-arm randomised controlled trial (RCT). People are eligible for the trial if they experience persistent, distressing paranoia, as assessed by the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scales, and show evidence of an interpretation bias towards threat on standardised assessments. Participants are randomised to either STOP (two groups: 6- or 12-session dose) or text-reading control (12 sessions). Treatment as usual will continue for all participants. Sessions are completed weekly and last around 40 min. STOP is completely self-administered with no therapist assistance. STOP involves reading ambiguous social scenarios, all of which could be interpreted in a paranoid way. In each scenario, participants are prompted to consider more helpful alternatives by completing a word and answering a question. Participants are assessed at baseline, after each session, and at 6, 12, 18 and 24 weeks post-randomisation. The primary outcome is the self-reported severity of paranoid symptoms at 24 weeks, measured using the Paranoia Scale. The target sample size is 273 which is powered to detect a 15% symptom reduction on the primary outcome. The secondary outcomes are standardized measures of depression, anxiety and recovery and measures of interpretation bias. Safety is a primary outcome and measured by the Negative Effects Questionnaire and a checklist of adverse events completed fortnightly with researchers. The trial is conducted with the help of a Lived Experience Advisory Panel.
Discussion
This study will assess STOP’s efficacy and safety. STOP has the potential to be an accessible intervention to complement other treatments for any conditions that involve significant paranoia
Precision pest control using purpose-built uncrewed aerial system (UAS) technology and a novel bait pod system.
No full textControlling invasive species is imperative due to their significant roles in spreading diseases, preying on threatened species, and diminishing biodiversity. Crewed aircraft are proficient at dispersing toxic bait across vast expanses to combat small pest mammals such as possums and rats. However, their utility diminishes significantly in small, remote areas typified by rugged terrain due to impracticality and prohibitive costs. Similarly, while ground control operations are effective in compact, easily reachable locations, they encounter formidable obstacles like costly labour expenses, safety hazards, and the peril of worker injuries while navigating treacherous landscapes. An innovative approach to address these limitations is to use uncrewed aerial systems that are unhampered by the terrain to deploy bait at precise locations. Our team engineered a purpose-built system designed specifically for deploying bait using innovative bait pods. Two field trials were conducted in New Zealand to validate our systems’ efficacy, assessing deployment precision and accuracy against predefined ground targets. While the initial trial yielded mixed results, significant improvements were observed in the subsequent trial, featuring enhancements to the bait pod design. The median deployment accuracy achieved was 1.91 m from the target (n = 63), with no statistically significant difference in deployment accuracy between open and forested areas (p = 0.76). This advanced system permits the precise placement of bait pods to any location, facilitating effective pest control within complex landscapes, challenging terrain, and dense vegetation. With its smart functionality and adaptability, this system can be utilised across various aircraft and autopilot systems to ensure maximum accuracy and efficiency in delivering bait pods for pest control operations. Therefore, this innovative tool possesses tremendous potential for managing small mammalian invasive species, particularly in specialised environments such as reserves, gullies, and islands, complementing existing pest control strategies to expedite the restoration of ecosystems and safeguard biodiversity
Introduction: Island cultures and festivals - a creative ecosystem
No full textONE FEATURE OF HUMAN EXISTENCE IS THE PARADOX of inclusivity inside exclusivity or even cohesion inside isolation as part of the character of geo-culturally specific phenomena such as islands. Islands are bounded yet, more often than not, unbounded by the movement across their multiple borders. They are also often vulnerable, with the task of constantly considering and planning for sustainable outcomes. Among the disciplinary configurations that seek to engage these geo-cultural phenomena, it is well acknowledged that island studies has developed into an established, interdisciplinary research field (Shima Editorial Board 2007), one that has attempted to grapple with existential questions around sustainability and resilience as well as geopolitics and economics. However, specific research and comparative analysis of island cultures within a field that identifies itself as Island Studies is a more recent phenomenon. For Grydehøj (2017, 3), the former editor of the Island Studies Journal, it is “important that island studies not only continue deepening its internal theoretical understandings but also reach out to other fields and regions that have received limited attention within island studies
