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Visualising state biographical narratives: A rhetorical analysis of Chinese and North Korean propaganda photographs
Get PDFBiographical narratives generate a continuous sense of political community across the state’s past, present and future, and provide the state with ontological security. Building on growing International Relations scholarship that highlights the power of visuals in shaping global politics, our article proposes visual rhetorical analysis as a tool to interrogate how governments employ images to tell their biographical narratives. The rhetorical approach transcends the methodological divide in the current ‘visual turn’ literature between the cognitive psychological and poststructuralist perspectives. We illustrate the analytical value of the rhetorical approach through an empirical study of how the totalitarian regimes of China and North Korea communicate their biographical narratives – the ‘rightful great power’ narrative and the ‘family state’ narrative, respectively – through propaganda imagery of their leaders. To this end, we develop a close semiotic reading of selected photographs of Xi Jinping and Kim Jong-un in different narrative settings
Essays on income distribution: Special reference to pay inequality, labour share and income inequality
Get PDFThis thesis comprises three essays on important areas of income distribution: pay inequality, labour share, and income inequality. The primary objective of this research is to enhance our understanding of the factors influencing or the consequences associated with these three domains. The first two essays in this thesis focus on firm-level income distribution by investigating the determinants and impacts of pay inequality and labour share within firms. The third essay gives attention to the determinants of income inequality at the macro-level.
The first essay investigates the relationship between CEO-employee pay inequality and employee performance. Existing empirical studies are inconsistent about the directionality of the effect. However, this study argues that seemingly contradictory predictions about the linkage between pay inequality and employee performance are more complementary than contradictory. Using a sample of Australian firms, this study estimates expected pay inequality according to CEOs’ and employee skills, company characteristics, and the labour market. Consistent with our expectation, our result shows that pay inequality is positively associated with CEOs’ skills while negatively related to employee skills, employee outside opportunities and corporate governance effectiveness. We then assess the impact of pay inequality on employee performance. Our results show that pay inequality explained by individuals’ skills, company characteristics, and the labour market is positively associated with employee performance. This positive impact on employee performance declines at high levels of such explained pay inequality. However, pay inequality unexplained by those factors has a negative impact on employee performance. In general, this study has managerial implications for designing compensation structures across hierarchical levels within a firm to motivate employees and enhance their performance.
The second essay examines the drivers of labour share and its relationship with personal income distribution. Recent decades in Australia have seen a fall in labour share and a rise in income inequality, resulting in a growing number of empirical studies attempting to explain these trends and their relationship. However, most studies rely heavily on country or industry aggregate macro data and downplay the importance of firm-level data. Using panel data for Australian listed firms between 2004 and 2019, we first examine the impact of technological progress, product market power and labour market power on firm labour share. The results show that the decline in Australian labour share is mainly driven by technological progress and increasing product market power. However, labour market power does not have a significant impact on labour share. Further analysis shows that technological progress is not a significant driver of labour share in firms with highly skilled employees or those firms that are less capital-intensive. Technological progress and product market power have a more considerable negative impact on labour share in firms with a higher level of external funds. This study also examines the impact of within-firm labour share on pay inequality between CEOs and employees. It finds that declining labour share is a significant factor in the evolution of pay inequality. Moreover, a 10% decline in labour share increases pay inequality by 4.19%. Additional tests show that the significant determinants of labour share, technological progress, and product market power can moderate the negative impact of labour share on pay inequality. We find that labour share has a larger negative impact on pay inequality in firms with lower technological productivity and higher product market power. Overall, this study extends the current literature by documenting firm-level drivers of labour share in Australia, covering all sectors, and providing novel firm-level evidence on the relationship between labour share and pay inequality.
Turning to our analysis of income distribution at the macro-level, the third essay explores the impact of financial development on income inequality. Despite the development of the financial system, income inequality has risen in many countries since the 1980s. This has led to a debate about whether financial development comes at the cost of income inequality. Despite the increasing academic focus on this subject, the income distributional impact of financial development remains unsolved. This study argues that a country’s openness to international trade and capital flows may affect the nexus between financial development and income inequality. Using a panel of 71 developing and developed countries for 1994–2017, our empirical results suggest that in an economy relatively closed to the world financial or goods markets, growing financial development does not significantly influence income inequality. However, if an economy is relatively open to the world financial and goods markets, inequality within the domestic economy increases as its financial markets develop. This finding is consistent across different econometric methods, subsamples and interaction analyses, and distinct financial development indicators. Overall, the evidence of the pro-inequality impact of financial development in open countries informs policymakers about the importance of redistribution policies in countries with a higher degree of openness
Germanium hydride derivatives of transition metal carbonyls
Get PDFCompounds of the type Fe(CO)₄(GeR₃)₂ containing two different methylgermyl substituents have been prepared and characterised. The preparation was via the exchange reaction
Fe(CO)₄(GeR₃)₂ + [Mn(CO)₅]⁻ → [Fe(CO)₄(GeR₃)]⁻ + Mn(CO)₅(GeR₃)
[Fe(CO)₄(GeR₃)]⁻ + GeXR’₃ → Fe(CO)₄(GeR₃)(GeR’₃)
The compounds characterised were Fe(CO)₄(GeMeH₂) (GeH₃) Fe(CO)₄(GeMe₂H) (GeH₃), Fe(CO)₄ (GeMe₂H) (GeMeH₂), Fe(CO)₄(GeMe₃) (GeH₃) Fe(CO)₄(GeMe₃)(GeMeH₂) and Fe(CO)₄(GeMe₃)(GeMe₂H). Of these, the species Fe(CO)₄(GeMeH₂) (GeH₃) were characterised fully by infrared, proton nmr and mass spectroscopic studies.
The self-reaction
2Fe(CO)₄(GeR₃)₂ → [Fe(CO)₄(GeR₂)]₂ + 2GeR₄
has also been examined in some detail. The methylgermane was eliminated in preference to GeH₄ and species of the type [Fe(CO)₄(GeH₃)]₂-GeR₂ were also identified in two cases.
Halogenation of Fe(CO)₄(GeMeH₃) (GeH₃) and Fe(CO)₄(GeMe₂H) (GeH3) was followed by ¹H nmr studies. CCℓ₄ results in the substitution of Ge-H, while HCℓ cleaves Fe-Ge bonds.
While Fe(CO)₄(GeMe₂H) (GeMeH₂), Fe(CO)₄(GeMe₃) (GeMeH₂) and Fe(CO)₄(GeMe₃) (GeMe₂H) have been prepared, spectroscopic identification of these species is rather tenuous as these samples were found always to be contaminated with either the symmetrically substituted species Fe(CO)₄(GeR₃)₂ and/or products from the self-reaction.
Mn(CO)₅(GeR₃) species obtained in the above syntheses react with Co₂(CO)₈ to yield the species [Co₃ (CO)₉][Mn(CO)₅]Ge, [Co₂(CO)₇[Mn(CO)₅]GeMe and possibly [Co(CO)₄][Mn(CO)₅]GeMe₂.
These species were characterised by their infrared and mass spectroscopic properties
Effect of Mn on the Properties of Powder Metallurgy Ti-2.5Al-xMn Alloys.
Get PDFTitanium alloys are the ideal material for a wide range of structural applications, but their high cost compared to other metals hinders their adoption. Powder metallurgy and cheap alloying elements can be used to create new Ti alloys. In this study, the simultaneous addition of Al and Mn is considered to manufacture and characterise ternary Ti-2.5Al-Mn alloys obtained via pressing and sintering by varying the Mn content (1-10 wt.%). It is found that the addition of the alloying elements reduces compressibility. Consequently, the amount of porosity increases (8.5 → 10.8%) with the amount of Mn as the alloys were processed under the same conditions. The progressive addition of Mn refines the classical lamellar microstructure and, eventually, transforms it into an equiaxed β-grain structure with acicular α grains. The microstructural changes lead to continuous increases in strength (ultimate tensile strength: 694 → 851 MPa) and hardness (225 → 325 HV30) with an associated loss of ductility (elongation to failure: 13.9 → 1.0%). However, the obtained ternary Ti-2.5Al-Mn alloys have similar or better overall mechanical behaviour than most of the binary Ti-Mn alloys obtained through a variety of manufacturing methods
Patterns of Continuous & Discontinuous Quantification in the Oceanic languages: A study of the languages of Malekula
Get PDFIn this presentation, Paperno and Keenan's (2017) study on universal quantifiers in a sample of world languages is discussed. The research reveals that all the languages examined have at least one universal quantifier meaning 'all,' functioning as nominal modifiers primarily positioned continuously within the noun phrase. However, some languages, such as Neverver and Tepërav, display discontinuous quantification where the quantifiers occur in the predicate rather than within the noun phrase.
The focus of the presentation is on the forms and functions of universal quantification in the languages of Malekula. Specifically, the study investigates the distinct forms of continuous and discontinuous quantifiers in Neverver and Tepërav, indicating no evidence of a common ancestor for their morphology. The presentation also emphasizes the functional aspect of discontinuous quantification, which is strictly assigned to absolutive S/O noun phrases, while A-function nominals or non-core arguments do not show this phenomenon.
Throughout the presentation, a comparative analysis is made with related languages as part of a larger study of continuous and discontinuous quantification in Oceanic. Particularly, the researchers look at Polynesian languages where *katoa is reconstructed as the Proto-Polynesian quantifier for 'all, whole' (Greenhill & Clark 2011).
In conclusion, this presentation sheds light on the intricate forms and functional aspects of universal quantification in the languages of Malekula, contributing to the broader understanding of quantifiers in linguistic research
Do‐it‐yourself continuous glucose monitoring in people aged 16 to 69 years with type 1 diabetes: A qualitative study
Get PDFAims: In many countries, real-time continuous glucose monitoring (rt- CGM) is not funded, and cost presents a barrier to access. A do-it-yourself conversion of intermittently scanned CGM (DIY- CGM) is a cheaper alternative. This qualitative study aimed to explore user experiences with DIY- CGM in people aged 16 to 69 years with type 1 diabetes (T1D).
Methods: Convenience sampling was used to recruit participants for semi-structured virtual interviews exploring experiences of DIY- CGM use. Participants were recruited after completing the intervention arm of a crossover randomised controlled trial that evaluated DIY- CGM versus intermittently scanned CGM (isCGM). Participants were previously naive to DIY- CGM and rt- CGM but not isCGM. The DIY- CGM intervention consisted of a Bluetooth bridge connected to isCGM, adding rt- CGM functionality over 8 weeks. Interviews were transcribed, then thematic analysis was performed.
Results: Interviews were with 12 people aged 16 to 65 years, with T1D: mean age ± SD 43 ±14 years; baseline mean HbA1c ± SD 60 mmol/mol ± 9.9 (7.6 ± 0.9%) and time in range 59.8% ± 14.8%. Participants perceived that using DIY- CGM improved both glycaemic control and aspects of quality of life. Alarm and trend functionality allowed participants to perceive reduced glycaemic variability overnight and following meals. The addition of a smartwatch increased discrete access to glucose information. There was a high degree of trust in DIY- CGM. Challenges while using DIY- CGM included signal loss during vigorous exercise, alarm fatigue and short battery life.
Conclusions: This study suggests that for users, DIY- CGM appears to be an acceptable alternative method of rt- CGM
A Geografia Mais Íntima: O Corpo
Get PDFEl cuerpo como lugar, se centra en la geografía del cuerpo como un lugar colonizado, moldeado por el poder pero, que a su vez, ofrece resistencia. Es un espacio socialmente construido donde se toma al cuer-po como lugar, como primer territorio a ser defendido, sobre todo en el contexto brasileño, según Joseli Maria Silva, Marcio Jose Ornat y Alides Baptista Chimin Junior, en el cual se analizan las Expedições sobre corpos na geografia brasileira: trilhas equivocadas e rumos encontrados. También, seguido por el entramado de relaciones de poder que operan en diferentes escalas, ello es planteado por los autores Lynda Johnston y Robyn Longhurst, en su texto A Geografia mais íntima: o corpo.
El cuerpo como lugar, focuses on the geography of the body as a colonised place, shaped by power, but which in turn offers resistance. It is a socially constructed space where the body is taken as a place, as the first territory to be defended, especially in the Brazilian context, according to Joseli Maria Silva, Marcio Jose Ornat and Alides Baptista Chimin Junior, in which the Expeditions on bodies in Brazilian geography are analysed: mistaken trails and directions found. Also, followed by the entanglement of power relations that operate at different scales, this is put forward by the authors Lynda Johnston and Robyn Longhurst, in their text The most intimate geography: the body - Translated with DeepL
Vegetational change along an altitudinal gradient, Mount Egmont, New Zealand
Get PDFA direct gradient analysis was conducted on Mt Egmont, New Zealand, firstly to examine quantitatively changes in composition, physiognomy and structure of the vegetation along the altitudinal gradient in order to investigate the accepted notions of vegetation zonation, and secondly to relate such an analysis to other New Zealand gradient analyses and to the two views on vegetation description and analysis, the continuum view and the discrete community (association) view.
Vegetation data was collected at altitudinally defined sites on five major ridges on Mt Egmont; North Egmont (Blundell’s Track, Ngatoro Track and the Razorback), York Road Track Ridge, Stratford (Summit Road), Dawson Falls (Summit Track), and Lake Dive Track Ridge. The data collected on the York Road Track Ridge provided the basis for describing altitudinal change while the remainder was used to examine in detail the tree-shrub and shrub-tussock interfaces.
Sample size (quadrat and line transect) was determined after minimal area checks to ensure that a representative combination of species was sampled at each site. Data from a total of sixty plots was collected and preliminary analysis, including graphing of the major species distributions and calculation of similarity matrices to compare quadrats, revealed a tendency toward discontinuity in species distributions. This allowed a classificatory rather than ordinatory strategy of data analysis to be followed. Cluster analyses based on statistical tests of species association were used to determine "natural" groupings of positively associated species and qualitative and quantitative classifications of samples were used to define vegetation zones or groupings at specific similarity index levels.
Tree-shrub interfaces and tussock-shrub interfaces were compared on the basis of species complement, the degree of floristic, physiognomic and structural discontinuity in the vegetation, and differences in species interaction at each of the locations.
The effects of data amalgamation, altitudinal interval employed, altitudinal range encountered, and classificatory versus ordinatory techniques, on the conclusions drawn were examined.
Graphing of species distributions, cluster analyses, and classifications supported in part previously described zonation patterns but enabled a refinement of the generally accepted notions of vegetation zonation on Mt Egmont. In contrast to previous research the vegetation zones identified have a quantitative and objective basis.
Comparison of the results with those of other New Zealand gradient analyses enabled elucidation of several major species distributions and species interactions because of the unique species complement found on Mt Egmont.
Comparison of different data collection and manipulation techniques indicated that decisions made may cause data to conform to one or other of the two major approaches (continuum or discrete community types) to vegetation description and analysis.
The study of the tree-shrub interfaces and shrub-tussock interfaces showed that the vegetation on Mt Egmont exhibits a spectrum of species distributions ranging from continua through to discontinuities at different locations and specific examples of each are described. Possible explanations advanced include differences in species complement and species interaction, the non-equivalence of the altitudinal gradient at different locations, and differences in environmental factors including slope and aspect
Silent no more: Servant voices in Jane Eyre and Wuthering Heights
Get PDFThe names Catherine Earnshaw and Jane Eyre are synonymous with the narratives of which they are the heroine. Yet, under the presence of these well-known characters sit others who are less immediately recognisable, but nevertheless vital, the invisible and silent servants. The names Bessie, Hannah, and Zillah are relatively unknown, even to avid readers of Charlotte Brontë's Jane Eyre and Emily Brontë's Wuthering Heights. Yet these servants are given a name and a voice by their creators, and they play small, but significant roles in the novels. Other servant figures, particularly Grace Poole and Nelly Dean, are even more prominent, shaping events, keeping secrets, and speaking truths. In spite of this, these servants are rarely seen and heard in critical commentary, pushed aside by the characters that take centre stage of the novels.
The intention of this thesis is to find and highlight the voices of this seemingly neglected group of servants. Focusing on two novels published in 1847, Charlotte Brontë’s Jane Eyre and Emily Brontë’s Wuthering Heights, I argue that the Brontë novels are radical in the depiction of servant voice and representation when compared to most nineteenth century fiction. In the Brontë novels that lie at the heart of this thesis, servants escape from the boundaries of the typical Victorian novel and become characters with opinions, voices, and influence. This is part of the wider rhetoric of each novel, with Jane Eyre focusing on questions of servitude and independence through the title character’s battles with a series of tyrants and Wuthering Heights featuring a cycle of rises and falls from master to servant. Drawing on the reality of servant life during this period and using archive material and critical scholarship, this thesis endeavours to foreground both the servant characters in these novels and the wider debates about freedom and slavery, autonomy and obedience, interior life and public role. The silent servants deserve a focused examination of their voice and this work will bring that voice into the spotlight
Dwelling in the city: A qualitative exploration of the human-nature relationship in three types of urban greenspace
No full textThe combination of increasing numbers of people in cities, coupled with decreasing levels of biodiversity, is hypothesised to result in the extinction of experience, or the continued disintegration of the human relationship with the natural world. We use the concepts of sense of place and dwelling to investigate the human relationship with nature in cities by considering the emotional connections between people and places. We conducted ‘go-along’ interviews with 21 residents of Hamilton, New Zealand, to explore the significance of neighbourhood parks and home gardens in the lives of urban residents. Our study highlights the importance of greenspaces in cities to the physical, mental and social health of local residents. Bush parks provided the best opportunities for respondents to observe nature and thereby escape the stress of city life. Participants wanted a variety of parks which would meet the range of their community’s needs and provide habitat for wildlife. Proximity and frequent use of parks resulted in a sense of ownership and responsibility which led to concrete action, such as participation in ecological restoration of valued greenspaces. Providing high quality natural greenspaces within walking distance of residents’ homes disrupts the extinction of experience by fostering positive personal experiences of nature, crucial for the health and wellbeing of people and for native biodiversity