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Scale locality of the energy cascade in magnetohydrodynamics
Get PDFTurbulence behaves differently in electrically charged fluids, such as plasmas, due to the turbulent motions being accompanied by magnetic field influences. This thesis looks at how the magnetic field in these fluids impacts energy transferred from large scales to small scales—the energy cascade—by analyzing data from numerical simulations of turbulence. We will be following Doan et al's approach of decomposing the fluctuations into large-scale and small-scale contributions using bandpass filtering, then plotting the flux of the energy and enstrophy in 2D and 3D magnetohydrodynamics. This will help quantify various aspects of the energy cascade, including the degree of scale-locality. The results will be compared to those from Doan et al's analysis of non-electrically charged fluids
Enforceability of mahr under a sharīʿa law-based contract in New Zealand: a comparison with United Kingdom, Australia, and Canada
No full textEnforcement of sharīʿa-based marriage contracts, which contain provisions for the payment of mahr (dowry/dower) upon death of husband or divorce by either party, has proven to be quite challenging in jurisdictions such as the UK, Australia, and Canada. New Zealand courts are currently dealing with their first such case. In undertaking a comparative analysis, this article highlights that a statutory framework for dealing with such claims is better suited than simply enforcing it as a simple contract, which has the potential to produce unjust and inequitable results
Potential impacts on the NZ container shipping network if international emissions were included in 2050 targets
No full textThe purpose of this submission is to highlight the necessity of considering a maritime network view when analysing the potential impacts of including emissions from international shipping in the country's climate targets. The proposal document only briefly considers network impacts. In particular, we illustrate that the choice of emission measurement proposed could result in markedly different future states for Aotearoa New Zealand’s maritime network, with implications for the economy and biosecurity
Measuring sense of safety: The reliability and validity of the Neuroception of Psychological Safety Scale (NPSS)
No full textDespite growing interest in the clinical and theoretical implications of psychological safety, particularly from a Polyvagal Theory (PVT) perspective, there has been a lack of empirically validated measurement tools for this construct. The main aim of this study was to evaluate the reliability and construct validity of the Neuroception of Psychological Safety Scale (NPSS), a 29-item self-report scale designed to measure psychological safety, conceptualised from a PVT perspective. This study also explored how individuals define "feeling safe". A total of 423 participants completed an anonymous online survey. The sample consisted predominantly of undergraduate psychology students (n = 353), while the remaining participants were members of the New Zealand general population. An exploratory factor analysis was conducted to examine the factorial validity of the NPSS, while construct validity was evaluated through correlations with measures of theoretically related constructs. Internal consistency was assessed using Cronbach's alpha (α) and McDonald's omega (). The NPSS demonstrated good internal consistency and was found to have a three-factor structure consistent with that proposed by the scale's developers. Construct validity was evidenced by significant correlations in the expected directions with depression, anxiety, stress, negative affect, positive affect, difficulties in close relationships, awareness of physiological responses and traumatic life experiences. In addition, themes identified in participant definitions of safety aligned with the conceptualisation of psychological safety from a PVT perspective. Overall, the main findings of this study provide evidence that the NPSS is a psychometrically sound measure, supporting the use of the NPSS in clinical practice for measuring treatment outcomes and guiding intervention strategies, and in future research to advance the theoretical understanding of psychological safety from a PVT perspective
Evaluation of a low-cost selective shaking device and soft surface catchment for fresh market blueberry harvesting
No full textWith the surge in global blueberry consumption, there is a growing need for efficient harvesting methods to meet market demands. Traditional hand harvesting remains the norm for fresh market blueberries, but it is labor-intensive and costly. This paper presents a feasibility study of a cost-effective human-assisted mechanical harvesting system designed for tunnel-grown blueberries. The system incorporates lightweight, battery-powered hand-held shakers and multi-level soft surface catchers operating in tandem. Performance evaluation compared traditional hand-harvesting with the proposed system in terms of post-harvest quality and harvest rate. Results indicate that the proposed system offers a higher harvest rate (81.3 berry per minute) but may yield more unripe berries (30.6%). Optimization of detachment settings at 900rpm for 1.2s, shows potential to improve system performance up to 80.7%. Overall, the study highlights the effectiveness of the human-assisted approach in bridging the gap between manual and machine harvesting, with implications for enhancing efficiency and reducing labor costs in the blueberry industry
The integration of education for sustainable development into accounting education: stakeholders’ salience perspectives
No full textPurpose: This paper applies a stakeholder salience theoretical framework to facilitate the understanding of the roles salient stakeholders can have in the integration of education for sustainable development, one of the important Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), into Jordan’s university accounting education. Design/methodology/approach: We used stakeholder salience theory to inform our study. This study adopted a qualitative research method. The study used semi-structured interviews to collect qualitative, open-ended data that explored the salient stakeholders’ thoughts, beliefs and feelings about their roles in influencing the integration of education for sustainable development into the Jordanian accounting curriculum. Findings: The results indicate that education for sustainable development in accounting is important; however, most Jordanian salient stakeholders indicate their inability to integrate sustainable education into the accounting curriculum due to their lack of power to do so. The findings show that there is currently an inappropriate distribution of power, legitimacy and urgency amongst the salient stakeholders, who indicate that a progressive education solution is required in the critical area of education for sustainable development in accounting. This research indicates that a significant number of salient stakeholders would like the Jordanian government to provide power, legitimacy and urgency to enable accounting educators to become definite stakeholders as this will enable them to integrate sustainable education into the accounting curriculum. Research limitations/implications: The study is limited to Jordan only. The paper draws attention to the need for an appropriate distribution of power, legitimacy and urgency amongst salient stakeholders in Jordan. Practical implications: This paper provides evidence that the salient stakeholders in this emerging economy want to make changes in their education system to address climate change concerns, an important SDG, through a better education curriculum for sustainable development in Jordanian universities. Social implications: Accounting educators should be given the power to make changes in the accounting curriculum, such as integrating education for sustainable development. Originality/value: There is an inappropriate distribution of power, legitimacy and urgency amongst the Jordanian salient stakeholders and this imbalance hinders the integration of education for sustainable development into the accounting curriculum
How do runners select their shoes? An in-store experience
No full textWe aimed to identify factors that influence running shoe selection and how salespeople and runners experience the in-store selection process. In a cross-sectional design, we surveyed 101 runners (buyers and non-buyers) and 38 salespeople in specialty running stores. Surveys contained questions about demographics, factors influencing shoe choice, sources of footwear advice/education, conscious behaviour, and perceived influence of salespeople on selection. There were no significant differences between buyers and non-buyers regarding how much runners thought about their purchases (i.e., level of consciousness). Salespeople were significantly younger than runners and believed a greater number of factors and sources of advice influenced shoe selection. Runners most frequently identified fit, comfort, and gait analysis or injury prevention as most influential in selecting shoes, in that order. Salespeople believed comfort was the most important for runners. Buyers and non-buyers prioritised advice on running shoes from salespeople, friends, and family, while salespeople primarily got their information from peers. Buyers and non-buyers visiting speciality running stores largely reflect the same population. Salespeople advising runners significantly differed from their target clientele in several regards and overestimated their influence on runners’ selection. We caution runners to carefully consider the advice from salespeople as many employees make recommendations that are not evidence-based and may have limited experience
Exploring approaches to support pacific student success in secondary schools
No full textThe New Zealand education system has historically fallen short in addressing the needs of Pacific students, specifically at secondary school as they advance towards National Certificate of Educational Achievement (NCEA) levels. Efforts to improve the education of Pacific students have often focused on institutions making changes based on their own assumptions of what students need, without adequately involving students' own views. This thesis argues that attention should be directed towards the perspectives of Pacific students and how they can be motivated and encouraged to succeed in education. The study highlights the crucial role of teachers and how appropriate practices are used to develop their understanding of Pacific cultures to help these students thrive. The research aimed to uncover effective strategies employed by two secondary schools to promote Pacific students’ success. It explored Pacific students' views on their teachers' roles in their education and their interpretations of success in relation to their goals. Data collection was conducted through Talanoa sessions that embraced Teu le vā as an acknowledgement of mutual respect for each other’s space. Talanoa was carried out with Pacific students using two fa’afaletui, and with two Pacific liaison teachers using semi-structured interviews. Thematic analysis was used to organise the data and identify themes.
Three key findings resulted from the study. Firstly, building on existing research demonstrated the integration of Pacific cultural values within the wider school curriculum. This approach supported and promoted effective relationships between teachers and Pacific students to achieve success as Pacific. Secondly, it highlighted that success for Pacific students was a collective endeavour that encompassed their cultural values, families, and broader Pacific communities. Thirdly, it pointed out that teachers deepened their understanding of Pacific cultural values through specific cultural frameworks. These frameworks included the Kāinga Tongan model, Tapasā, and the Pacific Values framework, that consequently improved knowledge and enhanced the engagement and academic success of Pacific students
Grounding the state of exception in New Zealand: A case study of racial segregation in Pukekohe, Whiteness and the Carceral State
No full textIndigenous scholars in settler-colonial contexts have highlighted the hyper-imprisonment of Indigenous people, locating it as an extension of the colonial project. Although research on this issue in New Zealand is emerging, there is a notable gap in understanding how the carceral state has developed within this particular context. This study aims to address the following research question: How does the historical context of racial segregation in Pukekohe contribute to our understanding of the mechanisms of the carceral state in New Zealand?
To thoroughly examine the hyper-imprisonment of Māori, it is essential to unpack the historical origins of state violence. Despite existing research establishing a link between Māori over-representation in prisons and the enduring effects of colonisation, there is a lack of studies exploring the complex interplay among the carceral state, whiteness, policy, policing, and law, which collectively shape the current landscape of incarceration. This study focuses on the racial segregation in Pukekohe between 1920 and 1960 and utilises reflexive thematic analysis within a case study framework, drawing on the insights offered by Robert Bartholomew's book, No Māori Allowed (2020). The analysis centres on the theoretical concept of the state of exception, shedding light on how power was wielded by the white racial polity. Thus, providing a unique perspective on the carceral state and state-sanctioned violence.
The findings highlight the interconnectedness of various systemic control mechanisms employed by the carceral state. Housing, policing, and whiteness emerge as crucial factors in the control and confinement of Māori in Pukekohe. By emphasising the role of whiteness in suppressing this history, this study underscores the need for critical examination and recognition of white cultural imperialism as a fundamental pillar of the carceral state. Overall, this research offers significant insights into the construction of a targeted population and the enduring consequences of state-sanctioned violence, emphasising the importance of a comprehensive examination of New Zealand's racialised history in discussions on the hyper-imprisonment of Māori
How life uses sound to reorganise matter: The role of anharmonic phonon exchange in enzyme catalysis
No full textBiological enzyme catalysis is the name for life's ability to rapidly invoke coordinated rearrangements of molecular structures using highly specialised, relatively-large functional proteins called enzymes. It is well established that enzymes reduce the activation energy barrier, which vastly accelerates the rate of reaction, however the specific dynamics and quantum mechanics are largely uncharted. Recent experimentation and modelling hints that there is a phase transition dynamic that is fundamental to enzymatic catalysis. The hypothesis that I explore in this thesis is that a mathematical model of a substrate molecule based upon anharmonic quantum vibrational modes (molecular phonons) will predict phase transition dynamics due to the presence of the appropriate enzyme. A molecular phonon is one particular individualised wave pattern in the locations of atomic nuclei from the total molecular dance that spans the low-frequency bulk swaying motions, mid-frequency bond stretches, to the high-frequency oscillations of the hydrogen bond network.
In this thesis, I derive a generalised set of equations of motion for the anharmonic response behaviour of molecular phonons to enzyme stimulus via a dissipative quantum master equation, and I explore the phase transition dynamics by determining the stability bifurcation of the steady states. I then determine the critical minimum stimulus required for a molecular vibrational mode to exhibit a phase transition. The primary catalytic reaction of focus for this thesis is the cleavage of the glycosidic carbon-oxygen bond of the complex sugar isomaltose into two individual glucose molecules via the action of the enzyme MalL. Prior to this thesis, the atomic structure of MalL was obtained experimentally via X-ray diffraction crystallography of prepared MalL crystals, then digitised into the Gromacs software package and energy minimised in a simulated water bath to approximate the vibrational modes of the in vivo configuration. I obtain the substrate molecule's harmonic frequencies and anharmonic shifts via molecular dynamics performed using the Gaussian 09 normal mode analysis and simulated anharmonic infrared spectroscopy packages, respectively. I construct a generalised coding package in Matlab to extract the molecule and enzyme data, perform a quantum anharmonic analysis of the molecule--enzyme complex and their interactions, and then simulate the response of the molecule to stimulus from the enzyme.
I determine that the vibrational modes of isomaltose that significantly contribute to stretching the glycosidic carbon-oxygen bond occur within the 21 to 35 THz (700 to 1,170 cm^{-1}) frequency bandwidth, and the dominant stretching modes are contained within 28 to 33 THz (930 to 1,100cm^{-1}), which is in agreement with the experimental literature of polysaccharides. In the final chapter, I perform numerical simulations of the equations of motion to compute the energy response spectrogram for a proxy substrate (benzene) under conditions that are informed by literature and the theoretical findings of this thesis. In lieu of anharmonic isomaltose data, I selected benzene as it is a small molecule with a high degree of symmetry which has several bond stretching modes within the aforementioned bandwidth. The results show that while the stimulus from water is insufficient, there are vibrational modes pertaining to glycosidic bond stretching that can be selectively excited to phase transition behaviour due to a reasonable stimulus from the supply of phonons from the MalL enzyme