25813 research outputs found
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Old, not new: Why Vanuatu’s vernacular diplomacies matter in Pacific geopolitics
No full textThis article examines Vanuatu’s diplomatic agency as expressed through culturally grounded
protocols and performances, to explore the question: how do vernacular diplomacies reshape
the political dynamics with a larger power? It is situated within the “relational turn” of global
international relations and extends understanding of diplomatic cultures in international
politics through examining the cultural and political structures that make Vanuatu’s diplomacy
meaningful. It draws on the concept of Oceanic diplomacy articulated by Sālā George Carter,
Greg Fry, and Gordon Nanau (2021) and argues that a focus on vernacular diplomacies allows for
a broader appreciation of oceanic and indigenous agency within acts of diplomacy. Through a
study of Vanuatu-France high-level engagement in the margins of the 7th Melanesian Arts and
Cultural Festival, held in Port Vila, Vanuatu, in July 2023, this article illustrates how vernacular
diplomacies can be engaged in Pacific geopolitics. I argue that vernacular diplomacies reshape
the political geographies of Pacific-centred diplomacy and offer a deeper understanding of
Pacific agency
Tree Canopy Cover in Greymouth 2016
No full textThis report was prepared by Professor Justin Morgenroth and Dr. Ning Ye at the School of
Forestry, University of Canterbury. The aim of this report is to provide local authorities in New
Zealand with a basic understanding of the urban tree canopy cover within their cities and towns
Examining the usefulness of electroencephalographic microstates and blink epochs in identifying and diagnosing Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder.
No full textAttention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a complex neurodevelopmental condition marked by executive function deficits. Its rising prevalence in the general population comes with a highly subjective diagnostic process, raising concerns about bias, misdiagnosis, and treatment gaps. This study investigates the potential of electroencephalography (EEG), microstates, and blink-related analysis as objective biomarkers for ADHD, aiming to enhance diagnostic precision. Using an open-source dataset of EEG recordings from 121 children (61 ADHD, 60 controls) engaged in a sustained visual attention task, the study employed microstate analysis to extract temporal parameters across both whole datasets and blink-epoch segments. Statistical analysis of five-factor models found significant group-level differences observed across multiple microstate dimensions. This allowed the construction of predictive statistical models achieving classification accuracies up to 92%, outperforming traditional screening tools such as the Adult ADHD self-Report Scale (ASRS) and the Conners Adult ADHD Rating Scales (CAARS), as well as traditional EEG spectral analysis. Findings supported existing research with notable results, including ADHD differences consistent impaired visual-spatial processing and more active introspective processing in microstates B and D, associated with visual-spatial attention and introspective processing. The results also showed differences in Microstate C, linked to default mode network activity, showing lower levels of activity. Blink-epoch analysis revealed further differentiation, with ADHD participants displaying altered microstate dynamics during blink-related cognitive processing, suggesting impaired sensory processing and emotional regulation.
Findings support the utility of EEG microstate analysis, particularly under active task conditions, as a promising tool for ADHD diagnosis, alongside the potential of examining blink and visual related cognitive activity to explore ADHD as a condition. However, major limitations exist in the generalisability of EEG research, with limited information on confounding factors, conflicting reports on the roles of microstate-associated cognitive networks, and an absence of standardised practices that would be required due to the sensitivity of the measure. This work demonstrated the feasibility of semi-automated EEG microstate analysis and the potential of EEG microstates as a diagnostic tool that could help mitigate bias and enhance diagnostic equity in neurodevelopmental disorders. However, we concluded that EEG microstates would require significant preparatory work and a reconsideration of diagnostic frameworks to be applicable in a clinical setting
Optimising pre-construction services in New Zealand’s infrastructure sector : improving the timing and impact on carbon emission.
No full textLarge scale construction projects are becoming increasingly complex and
more commonly require input from contractors during the design development. The
construction industry has long been criticised for its linear process with the contractor
becoming involved in the project after the design is completed. Despite the growing
recognition of its potential benefits, research on Pre-Construction Services (PCS)
remains fragmented and insufficiently developed, leaving significant gaps that hinder
its effective implementation in the construction industry. This research identifies
several key gaps in the literature on PCS. Firstly, there is a lack of comprehensive
understanding of the factors influencing engagement in PCS, which are not wellestablished
and remain poorly understood within both academic and industry
contexts. This gap highlights the need for detailed studies to identify and analyse the
specific elements that encourage or hinder PCS adoption, potentially leading to more
effective strategies for integrating PCS into construction practices. Secondly, the
optimal timing for incorporating PCS in construction projects is still a subject of
ongoing debate, with no consensus on the most effective stage for its involvement.
This suggests the necessity for research to compare different project phases, such
as project definition, design development, and construction phases, to determine
when PCS can provide the most value, exploring the impact of early versus late
involvement on project outcomes. Lastly, emerging dimensions of PCS, including its
potential role in carbon reduction, have not been adequately addressed in existing
literature. This indicates a need for research to explore how PCS can contribute to
sustainability goals, particularly in reducing carbon footprints. The broad aim of this
research is to enhance the fundamental understanding of PCS in New Zealand to
achieve better construction outcomes. Specifically, the research seeks to optimise
the timing of PCS to enhance project efficiency and sustainability, and to explore a
new application of PCS, focusing on its potential for carbon reduction.
The research explored the factors influencing the decision-making of
stakeholders (clients, consultants, and contractors) regarding their engagement in
PCS, addressing issues related to the timing of PCS. Through a literature review, the
complexity subfactors of construction projects were identified, which were found to
be technicality, schedule pressures, finance, and risk. These complexity factors were
reviewed and an index for the project complexity was developed, which was used to create a visualisation tool. This tool was subsequently refined through industry
practitioner interviews and validated with 29 case studies. The current views and
perceptions of the New Zealand’s infrastructure sector of the construction industry on
PCS and zero-carbon goals were presented, identifying areas where PCS can
positively influence and obstacles to its effective implementation to reduce project
carbon emissions.
The conclusions are summarised as follows: All parties agree PCS can be
beneficial, factors each party uses to decide whether to engage in PCS were
identified, and issues when engaging contractors too early or too late were
discussed. Complexity factors to quantify when to engage in PCS were identified,
highlighting the need for a framework to achieve the best outcomes. The benefits of
PCS for complex projects were emphasised and a PCS timing reporting tool was
developed. Significant differences in stakeholder responses were identified,
highlighting the potential of PCS to contribute to carbon reduction, while also noting
barriers such as mistrust and lack of government intervention.
The recommendations are as follows: Clients should consider the
ramifications of engaging contractors and designers under separate contracts and
qualitative tools should be developed to help practitioners decide the optimal time for
PCS. The influence of project timing on PCS should be investigated and a decisionmaking
framework should be developed. The importance of timing for PCS to avoid
costly pitfalls was emphasised and further research on the scale of projects was
suggested. The bottom-up approach of involving contractors early to achieve net
zero carbon emissions by 2050 should be further studied, and government
intervention is needed to maximise the potential of PCS in reducing carbon
emissions. Future research should apply the approach used in this study to other
regions and construction sectors globally, investigate small, highly complex projects
and large, low-complexity projects, and examine the traditional sequence of activities
within the pre-construction phase to identify where the contractor adds the most
value. Additionally, case studies should quantify the benefit of PCS on carbon
reductions as time progresse
First, do no harm : how mental health service responses can inadvertently increase suicidality among young people.
No full textYouth non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI) and suicidality have increased worldwide, yet funding is limited,
and the workforce is stretched. This context of scarcity and risk influences service responses:
thresholds for accessing services are raised, with increased gatekeeping. This commentary draws on
behavioural and attachment theories to describe how reactive resource allocation can be harmful
and inadvertently maintain distress. This occurs through unpredictably providing and then withdrawing access to mental health services. The mental health system itself can be seen as a participant
in the therapeutic relationship, providing inconsistent and unpredictable responses to suicidal young
people. Trauma- and attachment-related difficulties influence youth perceptions, and small interactions with services can maintain suicidality. When this pattern is recognised, it is possible to alter
service responses to emulate interpersonal qualities that provide a sense of safety for those who
seek help. For example, predictable responses, clear communication, validation throughout case
progression, and consistent adherence to boundaries, all increase trust within the agency-client
relationship
Exploring the perception of autism in the Indian community in NZ.
No full textThis research explores how autism is understood and experienced within the Indian community living in New Zealand (NZ). Autism is a developmental condition that can affect how a person communicates, interacts, and behaves. While awareness of autism is growing in NZ, there is still limited research examining how families from Indian backgrounds view autism and how their cultural beliefs and migration experiences shape their journey.
Semi-structured interviews were conducted with four parents, who shared their personal stories and experiences. The data was analysed using thematic analysis to identify common patterns and themes. Five main themes emerged, each with related sub-themes: awareness and understanding of autism; identification and perception of autism; impact on family life; social perceptions and service navigation; and aspirations.
Findings show that culture plays a significant role in how autism is perceived. Greater involvement of the Indian community in autism-related education and awareness initiatives in NZ is needed. Future research could explore the perspectives of fathers and extended family members to provide a broader understanding. Professionals could collaborate more closely with community organisations to offer support in ways that are safe, respectful, and culturally familiar. This may improve early access to support and help families feel better understood
A high tip-speed monocopter utilising payload weight-shift for control.
No full textMonocopters are a rotary craft that utilise a single blade to generate lift. Recent technological
advances have revived the concept as a simple, lightweight, and compact UAV alternative.
Modern monocopters in literature achieved directional control using cyclically actuating
electronic components; either an aileron on the wing operated by a servo motor, or by the
propulsive mechanism being tilted up from the disk plane and increasing the wing pitch when
required. Electronic cyclic actuation limits the maximum rotor speed, reducing the gust resistance
and lift potential. Thus, literature has focused on minimising the craft mass and footprint
while maximising the flight time to make the craft viable.
Helicopters can precisely carry and deliver payloads in tough conditions to remote locations.
When fighting forest fires, helicopters are the most effective tool due to their fast response
time, high manoeuvrability, and quick refilling time. There are drawbacks; they’re expensive
to purchase, require significant maintenance, and can only function if and when their crew is
fit and available for duty.
This thesis aimed to develop a monocopter UAV that had the performance and handling capabilities
of an equivalent helicopter, with the ability to carry payloads like a monsoon bucket. To
achieve this, a novel monocopter was developed with a teetering rotor head that used payload
weight-shifting to tilt the disk plane for directional steering. It was paired with two brushless
motors to balance and drive the rotor.
The thesis outlines the process of specifying, manufacturing, testing and flying the monocopter.
It provides all of the theory required to calculate the lift generated and maximum rotor angular
velocity for any rotor configuration and propulsion mechanism pairing. It details the relationship
between the location of the rotor disk axis and the rotor centre of mass on the monocopter,
and produces evidence of how the disk axis can be shifted to pass through the rotor centre of
mass to eliminate oscillations. Finally, it clarifies exactly how the geometry on a teetering rotor
head tilts the disk plane with a shaft moment
Balancing carbon & agriculture : analysis of NZ’s new ETS land-use restrictions.
No full textThis study analyzes how these new policies will reshape the afforestation situation in New Zealand. More specifically, it investigates how excluding productive farmland (LUC 1–5) and limiting planting on LUC 6 land affects the national and regional availability of land for forestry development.
Accordingly, the study is guided by the following research questions:
1. How much area for potential afforestation is in different LUC classes under the current (pre-2025 legislation) condition?
This question assesses the national and regional scale of potential afforestation area under the existing land-use database.
2. How do the new restrictions alter the potential afforestation area compared with the unrestricted baseline?
This examines the reduction in eligible land area across different LUC classes to quantify the impact of this reduction.
3. What are the implications of this for future afforestation?
This explores the regional variations in slope, distance to transport infrastructure, and forest productivity to evaluate the feasibility of future forestry expansion on the lower-class land.
4. What was the historical planting pattern in Hawke’s Bay before this restriction? Does it align with the new policy direction?
This question assesses the pattern of partial versus full-title planting to understand how landowners’ practices may work under the new policy content.
By addressing these questions, the study can identify where forestry growth is still feasible under the new policy, what kind of trade-offs show regionally, and what implications arise for future land-use planning and climate mitigation strategies