bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Exploring Transitions: Working in "the Space Between the no Longer and the Not Yet"
Authors:   , Clayton Janice Ruth
Published: November 2021

This thesis uncovers a personal journey of reflective practice in Aotearoa / New Zealand. The focus for reflection is on my emerging role as a nurse facilitating transitions using a dialectical approach in the context of a private nursing practice. Transitions encompass: life changes, loss, and adjustment to changes in function. Dialectical nurse facilitation of transition (DNFT) is a way of exploring self in the transitional space between "the no longer and the not yet". In this facilitated process people potentially discover paradoxes, tensions, and creative energy, as they search for a way forward.  The research design details a dialectical heuristic quest through journaling and reflecting on practice supervision and peer review, over a two year period. Exemplars written after reflecting on case notes reveal the lived experiences of participants Sophie, Grace, Rose, Faith, Lilo, and Charles (pseudonyms). These case reviews show the complexity of patterns for people undergoing transitions and nurse facilitation.  A relational pattern for DNFT encompasses compassionate engagement, catalytic mirroring, and interconnectedness. A transitional pathway from impasse to transformation shows itself as the people I work with search for clarity about the nature and meaning of self. The transitional pathway is mirrored in practice supervision and peer review in my search for professional clarity and grounded-ness. This reveals a mutual transformational process going beyond the boundaries of feelings and reason, into the regions of the human energy field and spiritual essence of self.  This integral approach finds resonance with nursing, Buddhist, and psycho-social philosophies and theories that posit human beings as the embodiment of spiritual energy. An exploration of literature encompasses nursing theories, facilitation, dialogue, loss, grief, spirituality and transition. These show how the patterns that I find, both resonate, and are divergent from extant knowledge.  This thesis sheds light on the often hidden aspects of reflection and nursing practice and may support professional and personal growth. It also provides a basis for evaluative research on the effectiveness of DNFT in health care settings in the future. Discussions regarding the expansion of these reflective and praxis genres are included which may be of interest to nursing education and practice contexts.
Teacher Perceptions of Information and Communication Technologies in a Secondary School in Samoa
Authors:   , Afamasaga-Wright Farita Tepora
Published: November 2021

This study explored teacher perceptions of information and communication technologies in one secondary school in Samoa, in order to gain insight into recent government initiatives to introduce computers and other ICTs in schools. Phenomenology as an approach was deemed appropriate to the focus of this research in that it provided the framework for an in-depth exploration of how teachers view themselves within a particular event in the development of education in Samoa: the integration of ICTs in schools. Underpinning this study were assumptions about the nature of knowledge as being socially constructed as well as contextually situated. The research sought understanding of the phenomenon from the perspective of one group of participants. Data was gathered using lengthy semi-structured interviews in the Samoan language which were then translated into English for the purpose of data analysis. Significant findings include: lack of clarity amongst teachers regarding ICT in education policies, government rationale and strategies to achieve policy; teacher rationale for the introduction of ICT in schools included improvement of teaching and learning, student future employment and improved student access to technology. Teacher perceptions of ICT were mostly positive noting that its use contributed to higher levels of student interest, engagement, independent learning and motivation. As well, ICTs were mainly used to support teacher-centred pedagogies and contributed to the efficiency of teacher preparation. While teachers were keen to use ICTs in their classes, they were hindered by lack of ICT skills and insufficient pedagogical knowledge. Teachers perceived several obstacles to effective integration of ICTs in classrooms, which included: insufficient student and teacher access to computers; timetabling restrictions; a user pays system; maintenance and running costs; student plagiarism from the web and access to inappropriate sites as well as inadequate teacher professional development for the use of ICTs. ii
Novel Multidimensional Inverse Laplace Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy Techniques
Authors:   , Washburn Kathryn Elizabeth
Published: November 2021

This thesis presents the new development and application of multidimensional inverse Laplace nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy techniques. We present a new NMR technique which relates the longitudinal relaxation rate of the NMR signal to the internal gradients in the sample. We perform the experiment on a large range of magnet strengths to provide experimental evidence for the theory of how internal gradient intensity scales with pore size as a function of field strength. We make the first attempt of quantisation of two dimensional inverse Laplace experiments. We perform a transverse relaxation exchange experiment on several samples for a range of mixing times. We then integrate the peaks in the resulting spectra and plot them as a function of mixing time. By fitting the experimental results to theory, we can estimate the molecular exchange between pores of differing sizes. We then modify the transverse relaxation experiment to include diffusion attenuation so that we can see the separate signals for oil and water. We use this to look at the effect wettability has on the movement of the different fluids between pores. We then present the first experiment to combine two inverse Laplace dimensions with a Fourier dimension. We add a propagator dimension to the transverse relaxation exchange experiment to measure how far the molecules move during the mixing time. Quantisation of the results allows us to estimate the exchange rate between pores of similar sizes in addition the exchange rate between pores of different sizes. We are also able to estimate pore radii, inter-pore spacing and tortuosity. Lastly, we attempt a three dimensional inverse Laplace experiment by correlating transverse relaxation, diffusion, and internal gradients. While the three dimensional inversion techniques require more development, the results show resemblance to those seen from two dimensional experiments.
Logic and the Basis of Theology: an Investigation into the Help Logic Can Give to the Understanding of Different Theologies, Following the Contributions to Both Disciplines of Arthur Prior, 1914-1969
Authors:   , Richards Llewelyn
Published: November 2021

My thesis is that modem symbolic mathematical logics have an important contribution to make to theologies. I demonstrate this firstly in a 'theoretical section' (i) by showing what logics are and why they can be trusted; (ii) by showing how all theologies may be correctly treated as axiomatic systems; (iii) by outlining some modern logics which can assist theological thinking, including a logic I construct for this purpose called the Theologic. I demonstrate this, secondly, in an 'applied logic' section, by looking at (iv) the theology of one current branch of Christianity in detail, outlining its logical problems and the consequences of trying to avoid them; (v) 'post-modern' Christian theologies, firstly those that suggest that the word 'God' is a symbol rather than a name, and secondly at three feminist theologies two of which are logically quite radical; (vi) pantheism, in particular at Spinoza's ideas and Lovelock's Gaia; (vii) two religions, Buddhism and Confucianism, which, in their basic religious thinking, can be said to have no gods. I find that all religions I have studied - and they are representative of religions actual, proposed and imagined - have serious logical flaws, some known of old, others brought to light by the modern logics. The consequences of making the religions more logically sound are generally unacceptable to the members of the faiths. The suggestion that the gods use a different sort of logic to us is generally logically unacceptable. This does not leave abandoning religion as the only other possibility: the work of theologians in future, assisted by mathematical logic, may be (a) to bring about changes in basic beliefs, and (b) to assist in the birth of new, logically sound, religions. These investigations are carried out in the spirit of A N Prior, who came to logic through a Christian upbringing which gave him an interest in theology, a desire to make that theology more consistent, and as Professor of Philosophy at Canterbury College (as it then was) taught me. My upbringing was similar. We both, in the end, found conventional Christianity too illogical to believe. Time having past, I have been able to examine the logic of other, and newer, theologies.
The Music of Rene Drouard de Bousset (1703-1760): a Source Study and Stylistic Survey, with Emphasis on His Sacred Output
Authors:   , Smith Felicity
Published: November 2021

Rene Drouard de Bousset (1703-1760) was an admired composer and an organist of renown. This thesis examines this musician's life and work, and attempts to bring Bousset's music, hitherto largely unknown, to the attention of musicologists and performers today. Primarily a source study, the thesis makes a survey of all known copies of Bousset's published works, addressing questions of dates, reprints and corrections. Historical context and musical style are also discussed. Particular emphasis is given to Bousset's sacred music in the French language two volumes of sacred cantatas and eight settings of Odes sacrees by Jean-Baptiste Rousseau - and its place within the French tradition of Psalm paraphrase settings. The figure of J.B. Rousseau is also examined, as the librettist of Bousset's Odes, and as an important literary contributor to French music at the turn of the eighteenth century. The source study is supplemented by a catalogue in the style of the PhilidorOeuvres database produced by the Centre de Musique Baroque de Versailles, containing all Bousset's known works, extant and lost. This exposition of Bousset's compositional output is prefaced by a biographical overview assembled principally from eighteenth century publications and archival documents. Volume II of this thesis comprises a critical performing edition of Bousset's first volume of Cantates spirituelles (1739).
Cognitive Underpinnings of Symbolic Pretend Play and Impossible Entity Drawings: Imaginative Ability in Typical Development and Autism Spectrum Disorder
Authors:   , Den-Kaat Steven
Published: November 2021

The individual differences in imagination ability in children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) were tested in a sample of 14 children with ASD and 14 matched typically developing (TD) children. Analysis was conducted on the extent of imagination in symbolic pretend play and impossible entity drawings. Aside from difficulties with imagination, children with ASD showed significant group deficits in executive function (generativity, visuospatial planning and cognitive flexibility) and false belief theory of mind understanding. Amongst children with ASD, executive function abilities (generativity and visuospatial planning) related to imaginative play and drawings. In contrast, amongst participants in the TD group, a mixture of both executive function (cognitive flexibility) and false belief theory of mind understanding predicted imaginative ability. These results are discussed in terms of how executive control plays a broad and important role in imaginative ability across groups, but the contributions appear to be expressed and routed differently in ASD. The discussion also highlights the theoretical implications of not having theory of mind that underpin imagination in ASD.
True "Lies" and False "Truths": Women, Rape and the Police
Authors:   , Jordan Jan
Published: November 2021

The notion that women lie about rape is a prevalent belief with pervasive influence. This thesis comprises a series of studies aimed at elucidating understanding of the ways in which this belief affects police officers' responses to women who report rape. The thesis begins by examining the historical context within which rape came to be defined as a crime, and considers the impact of dominant assumptions regarding the 'nature' of women on the formation of rape laws. Factors affecting criminal justice system responses to women who report rape are identified, considering in particular the ways in which these have been influenced by views of women's inherent deceitfulness. Having established the ideological and socio-political framework, attention then shifts to a consideration of rape in contemporary New Zealand. The views of rape complainants regarding their experiences of reporting rape and sexual assault to the police are presented, highlighting the centrality of 'being believed'. Quantitative and qualitative data are presented from an analysis of police sexual assault investigation files and are used to highlight the factors affecting police officers' perceptions of complainants' credibility. The file analysis is complemented by material derived from interviews with sexual assault investigators, which explores further the issue of allegedly false rape complaints. The final study presented documents the experiences of a group of rape victims who largely conform to the police stereotype of the 'perfect victim'. In this chapter, women who were attacked by serial rapist Malcolm Rewa reflect on the ways in which they were treated by the police. Their accounts are useful in highlighting the potential for positive police-complainant relationships when the issue of the victim's credibility is not the dominant concern. Taken together, these studies provide a series of different perspectives on police responses to reports of rape. The results indicate that concerns about the victim's credibility continue to dominate reporting procedures, and that negative stereotypes concerning lying, vengeful women remain influential. Recent attempts by the police to improve women's experiences of rape investigations are acknowledged, but the overall conclusion suggests that the scope for positive change will remain limited while such negative stereotypes prevail.
Synthesis of Multi-Walled Carbon Nanotubes by Chemical Vapour Deposition and Post-Synthesis Treatment by Dielectrophoresis
Authors:   , Liu Xianming
Published: November 2021

Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) are a group of pure carbon solid materials that possess one-dimensional structures with diameters down to less than one nanometre. They have interesting physical properties such as very high tensile strength, metallic and semiconducting conductivity, and great potential for applications. This work investigates the synthesis, alignment and purification of multi-walled carbon nanotubes, which were characterized by Electron Microscopy, measurement of electrical properties and Raman scattering. Synthesis of multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWNTs) was carried out by Chemical Vapour Deposition, using three different precursors: Fe(NO3)3, ferrocene and iron phthalocyanine. Vertically aligned "forests" of large numbers of MWNTs were achieved using ferrocene and iron phthalocyanine as precursors. Products from iron phthalocyanine yield more graphitic CNT nanostructures, as determined by Scanning Electron Microscopy, Transmission Electron Microscopy, Thermogravity Analysis, Raman microscopy and Energy Dispersive X-ray spectroscopy. Patterned growth of vertical MWNTs arrays with a resolution of 2 microns was also obtained, using a predeposited substrate. A High Resolution Transmission Electron Microscope was employed to investigate the inner structures of individual MWNTs, giving well-resolved images of concentric nanostructures with inter-lattice spacings of 0.34 nm. Techniques for purification and manipulation of CNTs are required before CNTs' excellent properties can be exploited. In this thesis, dielectrophoresis (DEP) under high-frequency AC voltages using an array of micron-scale electrodes was adopted as the technique to align MWNTs between these, electrodes. This technique is effective for MWNTs since their long cylindrical structure and the high mobility of their charge carriers allow them to be electrically polarised. As a result, MWNTs experience large DEP forces in an AC electric field. In our experiments, inter-digitated electrodes were used to apply the electric field to CNT suspensions in various solvents. Alignment of CNTs along their axis was achieved within the gaps between adjacent electrodes at a frequency larger than 1.1 MHz, The AC admittance changes between the electrodes were monitored and were observed to be a clear reflection of the accumulation process of MWNTs. Also it was identified that distilled water was a better solvent than ethanol and isopropanol for DEP purpose on MWNTs. In addition, a prototype device was built to selectively purify MWNTs from as-grown samples by combining DEP and re-circulating fluid flow. It was found that this device is able to decrease the impurity content of MWNTs, which is collected on the electrode array, from the suspension of as-grown samples.
K-Regular Matroids
Authors:   , Semple Charles A
Published: November 2021

The class of matroids representable over all fields is the class of regular matroids. The class of matroids representable over all fields except perhaps GF(2) is the class of near-regular matroids. Let k be a non-negative integer. This thesis considers the class of k-regular matroids, a generalization of the last two classes. Indeed, the classes of regular and near-regular matroids coincide with the classes of 0-regular and 1-regular matroids, respectively. This thesis extends many results for regular and near-regular matroids. In particular, for all k, the class of k-regular matroids is precisely the class of matroids representable over a particular partial field. Every 3-connected member of the classes of either regular or near-regular matroids has a unique representability property. This thesis extends this property to the 3-connected members of the class of k-regular matroids for all k. A matroid is [omega] -regular if it is k-regular for some k. It is shown that, for all k [greater than or equal to] 0, every 3-connected k-regular matroid is uniquely representable over the partial field canonically associated with the class of [omega] -regular matroids. To prove this result, the excluded-minor characterization of the class of k-regular matroids within the class of [omega] -regular matroids is first proved. It turns out that, for all k, there are a finite number of [omega] -regular excluded minors for the class of k-regular matroids. The proofs of the last two results on k-regular matroids are closely related. The result referred to next is quite different in this regard. The thesis determines, for all r and all k, the maximum number of points that a simple rank-r k-regular matroid can have and identifies all such matroids having this number. This last result generalizes the corresponding results for regular and near-regular matroids. Some of the main results for k-regular matroids are obtained via a matroid operation that is a generalization of the operation of [Delta] - Y exchange. This operation is called segment-cosegment exchange and, like the operation of [Delta] - Y exchange, has a dual operation. This thesis defines the generalized operation and its dual, and identifies many of their attractive properties. One property in particular, is that, for a partial field P, the set of excluded minors for representability over P is closed under the operations of segment-cosegment exchange and its dual. This result generalizes the corresponding result for [Delta] - Y and Y - [Delta] exchanges. Moreover, a consequence of it is that, for a prime power q, the number of excluded minors for GF(q)-representability is at least 2q-4.
Form, Substance, and Neo-Proceduralism in Comparative Contract Law: Law in Books and Law in Action in New Zealand, England, the United States of America, and Japan
Authors:   , Nottage Luke Richard
Published: November 2021

Part One of this thesis develops the "form-substance" analytical framework proposed by Atiyah and Summers to contrast English and US law generally, comparing also New Zealand and especially Japanese law. From this perspective, it argues that both US and Japanese law prefer distinctly more substantive reasoning, whereas both English and New Zealand law maintain a more formal orientation. Part Two focuses on three areas of contract law, and the development of contract law theory, arguing that the framework helps explain differing approaches adopted in these jurisdictions. Closer attention to the "law in action" as well as the "law in books", however, results in refinements to their analytical framework. It also suggests that "neo-proceduralist" models of law generally, and private law in particular, may be becoming increasingly important in both explaining and justifying developments in all four legal systems. Part Three introduces several of these models, which go beyond "form-substance" dichotomies without necessarily being inconsistent with them. This thesis therefore aims to offer new perspectives in three disciplines: comparative legal studies, contract law, and general legal theory.
The Competencies Used to Assess the Effectiveness of New Zealand Managers
Authors:   , Rippin Sharon Mary
Published: November 2021

Research on the competencies required by effective New Zealand managers is lacking. This thesis addressed this deficiency by identifying the competencies managers use to assess the effectiveness of managers across organisations and industries in New Zealand. The research was carried out in two parts. First, repertory grid interviews were conducted with 225 chief executives and senior managers from 75 organisations. They described the constructs that differentiated their effective and less effective senior managers. Six independent people categorised the interview constructs, which were incorporated in a questionnaire. In the second part of the study, 185 managers from two organisations rated a manager they regarded as effective on the constructs, as well as their overall effectiveness. The questionnaire analysis revealed a six-factor managerial effectiveness model. One main factor (interpersonal Skills) contributed over 40% of the variance. The five other factors (Conscientious and Organised, Strategic Behaviour, Problem-Solving, Drive and Enthusiasm, and Honest Feedback) contributed between 1.6% and 6% of the variance. The factors were similar to non-New Zealand competency models and the frequently cited Big Five personality factors. The implications of these findings are discussed, as well as issues related to identifying and implementing competencies.
Premelting and the Machanisms of Melting in the Alkali Halides
Authors:   , Tallon Jeffery Lewis
Published: November 2021

An experimental and theoretical study of premelting behaviour and mechanisms of melting in the alkali-halides is presented. Theories of melting and previous premelting experiments are first reviewed, then an elastic strain theory of melting is developed, which includes dilatation and shear contributions to the elastic energy and to the vibrational entropy, as well as a communal entropy and an entropy due to the isothermal expansion on melting. By fitting experimental melting parameters, dislocation-like local strains are implicated. The bulk and shear moduli are shown to be continuous with respect to dilatation through the melting expansion and one of the shear moduli vanishes at the dilatation of the melt at the melting temperature. A modified Born instability theory of melting is thus valid. Premelting rises in the apparent specific heat and electrical conductivity within 6 K of the melting point are studied and are shown to occur at the surfaces only. The use of guard rings to eliminate surface conduction is essential at all temperatures above the extrinsic/intrinsic conductivity 'knee', and electrical fringing must be taken into account for typical specimen sizes. For various surface orientations, the rises in surface conductivity occur at lower temperatures the lower the surface packing density, and for deformed specimens, the greater the deformation. The results are interpreted in terms of an atomic-scale surface melting below the melting point, and a consequent rapid rise in vaporisation rate. A dislocation theory of surface melting, melting and the solid-liquid interface is developed which gives good agreement with experimental values for the melting temperatures and the interfacial energies.
The Direct Growth of Carbon Nanotubes and Its Substrate Dependence
Authors:   , Munro Chris
Published: November 2021

The unique combination of light weight, small dimensions, structural diversity, excellent mechanical strength and remarkable electronic properties make carbon nanotubes an attractive field of discovery for a wide range of applications, from reinforcing materials to molecular sensing. The immediate problem is in reliably and reproducibly fabricating carbon nanotubes and nanotube arrays with a certain exclusive structure. The reason for this is the large number of parameters integral to nanotube growth. This thesis describes the effect of several synthesis parameters - including temperature, catalyst, and water addition - on the growth of carbon nanotubes by a thermal chemical vapour deposition method. In all instances, multi-walled nanotubes were the only carbon nanotube products observed. The chemical vapour deposition method employed here involves hexane as a volatile carbon precursor and ferrocene as a floating catalyst. The hexane is introduced into the system by passing a stream of nitrogen carrier gas through a bubbler containing the carbon precursor, while the ferrocene catalyst is positioned inside the working tube where it can evaporate gradually. The products of this method are large, vertically aligned arrays of clean multi-walled nanotubes. The second part of this thesis describes the role of the supporting layer in affecting the growth of these extended nanotube arrays. A number of substrates have been examined - both conducting and non-conducting - and the products from these were analysed. It was found that all non-conductive, metal oxide substrates used - these included quartz, alumina, glazed porcelain, Pythagoras, and also fluorite - produced extended fields of carbon nanotubes. Conversely, many conductive substrates - including nickel, molybdenum, glassy carbon, highly ordered pyrolitic graphite and nickel-iron-silicon metal alloys - produce only small amounts of carbon nanotubes. This difference is likely caused by the deactivation of the iron catalyst at high temperature due to diffusion into the substrate surface.
An Analysis of Selection in Genetic Programming
Authors:   , Xie Huayang
Published: November 2021

This thesis presents an analysis of the selection process in tree-based Genetic Programming (GP), covering the optimisation of both parent and offspring selection, and provides a detailed understanding of selection and guidance on how to improve GP search effectively and efficiently. The first part of the thesis providesmodels and visualisations to analyse selection behaviour in standard tournament selection, clarifies several issues in standard tournament selection, and presents a novel solution to automatically and dynamically optimise parent selection pressure. The fitness evaluation cost of parent selection is then addressed and some cost-saving algorithms introduced. In addition, the feasibility of using good predecessor programs to increase parent selection efficiency is analysed. The second part of the thesis analyses the impact of offspring selection pressure on the overall GP search performance. The fitness evaluation cost of offspring selection is then addressed, with investigation of some heuristics to efficiently locate good offspring by constraining crossover point selection structurally through the analysis of the characteristics of good crossover events. The main outcomes of the thesis are three new algorithms and four observations: 1) a clustering tournament selection method is developed to automatically and dynamically tune parent selection pressure; 2) a passive evaluation algorithm is introduced for reducing parent fitness evaluation cost for standard tournament selection using small tournament sizes; 3) a heuristic population clustering algorithm is developed to reduce parent fitness evaluation cost while taking advantage of clustering tournament selection and avoiding the tournament size limitation; 4) population size has little impact on parent selection pressure thus the tournament size configuration is independent of population size; and different sampling replacement strategies have little impact on the selection behaviour in standard tournament selection; 5) premature convergence occurs more often when stochastic elements are removed from both parent and offspring selection processes; 6) good crossover events have a strong preference for whole program trees, and (less strongly) single-node or small subtrees that are at the bottom of parent program trees; 7) the ability of standard GP crossover to generate good offspring is far below what was expected.
First Birth at Home or in Hospital in Aotearoa/New Zealand: Intrapartum Midwifery Care and Related Outcomes
Authors:   , Miller Suzanne Claire
Published: November 2021

A woman's first birth experience can be a powerfully transformative event in her life, or can be so traumatic it affects her sense of 'self' for years. It can influence her maternity future, her physical and emotional health, and her ability to mother her baby. It matters greatly how her first birth unfolds. Women in Aotearoa/New Zealand enjoy a range of options for provision of maternity care, including, for most, their choice of birth setting. Midwives who practice in a range of settings perceive that birth outcomes for first-time mothers appear to be 'better' at home. An exploration of this perception seems warranted in light of the mainstream view that hospital is the optimal birth setting. The research question was: "Do midwives offer the same intrapartum care at home and in hospital, and if differences exist, how might they be made manifest in the labour and birth events of first-time mothers?" This mixed-methods study compared labour and birth events for two groups of first-time mothers who were cared for by the same midwives in a continuity of care context. One group of mothers planned to give birth at home and the other group planned to give birth in a hospital where anaesthetic and surgical services were available. Labour and birth event data were collected by a survey which was generated following a focus group discussion with a small group of midwives. This discussion centred around whether these midwives believed their practice differed in each setting, and what influenced care provision in each place. Content analysis of the focus group data saw the emergence of four themes relating to differences in practice: midwives' use of space, their use of time, the 'being' and 'doing' of midwifery and aspects relating to safety. Survey data were analysed using SPSS. Despite being cared for by the same midwives, women in the hospital-birth group were more likely to use pharmacological methods of pain management, experienced more interventions (ARM, vaginal examinations, IV hydration, active third stage management and electronic foetal monitoring) and achieved spontaneous vaginal birth less often than the women in the homebirth group. These findings strengthen the evidence that for low risk first-time mothers a choice to give birth at home can result in a greater likelihood of achieving a normal birth. The study offers some insights into how the woman's choice of birth place affects the care provided by midwives, and how differences in care provision can relate to differences in labour and birth event outcomes.
A Cultural Approach to Music Therapy in New Zealand: a Maori Perspective
Authors:   , Kahui Dennis Jon
Published: November 2021

The main theme of this study is to form a culturally appropriate approach to music therapy concepts from a Maori perspective that could be inclusive and accommodate both Maori and Tauiwi (non-Maori) Rangatahi (adolescents) in health care settings. In order to provide a descriptive account of the holistic aspects of introducing Maori musical concepts in a music therapy setting a qualitative design was employed. The study draws on my personal journal entries, an interview with Kaumatua (Maori respected elders) regarding the appropriateness of introducing and altering traditional Maori musicality to accommodate the patient's needs and a case study involving the Haka as a music therapy intervention strategy with a young Maori patient diagnosed with schizophrenia. My findings show that as a music therapist consultation with Kaumatua regarding anything related to Maori cultural aspects was essential. I also found that when working with a Maori Rangatahi who is immersed in Maori culture, it created an atmosphere of containment, familiarity, enjoyment, engagement and an environment that facilitated the achievement of therapeutic goals. Te Whare Tapa Wha Maori mental health model is well suited as a music therapy assessment tool to the characteristics of the physical, emotional, spiritual and family context of the Haka. I also found that Tauiwi music therapists wishing to introduce cultural elements must first learn about Maori culture and the people in order to confidently understand the music. Tauiwi Rangatahi may also benefit from the introduction of Maori musicality as a therapeutic means by being an inclusive member of the community and the positive psychological effects. For example, Rangatahi benefited from learning the proper pronunciation and meaning of the Haka, which in turn gave them a sense of achievement. I also found that some Maori protocols fit well with the protocols of music therapy, such as the beginning and endings with a hello and goodbye song.
Developing an Ontology Evaluation Methodology: Cognitive Measure of Quality
Authors:   , Fang Chia-wen
Published: November 2021

Ontologies are formal specifications of shared conceptualizations of a domain. Important applications of ontologies include distributed knowledge based systems, such as the semantic web, and the evaluation of modelling languages, e.g. for business process or conceptual modelling. These applications require formal ontologies of good quality. In this thesis, we present a multi-method ontology evaluation methodology, which consists of two techniques (sentence verification task and recall) based on principles of cognitive psychology, to test how well a specification of a formal ontology corresponds to the ontology users' conceptualization of a domain. Two experiments were conducted, each evaluating the SUMO ontology and WordNet with an experimental technique, as demonstrations of the multi-method evaluation methodology. We also tested the applicability of the two evaluation techniques by conducting a replication study for each. The replication studies obtained findings that point towards the same direction as the original studies, although no significance was achieved. Overall, the evaluation using the multi-method methodology suggests that neither of the two ontologies we examined is a good specification of the conceptualization of the domain. Both the terminology and the structure of the ontologies, may benefit from improvement.
Factors Influencing Contraceptives Use among Female Migrants in Ghanaian Cities, A case of Kayeyei in the Kumasi Metropolis
Authors: Avoada Cynthia , Asumadu Dorigen Ansomaa , Junior Bismark Affreh , Anlimachie Moses Ackah
Published: November 2021

Historically, women in Africa have long been known to transport agricultural produce, firewood, and pots of water by way of the head for domestic use. This culture has been transformed into feminised unskilled labour termed Kayayei in Ghanaian cities as a fallout from poor education outcomes and its attendant lack of sustainable jobs in the rural areas. Kayayei is used in Ghana to refer to young female migrants between the ages of 8-35 years from the poverty endemic areas of northern Ghana engaging in head porterage business in the cities as a means of survival. The increasing incidence of kayaye and its attendant social, health and economic problems have attracted media and research commentary in Ghana in recent times. This study investigates contraceptive use among kayayei in the Kumasi metropolis of Ghana to inform strategies to improve the reproductive health of the low-income group. The study uses a mixed-method design. A structured survey questionnaire was administered to 121 kayayei. Further, 44 participants were selected from the 121 kayeyei to participate in focus group discussions (FGD). These were complemented with individual interviews of a pharmacist, a chemist shop attendants, and a drug peddler [unlicensed medicine walker]. Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) was used to analyse the quantitative data from the survey questionnaire, while descriptive coding was used to analyse the qualitative data from FGDs, interviews and field observation. The findings revealed that male partners’ approval was the major determinant of contraceptive use among the participating migrant female head porters. Some 90% of women who were less likely to use contraceptives are those who never discuss or get approval from their partners. Oral contraceptives, intrauterine devices (IUD) and condoms were the most used contraceptive among the kayayei. Participants’ choice of contraceptives was influenced by affordability, accessibility and their perceptions about contraceptive security. The study also identified that side effects from the use of contraceptives, including inconveniences on menstruation, weight gain, and weight loss, were a set of factors that demotivate contraceptives use among the research participants. The study also identified that, although culture has a significant influence on contraceptive use in Africa generally, in the case of migrant young women who have escaped from the cultural scrutiny of their home communities, their sexual partners, rather than culture, have a significant influence on their contraceptives use. The study, therefore, recommends an aggressive public education campaign on contraceptives use targeting both kayayei and their sexual partners in Ghanaian cities, while family planning services are accessible and affordable to this low-income group.
W poszukiwaniu rozumowania matematycznego najmłodszych uczniów – doniesienie z badań wdrożeniowych
Authors: Kalinowska-Iżykowska Alina
Published: November 2021

Mathematical reasoning is a crucial competence for the construction of useful knowledge. The text presents selected results of the study of students of the third grade of an elementary school in the field of text task solving. The conducted educational experiment showed the potential of solving non-standard tasks for developing the reasoning of mathematically weaker students. Contact with tasks that require independent mathematizing allowed to reduce the number of students with the lowest results in the post test. The ways of understanding the role of drawing in exploring mathematical relations described in the task were analysed.
Adaptierte Grammatik-Übersetzungsmethode im modernen Fremdsprachenunterricht: Textarbeit und literale Kompetenzen
Authors: Belyaev Denis
Published: November 2021

Im Artikel ist die Rede von der Adaptierten Grammatik-Übersetzungsmethode als modifizierter Form der klassischen Grammatik-Übersetzungsmethode. Behandelt werden die Möglichkeiten des Methodeneinsatzes im Unterricht, Übungsformen, Erweiterungen, die auf einer langjährigen unterrichtlichen Praxis basieren. Näher betrachtet werden Novitäten im Rahmen der adaptierten Grammatik-Übersetzungsmethode auch im Kontext des modernen Forschungsstandes. Als Ausgangssprache dient die russische Sprache und als Zielsprache tritt Deutsch auf. Im Artikel finden sich auch Beispiele und Übungsvorschläge.
Ingeniería de la formación: emprender un dispositivo de capacitación acorde a las necesidades actuales de los profesores de francés en México
Authors: Amador Pliego Edward , Pluvinet Delphine
Published: November 2021

En los últimos años, han surgido nuevas situaciones sociales y académicas en México, permitiendo una movilidad más competitiva para los estudiantes de lenguas, en particular del francés, promoviendo intercambios y objetivos de aprendizaje diversos.

Ante estas nuevas situaciones, muchos docentes están haciendo enormes esfuerzos para integrar nuevas estrategias en su planeaciones y dinámicas de clase, permitiendo que los alumnos se adapten mejor a estos nuevos contextos sin necesariamente estar preparados institucionalmente.

La presente investigación comparte los primeros hallazgos iniciados a finales del 2019 como parte de un Encuentro de Licenciaturas de Francés Lengua Extranjera (FLE) en México. A raíz de ese encuentro nacional surgieron muchas preguntas sobre la formación y el perfil propio de los docentes de FLE en México, las cuales definieron nuestra investigación.

El principal objetivo del enfoque es analizar las necesidades, diseñar acciones y esquemas de formación, e implementarlos y evaluarlos siguiendo un enfoque razonado y estructurado, contando con la participación de los propios docentes que se involucraron en nuestro trabajo.

Para comenzar, se trató de establecer el perfil actual del docente de FLE en México. La muestra para construir dicho perfil fue constituida por 100 profesores de ocho universidades públicas de diversos estados del país. Se tomaron en cuenta las observaciones de estos docentes respecto al perfil “idóneo” de un docente de FLE en México y se revisó su propia trayectoria de formación como docente de FLE. Además, se consideraron las diversas concepciones que los directores, coordinadores y responsables de las facultades de idiomas y centros de lenguas tienen del perfil docente necesario para que sus instituciones contraten a su personal para impartir clases ya sea en centros de autoaprendizaje o laboratorios de FLE.

Esta investigación tiene también como objetivo proponer una nueva representación del perfil de los docentes de FLE en México, que sirva para comprender las diferentes influencias que determinan las prácticas pedagógicas de los docentes. Partiendo de varios modelos existentes, pero principalmente de los principios y herramientas de la Ingeniería de la Formación. Parmentier (2012)  afirma que “se  debe comprender los métodos y prácticas de análisis de la demanda y las necesidades de formación; diseñar un proyecto de formación; la definición de los métodos y medios a implementar; coordinación y seguimiento de la formación; la evaluación de la formación así como los modos de validación previstos "(p. 8), queremos proporcionar una herramienta para perfilar a los docentes de FLE en cuanto a la influencia de su cultura disciplinar, su epistemología personal, sus conocimientos pedagógicos y competencias didácticas, y sus conocimientos en el uso de las Tecnologías de la Información y la Comunicación (TIC).
Penerapan Nilai-Nilai Islam Dalam Penyelesaian Sengketa Mawah (Studi Kasus Di Kabupaten Pidie)
Authors: Nouval Muhammad , Faisal Faisal , Manfarisyah Manfarisyah
Published: November 2021

Adat bersendikan syari’at merupakan dua unsur penting dalam masyarakat Aceh yang tidak dapat dipisahkan. Aqidah Islam menjadi motivasi kuat yang mendorong seseorang untuk bekerja. Salah satu kegiatan kerjasama pada masyarakat Aceh adalah mawah, Kabupaten Pidie merupakan salah satu tempat di Aceh dimana ditemukan praktik mawah. Perjanjian mawah tidak menutup kemungkinan terjadinya sengketa karena perjanjian yang tidak tertulis atau ingkar janji dalam pembagian hasil terjadi didalam masyarakat. Jika terjadi sengketa didalam masyarakat Aceh (termasuk sengketa mawah) akan diselesaikan melalui peradilan adat sebelum diserahkan kepihak kepolisian. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk menganalisis prosedur penyelesaian sengketa mawah di kabupaten pidie dan bagaimana tinjauan hukum Islam terhadap penyelesaian sengketa mawah di kabupaten pidie. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa penyelesaian sengketa baik pidana ringan maupun perdata (termasuk mawah) di Kabupaten Pidie harus ditempuh melalui peradilan adat gampong dengan prinsip mufakat dan perdamaian. Penyelesaian sengketa mawah pada peradilan adat gampong di Kabupaten Pidie telah sesuai dengan penyelesaian sengketa dalam Islam yaitu dengan menempuh jalur arbitrase (tahkim). Penyelesaian sengketa mawah melalui peradilan adat secara sifat yaitu tahkim, namun mekanisme pelaksanaan penyelesaian sengketanya seperti konsep peradilan (Al-Qada).
Analyzing Capital to be Developed In Language Learning Among Graduates: A Case Study to Employ Bourdieusian Stances
Authors: Vu Ngoc Tung
Published: November 2021

Language and culture are indispensably inseparable in language learning. The development of capital during language learning is of growing importance in Vietnam’s sociocultural context. However, there are very few studies that have explored Vietnamese learners of English use of capital to enhance their employability skills. This qualitative study examined five selected language learners who were graduates with various degrees from higher education institutions and were employed in different jobs. We sought to examine the reflections of participants from different disciplines regarding their capital construction and development, which occurred during English language learning. Drawing on Bourdieu’s (1986) stances on capital and field, data collection primarily concentrated on semi-structured interviews that were thematically analyzed. Findings suggested that students utilized various forms of learning in order to negotiate their capital and think that field acts as a driver force behind their use of certain strategies. Language learners were observed as cultural-beings able to make informed decisions on how to develop certain types of capital, based on their sense of agency and formation of multiple identities available in their academic, professional, and social fields. The findings are discussed and implications are presented.