bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Association Control Based Load Balancing in Wireless Cellular Networks Using Preamble Sequences
Authors:   , Chopra Ankit 
Published: November 2021

<p>The efficient allocation and use of radio resources is crucial for achieving the maximum possible throughput and capacity in wireless networks. The conventional strongest signal-based user association in cellular networks generally considers only the strength of the signal while selecting a BS, and ignores the level of congestion or load at it. As a consequence, some BSs tend to suffer from heavy load, while their adjacent BSs may carry only light load. This load imbalance severely hampers the network from fully utilizing the network capacity and providing fair services to users. In this thesis, we investigate the applicability of the preamble code sequence, which is mainly used for cell identification, as an implicit information indicator for load balancing in cellular networks. By exploiting the high auto-correlation and low cross-correlation property among preamble sequences, we propose distributed load balancing schemes that implicitly obtain information about the load status of BSs, for intelligent association control. This enables the new users to be attached to BSs with relatively low load in the long term, alleviating the problem of non-uniform user distribution and load imbalance across the network. Extensive simulations are performed with various user densities considering throughput fair and resource fair, as the resource allocation policies in each cell. It is observed that significant improvement in minimum throughput and fair user distribution is achieved by employing our proposed schemes, and preamble sequences can be effectively used as a leverage for better cell-site selection from the viewpoint of fairness provisioning. The load of the entire system is also observed to be balanced, which consequently enhances the capacity of the network, as evidenced by the simulation results.</p>
Towards a New Theory of VET Policy Evaluation and Engagement: A Multiple Stakeholder Approach
Authors:   , Parkes Lois Elaine 
Published: November 2021

<p>Much current policy analysis assumes that in order to build theory on vocational education and training (VET) policy evaluation, it is useful to explore evaluation from the perspectives of its stakeholders. However in practice this does not always happen. This thesis addresses the limitations that arise in policy analysis on VET when stakeholders’ perspectives are ignored or assumed. Industry Training in New Zealand is used as an example of a VET policy that has experienced increasing participation by stakeholders, but limited evaluation that largely ignores stakeholders’ views. Taking an inclusive, qualitative approach, this research seeks to unearth how different stakeholders in the state and tourism sectors evaluate the impact of Industry Training and how value is created for each from Industry Training engagement. Fifty semi-structured interviews were completed with a cross-section of stakeholders representing policy makers, various industry interest groups, as well as employers/managers and trainees from four state and tourism sector organisations. Secondary data, where available, were also analysed, in order to improve the level of data triangulation. An analytical framework was developed from the VET, human capital, human resource development, critical human resource development and policy evaluation literatures. This framework consists of two broad paradigms of evaluation: (1) The Strategic HRD/VET policy logic of skills investment equals increased socio-economic prosperity. This views the outcomes of VET policy as largely value-free, quantifiable facts that are mutually beneficial to all stakeholders, and which exist separately from these stakeholders; and, (2) The Critical HRD/Stakeholder logic that views the outcomes of VET policy as value-laden, not necessarily mutually beneficial to all stakeholders, nor existing separately from its stakeholders. Responses from interviewees were compared against these paradigms and among different stakeholder groups to answer the main research question: How do stakeholders evaluate the impact of a VET policy? The main research outcome is the development of a new framework and theory of VET policy evaluation, based on a comparative understanding of value creation from multiple stakeholders’ perspectives.</p>
Na Suklit: Benicio Sokkong and the Bamboo Musical Instruments of the Kalinga
Authors:   , Prior Aaron 
Published: November 2021

<p>This ethnomusicology study explores the contexts of the bamboo musical instruments of the Kalinga people of the Philippines in two distinct contemporary locations: the urban setting of Lucnab, Baguio City, and the rural setting of Sukiap, Kalinga. Through the study of the instruments, the music, and the individuals who participate in the music, I will examine the fluid and reflexive contextualisation of the music of the bamboo instruments, and how traditional musics undergo redefinition, reformation and a re-investing with new cultural significance. At the centre of this thesis lies an individual, Benicio Sokkong, a teacher, researcher, instrument maker and performer, who is key to the revival of the bamboo musical instruments not only in Kalinga but also internationally. The two communities focused on in this thesis have direct connections to Beni: the community of Lucnab, Baguio City, is his current home, and Sukiap village in Kalinga which is the birth place of his parents and his ancestral home. This study investigates the contexts of the bamboo instruments in these locations, and the effect of an individual reviving, recreating, and maintaining musical traditions. I have employed a contemporary and eclectic approach in presenting the research in this dissertation, drawing on concepts of ethnic and self- identity (Rice 2007, Stokes 1994, Giddens 1991), revival (Livingston 1999), and the individual (Rice 1994, Stock 1996, Vander 1988). I argue that although the contexts of music shift from ritual and ceremony to secular gatherings, and also move geographically throughout local and national locations, the music remains an expression of community and communal identity. I also posit that the shape and form of the contexts are created by individuals who participate in the process of revival and maintenance.</p>
Leading Ladies: Portraits of Principals: The Leadership Styles and Practices of Women Secondary School Principals Reflected within a Principal Professional Learning Community
Authors:   , Snedden Erika Helen 
Published: November 2021

<p>Recent New Zealand Ministry of Education documents highlight the challenge to provide professional learning opportunities for principals and the current initiative to support and strengthen school leadership through the Professional Leadership Strategy. There is a need for professional development strategies and opportunities that help principals more effectively understand their school contexts, responsibilities and their own competencies, leadership styles and practice. To transfer and be sustainable, effective leadership practice requires the building of principal leadership learning communities within individual New Zealand school contexts. This thesis builds on previous studies of New Zealand women principals' experiences of leadership, contributing to a greater insight into the identities, role and practice of women principals while modelling a framework for reflective practice as a tool for professional and educational leadership development. As an iconographic study of three New Zealand women secondary school principals this thesis exhibits the life stories and experiences which have impacted upon their personal theories about leadership styles and practice. Composed through a métissage (merging) of image and dialogue to create portraits of the principal's leadership identities it is set in situ within a principal professional learning community. A qualitative, multiple-case studies methodology was employed. The design was informed by a reflective practitioner approach and action learning orientation underpinned by arts-based inquiry, a methodological and theoretical genre that proposes a reinterpretation of the methods and ethics of human social research. The findings indicate that the personal development, self-awareness and growth of a leader are a catalyst to stimulate collective development and accomplishment.</p>
Creating and Sharing Knowledge through a Corporate Social Networking Site: The Impact of Employees' Perceptions on Effectiveness
Authors:   , Figueroa Barraza Julio David 
Published: November 2021

<p>This research investigates the perceptions of employees at South Winds (the pseudonym), a software engineering company, about using a corporate social networking site for sharing and generating knowledge. It focuses on understanding and explaining how the perceptions of employees from different organisational levels impacted on the usage of the social networking site. Methods of data collection included interviews and focus groups with C-level managers, middle managers and software engineers. Qualitative methods were used for analysing the collected data. Analysis drew on an extended Orlikowski and Gash's technological frames theory (1994) to identify five categories of perceptions relating to technology implementation and use. Applying the concept of framing in this study helped to surface specific areas within which divergence of perceptions occurred. Results showed significant divergences in perceptions about the corporate social networking site in 4 out of the 5 categories across the different levels of the organization. These divergences were found to have arisen largely as a result of information deficiencies. Furthermore, little understanding about the nature of the technology led top management to decide to use an adoption approach that discouraged knowledge sharing and creation through this tool. As a consequence, this study found that there appeared to be little likelihood of creating or sharing knowledge through the corporate social networking site under the observed implementation, although the corporate social networking site was widely perceived as a useful technology for sharing and creating knowledge. Recommendations for realizing potential benefits from using a corporate social networking site include developing plans for aligning organizational perceptions about the corporate social networking site and developing a suitable reward plan based on group performance in order to encourage the employees to create/share knowledge. The findings of this research suggest an extension of the Orlikowski and Gash's (1994) technological frames theory for knowledge management systems. This research also suggests that perceptions about different aspects of a technology may be arranged in a hierarchical chain. This would bring significant implications in designing and implementing technologies.</p>
The Role of Misrule in the Practice of Performance
Authors:   , Cameron Gregor 
Published: November 2021

<p>In the theatre we are familiar with how rehearsal and collaboration can lead to a number of unintended discoveries that can cause a production to change tack. At the heart of this thesis is discovery- of oneself as an artist, as part of community collaboration and as part of a story told on stage. Using carnival as a frame for the space we work in, accepting that the ʻtricksterʼ cultural figure can be a manifestation of the carnival, it should be possible for the role of trickster to be taken on by someone in the rehearsal process. This is often but not always the director. These ʻhappy accidentsʼ can in fact arise through the directorʼs deliberate disruption of the community. At times, problems that raise their heads are solved through this creative process. Misrule is my definition of this and I offer my experience of this within the process of bringing Saint Punch, a carnivalesque/ Grand Guignol show, to the stage. I compare this with some other practitionersʼ experience of this process of disruptive imagination as defense of my position. By recognizing it in both theory and practice through a critical analysis my aim is to seek a synthesis intended to enrich the theatrical experience of the audience.</p>
Brass Multiphonics in Jazz
Authors:   , van Dijk Nick 
Published: November 2021

<p>Multiphonics is the production of more than one tone at a time from an instrument that would normally play a single line. The aim of this work is to identify and explore the elements of multiphonics as played by jazz brass players and to examine the production and development of multiphonics with particular reference to Albert Mangelsdorff’s mature technique. The research procedure includes a literature review, transcription and analysis of relevant music, and reflection on personal practice. The findings and discussion are used to draw conclusions in order to derive applicable testable techniques. The research points to where the accretion and extension of Mangelsdorff’s playing style may lead, and demonstrates the acquisition of discovered multiphonic techniques by the performance of transcriptions and new or extended musical applications of multiphonics in two recorded assessed recitals. The body of the paper gives brief biographical information on the main practitioners, with specific focus on how each of them acquired particular technical elements. Reference is made to prior research and specific recordings and players are mentioned in regard to their innovations and stylistic techniques. Elements were discovered and explored in the researcher’s own practice over the previous decade and specifically the duration of the masters study from February 2008 – June 2009, and the effects of various approaches and exercises are discussed. This discussion includes the areas of mental and physical preparation, limitations and parameters of the physical playing, and the method used for developing multiphonic technique. The summary identifies the main findings and makes specific reference to how they might relate to practice. It suggests areas where further research can be developed to support the acquisition and practical application of multiphonic technique and extended techniques in brass performance. The work is presented as a paper and accompanying DVD that demonstrates findings as played by the researcher in live recitals.</p>
Overlapping Realities: Exploring How the Culture and Management of an Early Childhood Education Centre Provides Teachers with Opportunities for Professional Dialogue
Authors:   , Healy Christine 
Published: November 2021

<p>This research project investigated teachers' use of professional dialogue in one EC education centre in New Zealand. The qualitative case study highlighted the teachers' understanding of professional dialogue, the perceived purposes for professional dialogue and the cultural and organisational opportunities for professional dialogue. The theoretical understanding of dialogue was drawn from educational and organisational literature. The term professional dialogue was also supported in the literature and captured the identity and ethos of the EC teachers' role as a professional. Cultural historical activity theory was the conceptual framework which informed the methodology and was used for the data analysis. Multiple perspectives were acknowledged in a collective understanding of professional dialogue. The research found that issues of time are important: the timing of the dialogical space and the lack of time for professional dialogue. In addition, opportunities for professional dialogue within an education centre are limited, social and ad hoc conversations support a team approach to professional dialogue, and the presence of student teachers enhance teachers' professional dialogue.</p>
Defiance and Compliance: Australia and the United Nations Convention Relating to the Status of Refugees
Authors:   , Grandkoski Danika 
Published: November 2021

<p>An analysis of Australia’s level of compliance with the United Nations Convention Relating to the Status of Refugees (the Convention) according to theories of compliance, suggests that no single compliance theory can adequately explain both instances of violation and instances of compliance. Much of Australia’s violation of the Convention, and subsequently other international human rights treaties, stems from more recent legislative changes though Australia’s offshore processing initiatives. Collectively theories of compliance are useful for identifying the driving factors which govern Australia’s handling of international obligations under the Convention. Liberal compliance theory indicates civil society and non-state actors are the most influential drivers ensuring the state is held accountable for upholding its obligations and responsibilities. Constructivist compliance theory suggests the greatest pull towards non-compliance is Australia’s notion of national identity which has influenced discriminatory policies throughout its history. National identity remains an influential driver as evidenced by current politicisation of discussion surrounding refugees and asylum seekers in Australia and subsequent legislative agendas.</p>
Time to Conceive: a New Argument for the Possibility of Time Travel
Authors:   , Burkett Daniel 
Published: November 2021

<p>Ordinarily, philosophers arguing for the possibility of time travel restrict themselves to defending time travel against allegations of inconsistency and contradiction. These objections are usually based on particular theories about time and causality. I believe, however, that this way of arguing can be turned on its head. By using the conceivability thesis – that is, the thesis that if something is conceivable, then it is also possible – we can put forward a positive argument for the possibility of time travel, and then consider how this should inform our metaphysical views. I do this by assuming the truth of the conceivability thesis and then presenting a simple piece of time travel fiction. I argue for the conceivability of this story and, in doing so, attempt to show that the time travel journey it describes is logically possible. I then develop this argument by considering other more controversial cases of time travel. I make minor alterations to the original time travel story in order to show that there are a number of different kinds of time travel journeys (including cases of both forwards and backwards time travel) which are conceivable and, therefore, logically possible. Finally, I ask how the conceivability of different types of time travel should affect the metaphysical views we choose to adopt. I argue that since the conceivability of time travel entails the logical possibility of journeys to other times, any plausible theory of time must be able to accommodate such journeys. I also explain how the conceivability of time travel entails the logical possibility of two particularly unusual cases of causation. I argue that the conceivability of instantaneous time travel entails the logical possibility of causation at a distance, and that the conceivability of backwards time travel entails the logical possibility of backwards causation. Any plausible theory of causation must therefore be able to account for the possibility of these two types of causation. I consider one particular theory of causation which does not (namely, that put forward by D.H. Mellor), and then attempt to establish where it goes wrong.</p>
Referential Integrity in Cloud NoSQL Databases
Authors:   , Raja Harsha 
Published: November 2021

<p>Cloud computing delivers on-demand access to essential computing services providing benefits such as reduced maintenance, lower costs, global access, and others. One of its important and prominent services is Database as a Service (DaaS) which includes cloud Database Management Systems (DBMSs). Cloud DBMSs commonly adopt the key-value data model and are called Not only SQL (NoSQL) DBMSs. These provide cloud suitable features like scalability, flexibility and robustness, but in order to provide these, features such as referential integrity are often sacrificed. In such cases, referential integrity is left to be dealt with by the applications instead of being handled by the cloud DBMSs. Thus, applications are required to either deal with inconsistency in the data (e.g. dangling references) or to incorporate the necessary logic to ensure that referential integrity is maintained. This thesis presents an Application Programming Interface (API) that serves as a middle layer between the applications and the cloud DBMS in order to maintain referential integrity. The API provides the necessary Create, Read, Update and Delete (CRUD) operations to be performed on the DBMS while ensuring that the referential integrity constraints are satisfied. These constraints are represented as metadata and four different approaches are provided to store it. Furthermore, the performance of these approaches is measured with different referential integrity constraints and evaluated upon a set of experiments in Apache Cassandra, a prominent cloud NoSQL DBMS. The results showed significant differences between the approaches in terms of performance. However, the final word on which one is better depends on the application demands as each approach presents different trade-offs.</p>
Cross-Strait Economic Interdependence and the Prospects for Peace between Mainland China and Taiwan
Authors:   , Zhang Li 
Published: November 2021

<p>The further development of economic globalisation causes the status and effect of economic factors to continuously increase in international relations. This new characteristic is increasingly apparent in cross-strait relations as the course of the reform and opening-up in mainland China, as well as the development of cross-strait economy and trade. Particularly since the mainland and Taiwan signed Economic Cooperation Framework Agreement (ECFA) in 2010, economic development has become one of the most important issues between the two sides. Since the détente between the mainland and Taiwan in the 1980s, cross-strait economics and trade have displayed two primary characteristics. First, the volume of trade, the amount of investment, and especially the economic interdependency between the two sides are all constantly increasing. Second, although under the influence of fluctuating political relations, the cross-strait economic relationship is still maintaining a stable development tendency. Due to the impact of economic globalisation, both the mainland and Taiwan are re-examining their own economic interests and have realized that economic relations form the cornerstone of their relationship. The expanding common interest which is generated from the deepening cross-strait economic exchanges between the mainland and Taiwan is becoming the key factor in both governments’ political considerations. Cross-strait economic and trade development is thus becoming an interests mechanism which maintains the framework of peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait. This thesis argues that cross-strait economic interdependence and cross-strait relations are inherently and interactively related. From the viewpoint of Neoliberalist Theory and Interdependent Theory, and on the basis of the development course of cross-strait economy and trade, this article analyzes the interactive effect between the cross-strait economy and cross-strait relations, especially the political relations from many factors such as the signing of ECFA, the impact of Taiwanese businessmen’s investment in the mainland, and the mainland's Taiwan policy. This thesis concludes that on the one hand, the increase in cross-strait economic interdependence will promote peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait. On the other hand, stable cross-strait relations will also provide a policy guarantee and a peaceful scope for the future development of the relationship between mainland China and Taiwan.</p>