bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
People Power: The Everyday Politics of Democratic Resistance in Burma and the Philippines
Authors:   , Henry Nicholas 
Published: November 2021

<p>How do Community Based Organisations (CBOs) in Burma and the Philippines participate in the construction of political legitimacy through their engagement in local and international politics? What can this tell us about the agency of non-state actors in international relations? This thesis explores the practices of non-state actors engaged in political resistance in Burma and the Philippines. The everyday dynamics of political legitimacy are examined in relation to popular consent, political violence, and the influence of international actors and norms. The empirical research in this thesis is based on a grounded theory analysis of in-depth semi-structured interviews with a wide cross-section of spokespeople and activists of opposition groups from Burma, and with spokespeople of opposition groups in the Philippines. The research covers community-based organisations with broad memberships, including women’s organisations, student and youth groups, ethnic minority and indigenous groups, and trade unions. The thesis demonstrates that CBOs exercise a range of tactics in forming political relationships in local and international contexts, and emphasises the role of learning processes in the interaction of local and international norms in the course of political change.</p>
Numerical Simulations of Polymers at the Nanoscale
Authors:   , Dhondi Srikanth 
Published: November 2021

<p>In this thesis we study a variety of nanoscale phenomena in certain polymer systems using a combination of numerical simulation methods and mathematical modelling. The problems considered are: (a) the mixing behaviour of polymeric fluids in micro- and nanofluidic devices, (b) capillary absorption of polymer droplets into narrow capillaries, and (c) modelling the phase separation and self-assembly behaviour in polymer systems with freely deforming boundaries. These problems are significant in nanotechnological applications of polymer-based systems. First, the mixing behaviour of a polymeric melt over two parallely patternedslip surfaces is considered. Using molecular dynamics (MD) simulations, it is shown that mixing is enhanced when the polymer chain size is smaller than the wavelength of the chemical pattern of the surfaces. An off-set in the upper and lowerwall patterns improved themixing in the centre of the channel. Application of a sinusoidally varying body force in addition to the patterned-slip conditions is shown to enhance mixing further, compared to a constant body force case, with some limitations. Simulation findings for the constant body force cases are in qualitative agreement with the continuum theory of Pereira [1]. However, in the case of a sinusoidally varying body force our simulations do not agree with the continuum theory. We explain the reasons for the discrepancy between the two and point out the deficiencies in the continuum theory in predicting the correct behaviour. Second, the capillary phenomena of polymer droplets in narrow capillaries is studied using MD simulations. It is demonstrated that droplets composed of longer chains require wider tubes for absorption and this result is in agreement with our continuum modelling. The observed capillary dynamics deviate significantly from the standard Lucas-Washburn description thus questioning its validity at the nanoscale. The metastable states during the capillary absorption in some cases cannot be explained using the existing models of capillary dynamics. Lastly, the phase separation process in polymer blends between both confined and unconfined boundaries is studied using Smoothed Particle Hydrodynamics (SPH). The SPH technique has the advantage of not using a grid to discretize the spatial domain, which makes it appealing when dealing with problems where the spatial domain can change with time. The applicability of the SPH method in describing phase separation in these systems is demonstrated. In particular, its ability to model freely deforming polymer blends is shown.</p>
Simulation and Optimisation of a Two Degree of Freedom, Planar, Parallel Manipulator
Authors:   , Haughey Ben 
Published: November 2021

<p>Development in pick-and-place robotic manipulators continues to grow as factory processes are streamlined. One configuration of these manipulators is the two degree of freedom, planar, parallel manipulator (2DOFPPM). A machine building company, RML Engineering Ltd., wishes to develop custom robotic manipulators that are optimised for individual pick-and-place applications. This thesis develops several tools to assist in the design process. The 2DOFPPM’s structure lends itself to fast and accurate translations in a single plane. However, the performance of the 2DOFPPM is highly dependent on its dimensions. The kinematics of the 2DOFPPM are explored and used to examine the reachable workspace of the manipulator. This method of analysis also gives insight into the relative speed and accuracy of the manipulator’s end-effector in the workspace. A simulation model of the 2DOFPPM has been developed in Matlab’s® SimMechanics®. This allows the detailed analysis of the manipulator’s dynamics. In order to provide meaningful input into the simulation model, a cubic spline trajectory planner is created. The algorithm uses an iterative approach of minimising the time between knots along the path, while ensuring the kinematic and dynamic limits of the motors and end-effector are abided by. The resulting trajectory can be considered near-minimum in terms of its cycle-time. The dimensions of the 2DOFPPM have a large effect on the performance of the manipulator. Four major dimensions are analysed to see the effect each has on the cycle-time over a standardised path. The dimensions are the proximal and distal arms, spacing of the motors and the height of the manipulator above the workspace. The solution space of all feasible combinations of these dimensions is produced revealing cycle-times with a large degree of variation over the same path. Several optimisation algorithms are applied to finding the manipulator configuration with the fastest cycle-time. A random restart hill-climber, stochastic hill-climber, simulated annealing and a genetic algorithm are developed. After each algorithm’s parameters are tuned, the genetic algorithm is shown to outperform the other techniques.</p>
From Tourist to Traveller: Discourses of Authenticity and Self-Transformation in Television Travel Genres
Authors:   , Sugandi Kania 
Published: November 2021

<p>Tourism and travel programmes, in the form of direct advertorials, travel and adventure shows, and reality television series set in exotic locations, now constitute a significant set of media forms, genres and sub-genres. This is clearly in line with recent and contemporary increases in the number of people travelling, facilitated by sophisticated transportation infrastructure, inexpensive airfares and an increased exposure, through the media, of what is on offer to the tourist/traveller. Considerable study has been done on the field of travel and tourism in order to ascertain what motivates people to travel; the nature of the interaction between the visitor and the visited; and how cultures are impacted by the introduction of tourism in the area. However, it is curious that, given its abundance and popularity, there is a noticeable absence of academic literature on television travel programmes and genres. Travel programmes give viewers a window onto travel destinations both within their own countries and, more commonly, around the world. Within the genre of travel programmes, there exists a wide variety of types and sub-genres, usually with an emphasis on tourism, adventure, and culture and heritage. Those differences aside, most travel programmes inform viewers (that is, either potential travellers or so-called ‘armchair travellers’) about what is available to see and do in, and generally what to expect from, a place, its people and its culture. Travel programmes act as advertisements for both destinations and the act of travelling itself. Three travel programmes will be analysed in this thesis: Sahara with Michael Palin, Long Way Down, and Intrepid Journeys. ...</p>
Te Rākau Whanake me Ona Ahuatanga Angitu Hei Hopu Reo Māori
Authors:   , Kire Andrea 
Published: November 2021

<p>During the 1970s research showed that less than 20% of Māori people were proficient in the Māori language. Leading sociolinguists of that time predicted the Māori language would be extinct by 2000. This provided the impetus for the emergence of various Māori language revitalisation strategies. Te Whanake and Te Ataarangi are two examples of such diverse language acquisition programmes developed in response to these findings. This thesis will provide a comparative analysis of both programmes through an examination of the respective historical backgrounds, the methodological factors particular to each programme and consequently highlight why they continue to be successful models after 30 years at the forefront of Māori language revitalisation.</p>
Internal Migration in the Survey of Family, Income and Employment (SoFIE)
Authors:   , Li Ying 
Published: November 2021

<p>This thesis studies the short term outcomes in family annual income changes associated with internal migration in New Zealand. This is carried out through analysis of the unit record dataset produced from the Survey of Family, Income and Employment (SoFIE) which is a longitudinal social survey undertaken by Statistics New Zealand starting in October 2002. Results from data analysis shows us that family migration status and time of measurement have a close relationship with family annual income. Moveover, family structure, average age of adult members in a family, education level of family members, ownership of family residential property and the number of dependent children in a family are all factors related to family annual income. We apply the General Linear Mixed Model to control these confounding variables and explore the relationship between migration status and annual income of a family. The results from our final model show that changes in the family annual income from before to after their internal migration are different for families. The difference depends on the average age of adult family members. Families with a younger average age benefit from internal migration: their family annual incomes are increased shortly after their movement. In contrast, families with a older average age experience a loss of income.</p>
Household Energy Use in New Zealand: the Changing Role of Televisions
Authors:   , Pahalawatta Marion R 
Published: November 2021

<p>Energy efficiency plays a major role in policies to mitigate climate change and to secure future energy supply. Understanding energy use behaviour and appliance energy use is vital to policy design. The drivers of energy use in household sector are complex. Households use energy for comfort, health and entertainment in contrast to, the uses of energy for making a profit in industrial and commercial sectors. As a part of this study a model was developed identifying the major drivers of household energy use. Household income and behaviour, house size, appliance technology and appliance energy efficiency are few factors that can influence household energy consumption patterns. Many OECD countries have managed to restrain traditional household energy end-uses such as space and water heating. However, IEA studies have indicated energy used by information, communication and entertainment appliances continue to increase. Television energy use was chosen for this study because it is widely used and operates together with many other associated appliances. This analysis draws from the New Zealand Television Energy Usage and Purchasing Survey to understand the current trends and patterns of television usage. The survey suggests television and associated appliance ownership and usage is increasing. Analysis draws from the survey to quantify TV energy use in New Zealand. This study illustrates how household behaviour, technology and size affects household energy use. The survey also demonstrate how households associate energy use with environmental impact. Some OECD data on household energy was used to analyse and contrast New Zealand’s patterns in a wider context.</p>
Seeing Green and Becoming Green: Applying Normative Social Influence to Promote Pro-Environmental Behaviour Across Two New Zealand Contexts
Authors:   , Tilyard Benjamin A 
Published: November 2021

<p>Intervention programmes aimed at promoting pro-environmental behaviours typically rely solely on information-only appeals. However, research has shown that information-based interventions do not often lead to behaviour change, instead presenting the use of social norms as a better catalyst for change (see, e.g., Cialdini, 2003; Schultz, 1998; Schultz & Kaiser, forthcoming). The current research adds to a growing body of literature that employs normative influence (information regarding the behaviour commonly conducted by others) to promote pro-environmental behaviour. Two experimental studies compared the effectiveness of normative information with information-only environmental messages. Study 1 used a survey questionnaire to measure participants’ self-reports of household energy efficiency and Study 2 used a field experiment to directly measure hotel guests’ towel reuse. Results indicated that individuals provided with social norm information engaged in more pro-environmental behaviour than those who were presented solely with environmental information. The findings also suggest that there is a need to distinguish between types of pro-environmental behaviour and the role of social reference groups when designing normative messages. The implications of these findings are discussed along with directions for future research.</p>
The Participation of Small Museums in Visitor Research
Authors:   , Larkin Casimar 
Published: November 2021

<p>Visitor research appears to be a practice which currently has limited application in New Zealand, especially within small museums. There are challenges in undertaking such research, which have led to an emphasis placed upon collecting visitation numbers. Visitor research is a practice which can be used by museums for a range of purposes, such as improving exhibitions, future planning, or for funding bids. In this way, promoting a range of visitor research methods can enhance the overall value of data gathered. Using Museums Aotearoa’s National Visitor Survey as a starting point, this research explores the needs of small museums with regard to visitor research, and also looks into the ways in which these needs might be met. Seven face-to-face interviews were conducted with key people in small museums and galleries. Diversity within the research sample ensured opportunities for comparison, building a picture of differences and similarities in their perceptions of visitor research. The interview responses generated themes around current and ideal practice, funding and management, and community value and involvement. Many reasons emerged as to why small museums and galleries do not carry out visitor research. Shortages of money and staff were two of the main barriers identified. These and other limitations, such as a lack of experience with implementation and analysis, need to be addressed before an institution can seriously undertake valuable visitor research. The findings suggest that within this group of small museums and galleries there is generally a limited understanding about visitor research and the usefulness of the collected data, often restricting practice. There are a number of benefits which would result from access to experts to educate and support visitor research practice. However, there is also the need for funding, possibly in the form of “start up” grants. If more visitor research was undertaken using such support mechanisms, it could ultimately improve the operation of small museums, by creating benchmarks for reporting and potentially increasing funding.</p>
History in Fiction, History as Fiction: Two Contemporary Novels and the Problems of the Australian Past
Authors:   , Waghorn Margaret Ruth 
Published: November 2021

<p>In 2008 two high profile mid-career Australian novelists published works of historical fiction. Kate Grenville’s The Lieutenant and Richard Flanagan’s Wanting both fictionalise events and characters from Australia’s actual colonial past. In addition to their shared genre and subject matter the novels have other similarities. Both novels are concerned with ideas about writing and reading, sharing an interest in the creation of written texts. In fictionalising the creation of actual historical texts they destabilise the authority of written texts. This destabilisation creates a tension with the novels own use of the historical record as source material. Both novels engage with the history of white representations of indigenous peoples while also creating new representations themselves. The Lieutenant and Wanting have received significant critical attention from the popular media. This critical attention places the novels within current debates about Australia’s past and present. The novels arise from a specific context in post-colonising Australia and reflect current white liberal anxieties about the facts of the Australian past. Fiction is positioned as providing a new angle for tackling the “problem” of Australian history. Their fictional engagement with the actual past appears to provide a new method for examining Australia’s traumatic past, by offering an alternative for those readers fatigued by the heated political debates of the so-called History Wars. However, the novels do not ultimately suggest a hopeful new direction or resolution to these debates, instead they reflect back the stalled nature of the Australia’s public discourse around the facts and meanings of its contested past.</p>
The Effects of Reward on a Racially-Biased Decision to Shoot
Authors:   , Stolpe Alice V. 
Published: November 2021

<p>People use shortcuts in cognitive processing by making associations that automatically link constructs together. Associations of a stereotypic nature may become accessible, generating responses which bias the perceiver towards one decision over another. Previous research has shown that people are quicker and more accurate to shoot armed targets that are black than targets that are white (Correll, Park, Judd, & Wittenbrink, 2002). However, previous research has also biased participants toward a more lenient shooting criterion. The current study proposes that when given motivation to not shoot, the stereotypically-dependent bias to shoot will decrease. That is, altering costs and rewards of decisions should influence participants’ responses towards responding quickly and accurately, regardless of target ethnicity. Results showed that the reward manipulation was unsuccessful in decreasing Shooter Bias. The manipulation was able to sway participants towards more conservative non-shooting decisions overall but participants remained more accurate and quicker in responses to shoot armed black targets compared to armed white targets.</p>
State-Structures in Somalia: Why do Some Succeed and Others Fail?
Authors:   , Sand Jens Bjerg 
Published: November 2021

<p>State-structures in Somalia is addressing the problem of what a state-structure is, what it should do and how and why they are being created. The Internal demand for structures among ordinaries Somalia to provide them security, often conflict with the security interests that the international society and external actors have in forming a state structure to promote their own security needs. How successful/unsuccessful statestructure are formed, their performance and ability to survive is the focus of this thesis. This thesis concludes that in order to be successful, a state-structure has to be formed bottom-up though the demand of the local people, and build on accepted local governance norms. A state-structure imposed top-down by external actors or the international society will always fail in Somalia due to lack of local legitimacy and support.</p>
A Critique of the Global Literature on the Conservation Refugee Problem
Authors:   , Awuh Harrison Esam 
Published: November 2021

<p>Displacement of people has often been driven by large scale development projects, wars, disease and ecological disasters such as famine and drought. However, there is another category of displaced people who have often been ignored. These people who are victims of a much more noble cause are referred to as conservation refugees. Conservation refugees are people displaced from protected areas. Despite the existence of conservation refugees and their plight, only Brockington and Igoe (2006) have attempted a global literature review on the problem. While their study explains who conservation refugees are as well as when and where the displacements have occurred, my study goes further and critiques the international law and declaration designed to protect the rights of conservation refugees. I also examine conservation policies and the impacts of displacement on conservation refugees based on the Impoverishment Risk Reconstruct Model (IRR) of Cernea (1997). My literature review explains who conservation refugees and describes their global distribution. The review of literature in English and French uncovers 170 relevant articles, of which 73 dealt with issues directly related to conservation refugees. I find that most of the approximately 3,058,000 conservation refugees are members of 28 different indigenous groups displaced across 48 protected areas. I also introduce and discuss international law and declarations aimed at protecting conservation refugees and point out that it is not their inadequacy as laws in protecting conservation refugees but rather a local failure to enforce them. Conservation policies themselves are also a major factor in protecting inhabitants of protected areas. Often conservation organizations are more sensitive to the protection of flora and fauna rather than the well-being of the area’s inhabitants. Therefore, the goal of double sustainability is not met and this affects the relationship between local people and protected areas in a negative way. One thing we have learned is that protected areas across the world operate much more successfully when they are managed with or by indigenous peoples themselves.</p>