title: A semantics and implementation of a causal logic programming language

authors: Cleary, John G.

subjects: computer science

abstract: The increasingly widespread availability of multicore and manycore computers demands new programming languages that make parallel programming dramatically easier and less error prone. This paper describes a semantics for a new class of declarative programming languages that support massive amounts of implicit parallelism.

text: A semantics and implementation of a causal logic programming language The increasingly widespread availability of multicore and manycore computers demands new programming languages that make parallel programming dramatically easier and less error prone. This paper describes a semantics for a new class of declarative programming languages that support massive amounts of implicit parallelism.

year: 2009-02-11

title: The synthesis and  reactivity of B-aryl {i.e. Beta -aryl} lignin model quinone methides

authors: Ede, Richard Michael

subjects: Wood-pulping chemistry

abstract: ﻿A range of l,2-diarylpropane-1,3-diols and 2,3-dihydro-2-aryl-7- methoxy-benzofurans were synthesised as model compounds for the B-5 (phenylcoumaran) structural unit found in wood lignin. The syntheses were performed following either established, or modifications of established procedures. Preliminary studies were carried out which showed the viability of a new general synthesis for B-aryl lignin model compounds. 
Phenylboronates of three of the l,2-diarylpropane-1,3-diols were synthesised. The ¹H NMR coupling constants observed between the vicinal protons on the 6-membered ring confirmed the previously inferred erythro stereochemistry. Single crystal X-ray diffraction structures were obtained of 2,3-dihydro-2-(4-hydroxy-3- methoxyphenyl)-3-methyl-5-propyl-7-methoxybenzofuran and l-(4-hydroxy-3-methoxyphenyl-2-(2,3-dimethoxyphenyl)-propane-l,3- diacetate. 
Quinone methides (4-methylene-cyclohexa-2,5-dienones) derived from the B-5 lignin model compounds were treated with anthranol (a reduced form of anthraquinone, AQ, found in soda-anthraquinone pulping liquors) to form a range of adducts. Anthrahydroquinone, the major catalytic species in the soda-AQ process, would not add to the quinone methides. The presence of erythro and threo isomers of the anthranol adducts was observed by ¹H and ¹³C NMR, and in some cases a preparative chromatographic separation of the two isomers was possible. The addition of anthranol to the quinone methides was shown to be reversible. The erythro adduct was found to be kinetically preferred, but over long reaction times, the threo isomer predominated. It was shown that for quinone methides possessing the B-hydroxymethyl group, the retro-aldol elimination of formaldehyde to give stilbenes took precedence over adduct formation. Thus, stilbene formation was believed to be that which occurs for phenylcoumaran and B-C-1 structures when reacted under soda-AQ pulping conditions, and the reactions of these structures would not contribute to delignification. Conversely, it was not expected that the phenylcoumaran and B-C-1 structures would contribute to the loss of AQ from the process. 
The stabilised quinone methides were characterised by ¹H and ¹³C NMR. It was found that these and previously synthesised quinone methides derived from the B-aryl ether lignin structure, existed in solution as a mixture of two isomers in a ratio of 2:1, SYN:ANTI. The preference for the formation of the SYN isomer was believed to be either product-controlled or from conformational equilibrium control in the transition-state leading to the quinone methide. It was found by a ¹H NMR method that the ANTI isomers of all the quinone methides studied reacted with amines approximately 40% faster than the SYN isomers. It was not possible to determine if this difference in reactivity would be exhibited by quinone methides reacted under pulping conditions.

text: The synthesis and  reactivity of B-aryl {i.e. Beta -aryl} lignin model quinone methides ﻿A range of l,2-diarylpropane-1,3-diols and 2,3-dihydro-2-aryl-7- methoxy-benzofurans were synthesised as model compounds for the B-5 (phenylcoumaran) structural unit found in wood lignin. The syntheses were performed following either established, or modifications of established procedures. Preliminary studies were carried out which showed the viability of a new general synthesis for B-aryl lignin model compounds. 
Phenylboronates of three of the l,2-diarylpropane-1,3-diols were synthesised. The ¹H NMR coupling constants observed between the vicinal protons on the 6-membered ring confirmed the previously inferred erythro stereochemistry. Single crystal X-ray diffraction structures were obtained of 2,3-dihydro-2-(4-hydroxy-3- methoxyphenyl)-3-methyl-5-propyl-7-methoxybenzofuran and l-(4-hydroxy-3-methoxyphenyl-2-(2,3-dimethoxyphenyl)-propane-l,3- diacetate. 
Quinone methides (4-methylene-cyclohexa-2,5-dienones) derived from the B-5 lignin model compounds were treated with anthranol (a reduced form of anthraquinone, AQ, found in soda-anthraquinone pulping liquors) to form a range of adducts. Anthrahydroquinone, the major catalytic species in the soda-AQ process, would not add to the quinone methides. The presence of erythro and threo isomers of the anthranol adducts was observed by ¹H and ¹³C NMR, and in some cases a preparative chromatographic separation of the two isomers was possible. The addition of anthranol to the quinone methides was shown to be reversible. The erythro adduct was found to be kinetically preferred, but over long reaction times, the threo isomer predominated. It was shown that for quinone methides possessing the B-hydroxymethyl group, the retro-aldol elimination of formaldehyde to give stilbenes took precedence over adduct formation. Thus, stilbene formation was believed to be that which occurs for phenylcoumaran and B-C-1 structures when reacted under soda-AQ pulping conditions, and the reactions of these structures would not contribute to delignification. Conversely, it was not expected that the phenylcoumaran and B-C-1 structures would contribute to the loss of AQ from the process. 
The stabilised quinone methides were characterised by ¹H and ¹³C NMR. It was found that these and previously synthesised quinone methides derived from the B-aryl ether lignin structure, existed in solution as a mixture of two isomers in a ratio of 2:1, SYN:ANTI. The preference for the formation of the SYN isomer was believed to be either product-controlled or from conformational equilibrium control in the transition-state leading to the quinone methide. It was found by a ¹H NMR method that the ANTI isomers of all the quinone methides studied reacted with amines approximately 40% faster than the SYN isomers. It was not possible to determine if this difference in reactivity would be exhibited by quinone methides reacted under pulping conditions.

year: 1987

title: Barriers and facilitators to Oranga Tamariki access: Wāhine voices from Te Whakaruruhau

authors: Mcleay, Ana

abstract: This thesis examines how wāhine supported by Te Whakaruruhau Waikato Women’s Refuge experience Oranga Tamariki (OT) in the context of intimate partner violence (IPV), and what barriers and facilitators shape their access to services. Within a Community-Based Participatory Research approach, influenced by Kaupapa Māori and Mana Wahine principles, qualitative data were collected through semi-structured, kanohi ki te kanohi interviews with six wāhine and kaimahi. Reflexive thematic analysis identified seven themes, grouped into two overarching clusters: barriers and facilitators to OT access. Barriers were pervasive and cumulative, encompassing relational harm, negligence, fear and risk, and cultural tokenism. Facilitators - collaborative advocacy, strengths-based practice, and procedural justice - were comparatively rare and often dependent on external supports rather than systemic provision.

Mapping these findings against Te Hā o Whānau, an access framework, revealed that barriers emerged where tikanga manaakitanga, tikanga whakawhanaungatanga, and tikanga rangatiratanga were absent, while facilitators aligned with their enactment. Te Hā o Whānau conceptualises access as a relational and culturally grounded process inseparable from wellbeing, making it both conceptually robust and uniquely suited to Aotearoa. The analysis demonstrates that OT, as currently structured, undermines whānau wellbeing through systemic practices that erode mana, restrict autonomy, and compromise safety. In the immediate term, strengthened collaborative advocacy offers some protection and support, but meaningful change requires systemic transformation.

Future research should examine how Te Hā o Whānau might be further operationalised across different service contexts and explore experiences of wāhine and whānau with OT in a variety of contexts to build a fuller understanding of access and wellbeing in child welfare.

text: Barriers and facilitators to Oranga Tamariki access: Wāhine voices from Te Whakaruruhau This thesis examines how wāhine supported by Te Whakaruruhau Waikato Women’s Refuge experience Oranga Tamariki (OT) in the context of intimate partner violence (IPV), and what barriers and facilitators shape their access to services. Within a Community-Based Participatory Research approach, influenced by Kaupapa Māori and Mana Wahine principles, qualitative data were collected through semi-structured, kanohi ki te kanohi interviews with six wāhine and kaimahi. Reflexive thematic analysis identified seven themes, grouped into two overarching clusters: barriers and facilitators to OT access. Barriers were pervasive and cumulative, encompassing relational harm, negligence, fear and risk, and cultural tokenism. Facilitators - collaborative advocacy, strengths-based practice, and procedural justice - were comparatively rare and often dependent on external supports rather than systemic provision.

Mapping these findings against Te Hā o Whānau, an access framework, revealed that barriers emerged where tikanga manaakitanga, tikanga whakawhanaungatanga, and tikanga rangatiratanga were absent, while facilitators aligned with their enactment. Te Hā o Whānau conceptualises access as a relational and culturally grounded process inseparable from wellbeing, making it both conceptually robust and uniquely suited to Aotearoa. The analysis demonstrates that OT, as currently structured, undermines whānau wellbeing through systemic practices that erode mana, restrict autonomy, and compromise safety. In the immediate term, strengthened collaborative advocacy offers some protection and support, but meaningful change requires systemic transformation.

Future research should examine how Te Hā o Whānau might be further operationalised across different service contexts and explore experiences of wāhine and whānau with OT in a variety of contexts to build a fuller understanding of access and wellbeing in child welfare.

year: 2025