title: A graphical user interface for Boolean query specification

authors: Jones, Steve

subjects: searching

abstract: On-line information repositories commonly provide keyword search facilities via textual query languages based on Boolean logic. However, there is evidence to suggest that the syntactical demands of such languages can lead to user errors and adversely affect the time that it takes users to form queries. Users also face difficulties because of the conflict in semantics between AND and OR when used in Boolean logic and English language. We suggest that graphical query languages, in particular Venn-like diagrams, can alleviate the problems that users experience when forming Boolean expressions with textual languages. We describe Vquery, a Venn-diagram based user interface to the New Zealand Digital Library (NZDL). The design of Vquery has been partly motivated by analysis of NZDL usage. We found that few queries contain more than three terms, use of the intersection operator dominates and that query refinement is common. A study of the utility of Venn diagrams for query specification indicates that with little or no training users can interpret and form Venn-like diagrams which accurately correspond to Boolean expressions. The utility of Vquery is considered and directions for future work are proposed.

text: A graphical user interface for Boolean query specification On-line information repositories commonly provide keyword search facilities via textual query languages based on Boolean logic. However, there is evidence to suggest that the syntactical demands of such languages can lead to user errors and adversely affect the time that it takes users to form queries. Users also face difficulties because of the conflict in semantics between AND and OR when used in Boolean logic and English language. We suggest that graphical query languages, in particular Venn-like diagrams, can alleviate the problems that users experience when forming Boolean expressions with textual languages. We describe Vquery, a Venn-diagram based user interface to the New Zealand Digital Library (NZDL). The design of Vquery has been partly motivated by analysis of NZDL usage. We found that few queries contain more than three terms, use of the intersection operator dominates and that query refinement is common. A study of the utility of Venn diagrams for query specification indicates that with little or no training users can interpret and form Venn-like diagrams which accurately correspond to Boolean expressions. The utility of Vquery is considered and directions for future work are proposed.

year: 1997-12

title: Some aspects of labour market flows in New Zealand 1986-2001

authors: Silverstone, Brian

subjects: gross labour market flows

abstract: It is now commonplace to study labour market dynamics using flows data from labour force panel surveys. The analysis of labour market flows to and from the states of employment, unemployment and non-participation has received most attention. This paper considers some New Zealand aspects of these flows with particular reference to concepts, descriptive features, the behavioural responses implied by the Markov approach to modelling labour market transitions, a brief literature review and some preliminary econometric results on the trend and cyclical features of New Zealand's gross flows.

text: Some aspects of labour market flows in New Zealand 1986-2001 It is now commonplace to study labour market dynamics using flows data from labour force panel surveys. The analysis of labour market flows to and from the states of employment, unemployment and non-participation has received most attention. This paper considers some New Zealand aspects of these flows with particular reference to concepts, descriptive features, the behavioural responses implied by the Markov approach to modelling labour market transitions, a brief literature review and some preliminary econometric results on the trend and cyclical features of New Zealand's gross flows.

year: 2001-11

title: Rangatahi of Ngāi Te Rangi Iwi: Cultural belonging and connectedness

authors: Benton, Chelsea

subjects: Māori

abstract: Rangatahi Māori (Māori youth) have one of the highest suicide rates in the OECD, they leave school earlier and with less qualifications, and suffer from higher rates of unemployment, hospitalisation and conduct and substance disorders and abuse than non-Māori. Sadly, many rangatahi move into adulthood only to experience poorer physical and mental health, shorter lifespans, and lower socioeconomic status compared to that of non-Māori. With these poor health outcomes for rangatahi Māori in mind this research explores the nature of Māori identities as a foundation for wellness, meaning, and flourishing. More importantly, this research takes into consideration the negative impacts of the colonisation of Māori and their cultural identity and the inter-generational effects of this long term systematic nature of disadvantage. I posit that cultural connectedness and belonging can foster healthy psychological and behavioural outcomes for rangatahi Māori. The mixed-method approach taken within this research sits within a Kaupapa Māori framework and draws upon accounts of 16 rangatahi Māori, aged between 10 and 14 years, who participated in a Ngāi Te Rangi Iwi based leadership development programme that reconnects rangatahi Māori with traditional customs and practices of their ancestors to enhance their health and wellbeing. Findings suggest that connectedness and belonging are manifest through practices such as Pēpeha, whakapapa, and Whakataukī/whakatauāki and rangatahi Māori draw on this cultural knowledge base and cultural practices to empower themselves, their whānau, hapū and Iwi. Rangatahi Māori in this sample also identified that whānau was most important in their lives followed by engagement in Māori culture. Findings highlight how Iwi organisations are stepping up to lead their people to a brighter future. For Māori, engaging with their Māoritanga and Te Ao Māori not only addresses the negative impacts of colonialism, but unlocks cultural potential, and an enhanced sense of self which serves to empower rangatahi Māori, their whānau, hapū and Iwi.

text: Rangatahi of Ngāi Te Rangi Iwi: Cultural belonging and connectedness Rangatahi Māori (Māori youth) have one of the highest suicide rates in the OECD, they leave school earlier and with less qualifications, and suffer from higher rates of unemployment, hospitalisation and conduct and substance disorders and abuse than non-Māori. Sadly, many rangatahi move into adulthood only to experience poorer physical and mental health, shorter lifespans, and lower socioeconomic status compared to that of non-Māori. With these poor health outcomes for rangatahi Māori in mind this research explores the nature of Māori identities as a foundation for wellness, meaning, and flourishing. More importantly, this research takes into consideration the negative impacts of the colonisation of Māori and their cultural identity and the inter-generational effects of this long term systematic nature of disadvantage. I posit that cultural connectedness and belonging can foster healthy psychological and behavioural outcomes for rangatahi Māori. The mixed-method approach taken within this research sits within a Kaupapa Māori framework and draws upon accounts of 16 rangatahi Māori, aged between 10 and 14 years, who participated in a Ngāi Te Rangi Iwi based leadership development programme that reconnects rangatahi Māori with traditional customs and practices of their ancestors to enhance their health and wellbeing. Findings suggest that connectedness and belonging are manifest through practices such as Pēpeha, whakapapa, and Whakataukī/whakatauāki and rangatahi Māori draw on this cultural knowledge base and cultural practices to empower themselves, their whānau, hapū and Iwi. Rangatahi Māori in this sample also identified that whānau was most important in their lives followed by engagement in Māori culture. Findings highlight how Iwi organisations are stepping up to lead their people to a brighter future. For Māori, engaging with their Māoritanga and Te Ao Māori not only addresses the negative impacts of colonialism, but unlocks cultural potential, and an enhanced sense of self which serves to empower rangatahi Māori, their whānau, hapū and Iwi.

year: 2019