title: Development and experimental analysis of a pneumatic based dibbling machine for a forestry nursery

authors: McGuinness, Benjamin John

subjects: Automation

abstract: The rejection rate of tree stock in a forestry nursery can be as high as 35%. This is attributed to plant physiology, poorly trained seasonal workers and unsophisticated equipment. It is estimated that approximately 5% of seedling rejection in the pilot nursery (approximately 220,000 per year) is due to poorly dibbled holes. These holes are typically dibbled using a spiked wheel, which produces crooked and imprecise holes. The poor-quality holes cause bends in the stems, resulting in rejection. This article presents a tractor-drawn mechatronic dibbling machine that can produce precise vertical holes of a specified depth, spacing and diameter. Both hole quality and dibbling efficiency are greatly improved. The machine was tested at a nursery and produced 98% of the holes at the desired angle and 94% at the desired depth. The unwanted stem bends were eliminated with a subsequent reduction in rejects. Furthermore, it was found that worker productivity increased, as they did not have to spend time setting seedlings vertically.

text: Development and experimental analysis of a pneumatic based dibbling machine for a forestry nursery The rejection rate of tree stock in a forestry nursery can be as high as 35%. This is attributed to plant physiology, poorly trained seasonal workers and unsophisticated equipment. It is estimated that approximately 5% of seedling rejection in the pilot nursery (approximately 220,000 per year) is due to poorly dibbled holes. These holes are typically dibbled using a spiked wheel, which produces crooked and imprecise holes. The poor-quality holes cause bends in the stems, resulting in rejection. This article presents a tractor-drawn mechatronic dibbling machine that can produce precise vertical holes of a specified depth, spacing and diameter. Both hole quality and dibbling efficiency are greatly improved. The machine was tested at a nursery and produced 98% of the holes at the desired angle and 94% at the desired depth. The unwanted stem bends were eliminated with a subsequent reduction in rejects. Furthermore, it was found that worker productivity increased, as they did not have to spend time setting seedlings vertically.

year: 2022

title: Evaluating Flipped Classrooms with respect to Threshold Concepts Learning in Undergraduate Engineering

authors: Khoo, Elaine G.L.

abstract: This paper reports on the initial findings from a two year (2015-2016) investigation of the impact of the flipped classroom on student learning of threshold concepts (TCs) in a large introductory undergraduate engineering course at a New Zealand university. As part of the flipped class intervention trialed over a threeweek period, a series of short themed video lectures were developed as a replacement for the traditional weekly lectures. The weekly practical lab session were redesigned to incorporate small-group problem solving tasks and assessment. Data from student surveys, interviews, class observations, and video analytics were collected and analyzed. Findings revealed that students were familiar with online videos as a learning resource; they had positive past experiences with using them and were willing to participate in a flipped classroom. However, most students did not watch all assigned weekly videos, including ones crucial to their TC learning. There is indication they thought learning strategies involving interactions with real persons to be more useful to their learning. This suggests that current strategies for motivating students to access and engage with the prepared videos need to be revised to maximize students’ learning opportunities.

text: Evaluating Flipped Classrooms with respect to Threshold Concepts Learning in Undergraduate Engineering This paper reports on the initial findings from a two year (2015-2016) investigation of the impact of the flipped classroom on student learning of threshold concepts (TCs) in a large introductory undergraduate engineering course at a New Zealand university. As part of the flipped class intervention trialed over a threeweek period, a series of short themed video lectures were developed as a replacement for the traditional weekly lectures. The weekly practical lab session were redesigned to incorporate small-group problem solving tasks and assessment. Data from student surveys, interviews, class observations, and video analytics were collected and analyzed. Findings revealed that students were familiar with online videos as a learning resource; they had positive past experiences with using them and were willing to participate in a flipped classroom. However, most students did not watch all assigned weekly videos, including ones crucial to their TC learning. There is indication they thought learning strategies involving interactions with real persons to be more useful to their learning. This suggests that current strategies for motivating students to access and engage with the prepared videos need to be revised to maximize students’ learning opportunities.

year: 2015

title: The government of themselves: Indigenous peoples' internal self-determination, effective self-governance and authentic representation - Waikato-Tainui, Ngāi Tahu and Nisga'a

authors: Joseph, Robert

abstract: The present thesis analyses the recognition and realisation of the international legal, human and the inherent right of Indigenous Peoples to exercise internal self-determination through effective self-governance within the nation-states of Canada and New Zealand. The following areas are reviewed in depth: first, internal self-determination which is, inter alia, about international fora and national governments recognising this fundamental right of Indigenous Peoples to self-govern as nations within; second, effective self-government which is, inter alia, about Indigenous Peoples having the authority and capability to govern themselves; and third, authentic representation which is, inter alia, a manifestation of internal self-determination and effective self-government at the indigenous local, regional and national operational levels. The challenges and issues that emerge at all levels, that is, between governments and indigenous entities, and within indigenous communities themselves, are examined extensively. The thesis findings highlight that the frequency and complexity of these challenges, as well as the inadequate and inappropriate fora and processes for resolution offered, make it incredibly difficult for Indigenous Peoples to recognise, realise and actualise the government of themselves.

text: The government of themselves: Indigenous peoples' internal self-determination, effective self-governance and authentic representation - Waikato-Tainui, Ngāi Tahu and Nisga'a The present thesis analyses the recognition and realisation of the international legal, human and the inherent right of Indigenous Peoples to exercise internal self-determination through effective self-governance within the nation-states of Canada and New Zealand. The following areas are reviewed in depth: first, internal self-determination which is, inter alia, about international fora and national governments recognising this fundamental right of Indigenous Peoples to self-govern as nations within; second, effective self-government which is, inter alia, about Indigenous Peoples having the authority and capability to govern themselves; and third, authentic representation which is, inter alia, a manifestation of internal self-determination and effective self-government at the indigenous local, regional and national operational levels. The challenges and issues that emerge at all levels, that is, between governments and indigenous entities, and within indigenous communities themselves, are examined extensively. The thesis findings highlight that the frequency and complexity of these challenges, as well as the inadequate and inappropriate fora and processes for resolution offered, make it incredibly difficult for Indigenous Peoples to recognise, realise and actualise the government of themselves.

year: 2005