title: WinGEMS modelling and pinch analysis of a paper machine for utility reduction

authors: Atkins, Martin John

subjects: pinch analysis

abstract: A multi-ply paper machine process model was developed using WinGEMS and the stream data produced was used to conduct a pinch analysis. The product stream was excluded from the analysis and the composite curves display the enthalpy contained only in the inputs and outputs to the various sections of the paper machine. The pinch point for the overall paper machine was 55.9 C while the minimum hot utility target was 170 MW. Occurrences of cross pinch heat transfer were identified and discussed. Heat recovery options for heating of the fresh water showers, using waste heat streams were investigated. Steam savings of over 14 MW could be achieved by recovering heat from two waste streams that currently go directly to drain with no heat recovery taking place. The use of pinch analysis for utilities targeting under non-continuous conditions was examined. Finally, the feasibility of integrating non-conventional technologies, such as heat storage, is discussed.

text: WinGEMS modelling and pinch analysis of a paper machine for utility reduction A multi-ply paper machine process model was developed using WinGEMS and the stream data produced was used to conduct a pinch analysis. The product stream was excluded from the analysis and the composite curves display the enthalpy contained only in the inputs and outputs to the various sections of the paper machine. The pinch point for the overall paper machine was 55.9 C while the minimum hot utility target was 170 MW. Occurrences of cross pinch heat transfer were identified and discussed. Heat recovery options for heating of the fresh water showers, using waste heat streams were investigated. Steam savings of over 14 MW could be achieved by recovering heat from two waste streams that currently go directly to drain with no heat recovery taking place. The use of pinch analysis for utilities targeting under non-continuous conditions was examined. Finally, the feasibility of integrating non-conventional technologies, such as heat storage, is discussed.

year: 2010-09

title: Effects of coping style, social relationships and support on New Zealanders well-being during the COVID-19 pandemic

authors: Perry, Andrea

subjects: COVID-19

abstract: In early 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic, the New Zealand Government implemented unprecedented measures such as lockdowns and social distancing. This research investigated the relationships between different coping styles, social support, social networks, social activity, and the impact on the mental health of adult New Zealanders during July and August 2020. At this point, New Zealand had successfully eliminated COVID-19 from the community (with the only cases being reported in quarantine facilities from arrivals to the country). 

Adult participants (18 years or above) were recruited in New Zealand through Facebook community groups and flyers placed in community locations such as medical centres, schools, and university campuses, to participate in an online survey between 13th July 2020 and 11th August 2020. The survey included: demographic questions, study-specific COVID-19 related questions, and seven standardised measures. We assessed three aspects of social support (perceived social support (Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support (MPSS)), social network (Lubben Social Network Scale – revised (LSNR-R), social activities (Social Activity Log (SAL)), coping styles (Brief COPE), depression, anxiety, and stress (Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale (DASS)), post-traumatic stress (The Abbreviated PCL-C - The Post-Traumatic Checklist), and post-traumatic growth (Post Traumatic Growth Inventory).

Our research investigated predictors of well-being and distress, including demographic variables (age group and gender), previous mental health diagnoses, coping styles, and social support. We hypothesised that higher scores in dysfunctional coping styles and lower scores on social support measures would be associated with higher distress and lower well-being. Our final sample contained 698 valid responses, consisting of 67% female (n=468), 31% male (n=217) and 2% other gender or did not specify (n=13). 

Our models significantly predicted variance in depression (55%), anxiety (48%), stress (52%), PTSD (56%), and post-traumatic growth (41%). Mean scores for depression, anxiety, stress, and dysfunctional coping styles were significantly higher for the youngest age group (18- to 24-year-olds) compared to older age groups. In addition, 18- to 24-year-olds experienced the biggest loss of perceived social support and size of social networks since the COVID-19 pandemic. However, in our regression models, the dysfunctional coping styles of behavioural disengagement and self-blame and a previous mental health diagnosis were consistently among the most common predictors for depression, anxiety, stress, and PTSD. Higher perceived social support was associated with lower levels of depression and PTSD, and higher social activity was associated with lower depression and stress scores. 

Furthermore, significant common predictors of distress included reduced perceived social support since the COVID-19 pandemic (for anxiety and stress) and social networks (for depression and PTSD). Social activity and adaptive coping styles (active coping, positive reframing, religion, emotional support) were significant predictors of post-traumatic growth. Overall, coping styles accounted for more variance (across all mental health outcomes) than age group, gender, previous mental health diagnoses or social support variables.

This research highlighted the disproportional effect that the COVID-19 pandemic was having on younger adults in New Zealand and stressed the need for strong social support and education on adaptive coping styles to reduce distress and improve well-being.

text: Effects of coping style, social relationships and support on New Zealanders well-being during the COVID-19 pandemic In early 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic, the New Zealand Government implemented unprecedented measures such as lockdowns and social distancing. This research investigated the relationships between different coping styles, social support, social networks, social activity, and the impact on the mental health of adult New Zealanders during July and August 2020. At this point, New Zealand had successfully eliminated COVID-19 from the community (with the only cases being reported in quarantine facilities from arrivals to the country). 

Adult participants (18 years or above) were recruited in New Zealand through Facebook community groups and flyers placed in community locations such as medical centres, schools, and university campuses, to participate in an online survey between 13th July 2020 and 11th August 2020. The survey included: demographic questions, study-specific COVID-19 related questions, and seven standardised measures. We assessed three aspects of social support (perceived social support (Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support (MPSS)), social network (Lubben Social Network Scale – revised (LSNR-R), social activities (Social Activity Log (SAL)), coping styles (Brief COPE), depression, anxiety, and stress (Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale (DASS)), post-traumatic stress (The Abbreviated PCL-C - The Post-Traumatic Checklist), and post-traumatic growth (Post Traumatic Growth Inventory).

Our research investigated predictors of well-being and distress, including demographic variables (age group and gender), previous mental health diagnoses, coping styles, and social support. We hypothesised that higher scores in dysfunctional coping styles and lower scores on social support measures would be associated with higher distress and lower well-being. Our final sample contained 698 valid responses, consisting of 67% female (n=468), 31% male (n=217) and 2% other gender or did not specify (n=13). 

Our models significantly predicted variance in depression (55%), anxiety (48%), stress (52%), PTSD (56%), and post-traumatic growth (41%). Mean scores for depression, anxiety, stress, and dysfunctional coping styles were significantly higher for the youngest age group (18- to 24-year-olds) compared to older age groups. In addition, 18- to 24-year-olds experienced the biggest loss of perceived social support and size of social networks since the COVID-19 pandemic. However, in our regression models, the dysfunctional coping styles of behavioural disengagement and self-blame and a previous mental health diagnosis were consistently among the most common predictors for depression, anxiety, stress, and PTSD. Higher perceived social support was associated with lower levels of depression and PTSD, and higher social activity was associated with lower depression and stress scores. 

Furthermore, significant common predictors of distress included reduced perceived social support since the COVID-19 pandemic (for anxiety and stress) and social networks (for depression and PTSD). Social activity and adaptive coping styles (active coping, positive reframing, religion, emotional support) were significant predictors of post-traumatic growth. Overall, coping styles accounted for more variance (across all mental health outcomes) than age group, gender, previous mental health diagnoses or social support variables.

This research highlighted the disproportional effect that the COVID-19 pandemic was having on younger adults in New Zealand and stressed the need for strong social support and education on adaptive coping styles to reduce distress and improve well-being.

year: 2022

title: Moehewa: Death, lifestyle and sexuality in the Maori world

authors: Nikora, Linda Waimarie

subjects: Maori

abstract: Customary death ritual and traditional practice have continued for the Maori (indigenous) people of Aotearoa/New Zealand, despite intensive missionary incursion and the colonial process. This paper critically considers what occurs when the deceased is different, in a most significant way. What happens when you die – and you are Maori and any one, or a combination, of the following: a queen, takatapui, butch, like that, gay, she-male, lesbian, transsexual, a dyke, intersex, tomboy, kamp, drag, homosexual, or just queer? Who remembers you and how? Same sex relationships today are still discouraged or denied, although traditional chant and Maori visual narratives record such liaisons and erotic experience as joyously normal. And yet some people choose to remain in the closet. With three case studies, we reflect on mourning rituals or tangi – Maori death rites, in a same sex relationship, or for a gay, lesbian or transsexual family member. We use the Maori term takatapui to refer to these partnerships.

text: Moehewa: Death, lifestyle and sexuality in the Maori world Customary death ritual and traditional practice have continued for the Maori (indigenous) people of Aotearoa/New Zealand, despite intensive missionary incursion and the colonial process. This paper critically considers what occurs when the deceased is different, in a most significant way. What happens when you die – and you are Maori and any one, or a combination, of the following: a queen, takatapui, butch, like that, gay, she-male, lesbian, transsexual, a dyke, intersex, tomboy, kamp, drag, homosexual, or just queer? Who remembers you and how? Same sex relationships today are still discouraged or denied, although traditional chant and Maori visual narratives record such liaisons and erotic experience as joyously normal. And yet some people choose to remain in the closet. With three case studies, we reflect on mourning rituals or tangi – Maori death rites, in a same sex relationship, or for a gay, lesbian or transsexual family member. We use the Maori term takatapui to refer to these partnerships.

year: 2013