title: Soil carbon dynamics: The effects of nitrogen input, intake demand and off-take by animals

authors: Parsons, Anthony J.

subjects: Dry stock

abstract: Elucidation of the drivers of soil carbon (C) change is required to enable decisions to be made on how to achieve soil C sequestration. Interactions between different components in the ecosystem in combination with feedback mechanisms mean that identifying drivers through conventional experimental approaches or by retro-fitting models to data are unlikely to result in the insights needed for the future. This paper explains soil C dynamics by using a process-based model. Drivers considered in the model include nitrogen (N) fertiliser inputs, intake demand, and off-take of animal products. The effect of the grazing animal in uncoupling the C and N cycles is explained, plus the implications of the farming system ('drystock' versus milk). The model enables depiction of the dynamic equilibrium achieved with time when a proposed change in the drivers is sustained. The results show that soil C loss under lactating cows is a result of N, rather than C, being removed in milk. Counter-intuitively, at the same intake demand, N loss under 'milk' is less than under 'dry-stock', as is C loss in animal respiration. Possibilities for changing the longevity of C in the soil are discussed, and the compromise between food production, N loss and C sequestration is considered.

text: Soil carbon dynamics: The effects of nitrogen input, intake demand and off-take by animals Elucidation of the drivers of soil carbon (C) change is required to enable decisions to be made on how to achieve soil C sequestration. Interactions between different components in the ecosystem in combination with feedback mechanisms mean that identifying drivers through conventional experimental approaches or by retro-fitting models to data are unlikely to result in the insights needed for the future. This paper explains soil C dynamics by using a process-based model. Drivers considered in the model include nitrogen (N) fertiliser inputs, intake demand, and off-take of animal products. The effect of the grazing animal in uncoupling the C and N cycles is explained, plus the implications of the farming system ('drystock' versus milk). The model enables depiction of the dynamic equilibrium achieved with time when a proposed change in the drivers is sustained. The results show that soil C loss under lactating cows is a result of N, rather than C, being removed in milk. Counter-intuitively, at the same intake demand, N loss under 'milk' is less than under 'dry-stock', as is C loss in animal respiration. Possibilities for changing the longevity of C in the soil are discussed, and the compromise between food production, N loss and C sequestration is considered.

year: 2013

title: A multidimensional activity theory framework for human computer interaction with Digital Twins

authors: Adeel, Aleeza

subjects: Digital Twins

abstract: This paper introduces a human-centred framework to address the interaction and usability challenges of complex Digital Twin (DT) systems by proposing a new generation of Activity Theory, named Pyramidal Activity Theory (PAT). Digital twins are virtual representations of physical processes, systems, or components that are continuously synchronised with real-world data. Despite their growing adoption across industries, their graphical representation remains challenging due to the diversity of application domains, where multiple models—spanning different users, phases, and scales—are typically distributed across heterogeneous software packages. These complexities often result in inconsistencies, fragmented workflows, and communication barriers across domains. The proposed model builds upon the previous generation of activity theory, extending it into a 3D pyramidal structure while excluding motivational factors to focus exclusively on interaction mechanics. PAT provides a coherent model for designing unified, user-centred interfaces by capturing dynamic interactions among the key elements of DT systems—Users, Tools (Models), Live Data, Interfaces, and Outcomes—and their interrelationships. Two case studies are presented to demonstrate its applicability. Case Study 1 maps human–system interactions in advanced manufacturing, clarifying roles and activity flows to make the framework understandable and directly applicable for practitioners. Case Study 2 validates PAT through an implemented prototype for industrial energy optimisation.

The proposed model introduces a novel 3D interaction paradigm, providing a scalable and adaptable framework for digital twin interface design. It improves usability, standardisation, and decision-making by clarifying stakeholder roles, reducing cognitive load through “black-box” model integration, and ensuring consistent logic from regional planning to unit-level control. The paper concludes with future research directions, including usability testing, interface refinement, and alignment with interoperability and accessibility standards.

text: A multidimensional activity theory framework for human computer interaction with Digital Twins This paper introduces a human-centred framework to address the interaction and usability challenges of complex Digital Twin (DT) systems by proposing a new generation of Activity Theory, named Pyramidal Activity Theory (PAT). Digital twins are virtual representations of physical processes, systems, or components that are continuously synchronised with real-world data. Despite their growing adoption across industries, their graphical representation remains challenging due to the diversity of application domains, where multiple models—spanning different users, phases, and scales—are typically distributed across heterogeneous software packages. These complexities often result in inconsistencies, fragmented workflows, and communication barriers across domains. The proposed model builds upon the previous generation of activity theory, extending it into a 3D pyramidal structure while excluding motivational factors to focus exclusively on interaction mechanics. PAT provides a coherent model for designing unified, user-centred interfaces by capturing dynamic interactions among the key elements of DT systems—Users, Tools (Models), Live Data, Interfaces, and Outcomes—and their interrelationships. Two case studies are presented to demonstrate its applicability. Case Study 1 maps human–system interactions in advanced manufacturing, clarifying roles and activity flows to make the framework understandable and directly applicable for practitioners. Case Study 2 validates PAT through an implemented prototype for industrial energy optimisation.

The proposed model introduces a novel 3D interaction paradigm, providing a scalable and adaptable framework for digital twin interface design. It improves usability, standardisation, and decision-making by clarifying stakeholder roles, reducing cognitive load through “black-box” model integration, and ensuring consistent logic from regional planning to unit-level control. The paper concludes with future research directions, including usability testing, interface refinement, and alignment with interoperability and accessibility standards.

year: 2025

title: Tū Māori Ake: Seeking which is above.

authors: Maxwell, Te Kahautu

abstract: Te Waka Āwhina 2015 Seeking that which is above Kaupapa - Philosophy o Aotearoa “Tū Māori ake” E ngā mana, e ngā reo, e ngā karangatanga, nei rā te powhiri ki a koutou katoa ‘MĀ TE MĀORI, MŌ TE MĀORI’ Te Waka Āwhina o Aotearoa National Training Hui by Māori for Māori within local government Āwhea: 2 – 4 February 2015 Ki whea: The Gallagher Academy of Performing Arts, The University of Waikato, Hamilton Hau kāinga: Te Puku o te Ika.

text: Tū Māori Ake: Seeking which is above. Te Waka Āwhina 2015 Seeking that which is above Kaupapa - Philosophy o Aotearoa “Tū Māori ake” E ngā mana, e ngā reo, e ngā karangatanga, nei rā te powhiri ki a koutou katoa ‘MĀ TE MĀORI, MŌ TE MĀORI’ Te Waka Āwhina o Aotearoa National Training Hui by Māori for Māori within local government Āwhea: 2 – 4 February 2015 Ki whea: The Gallagher Academy of Performing Arts, The University of Waikato, Hamilton Hau kāinga: Te Puku o te Ika.

year: 2015-02-03