title: A probabilistic dynamic programming model of rape seed harvesting

authors: Foulds, James Richard

subjects: crop harvesting

abstract: We discuss a practical scenario from an operations scheduling viewpoint involving commercial contracting enterprises that visit farms in order to harvest rape seed crops. We report on a probabilistic dynamic programming formulation that was designed specifically for scenarios of the type described. The paper is an extension of previous work from the deterministic one-farm case to allow for: the specific considerations necessary to harvest a particular crop, namely rape seed, harvesting at multiple farms, machine failure, and the fact that activity duration times are uncertain. The computational times experienced in solving practical instances of the formulation are encouraging.

text: A probabilistic dynamic programming model of rape seed harvesting We discuss a practical scenario from an operations scheduling viewpoint involving commercial contracting enterprises that visit farms in order to harvest rape seed crops. We report on a probabilistic dynamic programming formulation that was designed specifically for scenarios of the type described. The paper is an extension of previous work from the deterministic one-farm case to allow for: the specific considerations necessary to harvest a particular crop, namely rape seed, harvesting at multiple farms, machine failure, and the fact that activity duration times are uncertain. The computational times experienced in solving practical instances of the formulation are encouraging.

year: 2006

title: Increasing functional communication for individuals with an intellectual disability using picture exchange communication system in a disability residential setting

authors: Svensson, Melissa

abstract: Individuals who are diagnosed with a developmental disorder may find it difficult to communicate functionally, which limits their ability to have their needs met and their thoughts respected. Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) interventions such as, the Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS) aim to provide a way for individuals with functional communication deficits to communicate their needs. A small number of studies have explored whether direct caregivers can be trained to implement PECS for adult clients with a developmental delay, who reside in a disability residential flat. This study aims to investigate the effectiveness of Behavioural Skills Training (BST), delivered remotely, for training support staff to implement PECS in a disability residential setting. The effect of PECS on functional communication for the client is also evaluated. Staff participants took part in training sessions using BST procedures. Once staff participants had achieved 80% accuracy during training, PECS implementation sessions began with the staff and client participants.  Training and implementation sessions were delivered remotely, via video conferencing software. The results of this research indicate that direct caregivers can be trained to implement PECS in a disability residential flat, with all staff participants maintaining a high level of accuracy throughout training and implementation. Training and implementation data showed increased functional communication acts for the client participant as he learned to use PECS to mand for items and activities. However, this change was not reflected in the data gained at generalisation and follow-up sessions. In conclusion, this research provides evidence to support BST as an effective practice for training caregivers to implement PECS in a disability residential setting. Further, PECS may also be an effective intervention for increasing functional communication for individuals with a developmental delay and communication deficits.

text: Increasing functional communication for individuals with an intellectual disability using picture exchange communication system in a disability residential setting Individuals who are diagnosed with a developmental disorder may find it difficult to communicate functionally, which limits their ability to have their needs met and their thoughts respected. Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) interventions such as, the Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS) aim to provide a way for individuals with functional communication deficits to communicate their needs. A small number of studies have explored whether direct caregivers can be trained to implement PECS for adult clients with a developmental delay, who reside in a disability residential flat. This study aims to investigate the effectiveness of Behavioural Skills Training (BST), delivered remotely, for training support staff to implement PECS in a disability residential setting. The effect of PECS on functional communication for the client is also evaluated. Staff participants took part in training sessions using BST procedures. Once staff participants had achieved 80% accuracy during training, PECS implementation sessions began with the staff and client participants.  Training and implementation sessions were delivered remotely, via video conferencing software. The results of this research indicate that direct caregivers can be trained to implement PECS in a disability residential flat, with all staff participants maintaining a high level of accuracy throughout training and implementation. Training and implementation data showed increased functional communication acts for the client participant as he learned to use PECS to mand for items and activities. However, this change was not reflected in the data gained at generalisation and follow-up sessions. In conclusion, this research provides evidence to support BST as an effective practice for training caregivers to implement PECS in a disability residential setting. Further, PECS may also be an effective intervention for increasing functional communication for individuals with a developmental delay and communication deficits.

year: 2022

title: Whānau Stories: Creating meaningful engagement and wellbeing for the indigenous culture of Aotearoa New Zealand

authors: Cruse, Diana Caroline Annavale

subjects: Engagement

abstract: This research sees my interests coalesce into a particular focus on how collaborative partnerships with parents/caregivers can provide whānau Māori with opportunities to strengthen wellbeing in their own lives. It is located in Aotearoa New Zealand and within the context of Te Whāriki (Ministry of Education, 1996), Aotearoa New Zealand’s early childhood curriculum.  The Ministry of Education has a target that 98% of all children in Aotearoa New Zealand under 5 will attend an early childhood education setting (Ministry of Education, 2016), with Māori children having lower participation rates than the national participation rate (Ministry of Education, 2013).  The premise for this thesis is that meaningful whānau engagement in early learning contexts within Aotearoa New Zealand can empower whānau Māori, and honour the promises made in Te Tiriti o Waitangi of partnership, participation, and protection.
Therefore, this thesis sets out to examine what constitutes meaningful engagement for whānau Māori in an early childhood setting in Aotearoa New Zealand, and how meaningful engagement can assist whānau to enjoy an increase of wellbeing.
To explore this issue, I conducted research within an early childhood setting in Aotearoa New Zealand, using methodologies of Kaupapa Māori Research and Narrative Inquiry.  I listened to the narratives of whānau Māori indicating how meaningful engagement was created for them, and investigated if links were generated between engagement and wellbeing for their whānau. These links were identified in the literature as significant levers for educational success.
This research discovered three stages of engagement for the whānau Māori who participated in this study: establishing engagement, developing engagement and solidifying engagement.  Once created, meaningful engagement can lead to flourishing, indicating that there is relationship between meaningful engagement and whānau wellbeing.

text: Whānau Stories: Creating meaningful engagement and wellbeing for the indigenous culture of Aotearoa New Zealand This research sees my interests coalesce into a particular focus on how collaborative partnerships with parents/caregivers can provide whānau Māori with opportunities to strengthen wellbeing in their own lives. It is located in Aotearoa New Zealand and within the context of Te Whāriki (Ministry of Education, 1996), Aotearoa New Zealand’s early childhood curriculum.  The Ministry of Education has a target that 98% of all children in Aotearoa New Zealand under 5 will attend an early childhood education setting (Ministry of Education, 2016), with Māori children having lower participation rates than the national participation rate (Ministry of Education, 2013).  The premise for this thesis is that meaningful whānau engagement in early learning contexts within Aotearoa New Zealand can empower whānau Māori, and honour the promises made in Te Tiriti o Waitangi of partnership, participation, and protection.
Therefore, this thesis sets out to examine what constitutes meaningful engagement for whānau Māori in an early childhood setting in Aotearoa New Zealand, and how meaningful engagement can assist whānau to enjoy an increase of wellbeing.
To explore this issue, I conducted research within an early childhood setting in Aotearoa New Zealand, using methodologies of Kaupapa Māori Research and Narrative Inquiry.  I listened to the narratives of whānau Māori indicating how meaningful engagement was created for them, and investigated if links were generated between engagement and wellbeing for their whānau. These links were identified in the literature as significant levers for educational success.
This research discovered three stages of engagement for the whānau Māori who participated in this study: establishing engagement, developing engagement and solidifying engagement.  Once created, meaningful engagement can lead to flourishing, indicating that there is relationship between meaningful engagement and whānau wellbeing.

year: 2017