title: Why your battery meter tells lies and it's hard to fix: Effect of pauses in cycling on submillihertz battery impedance

authors: Wilson, Marcus T.

subjects: battery

abstract: Rechargeable lithium-ion batteries are an increasing part of our world, found in small devices such as medical implants and mobile phones, up to much larger applications in electric vehicles and the huge battery electric storage systems (BESS) that support the modern electricity grid. But despite the advances in design and manufacturing, your battery meter still does not tell you the truth: "75% charge remaining" most likely does not mean 75% charge remaining. On a trivial scale this means your phone battery goes flat unexpectedly; less trivially your car runs out of charge before you get home, and on a cold winter's morning the electricity grid might not actually be able to provide the peak power that its operators think it can. The reason that producing an accurate meter is so challenging is that battery history matters. A battery's response to an electrical stimulus doesn't just depend on its state now, but also on its state in the past. In mathematical terms, its behaviour is described by fractional differential equations, where the order of the equation is non-integer. In this presentation, we discuss an experiment where we have looked at the effect of a long (56 day) break in battery battery charge/discharge cycling on electrical properties of the battery. On recommencement of cycling, we can discern the effect of the pause on impedance for around 30 days after the break. To see the effect we have constructed the impedance spectrum at ultra-low frequencies (10 μHz - 10 mHz) by applying wavelet methods to time-series data of voltage and current. However, if uncontrolled, other factors such as the shape of stimulating waveforms will mask much of this history effect, and thus in practice history may only matter on the scale of a few days. Nonetheless, results show that answering a simple question "what is my battery charge" does not have a simple physical answer, and thus producing a battery meter that does not lie remains a real challenge for theoretical physicists and mathematicians.

text: Why your battery meter tells lies and it's hard to fix: Effect of pauses in cycling on submillihertz battery impedance Rechargeable lithium-ion batteries are an increasing part of our world, found in small devices such as medical implants and mobile phones, up to much larger applications in electric vehicles and the huge battery electric storage systems (BESS) that support the modern electricity grid. But despite the advances in design and manufacturing, your battery meter still does not tell you the truth: "75% charge remaining" most likely does not mean 75% charge remaining. On a trivial scale this means your phone battery goes flat unexpectedly; less trivially your car runs out of charge before you get home, and on a cold winter's morning the electricity grid might not actually be able to provide the peak power that its operators think it can. The reason that producing an accurate meter is so challenging is that battery history matters. A battery's response to an electrical stimulus doesn't just depend on its state now, but also on its state in the past. In mathematical terms, its behaviour is described by fractional differential equations, where the order of the equation is non-integer. In this presentation, we discuss an experiment where we have looked at the effect of a long (56 day) break in battery battery charge/discharge cycling on electrical properties of the battery. On recommencement of cycling, we can discern the effect of the pause on impedance for around 30 days after the break. To see the effect we have constructed the impedance spectrum at ultra-low frequencies (10 μHz - 10 mHz) by applying wavelet methods to time-series data of voltage and current. However, if uncontrolled, other factors such as the shape of stimulating waveforms will mask much of this history effect, and thus in practice history may only matter on the scale of a few days. Nonetheless, results show that answering a simple question "what is my battery charge" does not have a simple physical answer, and thus producing a battery meter that does not lie remains a real challenge for theoretical physicists and mathematicians.

year: 2025

title: Empathic understanding : mythical or mystical an exploratory study into the nature of empathy and the relationship between empathy, perceived similarity and compatibility

authors: Yeoman, Lynette A.

subjects: Empathy

abstract: The objectives of this exploratory study into the nature of empathy were two-fold. First, to investigate the association between two measures of counsellor empathy, the Barrett-Lennard Relationship Inventory (BLRI), rated from the perspectives of counsellors and clients and the Truax/Carkhuff Accurate Empathy Scale (TCAE) rated from the perspectives of observers, counselling supervisors and counsellors. Secondly, to investigate whether there was a relationship between empathy and dyadic compatibility (as measured by the FIRO-F scales), or empathy and the occasions, nature and degree of counsellor and client perceived similarity to the other (as described in post-counselling interviews).

Sixty counsellor-client dyads (24 dyads across 1 - 3 sessions per dyad) were videotaped during counselling. Counsellors and clients were then interviewed independently, subsequent to each counselling session.

The results of the study were described in three sections. Part 1 reported that while the BLRI and the TCAE scale both exhibited a high degree of reliability, they appeared to be measures of different constructs. Results of a factor analysis suggested that not only must the two instruments be treated as independent measures of empathy, but that ratings made from differing counselling perspectives (counsellor, client, external judge) using the same instrument, must also be treated independently. 

Client ratings of perceived similarity to their counsellors, and client ratings of counsellor (BLRI) empathy were highly correlated although there was no correlation between counsellors' perceived similarity to clients, and counsellor, observer or supervisor ratings of empathy. 

There was no correlation between FIRO-F dyadic compatibility and either perceived similarity or empathy.

Part II involved an intensive case 3tudy comparison of specific dyadic rating patterns across measures of empathy, with patterns obtained from a content analysis of counsellor interview responses to questions on the occasions, nature and degree of similarity perceived between self and other. A complex matrix of findings was obtained which suggested that the link between empathy and counsellor perceived similarity to clients was not uniform and differed across both levels of empathy and perceived similarity. 

Part III presented an historical review of the nature of empathy, undertaken in order to clarify and interpret earlier reported findings. It was suggested that conceptualizations of empathy have altered markedly over time, largely as a result of researcher's and counselling trainer's need for observable, measurable and trainable processes within counselling. An eight phase model of the process by which empathic understanding may occur was presented, and the manner and extent to which the model could be deemed accountable for the findings of the present study was discussed.

It was suggested that the divergent state of research associated with empathy may be largely attributable to the emphasis placed on one or several phases of the process to the exclusion of other phases. Suggestions for further research were offered, and the question was raised as to whether either the BLRI or the TCAE scale were in fact tapping any of the phases of empathy described in the present study.

text: Empathic understanding : mythical or mystical an exploratory study into the nature of empathy and the relationship between empathy, perceived similarity and compatibility The objectives of this exploratory study into the nature of empathy were two-fold. First, to investigate the association between two measures of counsellor empathy, the Barrett-Lennard Relationship Inventory (BLRI), rated from the perspectives of counsellors and clients and the Truax/Carkhuff Accurate Empathy Scale (TCAE) rated from the perspectives of observers, counselling supervisors and counsellors. Secondly, to investigate whether there was a relationship between empathy and dyadic compatibility (as measured by the FIRO-F scales), or empathy and the occasions, nature and degree of counsellor and client perceived similarity to the other (as described in post-counselling interviews).

Sixty counsellor-client dyads (24 dyads across 1 - 3 sessions per dyad) were videotaped during counselling. Counsellors and clients were then interviewed independently, subsequent to each counselling session.

The results of the study were described in three sections. Part 1 reported that while the BLRI and the TCAE scale both exhibited a high degree of reliability, they appeared to be measures of different constructs. Results of a factor analysis suggested that not only must the two instruments be treated as independent measures of empathy, but that ratings made from differing counselling perspectives (counsellor, client, external judge) using the same instrument, must also be treated independently. 

Client ratings of perceived similarity to their counsellors, and client ratings of counsellor (BLRI) empathy were highly correlated although there was no correlation between counsellors' perceived similarity to clients, and counsellor, observer or supervisor ratings of empathy. 

There was no correlation between FIRO-F dyadic compatibility and either perceived similarity or empathy.

Part II involved an intensive case 3tudy comparison of specific dyadic rating patterns across measures of empathy, with patterns obtained from a content analysis of counsellor interview responses to questions on the occasions, nature and degree of similarity perceived between self and other. A complex matrix of findings was obtained which suggested that the link between empathy and counsellor perceived similarity to clients was not uniform and differed across both levels of empathy and perceived similarity. 

Part III presented an historical review of the nature of empathy, undertaken in order to clarify and interpret earlier reported findings. It was suggested that conceptualizations of empathy have altered markedly over time, largely as a result of researcher's and counselling trainer's need for observable, measurable and trainable processes within counselling. An eight phase model of the process by which empathic understanding may occur was presented, and the manner and extent to which the model could be deemed accountable for the findings of the present study was discussed.

It was suggested that the divergent state of research associated with empathy may be largely attributable to the emphasis placed on one or several phases of the process to the exclusion of other phases. Suggestions for further research were offered, and the question was raised as to whether either the BLRI or the TCAE scale were in fact tapping any of the phases of empathy described in the present study.

year: 1984

title: The Oral Transmission of Mātauranga Māori in regard to Traditional Hokianga Stories and the Revitalization of Significant Place Names.

authors: Barnes, Maria

subjects: Hokianga

abstract: This thesis researched the oral transmission of mātauranga Māori from one generation to another with a particular focus on the significance of place names in the Hokianga area from Waimamaku through to Opononi. It also sought to understand the stories and history that accompany this area. Our oral traditions are critical in helping to define our identity as Māori, and our relationship with the land.

This thesis begins by looking at the ways in which we as Māori are connected to the land and some of our traditional values regarding cultural practices and the way our tūpuna lived.  It also shares an example of the way in which our oral traditions and histories were preserved and taught.  There is then a detailed section regarding the significance of Hokianga place names within the Waimamaku, Omapere and Opononi area of Hokianga.  This information has been provided orally from the generosity of kaumātua of our area.  Following this I have concluded by providing an overall statement about the significance of findings and outcomes of my research.

This kaupapa is important as more and more of these place names and their histories will continue to be lost if records are not kept and shared with future generations.  I also understand the importance of protecting this knowledge.  Through colonisation and over time the use of our traditional educational practices and our place names and their histories have been forgotten, watered down, and sometimes lost.  Our learning methods, histories and whakapapa constitute important elements of who we are as Māori. They recognise the past, help us to understand today and guide us into the future. 

The research strategy used in my thesis is collaborative storying co-constructed between myself the researcher and local kaumātua deemed to hold traditional knowledge of our area.  This has provided the opportunity to find out significant place names and our local histories. Prior to working on this thesis only a few names were known and understood.  However in the end we are able to get a more detailed picture of our history.  There are still plenty more place names to be found and understood.


We live and come from a beautiful place.

text: The Oral Transmission of Mātauranga Māori in regard to Traditional Hokianga Stories and the Revitalization of Significant Place Names. This thesis researched the oral transmission of mātauranga Māori from one generation to another with a particular focus on the significance of place names in the Hokianga area from Waimamaku through to Opononi. It also sought to understand the stories and history that accompany this area. Our oral traditions are critical in helping to define our identity as Māori, and our relationship with the land.

This thesis begins by looking at the ways in which we as Māori are connected to the land and some of our traditional values regarding cultural practices and the way our tūpuna lived.  It also shares an example of the way in which our oral traditions and histories were preserved and taught.  There is then a detailed section regarding the significance of Hokianga place names within the Waimamaku, Omapere and Opononi area of Hokianga.  This information has been provided orally from the generosity of kaumātua of our area.  Following this I have concluded by providing an overall statement about the significance of findings and outcomes of my research.

This kaupapa is important as more and more of these place names and their histories will continue to be lost if records are not kept and shared with future generations.  I also understand the importance of protecting this knowledge.  Through colonisation and over time the use of our traditional educational practices and our place names and their histories have been forgotten, watered down, and sometimes lost.  Our learning methods, histories and whakapapa constitute important elements of who we are as Māori. They recognise the past, help us to understand today and guide us into the future. 

The research strategy used in my thesis is collaborative storying co-constructed between myself the researcher and local kaumātua deemed to hold traditional knowledge of our area.  This has provided the opportunity to find out significant place names and our local histories. Prior to working on this thesis only a few names were known and understood.  However in the end we are able to get a more detailed picture of our history.  There are still plenty more place names to be found and understood.


We live and come from a beautiful place.

year: 2010