title: A generalized two-component model of solar wind turbulence and ab initio diffusion mean-free paths and drift lengthscales of cosmic rays

authors: Wiengarten, T.

abstract: We extend a two-component model for the evolution of fluctuations in the solar wind plasma so that it is fully three-dimensional (3D) and also coupled self-consistently to the large-scale magnetohydrodynamic equations describing the background solar wind. The two classes of fluctuations considered are a high-frequency parallel-propagating wave-like piece and a low-frequency quasi-two-dimensional component. For both components, the nonlinear dynamics is dominanted by quasi-perpendicular spectral cascades of energy. Driving of the fluctuations by, for example, velocity shear and pickup ions is included. Numerical solutions to the new model are obtained using the Cronos framework, and validated against previous simpler models. Comparing results from the new model with spacecraft measurements, we find improved agreement relative to earlier models that employ prescribed background solar wind fields. Finally, the new results for the wave-like and quasi-two-dimensional fluctuations are used to calculate ab initio diffusion mean-free paths and drift lengthscales for the transport of cosmic rays in the turbulent solar wind.

text: A generalized two-component model of solar wind turbulence and ab initio diffusion mean-free paths and drift lengthscales of cosmic rays We extend a two-component model for the evolution of fluctuations in the solar wind plasma so that it is fully three-dimensional (3D) and also coupled self-consistently to the large-scale magnetohydrodynamic equations describing the background solar wind. The two classes of fluctuations considered are a high-frequency parallel-propagating wave-like piece and a low-frequency quasi-two-dimensional component. For both components, the nonlinear dynamics is dominanted by quasi-perpendicular spectral cascades of energy. Driving of the fluctuations by, for example, velocity shear and pickup ions is included. Numerical solutions to the new model are obtained using the Cronos framework, and validated against previous simpler models. Comparing results from the new model with spacecraft measurements, we find improved agreement relative to earlier models that employ prescribed background solar wind fields. Finally, the new results for the wave-like and quasi-two-dimensional fluctuations are used to calculate ab initio diffusion mean-free paths and drift lengthscales for the transport of cosmic rays in the turbulent solar wind.

year: 2016

title: Exogenous events, economic stimulus and its future trajectory

authors: Merrill, Natalie

abstract: The present worldwide COVID-19 pandemic demonstrates that our society is continuously faced with exogenous events. Looking at the past shows policy makers use monetary and fiscal policy to respond to these events; however, the jury is not out for the superior policy or combination of policies to react to exogenous events. The primary research question within this thesis is to determine the most effective and successful economic policy response to exogenous events by using insight from historical natural disasters, terrorist attacks and pandemics. The methodological approach taken within this thesis is a deductivism approach. Specifically, the analysis uses a methodological approach similar to that of an event study methodology. To analyse key macroeconomic variables within a two-year period post the exogenous event studied to analyse how macroeconomic variables responded to the economic response introduced as a result of the exogenous event or lack of, to determine any significant abnormal results. Furthermore, synthetic controls are used to study precautionary savings levels post the exogenous events. Overall, the primary conclusion of this thesis asserted that due to the indirect nature of monetary policy and its diminishing benefits it shall be treated as a defibrillator and not the rehab. Whereas fiscal policy should be the predominant tool used to recover from long-term exogenous shocks, with the key caveat being stimulus is targeted and governments are responsible for taking on debt when the economic benefits stack up.

text: Exogenous events, economic stimulus and its future trajectory The present worldwide COVID-19 pandemic demonstrates that our society is continuously faced with exogenous events. Looking at the past shows policy makers use monetary and fiscal policy to respond to these events; however, the jury is not out for the superior policy or combination of policies to react to exogenous events. The primary research question within this thesis is to determine the most effective and successful economic policy response to exogenous events by using insight from historical natural disasters, terrorist attacks and pandemics. The methodological approach taken within this thesis is a deductivism approach. Specifically, the analysis uses a methodological approach similar to that of an event study methodology. To analyse key macroeconomic variables within a two-year period post the exogenous event studied to analyse how macroeconomic variables responded to the economic response introduced as a result of the exogenous event or lack of, to determine any significant abnormal results. Furthermore, synthetic controls are used to study precautionary savings levels post the exogenous events. Overall, the primary conclusion of this thesis asserted that due to the indirect nature of monetary policy and its diminishing benefits it shall be treated as a defibrillator and not the rehab. Whereas fiscal policy should be the predominant tool used to recover from long-term exogenous shocks, with the key caveat being stimulus is targeted and governments are responsible for taking on debt when the economic benefits stack up.

year: 2021

title: Self-decolonisation in Aotearoa: Pushing through programmatic Pākehā paralysis

authors: Weijers, Dan M.

abstract: Te reo, tīkanga, mātauranga, te Ao, and kaupapa Māori are finally seeing a resurgence in Aotearoa. This revitalisation is occurring in the tertiary education sector, but staff and skill deficits are holding back many academic disciplines. This chapter documents the challenges facing a traditionally colonial tertiary programme—philosophy— attempting to de-colonise itself. The overlapping nature of the challenges can make decolonising appear to be so difficult that some programmes may feel paralysed. This chapter argues that the importance of decolonisation requires that programmes push through any paralysis they may be experiencing by prioritising decolonisation above other goals.

text: Self-decolonisation in Aotearoa: Pushing through programmatic Pākehā paralysis Te reo, tīkanga, mātauranga, te Ao, and kaupapa Māori are finally seeing a resurgence in Aotearoa. This revitalisation is occurring in the tertiary education sector, but staff and skill deficits are holding back many academic disciplines. This chapter documents the challenges facing a traditionally colonial tertiary programme—philosophy— attempting to de-colonise itself. The overlapping nature of the challenges can make decolonising appear to be so difficult that some programmes may feel paralysed. This chapter argues that the importance of decolonisation requires that programmes push through any paralysis they may be experiencing by prioritising decolonisation above other goals.

year: 2024