title: Neural networks for predicting the output of wind flow simulations over complex topographies

authors: Mayo, Michael

subjects: computer science

abstract: We use deep learning techniques to model computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations of wind flow over a complex topography. Our motivation is to "speed up" the optimisation of CFD-based simulations (such as the 3D wind farm layout optimisation problem) by developing surrogate models capable of predicting the output of a simulation at any given point in 3D space, given output from a set of training simulations that have already been run. Our promising results using TensorFlow show that deep neural networks can be learned to model CFD outputs with an error of as low as 2.5 meters per second.

text: Neural networks for predicting the output of wind flow simulations over complex topographies We use deep learning techniques to model computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations of wind flow over a complex topography. Our motivation is to "speed up" the optimisation of CFD-based simulations (such as the 3D wind farm layout optimisation problem) by developing surrogate models capable of predicting the output of a simulation at any given point in 3D space, given output from a set of training simulations that have already been run. Our promising results using TensorFlow show that deep neural networks can be learned to model CFD outputs with an error of as low as 2.5 meters per second.

year: 2018

title: Ahamb (Malekula, Vanuatu) - Language Contexts

authors: Rangelov, Tihomir

subjects: Ahamb language

abstract: The Ahamb language is spoken by around 950 people, most of whom reside on the small Ahamb Island off the south coast of Malekula, the second largest island in the Republic of Vanuatu in the South Pacific. Ahamb is one of more than 30 languages of Malekula, and little was known about it until 2017 when a major language documentation project was initiated. In this paper we present the linguistic, geographic and social context in which Ahamb is spoken, assess its current vitality status, and consider prospects for its future. It is hoped that outputs of the Ahamb Documentation Project will boost the status of the language and increase literacy levels, counteracting external pressures to shift to the regional lingua franca Bislama.

text: Ahamb (Malekula, Vanuatu) - Language Contexts The Ahamb language is spoken by around 950 people, most of whom reside on the small Ahamb Island off the south coast of Malekula, the second largest island in the Republic of Vanuatu in the South Pacific. Ahamb is one of more than 30 languages of Malekula, and little was known about it until 2017 when a major language documentation project was initiated. In this paper we present the linguistic, geographic and social context in which Ahamb is spoken, assess its current vitality status, and consider prospects for its future. It is hoped that outputs of the Ahamb Documentation Project will boost the status of the language and increase literacy levels, counteracting external pressures to shift to the regional lingua franca Bislama.

year: 2019

title: Medications and meanings in Maori households with chronic illnesses

authors: Carlson, Teah

subjects: medications

abstract: Domestic spaces have always featured as sites for health care. The home is increasingly referred to as a new therapeutic space within which chronic illnesses are managed within everyday life. This research explores the meanings and use of medications within four Māori households containing at least one chronically ill householder. A broad ethnographic approach was used to capture popular understandings and medication use in daily life. Multiple methods were used, including group discussions with household members, individual interviews, household mapping, and photographic and diary elicitation tasks. Findings shed light on the sources and uses of medications, householder knowledge of medications, communal practices of sharing, caring, rationalising use, grappling with side-effects and the management of illness. I consider what it means for householders to take medications themselves or give these to others, and the care-giving practices that feature in the everyday consumption of medicines. The research is based on the premise that medications are material objects with therapeutic uses that enter into and take on meaning within people’s lives. Medications become culturally embedded phenomena that carry meanings and shape social relationships and practices with Māori households. As such, medications were used in a way that reflected the cultural values and bonds within the households. Within household relationships, medications were invested within meaning to show aroha, support and care. Within a Māori whānau context, the values of maanakitanga, rangatiratanga, and whanaungatanga were recognised as having an integral role in understanding the social practices with medications in each household.

text: Medications and meanings in Maori households with chronic illnesses Domestic spaces have always featured as sites for health care. The home is increasingly referred to as a new therapeutic space within which chronic illnesses are managed within everyday life. This research explores the meanings and use of medications within four Māori households containing at least one chronically ill householder. A broad ethnographic approach was used to capture popular understandings and medication use in daily life. Multiple methods were used, including group discussions with household members, individual interviews, household mapping, and photographic and diary elicitation tasks. Findings shed light on the sources and uses of medications, householder knowledge of medications, communal practices of sharing, caring, rationalising use, grappling with side-effects and the management of illness. I consider what it means for householders to take medications themselves or give these to others, and the care-giving practices that feature in the everyday consumption of medicines. The research is based on the premise that medications are material objects with therapeutic uses that enter into and take on meaning within people’s lives. Medications become culturally embedded phenomena that carry meanings and shape social relationships and practices with Māori households. As such, medications were used in a way that reflected the cultural values and bonds within the households. Within household relationships, medications were invested within meaning to show aroha, support and care. Within a Māori whānau context, the values of maanakitanga, rangatiratanga, and whanaungatanga were recognised as having an integral role in understanding the social practices with medications in each household.

year: 2010