title: Share an idea: AI-augmented urban narrative

authors: Dyer, Mark

subjects: computer science

abstract: Many lessons were learnt from Christchurch City Council's attempt to empower local citizens to co-design the redevelopment of the city centre following the devastating events of a series of major earthquakes between 2011 and 2012. Running against the grain of national politics, the grassroots public consultation exercise was largely over-ridden by the central government's decision to hand over final responsibility for rebuilding of the city to the Canterbury Earthquake Recovery Authority (CERA). Predictably, the centrally administered bureaucratic process attracted considerable criticism with studies indicating that CERA was ill-equipped and unwilling to engage effectively with the public, which resulted in predictably poor public perceptions. The outcome pointed towards the need for greater clarity about the willingness or otherwise of public agencies or government to share decision making before public engagement to avoid disappointment and disillusionment. Without which, the perception of power-sharing becomes an illusion that can quickly turn into public dissatisfaction with public authorities. Furthermore, the problem arose in part due to a focus on solutions rather than prioritising user needs underpinned by shared culture values. To overcome future political impasses between local and national government agencies, an alternative method of collecting and analysing data from public consultation is proposed using AI where large volumes of public data can be readily processed to communicate shared narratives about shared values for future public works such as the rebuild of Christchurch.

text: Share an idea: AI-augmented urban narrative Many lessons were learnt from Christchurch City Council's attempt to empower local citizens to co-design the redevelopment of the city centre following the devastating events of a series of major earthquakes between 2011 and 2012. Running against the grain of national politics, the grassroots public consultation exercise was largely over-ridden by the central government's decision to hand over final responsibility for rebuilding of the city to the Canterbury Earthquake Recovery Authority (CERA). Predictably, the centrally administered bureaucratic process attracted considerable criticism with studies indicating that CERA was ill-equipped and unwilling to engage effectively with the public, which resulted in predictably poor public perceptions. The outcome pointed towards the need for greater clarity about the willingness or otherwise of public agencies or government to share decision making before public engagement to avoid disappointment and disillusionment. Without which, the perception of power-sharing becomes an illusion that can quickly turn into public dissatisfaction with public authorities. Furthermore, the problem arose in part due to a focus on solutions rather than prioritising user needs underpinned by shared culture values. To overcome future political impasses between local and national government agencies, an alternative method of collecting and analysing data from public consultation is proposed using AI where large volumes of public data can be readily processed to communicate shared narratives about shared values for future public works such as the rebuild of Christchurch.

year: 2024

title: The validity of resting metabolic rate (RMR)-prediction equations and reliability of measured RMR in female athletes

authors: MacKay, Kelsi

subjects: Energy deficiency

abstract: The aim of the current study was to; 1) assess the test-retest reliability of an indirect calorimetry analyzer (Parvo Medics TrueOne), and 2) compare measured RMR with three RMR-predictive (pRMR) equations in female athletes. In part one, 12 recreationally-exercising women (mean ± SD; age 27.5 ± 12.3 y) performed two RMR assessments, on separate days, utilising the Parvo Medics TrueOne analyser. In part two, 25 recreationally-exercising women to sub-elite athletes (mean ± SD; age 30.1 ± 10.2 y) underwent an RMR assessment using the Parvo Medics TrueOne analyser, which was compared to three calculated pRMR equations (Harris-Benedict (H-B) , Mifflin-St Jeor (M), World Health Organisation (WHO)). eTest-retest reliability for the TrueOne analyser was deemed acceptable (CV = 5.3%, ICC = 0.92). The validity of pRMR when compared to measured RMR showed low levels of agreement in all 3 predictive equations (M: CV = 21.4%, TEE = 269 kcal.day⁻¹, r = 0.16, WHO: CV = 21.5%, TEE = 270 kcal.day⁻¹, r = 0.13 H-B: CV = 21.6%, TEE = 270 kcal.day⁻¹, r = 0.13). The Parvo Medics TrueOne analyser is a reliable tool for measuring RMR. Caution should be taken when using pRMR equations in female athletes as they do not take into account the likely differences in fat free mass in these populations.

text: The validity of resting metabolic rate (RMR)-prediction equations and reliability of measured RMR in female athletes The aim of the current study was to; 1) assess the test-retest reliability of an indirect calorimetry analyzer (Parvo Medics TrueOne), and 2) compare measured RMR with three RMR-predictive (pRMR) equations in female athletes. In part one, 12 recreationally-exercising women (mean ± SD; age 27.5 ± 12.3 y) performed two RMR assessments, on separate days, utilising the Parvo Medics TrueOne analyser. In part two, 25 recreationally-exercising women to sub-elite athletes (mean ± SD; age 30.1 ± 10.2 y) underwent an RMR assessment using the Parvo Medics TrueOne analyser, which was compared to three calculated pRMR equations (Harris-Benedict (H-B) , Mifflin-St Jeor (M), World Health Organisation (WHO)). eTest-retest reliability for the TrueOne analyser was deemed acceptable (CV = 5.3%, ICC = 0.92). The validity of pRMR when compared to measured RMR showed low levels of agreement in all 3 predictive equations (M: CV = 21.4%, TEE = 269 kcal.day⁻¹, r = 0.16, WHO: CV = 21.5%, TEE = 270 kcal.day⁻¹, r = 0.13 H-B: CV = 21.6%, TEE = 270 kcal.day⁻¹, r = 0.13). The Parvo Medics TrueOne analyser is a reliable tool for measuring RMR. Caution should be taken when using pRMR equations in female athletes as they do not take into account the likely differences in fat free mass in these populations.

year: 2019

title: Are we really colour-blind? The normalisation of mass female incarceration

authors: Norris, Adele N.

abstract: The sharp rise in female incarceration rates in both the United States and New Zealand has received increased attention. Even more pressing are the racial disparities among imprisoned females. This exploratory case study examines 13 peer-reviewed articles published between 2005 and 2016 to understand the nature of colour-blind ideology in discussions of female imprisonment in New Zealand. Several themes emerged including the homogenisation of female prisoners. Apart from moderately linking vast racial disparities between incarcerated White women and Indigenous women to ill-defined colonial practices, contemporary explanations for the substantial racial disparities receive little attention. This article concludes that the absence of a critical lens toward contemporary forms and experiences of racism undergirding the mass criminalisation of Indigenous people perpetuates a colour blindness that in turn works to normalise mass female incarceration. Even in attempts to be unbiased, the way race/ethnicity, gender, age, and class are discussed in academic research exploring female incarceration seems to reflect the influential nature of controlling images rather than critique them.

text: Are we really colour-blind? The normalisation of mass female incarceration The sharp rise in female incarceration rates in both the United States and New Zealand has received increased attention. Even more pressing are the racial disparities among imprisoned females. This exploratory case study examines 13 peer-reviewed articles published between 2005 and 2016 to understand the nature of colour-blind ideology in discussions of female imprisonment in New Zealand. Several themes emerged including the homogenisation of female prisoners. Apart from moderately linking vast racial disparities between incarcerated White women and Indigenous women to ill-defined colonial practices, contemporary explanations for the substantial racial disparities receive little attention. This article concludes that the absence of a critical lens toward contemporary forms and experiences of racism undergirding the mass criminalisation of Indigenous people perpetuates a colour blindness that in turn works to normalise mass female incarceration. Even in attempts to be unbiased, the way race/ethnicity, gender, age, and class are discussed in academic research exploring female incarceration seems to reflect the influential nature of controlling images rather than critique them.

year: 2017