title: Blind deconvolution of depth-of-field limited full-field lidar data by determination of focal parameters

authors: Godbaz, John Peter

subjects: lidar

abstract: We present a new two-stage method for parametric spatially variant blind deconvolution of full-field Amplitude Modulated Continuous Wave lidar image pairs taken at different aperture settings subject to limited depth of field. A Maximum Likelihood based focal parameter determination algorithm uses range information to reblur the image taken with a smaller aperture size to match the large aperture image. This allows estimation of focal parameters without prior calibration of the optical setup and produces blur estimates which have better spatial resolution and less noise than previous depth from defocus (DFD) blur measurement algorithms. We compare blur estimates from the focal parameter determination method to those from Pentland's DFD method, Subbarao's S-Transform method and estimates from range data/the sampled point spread function. In a second stage the estimated focal parameters are applied to deconvolution of total integrated intensity lidar images improving depth of field. We give an example of application to complex domain lidar images and discuss the trade-off between recovered amplitude texture and sharp range estimates.

text: Blind deconvolution of depth-of-field limited full-field lidar data by determination of focal parameters We present a new two-stage method for parametric spatially variant blind deconvolution of full-field Amplitude Modulated Continuous Wave lidar image pairs taken at different aperture settings subject to limited depth of field. A Maximum Likelihood based focal parameter determination algorithm uses range information to reblur the image taken with a smaller aperture size to match the large aperture image. This allows estimation of focal parameters without prior calibration of the optical setup and produces blur estimates which have better spatial resolution and less noise than previous depth from defocus (DFD) blur measurement algorithms. We compare blur estimates from the focal parameter determination method to those from Pentland's DFD method, Subbarao's S-Transform method and estimates from range data/the sampled point spread function. In a second stage the estimated focal parameters are applied to deconvolution of total integrated intensity lidar images improving depth of field. We give an example of application to complex domain lidar images and discuss the trade-off between recovered amplitude texture and sharp range estimates.

year: 2010

title: Housing First in Hamilton: Who were first housed?

authors: Atatoa-Carr, Polly

subjects: Homelessness

abstract: The People’s Project (TPP) in Hamilton (NZ) is a collaborative effort between 13 local organisations which takes a Housing First approach to homelessness. A Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment funded collaboration between the Universities of Waikato and Otago and TPP has allowed the gathering of evidence regarding the Housing First approach to homelessness in Hamilton, the people served, and their engagement in services in the years leading up to registering for support. A better understanding of the sociodemographic characteristics, as well as the specific needs and experiences of this cohort, helps to consider how to most appropriately implement the principles of Housing First to meet the requirements of the local population and contex.

text: Housing First in Hamilton: Who were first housed? The People’s Project (TPP) in Hamilton (NZ) is a collaborative effort between 13 local organisations which takes a Housing First approach to homelessness. A Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment funded collaboration between the Universities of Waikato and Otago and TPP has allowed the gathering of evidence regarding the Housing First approach to homelessness in Hamilton, the people served, and their engagement in services in the years leading up to registering for support. A better understanding of the sociodemographic characteristics, as well as the specific needs and experiences of this cohort, helps to consider how to most appropriately implement the principles of Housing First to meet the requirements of the local population and contex.

year: 2018

title: Taonga maioha: (Born this way) The in-depth stories of three Māori, Pasifika, and Indigenous Queens

authors: Tamuera Ariki, Paikea

abstract: Who else has the right to define these, Queens? 

This thesis provides a vital platform for the voices of three Māori, Pasifika, and Indigenous Queens, allowing them to share their transformation stories in their own words. Their experiences and feelings about in their words “being born into the wrong bodies” highlight the complex realities of identity and the struggle for acceptance by others. 

These Queens are unified in their desire for dignity and respect. Dignity and respect underscore a fundamental human right. They seek recognition in all areas of their lives, from healthcare to education, housing, employment, and beyond. By articulating their needs, they advocate for themselves and all marginalized individuals, seeking fairness and understanding within systems that often overlook them. 

Focusing on their lived experiences is crucial for fostering empathy and promoting systemic change, as it brings attention to the disparities they face and the importance of inclusivity in society. By sharing their truths, these Queens contribute to a broader dialogue about identity, respect, and the pursuit of equality for all. 

This thesis aims to illuminate the transformation stories or pūrākau of ten Māori and Pasifika Queens, to foster understanding of their unique experiences. The focus on those who identify as wahine despite being born biologically male allows the reader to highlight the rich diversity of gender identity within these cultures and groups. 

The Māori Ethics Committee granted ethics approval for the study, thereby paving the way for the Queens to tell their stories or pūrākau from their truths and perspectives. 

Taonga Maioha details the in-depth transformation stories of three Māori-Pasifika Queens aged 60 plus, supported by a contextual and cultural analysis of their generation. The voices and stories of the Queens are central to this thesis. These stories are thematically analyzed to unpack the cultural and generational influences impacting their identities. The core identity constructs of whakapapa, tinana, hinengaro, and wairua are used to frame and organize their transformation stories according to their instructions. Above all, this thesis is anchored in their rights to define themselves on the premise that they have the mana to define themselves irrespective of others who define them from the sidelines of their lives. Their definitions are theirs alone. The storytellers call themselves Queen, Wahine, or women. This is based on the assertion that it is their right to be called a Queen. In certain contexts, they may refer to themselves as takatāpui and transgender for the sake of acceptance by others. This thesis is written to enhance the mana of the storytellers. These are their stories and their truths. 

The late Dame Georgina Beyer, was one of the original participants in this thesis. Many interviews were conducted with her. Instructed by Georgina before her passing to publish elements of her story as part of this thesis. Unfortunately, the Ethics Committee at Waikato University did not accept this due to her passing. Hence, the reason ‘First Lady’ was introduced, where Liz Roberts gives exclusive details of her change, both legally and physically.

text: Taonga maioha: (Born this way) The in-depth stories of three Māori, Pasifika, and Indigenous Queens Who else has the right to define these, Queens? 

This thesis provides a vital platform for the voices of three Māori, Pasifika, and Indigenous Queens, allowing them to share their transformation stories in their own words. Their experiences and feelings about in their words “being born into the wrong bodies” highlight the complex realities of identity and the struggle for acceptance by others. 

These Queens are unified in their desire for dignity and respect. Dignity and respect underscore a fundamental human right. They seek recognition in all areas of their lives, from healthcare to education, housing, employment, and beyond. By articulating their needs, they advocate for themselves and all marginalized individuals, seeking fairness and understanding within systems that often overlook them. 

Focusing on their lived experiences is crucial for fostering empathy and promoting systemic change, as it brings attention to the disparities they face and the importance of inclusivity in society. By sharing their truths, these Queens contribute to a broader dialogue about identity, respect, and the pursuit of equality for all. 

This thesis aims to illuminate the transformation stories or pūrākau of ten Māori and Pasifika Queens, to foster understanding of their unique experiences. The focus on those who identify as wahine despite being born biologically male allows the reader to highlight the rich diversity of gender identity within these cultures and groups. 

The Māori Ethics Committee granted ethics approval for the study, thereby paving the way for the Queens to tell their stories or pūrākau from their truths and perspectives. 

Taonga Maioha details the in-depth transformation stories of three Māori-Pasifika Queens aged 60 plus, supported by a contextual and cultural analysis of their generation. The voices and stories of the Queens are central to this thesis. These stories are thematically analyzed to unpack the cultural and generational influences impacting their identities. The core identity constructs of whakapapa, tinana, hinengaro, and wairua are used to frame and organize their transformation stories according to their instructions. Above all, this thesis is anchored in their rights to define themselves on the premise that they have the mana to define themselves irrespective of others who define them from the sidelines of their lives. Their definitions are theirs alone. The storytellers call themselves Queen, Wahine, or women. This is based on the assertion that it is their right to be called a Queen. In certain contexts, they may refer to themselves as takatāpui and transgender for the sake of acceptance by others. This thesis is written to enhance the mana of the storytellers. These are their stories and their truths. 

The late Dame Georgina Beyer, was one of the original participants in this thesis. Many interviews were conducted with her. Instructed by Georgina before her passing to publish elements of her story as part of this thesis. Unfortunately, the Ethics Committee at Waikato University did not accept this due to her passing. Hence, the reason ‘First Lady’ was introduced, where Liz Roberts gives exclusive details of her change, both legally and physically.

year: 2024