title: Geodesic geometry of some static axisymmetric vacuum spacetimes

authors: Harder, David M.

abstract: Solutions of Laplace's equation in terms of bispherical and toroidal coordinates are used to derive new exact exterior (vacuum), general relativistic fields, of static axially symmetric spacetimes. 
For each new metric we calculate the first Geroch relativistic multipole moments. By selecting solutions that have even multipole moments, and thus a plane of equatorial symmetry, we numerically generate the timelike geodesics of test particles confined to these planes. 
Approximate solutions of these orbits are calculated, fro~ which the precession of the perihelion is compared to that of the numerical results and those predicted by a method of Fernández-Jambrina and Hoenselaers (2001). Similar calculations are done in the bispherical case for the precession rate of the line of nodes of a perturbed circular orbit. 
Geodesics of zero angular momentum are also presented for various spacetimes. In general, it is observed that the trajectories of test particles can experience periods of gravitational repulsion. Furthermore, the toroidal solutions show that the period of oscillation of a test particle along the axis of a ring like mass distribution can increase as the mass of the source is increased. 
We also consider the application of bicyclide coordinates. In doing so the computation of Lamé-Wangerin functions are required. New results for the eigenfunctions for the Lamé equation of order  -1/2 are produced. Analytic and numerical results are compared. The multipole moments and timelike geodesics of this solution are also presented.

text: Geodesic geometry of some static axisymmetric vacuum spacetimes Solutions of Laplace's equation in terms of bispherical and toroidal coordinates are used to derive new exact exterior (vacuum), general relativistic fields, of static axially symmetric spacetimes. 
For each new metric we calculate the first Geroch relativistic multipole moments. By selecting solutions that have even multipole moments, and thus a plane of equatorial symmetry, we numerically generate the timelike geodesics of test particles confined to these planes. 
Approximate solutions of these orbits are calculated, fro~ which the precession of the perihelion is compared to that of the numerical results and those predicted by a method of Fernández-Jambrina and Hoenselaers (2001). Similar calculations are done in the bispherical case for the precession rate of the line of nodes of a perturbed circular orbit. 
Geodesics of zero angular momentum are also presented for various spacetimes. In general, it is observed that the trajectories of test particles can experience periods of gravitational repulsion. Furthermore, the toroidal solutions show that the period of oscillation of a test particle along the axis of a ring like mass distribution can increase as the mass of the source is increased. 
We also consider the application of bicyclide coordinates. In doing so the computation of Lamé-Wangerin functions are required. New results for the eigenfunctions for the Lamé equation of order  -1/2 are produced. Analytic and numerical results are compared. The multipole moments and timelike geodesics of this solution are also presented.

year: 2003

title: Fractional behaviour of rechargeable batteries

authors: Hasan, Rahat

abstract: For decades authors have preferred to model batteries with either Thevenin-style models using RLC, or Randlesstyle by adding a Warburg element. These are claimed to model accurately. We present convincing empirical evidence suggesting that a fractional-derivative (constant-phase element) model is required. Our data shows that existing state-of-the-art models may be overly complicated, requiring numerical rather than physical considerations to find parameters.

text: Fractional behaviour of rechargeable batteries For decades authors have preferred to model batteries with either Thevenin-style models using RLC, or Randlesstyle by adding a Warburg element. These are claimed to model accurately. We present convincing empirical evidence suggesting that a fractional-derivative (constant-phase element) model is required. Our data shows that existing state-of-the-art models may be overly complicated, requiring numerical rather than physical considerations to find parameters.

year: 2016

title: Tino rangatiratanga in health policies and practises

authors: Wihongi, Helen Annette

subjects: tino rangatiratanga

abstract: The purpose of my doctoral research was to investigate tino rangatiratanga in health policies and practises in Aotearoa. My research involved defining tino rangatiratanga and exploring the expression of tino rangatiratanga in health policy and practises. A kaupapa Māori analysis of the 1996 National Cervical Screening Programme’s Policy document was at the core of the policy investigation. The analysis involved developing a kaupapa Māori analysing framework and then analysing the 1996 National Cervical Screening Policy document for empirical and normative judgements at four discursive levels, health gains, health objectives, health goals and fundamental underlying values. A Kaupapa Māori research design drew on interdisciplinary scholarship on colonisation, Te Tiriti o Waitangi, community psychology, public policy, disability theory, feminist theory and discourse theory.

I argue that the dominance of Western cultural norms and state-directed policies were made possible by the signing of Te Tiriti o Waitangi. The signing of Te Tiriti saw Crown sovereignty being implemented and tino rangatiratanga ignored. The consequences for Māori have been disastrous with loss of land and economic base which has resulted in poor health status. I also argue that tino rangatiratanga has the potential to transform the social and political context that frame Aotearoa society. Such an approach raises a critical dilemma for the state as meaningful recognition of tino rangatiratanga requires waiving full and absolute sovereignty which currently resides in the state. Hence some scholars argue that tino rangatiratanga is a site for constructive engagement where state and Māori relationships can be renegotiated. The extent to which this potential for constructive engagement is being realised in however is inadequately explored in the scholarly literature. Exploring the relationships between tino rangatiratanga and health policies and practises as undertaken in my thesis will therefore contribute to scholarly knowledge on the subject.

The findings from the research show that tino rangatiratanga is indeed a complex, fluid, multi-faceted and context related concept. Within the context of my research, tino rangatiratanga is defined as Māori sovereignty, self determination, and positive Māori development. As a Māori value it is about mana and tapu of rangatira or leadership personified. Within policies, tino rangatiratanga has emerged through resistance and demonstration and is actualised through Tiriti legislation and policies.

The legitimation of tino rangatiratanga in cervical screening services sees Māori leadership at national, regional and local levels and Māori involvement through wide ranging consultation but the Crown still controls the policy process and therefore the outcomes. Most cervical screening services are still owned and operated by the Crown or Crown agencies.

One of the consequences of Crown control is that Māori women are still twice as likely to get cervical cancer and four times more likely to die from it. To some degree this may be the result of resource allocation and the result of discriminatory service practices but also the result of resistance to the procedure itself.

Tino rangatiratanga within cervical screening services could be strengthened through iwi ownership of some cervical screening register sites. At the time of my field work (2000) there were 14 sites, all owned and operated by Crown agents. Tino rangatiratanga could also be strengthened through funding criteria that ensure practitioners are safe to practise, through the adoption of less invasive procedures and through the legitimation of Māori healing practises such as rongoā and karakia.

Overall if tino rangatiratanga is to be given full effect within the policy domain Māori must have a well established asset base, they must be in control of the decision making making process including resource allocation, service delivery must address the diversities of Māori realities and Māori must be the recipients of policy decisions made.

text: Tino rangatiratanga in health policies and practises The purpose of my doctoral research was to investigate tino rangatiratanga in health policies and practises in Aotearoa. My research involved defining tino rangatiratanga and exploring the expression of tino rangatiratanga in health policy and practises. A kaupapa Māori analysis of the 1996 National Cervical Screening Programme’s Policy document was at the core of the policy investigation. The analysis involved developing a kaupapa Māori analysing framework and then analysing the 1996 National Cervical Screening Policy document for empirical and normative judgements at four discursive levels, health gains, health objectives, health goals and fundamental underlying values. A Kaupapa Māori research design drew on interdisciplinary scholarship on colonisation, Te Tiriti o Waitangi, community psychology, public policy, disability theory, feminist theory and discourse theory.

I argue that the dominance of Western cultural norms and state-directed policies were made possible by the signing of Te Tiriti o Waitangi. The signing of Te Tiriti saw Crown sovereignty being implemented and tino rangatiratanga ignored. The consequences for Māori have been disastrous with loss of land and economic base which has resulted in poor health status. I also argue that tino rangatiratanga has the potential to transform the social and political context that frame Aotearoa society. Such an approach raises a critical dilemma for the state as meaningful recognition of tino rangatiratanga requires waiving full and absolute sovereignty which currently resides in the state. Hence some scholars argue that tino rangatiratanga is a site for constructive engagement where state and Māori relationships can be renegotiated. The extent to which this potential for constructive engagement is being realised in however is inadequately explored in the scholarly literature. Exploring the relationships between tino rangatiratanga and health policies and practises as undertaken in my thesis will therefore contribute to scholarly knowledge on the subject.

The findings from the research show that tino rangatiratanga is indeed a complex, fluid, multi-faceted and context related concept. Within the context of my research, tino rangatiratanga is defined as Māori sovereignty, self determination, and positive Māori development. As a Māori value it is about mana and tapu of rangatira or leadership personified. Within policies, tino rangatiratanga has emerged through resistance and demonstration and is actualised through Tiriti legislation and policies.

The legitimation of tino rangatiratanga in cervical screening services sees Māori leadership at national, regional and local levels and Māori involvement through wide ranging consultation but the Crown still controls the policy process and therefore the outcomes. Most cervical screening services are still owned and operated by the Crown or Crown agencies.

One of the consequences of Crown control is that Māori women are still twice as likely to get cervical cancer and four times more likely to die from it. To some degree this may be the result of resource allocation and the result of discriminatory service practices but also the result of resistance to the procedure itself.

Tino rangatiratanga within cervical screening services could be strengthened through iwi ownership of some cervical screening register sites. At the time of my field work (2000) there were 14 sites, all owned and operated by Crown agents. Tino rangatiratanga could also be strengthened through funding criteria that ensure practitioners are safe to practise, through the adoption of less invasive procedures and through the legitimation of Māori healing practises such as rongoā and karakia.

Overall if tino rangatiratanga is to be given full effect within the policy domain Māori must have a well established asset base, they must be in control of the decision making making process including resource allocation, service delivery must address the diversities of Māori realities and Māori must be the recipients of policy decisions made.

year: 2010