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: Measuring the impact of conservation: The growing importance of monitoring fauna, flora and funga

authors: Stephenson, P.J.

subjects: aquatic species

abstract: Many stakeholders, from governments to civil society to businesses, lack the data they need to make informed decisions on biodiversity, jeopardising efforts to conserve, restore and sustainably manage nature. Here we review the importance of enhancing biodiversity monitoring, assess the challenges involved and identify potential solutions. Capacity for biodiversity monitoring needs to be enhanced urgently, especially in poorer, high-biodiversity countries where data gaps are disproportionately high. Modern tools and technologies, including remote sensing, bioacoustics and environmental DNA, should be used at larger scales to fill taxonomic and geographic data gaps, especially in the tropics, in marine and freshwater biomes, and for plants, fungi and invertebrates. Stakeholders need to follow best monitoring practices, adopting appropriate indicators and using counterfactual approaches to measure and attribute outcomes and impacts. Data should be made openly and freely available. Companies need to invest in collecting the data required to enhance sustainability in their operations and supply chains. With governments soon to commit to the post-2020 global biodiversity framework, the time is right to make a concerted push on monitoring. However, action at scale is needed now if we are to enhance results-based management adequately to conserve the biodiversity and ecosystem services we all depend on.

text: Measuring the impact of conservation: The growing importance of monitoring fauna, flora and funga Many stakeholders, from governments to civil society to businesses, lack the data they need to make informed decisions on biodiversity, jeopardising efforts to conserve, restore and sustainably manage nature. Here we review the importance of enhancing biodiversity monitoring, assess the challenges involved and identify potential solutions. Capacity for biodiversity monitoring needs to be enhanced urgently, especially in poorer, high-biodiversity countries where data gaps are disproportionately high. Modern tools and technologies, including remote sensing, bioacoustics and environmental DNA, should be used at larger scales to fill taxonomic and geographic data gaps, especially in the tropics, in marine and freshwater biomes, and for plants, fungi and invertebrates. Stakeholders need to follow best monitoring practices, adopting appropriate indicators and using counterfactual approaches to measure and attribute outcomes and impacts. Data should be made openly and freely available. Companies need to invest in collecting the data required to enhance sustainability in their operations and supply chains. With governments soon to commit to the post-2020 global biodiversity framework, the time is right to make a concerted push on monitoring. However, action at scale is needed now if we are to enhance results-based management adequately to conserve the biodiversity and ecosystem services we all depend on.

year: 2022

title: An evaluation of the effectiveness of social equity strategies for Maori students in the School of Science and Technology

authors: Rua, Mohi

subjects: Maori students

abstract: In 1991 the School of Science and Technology (SOSAT) at the University of Waikato
had a very low participation rate of Maori and students from other non-dominant
ethnic groups. This situation was serious enough to concerned the then Dean of the
School and strategies were developed to change this situation. Four major strategies
are used to encourage, support and retain Maori students to successfully pursue and
complete a degree in Science. They are: the Te Putahi o te Manawa programme - a
mentoring programme; a scholarship and grant writing strategy (in particular
assistance with Tuapapa Putaiao Maori Fellowships(TPMFs) administered by FRST);
school visits; and field trips with secondary schools in the Waikato region that have a
high proportion of Maori students. The Maori & Psychology Research Unit (MPRU) was contracted by Gary Bramley of
the Equity Office of the SOSAT to conduct this evaluation. Evaluative information was gathered through administering questionnaires,
completing key informant interviews, and completing focus group interviews. In this evaluation we sought to determine the effectiveness of the social equity
strategies for Maori students in the SOSAT at the University of Waikato.

text: An evaluation of the effectiveness of social equity strategies for Maori students in the School of Science and Technology In 1991 the School of Science and Technology (SOSAT) at the University of Waikato
had a very low participation rate of Maori and students from other non-dominant
ethnic groups. This situation was serious enough to concerned the then Dean of the
School and strategies were developed to change this situation. Four major strategies
are used to encourage, support and retain Maori students to successfully pursue and
complete a degree in Science. They are: the Te Putahi o te Manawa programme - a
mentoring programme; a scholarship and grant writing strategy (in particular
assistance with Tuapapa Putaiao Maori Fellowships(TPMFs) administered by FRST);
school visits; and field trips with secondary schools in the Waikato region that have a
high proportion of Maori students. The Maori & Psychology Research Unit (MPRU) was contracted by Gary Bramley of
the Equity Office of the SOSAT to conduct this evaluation. Evaluative information was gathered through administering questionnaires,
completing key informant interviews, and completing focus group interviews. In this evaluation we sought to determine the effectiveness of the social equity
strategies for Maori students in the SOSAT at the University of Waikato.

year: 1999-11-11