title: The Acoustic Ecology of the First-Person Shooter

authors: Grimshaw, Mark Nicholas

subjects: acoustic ecology

abstract: This thesis contributes to the field of Game Studies by presenting the hypothesis that the player(s) and soundscape(s) in the first-person shooter (FPS) game, and the relationships between them, may be construed as an acoustic ecology.  It explores the idea that the single-player FPS game acoustic ecology has the basic components of player and soundscape and that the relationships between these two lead to the creation and perception of a variety of spaces within the game world constituting a significant contributing factor to player immersion in that world.  Additionally, in a multiplayer FPS game, these individual acoustic ecologies form part of a larger acoustic ecology which may be explained through autopoietic principles.

There has been little written on digital game sound (much less on FPS game sound) and so the research contained within this thesis is an important contribution to the Game Studies field.  Furthermore, the elaboration of the hypothesis provides insight into the role of sound in the perception of a variety of spaces in the FPS game, and player immersion in those spaces, and this has significance not only for Game Studies but also for other disciplines such as virtual environment design and the study of real-world acoustic ecologies.

A text-based methodology is employed in which literature from a range of disciplines is researched for concepts relevant to the hypothesis but, where necessary, new concepts will be devised.  The aim of the methodology is to construct a conceptual framework which is used to explicate the hypothesis and which may, with future refinement, be used for the study of sound in digital game genres other than FPS.

text: The Acoustic Ecology of the First-Person Shooter This thesis contributes to the field of Game Studies by presenting the hypothesis that the player(s) and soundscape(s) in the first-person shooter (FPS) game, and the relationships between them, may be construed as an acoustic ecology.  It explores the idea that the single-player FPS game acoustic ecology has the basic components of player and soundscape and that the relationships between these two lead to the creation and perception of a variety of spaces within the game world constituting a significant contributing factor to player immersion in that world.  Additionally, in a multiplayer FPS game, these individual acoustic ecologies form part of a larger acoustic ecology which may be explained through autopoietic principles.

There has been little written on digital game sound (much less on FPS game sound) and so the research contained within this thesis is an important contribution to the Game Studies field.  Furthermore, the elaboration of the hypothesis provides insight into the role of sound in the perception of a variety of spaces in the FPS game, and player immersion in those spaces, and this has significance not only for Game Studies but also for other disciplines such as virtual environment design and the study of real-world acoustic ecologies.

A text-based methodology is employed in which literature from a range of disciplines is researched for concepts relevant to the hypothesis but, where necessary, new concepts will be devised.  The aim of the methodology is to construct a conceptual framework which is used to explicate the hypothesis and which may, with future refinement, be used for the study of sound in digital game genres other than FPS.

year: 2007

title: Direct metal laser sintering of a Ti6Al4V mandible implant

authors: Aziz, I.A.

subjects: Customised implant

abstract: The aim of this study is to investigate the direct manufacturing of a titanium mandible implant via a laser sintering process which involves the different areas of medicine, engineering and product design. The manufacturing and challenges for producing customised titanium implants are described in this work. Implant data and its functional requirements of loading and fixation are established based on CT scan data. The process of converting different types of data from CT scans to 3D design and then to readable machine data and its associated processing software are illustrated and explained. The mandible tray was designed with a predefined porous structure to reduce weight and stimulate better bio-factor delivery at the same time. The laser sintering process and its critical steps for producing a tailored structure and complex shape are reported. This includes titanium powder preparation, processing parameters, support structures, model inclination, post-processing works and associated costs. Results show that it is possible to fabricate a customised mandible implant with a complex structure and having sufficient detail through the laser sintering process. This technique provides a platform to respond quickly and build accurate parts with good surface finish.

text: Direct metal laser sintering of a Ti6Al4V mandible implant The aim of this study is to investigate the direct manufacturing of a titanium mandible implant via a laser sintering process which involves the different areas of medicine, engineering and product design. The manufacturing and challenges for producing customised titanium implants are described in this work. Implant data and its functional requirements of loading and fixation are established based on CT scan data. The process of converting different types of data from CT scans to 3D design and then to readable machine data and its associated processing software are illustrated and explained. The mandible tray was designed with a predefined porous structure to reduce weight and stimulate better bio-factor delivery at the same time. The laser sintering process and its critical steps for producing a tailored structure and complex shape are reported. This includes titanium powder preparation, processing parameters, support structures, model inclination, post-processing works and associated costs. Results show that it is possible to fabricate a customised mandible implant with a complex structure and having sufficient detail through the laser sintering process. This technique provides a platform to respond quickly and build accurate parts with good surface finish.

year: 2012

title: Research reflections on making visible the experiences of Kāpō Māori during and after COVID-19

authors: Masters-Awatere, Bridgette

abstract: Introduction: 
This piece reflects on our research process when undertaking face-to-face interviews with tāngata kāpō (Māori people who are blind, deafblind, low vision or vision impaired). Particular attention is given to the access requirements of tāngata kāpō and the intersections of Māori and disability. These experiences are shared as learning opportunities for others who are undertaking research in ways that are mindful of Tiriti and disability obligations, and in the current COVID-19 environment.

text: Research reflections on making visible the experiences of Kāpō Māori during and after COVID-19 Introduction: 
This piece reflects on our research process when undertaking face-to-face interviews with tāngata kāpō (Māori people who are blind, deafblind, low vision or vision impaired). Particular attention is given to the access requirements of tāngata kāpō and the intersections of Māori and disability. These experiences are shared as learning opportunities for others who are undertaking research in ways that are mindful of Tiriti and disability obligations, and in the current COVID-19 environment.

year: 2021