title: Accurate low-cost expanded-scale analog voltmeter with novel charge/discharge indication for monitoring single Lithium-ion cells

authors: Scott, Jonathan B.

abstract: This manuscript presents a very low-cost circuit using a PIC12F683 microcontroller and an LM285 bandgap voltage reference that provides an expanded-scale to an analog panel meter suitable for monitoring a single Lithium-ion battery. Charge or discharge of the cell is indicated by periodic twitches of the needle to the left or the right. The design is especially suitable for small devices subject to intermittant use or that recharge by power-harvesting. The design is open-source, with circuit, board layout, and source code provided.

text: Accurate low-cost expanded-scale analog voltmeter with novel charge/discharge indication for monitoring single Lithium-ion cells This manuscript presents a very low-cost circuit using a PIC12F683 microcontroller and an LM285 bandgap voltage reference that provides an expanded-scale to an analog panel meter suitable for monitoring a single Lithium-ion battery. Charge or discharge of the cell is indicated by periodic twitches of the needle to the left or the right. The design is especially suitable for small devices subject to intermittant use or that recharge by power-harvesting. The design is open-source, with circuit, board layout, and source code provided.

year: 2016

title: Who seeks help in a crisis? Temporal analysis of anti-trafficking helpline contacts over the pandemic

authors: Tompson, Lisa

subjects: Complex systems

abstract: Background
Human trafficking and extreme exploitation ("modern slavery") violate fundamental human rights and cause severe harm to individuals' well-being. Anti-trafficking helplines provide critical support for victims/survivors, yet little research has explored their usage patterns, particularly during crises. This study examines how the Covid-19 pandemic influenced reporting to the UK’s Modern Slavery & Exploitation Helpline, aiming to identify trends in help-seeking behaviour during this period of significant social disruption.

Methods
This study analysed 8,386 cases from the Helpline between October 2016 and December 2021. We took a descriptive approach, as assumptions for causal analyses could not be met. We used seasonal decomposition methods to separate underlying trends over the pandemic from seasonal effects, focusing on caller proximity and exploitation sub-types.

Results
Helpline contacts decreased following the introduction of Covid-19 restrictions, although case volume remained steady compared to pre-pandemic levels. Reporting patterns shifted: reports of criminal and sexual exploitation increased, while those of labour exploitation declined. Self-reports from victims/survivors rose notably during in-person work restrictions, particularly for labour exploitation in essential industries. Reports from the public about suspicious activity dropped and did not rebound post-lockdown, suggesting long-term changes in public reporting behaviour.

Conclusions
The study demonstrates how the Covid-19 pandemic affected reporting to a major anti-trafficking helpline, revealing increased self-reports from victim/survivors but a decline in community-based reporting. These findings highlight the importance of helplines as a public health intervention during crises and underscore the need for enhanced support infrastructure during periods of social and economic disruption. Future research should investigate the underlying causes of these shifts in reporting and explore ways to improve service access for victim/survivors of trafficking during emergencies.

text: Who seeks help in a crisis? Temporal analysis of anti-trafficking helpline contacts over the pandemic Background
Human trafficking and extreme exploitation ("modern slavery") violate fundamental human rights and cause severe harm to individuals' well-being. Anti-trafficking helplines provide critical support for victims/survivors, yet little research has explored their usage patterns, particularly during crises. This study examines how the Covid-19 pandemic influenced reporting to the UK’s Modern Slavery & Exploitation Helpline, aiming to identify trends in help-seeking behaviour during this period of significant social disruption.

Methods
This study analysed 8,386 cases from the Helpline between October 2016 and December 2021. We took a descriptive approach, as assumptions for causal analyses could not be met. We used seasonal decomposition methods to separate underlying trends over the pandemic from seasonal effects, focusing on caller proximity and exploitation sub-types.

Results
Helpline contacts decreased following the introduction of Covid-19 restrictions, although case volume remained steady compared to pre-pandemic levels. Reporting patterns shifted: reports of criminal and sexual exploitation increased, while those of labour exploitation declined. Self-reports from victims/survivors rose notably during in-person work restrictions, particularly for labour exploitation in essential industries. Reports from the public about suspicious activity dropped and did not rebound post-lockdown, suggesting long-term changes in public reporting behaviour.

Conclusions
The study demonstrates how the Covid-19 pandemic affected reporting to a major anti-trafficking helpline, revealing increased self-reports from victim/survivors but a decline in community-based reporting. These findings highlight the importance of helplines as a public health intervention during crises and underscore the need for enhanced support infrastructure during periods of social and economic disruption. Future research should investigate the underlying causes of these shifts in reporting and explore ways to improve service access for victim/survivors of trafficking during emergencies.

year: 2025

title: Māori transitions into tertiary education

authors: Amundsen, Diana Leigh

subjects: Maori

abstract: This thesis critically examines Māori transitions into tertiary education. The research explored the lived transition experiences of 20 Māori tertiary education students in the Bay of Plenty region. Historical and contemporary factors in Aotearoa influencing effective Māori student transitions into tertiary education were investigated. Data were collected and analysed through repeated semistructured interviews and focus groups over the 2016-2018 period with 20 Māori students enrolled in a wānanga, a polytechnic and a university. Participants experienced their transition as a journey, continuously evolving their identities and agency in relation to the tertiary education environments and social structures they encountered.
The findings suggest that transitions to tertiary education for Māori students involve a reciprocal interplay of identity, agency and structure which support or constrain transition experiences. Effective transition experiences were underpinned by processes of continuity enabling identity growth. Support was central to how well participants perceived their transition—racism and lack of support were significant barriers; suitable support was a significant enabler.
An over-riding theme from this research related to the interplay of power relations and Māori identity. How effectively participants developed a sense of belonging (or alienation) and identity growth linked to the tertiary education environments they encountered during their transition. Within wānanga, participants felt their Māori cultural identity was highly valued; within polytechnics, there was a sense that Māori culture is included but more could be done; within universities, a need for more inclusive practices to support Māori learner requirements was identified.
Lastly, this research was conducted by a Pākehā researcher working across kaupapa Māori spaces within interpretive and critical paradigms. Unexpected moments of struggle, discomfort and vulnerability opened up new and deeper understanding of implications for Pākehā educators and researchers engaging across Māori research spaces. This thesis argues for Pākehā to use their privilege to foster more equitable social structures. Equitable social structures would be beneficial for Māori transitions into tertiary education environments.

text: Māori transitions into tertiary education This thesis critically examines Māori transitions into tertiary education. The research explored the lived transition experiences of 20 Māori tertiary education students in the Bay of Plenty region. Historical and contemporary factors in Aotearoa influencing effective Māori student transitions into tertiary education were investigated. Data were collected and analysed through repeated semistructured interviews and focus groups over the 2016-2018 period with 20 Māori students enrolled in a wānanga, a polytechnic and a university. Participants experienced their transition as a journey, continuously evolving their identities and agency in relation to the tertiary education environments and social structures they encountered.
The findings suggest that transitions to tertiary education for Māori students involve a reciprocal interplay of identity, agency and structure which support or constrain transition experiences. Effective transition experiences were underpinned by processes of continuity enabling identity growth. Support was central to how well participants perceived their transition—racism and lack of support were significant barriers; suitable support was a significant enabler.
An over-riding theme from this research related to the interplay of power relations and Māori identity. How effectively participants developed a sense of belonging (or alienation) and identity growth linked to the tertiary education environments they encountered during their transition. Within wānanga, participants felt their Māori cultural identity was highly valued; within polytechnics, there was a sense that Māori culture is included but more could be done; within universities, a need for more inclusive practices to support Māori learner requirements was identified.
Lastly, this research was conducted by a Pākehā researcher working across kaupapa Māori spaces within interpretive and critical paradigms. Unexpected moments of struggle, discomfort and vulnerability opened up new and deeper understanding of implications for Pākehā educators and researchers engaging across Māori research spaces. This thesis argues for Pākehā to use their privilege to foster more equitable social structures. Equitable social structures would be beneficial for Māori transitions into tertiary education environments.

year: 2019