title: In-situ geotechnical characterization of mixed-grain-size bedforms using a dynamic penetrometer

authors: Stark, Nina

subjects: Sediments

abstract: We tested the ability of a small dynamic penetrometer, Nimrod, to infer geotechnical properties of sediment mixtures in the inner shelf. The penetrometer is light and easy to operate, and its operation by scuba divers ensures a greater degree of precision than ship-based penetrometer deployments. We have studied selected positions along a sorted bedform (similar to 100 m wide) on the continental shelf off the Coromandel Peninsula close to Tairua, North Island of New Zealand, and additionally took sediment samples at the exact positions of penetrometer impact, also by scuba divers. The derived dynamic penetrometer signatures (i) measured deceleration of the probe and estimated quasi-static bearing capacity as a measure of sediment strength, (ii) reflected changes in grain-size distribution ranging from very fine to very coarse sands, and (iii) revealed the uppermost seafloor stratification (top layer 2-6 cm) potentially being an indicator for sediment dynamics. In this manner, the device proved to be suitable for spatially fine-scaled surveys using divers' support and might deliver complementary information about sediment dynamics, in this case sorted-bedform maintenance

text: In-situ geotechnical characterization of mixed-grain-size bedforms using a dynamic penetrometer We tested the ability of a small dynamic penetrometer, Nimrod, to infer geotechnical properties of sediment mixtures in the inner shelf. The penetrometer is light and easy to operate, and its operation by scuba divers ensures a greater degree of precision than ship-based penetrometer deployments. We have studied selected positions along a sorted bedform (similar to 100 m wide) on the continental shelf off the Coromandel Peninsula close to Tairua, North Island of New Zealand, and additionally took sediment samples at the exact positions of penetrometer impact, also by scuba divers. The derived dynamic penetrometer signatures (i) measured deceleration of the probe and estimated quasi-static bearing capacity as a measure of sediment strength, (ii) reflected changes in grain-size distribution ranging from very fine to very coarse sands, and (iii) revealed the uppermost seafloor stratification (top layer 2-6 cm) potentially being an indicator for sediment dynamics. In this manner, the device proved to be suitable for spatially fine-scaled surveys using divers' support and might deliver complementary information about sediment dynamics, in this case sorted-bedform maintenance

year: 2012

title: Keeping track of electronic reading material

authors: Alanazi, Mohammed Subhi

subjects: Tracking reading material

abstract: Because reading electronically has become widespread, keeping track of the wide range of material one reads has become a problem. To explore this issue, a user study was conducted concerning how people keep track of the materials they have been reading, are currently reading, and are planning to read. We observed that people use different methods for these three tasks, and that there is a discontinuity in the processing of reading materials. Moreover, people have no effective common strategy for keeping track of what they read. As a result of this study, we derived four requirements for developing a system that helps people keep track of their reading materials.

Instead of developing a completely new system, seven available systems were reviewed to find out which one can be extended and cover the requirements. Two open source software projects were chosen to be analysed more deeply (Zotero and Greenstone). As a result of this analysis, we decided to combine the two software systems to work together. Tracking Reading Material System (TRMS) was developed as a solution for the problem. TRMS combines Greenstone and Zotero software, using Greenstone to store and organise documents, and Zotero to capture the documents and metadata. Four participants used TRMS, and evaluated it over a week's use, and completed a diary. Each participant was interviewed individually pre- and post-use of the TRMS.  This data showed that the TRMS was partially successful, but modifications are needed for a more satisfactory user experience.

text: Keeping track of electronic reading material Because reading electronically has become widespread, keeping track of the wide range of material one reads has become a problem. To explore this issue, a user study was conducted concerning how people keep track of the materials they have been reading, are currently reading, and are planning to read. We observed that people use different methods for these three tasks, and that there is a discontinuity in the processing of reading materials. Moreover, people have no effective common strategy for keeping track of what they read. As a result of this study, we derived four requirements for developing a system that helps people keep track of their reading materials.

Instead of developing a completely new system, seven available systems were reviewed to find out which one can be extended and cover the requirements. Two open source software projects were chosen to be analysed more deeply (Zotero and Greenstone). As a result of this analysis, we decided to combine the two software systems to work together. Tracking Reading Material System (TRMS) was developed as a solution for the problem. TRMS combines Greenstone and Zotero software, using Greenstone to store and organise documents, and Zotero to capture the documents and metadata. Four participants used TRMS, and evaluated it over a week's use, and completed a diary. Each participant was interviewed individually pre- and post-use of the TRMS.  This data showed that the TRMS was partially successful, but modifications are needed for a more satisfactory user experience.

year: 2013

title: 'Closing the Gaps': From postcolonialism to Kaupapa Māori and beyond.

authors: Mahuika, Nepia

subjects: New Zealand

abstract: The article discusses New Zealand history, particularly examining Māori theories and interpretations of history. It considers postcolonial theory and Kaupapa Māori theory. The author comments on the government policy of "closing the gaps," referring to efforts to improve the conditions of underachieving New Zealand groups. He also reflects on Mātauranga, a Māori concept concerning knowledge. The history and oral tradition of the people of the Māori iwi, or social unit, of Ngati Porou is also discussed.

text: 'Closing the Gaps': From postcolonialism to Kaupapa Māori and beyond. The article discusses New Zealand history, particularly examining Māori theories and interpretations of history. It considers postcolonial theory and Kaupapa Māori theory. The author comments on the government policy of "closing the gaps," referring to efforts to improve the conditions of underachieving New Zealand groups. He also reflects on Mātauranga, a Māori concept concerning knowledge. The history and oral tradition of the people of the Māori iwi, or social unit, of Ngati Porou is also discussed.

year: 2011