title: Comparison of harakeke with hemp fibre as a potential reinforcement in composites

authors: Efendy, M.G. Aruan

subjects: Science & Technology

abstract: The objective of this study was to characterize the performance of untreated and chemically treated harakeke fibre (a leaf fibre from a plant native to New Zealand) and compare with hemp fibre to assess its use as potential reinforcement in composites. Alkali treatment is among the most popular treatments used to remove unwanted fibre constituents such as pectin, hemicellulose and waxes; it can enhance fibre properties, fibre separation, interfacial bonding and fibre dispersion within a composite. Physical and mechanical properties of untreated and alkali treated fibres were assessed using single fibre tensile testing, X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and thermal analysis using thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). Untreated harakeke fibre was found to be lower in tensile strength compared to untreated hemp fibre. It was also found that the tensile strength of harakeke and hemp fibres treated with 5wt% NaOH/2wt% Na2SO3 and 5wt% NaOH was not significantly affected and these fibres had good fibre separation. However, alkali treatment was found to lead to higher crystallinity index (Ic) and better thermal stability for harakeke as well as hemp fibres.

text: Comparison of harakeke with hemp fibre as a potential reinforcement in composites The objective of this study was to characterize the performance of untreated and chemically treated harakeke fibre (a leaf fibre from a plant native to New Zealand) and compare with hemp fibre to assess its use as potential reinforcement in composites. Alkali treatment is among the most popular treatments used to remove unwanted fibre constituents such as pectin, hemicellulose and waxes; it can enhance fibre properties, fibre separation, interfacial bonding and fibre dispersion within a composite. Physical and mechanical properties of untreated and alkali treated fibres were assessed using single fibre tensile testing, X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and thermal analysis using thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). Untreated harakeke fibre was found to be lower in tensile strength compared to untreated hemp fibre. It was also found that the tensile strength of harakeke and hemp fibres treated with 5wt% NaOH/2wt% Na2SO3 and 5wt% NaOH was not significantly affected and these fibres had good fibre separation. However, alkali treatment was found to lead to higher crystallinity index (Ic) and better thermal stability for harakeke as well as hemp fibres.

year: 2014-12-01

title: A study of knot-graphs

authors: Turner, John Christopher

abstract: This thesis is an account of studies made of knot projections, the tools used being graph-theoretic methods and extensions of them. The basic tool is the adjacency matrix. In fact several kinds of adjacency matrix are defined, for knot diagrams which are either nonoriented or are given orientations which reflect certain topological properties of the knots concerned.
First the properties of knot-graph adjacency matrices are studied. In particular, a matrix equation is derived which is shown to be satisfied by the α- and β-adjacency matrices of all knot-graphs; other matrices appearing in the equation are studied.
Examination of types of walk that can be made on a knot-graph leads to a definition of walk-groups and groupoids on knot-graphs. Relations between the Cayley diagrams of walk-groups and certain other knots which are derived from the diagrams lead to interesting correspondences between knots, both finite and infinite.
An extensive study of the spectra of knot-graph adjacency matrices is presented. Methods for obtaining spectra are given, both for general cases and for certain classes of knots.
The concept of balanced orientations of knot-graphs is introduced; and numbers of rooted directed spanning trees of oriented knot-graphs are studied. It is shown that one type of tree number is a knot invariant, and evidence for the invariance of another one is given. A general inequality relating the two types of number is conjectured. The first tree number has several topological interpretations, and these are discussed. Tables of the numbers are given for knots of orders n = 3, ... ,10; and methods for calculating them for various knot classes are developed.
A vertex deletion theorem relating tree numbers of three knot-graphs is proved. Families of twins which arise from vertex deletions in knot-graphs are defined and studied. It is shown that by repeatedly applying the deletion operation on a given alternating knot-graph, one is led to a certain distribution of ‘twists’, which is given the name ‘twist spectrum’. Twist spectra have many interesting topological properties: they are topological invariants, and their moments are powerful knot discriminants; they distinguish between a knot-graph and its mirror image and hence can be used to investigate amphicheirality. 
The twist spectra for prime alternating 1-links up to order n = 9 and for 2- links up to order n = 8 are tabulated. A general algorithm for computing a twist spectrum is given, and formulae are obtained for twist spectra of members of certain knot-classes.

text: A study of knot-graphs This thesis is an account of studies made of knot projections, the tools used being graph-theoretic methods and extensions of them. The basic tool is the adjacency matrix. In fact several kinds of adjacency matrix are defined, for knot diagrams which are either nonoriented or are given orientations which reflect certain topological properties of the knots concerned.
First the properties of knot-graph adjacency matrices are studied. In particular, a matrix equation is derived which is shown to be satisfied by the α- and β-adjacency matrices of all knot-graphs; other matrices appearing in the equation are studied.
Examination of types of walk that can be made on a knot-graph leads to a definition of walk-groups and groupoids on knot-graphs. Relations between the Cayley diagrams of walk-groups and certain other knots which are derived from the diagrams lead to interesting correspondences between knots, both finite and infinite.
An extensive study of the spectra of knot-graph adjacency matrices is presented. Methods for obtaining spectra are given, both for general cases and for certain classes of knots.
The concept of balanced orientations of knot-graphs is introduced; and numbers of rooted directed spanning trees of oriented knot-graphs are studied. It is shown that one type of tree number is a knot invariant, and evidence for the invariance of another one is given. A general inequality relating the two types of number is conjectured. The first tree number has several topological interpretations, and these are discussed. Tables of the numbers are given for knots of orders n = 3, ... ,10; and methods for calculating them for various knot classes are developed.
A vertex deletion theorem relating tree numbers of three knot-graphs is proved. Families of twins which arise from vertex deletions in knot-graphs are defined and studied. It is shown that by repeatedly applying the deletion operation on a given alternating knot-graph, one is led to a certain distribution of ‘twists’, which is given the name ‘twist spectrum’. Twist spectra have many interesting topological properties: they are topological invariants, and their moments are powerful knot discriminants; they distinguish between a knot-graph and its mirror image and hence can be used to investigate amphicheirality. 
The twist spectra for prime alternating 1-links up to order n = 9 and for 2- links up to order n = 8 are tabulated. A general algorithm for computing a twist spectrum is given, and formulae are obtained for twist spectra of members of certain knot-classes.

year: 1984

title: Decolonising Midwifery Education in Aotearoa: A Case Study Approach

authors: Cleaver,  Deanne Lesley

subjects: Decolonisation

abstract: The bicultural nature of Aotearoa (New Zealand) creates a strong foundation for the unique environment that supports the weaving of indigenous knowledge throughout midwifery education, and in turn creating a platform for decolonisation. Te Tiriti o Waitangi/ The Treaty of Waitangi serves to inform the direction that midwifery education and midwifery practice must take by underpinning these frameworks.
The revised midwifery curriculum and reaccreditation that supported the immersion of Indigenous knowledge throughout the midwifery degree at Wintec is currently in its fifth year. It was identified that there needed to be a more explicit focus of cultural safety and responsiveness, therefore in support of this Mātauranga Māori (Māori knowledge) was carefully embedded and linked to learning outcomes. This is in direct support of Te Tiriti o Waitangi and a move towards a Te Tiriti honouring programme. Topics that relate to tikanga Māori (customs), Te Ao Māori (Māori worldview) and Te Reo Māori (language) are respectfully taught, providing opportunities for understanding and growing competencies for midwifery tauira.  
Understanding colonisation in its global context alongside its role in the history of Aotearoa supported by Te Tiriti o Waitangi knowledge, is vital in the process of decolonisation. Tauira are encouraged to explore and reflect on these factors throughout their degree, supporting their growing cultural safety and awareness of relationships.  An anti-racism workshop in the final year of the degree adds another layer to the work of decolonisation and equips tauira with tools to be active in their allyship.
This personal and curricula journey empowers tauira to become culturally safe and responsive midwives, positively impacting the health of whānau Māori.
Through a case study approach the effectiveness of the interweaving of indigenous knowledge, Te Tiriti o Waitangi and Anti-Racism praxis will be explored, with the purpose of unpacking the learnings as a tool for social transformation within the process of decolonisation.
These changes promote the professional development of educators and the empowerment of tauira to uphold Indigenous rights, while providing care in partnership that is respectful. Decolonising Midwifery Education in Aotearoa: A Case Study approach’ will be explored and unpacked.

text: Decolonising Midwifery Education in Aotearoa: A Case Study Approach The bicultural nature of Aotearoa (New Zealand) creates a strong foundation for the unique environment that supports the weaving of indigenous knowledge throughout midwifery education, and in turn creating a platform for decolonisation. Te Tiriti o Waitangi/ The Treaty of Waitangi serves to inform the direction that midwifery education and midwifery practice must take by underpinning these frameworks.
The revised midwifery curriculum and reaccreditation that supported the immersion of Indigenous knowledge throughout the midwifery degree at Wintec is currently in its fifth year. It was identified that there needed to be a more explicit focus of cultural safety and responsiveness, therefore in support of this Mātauranga Māori (Māori knowledge) was carefully embedded and linked to learning outcomes. This is in direct support of Te Tiriti o Waitangi and a move towards a Te Tiriti honouring programme. Topics that relate to tikanga Māori (customs), Te Ao Māori (Māori worldview) and Te Reo Māori (language) are respectfully taught, providing opportunities for understanding and growing competencies for midwifery tauira.  
Understanding colonisation in its global context alongside its role in the history of Aotearoa supported by Te Tiriti o Waitangi knowledge, is vital in the process of decolonisation. Tauira are encouraged to explore and reflect on these factors throughout their degree, supporting their growing cultural safety and awareness of relationships.  An anti-racism workshop in the final year of the degree adds another layer to the work of decolonisation and equips tauira with tools to be active in their allyship.
This personal and curricula journey empowers tauira to become culturally safe and responsive midwives, positively impacting the health of whānau Māori.
Through a case study approach the effectiveness of the interweaving of indigenous knowledge, Te Tiriti o Waitangi and Anti-Racism praxis will be explored, with the purpose of unpacking the learnings as a tool for social transformation within the process of decolonisation.
These changes promote the professional development of educators and the empowerment of tauira to uphold Indigenous rights, while providing care in partnership that is respectful. Decolonising Midwifery Education in Aotearoa: A Case Study approach’ will be explored and unpacked.

year: 2023