title: (R)evolutionary aesthetics: Denis Dutton’s The art instinct: beauty, pleasure and human evolution

authors: Kingsbury, Justine

subjects: evolutionary aesthetics

abstract: Denis Dutton’s ‘‘The Art Instinct’’ succeeds admirably in showing that it is possible to think about art from a biological point of view, and this is a significant achievement, given that resistance to the idea that cultural phenomena have biological underpinnings remains widespread in many academic disciplines. However, his account of the origins of our artistic impulses and the far-reaching conclusions he draws from that account are not persuasive. This article points out a number of problems: in particular, problems with Dutton’s appeal to sexual selection, with his discussion of the adaptation/by-product distinction and its significance, and with drawing normative conclusions from evolutionary hypotheses.

text: (R)evolutionary aesthetics: Denis Dutton’s The art instinct: beauty, pleasure and human evolution Denis Dutton’s ‘‘The Art Instinct’’ succeeds admirably in showing that it is possible to think about art from a biological point of view, and this is a significant achievement, given that resistance to the idea that cultural phenomena have biological underpinnings remains widespread in many academic disciplines. However, his account of the origins of our artistic impulses and the far-reaching conclusions he draws from that account are not persuasive. This article points out a number of problems: in particular, problems with Dutton’s appeal to sexual selection, with his discussion of the adaptation/by-product distinction and its significance, and with drawing normative conclusions from evolutionary hypotheses.

year: 2009

title: Characterisation and prediction of state of health of rechargeable batteries

authors: Dunn, Christopher

subjects: electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS)

abstract: Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) is used extensively in battery research, but usually at frequencies that do not reflect real-world usage patterns. This has resulted in equivalent circuit models (ECMs) that are over-complicated, and suboptimal battery management systems. It is logical to measure batteries at frequencies reflecting their daily or weekly charge-discharge cycles, i.e., of the order of microhertz. This is generally not done, however, because of difficulties that include extreme measurement durations and the need for care to avoid issues such as charge distribution problems, charge drift, and the risk of overcharging or flattening the battery. This research demonstrates the feasibility of extra-low frequency (ELF) EIS measurement using standard, non-specialised measurement equipment, and the optimisation of frequency domain data through the superimposition of small-signal measurement tones on larger square wave currents.

Study of charge movement rates in the frequency domain and voltage responses in the time domain in batteries indicates connections between voltage sweep rate in cyclic voltammetry (CV) and current magnitude in incremental capacity analysis (ICA). The key factor determining what the investigator sees, e.g., reversibility  of electrode processes or evidence of individual electrochemical reactions, is rate of movement of charge. Thus, controlled current can be used to obtain CV-type data from a battery, something that would be hazardous if done conventionally using a voltage ramp.

Repeatable, low-error EIS measurements at ELFs are essential for inferring battery ECM components, including constant phase elements (CPEs). The fractional order of a CPE is linked to battery state of health (SoH) and energy efficiency. This thesis shows that efficiency measurements with waveforms representative of real battery usage can be used to track battery SoH accurately.

text: Characterisation and prediction of state of health of rechargeable batteries Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) is used extensively in battery research, but usually at frequencies that do not reflect real-world usage patterns. This has resulted in equivalent circuit models (ECMs) that are over-complicated, and suboptimal battery management systems. It is logical to measure batteries at frequencies reflecting their daily or weekly charge-discharge cycles, i.e., of the order of microhertz. This is generally not done, however, because of difficulties that include extreme measurement durations and the need for care to avoid issues such as charge distribution problems, charge drift, and the risk of overcharging or flattening the battery. This research demonstrates the feasibility of extra-low frequency (ELF) EIS measurement using standard, non-specialised measurement equipment, and the optimisation of frequency domain data through the superimposition of small-signal measurement tones on larger square wave currents.

Study of charge movement rates in the frequency domain and voltage responses in the time domain in batteries indicates connections between voltage sweep rate in cyclic voltammetry (CV) and current magnitude in incremental capacity analysis (ICA). The key factor determining what the investigator sees, e.g., reversibility  of electrode processes or evidence of individual electrochemical reactions, is rate of movement of charge. Thus, controlled current can be used to obtain CV-type data from a battery, something that would be hazardous if done conventionally using a voltage ramp.

Repeatable, low-error EIS measurements at ELFs are essential for inferring battery ECM components, including constant phase elements (CPEs). The fractional order of a CPE is linked to battery state of health (SoH) and energy efficiency. This thesis shows that efficiency measurements with waveforms representative of real battery usage can be used to track battery SoH accurately.

year: 2024

title: The city of Rotorua and its meaning to Ngati Whakaue

authors: Te Awekotuku, Ngahuia

subjects: New Zealand

abstract: This paper discusses the history and settlement of the city of Rotorua as it relates to Ngati Whakaue.

text: The city of Rotorua and its meaning to Ngati Whakaue This paper discusses the history and settlement of the city of Rotorua as it relates to Ngati Whakaue.

year: 1976-08