title: Drivers’ response to speed warnings provided by a smart phone app

authors: Starkey, Nicola J.

abstract: The distractive effects of mobile phones are well documented, but the recent development of mobile phone apps that provide speed advisory warnings raises the possibility that this technology may be used to improve driver safety in older vehicles. We examined the effects of an intelligent speed advisory (ISA) app on driving performance in a simulator. One hundred and four participants (mean age = 35.52 years; 52 male) were allocated to complete the drive with the ISA app in one of five modes: active audio visual (n = 22), active visual (n = 22), passive audio visual (n = 21), passive visual (n = 21) or control (n = 18). Another 19 participants (mean age = 27.53 years; 8 male) completed the study wearing eye-tracking glasses. Participants drove a simulated 26.4 km section of rural road which incorporated typical hazards and three speed compliance zones (100 km/h, 80 km/h and 60 km/h speed limits). The app led to good compliance with the posted speed limits, particularly during the 60 km/h road segment, where the control group drove at significantly higher speeds than the groups with the ISA app. No significant differences between the four versions of the ISA app were observed, either for speed compliance or the number of speeding alerts received. Across the entire simulated drive there were relatively few glances at the app with an average glance duration of 190 ms. The ISA app did not lead to any negative effects on driving performance; lane keeping was maintained and it did not impede participants’ ability to overtake vehicles. These findings suggest that when properly configured ISA apps have a demonstrable safety benefit and do not produce adverse distractive effects. The greatest challenge may be encouraging drivers’ to use them appropriately and consistently.

text: Drivers’ response to speed warnings provided by a smart phone app The distractive effects of mobile phones are well documented, but the recent development of mobile phone apps that provide speed advisory warnings raises the possibility that this technology may be used to improve driver safety in older vehicles. We examined the effects of an intelligent speed advisory (ISA) app on driving performance in a simulator. One hundred and four participants (mean age = 35.52 years; 52 male) were allocated to complete the drive with the ISA app in one of five modes: active audio visual (n = 22), active visual (n = 22), passive audio visual (n = 21), passive visual (n = 21) or control (n = 18). Another 19 participants (mean age = 27.53 years; 8 male) completed the study wearing eye-tracking glasses. Participants drove a simulated 26.4 km section of rural road which incorporated typical hazards and three speed compliance zones (100 km/h, 80 km/h and 60 km/h speed limits). The app led to good compliance with the posted speed limits, particularly during the 60 km/h road segment, where the control group drove at significantly higher speeds than the groups with the ISA app. No significant differences between the four versions of the ISA app were observed, either for speed compliance or the number of speeding alerts received. Across the entire simulated drive there were relatively few glances at the app with an average glance duration of 190 ms. The ISA app did not lead to any negative effects on driving performance; lane keeping was maintained and it did not impede participants’ ability to overtake vehicles. These findings suggest that when properly configured ISA apps have a demonstrable safety benefit and do not produce adverse distractive effects. The greatest challenge may be encouraging drivers’ to use them appropriately and consistently.

year: 2020

title: Subseafloor Investigation of Sediments at Southern Tauranga Harbour, New Zealand, before Capital Dredging

authors: Jorat, M. Ehsan

subjects: Science & Technology

abstract: The Port of Tauranga plays a key role in New Zealand's export–import industry, and capital dredging commenced in October 2015 to extend the shipping channels to accommodate larger container vessels. This study investigated two-dimensional and three-dimensional subsurface estuarine sediment stratigraphy to predict the sedimentological conditions encountered during dredging operations to ensure that appropriate dredging methodologies were used to minimise the generation of turbidity. Eight cone penetration tests (CPTs), 14 core descriptions, and a high-resolution seismic investigation in Stella Passage (the main shipping channel of Tauranga Harbour) provided the basis for this research. Six major units comprise the stratigraphy; in ascending order they are lower pumiceous sand and silt (UNIT6), quartz-feldspar sand and silt (UNIT5), middle pumiceous sand and silt (UNIT4), silt–sand–clay (UNIT3), upper pumiceous sand and silt (UNIT2), and Holocene marine (UNIT1) sediments forming the modern seafloor. Three paleovalleys filled with sediments from UNIT2 were identified extending west to east across the channel. The CPT profiles were correlated with the seismostratigraphic units and their corresponding soil behaviour type to characterise each unit's sediment stiffness. The UNIT6 is unlikely to be encountered in current and future capital dredging operations because it is the lowest observed unit. A special dredging methodology may be required for UNIT5 and UNIT4 as they have high CPT tip resistance and undrained shear strength. For UNIT3, UNIT2, and UNIT1, which have very low CPT tip resistance and undrained shear strength, trailing suction and cutter suction dredging is appropriate. The potential turbidity of the water column, however, could impose a significant threat to marine biota and has to be taken into account.

text: Subseafloor Investigation of Sediments at Southern Tauranga Harbour, New Zealand, before Capital Dredging The Port of Tauranga plays a key role in New Zealand's export–import industry, and capital dredging commenced in October 2015 to extend the shipping channels to accommodate larger container vessels. This study investigated two-dimensional and three-dimensional subsurface estuarine sediment stratigraphy to predict the sedimentological conditions encountered during dredging operations to ensure that appropriate dredging methodologies were used to minimise the generation of turbidity. Eight cone penetration tests (CPTs), 14 core descriptions, and a high-resolution seismic investigation in Stella Passage (the main shipping channel of Tauranga Harbour) provided the basis for this research. Six major units comprise the stratigraphy; in ascending order they are lower pumiceous sand and silt (UNIT6), quartz-feldspar sand and silt (UNIT5), middle pumiceous sand and silt (UNIT4), silt–sand–clay (UNIT3), upper pumiceous sand and silt (UNIT2), and Holocene marine (UNIT1) sediments forming the modern seafloor. Three paleovalleys filled with sediments from UNIT2 were identified extending west to east across the channel. The CPT profiles were correlated with the seismostratigraphic units and their corresponding soil behaviour type to characterise each unit's sediment stiffness. The UNIT6 is unlikely to be encountered in current and future capital dredging operations because it is the lowest observed unit. A special dredging methodology may be required for UNIT5 and UNIT4 as they have high CPT tip resistance and undrained shear strength. For UNIT3, UNIT2, and UNIT1, which have very low CPT tip resistance and undrained shear strength, trailing suction and cutter suction dredging is appropriate. The potential turbidity of the water column, however, could impose a significant threat to marine biota and has to be taken into account.

year: 2017-03-01

title: A socio-demographic profile of Māori living in Australia

authors: Kukutai, Tahu

subjects: demography

abstract: This report provides a comprehensive demographic and socio-economic profile of the Māori population in Australia using data from the 2011 Australia Census of Population and Housing. The purpose is to provide an evidence base with which to inform future policy approaches with respect to Māori in Australia. It focuses on five key areas: 

Population size and composition; 
Identity and culture; 
Year of arrival and citizenship; 
Education and work; 
Lone parenting and unpaid childcare. 

Comparisons are undertaken with Māori in the 2006 Australia Census, as well as with two reference groups: the total Australia population and migrant non-Māori New Zealanders. Where appropriate, we also distinguish Māori migrants born in New Zealand and Māori born in Australia. This captures important differences within the Māori population in Australia that have been under-examined in previous studies.

text: A socio-demographic profile of Māori living in Australia This report provides a comprehensive demographic and socio-economic profile of the Māori population in Australia using data from the 2011 Australia Census of Population and Housing. The purpose is to provide an evidence base with which to inform future policy approaches with respect to Māori in Australia. It focuses on five key areas: 

Population size and composition; 
Identity and culture; 
Year of arrival and citizenship; 
Education and work; 
Lone parenting and unpaid childcare. 

Comparisons are undertaken with Māori in the 2006 Australia Census, as well as with two reference groups: the total Australia population and migrant non-Māori New Zealanders. Where appropriate, we also distinguish Māori migrants born in New Zealand and Māori born in Australia. This captures important differences within the Māori population in Australia that have been under-examined in previous studies.

year: 2013-06