title: Who are Protected by the Consumers’ Rights and Interests Protection Act? A Critique on the Current Statutory Definition of “Consumer”

authors: Liao, Zhixiong (Leo)

subjects: consumer definition

abstract: “Consumer” is originally an economic rather than legal concept. Legislatives are struggling in legally defining “consumer”. China’s Consumers’ Rights and Interests Protection Act does not clearly define “consumer”, which results in enormous problems in judicial practice and law enforcement, since its enactment 20 years ago. The recent 2nd Amendment introduced some break through mechanisms, but the fundamental issue of legally defining “consumer” was completely untouched. Based on a comparison of the legal definitions of “consumer” adopted in some developed and developing countries or regions, and on the critical analysis of the status quo of defining “consumer” in China, this paper proposes on how “consumer” should be legally defined. A draft definition is also proposed and submitted accordingly.

text: Who are Protected by the Consumers’ Rights and Interests Protection Act? A Critique on the Current Statutory Definition of “Consumer” “Consumer” is originally an economic rather than legal concept. Legislatives are struggling in legally defining “consumer”. China’s Consumers’ Rights and Interests Protection Act does not clearly define “consumer”, which results in enormous problems in judicial practice and law enforcement, since its enactment 20 years ago. The recent 2nd Amendment introduced some break through mechanisms, but the fundamental issue of legally defining “consumer” was completely untouched. Based on a comparison of the legal definitions of “consumer” adopted in some developed and developing countries or regions, and on the critical analysis of the status quo of defining “consumer” in China, this paper proposes on how “consumer” should be legally defined. A draft definition is also proposed and submitted accordingly.

year: 2016

title: A multidimensional activity theory framework for human computer interaction with Digital Twins

authors: Adeel, Aleeza

subjects: Digital Twins

abstract: This paper introduces a human-centred framework to address the interaction and usability challenges of complex Digital Twin (DT) systems by proposing a new generation of Activity Theory, named Pyramidal Activity Theory (PAT). Digital twins are virtual representations of physical processes, systems, or components that are continuously synchronised with real-world data. Despite their growing adoption across industries, their graphical representation remains challenging due to the diversity of application domains, where multiple models—spanning different users, phases, and scales—are typically distributed across heterogeneous software packages. These complexities often result in inconsistencies, fragmented workflows, and communication barriers across domains. The proposed model builds upon the previous generation of activity theory, extending it into a 3D pyramidal structure while excluding motivational factors to focus exclusively on interaction mechanics. PAT provides a coherent model for designing unified, user-centred interfaces by capturing dynamic interactions among the key elements of DT systems—Users, Tools (Models), Live Data, Interfaces, and Outcomes—and their interrelationships. Two case studies are presented to demonstrate its applicability. Case Study 1 maps human–system interactions in advanced manufacturing, clarifying roles and activity flows to make the framework understandable and directly applicable for practitioners. Case Study 2 validates PAT through an implemented prototype for industrial energy optimisation.

The proposed model introduces a novel 3D interaction paradigm, providing a scalable and adaptable framework for digital twin interface design. It improves usability, standardisation, and decision-making by clarifying stakeholder roles, reducing cognitive load through “black-box” model integration, and ensuring consistent logic from regional planning to unit-level control. The paper concludes with future research directions, including usability testing, interface refinement, and alignment with interoperability and accessibility standards.

text: A multidimensional activity theory framework for human computer interaction with Digital Twins This paper introduces a human-centred framework to address the interaction and usability challenges of complex Digital Twin (DT) systems by proposing a new generation of Activity Theory, named Pyramidal Activity Theory (PAT). Digital twins are virtual representations of physical processes, systems, or components that are continuously synchronised with real-world data. Despite their growing adoption across industries, their graphical representation remains challenging due to the diversity of application domains, where multiple models—spanning different users, phases, and scales—are typically distributed across heterogeneous software packages. These complexities often result in inconsistencies, fragmented workflows, and communication barriers across domains. The proposed model builds upon the previous generation of activity theory, extending it into a 3D pyramidal structure while excluding motivational factors to focus exclusively on interaction mechanics. PAT provides a coherent model for designing unified, user-centred interfaces by capturing dynamic interactions among the key elements of DT systems—Users, Tools (Models), Live Data, Interfaces, and Outcomes—and their interrelationships. Two case studies are presented to demonstrate its applicability. Case Study 1 maps human–system interactions in advanced manufacturing, clarifying roles and activity flows to make the framework understandable and directly applicable for practitioners. Case Study 2 validates PAT through an implemented prototype for industrial energy optimisation.

The proposed model introduces a novel 3D interaction paradigm, providing a scalable and adaptable framework for digital twin interface design. It improves usability, standardisation, and decision-making by clarifying stakeholder roles, reducing cognitive load through “black-box” model integration, and ensuring consistent logic from regional planning to unit-level control. The paper concludes with future research directions, including usability testing, interface refinement, and alignment with interoperability and accessibility standards.

year: 2025

title: He kākano mai i Rangiātea

authors: Masters-Awatere, Bridgette

abstract: This chapter describes reflections of learning that took place during my doctoral research. It is presented in the form of a story in which my skills as an external evaluator were sought out to evaluate Manawanui, a hapū led healthy lifestyles programme. Manawanui is run by the local Hauora Iwi Social and Health Services. Previous evaluation experiences have led to a determination to place cultural values, aims and aspirations of the iwi at the centre of this new evaluation.

text: He kākano mai i Rangiātea This chapter describes reflections of learning that took place during my doctoral research. It is presented in the form of a story in which my skills as an external evaluator were sought out to evaluate Manawanui, a hapū led healthy lifestyles programme. Manawanui is run by the local Hauora Iwi Social and Health Services. Previous evaluation experiences have led to a determination to place cultural values, aims and aspirations of the iwi at the centre of this new evaluation.

year: 2016