title: Holiday users of the Internet  -  ease of use, functionality and novelty

authors: Ryan, Chris

subjects: Internet

abstract: This study is based upon a sample of 517 international visitors to New Zealand. It suggests that Internet usage is based upon perceived usefulness and ease of system use. Of additional importance is user confidence about system security. Functional issues of purchasing seem to take priority over information search as users become more familiar with web pages. An additional finding is that entertainment needs are arguably better met by other Internet functions than those provided by destination web pages. Novelty on the Net is perhaps sought from specific sources, and not from the Net generally. Implications are discussed for both measurement and marketing.

text: Holiday users of the Internet  -  ease of use, functionality and novelty This study is based upon a sample of 517 international visitors to New Zealand. It suggests that Internet usage is based upon perceived usefulness and ease of system use. Of additional importance is user confidence about system security. Functional issues of purchasing seem to take priority over information search as users become more familiar with web pages. An additional finding is that entertainment needs are arguably better met by other Internet functions than those provided by destination web pages. Novelty on the Net is perhaps sought from specific sources, and not from the Net generally. Implications are discussed for both measurement and marketing.

year: 2008

title: The role of law in climate change mitigation in oil and gas production

authors: Abraham-Dukuma, Magnus Chimuenya

subjects: Energy governance

abstract: Scientific evidence and ideas about climate change suggest the need for a global energy shift from oil and fossil fuels to renewables and other forms of clean energy. This transition will not be possible without understanding the dynamics and legal frameworks in petroleum-producing countries. More so, the current significant position of oil and fossil fuels in the global energy mix justifies the need to inquire into sustainability practices in the oil and gas industry, while the energy transition continues to gain momentum. Against this background, this thesis examines the role of law in climate change mitigation in oil and gas production to identify some characteristics of an effective regime for abating upstream gas flaring, venting, and fugitive emissions. It adopts a qualitative analytical approach consisting of conventional legal analysis, comparative analysis, and the theory of regulation to study the applicable regimes in twelve major petroleum-producing countries to obtain insights of a general nature. It also discusses some industry measures and private corporate initiatives of oil and gas companies as part of the overarching governance structure for mitigating upstream greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. Findings from the comparative analysis put forward the necessity of adopting sector-specific and dedicated prescriptive regulatory arrangements and market-based instruments that send strong price signals to incentivise large-scale emissions reduction in petroleum production. The study also suggests the need for complementarity between state and industry regulatory approaches to incentivise innovative strategies to reduce upstream GHG emissions significantly. These considerations constitute a hybrid design that regulators can consider while undertaking law reforms on the topic. However, political will, dependency, rent-seeking, and corruption are some political-economy issues that most petroleum-producing states must address to ensure the effective regulation of upstream GHG emissions and, by extension, support profound energy transition.

text: The role of law in climate change mitigation in oil and gas production Scientific evidence and ideas about climate change suggest the need for a global energy shift from oil and fossil fuels to renewables and other forms of clean energy. This transition will not be possible without understanding the dynamics and legal frameworks in petroleum-producing countries. More so, the current significant position of oil and fossil fuels in the global energy mix justifies the need to inquire into sustainability practices in the oil and gas industry, while the energy transition continues to gain momentum. Against this background, this thesis examines the role of law in climate change mitigation in oil and gas production to identify some characteristics of an effective regime for abating upstream gas flaring, venting, and fugitive emissions. It adopts a qualitative analytical approach consisting of conventional legal analysis, comparative analysis, and the theory of regulation to study the applicable regimes in twelve major petroleum-producing countries to obtain insights of a general nature. It also discusses some industry measures and private corporate initiatives of oil and gas companies as part of the overarching governance structure for mitigating upstream greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. Findings from the comparative analysis put forward the necessity of adopting sector-specific and dedicated prescriptive regulatory arrangements and market-based instruments that send strong price signals to incentivise large-scale emissions reduction in petroleum production. The study also suggests the need for complementarity between state and industry regulatory approaches to incentivise innovative strategies to reduce upstream GHG emissions significantly. These considerations constitute a hybrid design that regulators can consider while undertaking law reforms on the topic. However, political will, dependency, rent-seeking, and corruption are some political-economy issues that most petroleum-producing states must address to ensure the effective regulation of upstream GHG emissions and, by extension, support profound energy transition.

year: 2021

title: He raraunga inamata, he toronga ānamata, he huanga āke tonu atu: A multifaceted approach to improving quality of life for upper limb amputees

authors: August, Luke

subjects: Prosthesis

abstract: This thesis investigates innovative approaches to enhance the quality of life for upper limb amputees, integrating advanced prosthetic design, neurocontrol systems, and Māori knowledge systems. With the prevalence of prosthetic rejection and limitations in current designs affecting amputees' daily functionality and psychological well-being, a multifaceted strategy is essential. This research aims to address these challenges by improving prosthetic functionality, user control mechanisms, and incorporating cultural perspectives into prosthetic development.
The study first focuses on the design, development, and evaluation of four low-cost prosthetic hands. Assessing their Degrees of Freedom (DoF), Range of Motion (RoM), and Kapandji scores. The research proposes a novel hybrid coupled-tendon system. This system aims to combine the adaptability of underactuated designs with the precision control of coupled mechanisms, enhancing the prosthetic hands' functionality and grasp versatility.
In exploring control mechanisms, an EEG-based control system was developed to improve the intuitiveness of prosthetic control. Through comparative analysis of motor execution and action observation training regimes, facilitated by a digital twin, the study evaluates the efficacy of these methods in enhancing users' control over the prosthetics. The research identifies limitations in the classification of multiple active grasps and suggests potential improvements through augmented and virtual reality training environments. 
This thesis incorporates Māori perspectives by examining how mātauranga Māori can inform and enrich prosthetic design and usage. Through the analysis of pūrākau Māori, this work highlights the importance of considering the mauri, whakapapa of materials in prosthetic manufacturing and the implications of tapu on control systems. This inclusion aims to create culturally resonant devices that acknowledge and integrate the spiritual and cultural dimensions of the user's identity, offering a holistic approach to prosthetic development.
This interdisciplinary research contributes to the field by proposing a comprehensive framework that not only advances prosthetic technology but also aligns with cultural values and practices. By addressing the technical, psychological, and cultural needs of upper limb amputees, the project underscores the potential of combining engineering innovation with cultural wisdom to significantly improve amputees' autonomy and well-being. The findings advocate for a more inclusive and holistic approach to prosthetic development, emphasizing the importance of user-centric design and cultural competency in enhancing the quality of life for individuals with limb loss.

text: He raraunga inamata, he toronga ānamata, he huanga āke tonu atu: A multifaceted approach to improving quality of life for upper limb amputees This thesis investigates innovative approaches to enhance the quality of life for upper limb amputees, integrating advanced prosthetic design, neurocontrol systems, and Māori knowledge systems. With the prevalence of prosthetic rejection and limitations in current designs affecting amputees' daily functionality and psychological well-being, a multifaceted strategy is essential. This research aims to address these challenges by improving prosthetic functionality, user control mechanisms, and incorporating cultural perspectives into prosthetic development.
The study first focuses on the design, development, and evaluation of four low-cost prosthetic hands. Assessing their Degrees of Freedom (DoF), Range of Motion (RoM), and Kapandji scores. The research proposes a novel hybrid coupled-tendon system. This system aims to combine the adaptability of underactuated designs with the precision control of coupled mechanisms, enhancing the prosthetic hands' functionality and grasp versatility.
In exploring control mechanisms, an EEG-based control system was developed to improve the intuitiveness of prosthetic control. Through comparative analysis of motor execution and action observation training regimes, facilitated by a digital twin, the study evaluates the efficacy of these methods in enhancing users' control over the prosthetics. The research identifies limitations in the classification of multiple active grasps and suggests potential improvements through augmented and virtual reality training environments. 
This thesis incorporates Māori perspectives by examining how mātauranga Māori can inform and enrich prosthetic design and usage. Through the analysis of pūrākau Māori, this work highlights the importance of considering the mauri, whakapapa of materials in prosthetic manufacturing and the implications of tapu on control systems. This inclusion aims to create culturally resonant devices that acknowledge and integrate the spiritual and cultural dimensions of the user's identity, offering a holistic approach to prosthetic development.
This interdisciplinary research contributes to the field by proposing a comprehensive framework that not only advances prosthetic technology but also aligns with cultural values and practices. By addressing the technical, psychological, and cultural needs of upper limb amputees, the project underscores the potential of combining engineering innovation with cultural wisdom to significantly improve amputees' autonomy and well-being. The findings advocate for a more inclusive and holistic approach to prosthetic development, emphasizing the importance of user-centric design and cultural competency in enhancing the quality of life for individuals with limb loss.

year: 2024