title: Easing the Transition from Inspiration to Implementation: A Rapid Prototyping Platform for Wireless Medium Access Control Protocols

authors: Armstrong, Dean Andrew

subjects: wireless

abstract: Packet broadcast networks are in widespread use in modern wireless communication systems. Medium access control is a key functionality within such technologies.  A substantial research effort has been and continues to be invested into the study of existing protocols and the development of new and specialised ones.  Academic researchers are
restricted in their studies by an absence of suitable wireless MAC protocol development methods.

This thesis describes an environment which allows rapid prototyping and evaluation of wireless medium access control protocols.  The proposed design flow allows specification of the protocol using the specification and description language (SDL) formal description technique.  A tool is presented to convert the SDL protocol description into a C++ model suitable for integration into both simulation and implementation environments.

Simulations at various levels of abstraction are shown to be relevant at different stages of protocol design. Environments based on the
Cinderella SDL simulator and the ns-2 network simulator have been developed which allow early functional verification, along with detailed and accurate performance analysis of protocols under
development.

A hardware platform is presented which allows implementation of protocols with flexibility in the hardware/software trade-off. Measurement facilities are integral to the hardware framework, and provide a means for accurate real-world feedback on protocol performance.

text: Easing the Transition from Inspiration to Implementation: A Rapid Prototyping Platform for Wireless Medium Access Control Protocols Packet broadcast networks are in widespread use in modern wireless communication systems. Medium access control is a key functionality within such technologies.  A substantial research effort has been and continues to be invested into the study of existing protocols and the development of new and specialised ones.  Academic researchers are
restricted in their studies by an absence of suitable wireless MAC protocol development methods.

This thesis describes an environment which allows rapid prototyping and evaluation of wireless medium access control protocols.  The proposed design flow allows specification of the protocol using the specification and description language (SDL) formal description technique.  A tool is presented to convert the SDL protocol description into a C++ model suitable for integration into both simulation and implementation environments.

Simulations at various levels of abstraction are shown to be relevant at different stages of protocol design. Environments based on the
Cinderella SDL simulator and the ns-2 network simulator have been developed which allow early functional verification, along with detailed and accurate performance analysis of protocols under
development.

A hardware platform is presented which allows implementation of protocols with flexibility in the hardware/software trade-off. Measurement facilities are integral to the hardware framework, and provide a means for accurate real-world feedback on protocol performance.

year: 2007

title: The role of the mayor in New Zealand

authors: Evans, Margaret

subjects: New Zealand

abstract: This study is about local leadership and the contemporary role of mayors in New Zealand.  In particular, the focus is the implications of the legally undefined role of the mayor for the exercise of local leadership, especially as mayors are elected on the assumption that they will lead their councils – and their communities.  The research project set out to determine common factors that inhibit and enhance leadership and governance. The purpose was to analyse whether functional clarification for mayors would provide an effective foundation to counter disharmony and political disturbance and enable mayors to provide more effective local leadership and enhance local governance, today and for tomorrow.


The emphasis was the 1990s - coinciding with the author’s personal experience as the elected three-term Mayor of Hamilton (1989-1998), and following the major 1989 local government legislative reforms. ‘Troubles’ within the City Halls of the nation, and the impact discord was having on local governance and community expectations, were of increasing concern. Significantly in 2000 the Minister of Local Government sacked the dysfunctional Rodney District Council. This report reviews this event and its influence on the development of the new Local Government Act - enacted in December 2002 – together with the emerging expectations that the role of elected members would be an issue.   

The methodology included an extensive questionnaire to all incumbent mayors of 1998-2001, the three-year term of office that immediately followed the author’s retirement. A 60 per cent response rate was achieved. The tradition and convention associated with the leadership position of the mayor is fragile and at risk of obstruction and denial in the council leaders’ tug of war. The functioning of the mayoral office in the primus inter pares council environment is dependent on a set of interlaced and interactive factors, and in particular on relationships with councillors and the CEO.  

The origins of the mayoral office and its traditional role and authority were reviewed, along with the development of local government in New Zealand.  Literature on leadership was mined, to determine whether contemporary discourse had relevance to the local leader focus.  There is a paucity of writings on the mayoral position.
In the study, local leadership as it relates to the office of the mayor and the functions of the position, is defined as an intertwining of the community role (representation), the council political executive role (as presiding member), and the policy role (relating to council decision-making).  The report concludes that a combination of rational-legal protections – a sound basis in law and in tandem with the provisions for CEOs – could provide a stable everyday authority foundation for leadership to ‘rise to the occasion’, enabling effective governance. A draft clause prescribing the role and functions of the mayoralty is presented.

text: The role of the mayor in New Zealand This study is about local leadership and the contemporary role of mayors in New Zealand.  In particular, the focus is the implications of the legally undefined role of the mayor for the exercise of local leadership, especially as mayors are elected on the assumption that they will lead their councils – and their communities.  The research project set out to determine common factors that inhibit and enhance leadership and governance. The purpose was to analyse whether functional clarification for mayors would provide an effective foundation to counter disharmony and political disturbance and enable mayors to provide more effective local leadership and enhance local governance, today and for tomorrow.


The emphasis was the 1990s - coinciding with the author’s personal experience as the elected three-term Mayor of Hamilton (1989-1998), and following the major 1989 local government legislative reforms. ‘Troubles’ within the City Halls of the nation, and the impact discord was having on local governance and community expectations, were of increasing concern. Significantly in 2000 the Minister of Local Government sacked the dysfunctional Rodney District Council. This report reviews this event and its influence on the development of the new Local Government Act - enacted in December 2002 – together with the emerging expectations that the role of elected members would be an issue.   

The methodology included an extensive questionnaire to all incumbent mayors of 1998-2001, the three-year term of office that immediately followed the author’s retirement. A 60 per cent response rate was achieved. The tradition and convention associated with the leadership position of the mayor is fragile and at risk of obstruction and denial in the council leaders’ tug of war. The functioning of the mayoral office in the primus inter pares council environment is dependent on a set of interlaced and interactive factors, and in particular on relationships with councillors and the CEO.  

The origins of the mayoral office and its traditional role and authority were reviewed, along with the development of local government in New Zealand.  Literature on leadership was mined, to determine whether contemporary discourse had relevance to the local leader focus.  There is a paucity of writings on the mayoral position.
In the study, local leadership as it relates to the office of the mayor and the functions of the position, is defined as an intertwining of the community role (representation), the council political executive role (as presiding member), and the policy role (relating to council decision-making).  The report concludes that a combination of rational-legal protections – a sound basis in law and in tandem with the provisions for CEOs – could provide a stable everyday authority foundation for leadership to ‘rise to the occasion’, enabling effective governance. A draft clause prescribing the role and functions of the mayoralty is presented.

year: 2003

title: Wāhine Whaiora: Māori Women's Experiences of Bipolar Disorder and their Pathways to Recovery

authors: Harris, Parewahaika Erenora Te Korowhiti

subjects: Māori health

abstract: This research examines the unique, lived experiences of wāhine Māori (Māori women) who have been diagnosed with bipolar affective disorder and who are currently living ‘well’. Recent literature indicates that Māori present at higher rates than non-Māori with bipolar disorder. However, there is little qualitative information about the nature of their experiences, as well as sparse detail of the impacts that bipolar has on their everyday living.

The purpose of this research is to highlight Māori women’s experiences of bipolar disorder from initial presentation and assessment through to diagnosis, treatment and recovery.  It focuses on the impact bipolar disorder has on women’s relationships with their tamariki (children), whānau (family), and partners, while also exploring social and personal impacts, help-seeking patterns, and stories of recovery.
This research heard the stories of 11 wāhine Māori using a narrative-storying technique to allow wāhine to share their unique experiences as they recalled them. A thematic analysis was then used to identify key themes that depicted their journeys of:

•	Illness and symptom presentation;
•	Consequences and impacts of bipolar disorder; 
•	Support and help-seeking; and
•	Wellness and recovery.

The intent of this research is to create an awareness of the nature of bipolar disorder as it affects wāhine Māori. It endeavours to expose the experiences they have encountered and their aspirations to be better supported by whānau, and community organisations in their attempts to live active and well lives.

text: Wāhine Whaiora: Māori Women's Experiences of Bipolar Disorder and their Pathways to Recovery This research examines the unique, lived experiences of wāhine Māori (Māori women) who have been diagnosed with bipolar affective disorder and who are currently living ‘well’. Recent literature indicates that Māori present at higher rates than non-Māori with bipolar disorder. However, there is little qualitative information about the nature of their experiences, as well as sparse detail of the impacts that bipolar has on their everyday living.

The purpose of this research is to highlight Māori women’s experiences of bipolar disorder from initial presentation and assessment through to diagnosis, treatment and recovery.  It focuses on the impact bipolar disorder has on women’s relationships with their tamariki (children), whānau (family), and partners, while also exploring social and personal impacts, help-seeking patterns, and stories of recovery.
This research heard the stories of 11 wāhine Māori using a narrative-storying technique to allow wāhine to share their unique experiences as they recalled them. A thematic analysis was then used to identify key themes that depicted their journeys of:

•	Illness and symptom presentation;
•	Consequences and impacts of bipolar disorder; 
•	Support and help-seeking; and
•	Wellness and recovery.

The intent of this research is to create an awareness of the nature of bipolar disorder as it affects wāhine Māori. It endeavours to expose the experiences they have encountered and their aspirations to be better supported by whānau, and community organisations in their attempts to live active and well lives.

year: 2014