title: An illustration of interdisciplinary science: Small-scale coils for transcranial magnetic stimulation

authors: Wilson, Marcus T.

abstract: Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) is a commonly used medical technique for influencing the strengths of neural connections in the brain. It is used, for example, for treating major depression. In TMS, an electric coil is placed on the surface of the scalp, and a rapidly changing current passed through it. This current-loop creates a changing magnetic field which in turn creates an electric field in the brain through electromagnetic induction. The underlying science beyond this point is less understood. The electric field somehow causes changes in the way brain cells (neurons) behave. This can lead to lasting changes in strengths of connections between neurons. To investigate the basic underlying science of TMS and inform clinical application, it would be advantageous to carry out experiments with rodents and complement these with numerical models. Unfortunately, we run into problems here. The scaling of physical effects is unhelpful – to create the same electric field over a smaller area (e.g. a mouse motor cortex as opposed to a human motor cortex) we generate more heat per unit volume and create larger forces in the coils, meaning it is difficult to apply equivalent situation to mice as to humans. We propose ways of optimising the coil geometry and currents. To increase the electric field strengths we require coils with high permeability cores to provide high field strengths, but at the same time ensuring eddy current heating is minimized. Paradoxically, coils with few turns are favourable because their low inductance allows for a rapid change in current. Numerical models (e.g. SIMNIBS, www.simnibs.de) are widely used for calculating electric field strengths in the human brain under TMS. However, they hide underlying assumptions that are only applicable to humans. We have tried with difficulty to model the equivalent case for the mouse. We have had more success in writing our own finite-area code for evaluating these fields. Example results for the induced electric field are shown in the figure. We find that the simple, unfolded structure of the mouse brain is advantageous in calculating the electric field intensities making the mouse particularly suitable for investigating coil design experimentally. Overall, this work illustrates the value of cross-disciplinary approaches to research – physicists, computer scientists, animal biologists, engineers and medical professionals have all made valuable contributions.

text: An illustration of interdisciplinary science: Small-scale coils for transcranial magnetic stimulation Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) is a commonly used medical technique for influencing the strengths of neural connections in the brain. It is used, for example, for treating major depression. In TMS, an electric coil is placed on the surface of the scalp, and a rapidly changing current passed through it. This current-loop creates a changing magnetic field which in turn creates an electric field in the brain through electromagnetic induction. The underlying science beyond this point is less understood. The electric field somehow causes changes in the way brain cells (neurons) behave. This can lead to lasting changes in strengths of connections between neurons. To investigate the basic underlying science of TMS and inform clinical application, it would be advantageous to carry out experiments with rodents and complement these with numerical models. Unfortunately, we run into problems here. The scaling of physical effects is unhelpful – to create the same electric field over a smaller area (e.g. a mouse motor cortex as opposed to a human motor cortex) we generate more heat per unit volume and create larger forces in the coils, meaning it is difficult to apply equivalent situation to mice as to humans. We propose ways of optimising the coil geometry and currents. To increase the electric field strengths we require coils with high permeability cores to provide high field strengths, but at the same time ensuring eddy current heating is minimized. Paradoxically, coils with few turns are favourable because their low inductance allows for a rapid change in current. Numerical models (e.g. SIMNIBS, www.simnibs.de) are widely used for calculating electric field strengths in the human brain under TMS. However, they hide underlying assumptions that are only applicable to humans. We have tried with difficulty to model the equivalent case for the mouse. We have had more success in writing our own finite-area code for evaluating these fields. Example results for the induced electric field are shown in the figure. We find that the simple, unfolded structure of the mouse brain is advantageous in calculating the electric field intensities making the mouse particularly suitable for investigating coil design experimentally. Overall, this work illustrates the value of cross-disciplinary approaches to research – physicists, computer scientists, animal biologists, engineers and medical professionals have all made valuable contributions.

year: 2017

title: Knowledge-building as a future focus pedagogy in science classes

authors: Taylor, Simon

abstract: This paper will discuss how Knowledge-Building is an effective pedagogy for framing future-oriented science education in schools. It will examine how Knowledge-Building can be used to support the Nature of Science. It will conclude by discussing how particular learning capacities are needed for future-oriented programmes and how Knowledge-Building principles are closely associated with them.

text: Knowledge-building as a future focus pedagogy in science classes This paper will discuss how Knowledge-Building is an effective pedagogy for framing future-oriented science education in schools. It will examine how Knowledge-Building can be used to support the Nature of Science. It will conclude by discussing how particular learning capacities are needed for future-oriented programmes and how Knowledge-Building principles are closely associated with them.

year: 2019

title: Adolescent Māori mothers experiences with social support during pregnancy, birth and motherhood and their participation in education

authors: Rawiri, Casey

subjects: social support

abstract: The purpose of this research was to investigate the role of social support in helping
adolescent Māori mothers cope with pregnancy, birth and motherhood, with a
particular emphasis on its role in enabling them to continue at school. The aim of this
research is to understand and make sense of these experiences and to perhaps identify
gaps within an individual's social network. The analysis and methodology of the
research was underpinned by a community psychology framework.
Nine interviews were conducted with young Māori women who had become pregnant
and continued with their pregnancy, all before the age of 20. The in depth interviews
included questions focusing on the young women learning of pregnancy, the
pregnancy, birth, caring for their child and their experiences with education and future
plans.
Negative experiences were usually those which involved unsupportive people.
Positive interactions were those where support, of all types, was offered and useful to
my participants and their children. Education was highlighted as the most effective
way of providing a better life for adolescent mothers and their children.
The research highlights the importance of social support and the continuation of
education. Combining the efforts of positive social networks and social support
services can improve the lives of adolescent Māori mothers and their children.

text: Adolescent Māori mothers experiences with social support during pregnancy, birth and motherhood and their participation in education The purpose of this research was to investigate the role of social support in helping
adolescent Māori mothers cope with pregnancy, birth and motherhood, with a
particular emphasis on its role in enabling them to continue at school. The aim of this
research is to understand and make sense of these experiences and to perhaps identify
gaps within an individual's social network. The analysis and methodology of the
research was underpinned by a community psychology framework.
Nine interviews were conducted with young Māori women who had become pregnant
and continued with their pregnancy, all before the age of 20. The in depth interviews
included questions focusing on the young women learning of pregnancy, the
pregnancy, birth, caring for their child and their experiences with education and future
plans.
Negative experiences were usually those which involved unsupportive people.
Positive interactions were those where support, of all types, was offered and useful to
my participants and their children. Education was highlighted as the most effective
way of providing a better life for adolescent mothers and their children.
The research highlights the importance of social support and the continuation of
education. Combining the efforts of positive social networks and social support
services can improve the lives of adolescent Māori mothers and their children.

year: 2007