title: Language switching in a digital library: Does it make a difference if the default language is set to Maori?

authors: Keegan, Te Taka Adrian Gregory

abstract: In this paper we investigate the effect of default interface language on usage patterns of the Niupepa digital library (a collection of historic Māori language newspapers), by switching the default interface language between Māori and English in alternate weeks.
Transaction analysis of the Niupepa collection logs indicates that changing default language affects the length of user
sessions and the number of actions within sessions, and that the English language interface was used most frequently.

text: Language switching in a digital library: Does it make a difference if the default language is set to Maori? In this paper we investigate the effect of default interface language on usage patterns of the Niupepa digital library (a collection of historic Māori language newspapers), by switching the default interface language between Māori and English in alternate weeks.
Transaction analysis of the Niupepa collection logs indicates that changing default language affects the length of user
sessions and the number of actions within sessions, and that the English language interface was used most frequently.

year: 2004-01-01

title: Addressing the context and complexity of indigenous language revitalization

authors: May, Stephen

subjects: revitilization

abstract: This response discusses six key themes that emerge, either explicitly or implicitly, from Nancy Hornberger's exemplary analysis of the challenges facing indigenous language revitalization initiatives, particularly as they are currently expressed and implemented in three key indigenous language education contexts--Quechua in the South American Andes; Guarani in Paraguay and Maori in Aotearoa/New Zealand. These themes include, first, the importance of recognizing the wider social and political contexts within which indigenous revitalization initiatives are invariably situated. Second, it requires a related recognition of the internationalism of these initiatives. Third, any academic analysis of indigenous language revitalization requires, or at least must benefit from, an interdisciplinary approach, as exemplified by Hornberger's own analysis. Fourth, Hornberger's continua of biliteracy provides a sufficiently robust framework to explore the complexities and interrelationships inevitably involved in the articulation of language revitalization efforts, as well as how individuals and groups are situated in relation to those efforts. Fifth, the ongoing challenges and tensions inherent in indigenous language revitalization efforts need to continue to be discussed candidly, in order for them to be seriously addressed and, where possible, resolved. And finally, the importance of recognizing and including the voices of those centrally involved in these initiatives, as Hornberger again does, is a crucial feature, as well as a reflection of the inclusive, emancipatory aims of indigenous language revitalization itself.

text: Addressing the context and complexity of indigenous language revitalization This response discusses six key themes that emerge, either explicitly or implicitly, from Nancy Hornberger's exemplary analysis of the challenges facing indigenous language revitalization initiatives, particularly as they are currently expressed and implemented in three key indigenous language education contexts--Quechua in the South American Andes; Guarani in Paraguay and Maori in Aotearoa/New Zealand. These themes include, first, the importance of recognizing the wider social and political contexts within which indigenous revitalization initiatives are invariably situated. Second, it requires a related recognition of the internationalism of these initiatives. Third, any academic analysis of indigenous language revitalization requires, or at least must benefit from, an interdisciplinary approach, as exemplified by Hornberger's own analysis. Fourth, Hornberger's continua of biliteracy provides a sufficiently robust framework to explore the complexities and interrelationships inevitably involved in the articulation of language revitalization efforts, as well as how individuals and groups are situated in relation to those efforts. Fifth, the ongoing challenges and tensions inherent in indigenous language revitalization efforts need to continue to be discussed candidly, in order for them to be seriously addressed and, where possible, resolved. And finally, the importance of recognizing and including the voices of those centrally involved in these initiatives, as Hornberger again does, is a crucial feature, as well as a reflection of the inclusive, emancipatory aims of indigenous language revitalization itself.

year: 2006-01-01

title: Characterizing the mechanical properties of fused deposition modelling natural fiber recycled polypropylene composites

authors: Milosevic, M.

abstract: The objective of this investigation was to characterize the performance of natural fiber reinforced polypropylene composites in fused deposition modelling (FDM). Composite filaments comprising of pre-consumer recycled polypropylene with varying contents of hemp or harakeke fibers were extruded from which tensile test specimens were made using FDM. Filament and test specimens were tensile tested and properties were compared with plain polypropylene samples; the ultimate tensile strength and Young’s modulus of reinforced filament increased by more than 50% and 143%, respectively, for both 30 wt % hemp or harakeke compared to polypropylene filament. However, the same degree of improvement was not seen with the FDM test specimens, with several compositions having properties lower than for unfilled polypropylene. SEM analysis of fracture surfaces revealed uniform fiber dispersion and reasonable fiber alignment, but porosity and fiber pull-out were also observed. Fiber reinforcement was found to give benefit regarding dimensional stability during extrusion and FDM, which is of major importance for its implementation in FDM. Recommendations for optimization of processing in order to enhance build quality and improve mechanical properties are provided.

text: Characterizing the mechanical properties of fused deposition modelling natural fiber recycled polypropylene composites The objective of this investigation was to characterize the performance of natural fiber reinforced polypropylene composites in fused deposition modelling (FDM). Composite filaments comprising of pre-consumer recycled polypropylene with varying contents of hemp or harakeke fibers were extruded from which tensile test specimens were made using FDM. Filament and test specimens were tensile tested and properties were compared with plain polypropylene samples; the ultimate tensile strength and Young’s modulus of reinforced filament increased by more than 50% and 143%, respectively, for both 30 wt % hemp or harakeke compared to polypropylene filament. However, the same degree of improvement was not seen with the FDM test specimens, with several compositions having properties lower than for unfilled polypropylene. SEM analysis of fracture surfaces revealed uniform fiber dispersion and reasonable fiber alignment, but porosity and fiber pull-out were also observed. Fiber reinforcement was found to give benefit regarding dimensional stability during extrusion and FDM, which is of major importance for its implementation in FDM. Recommendations for optimization of processing in order to enhance build quality and improve mechanical properties are provided.

year: 2017