title: Visual perturbances in digital pedagogical media

authors: Calder, Nigel Stuart

subjects: visual perturbance

abstract: Several studies have investigated how the formation of informal conjectures, and the dialogue they evoke, might influence young children’s learning trajectories, and enhance their mathematical thinking. In a digital environment, the visual output and its distinctive qualities can lead to interpretation and response of a particular nature. In this paper the notion of visual perturbance is explored, and situated within the data obtained, when ten-year-old children engaged in number investigations in a spreadsheet environment.

text: Visual perturbances in digital pedagogical media Several studies have investigated how the formation of informal conjectures, and the dialogue they evoke, might influence young children’s learning trajectories, and enhance their mathematical thinking. In a digital environment, the visual output and its distinctive qualities can lead to interpretation and response of a particular nature. In this paper the notion of visual perturbance is explored, and situated within the data obtained, when ten-year-old children engaged in number investigations in a spreadsheet environment.

year: 2007

title: Thermoplastic composites in sustainable construction: Topology optimisation and additive manufacturing for a recyclable and modular building system

authors: Allouche, William

subjects: Additive Manufacturing

abstract: Despite the significant environmental impact of the building sector, sustainable building practices are yet to be widely adopted. This paper describes a practical approach based on computational design and additive manufacturing (AM) to generate modular and structural walls, following design for disassembly and recyclability principles. In this research, the anisotropy of recyclable
short-fibre reinforced thermoplastic (SFRTP) composites is utilised. The proposed methodology involves starting from the building’s typology and using topology optimisation (TO) as a form-finding tool in the design of structural wall modules. The finite element analyses (FEA) guiding the TO are based on conventional building-codes used for load calculations. The TO-defined modules are then further optimised in stiffness by matching the principal stress directions with the AM printing path. Two case studies, the ground floor of a 3-storey building and a bus shelter, are used to illustrate the outcome of the approach. This comprehensive workflow generates structural elements with built-in optimised and tailored performance while enabling unique geometries that combine structural efficiency with architectural creativity.

text: Thermoplastic composites in sustainable construction: Topology optimisation and additive manufacturing for a recyclable and modular building system Despite the significant environmental impact of the building sector, sustainable building practices are yet to be widely adopted. This paper describes a practical approach based on computational design and additive manufacturing (AM) to generate modular and structural walls, following design for disassembly and recyclability principles. In this research, the anisotropy of recyclable
short-fibre reinforced thermoplastic (SFRTP) composites is utilised. The proposed methodology involves starting from the building’s typology and using topology optimisation (TO) as a form-finding tool in the design of structural wall modules. The finite element analyses (FEA) guiding the TO are based on conventional building-codes used for load calculations. The TO-defined modules are then further optimised in stiffness by matching the principal stress directions with the AM printing path. Two case studies, the ground floor of a 3-storey building and a bus shelter, are used to illustrate the outcome of the approach. This comprehensive workflow generates structural elements with built-in optimised and tailored performance while enabling unique geometries that combine structural efficiency with architectural creativity.

year: 2025

title: Family structure and change in early childhood and the wellbeing of tamariki Maori

authors: Kukutai, Tahu

subjects: family structure

abstract: Internationally there is growing evidence that family structure, and changes in structure, have an impact on children’s health and wellbeing and the intergenerational transmission of inequity. The effects, however, vary by socio-economic context and ethnicity. Using longitudinal data from Growing Up in New Zealand (n = 1349), we examine family structure and change for tamariki Māori during early childhood, and the potential impacts on their development and wellbeing. We find that a stable two-parent family is the primary experience for tamariki Māori, and sole parenthood is transitory. Diverse family trajectories appear to be linked to poorer cognitive and socio-emotional outcomes but are not the main driver. More important are maternal factors, notably age and education, and material hardship. Importantly, higher levels of cultural connectedness among tamariki Māori, which are associated with diverse family forms, seem to promote socio-emotional development. Our study provides further incentive for policy and programmes that centre equity and support access to the determinants of health for tamariki Māori.

text: Family structure and change in early childhood and the wellbeing of tamariki Maori Internationally there is growing evidence that family structure, and changes in structure, have an impact on children’s health and wellbeing and the intergenerational transmission of inequity. The effects, however, vary by socio-economic context and ethnicity. Using longitudinal data from Growing Up in New Zealand (n = 1349), we examine family structure and change for tamariki Māori during early childhood, and the potential impacts on their development and wellbeing. We find that a stable two-parent family is the primary experience for tamariki Māori, and sole parenthood is transitory. Diverse family trajectories appear to be linked to poorer cognitive and socio-emotional outcomes but are not the main driver. More important are maternal factors, notably age and education, and material hardship. Importantly, higher levels of cultural connectedness among tamariki Māori, which are associated with diverse family forms, seem to promote socio-emotional development. Our study provides further incentive for policy and programmes that centre equity and support access to the determinants of health for tamariki Māori.

year: 2020