Terror versus tyranny : An examination of the interface between New Zealand's international counter-terrorism and human rights obligations

In the wake of the September 11 attacks, it must be confessed that I was quite overwhelmed by the horrific events, by the loss of life, and by the sheer visual impact and magnitude of the attacks against the World Trade Centre and Pentagon. Overwhelmed but at the same time eager, not in any morbid sense, to learn more about terrorism. September 11 also created significant media and public interest. Having entered academia a year earlier, after some years in private practice, and as the only international lawyer at the University of Canterbury, I responded by writing on the subject. Soon enough, that research and writing led to this thesis. As a full-time lecturer at the University of Canterbury, a part-time Barrister of the High Court of New Zealand, and a part-time PhD candidate, the progress and methodology in the writing of this thesis has been somewhat haphazard at times. The first two years of research were perhaps not typical of postgraduate research. That period of time was characterised by three types of activity: the collation of materials, from treaties to articles and cases; the writing of papers and articles on particular issues involved within the thesis topic; and the presentation of papers or other oral discussions and debate, including the giving of evidence to the Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade Committee on the Counter-Terrorism Bill 2002. In July 2004 I was fortunate enough to take up a research fellowship at the Centre for International and Public Law at the Australian National University, working with those involved in the Australian Research Council funded project on Terrorism and the Non-State Actor. With that work, this period was an opportunity to almost entirely dedicate time to the writing of the thesis proper. That period saw the further development of a number of ideas and the writing of four significant chapters and the near completion of a fifth chapter. Since returning to New Zealand from the fellowship in early December 2004, the preponderance of my time was again devoted to the writing and completion of the thesis. Thus it might be said that a little over two years of research was sporadic and characterised by the research and consideration of isolated issues, while the balance of time consisted of a much more concentrated period of writing and review. When first embarking upon this research, I was warned by colleagues that this would be akin to running a marathon, and it certainly has felt so at times. However, although the run has been a solo one, there are many I am grateful to for their roadside support. To my mother, for her unfailing faith, encouragement and pride. To my supervisors, Professor Chris Joyner at the Department of Government, Georgetown University, Washington DC, and Professors John Burrows and Scott Davidson at the School of Law, University of Canterbury, New Zealand. Professor Burrows' quiet, thoughtful, honest and generous oversight has meant a great deal to me, as did the generous input of Professor Davidson. I must likewise thank my colleagues, particularly those of the International Law Group at the University of Canterbury and the Centre for International and Public Law at the Australian National University, especially Dr Neil Boister, Professor Andrew Byrnes, John Caldwell, Associated Professor Pene Matthew, and Barbara von Tigerstrom

Pyroclastic volcanic ash as a potential precursor of alkali-activated binders - A case study from Tajogaite (La Palma, Canary Islands) volcano eruption

The volcanic eruption of Tajogaite in La Palma (Canary Islands, Spain) produced approximately 200 Mm3 of fine lapilli and ash. Using this volcanic ash (VA) to produce alkali-activated binders (AABs) fosters a sustainable approach to binder manufacturing, aligning with the principles of a circular economy and reducing reliance on non-renewable resources. The feasibility of using VA as a sole precursor for the formulation of sustainable AABs was evaluated based on its composition and physical-chemical properties. To this end, a comprehensive physicochemical characterization of VA was carried out and the physical, mechanical, and environmental properties of the binders formulated were analyzed. The physical-chemical analysis reveals the neoformation of typical secondary reaction products, such as NASH and (C,N)ASH gels. The microstructure analysis reveals that the AABs formulated using 6 M and 8 M NaOH activator solutions contain homogeneously dispersed unreacted VA particles within the binder matrix, providing increased cohesion and mechanical strength. The highest compressive resistance of AABs formulated using only VA as the precursor was achieved with a 6 M NaOH activator solution and a curing temperature of 60 ◦C, reaching a strength of 16 MPa. Although alkaline activation enhances the release of some metals and metalloids contained in the VA, the study of the environmental requirements at the end of the life cycle of the formulated AABs allows them to be classified as nonhazardous materials

Parametric Probabilistic Seismic Performance Assessment Framework for Ordinary Standard Bridges

This paper focuses on the assembly and implementation of a full-fledged parametric probabilistic seismic performance assessment framework for ordinary standard bridges (OSBs) in California. The framework stems from the performance-based earthquake engineering (PBEE) assessment methodology developed under the auspices of the Pacific Earthquake Engineering Research (PEER) Center. It involves a sequential execution of analytical steps to arrive at estimates of performance measures which, for example as considered in this study, are the mean return periods (MRPs) of exceedances for a selected set of limit-states (LSs). Improvements from state-of-the-art literature related to various stages of the PEER PBEE assessment framework are incorporated. This includes: (1) introduction of an improved intensity measure (IM), i.e., average spectral acceleration over a period range, for probabilistic seismic hazard analysis (PSHA), (2) conditional mean spectrum (CMS)-based site-specific risk-consistent ground motions selection for ensemble nonlinear time-history analyses involved in probabilistic seismic demand hazard analysis (PSDemHA), (3) introduction of material strain-based engineering demand parameters (EDPs), (4) identification of practical damage LSs, and (5) development of strain-based fragility functions required in probabilistic seismic damage hazard analysis (PSDamHA) for the considered LSs. Four distinct testbed OSBs are selected for the study. A two-dimensional design parameter space is defined in terms of typical primary design variables involved in seismic design of OSBs, i.e., the column diameter and the column longitudinal steel reinforcement ratio. Computational models of the as-designed bridges as well as their re-designs spawned by varying the primary design variables subject to practical constraints are assessed using the implemented framework. For each testbed OSB, and for each of the considered LSs, a smooth surface is fitted to the MRPs computed for all the re-designs of the bridge in the primary design parameter space. Topologies of these surfaces are explored. Feasible design domains in the two-dimensional design parameter space are identified. Safety of the as-designed version and feasibility domain for the re-designs of each testbed OSB are examined and discussed.Support of this research by the California Department of Transportation under Grant No. 65A0594, Task No. 2880 is gratefully acknowledged. Opinions and findings in this study are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the views of the sponsor

Controlling crystallization and its absence: Proteins, colloids and patchy models

The ability to control the crystallization behaviour (including its absence) of particles, be they biomolecules such as globular proteins, inorganic colloids, nanoparticles, or metal atoms in an alloy, is of both fundamental and technological importance. Much can be learnt from the exquisite control that biological systems exert over the behaviour of proteins, where protein crystallization and aggregation are generally suppressed, but where in particular instances complex crystalline assemblies can be formed that have a functional purpose. We also explore the insights that can be obtained from computational modelling, focussing on the subtle interplay between the interparticle interactions, the preferred local order and the resulting crystallization kinetics. In particular, we highlight the role played by ``frustration'', where there is an incompatibility between the preferred local order and the global crystalline order, using examples from atomic glass formers and model anisotropic particles.Comment: 11 pages, 7 figure

NAVEGAR É PRECISO, VIVER NÃO É PRECISO

Como trabalhar poesia na escola? Perguntas como essa nortearam ampla pesquisa realizada pelos acadêmicos do PIBID, para posterior desenvolvimento do projeto de poesia a ser aplicado na Escola 31 de Janeiro em Campo Bom. É necessário salientar que não há uma única resposta para tais questões ou para a realização de um trabalho bem-sucedido com poesia em sala de aula. O enigma que aos poucos foi sendo decifrado pelo PIBID é de que a poesia na escola deve ser tratada como assunto de extrema importância pelos professores e, acima de tudo, com amor e alegria, pois é a partir dela que na maioria das vezes o aluno desenvolve sensibilidade, imaginação e criatividade, por exemplo. Não obstante, entendemos que esse gênero não recebe o devido mérito na escola. O trabalho com poesia tem se mostrado ineficaz de um modo geral. Alunos não gostam de ler, não escrevem, tampouco se apaixonam pelo poético, porque o professor analisa o texto por um viés didático, isto é, utiliza a poesia como pretexto para explorar conteúdos exigidos pelos currículos escolares, esquecendo a simplicidade, a poesia que mora em cada um de nós, afastando, assim, cada vez mais o aluno do gosto pelo poético.Palavras-chave: Educação. Ensino. Literatura. Poesia

Heterodimerization of the human RNase P/MRP subunits Rpp20 and Rpp25 is a prerequisite for interaction with the P3 arm of RNase MRP RNA

Rpp20 and Rpp25 are two key subunits of the human endoribonucleases RNase P and MRP. Formation of an Rpp20–Rpp25 complex is critical for enzyme function and sub-cellular localization. We present the first detailed in vitro analysis of their conformational properties, and a biochemical and biophysical characterization of their mutual interaction and RNA recognition. This study specifically examines the role of the Rpp20/Rpp25 association in the formation of the ribonucleoprotein complex. The interaction of the individual subunits with the P3 arm of the RNase MRP RNA is revealed to be negligible whereas the 1:1 Rpp20:Rpp25 complex binds to the same target with an affinity of the order of nM. These results unambiguously demonstrate that Rpp20 and Rpp25 interact with the P3 RNA as a heterodimer, which is formed prior to RNA binding. This creates a platform for the design of future experiments aimed at a better understanding of the function and organization of RNase P and MRP. Finally, analyses of interactions with deletion mutant proteins constructed with successively shorter N- and C-terminal sequences indicate that the Alba-type core domain of both Rpp20 and Rpp25 contains most of the determinants for mutual association and P3 RNA recognition

Health and Oral Health Care Needs and Health Care-Seeking Behavior Among Homeless Injection Drug Users in San Francisco

Few existing studies have examined health and oral health needs and treatment-seeking behavior among the homeless and injection drug users (IDUs). This paper describes the prevalence and correlates of health and oral health care needs and treatment-seeking behaviors in homeless IDUs recruited in San Francisco, California, from 2003 to 2005 (N = 340). We examined sociodemographic characteristics, drug use patterns, HIV status via oral fluid testing, physical health using the Short Form 12 Physical Component Score, self-reported needs for physical and oral health care, and the self-reported frequency of seeking medical and oral health care. The sample had a lower health status as compared to the general population and reported a frequent need for physical and oral health care. In bivariate analysis, being in methadone treatment was associated with care-seeking behavior. In addition, being enrolled in Medi-Cal, California’s state Medicaid program, was associated with greater odds of seeking physical and oral health care. Methamphetamine use was not associated with higher odds of needing oral health care as compared to people who reported using other illicit drugs. Homeless IDUs in San Francisco have a large burden of unmet health and oral health needs. Recent cuts in Medi-Cal’s adult dental coverage may result in a greater burden of oral health care which will need to be provided by emergency departments and neighborhood dental clinics