“We don’t need to write to learn computer sciences”: writing instruction and the question of first‐year, later or not‐at‐all

This paper discusses the perceptions of computer science students towards a multidisciplinary writing curriculum that was built into a pathway programme to undergraduate study. A qualitative descriptive investigatory study revealed that computer science students in particular felt a strong disconnect between their disciplinary learning and the learning they did in the academic literacy classroom. The degree to which they experienced the pedagogical and assessment differences between the two learning contexts resulted in mild to strong resistance towards the literacy development aspect of the pathway curriculum. This paper highlights a case where first year computer science students articulates their dissatisfactions in this regard, and explores the question of when computer science students should be taught academic literacy, if it is taught it at all

Microclimate variations between semienclosed and open sections of a marathon route

The Hong Kong Standard Chartered Marathon, held annually, is one of the most popular international marathon events. Its primarily urban environmental setting characterized by high-density urban areas, semienclosed tunnels, and suspension bridges, together with the herds of runners, has an influence on the microclimate along the marathon course. This study focused on assessing and comparing variations in temperature and vapour pressure (vis-à-vis relative humidity) against the crowd of runners, or the herd effects, in two different environmental settings along the marathon course: semienclosed (a tunnel) versus open space (a suspension bridge). A series of small iButtons were deployed at strategic locations along the course to undertake minute-by-minute measurements of temperature and relative humidity. It was found that herd effects of varying degrees were present in both semienclosed and open settings. Various environmental differences also played a role in ameliorating or amplifying the climatological effects of the herd of runners. Our study suggests that microclimate variations in different environmental settings and crowd conditions could have an impact on runners. This new knowledge can inform the design of marathon routes. It also establishes the feasibility of employing the iButton logging sensors for widespread deployment and monitoring of meteorological situations

Microclimate variation of urban heat in a small community

Urbanization is known to disrupt the surface energy balance of an urban area. The phenomenon of higher temperatures and thermal discomforts within a local urban setting is broadly known as the urban heat Island (UHI) effect. This research employed roadside temperature measurements to examine microclimate UHI variation in Mongkok, a small urban community of Hong Kong. Results of the spatio-temporal examination indicated diurnal and seasonal variations in the microclimate. A five-level index named the UHI Threat Rating was devised to offer easy interpretation of the microclimate UHI variations and facilitate identification of temperature hotspots within a small urban community

Performing Human Rights in Neoliberal Asia: Artistic and Activist Engagements in Hong Kong, Malaysia, and Singapore

This dissertation examines artistic and activist performances that address issues of rights abuses in Hong Kong, Malaysia, and Singapore. I demonstrate how the centralized ruling parties encourage the neoliberalization of their economies while maintaining autocratic rule, thus intensifying structural inequalities while also clamping down on dissent. This condition then exacerbates the lack of labor, sexuality, and democratic rights. Concurrently, the states’ aspirations to be part of the global capitalist market have paradoxically provided conditional spaces of political and artistic expression. I contend that existing critiques of human rights from sociological and legalistic perspectives are inadequate for contemplating this state of affairs. My intervention thus lays in examining how the lens of performance studies reveals the fraught significance of rights claims in the region. My case studies show how authoritarian neoliberalism has created peculiar scenarios where queer subjects are legally criminalized yet desired as economic generators, resulting in the proliferation of queer theatre and businesses; where low-waged migrant workers are exploited even while the state and the market fund theatre initiatives addressing the issue; and where aspirational practices of democracy are seen in the structures of artistic rather than electoral processes. By deciphering the dramaturgical strategies of works of theatre, installation art, photography as well as participatory street protests and demonstrations, I argue how by means of their embodiment, artistic and activist practices not only viscerally confront the urgency of addressing injustice, they also manifest the particularities of the contexts in which they occur. In conclusion, I posit that a performative framework of human rights moves the judgment of its efficacy past that of legislative possibilities to how it enables nuanced agential shifts in the participants’ political subjectivities. As such, I see how the artists and activists in the quest for rights claims are constantly trying to strike a balance between resisting and being co-opted by authoritarian states in neoliberal Asia

Analyzing Economy Wide Effects of Trade Liberalisation on Vietnam using a Dynamic Computable General Equilibrium Model

Since its reform process in the late 1980s, Vietnam has emerged as a rapidly growing economy with growth rates surpassing its more developed ASEAN neighbours. This paper aims to consider the economy wide impacts of trade liberalisation on Vietnam. We approach this by way of multi-region, multi-good, dynamic growth computable general equilibrium (DCGE) model. We find that trade liberalisation has caused a large fall in wage inequality thus increasing the welfare of unskilled workers in Vietnam. There is also evidence of a shift away from agriculture towards low-tech and intermediate manufacturing sectors. Additionally, there are significant gains in terms of large physical and human capital accumulation.

Arthritis and disability

Executive summary: Arthritis Australia commissioned the Social Policy Research Centre (SPRC) at UNSW Australia to carry out research on the lived experience of people with arthritis related conditions. This report outlines the methods, findings and implications of the research. Arthritis is the second leading cause of disability and the most common cause of chronic pain in Australia; it is the most prevalent long-term health condition, affecting 3 million people or about 15 per cent of the population. Studies are available on the health costs and loss of productivity associated with arthritis, but not as much is understood about the extent to which arthritis is associated with disability–who is affected, how people are affected, what helps people cope with their condition day to day, and how support services can be improved. Improving understanding of the disability impact of arthritis is particularly important given the transition in Australia to the National Disability Insurance Scheme and the impact this may have on service availability and delivery

Pregnancy and Childbirth: Postpartum Anxiety (PPA) and Support for New Mothers

Perinatal mood and anxiety disorders (PMADs) are a significant mental health concern worldwide. In Canada, researchers, maternal mental health advocates, and practitioners are working to increase understanding of mental health in the perinatal period. This article focuses on the necessity to expand and build upon current understanding of PMADs, particularly postpartum anxiety disorders (PPA). The traditional construct of postpartum depression (PPD) is inadequate to understand, assess, diagnose, and treat the wide range of postpartum mood disorders. Anxiety disorders may be underdiagnosed among new mothers. Specific risk factors are explored for this population and support interventions are provided for PPA. Additionally, this article explores ways to improve understanding of PMADs from a sociocultural perspective and to improve protective factors that may enhance a new mother’s mental health. Addressing the gaps and needs in postpartum mental health will positively affect mothers, fathers, their families, and our communities