bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Sailing for Sustainability: The Potential of Sail Technology as an Adaptation Tool for Oceania. A Voyage of Inquiry and Interrogation through the Lens of a Fijian Case Study
Authors:   , Nuttall Peter Roger
Published: November 2021

This thesis records an action research-based inquiry into the potential of sail technology as an adaptation intervention for sea-transport that would assist Oceanic communities (at local and national levels) (re)claim resilience in the face of growing threats from climate change and extreme fossil-fuel dependency. The issue is explored at micro, meso, and macro geographic levels and temporally across past heritage, the current situation and looking to a future horizon. A case study approach is employed, where possible focussed through a Fijian lens. The thesis finds that while there are grounds for expanded research into and priority of sustainable sea-transport, this central issue facing most Oceania communities remains invisible within the policy space at all levels and has been hitherto ignored by regional and development agencies. Barriers are identified as being as much perceptual as actual, and lack of technology is not the primary issue but rather more deep-seated factors including ownership, operation, and management spread across multiple ‘well-beings’ including culture and socio-economic concerns. There are multiple lessons to learn from interrogation of the past.   The process of inquiry was initiated within existing talanoa of key partner communities in Fiji and has, in turn, proved catalytic in initiating both fresh research into Fijian seafaring heritage – particularly that concerning the Waqa Tabu or Drua and its related culture in Fiji and central Oceania - and a growing network of interest in an agenda of sustainable sea-transport for this region. The former proved elemental to a programme of art and performance undertaken by the Oceania Centre for Arts, Culture and Pacific Studies leading up to the Festival of Pacific Arts in the Solomons 2012 and both strands were brought together in the region’s first international ‘Sustainable Sea-Transport Talanoa’ hosted by the University of the South Pacific in November 2012. It now appears there is sufficient critical mass generated to ensure a sustained programme of both action and research will ensue and it is suggested critical learning of collaboration and partnership as well as measures for assessing the sustainability of such a programme can be gleaned from other Oceanic Participatory Learning and Action experiences, in particular the Fiji Local Marine Management Area programme.
Electrically and Optically Detected Electron Paramagnetic Resonance in Blue Organic Light Emitting Diodes
Authors:   , Sutton Rebecca Jane
Published: November 2021

Organic light emitting diodes (OLEDs) are an emerging technology based on electrically conducting polymer films, with great promise for large area lighting and flexible ultra-thin displays. However, despite the rapid technological development, there is still a poor understanding of the degradation and spindependent recombination processes that take place inside an OLED. In this thesis, Electron Paramagnetic Resonance (EPR) was used to investigate these processes in blue-emitting OLEDs.  A successful procedure was developed and refined for fabricating OLEDs with the structure ITO/PEDOT:PSS/emissive layer/Al/Ag, with and without the PEDOT:PSS hole-transporting layer. The organic emissive layer was either F8BT, PFO, or PVK:OXD-7:FIrpic (PB). These OLEDs were fabricated in air and with a geometry optimised for EPR experiments. Critical features for satisfactory devices were found to be a sufficiently thick organic layer and minimal exposure to the air.  A compact apparatus was developed for simultaneous light output, current, and voltage measurements on the OLEDs while in an inert glove box environment. Electroluminescence and current-voltage parameters measured for these devices showed predominantly trap-controlled space-charge-limited conduction.   OLEDs with PFO as the emissive layer and with a PEDOT:PSS layer were investigated with conventional, electrically-detected (ED) and optically-detected (OD) EPR techniques. EDEPR and ODEPR signals were observed at ~9.2 GHz and in the low (<50 mT) and high (~330 mT) magnetic field regimes and were found to change markedly with time during operation as the device degraded. The low field signals initially showed a composite broad quenching and superimposed narrow enhancing response centred around zero field strength. These signals were attributed to magneto-resistance (MR) and magneto-electroluminescence (MEL). Following operational ageing, a third, narrow quenching line was observed in the MR and the ratio of the initial two MR responses changed substantially. These effects are tentatively attributed to a hyperfine interaction.  For both EDEPR and ODEPR, quenching high field resonances with a g-value (gyromagnetic ratio) of 2.003±0.001 were observed. The current-quenching resonance gradually diminished during operation and after 4–5 hours was replaced by a current-enhancing resonance. The appearance of this latter resonance could be explained by chemical changes in the OLED due to the diffusion of oxygen through the device from the oxygen-plasma-treated ITO. A working model is proposed which can explain this observed change as spindependent trapping and recombination at free radicals, although the model requires further experimentation to test its validity.
Digitisation of Indigenous Cultural Objects: An Investigation into the Policy and Protocols for Digitised Indigenous Knowledge in selected Cultural Heritage Organisations in Australia and New Zealand.
Authors:   , Francis Kirsten Donna
Published: November 2021

This research project investigates the digital collections from selected heritage organisations, exploring how/if the rights of indigenous peoples are being protected by policy and protocol documents on the World Wide Web. It purposively surveys selected heritage collections across Australia and New Zealand and explores digital collection policies at local and national level, investigating the extent of international pressure, socio-cultural influences, and legislative constraints. This research project uses qualitative methodology in an interpretive way, using the hermeneutic circle and method for the collation for data and analysis. The major theoretical finding of this research project is that many cultural heritage organisations attempt to bridge the gap between Anglo-American development of legislation and indigenous intellectual property rights by the inclusion of specific policy measures becoming in effect socio-cultural agents for change
Thinking differently about leadership: a critical history of the form and formation of leadership studies
Authors:   , Wilson Suze
Published: November 2021

We have come to live in an age where leadership is the solution, regardless of the problem. Today, managers are called on to provide leadership which is ‘visionary’, ‘charismatic’, ‘transformational’ and ‘authentic’ in nature. This is what ‘followers’ are said to need to perform to their potential. The efforts of the academy in promoting these ideas means they are typically understood as modern, enlightened and grounded in scientific research. Taking a critical step back, this study examines why we have come to understand leadership in this way.  Adopting a Foucauldian methodology, the study comprises three case studies which examine Classical Greek, 16th century European and modern scholarly discourses on leadership. The analysis foregrounds change and continuity in leadership thought and examines the underpinning assumptions, problematizations and processes of formation which gave rise to these truth claims. The relationship and subjectivity effects produced by these discourses along with their wider social function are also considered.  What the study reveals is that our current understanding of leadership is not grounded in an approach more enlightened and truthful than anything that has come before. Rather, just as at other times in the past, it is contemporary problematizations, politically-informed processes of formation and the epistemological and methodological preferences of our age which profoundly shape what is understood to constitute the truth about leadership.  Through showing how leadership has been thought of at different points in time, this thesis argues that far from being a stable enduring fact of human nature now revealed to us by modern science, as is typically assumed, leadership is most usefully understood as an unstable social invention, morphing in form, function and effect in response to changing norms, values and circumstances. Consistent with this understanding, a new approach to theory-building for organizational leadership studies is offered. This study shows, then, why we ought to think differently about leadership and offers a means by which this can occur.
On-campus students' remote use of Internet-based library services and resources : is there an impact on students' use of the library in-house
Authors:   , Schonhagen-Broring Angela
Published: November 2021

With the increase of Internet access available to on-campus students and a growing number of Internet-based library services and resources available by remote access, ongoing research is necessary to monitor who the remote users are and whether remote use of the library has an impact on the use of the library in-house. This study surveyed on-campus students at the School of Education of the University of Waikato. At the beginning of April 2001 a questionnaire was distributed in a number of classes representing the different levels of the main teacher training programmes. Nearly half of all students enrolled in these programmes were surveyed. In line with findings of previous studies, this study found that a greater number of higher level and older students use the library resources and services by remote access. However, there was also evidence that younger students and students at lower levels increasingly use remote access to the library. The study did not find a clear pattern of how remote use of the library affects on-campus students' use of the library in-house, but identified some trends of remote user behaviour. There was evidence that some remote users are heavier users of the library in-house than on-campus students who use the library in-house only. On the other hand, this study also found that some remote users used the library less in-house as a result of having remote access.
Consulting the community : how customers' needs are reflected in public library collection development policies
Authors:   , Osborne Sarah Marion
Published: November 2021

This study is an investigation into the methods of community consultation that are undertaken by a sample of New Zealand public library managers during the formulation and application of their libraries' collection development policies. The gathering of information about the needs and wants of customers helps ensure that the public library is practicing responsive collection development. A qualitative methodology is used, consisting of in-depth interviews with a sample of library managers from medium-sized, non-metropolitan public libraries in the lower North Island of New Zealand. Discussion during the interviews centres upon the participants' use of community needs analysis techniques; both "direct" community consultative methods, and "indirect" data analysis methods. The role that formal collection development policies play in the participants' institutions is discussed, together with the relative importance of informal collection development policies, practices and procedures. The study's findings reveal that the process of collection development policy formulation is less well-structured than that described in the literature, and that informal policies, practices and procedures are used to inform day-to-day collection management activities. The application of community consultative techniques by the study participants is less well-developed than descriptions of its use in the international literature.
Maori and education : an annotated list of New Zealand university theses 1977-1999
Authors:   , Whitlock Simon J. L.
Published: November 2021

This annotated list provides references to New Zealand university theses written within the timeframe, 1977-1999, that relate to the topic of Maori and education. The purpose of this work is to provide a comprehensive list of New Zealand university theses, within this period, that deal with any aspect of Maori and education in New Zealand. It is envisaged that this list of theses could be used as a reference tool for people interested in 'Maori education'. This topic has been the subject of a lot of postgraduate research in the past. There has been a marked change in emphasis in terms of the approach taken to research into Maori and education over the last few decades. This list of relevant theses attempts to document theses changes by providing annotated entries, which will describe the research undertaken, for theses written within this topic, 1977-1999.
Requests made under the Official Information Act 1982 : a survey at the agency level
Authors:   , Clemens Dave Andrew
Published: November 2021

The Official Information Act (OIA) has been in force for almost two decades. During these years there has been little research published about how citizens use this legislation, or how agencies have responded to requests made under the Act. The aim of this project is to produce basic research data from a range of agencies to quantify use made of the Act, and to examine what other request information sample agencies hold. The study uses the Act as a survey instrument to produce a high response rate to the questionnaire and to produce qualitative and quantitative data about the request process. The results show that only a minority of surveyed agencies records the number of requests they receive or the category of information requesters e.g., news media and political parties. Compared to the detailed information recorded by the Ombudsmen there appears to be little consistency of request record keeping across sampled agencies. This record keeping gap has implications for our ability to either assess the effectiveness of the OIA against its original purpose, or to review it in the context of government information policy.
Anticipating the Big One: Exploring the role of landscape architecture in preparing Wellington's CBD for a major earthquake
Authors:   , Fischer James
Published: November 2021

“Risk of urban disasters is no longer a phenomenon that we can stop, avoid or deter, but rather they are part of complex ecological processes from which we are inseparable and must design with, in preparation for the next imminent disaster.”  Miho Mazereeuw  (Mazereeuw, 2011. Pg 85)  Due to recent seismic activity across New Zealand, it has become widely speculated that Wellington is overdue for a major earthquake that could devastate the city. This has brought to light Wellington’s unique vulnerabilities and physical lack of preparedness to survive a significant natural disaster. Until recently, pre-disaster planning has looked towards both architectural and engineering solutions that focus on resisting or deterring the effects of a natural disaster, leaving landscape architecture as a post disaster clean up tool. This thesis aims to demonstrate the potential of landscape architecture within the field of pre-disaster planning, changing the way we adapt to natural disasters within the urban environment. This research will develop a preemptive strategy for Wellington’s Central Business District, or ‘CBD’ that utilises access ways and open space as emergency infrastructure to save lives in the event of a major earthquake, whilst enhancing the urban environment for day-to-day use.  This research proposes that access ways and open space are the catalyst in which landscape architecture could make a significant contribution to the pre-disaster planning of cities. More specifically, it tests the combination of a latent emergency infrastructure with quality urban design through a series of landscape architecture experiments that focus on Wellington’s CBD as a site for design exploration. This exploration challenges the way in which we design our urban environments to allow a level of flexibility in times of distress or natural disaster.  Overall this thesis will generate new ideas and creative solutions to the idea of urban resilience, indicating that, not only can landscape architecture make a significant contribution to pre-disaster planning, but that spaces designed for an emergency function can still enlighten our everyday experience of the city.
Information-seeking needs and behaviours of complementary health (chiropractic) practitioners and students
Authors:   , Bennett Helen
Published: November 2021

Background: Research into the information-seeking behaviours and needs of alternative and complementary health professionals continues to be limited. Interest in complementary medicine is growing worldwide, reflected in New Zealand by the increase in numbers of practitioners, and the demand for accessible, reliable information and resources by professionals and consumers grows also. Objectives: The aim of this study was to examine the information seeking behaviours (access, sources, frequency of search, and motivation) and needs (research, practice or education) of students and professionals in one area of complementary health (chiropractic), and by investigating their reported practices and preferences identify their requirements, preferred approaches and any barriers that may limit their information-seeking. The intention is to use the information to assess a possible requirement for information services and information skills programmes for practitioners in the community and to add to the small body of research on information use among CAM professionals. Methods: The research project surveyed a random sample of both students and registered chiropractic practitioners by questionnaire and interview. The mailed questionnaire included twenty question intended to elicit information on the information-seeking behaviours of the respondents, with interview questions expanding on these responses. Results: Although the response was very low at 41.1%, (a known risk in survey research), results indicated that the information needs and behaviours of chiropractic professionals is similar to that of other health professionals. Respondents used the Internet and books frequently, but were unlikely to use databases or a library when seeking information. Respondents were generally confident in their skills but often lacked confidence in the information they located. Conclusions: Although the chiropractic field is quite narrow in scope, chiropractors' information seeking needs and behaviours are similar to those of other health professionals. They seek information regularly and use a number of sources, primarily for clinical reasons and for personal interest. They do not search for research-based information frequently and rely on the Internet, colleagues and their own collections to supply their main information needs. Although the results cannot reliably be extrapolated to the whole chiropractic community owing to the small scale of the survey, it appears that there is need to encourage the use of research-based information and to provide easier access to those resources contained in databases and libraries. As the overwhelming majority of chiropractors of all levels of experience use the Internet, the investigation of the provision of targeted web-based services and training in their use may be profitable. More precise investigation is required.
Lay litigants' access to legal information in libraries
Authors:   , Blake Angela Ann
Published: November 2021

This study examines the availability and accessibility of legal information for lay litigants - those people who have chosen to represent themselves in legal proceedings. It looks specifically at the information held in libraries and whether these libraries and the information held in them can be accessed by lay litigants. Although this study looks at the ability of lay litigants to access legal information, it also discusses legal information access by the public in general. Distinctions have however been drawn between those seeking general legal information and lay litigants The overall purpose of this research is to establish the current levels of access to information that lay litigants have, and whether the current situation is adequate and tenable. Principles and policies such as that of equal access to the law and the New Zealand government's commitment towards open government; enabling online access and its e-policy have been taken into consideration in evaluating whether the current situation is sufficient. Distinctions have also been drawn between those seeking general legal information and lay litigants.
The Development of a High Performance Digital RF Transmitter for NMR
Authors:   , Cheoo Shaw Wei
Published: November 2021

This Master’s thesis consists of the development of a Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) Radio Frequency (RF) transmitter, which is a core electronic subsystem of an NMR system. The main purpose of this research is to contribute to the application of NMR, which is a new sensing technology that has yet to be fully implemented into the everyday world. One of the barriers to adopting this technology is its complexity. However, the invention of high speed digital FPGAs (Field Programmable Gate Array) such as the Spartan series has made it easier to develop high performance NMR systems over recent years. The major contribution to this research is the development of faster digital signal processing hardware, and methodologies that have been implemented on a single chip. This has reduced the size and the cost of the electronic subsystem and contributed towards the evolution of NMR as a general tool. This thesis introduces the concept of implementing a high-speed NMR RF multi-frequency transmitter by using multiple Direct Digital Synthesis (DDS) cores to generate sine-waves, which range from 100 kHz to 750 MHz. The research required three stages to be achieved, beginning with conceptual design of a high-speed transmitter using MATLAB-Simulink, RTL-level (Register-Transfer Level) simulation and hardware implementation, which included hardware testing on a prototype board. This Master’s research is to seek a solution to building a multi-core DDS module in an FPGA device. In other words, the research work focuses on finding an alternative solution to constructing a DDS system. The project involves building up the VHSIC Hardware Description Language (VHDL) program to work beyond the hardware limitation of an FPGA device. Hence, the final solution does not consider any noise impact due to the structure of the developed system.
Effects of University Preparation and Engagement on Achievement
Authors:   , Chinlund Elizabeth Marie
Published: November 2021

This study comprised an investigation of the longitudinal achievement of New Zealand first-year undergraduate students (n=967) who transitioned to their degrees through the Certificate of University Preparation (CUP) programme at Victoria University of Wellington between 2008 and 2012 and the role of preparation and engagement on their achievement. Certain student behaviours, development of study skills, importance of academic challenge, and emphasis on academic support were all correlated with later university achievement. Although engagement is a highly acclaimed concept, its links to achievement were unsubstantiated. Using linear regressions, students' academic perseverance and their achievement in CUP each uniquely predicted first-year university degree programme achievement. CUP students' university achievement was higher than mainstream students with similar secondary school achievement, based on a statistical model of achievement that accounted for the relative difficulty of achieving each result. These findings indicate that the CUP programme was effective in preparing learners to access and achieve in university.
Political Prophecy in Elizabethan England
Authors:   , Pollock Talia
Published: November 2021

This thesis examines political prophecy in England during the reign of Elizabeth I (1558-1603). The belief that foreknowledge of events could be attained through means such as the practice of astrology, revelation from God, or the interpretation of supposedly prophetic texts was widespread in English society during the early modern period. This thesis discusses how those both within and outside of the government used prophecy in their engagement with the political issues which faced England during Elizabeth’s reign, especially in relation to religion and the succession. Because prophecy offered a source of authority for political change it was often employed in opposition to established authorities, prompting legislation criminalising seditious prophecies and printed works condemning them. By examining a wide range of primary sources, including assize records, Privy Council reports, depositions, diplomatic and administrative correspondence, and printed tracts and sermons, this thesis reveals how prophecy pervaded the political culture of Elizabethan England.
Urban Interiority: Designing interior space through the lenses of shelter, place-making and atmosphere
Authors:   , Stace Deborah
Published: November 2021

The discipline of interior architecture suffers from a lack of discipline specific theory, a definitive title and definition, and an understanding by the general public of the role and scope of this area of design. Many definitions view interior architecture (otherwise known as interior design or simply interiors) as existing only within the context of architecture. However a recent growth in interest and discussion around interiors has highlighted the fact that those within the discipline no longer view a fixed physical enclosure or architectural envelope as defining conditions of interior space. Architecture as a prerequisite to interiors has come into question, which also questions our understanding of the conditions that define interiority.  The concepts of shelter, place and atmosphere have been identified as contributing to an understanding of interior space. This research uses these three concepts as ‘lenses’ which contribute to an understanding of alternative ways of experiencing and designing interior space. The program of a bus shelter has been selected in order to test how these concepts can create an experience of interiority in a form that is not conventionally understood as interior space.
Study into the use of applied library and information studies (LIS) research in New Zealand libraries
Authors:   , Turner Kathlyn Jennifer
Published: November 2021

The purpose of this research project was to determine the perceptions of information professionals in New Zealand regarding applied LIS (Library and Information Studies) research. To achieve this aim, a purposive sample of 130 tertiary and non-profit government libraries / information centres was selected from the New Zealand Contacts in Libraries directory. The chief librarians or library managers from these institutions were invited to offer their opinions using a brief questionnaire that included Likert and Verbal Frequency scales (Appendix A). Alternatively, the questionnaire could be distributed to another information professional from the organisation. Practitioners' reasons for and against consulting research, their tendency towards conducting it themselves and encouraging others in their employ to produce it, and ways by which the relationship between LIS research and practice might be improved were assessed using the survey instrument. The amount of research consultation undertaken by survey participants was analysed according to the following variables:  * Highest library / information qualification, whether it contained a research methods / project component, and how recently it was completed; * Major subject area (other than library / information studies) of tertiary-level study; * Experience in current position; * Level of management responsibility; * Specialty area of responsibility; * Library / information centre size; * Organisational context of the library / information centre; * Participation in conferences / professional meetings.  The study found that the amount of research consultation by information professionals comprising the sample was low, and levels of research production and encouragement for employees to conduct research were even lower. Participants most often consult the research to stay current with trends and developments in the field of LIS, and to support workplace activities such as decision-making, problem-solving, planning and evaluation. The research is most often not consulted due to time constraints. Despite small data sets that necessitated some caution in the interpretation of results, associational relationships were apparent between the amount of research consultation and all of the participant variables listed above, with one exception (level of management responsibility). Information professionals responding to this study also indicated that the most effective strategy for improving the current relationship between the LIS research and practice communities is the encouragement of research productions that include practical guidelines for the application of results in a workplace context.
The Opportunities for Specialist Academic Libraries to Integrate Information Literacy into Faculty Curricula
Authors:   , Coates Simon James
Published: November 2021

This research project sought to determine the opportunities for librarians in specialist academic libraries to integrate information literacy into faculty curricula. Information literacy is becoming recognized as increasingly important as a graduate competency by universities, and is a significant component of lifelong learning. The ability of librarians to collaborate with academic faculty staff in order to provide information literacy instruction to students is crucial. The researcher employed a qualitative methodology for the project, interviewing subject librarians who worked with faculty from two specialist academic libraries at the University of Auckland. The theoretical framework of the project was based on the works of Hardesty and Farber, when considering factors relating to librarian-faculty relationships, and of Owusu-Ansah and Grafstein, among others, on factors relating to information literacy. Analysis of data collected yielded results falling within three main areas. Subject librarians within the specialist academic libraries studied considered themselves to be highly accessible, being able to be contacted in person very easily by the academics whose subject discipline resources they administered. They also felt that they were visible, both within the libraries themselves, and within the wider faculty area within which the libraries were situated. The ability to employ information literacy components which were tailor-made for particular courses, grounded within specific subjects facilitated both lecturer and student buy-in. These three factors contribute to the inclusion which subject librarians in specialist academic libraries feel within a community involving all members of faculty, united by geographical location and subject discipline, and which greatly facilitates the integration of information literacy into curricula.
Perceptions and usage of library instructional podcasts by staff and students at Universal College of Learning (UCOL)
Authors:   , Perry Angela Lee
Published: November 2021

As podcasting is such a new phenomenon, little is known about its usage and perceived benefits especially in New Zealand. In addition to gathering statistics on the demographics of who uses library instructional podcasts and the technologies used, this research also offers an opportunity to fill a gap in the knowledge on the usage and perceptions of podcasting and its potential as a medium for library instruction in the future. Rogers' Diffusion of Innovations theory provided the framework for this research. Six sample podcasts were recorded and made available via the UCOL - Universal College of Learning - web site in MP3 format. The target population for this research was staff and students of UCOL. A web based survey instrument was used to collect quantitative and qualitative data and there were 86 complete responses to the survey. Participants were self selected on a non-random basis, therefore it was not possible to stratify the sample set or generalise results. Analysis of the results showed there were differences between the groups surveyed in perceptions and use of the library instructional podcasts. The majority of respondents thought the podcasts were "very good" with 71.1% in favour of them. The most helpful podcast topics were identified and suggestions were made as to other topics the library could make podcasts in. Device ownership was investigated along with technologies required for downloading and listening to the podcasts. The preferred time and place to listen to the podcasts was ascertained and advantages and disadvantages were determined. Responses were received from a broad range of subject areas from within UCOL. The majority of respondents were found to be female and were of NZ European/Pakeha ethnicity. Comments were received as to the quality of the podcasts with suggestions for improvements for future podcasts. The conclusion reached was that podcasting for library instruction will benefit UCOL as an institution, has potential as an alternative communication medium and therefore should be pursued.
The Readability and Usability of Building User Guides
Authors:   , Anderson Michael
Published: November 2021

Building user guides are intended to inform building occupants about the building systems within their workplace. They are created to describe and document all the necessary information pertaining to the buildings operation, maintenance, management and basic trouble shooting procedures. They have been found to be useful, as building systems are becoming increasingly complex. There is evidence to suggest that the Building User Guides are designed at a level that is too technical and too difficult to use for the average building user and that they are therefore not doing their job.  This research evaluates how easily building occupants are able to read and use building user guides, that have been designed for use in green buildings (where they can contribute to the building’s New Zealand Green Building Council’s sustainability rating).  Twenty-three Building User Guides by a range of firms and writers were sampled from all over the country. The building user guides were assessed for their readability and how easy they are to use. Their readability level was assessed using the Simple Measure of Gobbledegook (SMOG) as a basic measure of readability, while a second measure, a word frequency profiler was used to assess the vocabulary needed to read current building user guides. A usability study was completed through a user survey. This was completed by 47 respondents. The survey used both a Performance Test and a Text Evaluation Questionnaire to assess the building user guide’s usability.  The readability study found that the building user guides were written at a level that meant the majority of New Zealanders would struggle to comprehend. The constant use of technical language and jargon present in the building user guides detracted from the overall readability of the document that. A consequence of these results would be the users failing to understand aspects of a building user guides. Furthermore, this could lead to the incorrect use of a building’s services, which in turn could affect the efficient use of GreenStar rated buildings and their performance in practice.  The usability study found that users were capable of finding some set information within the building user guide. Of the tested aspects in the usability survey it was found that the contents page had the biggest impact on the participant’s perception of usability. Other key aspects found that would increase the usability include: bolder headings, a clearer layout, the addition of a frequently asked question section as well as the ability for the building user guide to be searched for key words.   A set of guidelines were developed from the findings of this research, for future building user guides to follow.
Co-operative learning as a method for reducing bullying
Authors:   , Baker Robyn
Published: November 2021

Evidence from international research suggests that bullying increases as students make the transition to intermediate school. Bullying interventions frequently focus on individual change with little attention paid to the context that supports the behaviour. This pre-experimental case study examined bullying from a contextual perspective. A cooperative learning program was implemented in a Year 7 and Year 8 composite class to investigate if such a program could reduce bullying and increase positive peer interactions among the students. Qualitative and quantitative data were collected using a questionnaire, sociogram, interviews and observations. The results of the study are equivocal because while the questionnaire results and the results from a component of the sociogram indicated increased bullying behaviours, the observations and interviews indicated a decrease in the behaviour. Also, clearer evidence of increased peer interactions came from the interviews and observations than from the sociogram. The implications of this study relate more to the implementation of co-operative learning than to its impact on bullying behaviour. Effective dissemination of co-operative learning requires: fidelity to the methodology, peer support over time, frequent practice, recognition of resistance and a school climate that both supports and fosters its implementation. A list of indicators for effective implementation of co-operative learning is provided in this study.
Finding our way : opinions of New Zealand library staff regarding the exhibiting of their special collections
Authors:   , Jones Sarah Kirsten
Published: November 2021

The aim of the present study was to address the void in the LIS literature regarding principles and practices of exhibiting Special Collections in New Zealand libraries by exploring the opinions of library staff using an ethnographic research design. The study explored four main areas: the extent to which Special Collections were believed to contribute to the cultural heritage of New Zealand; the purpose of exhibiting in New Zealand libraries; whether or not guidelines were considered to be important when exhibiting Special Collections; and the extent to which web technology was utilised to identify, publish or publicise Special Collection in New Zealand libraries. Three methods of data collection were employed: an online questionnaire, focus groups and Web site evaluations. The study found that library staff strongly agreed that material held in Special Collections contributes to cultural heritage. Exhibiting was found to provide many benefits to libraries, their staff, the community and the nation through access to collections, education, collection development, and research. Although the study did not uncover much evidence of guidelines in New Zealand libraries, the results of the study indicate that these are desirable and library staff would be more inclined to exhibit if they existed. Web technology was not highly utilised by libraries, however the potential was widely recognised and many participants in the study indicated they saw potential to take advantage of Web technologies to promote and provide access to materials in Special Collections in the future.
Annotated bibliography of the subclass Archosauria (Class : Reptilia) : Jan 1960 - Dec 1984
Authors:   , Lavas John R.
Published: November 2021

The subclass Archosauria includes some of the most successful vertebrates to have evolved. Although traditionally viewed as 'cold-blooded' (= ectothermic) and therefore evolutionarily inferior to 'warm-blooded' (= endothermic) mammals and birds, data collected since the 1960s has resulted in significant re-evaluations and a complete reassessment of archosaur evolution, taxonomy, and inferred physiology and behaviour. Much of the relevant data emanates from the results of post WWII field work conducted in eastern Central Asia (particularly the Gobi Desert) by Russian, Polish and Mongolian palaeontologists. However, due to political, cultural and/or other reasons, there remained little scientific collaboration between them and western (particularly US) scientists until very recently. As a consequence, there developed a dichotomy in this field of archosaur research, not only between east and west, but also between Europe and the US. This thesis reviews the literature on archosaurs published world-wide from Jan 1960 - Dec 1984, with the emphasis on the important Central Asian/Gobi contributions, in order to evaluate the academic discussions that have arisen regarding archosaur evolution, physiology, behaviour, their relationship to the Aves, and the evolution of avian endothermy and flight.
An Examination of the Relationships of Liaison Librarians and Academic Departments, Based Upon the Experiences of Librarians at a New Zealand Academic Institution
Authors:   , Shortridge Bevan John
Published: November 2021

The objective of this research was to examine how liaison librarians interacted with their academic departments, and what factors impacted on their interaction. Interviews were conducted with twelve liaison librarians at an academic institution and documents such as web pages were examined. Among the techniques employed by liaison librarians were emails, newsletters, creation of course resource web pages, provision of teaching sessions and personal visits to departments. Librarians concentrated on different techniques in response to perceptions of what worked for the academic department. As librarians became established in their role they needed to balance the need to liaise with the significant time commitment involved in the delivery of the service. Liaison librarians regarded personal contact as extremely important to establishing and maintaining relationships. This could be difficult the further the liaison librarian was physically located from a department. Some librarians saw the standardization of procedures across the library system offered a barrier to the personal service they offered to academics. The small sample interviewed cannot be regarded as being applicable to all liaison librarians in all academic institutions. However, the study is a beginning point, and further research in this neglected area is needed.
The Impact of Trade Liberalisation on Decent Work: The Case of the Philippine Sugar Mill Workers
Authors:   , Jadoc Johana Sellado
Published: November 2021

The impact of trade liberalisation on the structure and nature of work is a divisive topic. On the one hand, there are those who support trade liberalisation by pointing to the potential employment generation (Kelly & Prokhovnik, 2004) and the upward pressure on workers’ skills levels (Mander & Goldsmith, 1996). In contrast, there are those who remain critical and argue that trade liberalisation results in job losses, downward pressure on working conditions and limited opportunity for unskilled workers (Solidar, 2007c; 2007e). Impacts that indicate an improvement in decent work are often framed as ‘social upgrading’ while any deterioration in decent work is seen to result in ‘social downgrading’. Research in this field, while growing, tends to assess the impact of trade liberalisation from a national, sectoral or organisational perspective, while little is known of the workers’ perspective. Adopting a worker perspective, this thesis examines the impact of trade liberalisation on decent work among sugar mill workers in the Philippines.  Using a qualitative single case study method, the study draws on the changes in employment and work conditions in a sugar mill when liberal trade policies were introduced. The study uses both primary and secondary data. Primary data were taken from representatives of the workers, the employer and the government sector at national and workplace levels.  The study highlights the trade-offs between indicators of decent work and finds that decent work can be influenced by institutional frameworks in addition to employment strategies. Trade liberalisation resulted in numerical flexibility where permanent workers were reduced while contractual workers were hired as cost reduction measures and a way of avoiding labour laws that are protective of permanent workers. A shift of employment demand toward semi-skilled or skilled workers was also found. Thus, this research directs the attention of future research on trade liberalisation and decent work towards more vulnerable workers such as contractual workers. Furthermore, it highlights the need to increase the coverage of legislative protection to include non-permanent workers. Lastly, it challenges the Philippine government to increase the skill level of its workforce to facilitate employment generation.
Liverpool and the Raw Cotton Trade: A Study of the Port and its Merchant Community, 1770-1815
Authors:   , Krichtal Alexey
Published: November 2021

This thesis examines the port of Liverpool, its merchant community, and the growth of the raw cotton trade from its initial rise c. 1770 to the end of the Napoleonic period in 1815. By constructing a large database from Liverpool import lists published in Lancashire newspapers, combined with surviving cotton planter, merchant, and manufacturer papers, this thesis analyses: first, the rise of Liverpool as a major British cotton port and the geographical shifts in the port‘s cotton supply from the West Indies to Guyana, Brazil, and the United States; then second, the organisation of Liverpool‘s cotton trade in the Atlantic basin and at home. The port‘s cotton trade and the form of cotton procurement developed out of the pre-existing trading conditions prior to the cotton boom between Liverpool and each cotton cultivation region, and underwent major re-organisation in the early nineteenth century. Liverpool‘s cotton trade attracted new merchants who specialised in the import-export trade with one major region. Therefore, as cotton cultivation expanded from the West Indies to northern South America and the southern United States, the Liverpool market underwent a de-concentration from an oligopoly in the hands of few large cotton merchants to a more competitive market with many cotton importers. Ultimately, greater specialisation of Liverpool‘s cotton merchant and brokerage community resulted in increased efficiency in the importing, marketing, and selling of cotton on the British market, while a de-concentration of the Liverpool market provided the right market conditions to ward off artificially high prices, fostering the development of a cheap supply of raw cotton needed to sustain industrialisation of the British cotton industry in the nineteenth century.