bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
An Absolute, Liberal Monument: Investigating the Potential of Group Renovation for Cohousing in Wellington's Inner-City Suburbs
Authors:   , Walker Katherine Jane
Published: November 2021

Increasingly divergent housing needs together with dilapidated housing stock requires us to consider upgrading many inner-city suburban areas. Renovations to individual dwellings rarely take advantage of the opportunity to develop density, maximize the use of green space, pool economic and social resources, and to share costly but necessary infrastructural changes while retaining or reinvigorating neighbourhood character. The rhetoric of the Moderns and their attitude to buildings of character is still with us, to the detriment of the suburban realm. Attempts to address these concerns have resulted in reductive, generic, commodified space that allows little scope for flexible use by different social groupings.  By tracing Denise-Scott Brown’s canonical arguments regarding the place of social sensitivity through the work of contemporary architects Pier Vittorio Aureli and Alexander D’Hooghe, together with investigation of how shared domestic space can be ordered, bounded and framed for a variety of heterogeneous privacies, a built proposition which adds to the formal quality of the inner-city suburbs is developed. This new kind of integrated, shared dwelling can be viewed as a Rossian monument, at once an embodiment of the ‘idea of the city’ as well as discrete, absolute, architectural product allowing the inhabitants as individuals or households a space which can be taken ownership of in a liberal spirit.  This thesis elaborates upon discussions between too-often separated realms of discourse that Scott-Brown identified: that of physical form generation on the one hand, and social aims on the other. By using architectural research through design, a proposition for an alternative housing model is proposed. The specific formal and social situation of the building stock under examination form a point of departure alongside recent trends in alternative dwelling arrangements. The point is made that there is a vital role for the place of design in the housing market as a way to shape and redefine statistical analysis of living styles and standards.  The design case study is an example of a specific proposition which, rather than being a replicable typology, is an example of the kinds of choices that should be available to suit current demographic changes and social desires.
A play ground: Supporting interactions of children with autism through music therapy groups in a special education classroom
Authors:   , Sanders O'Connor Kathleen T.
Published: November 2021

Children with autism face significant obstacles to social interaction and learning. This qualitative, exploratory study of student music therapy practice in a special education Unit, focused on supporting interactions of children with autism through music therapy groups integrated into the school programme. Clinical work took place over ten months, and the research employed secondary analysis of three data sources: clinical records, notes from supervision and staff meetings, and a reflective research journal.  Two complementary forms of music therapy groups, on the same day and with the same children, were developed: an established morning structured music therapy group, and at the end of the day, a free form music therapy group more like a typical playground. Findings suggest that the work of adults to engage the children, music play which attended to sensory sensitivities, promoting calm, giving new experiences and giving structured interaction opportunities contributed to an increase in the children’s interactive behaviors in music therapy groups. When adults provided a free play community experience, the children showed an increase in initiating interactions and more expressive communications.  Eliciting emotional responsivity and giving patterned interactive experiences, through both improvisation and familiar music, seemed to build bridges with the children’s communications and support motivation to interact.
The Best of Both Worlds - How Māori Small Businesses Engage with Their Pākehā and Māori Values
Authors:   , Best Philip Graham
Published: November 2021

Māori small business owners must work in two cultures; their own Māori culture and the Pākehā culture which frames much of the legal and commercial imperatives of their business. Some Māori business leaders have commented on the need to develop a new business model for Māori owned and operated businesses that allow Māori to bring their own cultural values to a business whilst operating in a Pākehā environment. This research sheds some light on what some of the ingredients of that business model may be. Respondents owning small businesses commercialising traditional knowledge were interviewed about the cultural values they used in their business. Interviews comprised a face to face oral interview providing qualitative information followed by a written questionnaire providing frequency of use for both Māori and Pākehā concepts. This research shows how Māori small business owners commercialising traditional knowledge have been able to take appropriate parts of both their Māori and Pākehā cultures to develop and operate a business that builds on the best of both worlds. Using the ambicultural approach (Chen and Miller, 2010, 2011) it has been possible to analyse the relationships between aspects of Māori and Pākehā business culture. Māori respondents told of how they felt about the financial aspects of their business compared to the cultural and social aspects which were all important elements of their business. Respondents described how they balanced their cultural and social objectives with the financial objectives which enabled the business to remain sustainable. Social and cultural outputs are often found in other non-western businesses and some features of these are discussed leading to the conclusion that Māori businesses are more similar to those in some Asian and Middle Eastern localities than to the western environment in which they operate. The ambicultural approach has already been used by Chen and Miller to describe the success of some Asian based businesses. Applying an ambicultural relational approach to Māori small business has made it possible to explain how Māori small business owners are able to intertwine their cultures to develop a new operating culture for their business which provides the cultural, environmental, financial and social outputs they are searching for.
The Theory of One Team: Agile Software Development with Distributed Teams
Authors:   , Dorairaj Siva
Published: November 2021

Team co-location is a hallmark of Agile software development that advocates face-to-face interaction and close collaboration among team members. Distributed teams, however, use Agile methods despite the separation of team members through space, time and culture. Little is known about how distributed teams use Agile methods for software development. A Grounded Theory research study that involved 55 participants from 38 different software companies in the USA, India, and Australia was carried out to investigate the key concern of distributed teams in Agile software development. This thesis proposes “The Theory of One Team” which explains how a distributed team in Agile software development adopts explicit strategies for bridging spatial, temporal, and socio-cultural distances, while facing critical impact factors, in order to become one team. This thesis primarily describes how a distributed team resolves the key concern of becoming one team. This thesis also provides the members of a distributed team with techniques for building trust with one another. In addition, this thesis serves to inform senior managers about the importance of supporting distributed teams in Agile software development.
Building a comprehensive dataset for the validation of daylight simulation software, using complex "real architecture"
Authors:   , Osborne Jake
Published: November 2021

This research focused on building a comprehensive dataset for use in validation studies of daylight simulation software. The aim of the set is to add to existing validation data to better cover a wide range of complexities and weather conditions. This will allow for not only the validation of simulation software, but the comparison of multiple simulators in their general strengths and weaknesses as well as feasibility for early ‘sketch’ design stages and complete building simulations. The set can also aid in the creation of valid simulation parameter starting points for designers.  The research examined the current ‘gold standard’ validation dataset from the BRE-IDMP, and found that while it provides excellent validation opportunities for simulators that can support its detailed patch-based sky model; an equally high quality dataset is needed for simulators that support more simplified skies. This is essential as most of the weather data for annual daylighting simulations available to designers, such as the US-DOE’s collection of TMY data, can only be used in mathematical sky models such as the Perez all-weather model. It is also essential that real world, complex light-path scenarios commonly found in buildings be addressed by validation in addition to the simple single room, single opening tests which are prevalent in the daylight simulation field.  A dataset suite is proposed, similar to the BESTEST suite for energy simulation, which covers basic analytical test cases for lighting simulators, simple office scenarios and a complex shaded classroom in a tropical climate. The dataset is valuable for the testing of daylight simulators which make use of the common CIE general or Perez all-weather skies. These datasets were used in a trial validation of Autodesk’s 3ds Max Design and Radiance, which included significant sensitivity testing of the two empirical datasets included in the suite. This demonstrated the usefulness of each dataset, and any issues with their data. It also highlighted the key inputs of any simulation model where designers must take significant care.
Research-led teaching in higher education: Perspectives of Cambodian and New Zealand academics
Authors:   , Moeung Sovannden
Published: November 2021

Research and teaching are the core mission of most universities in the "knowledge society" during the 21st century. However, the exact nature of the connection between research and teaching is not obvious. The purpose of this study was, therefore, to contribute to the debate by investigating how research was used to inform teaching and to benefit student learning. The study also intended to identify the benefits and drawbacks of Research-Led Teaching (RLT) for academics as well as to examine what scholars considered to be the main supports and challenges academics experienced while practicing RLT.  A qualitative single-case study was employed for this study. The perceptions and experiences from twelve academics from a university in Cambodia and another in New Zealand (NZ) were collected using semi-structure interviews. Official documents such as university policy, position descriptions from each university and course outlines or syllabi from each participant were collected for the purpose of document analysis. This study provided an understanding of RLT and the current practices of academics. Four conceptualizations of RLT emerged: teaching informed by academics' own research; teaching informed by other people's recent research; teaching that promoted student engagement in research; and teaching informed by academics' performance research. The findings indicated that the benefits of RLT outweigh the drawbacks. The lack of support was the main challenge for Cambodian participants. However, some participants suggested personal commitment, and institution accountability were important factors that support RLT. Perceptions and experiences that academics in Cambodian and NZ tertiary education have about the practices of RLT provide a useful basis for consideration of possible changes and how to implement such changes.  Recommendations to enhance the practice of RLT include the emphasis of RLT in position descriptions and strategies to promote the implementation of RLT in institutions to ensure the improvement of student learning. Academic professional development and university supports are also needed for enhancing RLT practices.
A Content Analysis of Blog Posts on Angry Library Patrons
Authors:   , Operario Iris Marigold
Published: November 2021

Research Problem: This exploratory study looks into what is written in blogs regarding angry library patrons. It aims to provide insight on angry library patrons by identifying the themes/issues in the blog posts, the reasons for anger of the library patrons, and to describe the characteristics of the blog post authors. Methodology: A qualitative content analysis was used to analyse the blog posts. The blog search engine Google Blogs was used to search for the relevant blog posts. A sample of 92 individual and organisational blog posts were read and analysed. Results: Three main themes emerged in the analysis of the blog posts: 1) the causes of anger which can either be library-related or due to other patrons; 2) how anger was displayed; and 3) the sentiments of the library staff members towards angry patrons. The blog authors mostly come from North America and have a library background. Implications: Analysing these blog posts provides further insight into angry library patrons which might not otherwise be found in existing anger studies in a library setting and problem library patron research. Uncovering what is said in the blogosphere about angry library patrons will give a picture of a wide range of anger issues which may be relevant for library staff members as they try to better understand angry library patrons. While this study was not able to retrieve as much blog posts from an angry library patron’s perspective as originally planned, a study noting the key difference of opinions between angry library patrons and library staff members could be investigated in the future
Small Arms and Armed Violence in Papua New Guinea: Developing a demand-reduction agenda
Authors:   , Gibbons Bradley James
Published: November 2021

The Papua New Guinea government has adopted a range of measures aimed at reducing the supply of illicit small arms and light weapons in response to persistent problems with their use in inter-communal fighting and crime. However, these measures have been largely ineffective at reducing the level of armed violence in PNG, in part because of the failure to also address the demand that exists for these weapons. A nascent demand reduction agenda has emerged at the local level throughout Papua New Guinea in response to the failure of the national government to adequately address small arms and armed violence problems. This thesis provides a detailed overview of national, regional and international initiatives to address small arms issues and examines how they have been implemented in PNG. It then examines initiatives by local community groups and NGOs that are aimed at reducing small arms and armed violence and considers how successful they have been.
The functioning and politics of the solar PV technological innovation system in New Zealand: A mixed methods study
Authors:   , Boyles Andrew
Published: November 2021

As human society nears the middle of the second decade of the 21st century, the cultivation of fossil fuels for energy shows little sign of large scale abatement. The need for large scale, worldwide transitions to more renewable energy is increasingly being emphasised by organisations such as the International Energy Agency. Some countries are leading the way and innovating in energy sources that are much more efficient, create industry, and bring many system benefits- like solar photovoltaic systems (PV).  Despite having insolation similar to, or greater than, many of those countries seeing vast uptake of solar PV, New Zealand is falling behind. New Zealand has policies in place that emphasise new renewable energy technology uptake and innovation; however these are not occurring with solar PV on a large scale. These contradictions underpin the examination in this thesis of the solar PV innovation system.   Using a Technological Innovation System (TIS) framework, this thesis examines the innovation system for solar PV in New Zealand. It identifies the achieved functionality in eight areas (Entrepreneurship, Knowledge Development, Networks, Guidance, Market, Legitimacy, and International Influences), and assesses the overall system’s functioning to identify system weaknesses.  To build a more complete picture of the innovation system, this thesis also examines the political environment that influences the sustainable transition to more solar PV. The key stakeholders, political influences, priorities, preferences, and political dialogue are assessed using a quantitative questionnaire. The results of this political analysis contribute to a robust conclusion on the state and functioning of the solar PV TIS in New Zealand.
A History of Marginalisation: Maori Women
Authors:   , Gemmell Monique
Published: November 2021

This thesis is a history of marginalisation as experienced by Maori women within New Zealand. My argument is that through the founding British Crown, the education system and Christianity, Maori women were marginalised (Pihama, 2001). My hypothesis is that once we understand how we were marginalised, we begin to liberate ourselves.  I seek to identify legislation and social phenomena that marginalised Maori women. These are the sorts of discourses led to assimilative, alienative and hegemonic outcomes for Maori women. Moana Jackson refers to this form of marginalisation and its influences as, “the destruction of the Maori soul” (as cited by Mikaere, 1995, p. 138).  The consequences of marginalisation will highlight the importance of identity, matauranga Maori and the relevance of whenua to Maori women (Mikaere, 2003). In undertaking this task, I seek to answer how the New Zealand education system could contribute to emancipating Maori women.  By applying a Kaupapa Maori methodology (Smith, G. , 1997), an examination of how Maori women were effected by colonisation and imperialism will be explored. For this study, I have opted to utilise a qualitative approach in gathering and undertaking my research (Denzin & Lincoln, 1984). The Kaupapa Maori methodology and a qualitative method enable me as a Maori woman to tell the story of our lived experiences as Maori women.
Sedimentology and numerical modelling of aeolian sediment dispersal, McMurdo Sound, southwest Ross Sea, Antarctica
Authors:   , Chewings Jane Margaret
Published: November 2021

Large volumes of aeolian sand and dust are deflated from unconsolidated till deposits, and supraglacial debris surrounding McMurdo Sound, Antarctica. This material is transported offshore with windblown snow onto extensive winter-formed sea ice in the southwest Ross Sea, and is subsequently released into the water-column during summer sea ice breakup. Aeolian sediment samples were collected from a ~600 km² area of sea ice in western McMurdo Sound to determine the magnitude of deposition and identify sediment sources. A new 2-dimensional numerical aeolian sediment transport model (NaMASTE) tuned specifically for the McMurdo Sound area, was used to explore the ability of the local wind system to move sediment from source areas to sea ice and to determine the pattern and extent of aeolian sediment dispersal to the southwest Ross Sea. Debris deposits on the McMurdo Ice Shelf debris bands are the most dominant sediment source for the area. Unconsolidated deposits between Cape Bernacchi and Spike Cape, and the Taylor Valley mouth are significant secondary deposits. Mass accumulation rates varied between 0.15 g m⁻² y⁻¹ and 54.6 g m⁻² y⁻¹, equating to a background aeolian sediment accumulation rate, excluding extremely high values, of 1.14 ± 0.59 g m⁻² y⁻¹ for the McMurdo Sound coastal sea ice zone. This is 3–5 orders of magnitude more than global background dust fallout for the Ross Sea. Modal grain size is very-fine sand to coarse silt. Notably, much of this material is distributed in localised, high sand content plumes that are oriented downwind from source, with finer deposits found outside these zones. An average seafloor linear sedimentation rate of 0.2 cm ky⁻¹ is calculated for McMurdo Sound, which is minor compared to biogenic sedimentation for the region. This equates to ~0.7 Gg y⁻¹ aeolian sediment entering McMurdo Sound during sea ice melt. Application of NaMASTE successfully simulated the general aeolian sediment distribution pattern. Testing of model variables suggests that aeolian material is mainly transported during strong (>20 m s⁻¹) wind events. Modelling also suggests aeolian material from McMurdo Sound can be transported north to the Drygalski Ice Tongue, ~250 km from source, but only in very trace quantities.
Modern Concurrency Techniques: An Exploration
Authors:   , Atkins Morgan
Published: November 2021

In this thesis, we investigate some of the options programmers have when writing a concurrent program. We explore the use of manually created threads, thread-pools, actors, and Software Transactional Memory. We use these techniques to implement case studies of various kinds: a video game, a physical simulation, an image-processing application, and a concurrent data structure. Through-out these case studies, we notice a common thread: concurrency, applied correctly, can improve the performance of a program—but the correct application may not be readily apparent. Concurrency is an important tool in the toolbox of the modern programmer, especially with the rise of multi-core architectures and the increasing prevalence of distributed systems. And like any tool, it is important to understand how and when to use it.
Enabling the curious practitioner: perceptions on the integration of research and practice in the education of music therapy students at masters' level.
Authors:   , Hoskyns Sarah Leigh
Published: November 2021

This PhD research explored perceptions about the integration of research and practice in the Masters’ training of music therapists. Using constructivist case study methodology, the study analysed viewpoints of international educators, researchers and students about how research could helpfully be integrated into the practical and conceptual learning of music therapy trainees. The synthesis of research and practice in the professional music therapy field has regularly been advocated but recent studies and reviews suggest there is significant need for development of pedagogical theory and guidance for educators and students in the interface between placements and university-based learning in key areas, including research. Participants included a purposeful sample of 19 music therapy practitioners, researchers, educators and students in the wider international profession of music therapy and at music therapy training programmes in Europe and Australasia. Data sources included focus groups of professionals, two site visits to training programmes (comprising interviews, observations, field notes and concluding improvisation session) and a researcher reflective journal. Core themes identified in the thematic analysis concentrated on cherishing students’ fire and curiosity; facilitating the acknowledgement and management of change; and helping students embrace complexity in their music therapy education. Evidence from this study indicates that moving beyond ‘research competency’ and the development of individual academic skills towards collaborative, engaged learning with peers and supervisors, has potential to nurture sustainable, practice-based researchers of the future. Devising integrative strategies for learning and assessment, undertaken in diverse ways and to suit varied contexts for training, was perceived to be inspiring for students and educators and rehearsed significant professional tasks. These strategies - despite tensions experienced in their development - had potential to deepen personal learning, develop creative and critical skills that characterise graduate attributes of University Masters’ courses, and prepare graduates for evidence-based practice in health and education workplaces. An integrative model for a more holistic approach to learning, combining individual and collaborative approaches and using opportunities inside and outside the programme was developed, allowing for differences in culture and approach of the institutions which host music therapy training. The challenges and solutions explored in this research, while being particular to this qualitative music therapy study, have potential relevance to other applied areas of professional practice and research, such as arts therapies, allied health disciplines, education and nursing.
Thought-action fusion and inflated responsibility in psychopathology
Authors:   , Fraser Kirsty Jane
Published: November 2021

The aim of the current research was to investigate the presence and roles of inflated responsibility and thought-action fusion in psychopathology. The three underlying research themes were to examine the relationship between thought-action fusion and inflated responsibility, the roles that they play in psychopathology, and the possible etiology of these types of beliefs. It is proposed that these responsibility beliefs are not specific to obsessive compulsive disorder, as commonly assumed, and that they play important roles in the maintenance of a range of psychological symptoms. This thesis presents the results of four studies. The first study was designed to investigate the presence of Thought-Action Fusion (TAF) and Inflated Responsibility (IR) alongside symptoms of depression, anxiety, and obsessive-compulsive disorder, with thought suppression playing an intermediary role. Study 2 examined the interaction between responsibility beliefs and locus of control on obsessive-compulsive symptoms with non-clinical and clinical participants. The third study focussed on the etiology of responsibility beliefs, taking Salkovskis, Shafran, Rachman, and Freeston’s (1999) theory of Pathways to Inflated Responsibility and empirically testing this with both clinical and non-clinical samples. Study 4 focussed on the relationship between responsibility beliefs and religiosity, using participants of Protestant Christian beliefs and Atheists. These studies collectively show that Thought-Action Fusion and Inflated Responsibility are both important and contributing factors in psychopathology, especially playing a part in the maintenance of symptoms and feelings of distress. Results indicated that while TAF tends to be specific to obsessive compulsive symptoms, IR is more of a general cognitive bias. Results also indicate that critical experiences in one’s life can lead to biases in responsibility beliefs. Additionally, results show that these biases are not always indicative of psychopathology when they are acceptable within a particular set of morals, for example religion. These findings are of both theoretical and clinical significance because they add to the growing understanding of TAF and IR in psychopathology. The current research was conducted with observational, self-report measures; further research using longitudinal studies is needed for more clarity on causality.
Women and Poverty: Insights from Adult Education and Pākehā Women in Aotearoa New Zealand
Authors:   , Cochrane Lynette
Published: November 2021

This thesis analyses the issues of women, poverty and education. Education is viewed as a key factor enabling women to move out of poverty. This view is well established in the developing world where education plays a key role to improve life choices and opportunities for women and girls (United Nations Girls' Education Initiative, 2012). However, the influence and impact of education to improve the wellbeing of marginalised women in a developed country requires further exploration.  The interconnectedness of gendered poverty and education are explored through the stories of three Pākehā women living in Aotearoa New Zealand. Firstly, in order to understand these local experiences, the developing world literature is assessed to ascertain the global situation of women, poverty and education. Secondly, the relevant literature on women, poverty and education is examined and reflected as it relates to these concerns in Aotearoa New Zealand. Thirdly, the significance of the emergent themes is analysed as the general concerns became personal through the lived realities of three Pākehā women of low socioeconomic status.  The thesis is contained within a social constructivism framework and has been influenced by feminist methodologies. Semi structured interviews were conducted to gather knowledge and to gain insights into the reality of a marginalised Pākehā woman engaging with education to improve her self-worth and/or economic opportunities.  The research participants echoed the sentiments in the literature that their education outcomes were impacted by their family backgrounds, school experiences and there are societal perceptions concerning marginalised women with limited or no formal education. Adult education was investigated in a local context as this is the domain where women would engage with to change their education status. The arena of education including adult education in Aotearoa New Zealand is dominated by the neoliberal approach to education. Neoliberal policy in adult education does not serve the marginalised members of society nor does an education sector with a bias towards vocational outcomes. A repositioning of the adult education sector within a holistic framework which includes empowerment and improvement in the economic status of marginalised Pākehā women is required.
Exploring the effects of slack resources and internationalisation on innovation performance: a study of software development MNCs
Authors:   , Wang Shuai
Published: November 2021

Intensive international business research has already been done on knowledge, networking and strategic orientation, with regard to what shapes innovation performance. Looking at the existing achievements, however, it appears that little attention has been devoted to how tangible resources and internationalisation could change firms' innovation performance. To address these research gaps, this thesis intends to incorporate the slack resource theory and multinationality construct into the international business (IB) research of innovation. Through introducing the former, the study seeks to illustrate how slack, yet tangible, resources could change firms' innovation behaviours, decision-making and performance. Through introducing the latter, the study seeks to present how internationalisation could contribute to firms' innovation performance in three conceivable ways. By combining these two theoretical constructs, the study forms a conceptual model and four separate research hypotheses.  The hypotheses were tested using the financial data collected from 67 internationalised software development firms. The results showed slack resources and internationalisation to be two highly influential factors that shape firm' innovation performance. In particular, a linear and positive relationship was found between slack resource, high- and low-discretion, and innovation performance. Furthermore, firms' degree of internationalisation (DOI) was found to bear a positive relationship to innovation performance. Lastly, firms' DOI was found to interact positively with high-discretion slack resources in shaping innovation performance. Potential implications of this study could enrich the IB research of innovation, extend the slack resource research of innovation and enrich the multinationality studies of innovation.
Journeys into Teaching: Pathways Created by Overseas-Trained Teachers into a Career Secondary School Teaching in New Zealand
Authors:   , Stanyon Celia Elaine
Published: November 2021

New Zealand-trained teachers have good reasons to teach abroad, change careers or retire and there are sound reasons to hire overseas-trained teachers (OTTs) to fill vacancies. Securing work in a new country can be difficult and it makes social and economic sense to facilitate this process. This thesis reports on the journeys of six OTTs documenting the individual pathways navigated; from teaching in their country of origin to securing a permanent placement as a secondary school teacher in New Zealand.  This study explores the pathways OTTs navigated in order to teach in New Zealand. It investigates the challenges they faced, the supports they encountered and the suggestions they had to offer others in a similar situation. The participants were OTTs at secondary schools in the Wellington region of New Zealand and most had emigrated from the United Kingdom. Participants taught different subjects and had varying lengths of teaching experience. They had immigrated to and successfully found a post in New Zealand between January 2006 and January 2012.  The interpretive paradigm was used as the theoretical grounding for this research as this places importance on the subjective experiences of those interviewed. Qualitative data were collected using semi-structured interviews as part of a collective, case study design. A thematic approach to data analysis was used and the data were compared and contrasted under the themes of challenges, supports and suggestions.  Findings that concurred with previous research were that OTTs faced challenges from bureaucracy, culture shock and financial stress; and that networking, professional development, luck and maintaining a positive attitude were supportive. Participants suggested preparation, networking, interagency co-operation, a positive attitude and relief teaching could assist other OTTs. The findings were used to formulate a suggested pathway that might facilitate the journeys of future OTTs.
Listening to the Voice of Pachamama: Assessing Food Sovereignty as a Local Strategy for Community Well-Being in Ecuador
Authors:   , Cevallos Cazar Paola
Published: November 2021

This thesis explores how the concepts of food sovereignty and agroecology have been adopted in Ecuador, and evaluates their potential to contribute to farming communities' well-being. It draws on the perceptions of civil society and grassroots movements. Consequently, this study has adopted a multiple case study approach. The first case study analyses the formation and consolidation into a single movement of a federation of peasant movements that pursue food sovereignty as one of their main objectives. The way in which food sovereignty has been institutionalised within the movement is elucidated, in order to examine the strategies put into place by the social apparatus. The second case study carefully examines a community undertaking that has successfully applied the principles of food sovereignty, while improving the farmers' livelihoods. This case study elaborates on the specific characteristics inherent in the practice of food sovereignty and agroecology in the field, and intertwines this information with the culture and philosophy of the community involved. In order to identify the potentiality of replication, the community undertaking is put into global perspective through a comparative analysis that allows the identification of local and global influences that can make such an initiative successful. Acknowledging that food sovereignty is a holistic and complex concept, and that appropriate frameworks need to be established, this study has scrutinised the current governance framework in Ecuador, and consequently suggested policy recommendations that would support the widespread practice of food sovereignty and agroecology. Two aspects beyond the research objectives have emerged: firstly, the potential of the food sovereignty approach for the improvement of farmers' livelihoods; and secondly, the political significance of the concept, manifested through resistance and resilience at the grassroots level.
Place-making in the Pacific: Can Geographical Indications Support the Sustainable Development of the Nonu Industry in Samoa?
Authors:   , Plant Michelle Denise Grace
Published: November 2021

Geographical Indications (GIs) are place-based names that convey the unique environmental, geographical and cultural origins of agricultural products. A GI is designed to protect products by highlighting exclusive features that differentiate tailored and often more 'localised' produce from those which are homogenous and mass produced. GIs are governed by local actors, thus providing a means of control to ensure that production stays in the local area. Yet they also operate within the interface of global to local spheres, providing a 'glocalised' link between people, product and place. GIs can signal messages to extra-local consumers, providing information on the specifics of product production, as well as reflecting quality and standards for ethical consideration. Therefore, GIs and their market labels, are essentially 'markers of origin'; offering a form of certification which virtually guarantees the origin of the product.  The degree to which GIs can protect local, environmental and cultural resources arguably depends on the structure of the GI legislation. In the Pacific region, GI is in its infancy. In Samoa, the Intellectual Property Act of 2012 is in force and contains the foundations of a US influenced GI. Using a commodity chain approach, I compare these two systems; (1) the current US/WTO system and (2) a European (EU) based GI. Developing a theory of factors that contributes to the more sustainable development of the Nonu Industry in Samoa, I argue that the Samoan Nonu product cannot compete in the Pacific region due to the large-scale production of its main competitor, Tahitian Noni. I therefore recommend that the industry may be more sustainably served by adopting a collaborative 'bottom-up' approach, in the form of a European GI, which promotes the niche qualities of local products, by utilising a rigorous narrative codex/certification system, to reduce inter-island and even international competition.
Seizing the opportunity?: how sustainable urban design will feature in the redevelopment of the central city of Christchurch to reduce CO₂ emissions from land transport
Authors:   , Speedy Benjamin
Published: November 2021

Following devastating earthquakes in 2010 and 2011 in Christchurch, there is an opportunity to use sustainable urban design variables to redevelop the central city in order to address climate change concerns and reduce CO₂ emissions from land transport. Literature from a variety of disciplines establishes that four sustainable urban design variables; increased density, mixed-use development, street layout and city design, and the provision of sustainable public transport, can reduce car dependency and vehicle kilometres travelled within urban populations- widely regarded as indicators of the negative environmental effects of transport.  The key question for the research is; to what extent has this opportunity been seized by NZ’s Central Government who are overseeing the central city redevelopment? In order to explore this question the redevelopment plans for the central city of Christchurch are evaluated against an adapted urban design matrix to determine whether a reduction in CO₂ emissions from land transport is likely to be achieved through their implementation. Data obtained through interviews with experts is used to further explore the extent to which sustainable urban design variables can be employed to enhance sustainability and reduce CO₂ emissions.  The analysis of this data shows that the four urban design variables will feature in the Central Government’s redevelopment plans although the extent to which they are employed and their likely success in reducing CO₂ emissions will vary. Ultimately, the opportunity to redevelop the central city of Christchurch to reduce CO₂ emissions from land transport will be undermined due to timeframe, co-ordination, and leadership barriers.
The intraovarian cellular origins of GDF9 and BMP15 in the mouse and aspects of their biological properties
Authors:   , Mester Brigitta
Published: November 2021

Bone morphogenetic protein 15 (BMP15) and growth differentiation factor 9 (GDF9) are both members of the TGF-ß protein superfamily and are known to be essential for normal follicular development in mammals. Several studies have highlighted the species-specific effects of BMP15 and GDF9, which could be attributed, at least in part to the differences in the follicular expression patterns and to different forms of the secreted proteins. In the mouse, GDF9 is required for follicular development, whereas BMP15 appears to be only required near ovulation with contradictory reports as to the timing of BMP15 expression. However, mouse BMP15 and GDF9 are known to have the capability of acting together synergistically. The aims of this thesis were to characterise in the mouse ovary, the expression patterns (localisation and levels) of Bmp15 and Gdf9 mRNA throughout follicular development, and to determine the peri-ovulatory expression of the corresponding proteins.  In situ hybridisation and quantitative PCR analyses of ovarian samples and follicular cells collected from control and superovulated mice confirmed that Gdf9 and Bmp15 mRNA are expressed exclusively in oocytes from primary and early secondary stage follicles respectively. qPCR analysis of denuded oocytes (DO) revealed a tight correlation, and therefore co-regulation, between the expression levels of Bmp15 and Gdf9 irrespective of follicular developmental stage, with steady expression until the preovulatory LH surge when down-regulation of Bmp15 and Gdf9 occurred. Throughout the follicular developmental stages examined, Gdf9 was expressed in greater abundance relative to Bmp15, with a Bmp15:Gdf9 mRNA ratio of 1:4.12.  [...] In conclusion, oocyte-derived Bmp15 and Gdf9 mRNA expression is co-regulated throughout follicular development in mice, with Gdf9 being more abundant than Bmp15, which might be an important factor in determining high ovulation quota. The expression of the target genes is down-regulated as the oocyte reaches developmental competence following the preovulatory LH surge. Protein expression data provided evidence that in vivo the immature mouse oocyte is capable of secreting all BMP15 protein forms previously detected in vitro. After the preovulatory LH surge, all visible protein forms are associated with the somatic follicular cells, in particular with the expanded cumulus mass. Of particular interest is the presence of the large protein complexes in the cumulus cell lysates, which suggests a storage and activation process involving ECM proteins, similar to the mechanism reported for other TGF-ß superfamily members, such as TGF-ß1 and myostatin.  The finding that the BMP15 precursor protein is biologically active with a different activity to that of the processed mature protein form suggests that the full-length precursor protein may regulate or provide at least a portion of the biological activity of BMP15 in mice.
The question of survival: understanding the impact of liberalisation and development on indigenous peoples in Mindanao, Philippines
Authors:   , Pueblos Adora Penaco
Published: November 2021

This thesis aims to study the impact of mineral resource development on the indigenous peoples in the Philippines, focussing primarily on the consequential effect of the destruction of their ancestral domains and loss of access to their sacred spaces as it relates to their survival. Further, it seeks to bring to the widest attention possible their little known struggles against the invading and destructive forces of development, particularly large-scale mining, in their traditional areas. Most of all, this research ambitions to (1) debunk the prevailing research trend of dismissing emotions as irrational, illogical and useless in research because it is unquantifiable, and therefore, unscientific; and (2) critique Western-influenced paradigms on development by shedding light on the limitations of Eurocentric commitment to orthodox discourses that valorise resource development as supreme over cultural meanings and view environment as something completely detached from humans. In this study is presented the conflicting sides found at the heart of this age-old problem: the opposing views of government/mining companies on one hand, and those of the indigenous peoples on the other, their differing perceptions and stance on the issue of exploitation and control of natural resources found in ancestral domains.  This research explored the deep emotional connections of indigenous peoples to their ancestral domains and how these are inexorably linked to their cultural identity. The data illustrate their profound sufferings in the hands of development agents and, paradoxically, the Philippine government itself through its open-arms policy on foreign investments and liberalised mining laws, heavily compounded by the unwarranted deployment of the military to ensure a smooth transition in approved mining areas.  Using de-colonising methodologies and research approaches to tackle the issue, empirical data gathered are drawn from participant observation, semi-structured interviews and informal indigenous communities, and later organised according to themes evident upon collation of data. The findings are linked to a wider theoretical context and complemented with analyses of academic literature orientated to post-structural political ecology, emotional geographies and indigenous geographies that support the arguments in this study.  As well as highlighting potential areas for future studies on indigenous peoples, this research points to the root cause of the problem to a people’s fundamental loss of power that denies them their control over their emotional spaces, resources and destiny. Accordingly, this fundamental relation needs to be given greater consideration in policy formulation and implementation of regulations that govern environment, natural resources and ancestral domains.
The Use and Ease of Access of EBooks in Public Libraries
Authors:   , Ross Nichola
Published: November 2021

Research Problem: The purpose of this research project is to examine how patrons are using the eBook collection at a New Zealand public library. Specifically the research examines the relationship between print and eBooks and how this relationship affects borrowing habits. It also explores how the eBook borrowing process for affects usage of the collection. There is little information on this topic from a library patron perspective, and even less research conducted in a New Zealand context. Methodology: Both qualitative and quantitative methods were used in this research. Self-completion questionnaires with a combination of quantitative and qualitative questions were offered to members of Christchurch City Libraries. A semi-structured interview was also conducted with two library staff members. Results: It can be observed that print is still the most borrowed and the favoured format. There are a number of reasons for this but the most prominent was that eBooks cannot offer the same sensations and reading experience that a print book gives. Most users were happy with using only print books though the ones that were open to trying eBooks were unable to do so as they did not own eReaders. The incompatibility of Amazon Kindles was also a reason some patrons were borrowing print books as they were unable to get the titles they wanted for their eReaders. The small size of the eBook collection was a deterrent for some users but the library is aware of this and is working towards building a larger collection with a wider selection.