bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Japanese Garden Houses: Strategies for creating an interface with nature in New Zealand's urban dwellings
Authors:   , Shillington Erin 
Published: November 2021

<p>New Zealanders have a proud tradition of living close to nature (clean and green). This high interface with nature in traditional New Zealand dwellings is referred to as the “quarter-acre dream” by Mitchell (1972). However, the recent intensification of New Zealand cities has resulted in higher-density, multi-unit dwellings that have little interface with nature. As Auckland alone is expected to require an additional 400,000 homes within the next 30 years, a medium-density housing model that has a high nature-dwelling interface is potentially useful in reducing urban sprawl. In contrast, many Japanese houses are effectively integrated with nature. The number of case studies available through books, journals and on websites suggests that it is possible to group these dwellings under the heading “garden houses”. For the purpose of this research, the term “Japanese Garden House” refers to Japanese houses in which the garden is an integral part of the architecture, as opposed to a separate spatial entity. New Zealand walk-up apartments are analysed to show how this New Zealand housing model relates to nature in addition to revealing typical design elements. Thereafter, the adaptation of the Japanese Garden House for the New Zealand context is proposed as a mechanism to further connect urban dwellings with nature, thus increasing the interface between nature and inhabited space. The significant benefits this mechanism provides, including a positive effect on psychological and physiological wellbeing, are discussed. In order to adapt the features of Japanese Garden Houses to the New Zealand context, a detailed analysis of Japanese Garden Houses is undertaken to reveal design principles and strategies that characterise this type of dwelling. The analysis is limited to houses built in the last 15 years. An investigation, through design, is carried out to determine whether the Japanese Garden House models could be used to reconnect walk-up apartments with nature. The investigation is tested on a typical Auckland site. In a case study design, principles and strategies discovered through analysis of Japanese Garden Houses are applied and, adapted to fit walk-up apartments and the New Zealand context. The outcome is a valuable new New Zealand housing model and a set of guidelines presented as a matrix including key principles, strategies and a menu of solutions with the potential to be applied more broadly by other architects, developers and city councils.</p>
Mortal Infill: Finding space for the dead in today's suburbs
Authors:   , Powell Martin Neil Smith 
Published: November 2021

<p>The spaces set aside for the dead in contemporary cities have been shifted to the periphery. As a result the built fabric of today’s suburbs does little to acknowledge the mortality of their inhabitants. This thesis aims to introduce spaces for the dead into these suburbs through a network of memorial walls, known as ‘columbaria’, which will provide inhabitants with the option of interment closer to their own communities. A series of design principles have been developed, through research and design testing, for the distribution and composition of these spaces. This testing has been carried out through a design case study, focusing on site selection and design, based in Wellington city. The resulting design principles provide a framework for the establishment of a place for death within contemporary suburbs, increasing their inhabitants’ awareness of their own mortality, and consequently their appreciation of life.</p>
Bioassay and NMR-Guided Isolation of Natural Products from Pacific Marine Invertebrates
Authors:   , Damodaran Vidhiya 
Published: November 2021

<p>In the present study, bioassay and NMR approaches were used in combination to guide isolation of two new and three known compounds. An extract library of New Zealand and Tongan marine invertebrates was screened for activity inhibiting the growth of Saccharomyces cerevisiae. From this, ‘hits’ were identified and validated and three New Zealand sponges and a Tongan ascidian were chosen for bulk extraction. These invertebrates were extracted in methanol and purified using normal and reversed-phase chromatography to isolate the compounds of interest. The isolation of compounds was guided by either inhibitory activity towards S. cerevisiae, 1H NMR spectroscopy or a combination of the two. The known trihydroxylated steroid (14) was isolated from the calcareous sponge Leucosolenia sp. A fatty acid and mixture of phthalate esters were isolated from an unidentified Tongan ascidian. The fatty acid was proposed to be cis-vaccenic acid (13) on the basis of 1H and 13C NMR data. The phthalate ester mixture was not purified further. Work on these two compounds was discontinued due to a lack of activity observed in the S. cerevisiae assay and the well-known nature of fatty acids and phthalate esters. Work was also done on an assay targeting the large mechanosensitive channel (MscL) of bacteria. Some parameters were optimised for this assay, however some work remains to be done. The screening of the extract library of New Zealand and Tongan marine invertebrates using this assay was unsuccessful. More studies to better understand the behaviour of this assay are required, some of which are proposed herein. The extraction of the New Zealand marine sponge Haliclona sp. yielded one known and two new 3-alkyl pyridinium alkaloid (3-APA) monomers. The structures of these 3-APA monomers—dehydrohaliclocyclin C (58), dehydrohaliclocyclin F (59) and the known haliclocyclin C (20)—were elucidated using a combination of NMR spectroscopy, mass spectrometry (MS) and chemical degradation. This is the first report of a 3-APA cyclic monomer with unsaturation in the alkyl chain being isolated. 3-APAs were identified as the source of inhibitory activity in the S. cerevisiae assay, however, no inhibitory activity was found for 58, 59 and 20 against the clinically relevant fungus C. albicans.</p>
Are automated daylight control systems working as they should?
Authors:   , Thompson James 
Published: November 2021

<p>Lighting in office buildings can account for approximately 30% of electrical use. This provides an opportunity for energy efficient technologies to be implemented to reduce this load. Automated daylight control systems are part of a growing industry, based on complex electronics and careful placing of light sensors. In an economy that is accepting the need for energy reduction due to the realisation of limited fossil fuels, it is important to maintain and enhance energy efficient systems. Research highlighted that previous studies would either use a physical measuring approach or an occupant survey to understand how well automated daylight control systems are working, but never both. This thesis combined both of these approaches to quantify how much energy automated daylight control systems are saving while ensuring that occupant satisfaction and comfort is maintained. Four office buildings within Wellington city were therefore analysed to investigate the average energy saving from automated daylight control systems. Energy savings reported from other research studies ranged from 15% to 80%, with an average of 49%. The savings from the four buildings researched in this thesis average 20% savings. The surveys further indicated that all occupants within each of the buildings were satisfied with both natural and artificial lighting in their working environment. Glare was however highlighted as an issue.</p>
Democracy in the face of disagreement: Environmentalist opposition to Escarpment Mine on the Denniston Plateau
Authors:   , Fougère Lillian 
Published: November 2021

<p>Despite New Zealand’s Resource Management Act 1991 (RMA) being lauded as offering democratic decision-making processes, those in opposition to consent applications often feel their input has minimal influence on the decisions made. This research explores how democracy is actualised or constrained through environmentalist opposition to decisions made about coal-mining on conservation land, including both informal and formal participation. Escarpment Mine is a proposal for an open cast coal mine on the Denniston Plateau on the West Coast of New Zealand. The mine was granted resource consents in 2011 by the two local councils. Environmental activists engaged with these decisions through the formal council led submission process, a requirement under the RMA, and informally through activism, protest and campaigning. Their opposition was founded on concerns about the mine’s effects on conservation and climate change. Drawing on theories of deliberative democracy and radical democracy, I create a framework for democracy that includes agonism and antagonism, situated within the overarching democratic principles of equality, justice and the rule of the people. Through interviewing environmentalists opposed to Escarpment Mine and the council officials involved, my research discusses the way environmentalists were constrained from participating meaningfully in the formal process due to perceived bias and the privileging of neoliberal discourses. I suggest that this case reflects a lack of agonism in most areas, and a delegitimising of antagonistic activism despite such activism working towards equality and justice. Thus, the case does not fulfil the democratic ideals of working with disagreement.</p>
Public Libraries Marketing to Teens: a Study of Two New Zealand Libraries
Authors:   , Biggs Helen Frances 
Published: November 2021

<p>Marketing in libraries has been widely discussed in literature, but is often limited to either prescriptive writing on the application of marketing theory to libraries, or descriptions of marketing at individual libraries with little theoretical basis. The purpose of this research was to compare the teen marketing practiced by public libraries with library marketing theory, and to discover whether the application of theory is a conscious decision by libraries. Staff were interviewed at two New Zealand public library networks to discover whether they considered marketing targeting theory and the marketing mix when marketing to teens. It was found that while both library networks did do some formal teen marketing, the majority of marketing was conducted more informally by individual community libraries. Libraries struggled in particular with defining their teen users, and the marketing mix was dealt with in an ad hoc manner. Overall, library marketing was more tactical than strategic.</p>
Non-friction reading: Licensing requirements for e-book lending in New Zealand public libraries
Authors:   , Joseph Amy 
Published: November 2021

<p>Research problem: Libraries face many challenges as they strive to provide e-books to their members, often caused by less-than-ideal licensing conditions, or publishers who will not yet license their titles to libraries for lending. This research project, developed in conjunction with a National Library of New Zealand initiative investigating collaborative ebook procurement for libraries, surveyed New Zealand public libraries in order to discover what elements of existing and proposed models would best meet the needs of their users. Methodology: a link to an online survey was emailed to public library managers, who were asked to complete the survey or delegate it to an appropriate staff member. Results: Valid responses were received from 34 of the 67 library systems contacted (response rate = 50.8). New Zealand public libraries are anticipating a large increase in spending on the provision of e-books, with the growth in spending on e-books set to outstrip growth in spending on other e-resources. They show a strong preference for perpetual access licenses, and generally tend to favour licenses that allow for control over title selection and predictability over budgets. They are concerned with system integration and would ideally like to see e-books from all their chosen vendors available through one interface that integrates with their catalogues. Libraries would like to see more New Zealand content available, and access to library e-book lending on all devices their users may choose to use.</p>
Water as a tool for development. An analysis of the conflict of the Ñuble River, Chile
Authors:   , Leaman-Constanzo Cristian 
Published: November 2021

<p>After three decades of neoliberal policies, there are growing concerns in Chile about how nature is used and understood. These concerns are reflected in the relationship between humans and natural water bodies which has reconceptualised the use of and access to water, especially for rural communities. These reconceptualisations have been affected by the model of water rights and river basin governance adopted which have raised issues about social inequality. As a result, rural communities have argued for greater participation in decision-making on matters that affect their lives. This thesis explores conflict that arose around the Punilla Dam Project on the Ñuble River, Biobío Region in Chile. The research employs a political ecology perspective to explore the socio-environmental outcomes of water management in this case and in Chile more generally. The case illustrates how water is important for Chile as a tool for development, the role environmental institutions play, and the tensions between peasant communities, irrigators and hydroelectric interests, while placing these tensions in the context of wider economic and political structures. It is clear that water is key in Chile, hence an examination of the encounter between the model of development and nature is required. I argue that the outcomes of these encounters will increase social inequality and marginalisation, showing that a water project is not always good for all. The omission of these issues in places often rich both in biodiversity and socio-cultural heritage is a cause of concern for Chile and more globally.</p>
Managing Risks of Violence in Decriminalised Street-Based Sex Work: a Feminist (Sex Worker Rights) Perspective
Authors:   , Armstrong Lynzi 
Published: November 2021

<p>It is widely understood that street-based sex workers are vulnerable to experiencing violence in their work. The Prostitution Reform Act (PRA) was passed in New Zealand in 2003, decriminalising sex work with the intention of supporting the health, safety, and human rights of sex workers. This thesis explores strategies to manage risks of violence amongst women working on the streets in New Zealand, considering how the law change has impacted on the management of these risks, and whether further change is required to better support the safety of street-based sex workers. Drawing from the perspectives of women working on the streets, this thesis challenges portrayals of street-based sex workers as passive recipients of violence. The experiences and perceptions of these women highlight the diverse violencerelated risks they managed from a range of potential perpetrators, including passersby, individuals approaching as clients, other sex workers, and minders. The shift to decriminalisation has not eliminated violence. However, the findings suggest that the law change has provided a framework that better supports existing risk management strategies. For instance, in removing the possibility of arrest for soliciting, the PRA has provided an environment in which these women have sufficient time to screen potential clients on the street. Moreover, the perceptions of these women suggest that the law change has to some extent improved the relationship between police and street-based sex workers. Nevertheless, whilst decriminalisation has created an environment more conducive to sex worker safety, it is clear that challenges remain in addressing violence against sex workers. Since the sex industry does not operate in social and political isolation, moral discourses continue to stigmatise and threaten the wellbeing of street-based sex workers. The overall conclusion of this thesis is that whilst decriminalisation was an important first step, moving forward to proactively challenge violence against street-based sex workers requires a paradigm shift away from discourses that support violence, to a more positive acceptance of street-based sex work in New Zealand society.</p>
"You can never be on one side alone": Some Young Somali-Kiwi Women's Narratives about Identity, Resettlement and Community Development in Wellington, Aotearoa New Zealand
Authors:   , James Emily Kathryn 
Published: November 2021

<p>This research investigates how young Somali women are navigating through the resettlement process while negotiating their own identities in Wellington, New Zealand. It is important as it addresses two main research gaps: 1) it focuses on research with young Somali women at university and 2) it offers a strength-based analysis. The research also addresses important development concerns about how former refugees can better contribute into their host societies. Employing the use of participatory methods within a feminist qualitative methodology, I created a project that enabled the young women to voice their opinions regarding identity construction, cultural maintenance and their goals for the future. I conducted approximately 150 hours of ethnographic research at organisations that catered to former refugee needs. I found a young female Somali student who worked as my Cultural Advisor and enhanced my credibility and access within the Somali community. I then conducted a focus group and five individual interviews with young Somali women to hear their narratives about their resettlement experience and their advice on how to improve the process for others. I conducted five interviews with key informants at organisations that provide support services for former refugees. The key informants gave the policy perspective on refugee resettlement as well as advice on how support services and the government can approve the transition for former refugees. The results of this study revealed that the young women did feel tension at times negotiating their Somali culture and that of their host society but found benefits in both. The importance of the family resettling successfully was vital for the young women especially the wellbeing of their mothers and other female elders. The key informants echoed these sentiments and voiced the necessity for more women-focused support services. The young women also will be facing a second resettlement process through their emigration to Australia as they search for more job opportunities and a better Somali cultural connection.</p>
Hizbullah's Changing Identity
Authors:   , Davy Glenn 
Published: November 2021

<p>Hizbullah’s initial entry into Lebanon’s confessional political system seems contradictory considering the organisation’s perpetual view that this electoral system is corrupt and the very cause of Lebanon’s problems. Hizbullah views this system to have disenfranchised the Shi’a of Lebanon. Since its emergence in the 1980s Hizbullah has shifted from the religiously motivated goal of an Islamic revolution in Lebanon to the more nationalistic and secular project of providing ongoing resistance to Israel. This movement can be explained if we consider two separate facets of Hizbullah’s identity: It’s primordial Shi’a identity, and its identity as a resistance movement. A movement from the former to the latter has taken place. This work argues that Hizbullah has moved away from placing importance on that which defined it primarily as an organisation seeking the advancement of Shi’a to an identity that places more emphasise on its resistance activities against Israel. This latter identity is more instrumentalist in nature. While placing importance on its Shi’a identity was not counter-productive to participating within politics, it did oblige Hizbullah to adopt more idealistic political projects. Therefore, this shift initially allowed Hizbullah to deal more effectively with the pragmatic realities of political life in Lebanon, for which it requires more broad-based cross-communal support. However, recent events in the Middle East have indicated that Hizbullah’s resistance identity may not necessarily guarantee it political success.</p>
Community Music Therapy: A Pathway to a Sense of Belonging in a School Environment
Authors:   , Davidson Gary 
Published: November 2021

<p>This research investigated the intersection between a student's work in a special school, where one of the primary aims was to develop students' sense of belonging, and Community Music Therapy (CoMT). A sense of belonging was understood to be a feeling of safety and comfort that engenders a willingness to engage with the environment and the people within that environment. Narratives of work with two students in the school have been analysed to uncover themes relating to CoMT, especially with regard to 'belonging'. Secondary analysis of the data was used in conjunction with a narrative enquiry. Data was collected using clinical music therapy notes; school documentation; Individual Education Plans; notes on group observations; notes on discussions with teachers support staff, parents and care givers; and video recordings. The music therapy student's experiences with each of the two students were described in narrative form, separately, and in chronological order to preserve meaning. The stories were then written again (restoried) in relation to the characteristics of CoMT. The findings suggested that in both cases, students displayed a greater willingness to take part in the organised and informal communal musicing that took place within various contexts of the school. It also showed that the student music therapist resourced the participants on a relational level, resourced their personal strengths and enabled them to access the wider community resources.</p>
Success: A measure of what we value?: An exploration of the discursive construction of educational success in the public domain
Authors:   , de Waal-Stevens Eliza 
Published: November 2021

<p>In a time of rapid technological and social change, questions are being asked about whether current notions of education can adequately prepare students for a future that is often described as uncertain and complex. Public debates arising from these questions suggest that while education is generally highly valued, the ideals and purposes, or indeed, what is considered successful education, is neither clearly defined nor commonly understood. This is reflected in a public discourse that consists of fragmented issues, short-term solutions and apportioning blame. Based on the premise that language both reflects and constructs aspects of society, this thesis analyses a range of contemporary public discourses to examine the concept of success in education, at the school level. The data includes foundational educational documents from the Ministry of Education, press releases, and reported newspaper articles. Using Critical Discourse Analysis, in the style of Fairclough, Wodak and van Dijk, I examine linguistic constructions associated with success in detail, and consider these in a wider social and historical context. My research reveals seemingly innocuous language features that undermine deeply held democratic views of education and reconstructs them to fit within managerial mechanisms of neoliberal ideology. I argue that the resulting conflicts between the social and economic values underlying educational discourses are reflected in the lack of coherence across the wide range of complex issues in the public discourse. Furthermore, this conflict contributes to diminishing engagement with these issues, a sense of confusion about what is desired for education, and increasing indifference to inequities in New Zealand education today. The conclusion I draw from this is that such conflict makes it impossible for key participants in educational debates to make progress towards a coherent and effective educational framework for the future.</p>