bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Cambodian and Laotian Students' Experience of Language Barriers, Cultural Differences, and Teacher-Student Rapport in a University in Vietnam: A Grounded Theory Approach
Authors:   , Doan My Ngoc 
Published: November 2021

<p>An increasing number of international students have enrolled in university degree programmes in Vietnam in recent years and this has presented a range of new pedagogical opportunities and challenges in the higher education context of the nation. Currently, little is known about international students’ academic experiences in Vietnamese universities although the literature suggests that effective teacher–student relationships are an important factor in establishing effective teaching and learning processes. This study employs grounded theory to examine the influence of teacher–student relationships on international students’ academic experiences at a university in Vietnam that is located in a region that draws in students from the neighbouring countries of Cambodia and Laos. A mixed research design combining data from questionnaires and in-depth interviews was used in this research. Data from questionnaires were collected from all Cambodian and Laotian international students who were enrolled at a university in the An Giang province in Vietnam’s Mekong Delta. These data were supplemented by in-depth interviews with a sample group of the students. The findings from this study show that while the Cambodian and Laotian international students reported good relationships with their Vietnamese teachers and having no difficulty in adapting to Vietnamese culture, they also struggled with the challenges of studying in a new language and this made it difficult for them to communicate effectively with their teachers or participate fully in classroom activities.</p>
“Pulling the Tail of the Cat”: An Exploration of Palestinian Peacebuilders' Conceptualisations of Men and Masculinities in the Israeli-Palestinian Conflict
Authors:   , Foster Alana 
Published: November 2021

<p>To date, men as gendered beings have largely remained absent from the international literature on armed conflict and peacebuilding. In general, the literature omits men‘s gendered experiences as civilians, non-combatants and peacebuilders and instead, men remain confined by stereotypes of violence, soldiering and war-making. In this thesis, I aim to break these silences by producing a qualitative analysis of discourses of men and masculinities within semi-structured interviews conducted with fourteen Palestinian peacebuilders in the West Bank. This analysis explores the impacts of the ongoing occupation and armed conflict on non-combat related Palestinian masculinities, and further, how men and masculinities are thought to interact with local peacebuilding initiatives. Through the use of feminist critical discourse analysis, this study has uncovered a number of key themes relevant to gender and peacebuilding theory and practice. Firstly, it found that the ongoing conflict has resulted in a 'thwarting' of West Bank masculinities in which men are understood as finding it increasingly difficult to live up to social expectations of their traditional roles and identities. Secondly, this study found that men and masculinities have become somewhat estranged from civil society, informal peacebuilding schemes. Based on my findings, these initiatives seem to centre around feminised narratives that emphasise women's peacebuilding capacities, while masculinities and the peacebuilding roles of men are overlooked. Nevertheless, this thesis also presents the notion that men are actively involved in the nonviolent resistance movement within the West Bank, which opens up room for a novel, alternative understanding of 'masculinised' peacebuilding in Palestine. In sum, this study articulates the need to 'take masculinities seriously' in the pursuit of more inclusive and effective peacebuilding and post-conflict development practice.</p>
Learning Actions That Reduce Variation in Objects
Authors:   , Bebbington James 
Published: November 2021

<p>The variation in the data that a robot in the real world receives from its sensory inputs (i.e. its sensory data) will come from many sources. Much of this variation is the result of ground truths about the world, such as what class an object belongs to, its shape, its condition, and so on. Robots would like to infer this information so they can use it to reason. A considerable amount of additional variation in the data, however, arises as a result of the robot’s relative configuration compared to an object; that is, its relative position, orientation, focal depth, etc. Fortunately, a robot has direct control over this configural variation: it can perform actions such as tilting its head or shifting its gaze. The task of inferring ground truth from data is difficult, and is made much more difficult when data is affected by configural variation. This thesis explores an approach in which the robot learns to perform actions that minimize the amount of configural variation in its sensory data, making the task of inferring information about objects considerably easier. The value of this approach is demonstrated by classifying digits from the MNIST and USPS datasets that have been transformed in various ways so that they include various kinds of configural variation.</p>
Fifteenth and Sixteenth-Century Northern European Prints at the Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa
Authors:   , Sippel Annika 
Published: November 2021

<p>This thesis examines the collection of fifteenth- and sixteenth-century German, Dutch and Flemish prints at the Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa. Beginning with the donation of Bishop Monrad in 1869, prints from the Northern European schools have been added to the collection either through the generosity of private collectors or the museum's direct purchases which continue to the present day. The lives and collecting practices of these collectors are considered, as well as the artists and prints represented in the collection. An analysis of the history of collecting prints from the Northern European schools demonstrates that their recognition as individual works of art was a rather slow process, whereas a canon of the great printmakers was established almost immediately. The place of Northern printmakers in this canon will be considered, as well as the changing ideas about prints and print collecting from the sixteenth to the twentieth centuries. The most significant collectors for Te Papa's print collection were Bishop Monrad and Sir John Ilott, who together donated more than half of the 164 prints analysed here. While the collecting practices of Monrad and Ilott have been studied individually before, it is worthwhile comparing them and considering their reasons for buying fifteenth- and sixteenth-century Northern European prints in particular. They emerge as collectors with similar financial means, who both made use of agents and had direct contact with dealers. Other private individuals have also emerged as print collectors, who made significant contributions to the collection, yet they have remained mostly unknown until now. In addition to this, Te Papa still has an active policy of purchasing more prints for the collection. Finally the prints themselves are examined in detail, considering both their physical qualities and art historical significance, in order to highlight the strengths of the collection. Some prints from the collection will be analysed for the first time here, as no extensive research has previously been conducted on this particular part of Te Papa's print collection, and some of the prints were added very recently and have thus not been available for viewing until now.</p>
How Can Geomorphology Inform Ecological Restoration? A Synthesis of Geophysical and Biological Assessment to Determine Restoration Priorities
Authors:   , Cooper Leicester 
Published: November 2021

<p>The central concern that this study addresses is how an understanding of geomorphological processes and forms may inform ecological restoration; particularly practical restoration prioritisation. The setting is that of a hill country gully system covered in grazing pasture which historically would have been cloaked in indigenous forest. The study examines theory in conjunction with an application using a case study centred on Whareroa Farm (the restoration site) and Paraparaumu Scenic Reserve (the reference site) on the southern Kapiti Coast, north of Wellington. The impact that the change of land use has had on the soil and geomorphic condition of Whareroa and the influence the changes may have on the sites restoration is investigated. The thesis demonstrates a method of choosing reference sites to be used as templates for rehabilitating the restoration site. Geographical Information Systems and national databases are used and supplemented with site inspection. The reference site chosen, Paraparaumu Scenic Reserve, proved to be a good template for the restoration site particularly given that it is located in the midst of a heavily modified area. On-site inspection considering dendritic pattern and floristic composition confirms the database analysis results. Soil variables (bulk density, porosity, soil texture, pH, Olsen P, Anaerobic Mineralisable N, Total N (AMN), Total C and C:N ratio) are investigated and statistical comparisons made between the sites to quantify changes due to land-use change, i.e. deforestation and subsequent pastoral grazing. Factors investigated that may explain the variation in the soil variables were site (land use), hillslope location, slope aspect, and slope angle. Permutation tests were conducted to investigate the relationships between the independent factors and the SQI (dependent soil variables). Land use and slope angle were most frequent significant explanatory factors of variation, followed by hillslope location whilst slope aspect only influenced soil texture. A number of soil variables at Whareroa were found to be outside the expected range of values for an indigenous forest soil including AMN, Total N, Olsen P, and pH ...</p>
Claims Made Insurance Policies in New Zealand and Australia: Should New Zealand Enact a Statutory Deeming Regime?
Authors:   , Bourne Stephen Grant 
Published: November 2021

<p>A claims made policy protects an insured person or business in relation to claims made against that person or business during the policy period, regardless of when the cause of loss occurred, and regardless of when the claim is notified to the insurer (subject always to the terms of cover and the relevant law). The trigger event for a claim against the insurer is the receipt of the claim or demand by the insured. However, issues can arise when the insured has knowledge of circumstances that may lead to a claim, but the claim itself is delayed, a situation sometimes addressed by way of a contractual 'notice of circumstances' provision coupled with a deeming provision. The proposition in this dissertation is that New Zealand should have a statutory deeming regime affecting claims made insurance policies, similar to that contained within section 40 of Australia’s Insurance Contracts Act 1984 (Cth). However, to properly consider that proposition, it is necessary to review the context within which section 40 arose, its practical effect in that context, and the perceived issues that might be addressed in New Zealand by way of a statutory deeming regime. In particular, it is necessary to acknowledge the juxtaposition of sections 40 and 54 of the Insurance Contracts Act (Cth), and the implications of section 9 of New Zealand's Insurance Law Reform Act 1977.</p>
Critical Analysis of the Composition Techniques and Devices Used in Troy Roberts' Album 'The XenDen Suite'
Authors:   , Crawford Michael Victor 
Published: November 2021

<p>Troy Roberts is a jazz saxophonist, originally from Perth, West Australia. At present, no academic research has been done on Roberts’ compositions or playing, making this research project a positive way of contributing new information to the academic body of knowledge. His album, ‘The Xen-Den Suite’ was chosen as the material best suited to provide insight into Roberts’ musicianship (particularly focussing on his compositional and arranging techniques), as it is both intellectually complex and also musically innovative. The aim of the study was to identify and describe the use of various techniques and devices (including their relevance, purpose and function) present in Roberts’ music. Through this study, this researcher attempted to gain a basic overview of Roberts’ musical characteristics, with the objective to be able to utilise this information to further this researcher’s musical development (including compositions, arrangements and saxophone playing). The findings were useful for direct application (i.e. the techniques could be used in the same manner as they appeared in the XenDen Suite, and could therefore be immediately applied to other areas such as composition, arrangement and improvisation), but the many different ways in which the techniques were used compositionally by Roberts provided a more insightful look into broader musical concepts, and their application.</p>
Churches as Communities of Practice and the Place of Libraries in Information Sharing
Authors:   , Hedley Lauryn Maria 
Published: November 2021

<p>Research problem: Churches are communities of people who journey together, to grow in knowledge and understanding of their faith. One way churches can support this journey is through a library service. In this project, churches are viewed as a Community of Practice; they are united under a “domain of knowledge” which sets the community apart, their identity as a community, and the pursuit of tacit knowledge- sharing and developing knowledge with each other in order to put knowledge into action. Church libraries were researched to determine the role of libraries in church CoPs, whether libraries are fulfilling their purpose in this role, and to identify best-practice solutions for CoP libraries. Methodology: Seven churches in Wellington City who have libraries were chosen for this study. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with participants from each of the seven churches. Results: Church libraries have a lot of old content, as the majority of stock comes from donations- collection development is influenced largely by donations. Resources are modest or non-existent, which means that any best-practice solutions have to accommodate these resources restrictions. Libraries are used to a moderately satisfactory level, but all could benefit from best-practice suggestions. Implications: Unlike other types of libraries, church libraries are not considered to be essential to the running of the organisation, so there is little input or expectations from management. They are not business-driven entities, nor should they be. CoP libraries are one of many possible ways to share knowledge and information and support their communities. Having said this, there are some practical, economical steps that can be taken to improve the service: formalizing policies, procedures and a mission statement; making collections accessible in a database format; exploring web 2.0, social media and cloud-based technology to promote and/or facilitate libraries; undertaking informal user-needs research by asking community members what others in the community are wanting from a library service.</p>
Ultrasonic Non-Destructive Testing of Fibre Reinforced Composites
Authors:   , Thomson Matthew 
Published: November 2021

<p>This thesis focuses on the application of high frequency ultrasound as a tool for performing non-destructive testing for pultruded fibre reinforced composite (FRC) rods. These composite rods are popular in the manufacturing, construction and electrical industries due to their chemical, electrical and strength properties. Such FRCs are manufactured on automated production lines that operate day and night. Non-destructive testing techniques are desired to quickly and accurately detectmanufacturing flaws such as coating thickness irregularities and surface cracks. Layers and cracks can present as large changes in acoustic impedance and will strongly reflect ultrasonic waves. Combined with their low cost, east of use and absense of potentially harmful radiation, ultrasound has proven popular worldwide for Non-Destructive Testing. Finite Element Analysis (FEA) was employed to investigate the propagation of ultrasonic waves through layers of material to simulate a thickness measurement and the ability of ultrasound to measure thicknesses was proven. Experimental work was conducted on two fibre reinforced composite samples with varying thickness coatings of plastic and paint. The thickness was measured accurately using immersion transducers at 50MHz and a resolution of 20μm was attained through the use of matched filtering techniques. Surface acoustic waves, particularly Rayleigh waves were investigated using FEA techniques so that the generation, scattering and detection of such waves was understood. This lead to the development of methods for detecting surface cracks in glass using Rayleigh waves and these methods were successfully used in experimental work. Wave propagation in fibre reinforced composites was modelled and experimentally investigated with the results confirming theoretical expectations. Finally a Rayleigh wave was launched onto a fibre reinforced composite sample however the amount of energy leakage into the water was so great, due to the acoustic impedance of water, the detection of the wave was prevented. The conclusion reached was that an immersion setup was not appropriate for launching a travelling Rayleigh wave.</p>
Synthesis and Characterisation of Photocatalyst Silver/Silver Halide Nanocomposites
Authors:   , Tate Eldon Warwick 
Published: November 2021

<p>The photochemical activity of silver halides forms the basis of photography and latent image formation. More recently it has been used to create hybrid silver/silver halide nanoparticles. These are formed through partial reduction of Ag⁺ to Ag⁰ by a photochemical self-sensitisation when irradiated with light. This gives the silver/silver halide nanoparticles interesting photocatalytic properties. As such, these silver/silver halide nanoparticles have seen to be part of group of photocatalysts known as plasmonic photocatalysts. Where, the photocatalytic mechanism is enhanced by the surface plasmon resonance of noble metal nanodomains on the surface of the silver halide nanoparticle. The silver/silver halide nanoparticles of Cl⁻, Br⁻ and I⁻ were synthesised and characterised. Silver/silver halide nanoparticles were then incorporated into porous support materials creating silver/silver halide nanocomposite materials. This was through a straight forward aqueous synthesis method, where silver halide nanoparticles precipitated from solution, and nanoparticle size, shape and stabilisation was controlled by the porous support material. Silver/silver halide nanocomposite samples using Cl⁻, Br⁻ and I⁻ were synthesised using wool fibres, kraft paper fibres and nanostructured calcium silicate as supports. UV/Vis and XRD showed Ag⁰ nanodomains were formed during the self-sensitisation process. SEM showed the morphology of the nanocomposites and that the nanoparticles were distributed within the nanocomposite matrix, not deposited on the surface. Preliminary photocatalytic activity of Ag/AgCl nanoparticles and nanocomposites was evaluated through the degradation of methylene blue when irradiated with light. All samples showed increased photocatalytic activity with the Ag/AgCl nanoparticles.</p>
Verdant Home: Growing Elements of Architecture
Authors:   , Babonnick Jenny 
Published: November 2021

<p>‘Verdant Home’ explores how the design of residential architecture can evoke the senses through the integration of the garden with the house. This research challenges the use of New Zealand native and exotic plant species as merely an addition to architecture; instead creating stimulating and efficacious verdant elements (components) as part of the architecture. Two concerns provoked investigations into this subject. Firstly, a concern for the gradually occurring loss of vegetation amongst city residences, and secondly a concern for the way in which green elements are often added to buildings, without consideration of how they could sensually transform and improve the aesthetics of space and context. The final refined solution addresses these concerns by incorporating verdant components in an advantageous way, creating a new typology of residential home for New Zealand. Modern architectural technologies allow conventionally separate garden spaces to be integrated with building forms, removing the need for separate garden spaces. These technologies provide humans with the positive environmental benefits of plants within interior spaces. This thesis builds on these benefits, providing ideas for enhancing spatial experiences within the home by merging programmatic use with the pleasurable qualities of gardens. Presented at the outset of the thesis is evidence supporting the physical and mental benefits of everyday human contact with nature. The pursuit for a way in which architecture can encompass verdant elements as integral components of the home is explored through a review of garden history and theory. This review provides specific inspiration for the creation of splendid spaces, spaces which manipulate dimension and materials, sensually practical spaces and statement spaces in the design of a residential home. Following this, buildings from various time periods and locations which innovatively incorporate vegetation are evaluated. An analysis of the New Zealand architectural context and its relationship to gardens is then completed, leading to designs which incorporate all of this research. This thesis challenges the current use of verdant elements such as: living walls, roofs and facades. Whilst these are beneficial technologies, there is potential for them to have an increased atmospheric effect on the spaces they are part of. New aesthetic possibilities are focused on through the designs, which utilise principles of historical garden design typologies to sensually integrate verdant technologies. This results in the creation of aesthetically engaging verdant home solutions.</p>
Glacier Speed-Up Events and Subglacial Hydrology on the Lower Franz Josef Glacier, New Zealand
Authors:   , Kehrl Laura M. 
Published: November 2021

<p>The contribution of glacier mass loss to future sea level rise is still poorly constrained (Lemke and others, 2007). One of the remaining unknowns is how water inputs influence glacier velocity. Short-term variations in glacier velocity occur when a water input exceeds the capacity of the subglacial drainage system, and the subglacial water pressure increases. Several studies (Van de Wal and others, 2008; Sundal and others, 2011) have suggested that high ice-flow velocities during these events are later offset by lower ice-flow velocities due to a more efficient subglacial drainage system. This study combines in-situ velocity measurements with a full Stokes glacier flowline model to understand the spatial and temporal variations in glacier flow on the lower Franz Josef Glacier, New Zealand. The Franz Josef Glacier experiences significant water inputs throughout the year (Anderson and others, 2006), and as a result, the subglacial drainage system is likely well-developed. In March 2011, measured ice-flow velocities increased by up to 75% above background values in response to rain events and by up to 32% in response to diurnal melt cycles. These speed-up events occurred at all survey locations across the lower glacier. Through flowline modelling, it is shown that the enhanced glacier flow can be explained by a spatially-uniform subglacial water pressure that increased during periods of heavy rain and glacier melt. From these results, it is suggested that temporary spikes in water inputs can cause glacier speed-up events, even when the subglacial hydrology system is well-developed (cf. Schoof, 2010). Future studies should focus on determining the contribution of glacier speed-up events to overall glacier motion.</p>