bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Glacial-interglacial productivity in the Polar Frontal Zone, southwest Pacific Ocean
Authors:   , Liston Melanie Anne 
Published: December 2021

<p>The Southern Ocean has a central role in regulating global climate change. Research has shown evidence of changes in biological productivity are coincident with increased iron deposition and rising atmospheric CO2 concentrations. The current data suggests these processes occur homogenously throughout the Southern Ocean, where research largely focuses on changes in biogenic silica as a proxy for upwelling and enhanced opal production. The role of calcium carbonate productivity, however, is rarely discussed, or is referred to in terms of preservation changes associated with shoaling and deepening of the lysocline. This assumption ignores potentially important effects of carbonate productivity and inter-basin complexities on ocean-atmosphere CO2 exchange. Two gravity cores (TAN1302-96 and TAN1302-97) collected from the southwest Pacific Polar Frontal Zone (PFZ) provide more insight into productivity changes and inter-basin differences across glacial-interglacial timescales. Detailed geochemical analysis, together with δ18O stratigraphy and 14C chronology, were used to reconstruct glacial-interglacial changes in terrigenous input and paleoproductivity in the PFZ. Sedimentological and biological analyses provide additional information to support the geochemical observations. This study highlights two distinct productivity modes (i.e. biogenic silica and calcium carbonate) that vary over glacial-interglacial timescales and with respect to the position of the Polar Front (PF). Key findings include; 1) a systematic series of key biological changes are repeated during glacial Terminations I (TI) and II (TII), the order of which depends on the position relative to the PF; 2) calcium carbonate productivity dominates the early part of the Termination north of the PF, whereas the production of biogenic silica dominates the early Termination south of the PF; 3) following TI and TII, calcium carbonate leads productivity in the early interglacials (i.e. MIS 5e and the Holocene), followed by the production of biogenic silica during the late interglacials, concurrent with declining atmospheric CO2 concentrations.</p>
Exploring the Coordination Potential of Monodentate and Bidentate Bicyclic Guanidine Ligands
Authors:   , Luiten Cara 
Published: December 2021

<p>This thesis reports investigations of the interaction of arene-bicyclic guanidine ligands, using the 1,3,4,6,7,8-hexahydro-2H-pyrimido[1,2-a]pyrimidine (hppH) guandine (Figure i) as a foundation, with a variety of metal centres. Beginning with 1-benzyl-1,3,4,6,7,8-hexahydro-2H-pyrimido[1,2-a]pyrimidine (Ph(CH2hpp)), attempts were made to coordinate this ligand to group 1 metal N{SiMe3}2- salts, which resulted in a novel NaN{SiMe3}2 crystal structure. Ligands comprised of a phenyl group with multiple hpp units in varying substitution patterns were also synthesised and reacted with group 1 metal N{SiMe3}2- salts to investigate the possibility of bidentate and tridentate arene-hpp coordination. This resulted in the synthesis of two novel compounds containing KN{SiMe3}2. Both sigma and pi-interactions with potassium were observed in the crystal structure of one of these compounds. NMR data that support analogous coordination to lithium and sodium analogues were also obtained. The ligands with multiple hpp units were introduced to highly reactive main group antinomy and bismuth species in an attempt to achieve a coordination with increased hapticity of the pi-interaction. A novel antimony structure was obtained with asymmetric coordination of an arene-hpp ligand in which an intramolecular C-H activation was achieved. An N-phosphino guaninde was synthesised and employed in this research due its potential to coordinate through both its available nitrogen and phosphorus atoms. This ligand was reacted with a variety of metal centres which revealed information about the strength of the N-P bond in the ligand. Two novel crystal structures were obtained which both contained novel group 1 clusters with coordinating hpp units. Finally, attempts were made to coordinate Ph(CH2hpp) to transition metal halides and N{SiMe3}2- salts. These attempts resulted in one novel crystal structure.</p>
Developing Procedural Generation Tools for Video Game Audio Designers
Authors:   , Wratt Christopher 
Published: December 2021

<p>In video games, audio is often a vital element in the creation of immersive gaming experiences. One set of techniques that are particularly well suited to attaining this immersion are procedural audio techniques. These techniques enable enhanced immersion through supporting close synchronisation between player and game state in ways that are difficult to achieve with other game audio techniques. While this is the case, there is a lack of GUI and script-based tools that support the use of such techniques. This thesis explores this lack, and documents the development of two new video game tools for the creation of procedurally generated audio. The first of these tools is a Musical Instrument Digital Interface (MIDI) library that supports the playback and real-time manipulation of MIDI files in the Unity game engine. The tool achieves real-time procedural audio, yet fails to meet required levels of time accuracy and is only a partial success. The second tool developed is a plugin hosting application that enables the use of the popular audio plugin format, VST2, in the Unity game engine. The tool succeeds in achieving VST2 effect plugin loading and, at the time of the completion of this thesis, is the only tool capable of embedding such plugins into applications developed in a major game engine. This will be of significant benefit to game developers who wish to achieve a high degree of immersivity in the music and sound design in their games.</p>
Designing a Personalised Mobile Application to Improve Engagement With PFMT Therapy Amongst Women From Pregnancy To One Year After Delivery
Authors:   , Jones Mahkaila 
Published: December 2021

<p>Women who are pregnant, or have given birth are at high risk of developing Pelvic Floor Disorder (PFD) due to the physical stress placed on the pelvic muscles during this time. When left untreated, PFD can cause symptoms such as incontinence, organ prolapse and pelvic pain in sufferers. Pelvic Floor Muscle Training (PFMT) is a highly effective means of treating and preventing symptoms of PFD. However, adherence rates to PFMT remain low. Amongst the biggest barriers to adherence are incorrect technique, lack of knowledge, memory, time, low motivation and stigma. As with the physical symptoms of PFD, these barriers impact sufferers in ways unique to each individual. Findings from the existing literature suggest that personalising the intervention to accommodate these varying factors may improve adherence. This study focuses on the development of a personalised mobile application to improve engagement with PFMT amongst women from pregnancy, up to one year after delivery. The goal of the application is to improve engagement with PFMT through addressing key barriers to adherence, and guiding correct performance of PFMT. An initial design criteria and five user personas were developed. The criteria and personas were used to develop prototypes, which were then user tested. The designs were then refined based on user feedback. Designs were also informed by feedback from interviews with clinicians and women. The results of this study indicate that a mobile application is an ineffective means of guiding PFMT technique. However the application proved effective in addressing the barrier of memory through the use of context based triggers. The integration of the Hooked model in the application design had a low to moderate effect on improving engagement with PFMT. Opportunities for a personalised design approach in the areas of instruction, facilitation of exercises and preferences for application features were identified.</p>
Adapt
Authors:   , Henley Ethan 
Published: December 2021

<p>This paper presents a system for digitally manufacturing hyper personalised sets of cutlery for stroke patients. Stroke produces a wide variety of physical, cognitive, emotional and social effects that vary widely among individuals and may include weakness or paralysis on one side of the body, contractures and inability to rotate joints. This design addresses the factors including weakened grip strength, contracted wrist and fingers, limited range of motion in the wrist, hand tremors and lack of control. Becoming independent again is an essential stage for patients and difficulty performing standard eating tasks is a commonly reported effect after stroke, which is challenging physically and emotionally. There are existing ergonomic eating aids on the market, but none that offer personalisation for the widely different physiological effects of stroke, or that effectively integrate a sense of progression and achievement, which is the key to keeping patients motivated and confident throughout the rehabilitation process. This study investigates the way design can help reduce product related and social stigma for upper limb stroke rehabilitation patients in the use of cutlery. This research explores the way that a parametric system can be implemented to aid clinicians in identifying the individual needs of patients against a list of criteria. This design study has developed a set of cutlery that assists patients, making them feel confident and comfortable using cutlery in situations outside of their homes, as well as assisting as a therapy device. This research presents a parametric system that allows for controlling the variables relative to the design criteria based on the patient’s physiological abilities. The variables include the ability to change the diameter and size of the handle, the curve of the utensil in the (x,y) plane, the angle of the handle in the (x,z) plane and the depth of the finger groove which accommodates the index finger. The paper presents the main findings from how participants experienced stigma, clinicians feedback on the appropriateness of the cutlery designs, and how personalisation contributes to motivation within therapy. These main findings conclude that cutlery designed for stroke patients needs to be personalised, as each patient has very individual needs according to their very individual impairments. Current cutlery does not address them all and even less address them through personalisation. The specific variables in the system need to be controlled and restricted to ensure that all 40,000 of the possible outcomes are effective.</p>
Accepting an Assisted Sleep - Addressing Barriers that Influence Engagement with Continuous Positive Air Pressure Therapy through Design.
Authors:   , O'Brien Katie 
Published: December 2021

<p>This paper aims to answer the question ‘What are the initial experiences of people who use Continuous Positive Air Pressure (CPAP) therapy, and how can design address barriers that influence engagement within the first week of therapy?’ Obstructive Sleep Apnoea (OSA) is a respiratory sleep condition that is characterised by a repetitive collapse of the upper airway during sleep, causing a lack of oxygen and build up on carbon dioxide within the body. Left untreated, OSA can lead to serious medical conditions that may significantly reduce one’s quality of life and risk early death. The primary treatment for OSA is Continuous Positive Air Pressure (CPAP) therapy. This is a machine that pumps pressurised air through a facial mask to keep the airway open during sleep. Even though CPAP is the most effective treatment for OSA, it is known to be burdensome and adherence is problematic. This thesis identifies the barriers that influence CPAP engagement through literature reviews, online surveys, cultural probes, and interviews with manufacturers, clinicians and CPAP users. The barriers identified include first impressions, product-related and social stigma, the ability to troubleshoot issues and the level of support, education and feedback present in the initial stages of therapy. The outputs from this research focus on improving the user experience through design-based interventions. First, packaging solutions that focus on the interaction, the user’s first impressions, display of product information, and ease of assembly of the equipment. Second, a website that addresses education, support, customisation and the ability to troubleshoot issues. Third, customisable aspects that focus on personalisation of the CPAP equipment through 3D knitting processes that develop customised fabric hose covers. Lastly an application that addresses feedback, support and troubleshooting issues. Concepts are assessed against their relevance to the design criteria.</p>
Effects of International Exposure on Corporate Social Responsibility of the Chinese Corporate Sector: The Moderating Role of CEO Duality
Authors:   , Ravi Radhika 
Published: December 2021

<p>International exposure of a firm into new environments is one of the most important paths to firm growth. It provides growth opportunities and learning, and poses challenges of managing uncertainties of the new institutional environment, and demands of diverse domestic and international stakeholders. Despite the abundance of research on the effects of international exposure of a firm on its performance, the effects on corporate social responsibility (CSR) are not well understood. In addition to examining the direct effects of the international exposure of a firm on CSR activities in the home country, this study also examines the moderating role of Chief Executive Officer (CEO) duality in the association between international exposure of a firm and CSR activities in the home country. Drawing from institutional theory and agency theory, this study argues that international exposure of a firm leads to a decrease in CSR activities in the home country. It further posits that CEO duality also negatively affects CSR activities in the home country. Further, the proposed moderation hypotheses argue that the negative effects of international exposure of a firm on CSR activities in the home country are stronger for firms with CEO duality as compared to non-duality. The proposed hypotheses are tested with data from 240 publicly listed Chinese firms between 2008 and 2016, consisting of 1920 firm-years. The panel data is analysed using Linear Mixed Modelling (LMM) with the SPSS software. The findings support all the proposed hypotheses. This study makes three key contributions. Firstly, the study uses the institutional theory and agency theory to provide evidence for the negative effects of international exposure of a firm and CEO duality on CSR activities in the home country. Secondly, it enhances the understanding of how CEO duality acts as a boundary condition between international exposure of a firm and CSR relationships. Thirdly, it contributes to the emerging economy multinational enterprises literature by enhancing understanding of the proposed relationships in the context of the Chinese corporate sector.</p>
Characterisation of a dual-colour retinoic acid reporter system for analysing cells and embryos
Authors:   , Black Bianca 
Published: December 2021

<p>Vitamin A is an important component in the diet as its metabolites, the retinoids, play key roles in a vast range of cellular functions, from production of germ cells, to embryonic development and right through until adulthood. The function of retinoids, in particular retinoic acid (RA), is especially important during early embryonic development, where it is responsible for many different key developmental events. Some of the processes controlled by RA include brain region patterning, Hox gene expression, axis establishment and somite formation. Here, we aimed to characterise the expression pattern of retinoic acid in the early murine embryo and isolate cell populations from a range of RA concentrations to analyse the mRNA expression. To do this, we used a transgenic mouse line which expressed a reporter plasmid that was able to show, through the expression of two fluorescent proteins, areas of high RA concentration and area of low RA concentration. We tested the function of this reporter system in vitro, using cell lines which were transfected with the plasmid and exposed to RA in their growth media. This worked showed a somewhat does-dependent response from the reporter system expressing the fluorescent proteins. We then imaged transgenic embryos at various stages of early development, to ascertain the areas of RA expression and repression. Here, we saw fluorescent protein expression patterns that indicated both high and low concetrations of RA. Using this information, we dissociated transgenic E8.5 embryos and sorted the cells based on their levels of expression of the two fluorescent proteins, as well as by tissue type, which had been marked with antibodies. mRNA was extracted from these populations and PCR was performed to identify the presence of Hox genes and to see any difference in expression patterns across the various cell populations.</p>
Learning to code: A narrative inquiry - “Without code we would probably be like cave people”
Authors:   , Popat Shahira 
Published: December 2021

<p>In 2018 there was educational change in New Zealand with the introduction of new curriculum content for digital technologies. A key component of the digital technologies curriculum content was computational thinking where all students from Years 1 to 10 were expected to learn core coding concepts. The reasons for introducing coding into schools reflected a range of ideologies including preparing children to contribute meaningfully to society in the digital age. This narrative inquiry aimed to explore the value of coding in the curriculum through the experiences of students in Years 7 and 8. The research questions to meet this aim were; Why do students think coding is taught in school? Do students use coding outside of school? Why do students want to learn how to code and how do students think coding might help them or be useful? Curriculum ideologies underpinned this study as a theoretical framework to evaluate student experiences of coding across two case studies. The narratives were derived from focus group interviews held at two different schools. Similarities across the case studies included students’ beliefs about the benefits of including coding in the curriculum. Students’ felt confident that learning coding allowed them to; understand the digital world, create digital products, prepare for the future, teach others and fix broken technology. They could not comprehend what their lives would be like without technology and therefore coding. Some students believed that “without code we would probably be like cave people”. The main difference between the case studies was the level of teacher direction. This reflected a contradiction between competing curriculum ideologies and addressed the broader debate in education of 21st century skills versus powerful knowledge. The contradictions highlighted how the pedagogical design of coding in the curriculum could be effectively structured. Traditional knowledge and teacher explanation were found to be important to students when learning more complex coding. However, globalisation is a key concept for education in a digital age. Therefore, opportunities can be created for students to build on knowledge and collaborate in new and challenging ways. Treating coding as a social practice by teaching students to connect with the wider community or to use programming for social good can engage them with experiences beyond their own. This does not mean abandoning the elements of 21st century learning, such as students’ own experiences or active learning. Drawing on the strengths of both traditional knowledge and 21st century learning approaches can lead to more powerful knowledge creation.</p>
Conversations from the Coalface: Positive Asymmetry and the Culture of Silence that Surrounds the Pike River Mine Tragedy
Authors:   , Mulholland Catriana 
Published: December 2021

<p>Charles Perrow (1999) once famously noted ‘Where body counting replaces social and cultural values and excludes us from participating in decisions about the risks that a few have decided the many cannot do without, the issue is not risk, but power.’ This dissertation explores positive asymmetry (Cerulo 2006) and the culture of silence that surrounds Pike River Mine disaster that killed 29 men on the West Coast of Aotearoa/New Zealand on 19 November 2010. This asymmetry involves habitual ways of thinking and behaving which increase the propensity to ignore an approaching worst case scenario in order to meet intended outcomes. Increasingly lauded in ‘get rich quick’ cultures, positive asymmetry can be lethal in mining and other hazardous workplaces where there is pressure to meet demands of the market that override pre-existing flaws in systems and culture, and it is often accompanied by practices of eclipsing (acts of banishing, physical seclusion, shunning) clouding (impressionism, shadowing) and recasting (rhetorical, prescriptive behaviours). There is a culture of silence that accompanies this cognitive symmetry in relation to the case of Pike River Mine which existed from its early development and continues years after the fatalities in a culture of socially organised denial; which is one in which there is a collective distancing among individuals due to norms of emotion, conversation and attention (Norgaard 2011). What happened at Pike River Mine was not the result of an attention deficit model. There was plenty of information. The mine had some good safety systems. They were not utilised. So what was going on? In this thesis, I look to the James Reason Model of Accident Causation used before the Royal Commission of Inquiry into the disaster and argue that although this does well to describe risk and to illustrate accident causation as a failure of organizational systems, it cannot as a structural model possibly describe the cultural logic and power dynamics which lay beneath the competition driving decision-makers within these systems. Pike River Mine was a case of deliberate risk and hibernating beneath that risk was (and still can be) a base of unchecked power. It follows that any ‘errortolerant’ systems we design for safer workplaces will only work insofar as there is an ‘error-intolerant culture’ inside the industry. Pike River Mine was not an isolated incident and if we fail to look to the power that lay behind that deliberate risk taking, there will be more ‘Pikes’ to come. There exists a triple helix to this tragedy consisting of power, risk and asymmetry. In practising vigilance, we need to look to the junction of these three, for therein lies the perfect storm of conditions for future human tragedy and financial disaster in whichever industry chooses to practice it.</p>