bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
In-Service Science Teachers’ Technological Pedagogical Content Knowledge Confidences and Views about Technology-Rich Environments
Authors: Timur Betül , Fatih Taşar Mehmet 
Published: November 2021

Today’s computers and related technologies have an important role in enabling visualisations of the workings of various scientific concepts, natural phenomena and mechanisms by creating technology-rich environments (TRE). TRE offer opportunities to science teachers in cases of natural phenomena that might be difficult or impossible to view, dangerous to conduct experiments about, impractical or too expensive to bring into the classroom, or too messy or time consuming to prepare in a school laboratory. However, science teaching cannot and should not be undertaken entirely by TRE. Science teachers need to know how tointegrate technology into science classrooms. Measuring science teachers’ confidence in technological pedagogical content knowledge (TPCK) and identifying their views about using TRE in science instruction is an important issue. The present study aims to address challenges faced by in-service science teachers when creating TRE and gives suggestions forsuccessful technology integration into science teaching. The data were gathered through a TPCK confidence survey and subsequent interviews. The results show that in-service science teachers have a low level of confidence in using technology during science teaching. The teachers surveyed stressed their need for professional development activities regardingthe effective and meaningful use of TRE in science teaching.
Social Capital and Educational Achievements: Coleman vs. Bourdieu
Authors: Rogošić Silvia , Baranović Branislava 
Published: November 2021

The influence of social capital on an individual’s educational achievements is the subject of numerous scientific papers. Research on social capital is most frequently based on Coleman’s (1988) or Bourdieu’s (1986) theories of capital, which are related to different paradigms of social theory: whereas Coleman’s approach has its roots in structural functionalism, Bourdieu’s approach contains elements of conflict theory. A number of authors, starting with Bourdieu, attempt to explain and prove that, when connected with the education of individuals, the activity of social capital facilitates social reproduction. Other authors support the notion that social capital is, in fact, a powerful weapon that encourages social mobility. A third group of researchers emphasise that neither of these approaches in isolation can entirety explain the influences of social capital on an individual’s education (Ho, 2003). The present paper offers a review of research focusing on the influences of social capital on educational achievements, while outlining the fundamental differences between the two theoretical approaches that are most frequently used for research of this topic. The aim of the paper is to explain the influence of social capital on an individual’s educational achievements under Bourdieu’s and Coleman’s theoretical concepts, and to establish whether combining the approaches is possible. The conclusion and arguments show that it is legitimate to use all three theoretical approaches.
The Sources of Inequity in the Education System of Serbia and How to Combat Them
Authors: Pešikan Ana , Ivić Ivan 
Published: November 2021

The concept of equal opportunity for all students is deeply embedded in the Serbian constitution and in education laws. On that level, there is no doubt that everyone is ensured an opportunity to receive quality education. Many measures in education policy have been created specifically to achieve this objective and make the system fair and inclusive. The ColemanReport was linked to a wave of optimism that certain educational measures would help in achieving these noble goals. This aim is a high priority in education in a democratic country, and due to its importance needs to be re-examined. Thus, the present research examines the equity of students in the Serbian education system, detecting areas on all educationallevels that could be (or already are) systemic sources of inequity (e.g., criteria for preschool institution enrolment, the system of student awards, rationalisation of the school network, the concept of entrance exams to secondary school or university, etc.). A number of measures have already been taken in the system specifically to deal with inequity (e.g., the Preschool Preparatory Programme, dropout measures, inclusion, scholarships, etc.). The effects of these measures in particular are analysed in the present work. In addition to an analysis of the systemic sources of inequity in the Serbian education system, the article also makes recommendations for their overcoming.
Developing Efficient Workflows for Contemporary Design Processes and Robotics
Authors:   , Smith Cameron 
Published: November 2021

<p>This Master’s thesis forms a section of a team based research project with the aim to understand how contemporary tools can inform a contemporary design workflow. This workflow is primarily focused on utilizing a robotic arm to incrementally form sheet aluminium into architectural components. Specifically, my role within this team is from the Project Management point of view trying to understand how Project Management can improve team focused contemporary design. The goal of the thesis is to establish a workflow outlining an efficient process for designing and fabricating prototype architectural systems. Research Questions: Team: How can contemporary tools inform a contemporary digital workflow? Individual: How can Project Management improve the performance and efficiency of team focused contemporary design workflows? The aims of the research are to first establish an understanding of the digital fabrication workflow and establish what management tools best fit within the workflow. This aligns with the team goal to create and establish how digital fabrication and robotics could be applied to New Zealand construction practice. The goal is not to suggest a replacement for current methods, but to understand and integrate a methodology using a parametric design process and, to aid the introduction of complexity in design not currently available through traditional construction and joinery methods. Understanding the function Project Management has for workflow management and development is a primary research goal which can be broken down into parts. - How can activities be efficiently designed? - What procedures need to be implemented? - What are the best process management techniques? The knowledge gained through an iterative work study shows that project managers have a unique perspective within the development of digital fabrication workflows. A project manager integrated into this process is able to influence and define the key performance indicators of projects undertaken within this contemporary environment. The method used to establish and develop a workflow for digital fabrication processes, is a work study. This involves developing a workflow based on similar cases and then redevelop it based on performance indicators from literature. Identifying key areas of failure is a part of this process and is a common method within industry for improving organisation efficiency and productivity. A limiting factor of this research is the fact the team was learning the process overtime. Therefore, people are subject to unequal levels of understanding of what needs to be considered as part of workflow development gaining new perspective with hindsight. This is not, and cannot be accounted for, however is noted as part of lessons learnt during the reflection process of the work-study.</p>
Flood of Ecology - Floodplain Habitation
Authors:   , Braczek Christopher 
Published: November 2021

<p>Larger and more devastating flood events are happening more frequently across the planet, but flooding is a natural occurrence for any river system. It is only due to human modification of the river system, through the removal of natural features and attempts at flood control, that creates flood hazards that cause damage to communities and ecosystems. Kapiti Coast’s terrain consisted, pre 19th century, of a mixture of dense coastal forests and extensive wetlands. The landscape has and always will be prone to flooding. With the addition of the expressway to the region, making it easier to travel to and from the capital Wellington, it is expected that the population of Kapiti will grow. But biodiversity may get lost, and flooding may become increasingly more frequent. How might new settlers learn to live with flooding and the constant risk that every time it rains it may cause damage to their homes or businesses? Can there be other benefits to floodplain management, such as biodiversity and recreation? The aim of this research is to investigate and develop strategies to aid in the settlement of floodplains so that biodiversity is improved, allowing people to live with floods and without the fear that flooding may cause damage. Specifically, the design-led research seeks to generate solutions that improve both flood awareness and flood protection along the Waikanae River. The design seeks to allow the river to express its own flow patterns, and then secondly, how settlement will work within that. It can then be a catalyst for settlement of floodplain areas along the edge of the river. This thesis will explore how ecology, rehabilitation and natural flood protection can be employed amongst an expanding urban context to create a new way of thinking about our rivers and mitigating the ever pressing issue of flooding.</p>
Talk It Out: Promoting Verbal Communication Through Virtual Reality Games
Authors:   , Bodnar James 
Published: November 2021

<p>Verbal communication skills have been shown to be important for both social and professional settings. However, a need for greater communication skills has been identified for graduated students entering the workplace, specifically task-based verbal communication (Daniels, 2001). In light of these findings new communication teaching techniques need to be explored to better prepare our students for effectively communicating information in their future work environment. This thesis researched the potential for virtual reality video games to promote verbal communication skills in students. The motivation behind using virtual reality video games to teach these skills is based on the theory (Richard Van Eck, 2006) that video games have the potential to enhance the learning outcome of students. Initial research also shows that virtual reality experiences further immerse the player in the educational setting improving their engagement with the game's content (Thornhill-Miller & Dupont, 2016). The thesis researched how virtual reality games can teach verbal communication skills firstly by analysing past works, completing an in- depth literature review and multiple case studies. Secondly, by using research through design methods in the creation of a prototype game that incorporates both communication and game teaching mechanics researched in the first stage. Finally, user tests were conducted on the prototype game to analyse how effective it was at promoting verbal communication skills in students. The paper’s outcome was that virtual reality games can be effective at promoting verbal communication skills and have tested specific teaching techniques and video game mechanics that can be used to effectively promote these skills.</p>
“Our bitterest enemies...” An Examination of Thebes’ Role in Athenian Tragedy
Authors:   , Hugman James 
Published: November 2021

<p>This thesis concerns itself with the depiction of mythical Thebes in extant Greek tragedy, and how this relates to the tragedians’ view of Athens itself. Throughout the Classical Period, Thebes was one of Athens’ biggest enemy poleis, and this complex relationship is often mirrored in the dramas that feature Thebes and Thebans in principal roles. For the purposes of this thesis, I am limiting my scope to dramas that deal with the “Seven Against Thebes” mythic cycle and, to pare the topic down even further, I am only examining those tragedies that feature either Eteocles, Polynices, or both. Chapter one deals with Aeschylus’ Seven Against Thebes, where I argue that Thebes is not only presented as a positive force, but actually comes to be identified as a stand-in for Athens. The Thebes of Aeschylus’ play shares many common factors with Athens of the early fifth-century B.C. Chapter two is about Euripides’ Phoenician Women. The main argument here is that Euripides uses his Theban characters as mouthpieces for his own ideas on political rhetoric, particularly political issues that are of importance to contemporary Athens. Additionally, Phoenician Women’s fragmented, episodic plot and its large cast of characters contribute to an image of Thebes as a disorganised, chaotic polis, and one that is the antithesis of Athens. At the same time, its emphasis on the feminine complicates this picture somewhat; although this contributes to the “anti-Athens” image, whether or not this is a positive thing is unclear. My third and final chapter concerns Sophocles’ Oedipus at Colonus and the lack of consistency in its depiction of Theban characters. Polynices and Creon are characterised negatively, but Oedipus and especially Antigone and Ismene appear in a much more positive light. Furthermore, Theseus appears in the OC as a representative of Athens so, fundamentally, the OC is about the relationship between the two poleis, and an exhortation for Thebes to strive to be more like Athens. My conclusion is that tragedy’s treatment of Thebes is malleable and that there is not necessarily one standard way of depicting mythical Theban characters. At the same time, I also conclude that, no matter how Thebes is represented, there is always an underlying tension regarding how Thebes relates to Athens; the two cities are in a constant state of comparison and contrast.</p>
Methods to Improve nZVI Adsorbance on Silicates Surface for Nitrate Reduction
Authors:   , Fraser Handayani 
Published: November 2021

<p>Efforts to remove excess nitrate in the groundwater typically involves expensive ion-exchange membranes or slow reacting bio-reactors. Nano-sized zero valent iron (nZVI) has been used successfully to reduce nitrate into ammonia in various sites in USA and Europe. However, nZVI has a number of major setbacks associated with it, namely the tendency to agglomerate due to magnetic properties, and the possible toxicity due to the nano-sized material. To circumvent these two setbacks, nZVI could be adsorbed onto solid support. In this research, geothermal sediment microsilicate 600 (Misi) was utilised as a support. Initial results suggested that Misi has potential as a support for nZVI, however modifications were required to improve the adsorbance of nZVI onto Misi surface. Calcination, activation, acid wash and iron oxyhydroxide coating were used as surface modifications for Misi. It was found that the two most important modifications for nZVI adsorption was calcination at either 400 or 600 °C and acid washing in 5.6 M HCl. Equipped with this knowledge, other silica and silicates were also used to adsorb nZVI. For pure silica surfaces, 3-APTES and 3-TPTMS ligands and pore enlarging methods of calcination of porogen and salt wash were also used. nZVI was not able to be fully adsorbed on pure silica surfaces. Four other silicates were examined: Rice husk ash, Western Australia silica fume, Mt Piper fly ash, and precipitated aluminium silicate. Of these, only Western Australia silica fume and precipitated aluminium silicate showed potential as nZVI support. Based on the SEM-EDS XRD data of all the silica and silicates, it could be tentatively concluded that nZVI requires an aluminium silicate surface for successful adsorption. Aluminium silicate surfaces typically has an exchangeable cation present, and this cation might play a part in nZVI adsorption. The nZVI/Misi surface was then utilised to reduce nitrate. It was discovered that even though activation and FeOOH did not play a part in nZVI adsorption onto Misi surface, these two steps were important in reduction of nitrate, as the presence of activation and FeOOH increase the reduction of nitrate significantly within 60 minutes. The Misi-supported nZVI were also shown to be more stable in dispersion, and less agglomerated as shown in a sand column experiment.</p>
An Empirical Study on Multiple Corporate Directorships in New Zealand: A New Interpretation of Selected Governance Theories
Authors:   , Jahan Mosammet 
Published: November 2021

<p>This thesis contributes to the literature on Multiple Directorships (MDS) by providing new evidence that prestigious MDS are value enhancing relative to non-prestigious MDS for New Zealand listed companies. The recent debate surrounding the reasons for including multiple (busy) directors on the board as well as the diverse conclusions of prior studies on MDS draw attention to the fact that theoretically-informed possibilities of MDS are yet to be explored, especially in a setting where the higher incidence of MDS has been driven by a unique institutional environment. New Zealand is one example of such a setting. To explore one aspect of these issues, this research first asks whether there are firm ‘performance’ differences between prestigious MDS and non-prestigious MDS. The results of initial tests show that prestigious MDS have a positive influence on performance outcomes for their organizations, while there is a negative or no significant relationship between non-prestigious MDS and firm performance. These results also suggest a one-way causal effect of prestigious MDS on firm performance. Having determined the better value of prestigious MDS, the subsequent and primary question of this thesis is to explore ‘why’ differences may exist between the two categories of MDS. Three corporate governance theories, namely, Resource Dependence, Agency and Managerial Hegemony are employed to differentiate, and thus to help explain, the sources of prestigious MDS success. The results of the second set of tests reveal that the differences between prestigious and non-prestigious MDS can primarily be explained by firms’ needs for easier acquisition of critical resources, which are often associated with the level of agency conflicts and the presence of powerful CEOs. Empirical evidence then suggests that prestigious MDS potentially create value for New Zealand companies in terms of facilitating access to critical resources and minimizing agency conflicts as well as CEO influence on board oversight. The findings have potential policy implications, especially in an export-oriented economy with geographic isolation and small scale of population, such as New Zealand. Regulators, for instance, the Financial Markets Authority and Institute of Directors should be mindful of the need to retain expert (prestigious) directors and cautiously evaluate before initiating any new regulation regarding MDS.</p>
Variation in behavioural traits and their molecular basis in the globally invasive Argentine ant
Authors:   , Felden Antoine 
Published: November 2021

<p>A salient question in invasion biology is to elucidate what traits make some species invasive and not others. Recently, the introduction process has been hypothesised to function as a filter, selecting for traits that promote invasiveness in introduced populations. Behaviour has been increasingly recognised as a significant driver of animal invasions, but few studies focus on how the introduction process may affect behavioural variation across an invader’s range. This thesis aims at investigating the consequences of the introduction process on behavioural variation along an introduction pathway in the globally widespread Argentine ant. In Chapter I, I investigated transcriptome-wide variations associated with morphological caste as well as worker foraging propensity. I found a number of transcripts showed caste and behaviour-specific expression profiles, and that foraging workers exhibit higher expression of genes related to chemosensory receptors and neurological pathways known to be associated with foraging behaviour and aggression. In chapter II, I investigated octopamine-mediated modulation of foraging behaviour and aggression using pharmacological manipulations using synthetic octopamine (OA) and one of its antagonists. I found that OA was associated with colony-level foraging activity, but did not appear to similarly drive changes in individual behaviour. However, my results suggest that OA is associated with individual aggressiveness, and I also found an association between OA and foraging propensity. In chapter III, I tested the hypothesis that the introduction process selected for increased risk-taking behaviour along the Argentine ant introduction pathway. I used behavioural assays combined with OA diet supplementation in four regions along the introduction pathway, and showed that both behavioural variation and plasticity were consistent across the range, not in support of our hypothesis. Finally, in chapter IV I investigated transcriptome-wide expression profiles in workers along the introduction pathway and discovered distinct transcriptomic signatures associated with range. I found that specific immune and neural pathways were differentially regulated in the introduced range compared to the native range. Overall, my results contribute to a better understanding of caste differentiation and neuromodulation of key behaviours in invasive ants. While I did not find behavioural differentiation between native and invasive Argentine ant populations, I show that they are characterised by specific transcriptomic signatures perhaps underlying the ant’s invasion success. This is one of the first global and integrative studies to focus on changes associated with the introduction of invasive species, and may have important implications for the understanding of biological invasions.</p>