bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Enhancing Social Dynamism in Interior Architecture through the Use of Social Friction
Authors:   , Kachwalla Nazia 
Published: November 2021

<p>This thesis views urban design as a discipline that influences social patterns and interaction by using design elements to provide for different types of social connections. It studies the phenomenon of "social friction", a term coined by Richard Sennett in 1971, as a productive mechanism for social interaction in the urban context. The aim of the thesis is to explore whether urban design models to promote social friction are valid for interior architecture, and if so, to consider how social friction might positively inform the level of social dynamism in large public buildings. Since the 1960s urban theorists like Jane Jacobs, Christopher Alexander and others discuss urban elements within overlapping city structures that facilitate social interaction between the different social groups. Critical characteristics of successful urban structures recognise this system of overlap or exchange as a positive contribution to the social life in a city. Permeable boundaries, spatial adjacencies of different functions, the composition of new and old architecture on the same footpath, etc. are seen to establish activity flows between various categories of people. The ability of urban design to affect the social dynamism in any area is seen in this thesis as an opportunity to be exploited by the discipline of interior architecture. The thesis studies various elements that create an overlapping system within the city structure to enhance social interaction. During such a study it discovers three different social friction types: manipulated friction, visual friction and indirect friction. Each of these is seen to create different types of connections between diverse social groups. The thesis then analyses interior architectural elements which have similar characteristics and explains how they become mechanisms that can manipulate social friction when used in the interior setting of large public buildings like museums, libraries and airports. Traditional interior architectural circulatory elements and spatial elements are analysed with a view to determine the level and type of social interaction they allow. The study of the urban context enables such an analysis of the interior elements in terms of social interaction and the type of social friction they create.</p>
The Fates of Dendritic Cells and Antigen Regulate CD4+ T Cell Responses
Authors:   , Ma Joel Zhi-Iong 
Published: November 2021

<p>The rapid activation of effector T cells by antigen-presenting dendritic cells (DCs) is necessary to contain and eradicate pathogens. Upon eradication of the pathogens by effector T cells, the immune response eventually resolves, and the clearance of residual antigen is necessary to prevent immune cell exhaustion or immunopathology. It has been proposed that the elimination of antigen-presenting DCs by CD8+ cytotoxic T cells (CTLs) limits the duration of antigen presentation, hence resolving ongoing immune responses. However, inter-DC antigen transfer spreads antigens for further antigen presentation and may reduce the effect of CTL-mediated DC killing. The aim of my thesis was to examine the impact of CTL-mediated DC killing and inter-DC antigen transfer on the induction and the quality of resulting T cell responses. Initial experiments established that CTLs eliminated antigen-bearing DCs mainly through the cytolytic molecule perforin, whereas FasL played a minor role. CTL-mediated DC killing prevented antigen-bearing DCs from stimulating naive CD4+ and CD8+ T cells in the draining lymph nodes. Thus, CTLs regulated the clonal expansion of naive T cells by controlling the survival of antigen-presenting DCs. The efficiency of CTL-mediated DC killing depended on the method of antigen loading onto DCs, and to a lesser extent, the method of generating CTLs. Surprisingly, efficient CTL-mediated DC killing that completely prevented the accumulation of injected DCs in the lymph nodes did not abolish T cell proliferation, indicating that other antigen presenting cells (APCs) were inducing the residual T cell proliferation when the antigen-bearing DCs were eliminated by CTLs. Further investigations revealed that the antigen from the injected DCs was transferred to host DCs. In the absence of direct antigen presentation by injected DCs, host DCs stimulated local T cell proliferation but did not induce a systemic effector T cell response. In contrast, in the presence of efficient CTL-mediated DC killing, inter-DC antigen transfer enabled the host DCs to stimulate T cell proliferation. These T cells then developed into iii functional effector T cells. In conclusion, in the absence of inter-DC antigen transfer, CTLmediated DC killing reduces the size of T cell responses. However, in the presence of inter- DC antigen transfer, the impact of CTL-mediated DC killing is reduced, hence influencing the size and quality of T cell responses. My findings shed light on how CTL-mediated DC killing and inter-DC antigen transfer regulate immune responses and how DC vaccine regimens for immunotherapy can be improved.</p>
Necroeconomics: Power, Ethics, and the Political Economy of Human-Animal Relations
Authors:   , Dutkiewicz Jan 
Published: November 2021

<p>This paper is an innovative addition to the ongoing debate about human-animal relations. It approaches the topic from the perspective of political economy rather than moral philosophy and seeks to provide an explanatory framework combining commodification of animals and death in the global economy. While acknowledging the importance of the ongoing debate about animal rights, it seeks to shift the focus of analysis of industries which create value through the killing of animals toward one based on the Foucauldian notions of power as biopolitics and governance. In order to reconceptualise the relations of power which exist between human business interests and animal life, it introduces the notion that animals killed for meat, by-products, or research purposes are treated as necrocommodities; that is, commodities whose value is created as a direct result of death. By challenging the prevalent notions of speciesist hierarchisation and property rights, it seeks to cast a new light on the tangible power relations which exist between humans and animal species which are hunted or fished for profit. In doing so, this paper challenges the notion that the economy is amoral. Instead, it presents a preliminary picture of an economy rooted in inter-species power relations which is necessarily subject to a moral critique. The case study of the International Whaling Commission (IWC) and ongoing "scientific" whaling is used to elucidate and introduce the concept of necroeconomics, but the main goal is to present an analytical framework that has a bearing on wider moral and structural issues in the international animal and animal product industry. Moreover, it situates animal-human relations within broader problems of modernity, thereby broadening its scope and calling for more academic focus on the place of animals in the modern political economy and its attendant circuits of power.</p>
Context Awareness and Intelligence in Cognitive Radio Networks: Design and Applications
Authors:   , Yau Kok-Lim 
Published: November 2021

<p>CR technology, which is the next-generation wireless communication system, improves the utilization of the overall radio spectrum through dynamic adaptation to local spectrum availability. In CR networks, unlicensed or Secondary Users (SUs) may operate in underutilized spectrum (called white spaces) owned by the licensed or Primary Users (PUs) conditional upon PUs encountering acceptably low interference levels. Ideally, the PUs are oblivious to the presence of the SUs. Context awareness enables an SU to sense and observe its operating environment, which is complex and dynamic in nature; while intelligence enables the SU to learn knowledge, which can be acquired through observing the consequences of its prior action, about its operating environment so that it carries out the appropriate action to achieve optimum network performance in an efficient manner without following a strict and static predefined set of policies. Traditionally, without the application of intelligence, each wireless host adheres to a strict and static predefined set of policies, which may not be optimum in many kinds of operating environment. With the application of intelligence, the knowledge changes in line with the dynamic operating environment. This thesis investigates the application of an artificial intelligence approach called reinforcement learning to achieve context awareness and intelligence in order to enable the SUs to sense and utilize the high quality white spaces. To date, the research focus of the CR research community has been primarily on the physical layer of the open system interconnection model. The research into the data link layer is still in its infancy, and our research work focusing on this layer has been pioneering in this field and has attacted considerable international interest. There are four major outcomes in this thesis. Firstly, various types of multi-channel medium access control protocols are reviewed, followed by discussion of their merits and demerits. The purpose is to show the additional functionalities and challenges that each multi-channel medium access control protocol has to offer and address in order to operate in CR networks. Secondly, a novel cross-layer based quality of service architecture called C2net for CR networks is proposed to provide service prioritization and tackle the issues associated with CR networks. Thirdly, reinforcement learning is applied to pursue context awareness and intelligence in both centralized and distributed CR networks. Analysis and simulation results show that reinforcement learning is a promising mechanism to achieve context awareness and intelligence. Fourthly, the versatile reinforcement learning approach is applied in various schemes for performance enhancement in CR networks.</p>
What are the Implications for Public Policy in New Zealand regarding Biochar as a Climate Change Mitigation Tool?
Authors:   , Quade Dorothee 
Published: November 2021

<p>The past years have seen biochar appearing on the political radar as a potential greenhouse gas (GHG) mitigation tool. Biochar is a charcoal-like substance that is produced from smouldering biomass in oxygen-starved conditions in a kiln. The resulting light and highly porous material can be applied to soil where it has been suggested that it sequesters carbon and increases soil fertility. This research surveys the current scientific understanding of biochar and the institutional framework pertinent to climate change mitigation and potential future biochar deployment in NZ. This is complemented by empirical data, gathered via semi-structured interviews and online surveys. The stakeholder groups determined for the purpose of this study are agriculture (with an emphasis on organic agriculture), forestry and wood processing, bioenergy/biochar businesses, research institutions and government agencies. There is no recognition of biochar in international compliance carbon markets at present and the debate about biochar's future inclusion is ongoing. Biochar performance in soils is highly variable depending on feedstock, manufacturing conditions, soil type and climate to name a few. Scientific uncertainties are related to the permanence of carbon storage in biochar, its agronomic benefits when applied to soil and its life cycle performance in terms of greenhouse gases and energy. While research into a more detailed understanding of biochar is underway, there is still a lack of large-scale and long-term field trials both internationally and domestically. In this context, public policy is faced with decision-making under conditions of risk and uncertainty. Theory suggests some guidance in the form of environmental policy principles such as the sustainability and Precautionary Principles. General policy criteria, including effectiveness, efficiency, equity, compliance with international obligations and political and social acceptability, as well as innovation theory are also proposed as a theoretical framework against which to assess the viability of biochar in a NZ setting. Results suggest that biochar deployment in NZ may be a boutique solution for niche applications rather than a large-scale commercial opportunity. Biochar research in NZ is nascent, yet future policy decision-making depends on its outcomes to assess the merits of biochar for NZ. If biochar technology is to be diffused in NZ, policy will need to carefully craft legislation and incentive structures so as to ensure a sustainable pathway. Various stakeholder groups need to be consulted throughout the decision-making process. Transparency is key to building trust and understanding about the potentials and pitfalls of biochar deployment in NZ. A public debate and continuous dialogue between the research, policy, practitioners and other communities is required to achieve a mutually satisfactory outcome.</p>
Mechanisms Involved in Type II Macrophage Activation and Effector Functions
Authors:   , Kharkrang Marie Clare Lydia 
Published: November 2021

<p>Autoimmunities are extremely difficult to treat and involved in their pathogenesis are pro-inflammatory immune responses redirected against one's own tissues. Studies in our lab have shown macrophages that are induced to become type II macrophages protect against an animal model of MS, experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE), with protection due to immune deviation. Another way to deviate immune responses away from inflammation is by infection with the parasitic helminth Schistosoma mansoni, which also protects against EAE. The contribution of type II macrophages in this protection is unknown, as are the mechanisms involved in promoting the phenotype induced by type II activation. This project investigates key mechanisms involved in type II activation, while also elucidating the possible effect of schistosome exposure on the induction of this activation state. Using a validated model of type II activation in vitro, we compared the effects of schistosome immune complexes on various macrophage properties such as cytokine, surface marker and enzymatic profiles. This thesis identified that exposure to schistosome complexes induces a macrophage state with characteristics of two distinct activation states (type II and alternative activation), as well as completely novel characteristics. This activation state shows many phenotypic properties associated with immune regulation, and may have important consequences for understanding mechanisms involved in protection against inflammatory illnesses. We also investigated key mechanisms involved in the anti-inflammatory responses induced by type II activation. Cytokine, chemokine and surface marker profiles of macrophages were assessed in response to type II activation in vitro, with the main emphasis on determining the effects of IL-10 and CD40 on the type II activation phenotype and function. This investigation found that type II activated macrophages depend on low levels of CD40/CD40L signalling to polarise Th2 development, as the expression of receptors for Th2-inducing cytokines are significantly impaired in the absence of this interaction. This suggests an important role for the low but maintained levels of CD40 on type II activated macrophages, in aiding the deviation of immune responses, while maintaining Th2 polarization. We also suggest a suppressive role of CD40/CD40L in IL-10 production, which is a novel find. The requirement of new treatments for MS is escalating as more people are affected each year. The impact of MS on the quality of life is severe and long lasting. Having a greater understanding of the mechanisms involved in deviating pro-inflammatory or anti-inflammatory responses will enable the development of much more effective treatments and therapies in the future.</p>
The Korowai Framework: Assessing GE through the Values the ART Confederation Associates with Ngarara
Authors:   , Baker Mahina-a-rangi 
Published: November 2021

<p>The aim of this thesis is to assess genetic engineering (GE) through the values that the Confederation of Te Ati Awa, Ngati Raukawa ki te tonga and Ngati Toarangatira (the ART Confederation) associates with ngarara. The Korowai Framework was developed to conduct this assessment. Interviews were conducted with 14 participants from across the ART Confederation on the values they associate with ngarara and their interpretations of GE. The values associated with ngarara that were identified in the interviews, were used constitute the kaupapa of the Korowai Framework. The key values identified are: mauri, whakapapa, tohu, tapu, and kaitiakitanga. It emerged from the interviews that ngarara appeal to us to be conscious of our intricately bound connection to and dependency on living systems. The assessment through the Korowai Framework found that the outcomes of GE do not uphold the values associated with ngarara. Participants articulated significant concerns that GE confounds the ART Confederation's control over their relationship with the world around them. This thesis has demonstrated that the Korowai Framework can be used as a tool for the Confederation to get to the decision making table with a comprehensive evidence based understanding of the people's position on GE from which they can negotiate. It demonstrates that robust and legitimate assessment of GE can be conducted using theories, methodologies, kaupapa, tikanga, and frameworks that are specific to the ART Confederation.</p>
Becoming a Homebirther, Smooth Sailing or Rocky Road? An Exploration of Pakeha Women's Experience on the Path to Homebirth
Authors:   , Ozturk Kassandra Jane Littlejohn 
Published: November 2021

<p>This study explores the experiences of primiparous women on the path to planning the homebirth of their first child. There are many challenges along the way and although there are many supports, society does not generally view homebirth as a safe option. This study highlights the themes emerging about the relative ease or disease of the journey. Was the experience smooth sailing on an undulating ocean or a testing trek along a rocky road? There is a vast body of evidence about homebirth, with much of the quantitative literature being outcome focussed and most of the qualitative literature exploring women's experience of the homebirth-day. Birthing at home has been linked with increased maternal satisfaction compared with other birth venues and correlates with a feeling of maintaining power and control during the birth process. Homebirth has also been shown to have similar rates of intrapartum and neonatal mortality, as well as lower maternal intervention rates, in low risk populations. This study principally investigates the experience of Pakeha New Zealand women on their way to planning a homebirth for their first baby. The findings of this narrative inquiry include that women make the journey to becoming a homebirther both before pregnancy and during pregnancy, and that they need good support and information. Hearing positive homebirth stories, having a midwife who professes a preference for homebirth, and having access to homebirth resources play integral roles in becoming a homebirther.</p>
The Older Nurse in the Workplace Retention or Retirement
Authors:   , Powell Samantha 
Published: November 2021

<p>The nursing workforce, as with other health professionals, is aging with 50% aged over 47 years. In combination with predictions of continuing nursing workforce shortages, an aging population and increasingly complex health environment, this presents a unique set of challenges to the healthcare sector as both the population and nursing workforce continue to age. A review of the international literature suggests that the majority of older nurses in the workplace (50 years and over), are highly experienced and have extensive knowledge and practice wisdom from their years of nursing. What is also clear is that the current environment does not always support this cohort of nurses and that they often feel less valued. As a consequence, in a time of unprecedented shortages, we are at risk of losing this valuable experience from the workplace prematurely. Some suggested strategies to support this group of nurses include consideration of health and safety issues, flexibility with rosters and shift pattern, options for part time work, continuing professional development and ensuring their experience and knowledge continues to be valued in the work place. This research was carried out to explore the understanding of the issues facing the older nurse in a New Zealand context. There is a significant gap in literature as to the experience in the workplace of older nurses in New Zealand. In relation to health workforce retention, strategies are described from a general workforce perspective. Specific strategies in relation to the retention of the older nurse are not addressed or described. The international literature describes both the older nurses' experiences and strategies that can be used to retain them in the workforce, which have relevance to the local healthcare environment. Using a descriptive survey design two groups of Clinical/Charge Nurse Managers in two separate District Health Boards were asked about their awareness of the issues facing older nurses and what strategies they were using to address them. It was the assumption that as a group they were very aware of the issues facing older nurses and were often using informal strategies in an attempt to retain this group of nurses. The aim of this research was to raise awareness of the needs of the older nurse in the workplace and to capture and describe the strategies being used. Results indicated that indeed the Clinical/Charge Nurse Managers were very aware of the issues facing older nurses in the workplace and were innovative in their attempts to retain them in the workplace, and these retention strategies were similar to those discussed in the international literature. The need for national direction and organisational policy in place to support the Clinical/Charge Nurse Managers' retention efforts was also raised in the literature and I believe also needs consideration in the New Zealand context.</p>
Swimming with or Against the Tide: Has the International Labour Organisation Been Co-Opted by Neoliberal Hegemony
Authors:   , Habens Gemma 
Published: November 2021

<p>Work is one, if not the, primary mechanism through which the majority of the world's population experience economic globalisation. Work is intimately connected to matters of human rights, social equality, welfare, and class struggle and it is increasingly determined by activities that occur in the international and transnational levels. Neoliberal globalisation has fundamentally restructured the world of work. It has also undermined the social democratic worldview of the International Labour Organisation (ILO) on which the global governance portfolio for labour most squarely falls. The ILO's current Director General Juan Somavia, in referring to this era of neoliberal hegemony, has said that "the ILO has often been swimming against the tide". This thesis undertakes a thorough examination of Somavia's statement in order to determine the extent to which the neoliberal tide has saturated the organisation and its ideas?</p>