bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Unraveling the secret life of cryptic algal species: evolution, phylogeography and eco-physiology of the red alga, Bostrychia intricata
Authors:   , Muangmai Narongrit 
Published: November 2021

<p>Molecular techniques have enhanced our ability to unravel the evolutionary history and hidden diversity of species, and to explain how historical events have helped to shape the demography and dispersal of populations. Cryptic species are typically defined as two or more genetically distinct species that are morphologically indistinguishable. The discovery of cryptic diversity has become a challenge for biologists in understanding the species concepts and biodiversity patterns. Many current studies have revealed the existence of cryptic species, but few studies have focused on their ecological and biological aspects. Bostrychia, a filamentous red alga, has long been used as a model system for studies of evolutionary process and biogeographic history. In the Southern Hemisphere, there are four endemic species: B. arbuscula, B. gracilis, B. intricata and B. vaga. Bostrychia intricata is widely distributed in the Southern Hemisphere, whereas the other three species have more restricted distributions. The aim of this study was to reveal the evolutionary history, phylogeographic pattern and eco-physiological trait within B. intricata. Phylogenetic analysis based on combined data (mitochondrial COI, chloroplast rbcL and nuclear 28S) strongly supported the monophyly of the four Southern Hemisphere Bostrychia species, with B. vaga as a sister species to the other three. Multigene phylogeny and COI-based species delimitation revealed cryptic species diversity within B. intricata and B. vaga. Additionally, a COI-based phylogeographic study indicated the existence of three cryptic B. intricata species (N2, N4 and N5) in New Zealand. Population analyses demonstrated that cryptic species N2 populations recently expanded, possibly after the Last Glacial Maximum (LGM), while N4 was more diverse, showing a stable population, which possibly persisted during the LGM. The results suggested that the contrasting pattern in population structure and demographic histories between cryptic species was probably due to the difference in the evolutionary history and survival ability. Growth experiments clearly showed that cryptic species N4 had a significantly higher specific growth rate than other two species, N2 and N5, in different salinities and temperature, suggesting physiologically differentiation between these cryptic species. Additionally, the small-scale distribution of B. intricata at Moa Point, Wellington of three cryptic species showed that N4 was found at the higher tidal position than species N2 and N5. Cryptic species N2 occurred in more wave-exposed areas than other two species. These results suggest spatial niche differences between cryptic species, possibly allowing them to sympatrically co-exist. This study highlights the fact that cryptic species are distinctly different in many biological characteristics, while maintaining \identical morphologies.</p>
Branding The Corporate Winery
Authors:   , Sansom Finn 
Published: November 2021

<p>Corporate branding can be an important part of a company’s communication strategy. The corporate identity shapes how a company is known and perceived by the public. Logo’s, jingles, products and advertising are only part of the shaping of this image. It has been identified that architecture can play a significant role too (Melewar & Jenkins, 2002). The wine industry in New Zealand is very competitive and has a very involved relationship with the public. This thesis explores how a wine company can display corporate values through architecture. Using Pernod Ricard as the company, and a new winery production facility as the case study, the thesis will use architectural design elements to produce a functional winery with a unique experience driven by Pernod Ricard’s values. Being an international cooperation, place specific values as well as sub-brand values compete with core values of the company. These factors present an interesting architectural investigation.</p>
IMBY: Creating a model for density that maintains suburban values
Authors:   , Mooney Catherine 
Published: November 2021

<p>With Greenfield approaches becoming less popular among city councils, forms of densification are being sought out, the most common yet unprecedented form being infill housing. On grounds of this, other methods including apartments are being considered the best solution. For suburban cities, this runs the risk of ignoring fundamental suburban qualities that have been highly desired in New Zealand since settlement, such as open space, autonomous land ownership, and control over one’s own property. Considering ‘the state house’ as a foundational suburban housing model for New Zealand, the Hutt Valley becomes the focus of study for this thesis. This thesis proposes using infill as a viable solution and means of exploring suburban living to produce a model of densification that offers both continuity with and transformation of cultural and architectural traits of suburban living. It argues for more compact and affordable models that are easily applicable to current New Zealand suburbia and are more responsive to current households. By exploring suburbia at different scales and exploring the current housing layout, new forms of suburban density are formed, where flexibility and neighbourliness are prioritized. The resulting dwelling is arranged based on the varying social needs of humans, allowing inhabitants to define private, shared and public areas both internally and externally.</p>
Peter Tomory : the New Zealand years, 1956-1968
Authors:   , Johnston Courtney 
Published: November 2021

<p>This thesis concerns Peter Tomory's nine years as Director of the Auckland City Art Gallery, between 1956 and 1964. The main theme that emerges in this study concerns the emphasis Tomory placed on professional practices, both at the Gallery and in the visual arts in New Zealand as a whole. The discussion is broken into four chapters. The first chapter sets the context for Tomory's directorship: his professional background, the New Zealand art world of the 1950s, and his initial vision for the Gallery. The second chapter is devoted to Tomory's development of the Gallery's permanent collection, and the third explores the ambitious programme of temporary exhibitions undertaken at the Gallery during his tenure. These broad topics are considered with reference to Tomory's policy statements, and through the close study of selected case studies. The final chapter examines the history of New Zealand art that Tomory developed over his twelve years in New Zealand (including both the texts he published while at the Gallery, and those he wrote while lecturing at the University of Auckland School of Fine Arts from 1965 to 1968) and his call for a more professional approach to art writing in this country. A bibliography of Tomory's published texts is included. A special effort is made in this study to consider Tomory's activities at the Gallery and his writing within their original historical and art-historical contexts, and also with reference to the way these actions and texts have been interpreted and employed by later commentators, especially post-nationalist critics. In this way, it is revealed that the history of New Zealand art formulated in the 1950s and 1960s was less homogenous, more complex and more contentious than it has more recently been portrayed.</p>
Preschool Storytime in Auckland’s public libraries: A qualitative study of book selection practices
Authors:   , Carroll Valerie 
Published: November 2021

<p>Research problem: Anecdotal evidence suggested a lack of uniformity across Auckland Libraries, in that Preschool Storytime sessions were being delivered by a range of different people with varying levels of training and experience. The purpose of the research was to gain an understanding of their book selection practices and the nature of the books selected for reading aloud. Methodology: The researcher took a qualitative approach, using a purposive sampling technique to select 10 participants from nine different libraries across the Auckland region. Semi-structured interviews were conducted to collect the required data. Results: Seven main factors were found to influence the book selection process: length; illustrations; subjects, concepts and themes; use of language; the potential for audience participation; the potential for emotional engagement and personal preference. Participants employed various strategies to assist them in finding suitable books. These included physical browsing, online browsing, searching the library catalogue and seeking recommendations. Toy and movable books and picture storybooks were popular with participants. Implications: The findings from this study may be of interest to librarians working with children in public libraries elsewhere in New Zealand. The results could potentially be used as a tool to guide and inform their storytime practices, and as a basis for training and development. A subsequent study involving content analysis could be undertaken at a later date, with a view to describing in detail the books shared with children during Preschool Storytime sessions.</p>
Reflecting the science of instruction? Screencasting in Australian and New Zealand academic libraries: a content analysis
Authors:   , Murphy Jason Simon 
Published: November 2021

<p>Research problem Instructional screencasts are increasingly part of the online tutorial mix offered by academic libraries, but what makes for effective screencast design? This research provides a snapshot of screencast design in Australian and New Zealand academic libraries and appraises it through the lens of multimedia learning theory. Methodology Evidence-based design principles that promote effective learning for multimedia were identified from the research literature. A cognitive psychological approach was taken, drawing principally from Mayer’s cognitive theory of multimedia learning. The principles outlined in Mayer’s theory were translated into guidelines applicable to screencast tutorial production. These guidelines formed the basis for an assessment rubric which was applied to screencasts produced by New Zealand and Australian Universities. Content analysis was then applied to determine to what extent screencast tutorials in the sample reflected the principles outlined in Mayer’s theory. Results On average, screencasts from the institutions surveyed integrated 7.6 of 9 effective multimedia principles. The low variance across the sample suggests this high standard was approximated or exceeded by most tutorials. Australian and New Zealand libraries were of a comparable standard overall with similar areas of strength and weakness. Implications Mayer’s principles provide a useful foundation for designing effective multimedia instruction. The translation of these principles into screencast design guidelines will hopefully serve as useful considerations. Commonly neglected principles (coherence, signalling and segmenting) present areas for design improvement but also opportunities for further research in an academic library context.</p>
The role of social capital for self-employed information professionals in Aotearoa New Zealand
Authors:   , Traser Simona Pilar 
Published: November 2021

<p>Research problem: The aim of this qualitative study was to explore how self-employed information professionals perceive the role of social capital in the development of their businesses in New Zealand. This required gaining an understanding of their professional relationship-building, networking, help-seeking and related activities. Methodology: A purposive sample of eight self-employed information professionals was interviewed. The interviews were semi-structured and occurred via Skype, phone, and face-to-face meetings. Anderson, Park, and Jack’s (2007) conceptual framework of social capital served as a theoretical lens in the interview design and data analysis. Results: Social capital was described in terms of giving (voluntary activity) and sharing (exchanging information and resources). Ethics, generosity, human touch, and mutuality emerged as important behavioural principles in the development of strong and effective relationships and networks. Apart from market opportunities, personal and professional well-being appeared to be equally important outcomes of social capital. Implications: In focusing on a lesser-known, but potentially growing, occupational group of sole traders, the study contributes to the library and information studies and social capital research in New Zealand. The results are indicative only and more data is needed, but they provide a useful resource for future and present self-employed information professionals.</p>
Pyridyl Phosphine Complexes in the Design of Hydration Catalysts
Authors:   , Somerville Rosemarie Janet 
Published: November 2021

<p>Recent advances in homogeneous catalysis have identified the importance of ligands able to participate in the catalytic cycle. Particularly relevant to making chemistry “greener” are those ligands that solubilise the catalyst in aqueous solution, and those that are able to activate water molecules towards reaction with the metal complex or substrate. This thesis describes the synthesis and coordination chemistry of a novel ligand bearing 2-pyridylphosphine substituents attached to a 2,6-pyridyl backbone (²⁻pyrPNP, [(C₅H₄N)₂PCH₂]₂C₅H₃N). These components were selected for their abilities to interact with water through dearomatisation processes, hydrogen bonding, and the basic pyridyl nitrogen atoms. The synthesis of pure ²⁻pyrPNP described here represents a much improved method for the synthesis of pyridylphosphines compared to those published in the literature. This is demonstrated by comparison with the original synthetic route, which produced many intractable impurities, as well as by the ability of the new method to provide PhPNP from an economical and air-stable starting material. Reactions of ²⁻pyrPNP with rhodium precursors show complicated reactivity, including the potential formation of paramagnetic species. Investigation into the reactivity of ²⁻pyrPNP with analogous iridium precursors resulted in the synthesis of [(²⁻pyrPNP)Ir(cod)]Cl. This is the first crystallographically characterised complex containing a facially coordinated PNP ligand. The cod ligand can be removed with ethene and hydrogen to form bis(ethene) and chloroiridium(III) bis(hydride) complexes [(²⁻pyrPNP)Ir(C₂H₄)₂]Cl and [(²⁻pyrPNP)Ir(H)₂Cl], respectively. Both complexes contain meridionally-coordinated ²⁻pyrPNP. Preliminary investigations reveal that the iridium complexes are fairly successful nitrile hydration catalysts under aqueous conditions. In addition, the cod and bis(ethene) complexes bearing ²⁻pyrPNP are more active than the cod complex of the pyridyl-free PhPNP ligand.</p>
The order of questions on a test affects how well students believe they performed
Authors:   , Franco Gregory 
Published: November 2021

<p>We know that students are more optimistic about their performance after they take a test that progresses from the easiest to hardest questions than after taking one that progresses in the opposite order¹. In fact, these “Easy-Hard” students are more optimistic than “Hard-Easy” students even when the two groups perform equally. The literature explains this question order bias as a result of students’ failing to sufficiently adjust, in the face of new information, their extreme initial impressions about the test. In the first two of six studies, we investigated the possibility that a biased memory for individual questions on the test is an alternative mechanism driving the question order bias. The pattern of results was inconsistent with this mechanism, but fit with the established impression-based mechanism. In the next four studies, we addressed the role that the number of test questions plays in determining the size of the question order bias, discovered that warning students is only a partially effective method for reducing the bias, and established a more precise estimate of the bias’ size. Taken together, this work provides evidence that the question order bias is a robust phenomenon, likely driven by insufficient adjustment from extreme initial impressions. ¹ Although the research in this thesis is my own, I conducted it in a lab and supervised a team comprised of research assistants and honours students. I also received advice and direction from my supervisors. Therefore, I often use the word “we” in this thesis to reflect these facts.</p>
Current Fluctuations in Hybrid-Superconductor Normal Structures with Quantum Dots
Authors:   , Droste Stephanie 
Published: November 2021

<p>Nanostructures with quantum dots in proximity to superconducting electrodes are an ideal tool to study superconducting correlations in systems with few degrees of freedom that exhibit strong Coulomb-interaction effects. Such hybrid superconductor-normal structures show rich physics due to the interplay of superconductivity, Coulomb interaction and non-equilibrium. Superconducting correlations are established on the quantum dot when it is coupled to a superconductor even in the presence of strong Coulomb repulsion and Cooper pairs can tunnel coherently between the quantum dot and the superconductor. In this thesis, we investigate theoretically electronic transport through an interacting quantum dot coupled to normal and superconducting leads. The presence of the proximity effect can be detected by the dot's current, namely the Andreev current. However, current fluctuations might reveal information on the electronic transport and the internal structure of the system which is not visible in the mean value of the current. For this reason, we study the current fluctuations through the proximized quantum dot to get access to the properties of such a hybrid quantum-dot system. In particular, we are interested in the finite-frequency fluctuations to unveil the coherent dynamics underlying the proximity effect in the quantum dot and its internal time scales. At first, we present a study of the frequency-dependent current noise for subgap transport through an interacting single-level quantum dot tunnel-coupled to normal and superconducting leads. For this purpose, we employ a non-equilibrium diagrammatic real-time approach to calculate the finite-frequency current noise. The finite-frequency noise spectrum shows a sharp dip at a frequency corresponding to the energy splitting of the Andreev bound states which is a signature of the coherent exchange of Cooper pairs between the quantum dot and the superconductor. Furthermore, in the high frequency regime, the so called quantum noise regime, the noise spectrum exhibits steps at frequencies equal to the excitation energies. These steps can be related to the effective coupling strength of the excitations. However, the statistical description of the electron transport does not stop with the noise. Current cumulants of arbitrary order can be obtained by means of full counting statistics (FCS). We set up a theory based on the diagrammatic real-time approach to calculate the finite-time FCS for quantum transport with a non-Markovian master equation that captures the initial correlations between system and reservoir. This allows us to fully describe the current fluctuations of the hybrid quantum-dot system, that is the noise and all higher order current cumulants.</p>
Restorative Justice: An unwanted invitation for tea and biscuits?
Authors:   , Eckersley Kerrin 
Published: November 2021

<p>On 6 December 2014 legislation mandating the consideration of restorative justice prior to sentencing was brought into effect. If an offender pleads guilty in the District Court to an offence where there is one or more identifiable victims then their case must be assessed to see whether a meeting between the offender and victim should be arranged, whereby both parties can discuss the cause and impact of the offending. Critics have been quick to comment on the “mandatory” nature of the legislation, the perception that it is “offender driven” and have highlighted the fact that participation by the offender may lead to a more lenient sentence. This essay responds to recent media reports which criticised the new legislation for the reasons noted. A particular focus is the idea that restorative justice is offender driven and therefore contrary to the purported philosophy of placing the victim at the centre of the justice system.</p>
Theory of Constraints (TOC) and Appreciative Inquiry (AI): A comparative study of their effectiveness in improving Master's thesis students' performance
Authors:   , Pongsart Garoon 
Published: November 2021

<p>The foundations of this research derived from two separate directions: firstly methodological, and secondly, a problematic situation. Both were strongly driven by the “highs” and “lows” of the researcher’s experiences over several years working in the business sector in Thailand and overseas, combined with his passion for being part of education reform in Thailand. Many students fail to complete their studies. Of domestic students starting an Honours/Master’s qualification at public providers in 1998, by the end of 2002 (5 years later), only 59% had completed their degrees successfully, 2% were still studying towards completion, while 39% had left without completing (Scott, 2004). Why was the completion rate so low? What were the problems that postgraduate students encountered while doing their theses? And how could we help improve the students’ performance? This research compared and contrasted the two approaches, Theory of Constraints (TOC) and Appreciative Inquiry (AI), by applying them to improve this problematic situation area: Master’s thesis students’ issues. A Hybrid model, combining aspects of the two methods, was also developed and tested. A web-based survey was used to recruit 12 Victoria University of Wellington Master’s thesis students for individual interviews, allocating them into three similar groups of four: TOC, AI, and Hybrid. One interviewee from each group also took part in two coaching sessions (action research). The outcomes yielded from the three methods revealed both the root causes of the students’ problems (TOC) and the root causes of their success (AI). Based on the two opposite approaches, and the hybrid model, the researcher developed and proposed guidelines for future postgraduate research students, their supervisors, and graduate school committees. However, some limitations for TOC and AI were revealed: the time-consuming processes for full TOC analysis, and the fact that some tools were not user-friendly. To enhance AI’s performance, stress-free environments may be required. More research on applying TOC, AI, and the Hybrid model to individuals is therefore required in the future.</p>