bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Acquisition of a Learned Operant and Critical Flicker-Fusion Rate in the Tuatara (Sphenodon spp.)
Authors:   , Woo Kevin Lawrence 
Published: November 2021

<p>Scientific investigation of the sensory world and behavior of the tuatara is limited. This study incorporates both ecological and psychological perspectives to test learning and visual perception using a novel operant technique and flicker-fusion rates to measure visual discrimination in tuatara. We posed four main questions: (1) can a reliable method examine learning and visual perception in tuatara?, (2) what is the critical flicker-fusion (CFF) rates for tuatara and how does it relate to motion detection ability?, (3) can stimulus control be transferred to a Y-maze from an open field arena?, and (4) what are the implications for behavioral ecology, conservation, and species welfare? Tuatara (Sphenodon punctatus) were trained using an operant conditioning procedure with food reinforcement to respond to discriminative stimuli (S+) of various flicker-fusion rates, and ignore a non-discriminative stimulus (S-). Tuatara discriminated CFF rates between 2.65-45.61 Hz, but not at 65.09 Hz. The upper threshold between 45.61-65.09 Hz is comparable to other mammalian, avian, and herpetological species. Tuatara demonstrated a learning capacity for acquisition of an operant task as well as cognitive development for learning and memory strategies. Visual discrimination is important to tuatara and may facilitate behavioral responses to many context-dependent ecological processes (i.e., predator/prey/kin recognition, mate selection, environmental discrimination, optimal foraging strategies, and communication). By understanding the importance of visual stimuli, the study provides a better perspective of the tuatara natural sensory world. Additionally, a reliable method was established that can be used for more comprehensive psychophysical experiments to further access visual perception and learning in all reptiles, with the potential to examine other sensory mechanisms such as audition, chemoreception, and tactility.</p>
An Analysis of the Quality of Life of Older Women in New Zealand 2001, "I'm Still Me Inside"
Authors:   , Munro Isobel 
Published: November 2021

<p>This study explores the quality of life for one hundred and seventy-five older women from many parts of New Zealand, who are no longer in full-time paid employment. The women were self-selected through a process of social networking and have responded to a questionnaire on the quality of their life. Sixteen of the women living in the greater Wellington area were interviewed. Demographics such as age, marital status, income and education were obtained. The project examines some of the variables and their interactions, which contribute to the quality of life for older women. These are income, housing, health, social connectedness and life cycle events within the context of individual and societal attitudes. The respondents have been grouped in younger and older cohorts, those women under or over 75. The study records their subjective perceptions of material wellbeing and health together with their thoughts and feelings about this stage of their life. The women's awareness of being valued, and by whom they were valued made a significant contribution to the quality of their life, as did a sense of belonging and being useful in the locus of family and community. Good health coexisted with illness and disability, but costs associated with healthcare were of concern. They took pride in the skill of 'making do', a legacy of war and depression. Respondents were clear that a positive attitude was necessary for coping with older age and that owning your own home contributed to their feeling secure. For most participants New Zealand Superannuation was their main source of income. While there was considerable diversity in their situations, relating to their previous life history, this study indicates that most of the older women felt comfortable with their life, despite some perceptions of 'ageism' in the community. They expressed concern for others rather than themselves.</p>
The Dynamics of Coupled Oscillators
Authors:   , Holland Nigel Lawrence 
Published: November 2021

<p>The subject is introduced by considering the treatment of oscillators in Mathematics from the simple Poincar´e oscillator, a single variable dynamical process defined on a circle, to the oscillatory dynamics of systems of differential equations. Some models of real oscillator systems are considered. Noise processes are included in the dynamics of the system. Coupling between oscillators is investigated both in terms of analytical systems and as coupled oscillator models. It is seen that driven oscillators can be used as a model of 2 coupled oscillators in 2 and 3 dimensions due to the dependence of the dynamics on the phase difference of the oscillators. This means that the dynamics are easily able to be modelled by a 1D or 2D map. The analysis of N coupled oscillator systems is also described. The human cardiovascular system is studied as an example of a coupled oscillator system. The heart oscillator system is described by a system of delay differential equations and the dynamics characterised. The mechanics of the coupling with the respiration is described. In particular the model of the heart oscillator includes the baroreceptor reflex with time delay whereby the aortic fluid pressure influences the heart rate and the peripheral resistance. Respiration is modelled as forcing the heart oscillator system. Locking zones caused by respiratory sinus arrhythmia (RSA), the synchronisation of the heart with respiration, are found by plotting the rotation number against respiration frequency. These are seen to be relatively narrow for typical physiological parameters and only occur for low ratios of heart rate to respiration frequency. Plots of the diastolic pressure and heart interval in terms of respiration phase parameterised by respiration frequency illustrate the dynamics of synchronisation in the human cardiovascular system.</p>
Seismic and Gravity Investigations of the Central Volcanic Region, North Island, New Zealand
Authors:   , Stern Timothy Andrew 
Published: November 2021

<p>Gravity and seismic refraction studies were undertaken in order to investigate the geological structure of the Central Volcanic Region. A detailed analysis of density determinations from bore-hole rock samples, three seismic refraction surveys and a spectral analysis of the magnetic anomaly field are described. Interpretation of the observed gravity anomaly fie ld for the Central Volcanic Region is initially undertaken by analytically separating the observed anomaly field into its regional and residual components; the almost entirely negative residual anomaly field is then interpreted in terms of varying thicknesses of near-surface, low-density volcanic rocks. At Mangakino and just west of Taupo, however, it is found that the calculated gravity anomaly effect of the seismically determined thickness of low-velocity, and hence low-density, volcanic rocks is less negative than the observed residuals; at both locations "secondary residuals" of about -200 μN/kg remain unexplained. Models are presented that account for these secondary residuals as being due to discrete volumes of low-density molten rhyolite emplaced within the seismic basement. The second method of gravity interpretation used in this study involves modelling all components of the observed gravity anomaly field . This necessitated giving consideration to both the gravity effect of the subducted Pacific plate and to seismic data bearing upon the variation of crustal thickness and mantle density throughout the central North Island. A gravity model for the central North Island is developed for which the important features are: i) The crust of the Central Volcanic Region is deduced to be only about half the normal continental thickness, and underlying the crust is an "anomalous", low-density upper mantle. This finding from the gravity model is supported by the results of a previous study of upper mantle seismic velocities and from the interpretation of a longrange seismic refraction survey carried out within the Region. These seismic data indicate the depth to, and the velocity of the upper mantle beneath the Region to be 15 km and 7.4 km/s respectively. ii) The positive gravity anomalies that predominate over the western and northwestern North Island can largely be explained by gravity edge-effects associated with variations in the crustal thickness and mantle density within the back-arc areas of the North Island. The gravity model is interpreted as lending support for a previously made proposal that the Region is the site of asymmetric back-arc spreading, and that the crustal rocks now being created are transitional in character between typical oceanic and typical continental.</p>
'Anything But Conventional' : Faith and Folk Idioms in Dvorak's Biblical Songs
Authors:   , King Erin Lee 
Published: November 2021

<p>In the nineteenth century considerable ambiguities arose regarding sacred and secular categories in music. Although such ambiguities have often been discussed in relation to the mass, this study uses the genre of the lied - in particular, Dvorak's Biblical Songs - as a means of examining the interaction between these categories. The problems inherent in the idea of 'sacred lieder' are discussed, including case studies of Schubert's 'Die Allmacht' and Wolf's 'Nun wandre, Maria' from the Spanisches Liederbuch. The Biblical Songs are located within Dvorak's biography, to show the great extent to which they were a reflection of his personal situation. In-depth analysis of the music and texts of the songs, both individually and as a cycle, reveals that they are representative of a point of interaction between secular lieder for concert performance, and devotional lieder for a domestic context. A comparison with Brahms and his Four Serious Songs reveals two very different responses to biblical texts: whereas Brahms's solution places emphasis on secular love, Dvorak's songs show a progression from doubt and confusion about God through to faith and rejoicing. Furthermore, whereas the Four Serious Songs demonstrate a highly individualistic solution to the pessimism expressed earlier in the cycle, Dvork's use of folk idioms at key locations in the Biblical Songs places emphasis on communality and tradition. However, the cycle also reveals a more complex expression of faith than is often assumed of Dvorak.</p>
The Music of Organisations: an Aesthetic Ethnography
Authors:   , Bathurst Ralph James 
Published: November 2021

<p>Arts-based expressions are becoming an increasingly important for understanding and improving business practice. More specifically, drama, painting and music are all artistic tools being used as ways of helping leaders gain insights into organisational life. However, there is a gap between art as a consulting practice, and its theoretical underpinning. Organisational aesthetics is a relatively new theory of organisations that endeavours to close the gap between the theoretical underpinnings of art and its application as a consulting practice. This thesis contributes to the theory-building efforts of this rapidly expanding field by exploring and developing a novel research methodology: Aesthetic Ethnography. This method is a means whereby researchers work at the arts-business nexus to investigate the ever-changing landscape of organisational life. In order to show how this occurs, the Auckland Philharmonia is offered as an exemplar. Its developments are observed during a time of governance restructure. As an aesthetic ethnography, the case study positions the orchestra as a work of art and describes how it is intentionally presenced as an artistic piece. Its concretisation is described as a construct by both the researcher and the stakeholders within the enterprise, occurring in three ethnographic movements: Emotional Attachment, Cognitive Detachment and Integrated Synthesis. The thesis concludes that the aesthetic lens can be turned on other artistic enterprises, and indeed beyond these, to the wider organisational world. To do this, further research is proposed into the music of organisations. Specifically, it is suggested that the nature of ensemble be explored and that the artistry of composition be used as a way of further teasing out the musicality of organisational life. Furthermore, music's temporality and its reliance on both fixed structure and sensitivity to the moment make it an apt tool to reflect on management practice.</p>
Pacific People in Parliament: a Case Study of Minority Representation in New Zealand
Authors:   , Cook Helena 
Published: November 2021

<p>Analysing the nature of political representation raises questions about the roles of political representatives: who it is they represent and what they do once in Parliament. However, the roles of MPs can be affected by several factors: institutions; political rules; identity; and the norms, values and expectations of the groups they advocate for. This thesis assumes that all of these factors play an important part in shaping the roles of political representatives and are particularly significant in understanding minority political representation. This case study of political representation of the Pacific Island migrant community in New Zealand analyses the roles and perceptions of minority MPs through their own words. Despite a wealth of literature on the wider subject of political representation, very little takes into account the perspective of the MPs themselves, and this thesis uses in-depth interview data to place the narrative of Pacific political representation in New Zealand into a wider context of the roles of minority MPs in advanced liberal democracies. Arguments for the increased political representation of minority groups are often based on the assumption that achieving a 'politics of presence' is essential for democracies, because minority groups need people from within the group to speak on their behalf. Thus only people with a shared history or shared experiences can adequately represent the needs of a minority group. This thesis shows that Pacific political representation is viewed by the MPs as important, because it reflects the multicultural nature of New Zealand society, allows for issues that affect Pacific people to be addressed in a political forum and enables Pacific MPs to bring a more collective approach to New Zealand's Westminster Parliamentary democracy. Political institutions and electoral reform have all affected Pacific representation in New Zealand, demonstrating that these factors should not be overlooked when considering the roles of minority MPs. New Zealand's experience of electoral reform has seen an increase of minority political representation, and the Maori seats in New Zealand's House of Representatives demonstrate how political representation for indigenous minorities can be implemented. This thesis is an exploratory work into the political journeys of New Zealand's Pacific MPs; an area that has previously been overlooked or neglected, but one that is vital to increase understanding of the roles of minority political representatives.</p>
Henry Playford: a Bibliographical Study
Authors:   , Harvey Douglas Ross 
Published: November 2021

<p>Henry Playford (1657-1709) was one of the most important London music publishers in the period 1680 to 1710. He was the son of the music publisher John Playford and a member of the Company of Stationers, and his business practices owed much to his father and to his training in traditional methods of book publishing and production. Henry Playford's publishing career is here examined in two ways: as a continuation of his father's methods; and as a response to competition from publishers of engraved music, most notably John Walsh. The lives and trade practices of both John and Henry Playford are described. Publications are examined in three main categories: musical publications originally established by John Playford and continued by Henry; new kinds of musical publications introduced by Henry; and publications not containing music. Details concerning his career as a bookseller are presented, as is information relating to other activities not directly relevant to publishing or bookselling, most notably his activities in the sale of art works. His relationships with other members of the book trade - printers , partners and apprentices - are described, and documents relating to the lawsuit between Playford and the printer William Pearson are re-examined and re-assessed. His competitors and successors are identified , and their activities described. This section concludes with an examination of previous writings about Henry Playford, and a re-assessment of his place and importance in English music publishing. The basis of the study is a descriptive bibliography of the publications issued by Henry Playford. It is presented, together with indexes of the works and of book trade members, and with illustrations of some title - pages, printed ornaments, and engravings.</p>
The Synthesis and Characterisation of Nano-Structured Calcium Silicate
Authors:   , McFarlane Andrew James 
Published: November 2021

<p>Nano-structured calcium silicate consists of randomly stacked nano-sized platelets that make up an open framework structure of macropores that resembles a house of cards. This structure affords the material the desirable physical properties of a large pore volume and a highly accessible surface area that exceed many other silicas and silicates. The material is possibly related to other disordered calcium silicate hydrates at an atomic level, although it is the macro-structure and the potential of performing chemistry upon its surface that is of great interest. Due to the novelty of nano-structured calcium silicate, little was known about it before this work. The focus of this study has therefore been placed upon characterising the material and determining the conditions that allow the pore volume and surface area to be maximised. The material is prepared through an initial precipitation from the reaction of a calcium salt with monomeric silica, followed subsequently by self-ordering on both an atomic-scale and on a macro-scale to develop the porous framework. The framework of the material has been found to collapse due to forces created from surface tension during the removal of water from the pores upon drying. The result of this collapse is a substantial reduction in both the surface area and pore volume of the material. Three different methods have been developed to maintain the structure with each modification producing a material that is suitable for different applications. A reinforcing process following the development of the open framework whereby additional silica is polymerised upon the structure strengthens the material so that the forces resulting from the removal pore water are unable to cause collapse of the framework. This material is therefore able to be repeatedly re-wet and dried without any detrimental effect to the pore volume or surface area of the material. The replacement of water within the pores with 2-ethoxyethanol, that has a low surface tension, and by modifying the material through treatment with acid have also been found to prevent collapse of the structure. Through the knowledge gained of the development of the nano-structured calcium silicate and of the reaction conditions required for the optimisation of the surface area and pore volume, a semi-continuous process has been devised that has allowed for production of the material on a larger scale. This work also contains details on the formation of nano-structured calcium silicate by using geothermal water from an electricity generation plant as the source of monomeric silica rather than using sodium silicate. Currently, the formation of a scale from supersaturated geothermal water is problematic for the industries that use the fluid and limits the use of the resource. The removal of monomeric silica from geothermal water as a result of producing nanostructured calcium silicate prevents the formation of the scale and therefore allows a greater proportion of the thermal energy in the fluid to be potentially utilised.</p>
Vortex Dynamics and Superconducting Phase Diagrams in Ta x Ge 1-x / Ge Multilayers with Coplanar Defects
Authors:   , Engel Andreas 
Published: November 2021

<p>The superconducting phase diagrams of amorphous multilayered Ta x Ge 1-x / Ge thin films have been studied over a large range of temperatures and magnetic fields by means of dc electrical transport measurements. These superconducting films belong to the class of extremely type-II superconductors, for which a multitude of superconducting phases has been predicted and experimentally verified. A thorough understanding of these phase diagrams is indispensable for future successful applications of high-temperature superconductors since some of the observed phases severely limit the zero-resistance current-carrying capacity of these materials. The Ta x Ge 1-x / Ge films in this study were prepared by vapour deposition under high vacuum conditions. The Ta-content varied between x = 0.31 and 0.37 and individual layer thicknesses ranged from about 3 to 15 nm. Tilting the sample substrates during the deposition resulted in coplanar defects with variable orientation and structure depending on the tilting angle. This way it was possible to study the interplay between magnetic flux lines and the material structure and defect morphology, respectively. Films with thin insulating Ge layers and thus strong interlayer coupling showed three dimensional behaviour over the complete range of fields and temperatures. The coplanar defect structure was able to extend the zero-resistance phase to significantly higher fields and temperatures for magnetic fields co-aligned with the defects. Strong support for the existence of a low-temperature glass phase was found in the case of aligned and misaligned magnetic fields. Increasing the insulating layer thickness lead to a cross-over to 2D behaviour depending on temperature and field as well as field orientation with respect to the defects. In the 2D phase regions the low-temperature zero-resistance glass phase may have disappeared entirely. Current-voltage characteristics measured in the low-temperature glass phases showed significant differences between the strongly and weakly coupled films. However the detailed temperature and field dependence of these current-voltage curves at low temperatures cannot be explained satisfactorily with existing theoretical models.</p>