title: Thermal transitions and structural relaxations in protein-based thermoplastics

authors: Bier, James Michael

subjects: denaturing

abstract: Protein-based thermoplastics resemble semi-crystalline polymers, suggesting the occurrence of a glass transition (Tg) and melting point. Denaturing a protein's native structure is often called melting, but this does not necessarily imply complete unfolding into a fully amorphous structure as true melting would. Protein secondary structures, such as α-helices and β-sheets, can remain after denaturing, stay intact above the Tg and do not necessarily melt at typical processing temperatures. This implies that consolidation of aggregated protein particles into a macroscopically monolithic material depends on inter-chain interactions in the amorphous phase and on newly formed secondary structures. Structural relaxations and transition temperatures of the amorphous phase are influenced and constrained by the presence of these secondary structures as well as heavily influenced by plasticizers.

text: Thermal transitions and structural relaxations in protein-based thermoplastics Protein-based thermoplastics resemble semi-crystalline polymers, suggesting the occurrence of a glass transition (Tg) and melting point. Denaturing a protein's native structure is often called melting, but this does not necessarily imply complete unfolding into a fully amorphous structure as true melting would. Protein secondary structures, such as α-helices and β-sheets, can remain after denaturing, stay intact above the Tg and do not necessarily melt at typical processing temperatures. This implies that consolidation of aggregated protein particles into a macroscopically monolithic material depends on inter-chain interactions in the amorphous phase and on newly formed secondary structures. Structural relaxations and transition temperatures of the amorphous phase are influenced and constrained by the presence of these secondary structures as well as heavily influenced by plasticizers.

year: 2013

title: Exploring usability evaluation of localised software in Malaysia

authors: Yeo, Alvin

abstract: This thesis postulates the theory that software usability evaluation should be adapted to the culture in which it is carried out. An experiment has been conducted to explore the effectiveness of usability assessment tools (UATs). These UATs are studied in the context of usability evaluation phase of the global software development life-cycle. In particular, the study investigates whether imported UATs were appropriate in the usability evaluation of a localised spreadsheet in Malaysia. The experiment reveals that there is some support for the thesis and recommends a further large-scale formal study.

text: Exploring usability evaluation of localised software in Malaysia This thesis postulates the theory that software usability evaluation should be adapted to the culture in which it is carried out. An experiment has been conducted to explore the effectiveness of usability assessment tools (UATs). These UATs are studied in the context of usability evaluation phase of the global software development life-cycle. In particular, the study investigates whether imported UATs were appropriate in the usability evaluation of a localised spreadsheet in Malaysia. The experiment reveals that there is some support for the thesis and recommends a further large-scale formal study.

year: 2002

title: Whakapapa Ora: An exploration of Māori Identity through Whakapapa

authors: Ngawhare, Rauna Maria

subjects: Whakapapa

abstract: This thesis set out to explore Māori identity through access to whakapapa. As whānau, hapū, and iwi, we have a responsibility to future generations to ensure access to whakapapa is inclusive. Therefore, access to whakapapa in today’s world must also consider contemporary approaches, including the use of technology to engage the next generation in learning about, and connecting with, whakapapa. 

The research is centred on the question ‘How can whakapapa be accessed safely in culturally appropriate ways that evolve with twenty-first-century systems?’ I use contemporary pūrākau to review traditional access to whakapapa, supported by a Kaupapa Māori approach to frame the research. Kaupapa Māori Theory, Ngā Takepū, and Pūrākau Methodology (underpinned by Qualitative Methodology and Thematic Analysis) give an overview of the methodologies and methods used herein. Five semi-structured interviews with whānau affiliated to Ngāti Kahungunu ki Heretaunga and Taranaki iwi were conducted. Each share their lived experiences as Māori to support an understanding of identity through whakapapa.  

The results suggest whānau Māori who access whakapapa (in its many forms), will undergo a process of decolonisation. This requires adequate support in the form of kaitiakitanga, necessary to gain a better understanding of Te Ao Māori tikanga and kawa. Whakapapa access develops this process. However, further research is required to fully appreciate ‘Whakapapa Ora’ as a foundation for safe access to whakapapa in the twenty-first century.

text: Whakapapa Ora: An exploration of Māori Identity through Whakapapa This thesis set out to explore Māori identity through access to whakapapa. As whānau, hapū, and iwi, we have a responsibility to future generations to ensure access to whakapapa is inclusive. Therefore, access to whakapapa in today’s world must also consider contemporary approaches, including the use of technology to engage the next generation in learning about, and connecting with, whakapapa. 

The research is centred on the question ‘How can whakapapa be accessed safely in culturally appropriate ways that evolve with twenty-first-century systems?’ I use contemporary pūrākau to review traditional access to whakapapa, supported by a Kaupapa Māori approach to frame the research. Kaupapa Māori Theory, Ngā Takepū, and Pūrākau Methodology (underpinned by Qualitative Methodology and Thematic Analysis) give an overview of the methodologies and methods used herein. Five semi-structured interviews with whānau affiliated to Ngāti Kahungunu ki Heretaunga and Taranaki iwi were conducted. Each share their lived experiences as Māori to support an understanding of identity through whakapapa.  

The results suggest whānau Māori who access whakapapa (in its many forms), will undergo a process of decolonisation. This requires adequate support in the form of kaitiakitanga, necessary to gain a better understanding of Te Ao Māori tikanga and kawa. Whakapapa access develops this process. However, further research is required to fully appreciate ‘Whakapapa Ora’ as a foundation for safe access to whakapapa in the twenty-first century.

year: 2019