title: Environmentally benign fast-degrading conductive composites

authors: Greene, Angelique

abstract: An environmentally benign conductive composite that rapidly degrades in the presence of warm water via enzyme-mediated hydrolysis is described. This represents the first time that hydrolytic enzymes have been immobilized onto eco-friendly conductive carbon sources with the express purpose of degrading the encapsulating biodegradable plastic. Amano Lipase (AL)-functionalized carbon nanofibers (CNF) were compounded with polycaprolactone (PCL) to produce the composite film CNFAL-PCL (thickness ∼ 600 μm; CNFAL = 20.0 wt %). To serve as controls, films of the same thickness were also produced, including CNF-AL5-PCL (CNF mixed with AL and PCL; CNF = 19.2 wt % and AL = 5.00 wt %), CNF-PCL (CNF = 19.2 wt %), ALx-PCL (AL = x = 1.00 or 5.00 wt %), and PCL. The electrical performance of the CNF-containing composites was measured, and conductivities of 14.0 ± 2, 22.0 ± 5, and 31.0 ± 6 S/m were observed for CNFAL-PCL, CNF-AL5-PCL, and CNF-PCL, respectively. CNFAL-PCL and control films were degraded in phosphate buffer (2.00 mg/mL film/buffer) at 50 °C, and their average percent weight loss (Wtavg%) was recorded over time. After 3 h CNFAL-PCL degraded to a Wtavg% of 90.0% and had completely degraded after 8 h. This was considerably faster than CNF-AL5-PCL, which achieved a total Wtavg% of 34.0% after 16 days, and CNF-PCL, which was with a Wtavg% of 7.00% after 16 days. Scanning electron microscopy experiments (SEM) found that CNFAL-PCL has more open pores on its surface and that it fractures faster during degradation experiments which exposes the interior enzyme to water. An electrode made from CNFAL-PCL was fabricated and attached to an AL5-PCL support to form a fast-degrading thermal sensor. The resistance was measured over five cycles where the temperature was varied between 15.0–50.0 °C. The sensor was then degraded fully in buffer at 50 °C over a 48 h period.

text: Environmentally benign fast-degrading conductive composites An environmentally benign conductive composite that rapidly degrades in the presence of warm water via enzyme-mediated hydrolysis is described. This represents the first time that hydrolytic enzymes have been immobilized onto eco-friendly conductive carbon sources with the express purpose of degrading the encapsulating biodegradable plastic. Amano Lipase (AL)-functionalized carbon nanofibers (CNF) were compounded with polycaprolactone (PCL) to produce the composite film CNFAL-PCL (thickness ∼ 600 μm; CNFAL = 20.0 wt %). To serve as controls, films of the same thickness were also produced, including CNF-AL5-PCL (CNF mixed with AL and PCL; CNF = 19.2 wt % and AL = 5.00 wt %), CNF-PCL (CNF = 19.2 wt %), ALx-PCL (AL = x = 1.00 or 5.00 wt %), and PCL. The electrical performance of the CNF-containing composites was measured, and conductivities of 14.0 ± 2, 22.0 ± 5, and 31.0 ± 6 S/m were observed for CNFAL-PCL, CNF-AL5-PCL, and CNF-PCL, respectively. CNFAL-PCL and control films were degraded in phosphate buffer (2.00 mg/mL film/buffer) at 50 °C, and their average percent weight loss (Wtavg%) was recorded over time. After 3 h CNFAL-PCL degraded to a Wtavg% of 90.0% and had completely degraded after 8 h. This was considerably faster than CNF-AL5-PCL, which achieved a total Wtavg% of 34.0% after 16 days, and CNF-PCL, which was with a Wtavg% of 7.00% after 16 days. Scanning electron microscopy experiments (SEM) found that CNFAL-PCL has more open pores on its surface and that it fractures faster during degradation experiments which exposes the interior enzyme to water. An electrode made from CNFAL-PCL was fabricated and attached to an AL5-PCL support to form a fast-degrading thermal sensor. The resistance was measured over five cycles where the temperature was varied between 15.0–50.0 °C. The sensor was then degraded fully in buffer at 50 °C over a 48 h period.

year: 2023-12-26

title: Diffracting Through Media: An exploration of the performative and a diffractive reading of media texts

authors: Robertson, Cullen

subjects: Performativity

abstract: This thesis explores the development of the notion of performativity. This exploration is used to develop and apply a diffractive methodology to media texts in order to assess the usefulness of the diffractive method in its application to Media Studies. In the first part of this thesis, a review of literature on various interpretations of the performative notion is conducted. In the second part of this thesis, elements of these interpretations are brought together to construct a diffractive methdological framework. This diffractive methodology is then tested on the work of two authors of media texts, the magazine Adbusters and the street artist Banksy, in order to guage its effectiveness when applied to texts which incorporate elements of diffraction. In the third part of this thesis, the dffractive methodology is applied to news media outlets’ interpretations of the media event The Moment of Truth, a press conference aimed at revealing the truth to the public about government mass surveillance in New Zealand. The fourth part of this thesis assesses how effective the diffractive methodology was in this application, and the questions that arise from the use of this method. Whilst there are some concerns about the responsible use of the method by researchers, the application of a diffractive methodology to these media texts was successful in creating new readings and insights, and provides an alternative to traditional methods within media studies.

text: Diffracting Through Media: An exploration of the performative and a diffractive reading of media texts This thesis explores the development of the notion of performativity. This exploration is used to develop and apply a diffractive methodology to media texts in order to assess the usefulness of the diffractive method in its application to Media Studies. In the first part of this thesis, a review of literature on various interpretations of the performative notion is conducted. In the second part of this thesis, elements of these interpretations are brought together to construct a diffractive methdological framework. This diffractive methodology is then tested on the work of two authors of media texts, the magazine Adbusters and the street artist Banksy, in order to guage its effectiveness when applied to texts which incorporate elements of diffraction. In the third part of this thesis, the dffractive methodology is applied to news media outlets’ interpretations of the media event The Moment of Truth, a press conference aimed at revealing the truth to the public about government mass surveillance in New Zealand. The fourth part of this thesis assesses how effective the diffractive methodology was in this application, and the questions that arise from the use of this method. Whilst there are some concerns about the responsible use of the method by researchers, the application of a diffractive methodology to these media texts was successful in creating new readings and insights, and provides an alternative to traditional methods within media studies.

year: 2015

title: Mā mahi, ka ora: by work, we prosper--traditional healers and workforce development.

authors: Ahuriri-Driscoll, Annabel

subjects: Adult

abstract: AIM: Rongoā Māori practitioners make a valuable contribution towards Māori health outcomes, albeit with limited resourcing or formal training. This paper reports on a survey of healers/healing practices-specifically healers' aspirations for professional development and training-and considers the implications for healing practice and future training undertakings. 
METHODS: Healers in seven districts around the country were surveyed about rongoā practice and service delivery during 2013. Consenting healers completed surveys either in person, via phone, or returned them via post, according to their preference and convenience. Resulting data were analysed and reported according to frequency of responses. 
RESULTS: Thirty-eight healers/rongoā clinics completed the survey--a 79% response rate. Respondents were primarily Māori (88%), female (69%), aged 50 years or older (60%), and worked as volunteers. Informal training modes focused on te reo, mātauranga and tikanga were the most common means of skill/ knowledge acquisition, and preferred modes for further training. 
CONCLUSIONS: The survey highlights the pressing need for expansion of the rongoā Māori workforce and training/service funding, to sustain rongoā practice. The findings add to what little is known about the training pathways and aspirations of practising healers, identified targets of the Māori Health Workforce Development Plan 2006.

text: Mā mahi, ka ora: by work, we prosper--traditional healers and workforce development. AIM: Rongoā Māori practitioners make a valuable contribution towards Māori health outcomes, albeit with limited resourcing or formal training. This paper reports on a survey of healers/healing practices-specifically healers' aspirations for professional development and training-and considers the implications for healing practice and future training undertakings. 
METHODS: Healers in seven districts around the country were surveyed about rongoā practice and service delivery during 2013. Consenting healers completed surveys either in person, via phone, or returned them via post, according to their preference and convenience. Resulting data were analysed and reported according to frequency of responses. 
RESULTS: Thirty-eight healers/rongoā clinics completed the survey--a 79% response rate. Respondents were primarily Māori (88%), female (69%), aged 50 years or older (60%), and worked as volunteers. Informal training modes focused on te reo, mātauranga and tikanga were the most common means of skill/ knowledge acquisition, and preferred modes for further training. 
CONCLUSIONS: The survey highlights the pressing need for expansion of the rongoā Māori workforce and training/service funding, to sustain rongoā practice. The findings add to what little is known about the training pathways and aspirations of practising healers, identified targets of the Māori Health Workforce Development Plan 2006.

year: 2015