title: Spatial Hypermedia as a programming environment

authors: Nemhauser, Bryce

subjects: Spatial Hypermedia

abstract: This thesis investigates the possibilities opened to a programmer when their programming environment not only utilises Spatial Hypermedia functionality, but embraces it as a core component. Designed and built to explore these possibilities, SpIDER (standing for Spatial Integrated Development Environment Research) is an IDE featuring not only traditional functionality such as content assist and debugging support but also multimedia integration and free-form spatial code layout. Such functionality allows programmers to visually communicate aspects of the intent and structure of their code that would be tedious—and in some cases impossible—to achieve in conventional IDEs.
Drawing from literature on Spatial Memory, the design of SpIDER has been driven by the desire to improve the programming experience while also providing a flexible authoring environment for software development. The programmer’s use of Spatial Memory is promoted, in particular, by: utilising fixed sized authoring canvases; providing the capacity for landmarks; exploiting a hierarchical linking system; and having well defined occlusion and spatial stability of authored code.
The key challenge in implementing SpIDER was to devise an algorithm to bridge the gap between spatially expressed source code, and the serial text forms required by compilers. This challenge was met by developing an algorithm that we have called the flow walker. We validated this algorithm through user testing to establish that participants’ interpretation of the meaning of spatially laid out code matched the flow walker’s implementation.
SpIDER can be obtained at: https://sourceforge.net/projects/spatial-ide-research-spider

text: Spatial Hypermedia as a programming environment This thesis investigates the possibilities opened to a programmer when their programming environment not only utilises Spatial Hypermedia functionality, but embraces it as a core component. Designed and built to explore these possibilities, SpIDER (standing for Spatial Integrated Development Environment Research) is an IDE featuring not only traditional functionality such as content assist and debugging support but also multimedia integration and free-form spatial code layout. Such functionality allows programmers to visually communicate aspects of the intent and structure of their code that would be tedious—and in some cases impossible—to achieve in conventional IDEs.
Drawing from literature on Spatial Memory, the design of SpIDER has been driven by the desire to improve the programming experience while also providing a flexible authoring environment for software development. The programmer’s use of Spatial Memory is promoted, in particular, by: utilising fixed sized authoring canvases; providing the capacity for landmarks; exploiting a hierarchical linking system; and having well defined occlusion and spatial stability of authored code.
The key challenge in implementing SpIDER was to devise an algorithm to bridge the gap between spatially expressed source code, and the serial text forms required by compilers. This challenge was met by developing an algorithm that we have called the flow walker. We validated this algorithm through user testing to establish that participants’ interpretation of the meaning of spatially laid out code matched the flow walker’s implementation.
SpIDER can be obtained at: https://sourceforge.net/projects/spatial-ide-research-spider

year: 2018

title: Gender differences in depression and anxiety symptoms eight years after mild traumatic brain injury

authors: Leidig, Rebecca Dawn

abstract: The majority of all treated cases of traumatic brain injury are classified as being in the mild severity range (MTBI) but many symptoms are far from mild and can result in difficulties that persist for years after the initial injury, severely affecting quality of life.  Chronic depression and anxiety symptoms can be masked by acute post-concussion symptoms and can affect males and females differently in the long-term but little research has been undertaken in this area.  The aims of this study were to investigate the gender differences in depression and anxiety over 1-month, 12-months and 8-years following a mild traumatic brain injury and to investigate gender differences in depression and anxiety between a group of MTBI subjects (8-years post-injury), and a group of participants who were TBI-free, by comparing Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) scores and self-reported symptoms.  A MTBI cohort consisting of a population-based sample of 151 adults who sustained a mild TBI between 2010 and 2011 was identified from an earlier longitudinal study: Brain Injury Incidence and Outcomes New Zealand In the Community Study (BIONIC).  Additionally, 213 participants with no history of head injury were recruited for comparison.  Both groups answered questions about current anxiety and depression symptoms using the HADS.
Overall, results suggest that males and females with MTBI have the same overall course of recovery in relation to depression and anxiety symptoms over the 8-years following injury but that females consistently report significantly increased symptoms than males over time, as reflected in the general population.  Depression and anxiety scores fluctuate over the 8-years post-MTBI but, overall, depression increases, anxiety decreases and symptom levels are below clinical severity.  Females with MTBI are significantly more likely than males to experience anxiety in the clinical range at 12-months post-injury.  
There were no significant gender differences in depression or anxiety levels between the MTBI and comparison groups, and average HADS scores were not significantly different between groups.  However,  individual symptom analysis showed that females who were 8-years post-MTBI experienced increased panic symptoms than females with no TBI and that both males and females with MTBI reported increased anhedonia and “restlessness’ symptoms than those without MTBI.   Overall, females reported significantly higher severity symptoms related to nervousness and feeling slowed down than males.
The clinical implications of this study suggest a focus on the longer-term impacts of MTBI  as patients may experience later onset depression or anxiety that may not be present in the acute phase.  Evaluating individual symptoms as well as overall scores on measures can identify important clinical effects at symptom level that are masked by total score analysis.    
Practitioners should consider gender differences in how patients respond to self-report symptom measures to ensure accurate clinical assessment of both males and females, particularly in relation to MTBI which has a higher male prevalence.  Future research into MTBI outcomes that includes a broader range of measures, in addition to self-report, will ensure comprehensive clinical data is obtained about individual symptoms and risk factors. 
This study uniquely contributes to current research into gender outcomes post-MTBI and may guide clinical practice to develop effective, timely and targeted assessment and treatment interventions for depression and anxiety symptoms experienced by both males and females after mild traumatic brain injury.

text: Gender differences in depression and anxiety symptoms eight years after mild traumatic brain injury The majority of all treated cases of traumatic brain injury are classified as being in the mild severity range (MTBI) but many symptoms are far from mild and can result in difficulties that persist for years after the initial injury, severely affecting quality of life.  Chronic depression and anxiety symptoms can be masked by acute post-concussion symptoms and can affect males and females differently in the long-term but little research has been undertaken in this area.  The aims of this study were to investigate the gender differences in depression and anxiety over 1-month, 12-months and 8-years following a mild traumatic brain injury and to investigate gender differences in depression and anxiety between a group of MTBI subjects (8-years post-injury), and a group of participants who were TBI-free, by comparing Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) scores and self-reported symptoms.  A MTBI cohort consisting of a population-based sample of 151 adults who sustained a mild TBI between 2010 and 2011 was identified from an earlier longitudinal study: Brain Injury Incidence and Outcomes New Zealand In the Community Study (BIONIC).  Additionally, 213 participants with no history of head injury were recruited for comparison.  Both groups answered questions about current anxiety and depression symptoms using the HADS.
Overall, results suggest that males and females with MTBI have the same overall course of recovery in relation to depression and anxiety symptoms over the 8-years following injury but that females consistently report significantly increased symptoms than males over time, as reflected in the general population.  Depression and anxiety scores fluctuate over the 8-years post-MTBI but, overall, depression increases, anxiety decreases and symptom levels are below clinical severity.  Females with MTBI are significantly more likely than males to experience anxiety in the clinical range at 12-months post-injury.  
There were no significant gender differences in depression or anxiety levels between the MTBI and comparison groups, and average HADS scores were not significantly different between groups.  However,  individual symptom analysis showed that females who were 8-years post-MTBI experienced increased panic symptoms than females with no TBI and that both males and females with MTBI reported increased anhedonia and “restlessness’ symptoms than those without MTBI.   Overall, females reported significantly higher severity symptoms related to nervousness and feeling slowed down than males.
The clinical implications of this study suggest a focus on the longer-term impacts of MTBI  as patients may experience later onset depression or anxiety that may not be present in the acute phase.  Evaluating individual symptoms as well as overall scores on measures can identify important clinical effects at symptom level that are masked by total score analysis.    
Practitioners should consider gender differences in how patients respond to self-report symptom measures to ensure accurate clinical assessment of both males and females, particularly in relation to MTBI which has a higher male prevalence.  Future research into MTBI outcomes that includes a broader range of measures, in addition to self-report, will ensure comprehensive clinical data is obtained about individual symptoms and risk factors. 
This study uniquely contributes to current research into gender outcomes post-MTBI and may guide clinical practice to develop effective, timely and targeted assessment and treatment interventions for depression and anxiety symptoms experienced by both males and females after mild traumatic brain injury.

year: 2020

title: Ka pūhia te puna o te kauae runga, kia pūheke ai ngā wai ki te kauae raro: Investigating the inclusion of Māori in engineering - A Māori engineers’ journey

authors: Poli, Teresa

subjects: Engineering

abstract: This thesis explored views held by Māori and non- Māori regarding te ao Māori across the engineering system of education, academia, and industry, in understanding what challenges and experiences Māori engineers may face. 
While there are incremental and progressive changes beginning to be seen in the engineering industry when working with iwi Māori, the history of engineering itself is intertwined with colonial contributions that have oppressed Māori. These historical influences continue to impact Māori today as they navigate educational pathways and enter the engineering profession. Colonisation, with its consequences such as stealing te reo, and various forms of cultural oppression, has led to Māori feeling disconnected from the engineering profession. It has also resulted in invisible cultural labour being placed on Māori, as we transition into a profession attempting to rectify the historic wrongs of the past. It was realised a gap existed in engineering education, failing to adequately equip graduates with the essential skills needed for success as engineers in Aotearoa. This gap was particularly evident in the cultural skills necessary for effective collaboration with clients, as well as for working harmoniously with Māori colleagues.
The research framework employed in this rangahau was He waka hourua, symbolising the journey towards a vision where Māori not only hold mana but also a sense of belonging in the field of engineering. This framework recognises the importance of both Māori and Pākehā voices, with a preference for Māori engineers taking a leading role in steering the direction towards the envisioned destination. The data collection process involved the use of Surveys and Whakawhiti kōrero methodologies, gathering both quantitative and qualitative information that played a crucial role in shaping the research findings.
Woven throughout this rangahau are the personal experiences shared by the author, and her journey as a wahine Māori engineer through the engineering system, anchored by her Māoritanga. Throughout, this rangahau analogies of waka are utilised as an acknowledgement of the great engineering feats developed by Māori, and paying homage to the idea that Māori have always been engineers, drawing from characteristics and traits passed down from atua and tīpuna.
The author highlights the scarcity of literature dedicated to supporting the kaupapa of enhancing the mana of Māori in engineering. Rather than providing definitive answers to address the challenges that diminish Māori mana in engineering, this thesis serves as a foundational point, anchored at the wharf, for future rangatira to continue the voyage. Enhancing the mana of Māori in engineering presents an enduring wero, but there is optimism for the future of Māori in engineering, as we carve out institutionalism, we begin to make space on our waka.

text: Ka pūhia te puna o te kauae runga, kia pūheke ai ngā wai ki te kauae raro: Investigating the inclusion of Māori in engineering - A Māori engineers’ journey This thesis explored views held by Māori and non- Māori regarding te ao Māori across the engineering system of education, academia, and industry, in understanding what challenges and experiences Māori engineers may face. 
While there are incremental and progressive changes beginning to be seen in the engineering industry when working with iwi Māori, the history of engineering itself is intertwined with colonial contributions that have oppressed Māori. These historical influences continue to impact Māori today as they navigate educational pathways and enter the engineering profession. Colonisation, with its consequences such as stealing te reo, and various forms of cultural oppression, has led to Māori feeling disconnected from the engineering profession. It has also resulted in invisible cultural labour being placed on Māori, as we transition into a profession attempting to rectify the historic wrongs of the past. It was realised a gap existed in engineering education, failing to adequately equip graduates with the essential skills needed for success as engineers in Aotearoa. This gap was particularly evident in the cultural skills necessary for effective collaboration with clients, as well as for working harmoniously with Māori colleagues.
The research framework employed in this rangahau was He waka hourua, symbolising the journey towards a vision where Māori not only hold mana but also a sense of belonging in the field of engineering. This framework recognises the importance of both Māori and Pākehā voices, with a preference for Māori engineers taking a leading role in steering the direction towards the envisioned destination. The data collection process involved the use of Surveys and Whakawhiti kōrero methodologies, gathering both quantitative and qualitative information that played a crucial role in shaping the research findings.
Woven throughout this rangahau are the personal experiences shared by the author, and her journey as a wahine Māori engineer through the engineering system, anchored by her Māoritanga. Throughout, this rangahau analogies of waka are utilised as an acknowledgement of the great engineering feats developed by Māori, and paying homage to the idea that Māori have always been engineers, drawing from characteristics and traits passed down from atua and tīpuna.
The author highlights the scarcity of literature dedicated to supporting the kaupapa of enhancing the mana of Māori in engineering. Rather than providing definitive answers to address the challenges that diminish Māori mana in engineering, this thesis serves as a foundational point, anchored at the wharf, for future rangatira to continue the voyage. Enhancing the mana of Māori in engineering presents an enduring wero, but there is optimism for the future of Māori in engineering, as we carve out institutionalism, we begin to make space on our waka.

year: 2024