title: Development of a Method for Trace Analysis of Dioctyl Sodium Sulfosuccinate by Liquid Chromatography Mass Spectrometry and its Application to Samples from the MV Rena Incident

authors: Bernstein, Daniel Richard

subjects: Liquid chromatography

abstract: The grounding of the MV Rena off the coast of Tauranga, New Zealand in 2011 prompted the application of Corexit® oil spill dispersants in an attempt to mitigate the impact of the spilled oil to coastal ecosystems. A quantitative method was developed employing sonication assisted extraction from beach sand followed by sample clean up by solid phase extraction and analysis by liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry for the analysis of Corexit® component dioctyl sodium sulfosuccinate (DOSS) at trace levels. The chromatographic method included the use of a C8 stationary phase with a gradient elution and quantitation by an internal standard approach based on mass spectrometer instrument response. Validation studies gave recoveries of 72 ± 1.7% with an accuracy of 94%. Calibration curves were shown to have a linear range of 0 – 200 μg.L⁻¹. Application of the method to the available environmental samples showed no presence of DOSS.
An attempt was made to apply the instrumental method to heavy fuel oil (HFO) tar-balls and oiled sand samples. Multiple extraction techniques were trialled including liquid-liquid extraction, sonication assisted extraction and anion exchange chromatography with recovery experiments for each method being carried out. Analysis of the extracts showed that quantitative recovery of DOSS had not been achieved for any of the methods investigated.
The difficulties associated with extracting DOSS from HFO tar-balls and oil sands suggest that the application of DOSS to surface oil slicks results in the preferential partitioning of DOSS into HFO. This has implications with respect to the distribution of DOSS in the environment following application, subsequent environmental monitoring and the degradation of HFO components by microbial communities.

text: Development of a Method for Trace Analysis of Dioctyl Sodium Sulfosuccinate by Liquid Chromatography Mass Spectrometry and its Application to Samples from the MV Rena Incident The grounding of the MV Rena off the coast of Tauranga, New Zealand in 2011 prompted the application of Corexit® oil spill dispersants in an attempt to mitigate the impact of the spilled oil to coastal ecosystems. A quantitative method was developed employing sonication assisted extraction from beach sand followed by sample clean up by solid phase extraction and analysis by liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry for the analysis of Corexit® component dioctyl sodium sulfosuccinate (DOSS) at trace levels. The chromatographic method included the use of a C8 stationary phase with a gradient elution and quantitation by an internal standard approach based on mass spectrometer instrument response. Validation studies gave recoveries of 72 ± 1.7% with an accuracy of 94%. Calibration curves were shown to have a linear range of 0 – 200 μg.L⁻¹. Application of the method to the available environmental samples showed no presence of DOSS.
An attempt was made to apply the instrumental method to heavy fuel oil (HFO) tar-balls and oiled sand samples. Multiple extraction techniques were trialled including liquid-liquid extraction, sonication assisted extraction and anion exchange chromatography with recovery experiments for each method being carried out. Analysis of the extracts showed that quantitative recovery of DOSS had not been achieved for any of the methods investigated.
The difficulties associated with extracting DOSS from HFO tar-balls and oil sands suggest that the application of DOSS to surface oil slicks results in the preferential partitioning of DOSS into HFO. This has implications with respect to the distribution of DOSS in the environment following application, subsequent environmental monitoring and the degradation of HFO components by microbial communities.

year: 2015

title: Enhancing interactivity: how has design exploration of physically and intellectually interactive picturebooks enhanced shared reading?

authors: Vanderschantz, Nicholas

subjects: design

abstract: Children’s book design can have a significant impact on shared reading practices, interaction, and engagement. We hypothesise that books designed with the intention to specifically enhance the author’s story through interactivity will provide opportunities for new experience design outcomes that are both human-object and human-human centred. The multi-faceted problem of children’s books has been explored by linguistics, history, and education researchers, yet seldom using a design lens. In previous work we developed a traditional and highly interactive picturebook which we observe here being used by families. The study explored how physical and intellectual enhancements change the level and types of interaction within a shared reading environment. The inclusion of physical and intellectual enhancements within the book promote a greater level of interaction and engagement from the parent and child. However, this is only the case if the enhancements provide meaningful interaction, and have relevance to the story. Our results provide design solutions for designing effective children’s books in the future.

text: Enhancing interactivity: how has design exploration of physically and intellectually interactive picturebooks enhanced shared reading? Children’s book design can have a significant impact on shared reading practices, interaction, and engagement. We hypothesise that books designed with the intention to specifically enhance the author’s story through interactivity will provide opportunities for new experience design outcomes that are both human-object and human-human centred. The multi-faceted problem of children’s books has been explored by linguistics, history, and education researchers, yet seldom using a design lens. In previous work we developed a traditional and highly interactive picturebook which we observe here being used by families. The study explored how physical and intellectual enhancements change the level and types of interaction within a shared reading environment. The inclusion of physical and intellectual enhancements within the book promote a greater level of interaction and engagement from the parent and child. However, this is only the case if the enhancements provide meaningful interaction, and have relevance to the story. Our results provide design solutions for designing effective children’s books in the future.

year: 2020

title: The Research Data Landscape in Aotearoa New Zealand: A report undertaken in partnership with the Aotearoa New Zealand Committee on Data in Research (CoDiR)

authors: Sterling, Rogena

abstract: Data and datasets are often described as a core strategic asset for Aotearoa New Zealand (Aotearoa) and indispensable for the government’s ambition of being a small nation with an advanced, adaptive, and inclusive economy. In the context of our research, science and innovation (RSI) ecosystem, the value of data cannot be overstated. 
The purpose of this report is to provide a review (the Review) of Aotearoa’s research data landscape. Research data are data that are used as primary sources to support technical or scientific enquiry, research, or artistic activity; as evidence in the research process; and/or are commonly accepted in the
research community as necessary to provide a foundation for, or validate research findings and results. The Review covers four core areas:

• Te Tiriti o Waitangi and data sovereignty
• research data ecosystems
• research data infrastructure
• research data cultures.

Although informed by international data landscape reviews, this Review emphasises the unique considerations and structural features of the Aotearoa data landscape. Based on our analysis and observations from a series of targeted workshops, we provide a set of recommendations on how to strengthen the system and advance shared aspirations for better outcomes. The recommendations are organised under the five headings from Nosek’s Pyramid of Social Change, setting out a phased strategy for culture and behaviour change. In implementing these recommendations, we recognise that the articles of Te Tiriti should be embedded throughout, consistent with sector requirements (MBIE, 2023d).

text: The Research Data Landscape in Aotearoa New Zealand: A report undertaken in partnership with the Aotearoa New Zealand Committee on Data in Research (CoDiR) Data and datasets are often described as a core strategic asset for Aotearoa New Zealand (Aotearoa) and indispensable for the government’s ambition of being a small nation with an advanced, adaptive, and inclusive economy. In the context of our research, science and innovation (RSI) ecosystem, the value of data cannot be overstated. 
The purpose of this report is to provide a review (the Review) of Aotearoa’s research data landscape. Research data are data that are used as primary sources to support technical or scientific enquiry, research, or artistic activity; as evidence in the research process; and/or are commonly accepted in the
research community as necessary to provide a foundation for, or validate research findings and results. The Review covers four core areas:

• Te Tiriti o Waitangi and data sovereignty
• research data ecosystems
• research data infrastructure
• research data cultures.

Although informed by international data landscape reviews, this Review emphasises the unique considerations and structural features of the Aotearoa data landscape. Based on our analysis and observations from a series of targeted workshops, we provide a set of recommendations on how to strengthen the system and advance shared aspirations for better outcomes. The recommendations are organised under the five headings from Nosek’s Pyramid of Social Change, setting out a phased strategy for culture and behaviour change. In implementing these recommendations, we recognise that the articles of Te Tiriti should be embedded throughout, consistent with sector requirements (MBIE, 2023d).

year: 2023