title: Enhancing online reading lists for tertiary education

authors: Peramuna Pathirage, Nandana Vijaya Kumara

subjects: Online reading lists

abstract: Reading lists are a pedagogical tool widely used in tertiary education. Reading lists may provide pedagogical ‘scaffolding’ in which academics offer support to students through signposting and rich annotation on required readings. They thus have a critical role to play in transforming students into autonomous learners. However, it has been observed that existing Reading Lists software solutions support student learning in a partial, fractured way and are under-used in their role as a pedagogical tool. Therefore, this thesis examines the barriers to uptake of Reading Lists (i.e., reading lists that has been created using a special reading lists management software application) in universities, and, in particular, to explore possible interventions to improve academics’ experience with Reading Lists. We employed a mixed-methods approach in which we performed user studies (for academics, librarians, and students), content analyses and prototype designs. The results of these studies have been published across six research papers comprising Chapters 2–7 in this thesis.
The first paper explores the types of resources that are linked in Reading Lists, in particular the inclusion of electronic materials. We identified that many academics struggle with successfully linking resources, and do not perceive the process to be user friendly. We recommended a number of interventions to improve the reading list experience for academics. 
In the second paper, we examined in greater detail the make-up of Reading Lists at the University of Waikato. We investigated the experience of academics and librarians when creating Reading Lists and found that uptake of Reading Lists varies widely between different academic disciplines. We recommended developing discipline-specific support to increase Reading Lists numbers and to integrate pedagogical features to increase academic buy-in.
The third paper explores the students’ experience with the Reading Lists, in particular, when accessing electronic materials. The results of our analysis found that the students appreciate the way that Reading Lists help in their learning and perceive Reading Lists to be a useful tool for their learning process. However, their use of Reading Lists features varied due to the lack of awareness, visibility and interaction difficulties. We recommend enhancing the usability and the pedagogical features of Reading Lists to increase students' engagement. 
In the fourth paper, we explore in greater detail the pedagogical support that is offered in Reading List systems designed for tertiary teaching in a comparative study. The results of our comparative analysis identified a need for Reading List systems’ features that provide pedagogical support to better integrate into academic teaching. For these features to be truly beneficial, we identified a need to assist teachers to effectively use these tools in their daily practice.
In our fifth paper, we explore the academics' experiences with Reading Lists by focusing on their engagement with the specific aspects, such as creating a reading list, linking resources and the reading lists’ notes. We found a need for streamlining the user workflow, improved usability, and better synchronization with other teaching support systems. We recommend improving the systems’ usability by re-engineering the user workflows and to better integrate “the notes feature” into academic teaching.
In our final paper, we explore the academics’ feedback for prototype design, in which we introduce a redesigned interface for Reading Lists system, in comparison to the existing interfaces of the Waikato Reading Lists system. The results of our analysis identify that our new prototype design is better than the existing interfaces and our design has been accepted by the majority of academics.
In conclusion, the research presented in this thesis has contributed to our understanding of the experiences of academics, librarians, and students as they engage with Reading List systems. Our investigation has identified obstacles that hinder the adoption of Reading List systems, shedding light on the challenges faced by users in embracing these platforms. Additionally, our findings have resulted in a proposed enhanced interface aimed at simplifying and streamlining the use of Reading List systems. This suggested improvement seeks to create a user experience for all individuals involved, encouraging wider acceptance and integration of Reading List systems into the higher education landscape. By deepening our understanding of the interactions between users and Reading List systems this research provides insights that can guide advancements in educational technology. Ultimately, we hope that these contributions will pave the way for efficient engagement with Reading List systems thus enhancing the overall teaching and learning experience.

text: Enhancing online reading lists for tertiary education Reading lists are a pedagogical tool widely used in tertiary education. Reading lists may provide pedagogical ‘scaffolding’ in which academics offer support to students through signposting and rich annotation on required readings. They thus have a critical role to play in transforming students into autonomous learners. However, it has been observed that existing Reading Lists software solutions support student learning in a partial, fractured way and are under-used in their role as a pedagogical tool. Therefore, this thesis examines the barriers to uptake of Reading Lists (i.e., reading lists that has been created using a special reading lists management software application) in universities, and, in particular, to explore possible interventions to improve academics’ experience with Reading Lists. We employed a mixed-methods approach in which we performed user studies (for academics, librarians, and students), content analyses and prototype designs. The results of these studies have been published across six research papers comprising Chapters 2–7 in this thesis.
The first paper explores the types of resources that are linked in Reading Lists, in particular the inclusion of electronic materials. We identified that many academics struggle with successfully linking resources, and do not perceive the process to be user friendly. We recommended a number of interventions to improve the reading list experience for academics. 
In the second paper, we examined in greater detail the make-up of Reading Lists at the University of Waikato. We investigated the experience of academics and librarians when creating Reading Lists and found that uptake of Reading Lists varies widely between different academic disciplines. We recommended developing discipline-specific support to increase Reading Lists numbers and to integrate pedagogical features to increase academic buy-in.
The third paper explores the students’ experience with the Reading Lists, in particular, when accessing electronic materials. The results of our analysis found that the students appreciate the way that Reading Lists help in their learning and perceive Reading Lists to be a useful tool for their learning process. However, their use of Reading Lists features varied due to the lack of awareness, visibility and interaction difficulties. We recommend enhancing the usability and the pedagogical features of Reading Lists to increase students' engagement. 
In the fourth paper, we explore in greater detail the pedagogical support that is offered in Reading List systems designed for tertiary teaching in a comparative study. The results of our comparative analysis identified a need for Reading List systems’ features that provide pedagogical support to better integrate into academic teaching. For these features to be truly beneficial, we identified a need to assist teachers to effectively use these tools in their daily practice.
In our fifth paper, we explore the academics' experiences with Reading Lists by focusing on their engagement with the specific aspects, such as creating a reading list, linking resources and the reading lists’ notes. We found a need for streamlining the user workflow, improved usability, and better synchronization with other teaching support systems. We recommend improving the systems’ usability by re-engineering the user workflows and to better integrate “the notes feature” into academic teaching.
In our final paper, we explore the academics’ feedback for prototype design, in which we introduce a redesigned interface for Reading Lists system, in comparison to the existing interfaces of the Waikato Reading Lists system. The results of our analysis identify that our new prototype design is better than the existing interfaces and our design has been accepted by the majority of academics.
In conclusion, the research presented in this thesis has contributed to our understanding of the experiences of academics, librarians, and students as they engage with Reading List systems. Our investigation has identified obstacles that hinder the adoption of Reading List systems, shedding light on the challenges faced by users in embracing these platforms. Additionally, our findings have resulted in a proposed enhanced interface aimed at simplifying and streamlining the use of Reading List systems. This suggested improvement seeks to create a user experience for all individuals involved, encouraging wider acceptance and integration of Reading List systems into the higher education landscape. By deepening our understanding of the interactions between users and Reading List systems this research provides insights that can guide advancements in educational technology. Ultimately, we hope that these contributions will pave the way for efficient engagement with Reading List systems thus enhancing the overall teaching and learning experience.

year: 2023

title: A new framework for yield curve, output and inflation relationships

authors: Krippner, Leo

subjects: yield curve

abstract: This article develops a theoretically-consistent and easy-to-apply framework for interpreting, investigating, and monitoring the relationships between the yield curve, output, and inflation. The framework predicts that steady-state inflation plus steady-state output growth should be cointegrated with the long-maturity level of the yield curve as estimated by a arbitrage-free version of the Nelson and Siegel (1987) model, while the shape of the yield curve model from that model should correspond to the profile (that is, the timing and magnitude) of expected future inflation and output growth. These predicted relationships are confirmed empirically using 51 years of United States data. The framework may be used for monitoring expectations of inflation and output growth implied by the yield curve. It should also provide a basis for using the yield curve to value and hedge derivatives on macroeconomic data.

text: A new framework for yield curve, output and inflation relationships This article develops a theoretically-consistent and easy-to-apply framework for interpreting, investigating, and monitoring the relationships between the yield curve, output, and inflation. The framework predicts that steady-state inflation plus steady-state output growth should be cointegrated with the long-maturity level of the yield curve as estimated by a arbitrage-free version of the Nelson and Siegel (1987) model, while the shape of the yield curve model from that model should correspond to the profile (that is, the timing and magnitude) of expected future inflation and output growth. These predicted relationships are confirmed empirically using 51 years of United States data. The framework may be used for monitoring expectations of inflation and output growth implied by the yield curve. It should also provide a basis for using the yield curve to value and hedge derivatives on macroeconomic data.

year: 2005-12

title: An investigation into the commercial feasibility of Jasus edwardsii aquaculture in New Zealand

authors: Ruru, Ian Hector

subjects: New Zealand

abstract: In 1996 New Zealand introduced legislation to allow Jasus edwardsii pueruli to be collected as "seedstock" and ongrown in a commercial aquaculture trial. The aim of this thesis was to investigate the commercial feasibility of J. edwardsii aquaculture in New Zealand by working with an organisation involved in the trial.
The methodology involved a combination of experiments in the field, in laboratories, and within an ongrowing facility. This thesis examined five key areas and found the following:
1. Data obtained in the research indicates that New Zealand will continue to rely on harvesting pueruli from the wild since significant technical obstacles remain in the development of commercial scale pueruli hatcheries. Forecast data, obtained using the delphi technique and information about current research on larval rearing, indicates that commercial scale supply of pueruli from hatcheries may occur between 2017 and 2021.
2. Harvesting trials collected a low number of pueruli with the lowest unit cost for collection being $1.80. A greater collection rate could be achieved with a better understanding of seasonal and local settlement patterns.
3. Survival rates in pueruli transporting experiments were significantly affected by stocking density, time and temperature. The safest transit conditions were achieved with 15 pueruli per litre for less than 6 hours at 14°C.
4. A range of stocking densities, from 3 lobsters per tank to 12 per tank, were tested for their effect on growth of six-month old lobsters. The lobsters were reared in a total recirculation seawater system at a constant 16°C, and fed fresh mussels (Perna canaliculus). For the 121 day trial, no statistically significant effect was detected. However, there was a trend for growth rates to be highest at 3 and 6 lobsters per tank and for growth rates at stocking densities of 9 and 12 lobsters per tank to decrease after Day 50. Lobsters showed increased mortality at the highest stocking rate.
5. A bioeconomic model of a hypothetical farm was developed to assess economic benefits and risks and to determine overall profitability. The model showed an annual net cash position of $287,100 and cumulative cash position of $859,200 by the 10th year of operation based on annual sales of 10,837 kg at $65 per kg. The model indicates that the highest cost components in the first 10 years are processing and transport, and labour. Based on the model and the scenarios examined, profitability is very sensitive to factors such as the farm size, processing and transport costs, and sale price. Biological factors such as growth rates, survival, and feed requirements also influence overall profitability. Good returns will depend upon consistent exports of high quality lobsters.
The study concludes that commercial feasibility will be affected by these key areas. The potential of J. edwardsii aquaculture in New Zealand will continue to benefit from further research.

text: An investigation into the commercial feasibility of Jasus edwardsii aquaculture in New Zealand In 1996 New Zealand introduced legislation to allow Jasus edwardsii pueruli to be collected as "seedstock" and ongrown in a commercial aquaculture trial. The aim of this thesis was to investigate the commercial feasibility of J. edwardsii aquaculture in New Zealand by working with an organisation involved in the trial.
The methodology involved a combination of experiments in the field, in laboratories, and within an ongrowing facility. This thesis examined five key areas and found the following:
1. Data obtained in the research indicates that New Zealand will continue to rely on harvesting pueruli from the wild since significant technical obstacles remain in the development of commercial scale pueruli hatcheries. Forecast data, obtained using the delphi technique and information about current research on larval rearing, indicates that commercial scale supply of pueruli from hatcheries may occur between 2017 and 2021.
2. Harvesting trials collected a low number of pueruli with the lowest unit cost for collection being $1.80. A greater collection rate could be achieved with a better understanding of seasonal and local settlement patterns.
3. Survival rates in pueruli transporting experiments were significantly affected by stocking density, time and temperature. The safest transit conditions were achieved with 15 pueruli per litre for less than 6 hours at 14°C.
4. A range of stocking densities, from 3 lobsters per tank to 12 per tank, were tested for their effect on growth of six-month old lobsters. The lobsters were reared in a total recirculation seawater system at a constant 16°C, and fed fresh mussels (Perna canaliculus). For the 121 day trial, no statistically significant effect was detected. However, there was a trend for growth rates to be highest at 3 and 6 lobsters per tank and for growth rates at stocking densities of 9 and 12 lobsters per tank to decrease after Day 50. Lobsters showed increased mortality at the highest stocking rate.
5. A bioeconomic model of a hypothetical farm was developed to assess economic benefits and risks and to determine overall profitability. The model showed an annual net cash position of $287,100 and cumulative cash position of $859,200 by the 10th year of operation based on annual sales of 10,837 kg at $65 per kg. The model indicates that the highest cost components in the first 10 years are processing and transport, and labour. Based on the model and the scenarios examined, profitability is very sensitive to factors such as the farm size, processing and transport costs, and sale price. Biological factors such as growth rates, survival, and feed requirements also influence overall profitability. Good returns will depend upon consistent exports of high quality lobsters.
The study concludes that commercial feasibility will be affected by these key areas. The potential of J. edwardsii aquaculture in New Zealand will continue to benefit from further research.

year: 2000