title: The Physical Work Environment in relation to the Physical and Psychological Symptoms of Sick Building Syndrome

authors: Meikle, Sarah Marie

subjects: Sick Building Syndrome

abstract: This study investigated the relationship between perceptions of a poor physical work environment (PWE) and sick building syndrome (SBS), and with various psychological variables that impact organizational productivity. 164 employees working in medium to large office buildings in New Zealand completed an online questionnaire. Overall, the results supported the relationships that were predicted. Ratings of a poor PWE were strongly and positively related to SBS symptoms. Both ratings of a poor PWE and SBS symptoms were positively related to absenteeism, turnover intentions, and continuance commitment; and were negatively related to affective commitment, perceived organizational support, and job satisfaction. SBS mediated the relationship between PWE and most of these variables, except for continuance commitment. Contrary to prior research self-rated job performance was not found to be related to PWE or SBS. The major implications of this research are that it is important for researchers and managers alike to consider the physical aspects of the work environment as well as managerial and interpersonal aspects. This research also showed that New Zealand employees are experiencing SBS symptoms, indicating SBS is just as important for New Zealand organizations as it is for organizations overseas. Further implications of this study, and directions for future research are discussed in the final chapter.

text: The Physical Work Environment in relation to the Physical and Psychological Symptoms of Sick Building Syndrome This study investigated the relationship between perceptions of a poor physical work environment (PWE) and sick building syndrome (SBS), and with various psychological variables that impact organizational productivity. 164 employees working in medium to large office buildings in New Zealand completed an online questionnaire. Overall, the results supported the relationships that were predicted. Ratings of a poor PWE were strongly and positively related to SBS symptoms. Both ratings of a poor PWE and SBS symptoms were positively related to absenteeism, turnover intentions, and continuance commitment; and were negatively related to affective commitment, perceived organizational support, and job satisfaction. SBS mediated the relationship between PWE and most of these variables, except for continuance commitment. Contrary to prior research self-rated job performance was not found to be related to PWE or SBS. The major implications of this research are that it is important for researchers and managers alike to consider the physical aspects of the work environment as well as managerial and interpersonal aspects. This research also showed that New Zealand employees are experiencing SBS symptoms, indicating SBS is just as important for New Zealand organizations as it is for organizations overseas. Further implications of this study, and directions for future research are discussed in the final chapter.

year: 2011

title: Thermal stability of nanocrystalline copper films

authors: Cao, Peng

subjects: nanocrystalline

abstract: The grain growth kinetics of nanocrystalline copper thin film samples was investigated. The grain size of nanocrystalline copper samples was determined from the broadening of X-ray spectra. It was found that the grain size increased linearly with isothermal annealing time within the first 10 minutes, beyond which power-law growth kinetics is applied. The activation energy for grain growth was determined by constructing an Arrhenius plot, which shows an activation energy of about 21 – 30 kJ/mol. The low activation energy is attributed to the second phase particle drag and the porosity drag, which act as the pinning force for grain growth in nanocrystalline copper.

text: Thermal stability of nanocrystalline copper films The grain growth kinetics of nanocrystalline copper thin film samples was investigated. The grain size of nanocrystalline copper samples was determined from the broadening of X-ray spectra. It was found that the grain size increased linearly with isothermal annealing time within the first 10 minutes, beyond which power-law growth kinetics is applied. The activation energy for grain growth was determined by constructing an Arrhenius plot, which shows an activation energy of about 21 – 30 kJ/mol. The low activation energy is attributed to the second phase particle drag and the porosity drag, which act as the pinning force for grain growth in nanocrystalline copper.

year: 2006

title: Māori data governance model

authors: Kukutai, Tahu

abstract: This report describes the Māori Data Governance Model that has been designed by Māori data experts for use across the Aotearoa New Zealand public service. Māori data is a taonga that requires culturally grounded models of protection and care. The Model provides guidance for the system-wide governance of Māori data, consistent with the Government’s responsibilities under te Tiriti o Waitangi. The Model is intended to assist all agencies to undertake Māori data governance in a way that is values-led, centred on Māori needs and priorities, and informed by research. This is important because existing government data processes and practices are failing to meet Māori informational needs.

The Vision, Tuia te korowai o Hine-Raraunga – Data for self-determination, enables iwi, hapū and Māori organisations, businesses and communities to pursue their own goals for cultural, social, economic and environmental wellbeing. Eight Data Pou or pillars define critical areas of data governance and specify the actions that should be undertaken to realise six desired outcomes. The Model does not cover every element of data governance; instead, it focuses on key priorities and actions, against which agencies can assess their level of data maturity. The Model explicitly recognises the need for changes to system leadership, policies and legal settings so that Māori can exercise authority over Māori data to reduce unethical data use and strengthen outcomes for individuals, whānau and communities. The report also identifies the need for strategic investment in a Mana Motuhake data system that sits outside of the public sector to ensure iwi and hapū sovereignty over iwi and hapū data.

text: Māori data governance model This report describes the Māori Data Governance Model that has been designed by Māori data experts for use across the Aotearoa New Zealand public service. Māori data is a taonga that requires culturally grounded models of protection and care. The Model provides guidance for the system-wide governance of Māori data, consistent with the Government’s responsibilities under te Tiriti o Waitangi. The Model is intended to assist all agencies to undertake Māori data governance in a way that is values-led, centred on Māori needs and priorities, and informed by research. This is important because existing government data processes and practices are failing to meet Māori informational needs.

The Vision, Tuia te korowai o Hine-Raraunga – Data for self-determination, enables iwi, hapū and Māori organisations, businesses and communities to pursue their own goals for cultural, social, economic and environmental wellbeing. Eight Data Pou or pillars define critical areas of data governance and specify the actions that should be undertaken to realise six desired outcomes. The Model does not cover every element of data governance; instead, it focuses on key priorities and actions, against which agencies can assess their level of data maturity. The Model explicitly recognises the need for changes to system leadership, policies and legal settings so that Māori can exercise authority over Māori data to reduce unethical data use and strengthen outcomes for individuals, whānau and communities. The report also identifies the need for strategic investment in a Mana Motuhake data system that sits outside of the public sector to ensure iwi and hapū sovereignty over iwi and hapū data.

year: 2023