title: Investigation of respiratory surfactant A protein in middle ear epithelium

authors: Cecire, Anthony

subjects: Surfactant A protein

abstract: Introduction: The middle ear of mammals is an air-chamber required for sound transmission. It is lined by an epithelium which is variable but which resembles that of the lungs. Lung function depends upon surfactant which is a family of surfactant proteins which have an important role in breathing as well as infection control. Given that both the middle ear and the lungs can suffer collapse as well as infection, it is worth exploring whether surfactant protein is expressed throughout the middle ear in any manner analogous to that in the lung.
Materials and methods: Our study has used simple histological stains to study cell and tissue morphology of the rodent middle ear. We used immunohistochemistry and protein electrophoresis to identify surfactant A protein as well as four cytokeratins expressed in lung cells.
Results: We have demonstrated that surfactant protein A is indeed expressed in the middle ear and that there are cells which have a protein cytokeratin expression consistent with surfactant production and other cells whose cytokeratin expression reflects a likely role in gas exchange. Our research has also confirmed the presence of surfactant in the bone marrow spaces adjacent to the middle ear as well as other tissues reflecting its diverse roles. This also suggests a role in local and innate immunity. A novel finding was the presence of communications between the marrow spaces and the mouse middle ear cavity.
Conclusion: These results suggest that there is a need for further work to assess the anatomical and topographical distribution of surfactant A protein throughout the variety of cell types within the middle ear. This will help to understand better the interaction of the various cell types in regard to the local and innate immunity of the middle ear as well as its gas exchange function.

text: Investigation of respiratory surfactant A protein in middle ear epithelium Introduction: The middle ear of mammals is an air-chamber required for sound transmission. It is lined by an epithelium which is variable but which resembles that of the lungs. Lung function depends upon surfactant which is a family of surfactant proteins which have an important role in breathing as well as infection control. Given that both the middle ear and the lungs can suffer collapse as well as infection, it is worth exploring whether surfactant protein is expressed throughout the middle ear in any manner analogous to that in the lung.
Materials and methods: Our study has used simple histological stains to study cell and tissue morphology of the rodent middle ear. We used immunohistochemistry and protein electrophoresis to identify surfactant A protein as well as four cytokeratins expressed in lung cells.
Results: We have demonstrated that surfactant protein A is indeed expressed in the middle ear and that there are cells which have a protein cytokeratin expression consistent with surfactant production and other cells whose cytokeratin expression reflects a likely role in gas exchange. Our research has also confirmed the presence of surfactant in the bone marrow spaces adjacent to the middle ear as well as other tissues reflecting its diverse roles. This also suggests a role in local and innate immunity. A novel finding was the presence of communications between the marrow spaces and the mouse middle ear cavity.
Conclusion: These results suggest that there is a need for further work to assess the anatomical and topographical distribution of surfactant A protein throughout the variety of cell types within the middle ear. This will help to understand better the interaction of the various cell types in regard to the local and innate immunity of the middle ear as well as its gas exchange function.

year: 2020

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: The Oral Transmission of Mātauranga Māori in regard to Traditional Hokianga Stories and the Revitalization of Significant Place Names.

authors: Barnes, Maria

subjects: Hokianga

abstract: This thesis researched the oral transmission of mātauranga Māori from one generation to another with a particular focus on the significance of place names in the Hokianga area from Waimamaku through to Opononi. It also sought to understand the stories and history that accompany this area. Our oral traditions are critical in helping to define our identity as Māori, and our relationship with the land.

This thesis begins by looking at the ways in which we as Māori are connected to the land and some of our traditional values regarding cultural practices and the way our tūpuna lived.  It also shares an example of the way in which our oral traditions and histories were preserved and taught.  There is then a detailed section regarding the significance of Hokianga place names within the Waimamaku, Omapere and Opononi area of Hokianga.  This information has been provided orally from the generosity of kaumātua of our area.  Following this I have concluded by providing an overall statement about the significance of findings and outcomes of my research.

This kaupapa is important as more and more of these place names and their histories will continue to be lost if records are not kept and shared with future generations.  I also understand the importance of protecting this knowledge.  Through colonisation and over time the use of our traditional educational practices and our place names and their histories have been forgotten, watered down, and sometimes lost.  Our learning methods, histories and whakapapa constitute important elements of who we are as Māori. They recognise the past, help us to understand today and guide us into the future. 

The research strategy used in my thesis is collaborative storying co-constructed between myself the researcher and local kaumātua deemed to hold traditional knowledge of our area.  This has provided the opportunity to find out significant place names and our local histories. Prior to working on this thesis only a few names were known and understood.  However in the end we are able to get a more detailed picture of our history.  There are still plenty more place names to be found and understood.


We live and come from a beautiful place.

text: The Oral Transmission of Mātauranga Māori in regard to Traditional Hokianga Stories and the Revitalization of Significant Place Names. This thesis researched the oral transmission of mātauranga Māori from one generation to another with a particular focus on the significance of place names in the Hokianga area from Waimamaku through to Opononi. It also sought to understand the stories and history that accompany this area. Our oral traditions are critical in helping to define our identity as Māori, and our relationship with the land.

This thesis begins by looking at the ways in which we as Māori are connected to the land and some of our traditional values regarding cultural practices and the way our tūpuna lived.  It also shares an example of the way in which our oral traditions and histories were preserved and taught.  There is then a detailed section regarding the significance of Hokianga place names within the Waimamaku, Omapere and Opononi area of Hokianga.  This information has been provided orally from the generosity of kaumātua of our area.  Following this I have concluded by providing an overall statement about the significance of findings and outcomes of my research.

This kaupapa is important as more and more of these place names and their histories will continue to be lost if records are not kept and shared with future generations.  I also understand the importance of protecting this knowledge.  Through colonisation and over time the use of our traditional educational practices and our place names and their histories have been forgotten, watered down, and sometimes lost.  Our learning methods, histories and whakapapa constitute important elements of who we are as Māori. They recognise the past, help us to understand today and guide us into the future. 

The research strategy used in my thesis is collaborative storying co-constructed between myself the researcher and local kaumātua deemed to hold traditional knowledge of our area.  This has provided the opportunity to find out significant place names and our local histories. Prior to working on this thesis only a few names were known and understood.  However in the end we are able to get a more detailed picture of our history.  There are still plenty more place names to be found and understood.


We live and come from a beautiful place.

year: 2010