title: Predicting authenticity: The effects of self-monitoring, self-presentation styles, and biological sex

authors: McGregor, Stefanie Christina

subjects: Authenticity

abstract: The field of authenticity research is quickly expanding, and much research has investigated the antecedents of authenticity; however, some factors have only been theorised. This thesis project aims to take two concepts theorised to affect authenticity, which are self-monitoring levels and self-presentation styles and explore their relationship to it. Sex is known to influence self-monitoring and self-presentation styles and was therefore included as a moderating variable. Expanding our knowledge into the factors that affect authenticity allows us to construct interventions to help increase individuals' authenticity and well-being. In this cross-sectional study (N = 388), respondents rated themselves on scales measuring their authenticity, self-monitoring and self-presentation styles. Via the regression analyses, we found that the respondent's age played a significant role in their authenticity level. The self-presentation styles, exemplification and supplication, were found to have negative relationships with authenticity. Sex moderated the relationship between self-promotion and authenticity, so that the non-significant positive relationship was stronger for women than men. The respondent's sex also moderated the relationship between intimidation and authenticity, making the non-significant negative relationship stronger for women. All other findings were non-significant, indicating that self-monitoring and ingratiation do not significantly predict authenticity regardless of whether sex was a moderator or not.

text: Predicting authenticity: The effects of self-monitoring, self-presentation styles, and biological sex The field of authenticity research is quickly expanding, and much research has investigated the antecedents of authenticity; however, some factors have only been theorised. This thesis project aims to take two concepts theorised to affect authenticity, which are self-monitoring levels and self-presentation styles and explore their relationship to it. Sex is known to influence self-monitoring and self-presentation styles and was therefore included as a moderating variable. Expanding our knowledge into the factors that affect authenticity allows us to construct interventions to help increase individuals' authenticity and well-being. In this cross-sectional study (N = 388), respondents rated themselves on scales measuring their authenticity, self-monitoring and self-presentation styles. Via the regression analyses, we found that the respondent's age played a significant role in their authenticity level. The self-presentation styles, exemplification and supplication, were found to have negative relationships with authenticity. Sex moderated the relationship between self-promotion and authenticity, so that the non-significant positive relationship was stronger for women than men. The respondent's sex also moderated the relationship between intimidation and authenticity, making the non-significant negative relationship stronger for women. All other findings were non-significant, indicating that self-monitoring and ingratiation do not significantly predict authenticity regardless of whether sex was a moderator or not.

year: 2022

title: Characterization and adsorption performance of New Zealand biochar for the removal of paracetamol and ibuprofen from synthetic solutions in batch and column systems

authors: Shein, Shun Lei Shwe Yee

abstract: Pharmaceuticals are a significant class of emerging organic contaminants that have been increasingly detected in aquatic environments. Their persistence and limited removal by conventional treatment methods poses considerable risks to both flora and fauna. The study investigates the adsorption performance of New Zealand-sourced biochar both raw and surface-modified for the removal of two widely used pharmaceuticals, paracetamol and ibuprofen, from aqueous solutions. With its local availability and carbon-rich structure, biochar was evaluated as an innovative solution to address the growing challenge of emerging pharmaceutical pollutants in aquatic environments. The research aimed to characterize the physicochemical properties of biochar and evaluate its adsorption capacity under batch and column configurations, addressing removal efficiency, equilibrium behaviour, kinetic mechanisms, and dynamic breakthrough performance. The biochar was instrumentally analysed by BET surface area analysis, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and scanning electron microscopy with energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (SEM–EDX) to examine the biochar’s surface structure and functional groups. Premium Biochar demonstrated the highest BET surface area (308.3 m²/g), which further increased to 354 m²/g after 30% KOH activation, indicating enhanced porosity and improved availability of adsorption sites. Batch adsorption experiments revealed that paracetamol achieved higher removal efficiencies and adsorption capacities (up to 8.5 mg/g) compared to ibuprofen (maximum of 2.8 mg/g), largely due to its smaller molecular size and greater polarity. The non-linear technique using isotherm and kinetic model was used to validate the process efficiency of pharmaceuticals removal. Kinetic modelling indicated pseudo-second order and Elovich models best described the adsorption mechanisms (R² > 0.997), confirming chemisorption on heterogeneous surfaces as the dominant process. Isotherm analysis showed multilayer Freundlich adsorption for paracetamol and monolayer Langmuir adsorption for ibuprofen reflecting differences in multilayer versus monolayer adsorption behaviour. Column experiments were conducted under single-pass, closed-loop recirculation, and semi-continuous dosing modes. Single-pass continuous flow showed in rapid breakthrough at short empty bed contact times (1.6–4.5 minutes) due to hydraulic limitations. In contrast, closed-loop recirculation columns achieved up to 90% paracetamol removal and 58% ibuprofen removal under extended operation, specifically, the optimal condition when using 1 mm particle size KOH-activated biochar (1 mm KOH-modified biochar, 15 L/min flow, 500 min runtime). Semi-continuous dosing experiments demonstrated gradual adsorbent saturation with final adsorption capacities of approximately 0.43–0.57 mg/g, supporting the need for regeneration strategies in long-term applications.

text: Characterization and adsorption performance of New Zealand biochar for the removal of paracetamol and ibuprofen from synthetic solutions in batch and column systems Pharmaceuticals are a significant class of emerging organic contaminants that have been increasingly detected in aquatic environments. Their persistence and limited removal by conventional treatment methods poses considerable risks to both flora and fauna. The study investigates the adsorption performance of New Zealand-sourced biochar both raw and surface-modified for the removal of two widely used pharmaceuticals, paracetamol and ibuprofen, from aqueous solutions. With its local availability and carbon-rich structure, biochar was evaluated as an innovative solution to address the growing challenge of emerging pharmaceutical pollutants in aquatic environments. The research aimed to characterize the physicochemical properties of biochar and evaluate its adsorption capacity under batch and column configurations, addressing removal efficiency, equilibrium behaviour, kinetic mechanisms, and dynamic breakthrough performance. The biochar was instrumentally analysed by BET surface area analysis, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and scanning electron microscopy with energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (SEM–EDX) to examine the biochar’s surface structure and functional groups. Premium Biochar demonstrated the highest BET surface area (308.3 m²/g), which further increased to 354 m²/g after 30% KOH activation, indicating enhanced porosity and improved availability of adsorption sites. Batch adsorption experiments revealed that paracetamol achieved higher removal efficiencies and adsorption capacities (up to 8.5 mg/g) compared to ibuprofen (maximum of 2.8 mg/g), largely due to its smaller molecular size and greater polarity. The non-linear technique using isotherm and kinetic model was used to validate the process efficiency of pharmaceuticals removal. Kinetic modelling indicated pseudo-second order and Elovich models best described the adsorption mechanisms (R² > 0.997), confirming chemisorption on heterogeneous surfaces as the dominant process. Isotherm analysis showed multilayer Freundlich adsorption for paracetamol and monolayer Langmuir adsorption for ibuprofen reflecting differences in multilayer versus monolayer adsorption behaviour. Column experiments were conducted under single-pass, closed-loop recirculation, and semi-continuous dosing modes. Single-pass continuous flow showed in rapid breakthrough at short empty bed contact times (1.6–4.5 minutes) due to hydraulic limitations. In contrast, closed-loop recirculation columns achieved up to 90% paracetamol removal and 58% ibuprofen removal under extended operation, specifically, the optimal condition when using 1 mm particle size KOH-activated biochar (1 mm KOH-modified biochar, 15 L/min flow, 500 min runtime). Semi-continuous dosing experiments demonstrated gradual adsorbent saturation with final adsorption capacities of approximately 0.43–0.57 mg/g, supporting the need for regeneration strategies in long-term applications.

year: 2025-07-06

title: What is Māori typography?

authors: Kennedy, Nikki Eileen

subjects: Māori Design

abstract: Te Reo Māori was traditionally an oral language similar to many indigenous cultures. Writing systems were not familiar to Māori until 1769 where Māori were introduced to the written language by Pākehā. Early Māori writing can be found printed, carved and painted in a number of different parts of Māori society. These myriad texts were strongly influenced and inspired by Pākehā biblical texts and newspapers. The influence of Pākehā texts meant that overtime the written language of Te Reo Māori had a Pākehā visual identity.

To date, there is minimal research about the history and visual identity of Māori typography. The lack of research and resources about Māori typography confirms how underdeveloped Māori typography is and highlights the potential for research and development in this space.

This thesis aims to explore Māori typography. In particular, this thesis will provide an understanding of how Māori typography has evolved, addressing the perceptions of Māori text features and advice on design guidance of Māori typography.

Two studies within this thesis involved analysing the text-based features in 21 Māori newspapers dated from 1842-1935. Māori newspapers are a valuable resource that captured moments in history and also early displays of Māori text. The second study involved interviews with 50 participants — Māori and non-Māori, from a range of different backgrounds — who provided their understandings and perceptions surrounding the features of Māori text.

The results from these studies have shown that the serif typeface classification was commonly used in early print such as Māori newspapers. Serif lettering also reminded participants in our studies of early Māori texts such as old text books and newspapers. This appears to be the reason as to why, a strong theme of serifs and the style of Didone typefaces have been used throughout Māori typography and by default are recognised features of Māori typefaces today.

Having analysed Māori newspapers, an unexpected finding appeared in the 1908 Te Pipiwharauroa newspaper. Two unique letter characters were found that was revolution for Te Reo Māori text of the time. This oddity combined the ‘ng’ letters into one letter character and the ‘wh’ letters into one letter character also. The aim in combining the two letters together was to emphasise the one sound that the ‘ng’ and the ‘wh’ make to avoid confusion in the pronunciation of Māori words. The results showed that these two letter characters appeared from 1908 through to 1912. There is no evidence of these characters appearing after 1912 and also appearing in other newspapers. The two characters were a rare appearance of its time.

As a result of this research it is clear that the visual identity of Te Reo Māori remains unclear and was highly influenced by serif lettering. This thesis highlights the need for more research about Māori typography and design guidance for developing appropriate Māori typefaces that are influenced and inspired by Maori culture.

text: What is Māori typography? Te Reo Māori was traditionally an oral language similar to many indigenous cultures. Writing systems were not familiar to Māori until 1769 where Māori were introduced to the written language by Pākehā. Early Māori writing can be found printed, carved and painted in a number of different parts of Māori society. These myriad texts were strongly influenced and inspired by Pākehā biblical texts and newspapers. The influence of Pākehā texts meant that overtime the written language of Te Reo Māori had a Pākehā visual identity.

To date, there is minimal research about the history and visual identity of Māori typography. The lack of research and resources about Māori typography confirms how underdeveloped Māori typography is and highlights the potential for research and development in this space.

This thesis aims to explore Māori typography. In particular, this thesis will provide an understanding of how Māori typography has evolved, addressing the perceptions of Māori text features and advice on design guidance of Māori typography.

Two studies within this thesis involved analysing the text-based features in 21 Māori newspapers dated from 1842-1935. Māori newspapers are a valuable resource that captured moments in history and also early displays of Māori text. The second study involved interviews with 50 participants — Māori and non-Māori, from a range of different backgrounds — who provided their understandings and perceptions surrounding the features of Māori text.

The results from these studies have shown that the serif typeface classification was commonly used in early print such as Māori newspapers. Serif lettering also reminded participants in our studies of early Māori texts such as old text books and newspapers. This appears to be the reason as to why, a strong theme of serifs and the style of Didone typefaces have been used throughout Māori typography and by default are recognised features of Māori typefaces today.

Having analysed Māori newspapers, an unexpected finding appeared in the 1908 Te Pipiwharauroa newspaper. Two unique letter characters were found that was revolution for Te Reo Māori text of the time. This oddity combined the ‘ng’ letters into one letter character and the ‘wh’ letters into one letter character also. The aim in combining the two letters together was to emphasise the one sound that the ‘ng’ and the ‘wh’ make to avoid confusion in the pronunciation of Māori words. The results showed that these two letter characters appeared from 1908 through to 1912. There is no evidence of these characters appearing after 1912 and also appearing in other newspapers. The two characters were a rare appearance of its time.

As a result of this research it is clear that the visual identity of Te Reo Māori remains unclear and was highly influenced by serif lettering. This thesis highlights the need for more research about Māori typography and design guidance for developing appropriate Māori typefaces that are influenced and inspired by Maori culture.

year: 2020