Doctoral Theses - Closed Access

Permanent URI for this collectionhttps://hdl.handle.net/2292/505

The Closed Access Collection is limited to title, author and abstract information. The items in this collection are available in print or via Document Delivery/Interlibrary Loan.

For access to University of Auckland print theses:

Staff and students at the University of Auckland can request print theses from the On Demand Collection to be viewed at or collected from the General Library
OCLC and Rapid Resource Sharing Libraries should make an Interlibrary Loan Request, other libraries can contact au.interloans@auckland.ac.nz
Individuals and/or non-library groups should contact their institutional or public library to access the Interlibrary Loan Service.

Browse

Now showing 1 - 20 of 33

Molecular sensing in insects
(ResearchSpace@Auckland, 2023) Newcomb, Richard; Not Applicable
R&D competition, licensing, and intellectual property rights
(ResearchSpace@Auckland, 2005) Kao, Tina Shin-Tian; Aoki, R.; Hillas, J.
This thesis consists of three parts. The first part analyses R&D competition among firms with incomplete information. Both one-sided and two-sided informational problems are studied. For the one-sided private information model, we analyse a two-stage stochastic R&D game where the first mover possesses private information regarding its R&D progress. The rival can only observe its R&D investments, but not the actual R&D position. R&D investment thus carries both investment and signalling effects. Both complete information and signalling equilibria are possible in the second period. For some parameter ranges, the equilibrium regime is endogenous and depends on the firm’s position. For some parameter ranges, the possibility of the signalling equilibrium induces under-investment in the first period, which is contrary to the conclusion of the entry deterrence literature. For the two-sided information model, both firms possess private information regarding their R&D progress. They infer the rival’s R&D position from its R&D investment. Most results from the one-sided information model carries through. The second mover can manipulate the first mover’s belief about its position in the second period by adjusting the first period investment. The game is in the signalling regime if the difference between monopoly and duopoly profit is sufficiently large and if the possibility of leapfrogging is high. For some parameter ranges, the choice of the information regime is endogenous. Due to the more complicated setting, most analysis for the first period is carried out by numerical simulations. Part two of the thesis uses a strategic licensing framework to study firms’ licensing behaviour when there are two generations of technology in the market. The innovations are sequential with the second invention built on the first one. We analyse two different licensing schemes: fixed fee payment and royalty payment. The results indicate that the optimal licensing strategy depends on the market size and magnitudes of the two innovations. When two inventors use the same licensing scheme, for most parameter ranges, royalty payment scheme out-performs fixed fee payment scheme for inventor one if the second technology is significant. When inventors can choose different licensing schemes endogenously, for some parameter ranges, the early inventor prefers licensing by royalty and the second generation inventor prefers licensing by a fixed fee. Contrary to the standard literature with outside innovators, royalty can be supported as the best licensing scheme. Part three of this thesis studies the implication of the degree of intellectual property right (IPR) protection granted to the basic research when this intermediate research is essential to the final discovery but does not carry any stand-alone consumer value. We present a patent race model consisting of two complementary stages. Our results indicate that in some industries, it may be beneficial for the technology follower country to strengthen its IPR protection. On the other hand, for some parameter values, the technology leading country may benefit by lowering its IPR protection level. The level of IPR protection offered to the basic technology can be used as an instrument to soften R&D competition in the second stage game. Furthermore, for symmetric countries, asymmetric levels of IPR protection may be chosen in equilibrium. It is not necessarily welfare enhancing to harmonise the protection levels.
A study into the synthesis of potential radiation-activated prodrugs of cobalt(III) targeting tumour hypoxia in cancer therapy
(ResearchSpace@Auckland, 2008) Chang, John Yu-Chih; Ware, D.; Brothers, P.
Radiotherapy has been a mainstream therapeutic method of cancer treatment for decades. Advances in the technology have allowed ionising radiation to be given with precision and accuracy. The widespread prescription of radiotherapy to cancer patients implies that even minor improvements in the treatment method can result in large number of successful prognoses. This thesis describes the syntheses and characterisation of cobalt(III) complexes that have been designed to counter the limitations of radiotherapy under hypoxic (low oxygen concentration) cell environments. Chapter I addresses the cause of tumour hypoxia and its impact on radiotherapy. It then describes how hypoxia can be exploited as a condition for prodrug activation and how products from the radiolysis of water can be utilised in the activation process. Examples of compounds prepared in previous studies from this laboratory and compounds reported in the literature are presented to demonstrate the prodrug concept. The design criteria for radiation activated prodrugs (RAPs) are discussed and the rationale behind the selection of each component presented. Chapters II, III, and IV describe the syntheses and characterisation of three generations of Cobalt(III) complexes designed as potential candidates for RAPs. The three generations of complexes differ by the macrocyclic ancillary ligands used. Chapter II discusses complexes of cyclen based ligands. Chapter III presents complexes containing cross-bridged macrocycles of cyclen or cyclam. Chapter IV investigates the novel complexes from 2,6-dioxocyclen and 5,12-dioxocyclam which incorporate amidate donor groups. The synthetic approach and difficulties encountered are discussed and resolutions presented. Preliminary evaluations for the first and the second generation prodrugs are outlined at the end of their respective chapters. Chapter V contains an overview of the syntheses covered in this thesis. The impacts of various features incorporated onto the macrocycle are compiled into tables, allowing comparisons to be drawn on the suitability of these complexes as RAP. Experimental procedures are detailed in Chapter VI.
The causes and consequences of trophoblast shedding in human pregnancy
(ResearchSpace@Auckland, 2010) Askelund, Kathryn; Chamley, LW
Phylogenetics, phylogeography and behavioural ecology of short-tailed (Dasyatis brevicaudata) and longtail (D. thetidis) stingrays
(ResearchSpace@Auckland, 2009) Le Port, Agnes; Lavery, S; Montgomery, JC
Although common in coastal waters throughout the world, few studies have focused on stingrays of the genus Dasyatis. Short-tailed (Dasyatis brevicaudata) and longtail (D. thetidis) stingrays are temperate coastal stingrays with similar disjunct distributions, having been recorded from New Zealand, southern Australia and South Africa. This thesis investigated the phylogenetic relationships, population structure and behavioural ecology of D. brevicaudata and D. thetidis using a combination of molecular genetics, morphometric and meristic analyses, multiple tagging techniques and diving ecological surveys.
Scour at bridge piers : a report submitted to the National Roads Board
(ResearchSpace@Auckland, 1980) Ettema, R. (Robert)
[no abstract available]
The last Muggletonian Marxist : studies in E P Thompson and The poverty of theory
(ResearchSpace@Auckland, 2008) Hamilton, Scott.
[no abstract available]
Influence of critical illness on aspects of body composition and physiological function in the intensive care patient
(ResearchSpace@Auckland, 1998) Finn, Patrick Joseph; Hill, Graham; Plank, Lindsay
Critical illness is accompanied by a characteristic metabolic response, hallmarks of which include loss of protein, loss of skeletal muscle, and disturbed tissue hydration. In spite of both therapeutic gains, and a growing understanding of the fundamental processes that underlie this response, mortality rates remain high and the road to recovery is often prolonged and complicated. Non-structural protein molecules lie at the heart of many vital physiological functions, and it would seem reasonable to suggest that depletion of protein stores would lead to both physiological dysfunction and prolonged recovery. This thesis examines the impact of life-threatening illness on the modern day intensive care patient, looking specifically at extent of loss of body protein and skeletal muscle; it looks to determine the relative contribution of skeletal muscle to total protein losses. It seeks to determine whether erosion of skeletal muscle mass has an impact on physiological performance of skeletal muscle. Uncertainty exists as to the behaviour of cardiac muscle in catabolic illness states. This thesis answers the question of whether heart muscle acts as a protein store for consumption in such patients, and determines what happens to cardiac function in the critically unwell. It provides clinical evaluation of an exciting recent hypothesis1, which offers potential for modulating the loss of protein so often seen in the critically unwell patient. The thesis demonstrates that major multiple trauma, or life-threatening sepsis results in massive losses of both total body protein and skeletal muscle mass. At the same time, significant declines in both skeletal and respiratory muscle function ensue. The behaviour of cardiac muscle is quite different to skeletal muscle - both its composition and function remain intact in the setting of catabolic illness. The thesis shows that critically unwell patients undergo a change in cellular composition over time, with cells losing water in a progressively greater fashion relative to protein. This finding supports the hypothesis1 that protein loss in catabolic states is triggered and maintained by cell shrinkage and relative cellular dehydration.
Aspiration in anaesthesia : the role of incident reporting in its evaluation, management and prevention
(ResearchSpace@Auckland, 2003) Kluger, Michal T
[no abstract available]
Representing vague, dynamic objects in geographic information systems
(ResearchSpace@Auckland, 2006) McDowall, Chris
[no abstract available]
Surface studies and dissolution studies of fluorinated alumina
(ResearchSpace@Auckland, 1992) Haverkamp, Richard G. (Richard Gerard); Jim Metson
A method is described of modified linear sweep voltammetry that gives an accurate and reproducible measure of the dissolution rate of alumina in molten cryolite. The hydrogen fluoride adsorption processes occurring at the surface of alumina were investigated. An Al-F interaction was observed in only one of the hydrogen fluoride adsorbed sample types, that is, the case of the alumina that had dry HF adsorbed after itself being predried. When moisture was already present on the alumina, or water was present in the HF gas stream, no AlF3 formation was observed. Mass spectroscopy of vapour released on heating demonstrated that fluoride was volatilised as Al-F compounds. Stirring speed was found to have a large effect on the dissolution rate of alumina, with slow stirring speeds giving longer dissolution times. For larger superheats (15°C) the rate of dissolution is greater than for smaller (5°C) superheats. Longer dissolution times were observed with higher electrolyte alumina concentration. Dry scrubber alumina gives shorter dissolution times in cryolite than untreated alumina. The dissolution time can be correlated with several properties of the dry scrubber alumina including moisture on ignition, loss on ignition, flow funnel time and percentage fluoride. The dissolution times of dry scrubber alumina were shorter than would be expected when considering the combined effect on the dissolution time of the individual changes which occur with this treatment. When alumina is stored under conditions of high humidity, to increase the adsorbed water content, a significant decrease in the dissolution time occurs. The dissolution time for the laboratory fluorinated aluminas showed only a small decrease from the times for standard alumina. This decrease in the dissolution times can be attributed to the increased moisture content of the alumina which is a consequence of the fluorination procedure. The fluoride itself does not appear to enhance the dissolution rate even though the process of fluorination does. The dissolution times for the alumina which was fluorinated with bath volatiles (NaAlF4) were similar to those obtained for standard alumina. Models for the dissolution of alumina based on heat transfer control and on diffusion control were developed. Both models adequately represented the observed behaviour but it was not possible to state unequivocally which of the models best represents the actual rate controlling mechanism of alumina dissolution.
Modulation of premotoneuron interneurons in normal and hemiplegic subjects
(ResearchSpace@Auckland, 1999) Vujnovich, Andrea Louise; Dr Noel Dawson; Dr Lynn Rochester
Ischemia of the cerebral cortex causes damage to human brain resulting in spastic hemiplegia. The aim of this study was to investigate transmission in premotoneuron interneurons projecting to forearm motoneurons in normal and hemiplegic subjects performing different types of contractions. Three hundred and twenty-three experiments were performed on five hemiplegic subjects and eleven normal subjects. Measurement of change in the amount of facilitation evoked in flexor carpi radialis H-reflexes by ulnar conditioning provided a measure of transmission through premotoneuron interneurons. Premotoneuron facilitation of motoneurons was greater in hemiplegic compared to normal subjects at rest, 150 ms prior to onset and at the onset of weak, ballistic concentric and isometric contractions of flexor carpi ulnaris. Premotoneuron facilitation of motoneurons increased with muscle activity compared to rest and this was more pronounced in hemiplegic subjects. These results suggested a decrease in threshold and an increase in gain in premotoneuron pathways in hemiplegic subjects. The absence of separate peaks of premotoneuron facilitation and the longer central latency in hemiplegic subjects indicated abnormal spatial and temporal summation of cortical and peripheral inputs at premotoneurons. Premotoneurons demonstrated modulation in normal but not in hemiplegic subjects 150 ms prior to and at the onset of maximal fatiguing concentric and isometric contractions of flexor carpi ulnaris. Experiments on spatial facilitation using cortical and ulnar conditioning suggested an increase in excitability of corticospinal pathways projecting to premotoneurons during fatigue. This was associated with a decrease in spatial facilitation of cortical and peripheral inputs at premotoneurons. After fatigue, there was a decrease in corticospinal activation and spatial facilitation of cortical and peripheral inputs at premotoneurons, indicating inhibition of premotoneurons during and after fatigue in normal but not in hemiplegic subjects. From the experiments conducted in this thesis it is therefore concluded that premotoneurons provide considerable facilitation of flexor motoneurons during weak, ballistic contractions of forearm flexor muscles. Premotoneurons were modulated during and after fatigue and this mechanism was deficient in hemiplegic subjects which may contribute to the movement disorder or compensate for a reduced cortical drive in hemiplegic subjects.
Home blood pressure monitoring, risk factors and complications of hypersensitive disorders in pregnant women
(ResearchSpace@Auckland, 1998) Taylor, Rennae Steele; Dr Robyn North
Preeclampsia (PE) and gestational hypertension (GH) are disorders of pregnancy defined by hypertension. Blood pressure (BP) measurement by mercury sphygmomanometer is routinely used in their detection and management, but ambulatory blood pressure monitoring (ABPM) and self-initiated BP monitors may have a clinical role in the future. A community based, nested case control study cohort of healthy, nulliparous women (n=1496) was investigated to determine maternal and fetal complications and risk factors in women with PE (n=71), GH (n=117) and randomly selected controls (n=223). Severe maternal disease developed in 63.4% of women with PE and 26.50% with GH. The rate of caesarean section (42.2% PE, 30.8% GH, 22.9% controls), preterm delivery (35.2% PE, 6.0% GH, 3.6% controls), and small for gestational age (SGA) infants (25.4% PE,20.5% GH, 11.7% controls) was increased in the cases. Early (<37 weeks; n=7) and late onset (n=110) GH and very early (≤ 32 weeks; n=11), early (33-36 weeks; n=14) and late onset (n=46) PE disease were investigated to determine maternal and fetal complications. A woman with early onset GH was 12 times more likely to have a SGA infant [O.R. 12.0 (95%C.I. 1.84-97.5) p=0.004] and 86% delivered early due to fetal compromise. All women with very early onset PE developed severe maternal disease and delivered by caesarean section if the infant was viable. Multisystem disease was evident in 82% and 64% had a SGA infant. Age, smoking, previous pregnancy, booking BP and weight were investigated for prediction of preeclampsia. A healthy, nulliparous woman with a < 20 week nadir systolic BP ≥120 mmHg and a booking weight of ≥80kg went from having a 1 in 21 to a 1 in 7 chance of developing PE. Conversely a woman with a <20 week nadir systolic BP ≤100 mmHg and a booking weight of ≤60kg had a 1 in 48 chance of developing PE. A longitudinal reference range was established in a group of healthy, pregnant women (n=102) for ABPM using the SpaceLabs 90207 monitor and for the Omron HEM 705CP home self-initiated monitor. Differences with mean mercury office measurements were compared for both office and home mean monitor measurements. The mean systolic and diastolic BP differences for both home Omron and 24 hour ABPM were small (-1 to 2 mmHg), but individual women showed large scatter about the mean with standard deviations of 6-8 mmHg, which would be of concern if the monitors were to be used in the clinical setting. The clinical significance of BP measurements with these monitors needs to be established. Night-time during 24 hour ABPM was defined by sleep diary entries. Comparisons were made between actual sleep periods and arbitrary periods of time to define night-time. Values were similar for group data but individual women who napped during the day (20% during pregnancy) had significantly lower BP values compared to those who remained awake (P <0.0001). During pregnancy, night-time ABPM should be defined by periods of sleep. Non-dipping status (<10% drop in night-time MAP), which has been associated with development of PE, was investigated in the reference range study. Non-dipping was common, with 1 in 3 women failing to have a fall in night-time MAP at least once during pregnancy. There was no consistency in non-dipping following the first episode and in our small cohort it was not associated with subsequent PE or GH. Any monitor, to be useful, needs to be acceptable to pregnant women. An investigation of the acceptability of the SpaceLabs 90207 ABP and the home self-initiated Omron HEM 705CP monitor was made with women in the reference range study as well as a group of hospitalised hypertensive women (n=47). The Omron monitor was more acceptable. The Spacelabs monitor caused discomfort and interfered with sleep. In conclusion, data is presented on the rate of maternal and fetal complications in healthy, nulliparous women who develop PE and GH. A longitudinal reference range for ABPM and Omron home monitoring is given for pregnant women and the rate of non-dipping is reported. Evaluations of the acceptability of the monitors are presented.
The Influence of prostaglandins and other agents on the resorption and synthesis of mouse calvarial bone in culture
(ResearchSpace@Auckland, 1983) Katz, June Margaret; Gray, D.H; Skunner, S.J.M.
Calvaria dissected from 6-day-old mice were maintained in organ culture in a chemically-defined medium without serum additives. Bone resorption was quantified by the release of 45Ca or hydroxyproline (Hyp) into the medium. Collagen synthesis (Hyp) in bone was estimated by the incorporation of [5-3H]-proline. Prostaglandin E2 (PGE2), prostaglandin F (PGF) and 6-keto-prostaglandin F1a (6-keto-PGF1a) released into the medium from cultured calvaria, were measured by radioimmunoassay. Prostanoids were also quantified by the release of radioactively-labelled metabolites from calvaria pre-labelled in vitro with [3H]-arachidonic acid. These metabolites were separated by high performance liquid chromatography.
The timber industry of New Zealand 1930
(ResearchSpace@Auckland, 1930) Beasley, Arthur.
The production of timber may be divided into three more or less clearly-defined aspect (a) the production of logs, including transport to the sawmill; (b) the milling process, including planing or 'dressing' of part of the sawn product; and (c) the use of timber in the building and wood-working trades. An attempt to cover the whole field in an investigation of this kind would necessitate making the whole treatment superficial. It has been decided therefore, to confine this enquiry to the the first two aspects, the third being included only in so far as the demand for timber has affected production of marketable timber and condition relating thereto.
Rape and sexual coercion within heterosexual relationships: an intersection of psychological, feminist, and postmodern inquiries.
(ResearchSpace@Auckland, 1990) Gavey, Nicola; Field, Jeff; Seymour, Fred
This thesis is an intersection of inquiries from psychological, feminist, and postmodern perspectives, about the rape and sexual coercion of women within heterosexual relationships. Human sciences research and feminist literature on both sexual violence and "normal" heterosexuality is reviewed. It is suggested that rape exists on a continuum as an extension of normative coercive heterosexuality. I argue that it is important to investigate the wider range of coercive heterosexual practices and experiences. The data from a survey of sexual victimization prevalence among Auckland university students are presented. It was found that sexual victimization was widespread among the women surveyed, and that most abuse had been perpetrated within legitimate heterosexual relationships. Feminist poststructuralist theory and discourse analysis are introduced in the search for ways of working that are more adequate to explore the nuances, complexities and contradictions of coercive heterosexuality. A poststructuralist form of discourse analysis is used to show how subtle forms of sexual coercion can operate to produce "consent" from a woman to unwanted sexual intercourse. Through employing Foucauldian understandings of sexuality and power, I have looked at the ways in which dominant discourses on heterosexuality constitute women as subjects who are encouraged to be complicit in our heterosexual subjugation. Women's accounts of their experiences of unwanted, coerced, and forced sex with men are drawn upon to show how these subtle forms of power can operate so that the need for direct force and violence can be obviated. Finally, a detailed written account of one woman’s experiences of coercive heterosexuality and rape is reproduced to document what such experiences can be like, with all the complexities, ambiguities and contradictions that can be involved. Some of the issues that arise when attempting to analyze or make sense of such accounts are addressed. This whole project has been couched within a postmodern acceptance of the partiality and situatedness of all knowledge, and so I have avoided any definitive conclusions. I have preferred instead to interrogate the seemingly natural and neutral practice of heterosexuality to evoke new ways of understanding women's experiences of unwanted, coerced, and forced heterosexual sex.
Aspects of resistance to Tetranychus urticae in New Zealand strawberry cultivars
(ResearchSpace@Auckland, 1984) Gunson, Frances Anne
Resistance to Tetranychus urticae in four strawberry cultivars (Redgauntlet, Sequoia, Cambridge Favourite, Tioga) was investigated. The mite responses to the plant (antibiosis and preference/non-preference), and the plant responses to the mite (tolerance), were evaluated. Monitoring of natural T. urticae populations in the field over three seasons, and comparative studies on plants sprayed at specified mite density treatment levels, indicated very similar degrees of overall cultivar acceptability to the mite. Laboratory life table studies demonstrated that egg hatch, immature survival and development rate, and longevity were very similar on the cultivars studied. This suggested a lack of physical or chemical properties causing antibiosis. The farnesol content of foliage, which has been claimed as an indicator of susceptibility to the mite, was investigated. No farnesol was detectable in any of the cultivars tested, and the results suggested that this chemical was misidentified in earlier published investigations. In the laboratory, preference/non-preference studies measured the adult acceptance of a cultivar as a host, and the ovipositiona1 response to cultivars. Results from acceptance trials were contradictory with no overall ranking of the cultivars possible in terms of their acceptability to the mite. The ovipositional responses were consistent, but with no significant preferences shown for one cultivar over another. A "choice" technique evaluated these preferences on two cultivars at a time, and the validity of the techniques was confirmed over a wider range of cultivars, some with reported resistance. The results confirmed resistance in the latter, compared to susceptibility of Tioga and Redgauntlet. Preference/non-preference, rather than antibiosis, appeared to be the principal component of the variation in mite response to the various host cultivars. A phenomenon of greatly reduced mite infestations on plants in their second season compared to first year plants was investigated. Population densities on two year old field plants were consistently lower and peak numbers later than on one year old plants in the same season. These observations were supported by laboratory feeding and oviposition trials. Tolerance studies assessed inter-cultivar differences in leaf damage, crop yield and quality under different mite infestation regimes. Leaf damage in field samples was very consistent for one year old plants, with Sequoia having the least damage per mite-day per leaf, and Redgauntlet generally the greatest. No conclusions were possible on the relative leaf damage to two year old plants of these cultivars. Sequoia was the most tolerant of the four cultivars in terms of crop yield response to mite infestation, and Redgauntlet was the least tolerant. Fruits from two year old plants were smaller than those from one year old plants, and more numerous. In addition to supporting fewer mites on the leaves, two year old plants of all cultivars were far less mite-tolerant in crop yield response than one year old plants. The effects of mite infestations on the berry were assessed by sensory evaluation trials. Sequoia berries were not significantly affected by increasing mite densities. For the other cultivars, an increase in accumulated mite-days per leaf caused a decline in the acceptability of the berries. Fruits from two year old plants were equally acceptable to the consumer as those from one year old plants. From the yield and quality studies, a threshold for miticide application to one-year old plants was suggested of 100 mites per leaf for Sequoia and Tioga, and between 25 and 100 mites per leaf for Cambridge Favourite and Redgauntlet. Intercultivar differences in this study were largely in plant tolerance to mite infestations, rather than mite preference/non-preference or antibiotic responses to the four host cultivars.
Aspects of the population dynamics of Chione stutchburyi in Ohiwa Harbour Bay of Plenty, New Zealand
(ResearchSpace@Auckland, 1984) Blackwell, Ron G.; Dr Howard Choat; Dr Brian McArdle
Current research has highlighted the importance of an understanding of small scale variation in population processes, in the interpretation of either observational or experimental data. The fine scale spatial and temporal variation of a Chione (Austrovenus) stutchburyi (Finlay 1927), (Veneridae: Bivalvia) population within Ohiwa Harbour, Bay of Plenty, New Zealand, is studied using descriptive and correlative techniques, for three years (May 1978 to December 1981) to identify factors influencing the demographic mechanisms of survival, recruitment and growth. This work follows pilot studies to determine the scale of local variation. The importance of fine-scale spatial variation is discussed and the temporal stability of small-scale population density mosaics analysed. Data shows that the chione stutchburyi population is spatially variable on a fine scale, but that these density contours are time-stable. The results of field experiments show that total density within cage structures is maintained at an equilibrium density that is site-specific on a local scale. The mechanism that maintains these density levels, under an apparently low level of predation on adult size classes, appears to be intraspecific competition, overlaid by spatially and temporally variable recruitment. The effects of artifacts induced by cage structures on the soft-sediment environment for a sheltered tidal harbour are examined.
Consumer obesity salience and body satisfaction : an investigation into the impact of individual differences on the effectiveness of social advertising messages
(ResearchSpace@Auckland, 2007) Veer, Ekant; Prof. Brett A.S. Martin
The marketing of social causes has received significantly less theoretical and applied research relative to profit-oriented marketing, despite a resurgence in recent years. With an increasing need by governing bodies to deliver effective marketing messages to promote various forms of social change, the need for social marketing research is greater than ever (Andreasen 1995). This thesis utilises the key public health issue of obesity to elucidate the nuances associated with social marketing, with a particular focus on the impact that social advertising messages have on encouraging intentions to live a healthier life. With the ever increasing incidence of obesity-related illness, death and cost to society (Benson et al. 1980; Kotler and Roberto 1989; Mokdad et al. 2003; Mokdad et al. 2004), the context of obesity is pertinent for social marketing academics and practitioners alike. This thesis investigates how consumers react differently toward advertising cues, depending on how salient individual characteristics are as part of their psyche. It is shown that ephemeral states of awareness about one’s body size, or Obesity Salience, coupled with the variable states of liking about one’s body image, or Body Satisfaction, affect an individual’s behavioural intentions when presented with advertising messages that encourage healthy living. This study aims to identify, using causal lab experimentation, how marketers can not only better understand the effects that individual differences have on consumer perceptions towards presented social marketing programmes, but also how to target social marketing strategies in order to maximise favourable behavioural intentions.
Contagion and the real estate markets of the Pacific Rim countries
(ResearchSpace@Auckland, 2005) Mun, Si-yeoul
Restricted Item. Print thesis available in the University of Auckland Library or may be available through Inter-Library Loan. The benefits of international diversification within real estate portfolios rely on the correlation among the subject markets. If a contagion effect exists in these markets, the benefits arising from international diversification of real estate investment would be diminished due to the higher correlation caused by a contagion effect. Therefore, it is very important in understanding the nature and performance of international real estate portfolios to examine the existence of a contagion effect among international real estate markets. Specifically, this study defines contagion as significant co-movement of real estate markets beyond systematic risks that can be explained by economic fundamentals. With this definition, this study examines the co-movement of real estate returns among the Pacific Rim countries after controlling for the effect of economic fundamentals during four recent financial crises (the Mexican, Asian, Russian and Brazilian crises). It also attempts to characterise the form of contagion, investigating whether the contagion effects are symmetric between the real estate markets of the Pacific Rim counties. The test results show that the phenomenon of contagion existed in the real estate markets of the Pacific Rim countries even though the contagion effect did not exist in all of the cases during the recent financial crises. Furthermore, after controlling for the effect of the economic fundamentals there was always a significant contagion effect between Honk Kong and Japan, Hong Kong and Singapore, and Japan and New Zealand. They also show that there is a significant evidence of contagion at the 5% level between Australia and New Zealand for all the financial crises except for the Brazilian crisis. This result indicates that it is difficult for international investors to diversify effectively in these real estate markets during a financial crisis. In contrast, there was an absence of a significant contagion effect, at the 5% level, after controlling for the effect of the economic fundamentals in only four cross country relations (between Canada and Indonesia, Indonesia and New Zealand, Indonesia and Singapore, and between Singapore and the USA) out of 78 combinations of cross country relations between the real estate markets in the Pacific Rim area during the four financial crises. In conclusion, substantial diversification benefits from investing in the real estate markets of the Pacific Rim countries may be available to international investors only in a limited number of countries. In addition, the test results from Granger Causality analysis show that the contagion effects between the real estate markets of the Pacific Rim countries were usually asymmetric. There were significant bi-directional relationships at the 5% level in only 5.9% of the total cases where contagion effects existed between the real estate markets of the Pacific Rim countries during the four financial crises. Another major purpose of this study is to examine what types of real estate companies are most affected by a financial crisis and to find out which transmission channels of a crisis are more important in the real estate markets of the countries. Specifically, this study used a risk adjustment model for each of the subject real estate companies and calculated cumulative abnormal returns for each company during each financial crisis. These cumulative abnormal returns were utilised as dependent variable in the regression model including important firm characteristics such as firm size, profitability, dividend yield, gearing risk, liquidity, growth, property investment and regional location. The test results show that the null hypothesis (that is a financial crisis has no impact on the returns of the real estate companies in the Pacific Rim area) was rejected significantly at the 1% level for all financial crises. The results also suggest that gearing risk was the most significant firm characteristic in determining the impact on the returns of the real estate companies during four recent financial crises. These results support that a credit crunch was the most important channel of a crisis in the real estate markets of the Pacific Rim countries during the recent financial crises. Profitability, liquidity, growth opportunity, dividend yield properly investment, regional location and firm size were statistically significant firm characteristics on a case by case basis. Although several studies of contagion have been conducted using aggregated macroeconomic data, this research is the first to explain contagion effects among the real estate markets in the Pacific Rim area by using firm level information as well as macro level data. The research results will be helpful for international investors to understand the nature and performance of international properly investment during a financial crisis.

Browse

Recent Submissions