Masters Theses

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Object-based Attention across the Meridian and Under Load: Evaluating the Boundary Conditions of Object Effects
(ResearchSpace@Auckland, 2024) Mutemeri, Kai ; Erb, Christopher
This study examines how working memory load (WML) impacts object-based attention by adapting Bleckley et al.'s (2015) hypothesis that the availability of working memory resources determines the ability to switch between object-based and space-based attention flexibly. Participants' gaze and reaction times (RT) were analysed across load and no-load conditions using the two-rectangle cueing task and eye-tracking measures. Results showed robust space-based effects, with faster RTs on valid trials. Participants were quicker on within-object trials than between-object trials, aligning with the known object-based attentional effects. However, object-based effects weakened under WML, with RTs slower overall and no significant difference between within- and between-object trials. Notably, the position of the target relative to the cue influenced attentional shifts: In the no-load condition, strong object effects emerged on trials requiring horizontal attentional shifts across the meridian, while vertical shifts showed weaker object effects. Under load, object effects diminished in horizontal shift trials, while vertical shift trials displayed a small, inverse pattern with faster RTs on between-object trials. Gaze data reflected the same pattern of results, with faster fixations on trials requiring a horizontal scan relative to those requiring a vertical scan. Critically, there was wide variation among individuals. Participants with more eye movement across the display had slower RTs, suggesting a reliance on visual scans rather than peripheral attention. Correlational analyses further indicated that some participants' object effects stemmed from slower responses on between-object trials rather than fast responses on within-object trials. These findings reinforce Bleckley et al.'s hypothesis while introducing new insights about the conditions under which object-based attention is deployed.
Evaluating the feasibility of Familial Hypercholesterolaemia Case Ascertainment Tool (FAMCAT) in NZ
(ResearchSpace@Auckland, 2024) Al-Samarrai, Zahra'a Taha; Harrison, Jeff
Aim/Background: Familial Hypercholesterolaemia (FH) is one of the most prevalent inherited autosomal dominant disorders, characterised by impaired lipoprotein metabolism which leads to elevated cholesterol levels. This elevation increases the risk of premature coronary heart disease (CHD) and mortality. Early identification and treatment are essential to increase life expectancy, however FH remains underdiagnosed globally. To overcome this hurdle, this project aims to explore the feasibility of applying the Familial Hypercholesterolaemia Case Ascertainment Tool (FAMCAT) to facilitate the identification of FH. Methods : We first reviewed strategies for improving detection of FH both internationally and within New Zealand, along with the accuracy of these screening algorithms. Following this, we retrospectively applied FAMCAT1 and FAMCAT2 regression equations and the Dutch Lipid Network Criteria to a cohort of over two million individuals aged 16 years and older, using routinely collected laboratory data from 2007 to 2020. Findings: The scoping review concluded any form of screening improved FH detection rates, though a number of issues such as inconsistent LDL-C thresholds applied, cohorts varying in their sources, and low participation made the studies difficult to generalise. Incomplete or incorrectly coded patient records were commonly cited issues. Algorithm accuracy results were mixed, with most studies concluding the FAMCAT algorithms were the most effective tools for screening electronic health records to identify high-risk patients. Applied to a New Zealand cohort of 126,747 of patients, assuming a FH population prevalence of 1 in 500, FAMCAT 1 classified 2.9% as likely FH (1 in 35 of cases screened). FAMCAT2 identified 2.7% (1 in 37 of cases screened) who warrant further investigation and potentially genetic testing. Conclusion: We have demonstrated that applying FAMCAT to routinely collected health data is a feasible method for identifying individuals that may be suitable for triage and further screening. Further research is needed to validate FAMCAT2 in a New Zealand population, undertake a feasibility study of targeted screening (with cascade screening for positive cases) and a health economic evaluation.
Exploring haemoglobin respiration and oxidation states in avian and mammalian species
(ResearchSpace@Auckland, 2024) Dai, Keren; Hickey, Tony
The native avian species of New Zealand, which evolved in the absence of mammalian predators, are highly susceptible to invasive mammals. Current methods to control these predators often fall short and pose significant risks to non-target birds. Therefore, identifying specific physiological targets for developing species-specific toxicants is crucial. Haemoglobin (Hb) is responsible for oxygen transport within erythrocytes across all vertebrates. It transforms into methaemoglobin (metHb) during oxidation, inhibiting oxygen binding and leading to methaemoglobinaemia. Unlike mammals, avian erythrocytes retain functional mitochondria throughout their lifespan, which is hypothesised to support a higher energetic capacity, thereby enhancing metHb reductase activity. However, the precise metabolic responses of erythrocytes to metHb-inducing agents are not well understood, complicating the development of such toxins. Therefore, this study aimed to explore the real-time effects of metHb-inducing agents on erythrocyte respiration, and to monitor the metHb generation and reduction following agent administration in both avian and mammalian species. Laboratory experiments utilised high-resolution respirometry in conjunction with spectrometry using domestic chickens (Gallus domesticus), laboratory rats (Rattus norvegicus), and a human subject (Homo sapiens, male) as models for avian and mammalian species, respectively, to assess differences in Hb respiration and oxidation states under the influence of metHb-inducing agents. Additionally, field studies employed smartphones to acquire red colour values (RCV) as a potential indicator of metHb levels. Our respirometry results revealed that avian erythrocytes maintained aerobic respiration during Hb oxidation, in contrast to mammalian erythrocytes which rely solely on glycolysis. Moreover, both spectrometry and RCV results showed that avian erythrocytes generated metHb at a significantly slower rate than mammalian erythrocytes under equivalent doses of metHb-inducing agents, demonstrating a higher tolerance. These findings introduce and validate a novel methodology using intact erythrocytes to monitor Hb respiration and oxidation state, providing insights into the distinct metabolic activities in avian and mammalian erythrocytes under oxidative stress, proving their differing capacities to resist such conditions. This methodology is crucial for further identifying synergists or protectants that target specific erythrocyte metabolism to improve the selectivity of current metHb-inducing agents.
The Concept of Using Nuclear Power in New Zealand and Lifecycle Management
(ResearchSpace@Auckland, 2024) Ye, Jiaheng; Latu, Kilisimasi
The world is facing various environmental degradation phenomena, such as climate change, air pollution, and resource depletion. Energy is one of the important resources, and some issues arise due to excessive energy use. In this research, we attempt to find an energy source that can meet demand and reduce environmental pollution. Currently, most of the global research in the field of energy is focused on clean and renewable energy to achieve energy conservation goals. The purpose is to minimize carbon dioxide and greenhouse gas emissions as much as possible. High energy consumption means high carbon emissions. Industries with high carbon emissions include chemical industry, construction, electricity, and petrochemicals. The research aims to replace the fossil energy supply with a more efficient clean energy source. In some large commercial buildings, energy consumption is extremely high. To meet these high-energy consuming industries, the proposed idea is to use a clean energy source with a minimal negative environmental impact to power them. Here, we will compare the characteristics and technologies of eight common energy sources and consider from multiple perspectives whether their potential can be further developed and widely used. Nuclear energy is an efficient source of energy, but there is a significant difference in the perception of nuclear energy in society. Many countries prohibit or oppose the use of nuclear energy due to the contamination of radioactive materials after nuclear accidents. After comparing multiple aspects (Technology, Characteristics, Advantages & Disadvantages, Energy Costs, Energy Conversion Rate, and Safety). Nuclear energy theoretically has almost no negative impact (no carbon emissions) on the environment while meeting the energy needs of large buildings. After proving that nuclear energy is an efficient, clean energy source and has the opportunity to build nuclear reactors around large buildings, it is necessary to develop a lifecycle for nuclear energy management. There will be two lifecycles here, addressing the different needs of developed and developing countries. The lifecycle of nuclear energy management will cover the selection of nuclear energy projects, safety management regulations, benefits, policies, and cooperation, but for truly implementing this innovative project, a more detailed management strategy needs to be extended, and the current lifecycle only covers the management framework. This report will obtain some key findings. The preliminary finding is that nuclear energy has greater advantages in various comparisons, and more innovative projects related to nuclear energy can be developed in the future. Secondary finding focuses on nuclear energy and has obtained two project concepts for managing the lifecycle and innovation, targeting both developing and developed countries. The lifecycle covers multiple aspects and can effectively promote the development of nuclear energy projects.
Understanding the Association between Adolescent Well-being and School-Related Factors in Aotearoa Secondary Schools Using Case Studies
(ResearchSpace@Auckland, 2024) Mohindra, Jaanvi; Bullen, Pat; Yao, Esther
Adolescent well-being is critical to overall health. There is vast research and evidence on schools as important developmental contexts. However, more in-depth research is needed to examine the role of schools in supporting student mental well-being. The current study adopted a case-based methodology to examine the differences in student experiences of their school environment, including interpersonal relationships, school practices and policies, and to what extent this difference impacts student well-being. Using secondary data from the Youth19 secondary school study, completed by students and staff, four schools were selected (two with a high proportion and two with a low proportion of students with good mental well-being) to examine the association between school-related factors and adolescent well-being. While the overall results did not show vast differences between schools in the high vs low well-being groups, this research suggests that bullying, teacher unfairness, and ethnic discrimination may be potential factors contributing to low levels of student well-being. Schools are well-placed to reduce disparities and address inequities among adolescents by creating contexts promoting well-being for young people who spend much of their time in these spaces. This research has implications for policymakers and school leadership to reform the existing education structure at the staff and student levels to create anti-bullying cultures and inclusive school environments to establish schools as a place that facilitate mental well-being for all students.
Exerfied Games vs Gamified Exercise
(ResearchSpace@Auckland, 2024) Steffes, Hannah; Wuensche, Burkhard
This paper sought to develop an exercise mod for Minecraft and evaluate it against an exergame design based on guidelines from the literature. We designed and implemented both games and also designed a custom controller which mounts to an exerbike. We conducted a user study with 19 participants to evaluate our games. Participants found the exergame we developed to be more motivating and had significantly higher rpm when playing it. It is unclear whether our exercise mod for Minecraft was an effective exergame. While we did show some improvements over previous attempts to exerfy Minecraft, participant responses indicate there is still room for improvement.
Unravelling the dynamics on the seafloor: Insights into pockmark morphology and ocean dynamics on the Chatham Rise, offshore Te Waipounamu South Island
(ResearchSpace@Auckland, 2024) Hanifah, Dina; Watson, Sally; Strachan, Lorna; Hillman, Jess; Collins, Charine
Seafloor pockmarks have been widely observed on the seafloor around Aotearoa New Zealand, particularly on the Chatham Rise. These pockmarks, predominantly occurring at water depths of ~500-700 m, across the muddy seabed on the western part of the Chatham Rise exhibit considerable variability in diameter (~150-500 m diameter), relief (5-10 m deep), and shape (sub-circular to elongated). This study investigates the distribution of these pockmarks using new high-resolution, densely spaced multi-beam bathymetry and backscatter data from TAN2006 (RV Tangaroa voyage in 2006) and SO226 (RV Sonne voyage SO226), in addition to the regional Te Riu-a-Māui/Zealandia E Tūhura - Explore Zealandia (TEZ) bathymetric datasets. ArcGIS-based tools were used to identify, spatially delineate, and morphometrically characterise over 5,000 pockmarks. This study applied the Benthic Terrain Modeler (BTM) and Random Trees Classification tools to generate geomorphometric outputs, enabling statistical analysis of the pockmark morphological variation and assessment of linkages to geological and oceanographic settings. Integrating these spatial observations with the Regional Ocean Modelling System enables comprehensive interpretations of the formation and modification processes of pockmarks. Pockmarks are interpreted to result from fluid escape processes, potentially related to gas hydrate dissociation and groundwater discharge. However, the lack of geochemical evidence for gas venting events indicates that other geological and oceanographic processes could influence pockmark morphology, such as bottom currents. Observations indicate that most of the 5,778 identified pockmarks are sub-circular, with around 19% displaying an elongated shape. These elongated pockmarks are often located in areas where strong bottom currents create high bottom stress, highlighting the significant role of ocean currents in modifying pockmark morphology. High-speed bottom currents (>0.25 m/s) associated with high-motion bottom stresses (exceeding Soulsby-Shields thresholds: 0.13 and 0.20, respectively), are inferred to erode the muddy seabed, transforming circular pockmarks into elongated features. This study provides insights into the interaction between fluid escape processes and oceanographic dynamics, contributing to the understanding of seafloor morphology on the Chatham Rise. The comprehensive geospatial analysis presented in this research offers a quantitative baseline for future investigations into the geological and hydrodynamic processes shaping the seafloor.
Dairy Evaporation Condensate Induced Corrosion in Water Reclamation System
(ResearchSpace@Auckland, 2024) Zhang, Anqi (Angie) ; Baroutian, Saeid
This research investigates the corrosion behaviour of stainless steel AISI 304 in evaporation condensate reclamation systems within a New Zealand local dairy plant, providing insights into a critical issue in the broader dairy industry. The study addresses a gap in existing research on the sustainable reuse of evaporation condensate, with previous investigations rarely examining the corrosive impact on stainless steel 304 infrastructure. Notably, only one prior published study investigated potential corrosion caused by low levels of dissolved solids and acidity in dairy evaporation condensate. However, it lacked experimental data and did not specify the affected metals. The experimental approach involved simulating various factors that promote corrosion to assess potential industry corrosion rates. Electrochemical testing and surface studies were utilised to explore corrosion mechanisms. Results discovered that solutions containing 0.5 mg/L chlorine exhibited the highest corrosion rate at 0.00996±0.0000232 mm/year at room temperature. Evaporation condensate lite and simulated evaporation condensate with milk additions showed corrosion rates of 0.00622±0.000371 mm/year and 0.00517±0.00172 mm/year, respectively, while deionised waters used to simulate treated evaporation condensate recorded rates of 0.00765±0.00018 and 0.00705±0.0000301 mm/year. Factors such as low ion concentration, acidity and high levels of dissolved gases were identified as corrosion initiators. The corrosion rate of all water samples increased with rising temperature. Optical and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) results observed that chlorine solutions created more giant pits during long-term immersion, and simulated evaporation condensate showed the most pits. Energy-dispersive spectroscopy (EDS) supported the idea that chlorine and microbial activity contribute to corrosion issues primarily in the long term. These findings implied that the operational conditions in dairy water reclamation systems affect the longevity and reliability of stainless steel 304 components. Recommendations included introducing inhibitors to increase pH and reduce acidity, optimising water treatment to manage chlorine and oxygen levels, upgrading to more corrosion-resistant materials, and enforcing regular maintenance protocols. This study filled a knowledge gap concerning stainless steel degradation in water reclamation systems in the dairy industry. It offered significant insights to enhance the durability of equipment and infrastructure used and, hence, the efficiency of dairy processing.
Total Chemical Synthesis of Head-to-Tail Cyclic A20FMDV2 Analogues using Native Chemical Ligation
(ResearchSpace@Auckland, 2024) Vasetsoi, Nicholas; Harris, Paul
Cancer continues to be a major leading cause of death worldwide, resulting in millions of deaths each year. While the incidence of cancer has remained relatively stable over the past few decades, the number of individuals diagnosed with cancer continues to rise with the increase in population. Surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy are conventional cancer treatment strategies most used in the modern era; their effectiveness has been well documented in various research papers and displayed globally. However, side effects such as pain, fatigue, anaemia, nerve damage, and hair loss still plague these treatment strategies, being far from flawless and warranting further improvements. Boron neutron capture therapy (BNCT) combines selective uptake of non-radioactive boron 10 (10B) with neutron radiation to target solid malignant tumours. This approach aims to selectively destroy cancer cells while sparing normal cells, potentially reducing the side effects associated with conventional cancer treatments. BNCT utilises FDA-approved boron containing compounds, BSH or BPA, often delivered via nanocarriers to target tumour cells for neutron radiation effectively. A20FMDV2, a 20-amino-acid peptide from the foot-and-mouth disease virus, is highly selective for the αvβ6 integrin. This integrin is a promising therapeutic target due to its high expression in tissue remodelling and neoplastic cells but is normally absence in healthy cells. Despite attempts to use A20FMDV2 as a peptide nanocarrier for BNCT, therapeutic success has been limited by the peptide's poor structural stability, which leads to rapid degradation and cleavage before reaching the target. Research is focused on improving the peptide's scaffold to enhance resistance to peptidases and prevent premature cleavage. Cyclic variants of A20FMDV2 have been developed and showed modest improvements to the structural stability of the peptide. However, a head-to-tail cyclization of A20FMDV2 has yet to be synthesized or studied. Herein, this thesis aims to synthesise a novel, true head-to-tail cyclic A20FMDV2 peptide via Fmoc-SPPS and native chemical ligation (NCL) strategies; furthermore, these techniques will undergo thorough optimisation specifically for the synthesis and NCL of A20FMDV2 to efficiently generate the head-to-tail cyclic peptide with relatively high yield and purity.
Early Childhood Education in New Zealand: Bring back the teacher!
(ResearchSpace@Auckland, 2024) Gray, Sharon; Rata, Elizabeth
The thesis examines the hypothesis that the range of responsibilities encompassed in the role of a qualified Early Childhood Teacher is causing tension within the Early Childhood Education (ECE) sector. The tension is compounded by implementing the Te Whāriki curriculum, grounded in a constructivist child-centred approach, which sidelines the teacher's role to that of a facilitator rather than an educator using explicit instruction methods. Both issues, the ECE teacher's multi-faceted role and the teacher's repositioning as a facilitator, negatively affect children’s oral language and literacy required for later academic performance. The qualitative study consists of two stages: 1) an empirical study comprising an online questionnaire and document analysis of the policies, legislation, and curriculum documents that inform the entire ECE sector, and 2) using theoretical concepts to explain findings and build the thesis argument. The aim was to identify the nature and problems within the ECE teacher's role and which tasks are considered professional. The data findings support the hypothesis of tension within the ECE profession. Three significant findings emerged from the empirical study. 1. The wide range of educational responsibilities and ‘unskilled’ tasks and work that form part of these teachers' roles make their work complex and confusing for a qualified teacher working in the sector. 2. Across all the policies analysed, the role of the teacher is defined in contradictory ways and gaps were identified between the intended ECE policies and their implementation in practice. The Te Whāriki curriculum with child-centred constructivist pedagogy is identified as the mechanism that promotes the teacher as a ‘facilitator’ and explicitly rejects the teacher as the instructor of formal knowledge. 3. The abovementioned tension within the role and the sidelining of the teacher have resulted in children not receiving the teaching required to progress from primary to secondary abilities in oral language, literacy, and numeracy. The purpose of early childhood education, supported by constructivism, has become a place to socialise a child into his or her cultural identity instead of being a place where biologically secondary knowledge is taught.
Design and evaluation of a human-in-the-loop Lombard effect simulator
(ResearchSpace@Auckland, 2024) D'Souza, Alyssa; Hioka, Yusuke
When multiple people converse in an indoor environment, achieving satisfactory communication is often challenging due to high level noise caused by poor acoustic design. Communication in noisy environments gives rise to the Lombard effect, an involuntary reflex that causes one to raise their voice in the presence of noise. This may produce more intelligible speech for listeners, but the increase in speaker sound level eventually contributes to the Cafe effect occurring in the environment. To control the tendency of noise build-up, it is of interest to investigate the Lombard e!ect under different acoustic conditions; however, it can be difficult to control variables in real environments, which may affect test repeatability. This study investigates if the Lombard effect can be simulated by replicating the dynamic changes in sound level of speakers in a real environment, and to what extent speakers change their voice level when immersed into the simulated environment. The study uses spatial sound reproduction to simulate environments with varying acoustics and examines speakers’ sound level when the build-up occurs. It will provide a novel method that allows controlled study of speakers’ behaviour in noisy environments and provides opportunity to investigate one speaker’s effect on the overall sound level within the simulated environment. The results observed show that participants performed similarly in terms of overall noise level and maximum measured voice level in different virtual acoustic environments. The Lombard effect between virtual environments shows no difference, contrasting with the expectation of rooms with a higher reverberation time causing a higher Lombard slope. The study requires further measurements to evaluate the simulator in terms of its accuracy to real environments.
Development and Comparative Analysis of Classical and Machine Learning-Based Cloud Detection Algorithms for Real-Time Onboard Processing on CubeSats Using Raspberry Pi Compute Module 4
(ResearchSpace@Auckland, 2025-01) Paguia, Ronnie; Taylor, Benjamin; Dowling, Thomas
The rapid advancements in space technology necessitate the development of robust and efficient systems for real-time onboard processing on CubeSats, mainly using compact systems like the Raspberry Pi Compute Module 4. This study presents the development and comparative analysis of classical, and modern cloud detection algorithms optimised for these resource-constrained environments. Leveraging large-scale reference datasets with 10–15-meter spatial resolution, the research focuses on enhancing CD capabilities across diverse atmospheric conditions, emphasising system reliability and resource efficiency. Custom tools, including the Cloud Detection Threshold Generator, were developed for in-depth histogram analysis of 4,743 satellite images, establishing critical thresholds. These thresholds were instrumental in generating baseline cloud masks through a purpose-built algorithm, ensuring precise model application and validation. Classical algorithms like SiRTH and CloudTracker.HSV, which employ statistical thresholds and HSV colour space analysis, achieved detection accuracies of 65.36% and 64.61% at 30 FPS and 23 FPS, respectively. In contrast, modern machine learning-based algorithms, such as CloudDet (BBox) and CloudDet (Seg), demonstrated better performance with accuracies of 73.43% and 75.14% at 19 FPS and 13 FPS, respectively, effective in complex environments with variable cloud formations and diverse terrain. While the training of ML models is computationally expensive and demands powerful ground-based resources, their inference on CubeSats is lightweight and efficient, making real-time processing on CubeSats feasible. As remote sensing technology evolves, classical methods may not ensure reliability and operational efficiency on resource-constrained platforms like CubeSats. This study highlights the potential of hybrid approaches, combining classical and modern techniques with modern algorithms, offering greater accuracy and adaptability. Supporting the Clear Shores concept, which aims to enhance water quality monitoring in Aotearoa-New Zealand's dynamic lake and coastal environments, this research advances CD methodologies for onboard processing. By improving CD capabilities, this study contributes to developing reliable, real-time environmental monitoring tools that better inform decision-making processes, particularly in managing New Zealand's vital water resources, while also supporting global sustainability efforts.
Bayesian Adaptive Eigenspace Inversion
(ResearchSpace@Auckland, 2024) Cheng, Tingwei; Graff, Marie
Inverse problem is an essential field of applied mathematics that tackles the question of the reconstruction of some parameters included in a model (PDE) from measures only. Uncertainty quantification is also merging to add a stochastic layer to the reconstruction process to obtain statistical insights on this reconstruction. This thesis focuses on a linear inverse problem in reconstructing the source term of the Helmholtz equation. As the problem is ill-posed, we use the Adaptive Eigenspace Inversion as regularization. The novelty of this thesis lies in embedding Bayesian formula to Adaptive Eigenspace Inversion method. For the sake of comparison and to show the effectiveness of Adaptive Eigenspace Inversion in 2D, we performed numerical tests. Additionally, we have selected Tikhonov Regularization methods as the standard techniques for the comparison.
Pedagogical Approaches in Music Education in New Zealand and China - A Systematic Literature Review
(ResearchSpace@Auckland, 2024) Xia, Lan; Madjar, Andrew; Tesar, Marek
Music education and pedagogies in New Zealand and China aim to cater to the uniqueness of each student, promote diversity, and reflect the unique characteristics of New Zealand and Chinese contexts. This systematic literature review examined pedagogical approaches in music education with the research question: What are the pedagogical approaches in music education in New Zealand and China? The study adopted a student-focused perspective, emphasising the contexts of New Zealand and China. The primary themes were explored to underscore the significance of these approaches in shaping both theoretical foundations and practical implementations in music education. The theoretical frameworks pertinent to this study included constructivism. Music education pedagogical approaches in New Zealand and China promote holistic, balanced, mixed, integrated, context-dependent, and multicultural strategies, focusing on each individual student. These themes may extend to the objectives of music education, the identification of effective pedagogical methods, and the design of music education policies, curricula, and teaching practices tailored to the unique contexts of New Zealand and China.
Seismic Performance of Transportation Hubs in New Zealand: Evaluation of Seismic Performance and Network exposure and vulnerability with New Seismic Hazard Scenarios
(ResearchSpace@Auckland, 2024) Li, Charles; Wotherspoon, Liam
This thesis presents a broad overview of historically significant landslides both in New Zealand and internationally. A broad, high-level overview aims to assess gaps in our current understanding of the performance of transportation hubs. An overview of 5 historical earthquakes was outlined as part of the literature review component of this thesis. Of the five scenarios explored, the 1994 Northridge earthquake, 1995 Kobe Earthquake, 2011 Tohoku Earthquake, 2010-2011 Canterbury Earthquake Sequence, and the 2016 Kaikoura Earthquake. Each scenario explored the seismic demand on the transportation infrastructure asset and the consequence and economic loss to the community. Transportation hub databases were then collated and compiled. In assets without public data, manual digitisation was undertaken and assigned with known information from the internet. To understand the seismic demand on the transportation hubs in past earthquakes, geospatial platforms were deployed to assess the exposure and vulnerability of the transportation hubs. An assumed seismic design load was assigned to each transport hub based on its location or hazard factor (Z) and is then evaluated against historical earthquake scenarios to assess the performance of the current building design guide. A comparison of the seismic demand from the National Seismic Hazard Model (NSHM) and CyberShake to infer the distribution on vulnerable hubs suggested that the seismic performance using the existing NZS 1170.5 has been generally good across most events explored. Similar vulnerability assessments were undertaken with new fault seismic scenarios from the new National Seismic Hazard Model. The majority of the seismic demand yielded from the scenario does not exceed the assumed design load; faults found closer to dense urban centres are more likely to observe seismic demand that may exceed the design load.
Involuntary Firearms Discharges in Special Forces Police: The Influence of Ambiguous Circumstances and Firearm Procedures
(ResearchSpace@Auckland, 2024) Kennedy, Daniel; Nieuwenhuys, Arne
The risk factors for involuntary firearms discharges (IFDs) by police special forces are not well understood. IFDs that have occurred operationally suggest that the stressful and unpredictable situations that police officers routinely face may be one such risk factor for an IFD. While previous research has reported IFDs in high threat situations, the influence of these situations on the risk of IFDs remains unclear. This thesis experimentally manipulated the situational characteristics of high threat shooting decisions to determine how they affect the chance of an IFD. Additionally, two commonly adopted firearms procedures were used to test whether they offer any protection against the risk of IFDs. In collaboration with the Netherlands Police special forces, Dienst Speciale Interventies (DSI), officers were exposed to ambiguous and stressful shooting scenarios designed to interfere with their cognitive processing and subsequently trigger IFDs. Officers performed the scenarios using both the Sul and holster procedure as their trigger finger movements and shooting decisions were observed. Results showed that under ambiguous circumstances, officers committed more risky shooting-related behaviours that brought them closer to an IFD. Further, the holster procedure offered better protection against IFDs compared to the Sul procedure, so long as the officer’s kept their firearm holstered until a decision to shoot had been made. Police practitioners should be aware that despite being highly trained, special forces police commit risky shooting-related behaviours that expose themselves and others to an IFD in shooting situations.
The differences in academic plagiarism and procrastination across gender and grade levels
(ResearchSpace@Auckland, 2024) Ma, Wutong; Brown, Gavin T L
From the past to the present, plagiarism has always been a topic of concern. Plagiarism not only affects students' access to knowledge but also may affect the fairness of the educational environment. In this study, a re-analysis of secondary data and a structural equation model are used to validate the model of the data source literature, and a new model is proposed. At the same time, in order to improve the validity of the data, invariance measurement was carried out before the analysis, and feedback on plagiarism and procrastination of students of different genders and grades was analyzed after the measurement was passed. The study found that, in general, male students plagiarized more than female students, and high school students plagiarized more than middle school students. Interestingly, however, in the category of total plagiarism (i.e., work without one's own opinion), high school students committed fewer acts than middle school students. In terms of the relationship between plagiarism and procrastination, the study found that there is a positive correlation between the two.
Exploring putative plastic degrading microorganisms within the hot springs of Aotearoa–New Zealand
(ResearchSpace@Auckland, 2024) Palmer Dale, Sophie Eleanor; Lear, Gavin; Handley, Kim
Plastics are valued globally for their light weight, malleability, and durability. However, plastic’s long-lasting nature is proving to have unforeseen ramifications. Hence, mitigating this ever-amassing plastic problem has become one of the largest environmental issues in the public and scientific eye. Plastic biodegradation by microorganisms is a prominent field in the search for tangible solutions. Several microorganisms have been reported to break down polymer plastics. However, their efficiency and applicability are frequently overstated. Geothermal hot springs have been suggested as a potential source for plastic degrading microorganisms, since their thermophilic communities and thermostable enzymes could be useful in industrial applications. This project investigates Aotearoa–New Zealand hot springs across a temperature spectrum to evaluate their potential for containing plastic degrading microorganisms. The microbial communities of Te Manaroa Spring, Waikite Valley were compared with a long-term incubation experiment of buried plastic inside hot spring sediment. Select taxa (including Pseudomonas spp. and archaea) dominated across plastic types after a year of growth. Culture-based methods were used to screen for plastic degrading bacterial and fungal isolates, resulting in modified laboratory techniques for isolating plastic degrading thermophiles. Whole-genome sequencing and screening of bacterial isolates with PlasticDB revealed high levels of plastic degrading genes, even in isolates with no culture-based evidence of plastic degradation. Finally, metagenomic data from a previous study in the wider Tāupo Volcanic Zone (TVZ) revealed similar trends of putative plastic degraders across the temperature spectrum, which bodes well for future exploration in hot springs for thermophilic plastic degraders and thermostable enzymes. It is the goal of this research to contribute to the wider, rapidly expanding knowledge base of plastic degrading microorganisms as we strive for an unpolluted world.
The Third Stranger: Public Parasitology
(ResearchSpace@Auckland, 2024) Jeong, Derek; Xie, Holly
Exhaustion of religious and consequently scientific faith in the face of modernity confuses the individual among the collective, and certainty loses its presence, surrounded by uncertainties of the self’s beliefs. Order is the construction of the real where one feels at Home, which becomes the cause for Existential Homelessness upon encountering events that reveal a detachment from this order. Albert Camus’ theory of Absurdism presents this confrontation between the human desire for truth and the world’s inability to provide such resolution - as the Absurd. Strangers are absurd collections of incomplete information and subjects of uncertainty to each other. Indeterminacy presupposes all human relationships, reversing the 17th century Cartesian transition from doubt to certitude. Detachment is always there; always have been there - between you and them before any attachments were to be made. Public spaces in the contemporary city have become the site for interactions of detachment, where strangers conform to rituals of social parasitism in the absence of community solidarity. The thesis aims to investigate how the condition of detachment can be developed as a spatial device to reconfigure public spaces. Could an alternative communality take place between strangers in the public, rather than the status quo of relationships: the parasitic attachment of one to another? On Queen Street, SkyWorld Entertainment Centre was opened in 1999. After numerous conflicts between SkyWorld’s past tenants and the building’s new owner since 2011, the Covid-19 lockdowns have eventually ended the life of the entertainment hub’s once thriving atmosphere as a Third Place. Most of its interior is abandoned without any attempt to find a new directionality for its future. SkyWorld now parasites the most central fabric of Auckland CBD. The carcass of SkyWorld invites another parasite. The design proposal imagines a speculative spatial reconfiguration in the interiors of SkyWorld Entertainment Centre. The programme theatrically mimics the quotidian cycle, categorised in four rituals, each allocated to four typologies occupying the carcass of SkyWorld: Working, Eating, Playing, Sleeping. Strangers of the public are invited to a collective experience, towards a transition in symbiosis from parasitism to mutualism.
The Social and Economic impact of respiratory viral-associated child hospitalisations on Pacific families living in South Auckland, New Zealand
(ResearchSpace@Auckland, 2024) Asafo, Faletoese Alan; Byrnes, Cass; McBride-Henry, Karen; Roberts, Mary
Background: Pacific peoples in New Zealand are a young, diverse and large population made up of different of Pacific Island nations and cultures. Although these Pacific Island nations share similarities, each are unique having their own culture, traditions, beliefs, and values. Pacific peoples are more likely to live in urbanised areas, have low-income jobs, live in large multi-generational households, and live in neighbourhoods of high deprivation. Pacific peoples experience higher burdens of respiratory illness and disproportionately higher rates of hospitalisation due to respiratory diseases. Aim: This research explores the social and economic impacts of child hospitalisations with a confirmed respiratory viral infection on their Pacific families living in South Auckland, New Zealand. Methodology: Participants who identified as being Pacific and had a child (0-5 years) who had been admitted to the hospital with a confirmed respiratory-viral infection were eligible to participate. A qualitative research design was implemented, utilising the kakala Pacific research framework and the talanoa method. Data were analysed using thematic analysis. Results: Twelve family semi-structured talanoa (Pacific-style interviews) were conducted for this study. All participants were of Pacific descent with the majority being either Samoan or Tongan. All participants resided in South Auckland and had a child who had been admitted to hospital with a confirmed respiratory-viral infection. There were seven themes of social and economic concerns that emerged from the data. The first theme is that the impacts are multifaceted and interconnected. The second theme was by separation from family and household. This was followed by impacts on the mental wellbeing of all family members, prioritising the health of the child, parental tiredness and exhaustion, financial impacts and parental employment. Conclusion: This research highlights the multifaceted and interconnected nature of the impacts on these families from having a child hospitalised with a severe respiratory illness. Recommendations include providing holistic and better approaches to support for these families to address their needs. Further, during pandemics, hospital systems will need to consider issues related to family (including cultural factors) when developing their visitation policies.

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