Masters Theses - Authenticated Access

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Lalaga mai. lalaga atu: Weave here, and there, to give and receive
(ResearchSpace@Auckland, 2021) Tuia, Jasmine; Monteith, Alex
Some contributions to the biology of Scolypopa Australis Walter, (Homoptera Ricanüdae)
(ResearchSpace@Auckland, 1960) Siew, Yow Cheong.
Optimisation of Hydrofoiling Bike
(ResearchSpace@Auckland, 2022) Takai, Sean Akita; Sharma, Rajnish
This research aimed at optimising the hydrofoils currently employed on the Hydrofoiler XE-1 water bike, which was developed by Manta5. This involved identifying improvement areas of the current hydrofoils and comparing their performance to those of the optimised proof of concept design developed for this research. To fulfil this aim, an experimental and numerical methodology was followed to obtain the current hydrofoil’s benchmark performance results. Wind tunnel testing was conducted on the hydrofoil models, with the results being compared to analytical models and other results obtained from the literature. With the suitability of the experimental results outlined, computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations were conducted to assess the reliability of these numerical models compared with the benchmark results. With good agreement across these different models, the numerical procedure was validated as a design tool for the optimisation process. The optimisation process was conducted on the rear hydrofoil as it was identified as the foil with the most potential for performance improvements. An analytical procedure was first developed to filter through an extensive range of different profile shapes, with the best performing profiles with the largest lift to drag ratio identified at the intended operating condition. These were then analysed using the CFD models validated earlier for a more comprehensive assessment of the foil performance. From these results, the final proof of concept design was developed for the rear foil. The design has a tapered planform with a span, aspect and taper ratio of 2𝑚, 10 and 0.4, respectively. The SD7037 profile was identified through the optimisation process to be the best performing profile with performance improvements ranging from 14 − 41.9 % and 11.5 − 21.2 % for the minimum and maximum design weights, respectively, when compared with the current rear hydrofoil of the Hydrofoiler XE-1. While further experimental testing is recommended to validate these results, the performance improvements of this proof of concept design are evident. In addition to these results, the design procedure has also been documented for future use by Manta5.
Embracing the chaos Fetal heart rate biomarkers to detect evolving brain injury before birth
(ResearchSpace@Auckland, 2022) Beacom, Michael; Bennet, Laura; Lear, Christopher
Background. Hypoxia-ischaemia (HI) during fetal life is a major cause of life-long neurodevelopmental disability. Detection during pregnancy is difficult, limiting clinical management and potential treatment. Fetal heart rate variability (FHRV) is one potential diagnostic biomarker, but the long-term effects of HI on FHRV are poorly understood, and current analytical approaches do not account for the chaotic, non-stationary nature of the signal. My specific thesis objectives were to examine whether FHRV indices can be used as biomarkers for HI injury in utero and, if so, whether non-linear FHRV measures were better than traditional linear measures. Secondary objectives were to assess if FHRV measures could be used to determine the presence of seizures and whether HI impaired the maturation of sleep state development. Methods. Chronically instrumented preterm fetal sheep (0.7 gestation) underwent 25 minutes of complete umbilical cord occlusion (n=8) or sham occlusion (n=8). FHRV and a wide range of physiological parameters were recorded for 21 days after HI. To facilitate the assessment of FHRV, I developed a suite of tools to calculate a wide range of time, frequency and non-linear FHRV measures. Results. The latent phase of injury (0-6h) was associated with a broad reduction in magnitude of time and frequency-domain measures, with reduced complexity but increased irregularity of FHRV. The early secondary phase (6-18h) was associated with increased fractal complexity. The peak of the secondary phase (18-48h) saw profound suppression of time and frequency-domain measures, reduced entropy-based measures of complexity but persisting increase in fractal complexity. Seizures occurred between ~6-48 hours. FHRV measures did not change during individual seizures in the secondary phase but may be linked to the overall increase of fractal complexity. The tertiary phase (48h onwards) saw partial recovery of most FHRV measures, but many remained suppressed until 14 days. Notably, very low frequency activity, Distribution-Entropy and Deceleration-Reserve remained suppressed even at 21 days. Circadian rhythmicity in FHRV was lost or suppressed for 4-5 days post-HI. When day:night cycling became re-established, it was characterised by exaggerated cycling, especially from 14 days onwards, with a significantly greater day-time nadir, which persisted until the end of the experiment. At 21 days, HI impaired fetal sleep state with impaired electroencephalographic power and greater time in rapid-eye-movement sleep; however, HI had only a modest effect on FHRV during sleep states. Discussion. My thesis has demonstrated that both linear non-linear measures of FHRV can be used as a biomarker to show that a severe HI insult has occurred in utero and can map to different phases of injury. Combined use of linear and non-linear measures provided the best diagnostic capacity. Key discoveries include being able to determine the onset and duration of the secondary loss of mitochondrial function (secondary phase) with non-linear measures and the finding that circadian rhythmicity is a key feature of brain-injured fetuses in nearly all FHRV measures, with a characteristic lower nadir during the day. Future work is needed to examine changes in FHRV in response to different severities of brain injuries, responses to treatments, and mechanisms mediating the changes in circadian patterns.
Digital Storybooks in Early Childhood Settings. How Do Teachers Utilize Them and How Do Teachers Perceive Digital Storybooks’ Effectiveness?
(ResearchSpace@Auckland, 2022) Xu, Wenxin; Parr, Judy
This qualitative research aimed to explore the Aotearoa New Zealand preschool teacher’s perspective of digital storybooks, a relatively new resource in early childhood centers, their benefits, and the influence they think they have on young children’s understanding of language. The researcher also investigated how teachers report utilizing digital storybooks in early childhood settings and the benefits and challenges that teachers perceive. Four focus group interviews had been conducted with ten preschool teachers from several preschools in Auckland. Participants were purposely selected and the criteria for recruiting participants were that they taught preschoolers and had experience in, and have successfully used, digital storybooks in their teaching practice. In addition, the researcher analyzed the features of two popular digital storybooks mentioned by preschool teachers to gain further understanding of the features they referred to in their discussions. The thematic analysis was conducted after the data collection. Participating teachers reported several features of digital storybooks which could contribute to preschoolers’ learning including animated illustrations, narrations, and sounds. They believed that digital storybook reading has a positive impact on preschoolers’ engagement and literacy development including vocabulary learning and comprehension skills. However, the participants were concerned about using digital storybooks without adult intervention as they potentially contained features that could cause distractions that impede learning. Findings demonstrated that some pedagogical approaches could be employed by teachers to optimally utilize digital storybooks in ECE classrooms including asking questions, providing appropriate adult guidance, choosing proper times to use digital storybooks; creating their own storybooks, and using digital storybooks for celebrations of different cultures.
ESOL student's perceptions: An explorative study on language learning in school team sports
(ResearchSpace@Auckland, 2022) Zabala, Louis; Philpot, Rod; Bennett, Blake
Recent research suggests that second language learners require extra attention to ensure they succeed in mainstream classes (Barnes, et al., 2019; McCarthy, 2020). As such, the New Zealand education sector should arguably consider more opportunities for second language learners to be involved in extended use of English within the wider school community, and beyond what an English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) class offers. This thesis examines the perceptions of five ESOL students from an Auckland co-educational high school regarding their participation in a school team sport, and the influence these experiences had on their language and communication skills. Data for this study were gathered through focus group and semi-structured interviews, and then were thematically analysed (Braun & Clarke, 2013). The Learning Beyond the Classroom model (Benson, 2011; Reinders & Benson, 2017) and Affordance Theory (Menezes, 2011) were used to understand the language affordances in school team sports, and the analysis considered language learning in school team sports through the dimensions of location, formality, pedagogy, and locus of control. Four core themes were identified. First, ‘the value of the sporting context’ reflects the perceived value the participants placed on sport. Second, ‘motivations to learn’ highlights the motivations of the participants and how and why sport provides an ideal context for learning language. Third, ‘the importance of coaches and teammates’ highlights the key role coaches and teammates play in language learning. Fourth, ‘it is up to me’ captures the participants’ realisation that, although sport provides opportunities, it is up to themselves to take advantage of these opportunities. This study concludes that school team sport is a language learning setting that can accelerate language learning of the English language for an ESOL student.
An ‘Urban Room’ for Auckland/Tāmaki Makaurau
(ResearchSpace@Auckland, 2022) Naderi, Parisa; Stout, Julie
Should every city have an Urban Room? All cities need to have a space that connects specifically to that city. A place that can illustrate the city’s past, immerse in the city’s present, and clearly describe the possibilities of its future. Auckland is the biggest and most important city in New Zealand, with a rich history on one side, and on the other a rapidly growing and developing city, becoming a home for constantly arriving migrating people. This thesis endeavors to create a space in the heart of Auckland city that can help people better understand and discover more about their city, A place where everyone from any age and culture can gather, learn and become better informed about their city and its growth. It can be a place where people can get involved and have more control in the built environment of Auckland city, as well as knowledge of future plans that are proposed to happen in the city. It will highlight the latest global trends and shifts, along with current Architecture of other big cities. One of the most important aims of this thesis is to design a place in Auckland that will be interesting and attractive to everyone, and for it to be a positive step forward in the solution to a lack of meaningful public community buildings in Auckland.
Experiences of Indo-Fijian Teachers in New Zealand Early Childhood Education Settings
(ResearchSpace@Auckland, 2022) Kumar, Keshni Lata; Angel, Chan
This thesis reports the findings of a qualitative study that explored the experiences of eight qualified Indo-Fijian early childhood education (ECE) teachers in the New Zealand ECE settings. The study uses communities of practice (CoP) as a theoretical framework to make sense of the data. Central to the idea of CoP is the notion of legitimate peripheral participation (LPP) which focuses on examining a novice's trajectory of participation to becoming old-timers (experienced CoP members) (Lave & Wenger, 1991; Wenger, 1998). Informed by these key CoP ideas, the study considers the participants’ experiences as novices in their ECE settings. The qualitative phenomenology provided an avenue to gain a deep understanding of the participants' lived experiences. Pertinent to this study is the examination of participants' culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) characteristics and identities in influencing their LPP. The findings of this study show that experienced teachers’ support strongly influenced novice Fiji-Indian teachers' trajectories of participation. While most participants became legitimate peripheral participants in their CoP as novices, their relationships with experienced teachers and their CALD characteristics challenged their LPP in some ways. The findings show that the participants mainly felt supported by experienced CALD teachers. When participants were encouraged to use their CALD knowledge and languages to contribute to their ECE settings, their feelings of membership to the CoP were enhanced. When support by experienced teachers was not evident, including moments when participants’ legitimacy was questioned, participation in their CoP was more challenging. The findings illustrate the complex reciprocal relationships between Fiji-Indian ECE teachers’ CALD identities and their experiences in New Zealand ECE settings.
Graph Efficient Pre-training for Knowledge Transfer
(ResearchSpace@Auckland, 2022) Lu, Sirui; Chiang, Meng-Fen
Self-supervised graph pre-training frameworks have shown effective for in-domain knowledge transfer, where a model is typically pre-trained on unlabeled massive graph data to learn the general transferable knowledge before being fine-tuned for other specific tasks. However, their capability to learn domain-invariant knowledge for cross-domain transfer remains unknown. Moreover, the information of how individuals are positioned across the entire graph is largely overlooked. To bridge this gap, we propose Graph Efficient (GrapE) pre-training framework to seamlessly integrate the augmented graphs with complementary positioning information to enhance domain-invariant knowledge learning in a self-supervised manner for cross-domain graph transfer. First, to obtain global positioning perspective, we propose to augment the original graph with a component graph, which reveals the dual topological structures in node-level and component-level. The global proximity estimates to enrich self-supervised signals between a set of nodes and components offer a rich perspective on positioning individuals in the entire graph. Lastly, to alleviate the tremendous computational burden on pre-training massive graphs, GrapE adopts the sequential training paradigm to continually grow in transfer knowledge over limited sampled graph instances to improve data efficiency. In extensive experiments on four benchmarks, GrapE is shown to achieve better data efficiency, generalization performance, and transferability by a considerable margin, in both in-domain and cross-domain transfer settings, via two fine-tuning tasks.
Targeted inhibition of Escherichia coli O157:H7 using VHH-based recombinant protein and antibody-drug conjugate
(ResearchSpace@Auckland, 2022) Zhang, Hanxiaoya; Huang, Kang
The increasing occurrence of Escherichia coli (E. coli) O157:H7 outbreaks has been dealing significant damage to human health and the global economy. The negative side effects of conventional antibiotic treatments and the emergence of multidrug-resistant E. coli strains are urging for a new solution for better prevention and treatment of E. coli O157:H7 infections. Originally designed for cancer treatment, targeted therapies have shown great potential for the prevention and treatment of E. coli O157:H7 infections. It is possible to produce recombinant proteins and antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs) that contain an antibody portion and a drug portion to selectively attack pathogenic cells in a complex environment, providing pathogen-specific inhibitory effects. In this project, an antibacterial recombinant protein and an ADC were developed based on an anti-E. coli O157:H7 heavy chain variable domain (VHH) antibody. Positive phage clones were first obtained through affinity panning of a naïve phage display library using E. coli O157:H7 surface protein peptide fragments as coating antigens. When tested against live cells of E. coli O157:H7 ATCC 43888, positive phage clone 10E and 17O showed limits of detection (LODs) of 3.40 × 105 CFU/mL and 1.25 × 106 CFU/mL. The VHH sequences were then extracted from 10E and 17O phage clones and inserted into suitable plasmid vectors for prokaryotic gene expression. The resulting GST-tagged VHH antibodies, including 10E-GST and 17O-GST, achieved LODs of 4.15 × 106 CFU/mL and 1.31 × 107 CFU/mL against E. coli O157:H7 ATCC 43888, respectively. Afterward, the best performing 10E-GST was fused with a novel antimicrobial peptide (AMP). AA139 and conjugated with chlorogenic acid that is identified as an antibacterial phytochemical. The resulting recombinant protein 10E-AMP-GST and ADC 10E-GSTCGA exhibited good antibacterial properties against E. coli O157:H7, the minimum inhibitory concentrations being 0.13 mg/mL and 0.14 mg/mL, respectively. However, no significant binding affinity was shown by either the recombinant protein or the ADC. Although the two antibacterial agents demonstrated prevention and treatment effects during the infection assay, no selective inhibition was observed when E. coli O157:H7 was mixed with S. typhimurium. The results in this project will be valuable for future studies on the production of VHH-based recombinant proteins and ADCs.
To Convey with Architecture: An Exploration on the Communicative Capacity of Architecture
(ResearchSpace@Auckland, 2021) Zhu, Leo; Stout, Julie
Advances in technology has allowed for an unprecedented three-dimensional complexity in architecture. There is a liberation of form and an unknown potential of new spatial experiences with increased abilities for articulation and evocation. This makes one wonder whether architecture may have a similar non-verbal communicative capacity to other art-forms such as music, painting and photography. And if so, why should architecture communicate and how can it be done? This thesis is an introspective reflection to understand my own experiences and how I perceive architecture. Numerous architectural examples are analysed in the first two chapters and the third chapter provides a critical reflection on how some of my designs have explored the communicative ability. These include the articulation of materiality in The Wood Pavilion, capturing the expressive essence of an art-form in Home of Flamenco, and evocation of certain emotions in the Island of Broken Promises. These previous projects inform the thesis design, with a conscious increase in the complexity of the brief and programmatic requirements, to see the influence of this on the design process. In the era of globalization, the built environment and its inhabitants share a reciprocal search for identity. The design of an international cruise terminal explores ways in which architecture can reinforce local identity and convey a memory of the city. Located on the Bledisloe Wharf of the Auckland city centre waterfront, site research is conducted through methods of urban morphology. Plan sequence maps of urban development around Bledisloe Wharf reveal the disappearance of the natural headland, Te Rerenga-ora-iti, or Point Britomart. Today, only two signages along sidewalks acknowledge the natural landmark’s existence. The historic headland is proposed to be the conceptual driver for the new architecture on Bledisloe Wharf. In providing an international cruise terminal for Bledisloe Wharf, how can architecture evoke Point Britomart, a historical landscape that used to exist? Point Britomart is understood to be the wider coastal environment that surrounds the cliff itself. Natural processes determine the physical experience on the littoral edge, and they occur simultaneously and at different speeds, gradually changing the coastal cliff condition. These processes inspire the functional experience of the cruise terminal, while photographs, 3D-printed and plaster models explore a visual aesthetic that translates the idea of gradual change. Is a tectonic of gradual change possible in architecture?
Listening to a wet land
(ResearchSpace@Auckland, 2022) van der Drift, Kate; Hipkins, Gavin
Habitual Dietary Patterns and Nutrient Intakes and selection of Mediterranean food items among New Zealanders (NZ MED)
(ResearchSpace@Auckland, 2021) Klein, Alana; Lovell, Amy; Roy, Rajshri
Background: The Mediterranean Diet (MD) has come into research focus as increasing evidence has identified benefits of the MD in diet-related diseases. To date, the habitual dietary intake of New Zealand (NZ) adults has not been examined in relation to the MD. The potential of adapting the MD in a NZ context remains unexplored. Aim: This study aims to define the habitual dietary patterns (DPs), nutrient intakes, and overall diet quality from a sample of NZ adults who have a low-intermediate or high diabetes risk defined by Australian Type 2 Diabetes Risk Assessment Tool (AUSDRISK). Methods: A cross-sectional study of 1,012 NZ adults was conducted. A validated semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaire (FFQ) was used to collect dietary information. The risk of Type 2 diabetes (T2DM) was assessed using the Australian Type 2 Diabetes Risk Assessment Tool (AUSDRISK). DPs were identified through Principal Component Analysis. Reported intake from the FFQ was used in conjunction with the Health Dietary Habits Index (HDHI) and the Mediterranean- Style Dietary Pattern Score (MSDPS) to determine diet quality. Mixed linear models with covariates age, sex, and ethnicity were used to analyse the association between DP and diet quality scores with demographic and health factors and dietary intake. Results: No significant difference was found in total energy or macronutrient and micronutrient intake between those with low-intermediate or high risk of T2DM. Two distinct DPs across the whole cohort were identified: Discretionary and Guideline. Adherence to DP and diet quality was associated with age and ethnicity. DP was also associated with sex. Diet quality as defined by HDHI was significantly higher (p<0.001) than diet quality defined by MSDPS. Conclusions: This study provides evidence that the current dietary habits of NZ adults can be depicted as two distinct DP: ‘Discretionary’ and ‘Guideline’. Diet quality defined by HDHI and MSDPS was found to be relatively poor. No difference was established in DP or diet quality in those with low-intermediate and high risk of T2DM as defined by AUSDRISK. Further research using food preference data will be used to develop a community-based intervention to explore the potential of implementing the MD in a NZ context.
Investigating the genome of a female hihi (Notiomystis cincta)
(ResearchSpace@Auckland, 2022) Bailey, Sarah; Whibley, Annabel; Santure, Anna
A reference genome can be a valuable resource for threatened species as it can be used to assess overall genetic diversity and the evolutionary potential of species to adapt to future pressures such as environmental. Using Oxford Nanopore Technologies long-read sequence data, we assembled the genome of a female hihi (Notiomysits cincta), a threatened avian species endemic to Aotearoa New Zealand. The assembled female genome is 1.06 Gb, and is of high quality and highly contiguous, with an N50 of 61 Mb and a BUSCO completeness of 96.4%. A high-quality male assembly was generated in parallel, which allowed us explore sex differences in the density of microsatellites and transposable elements. Using comparisons of male and female genomic depth of coverage and homology to the sex chromosomes of other passerine species we identified 31 candidate W-linked and 27 candidate Z-linked contigs with a total length of 14,975,707 bp and 75,165,712 bp, respectively. We used Oxford Nanopore Technologies extended basecalling to detect 5mC CpG methylation in the male and female which revealed that the level of methylation was highly correlated in both sexes, but that the W chromosome was more highly methylated than the autosomes and Z chromosome. A female hihi genome assembly provides us with sequence information from the female-specific W chromosome, enabling genome-wide diversity to be captured more completely for females and the investigation of female-specific evolutionary processes. Ultimately, the generation of a female hihi genome can help us to broaden our understanding of avian evolution which contributes to the understanding of how all species evolved, will form the basis for fine-scale assessment of the impacts of low genetic diversity and inbreeding on the adaptive potential of the species, and will therefore enable more tailored and informed conservation management of this threatened taonga species.
Exploring alternative plant-based “milks” – a chemometric investigation into the composition and properties of milks made from plant-based raw materials
(ResearchSpace@Auckland, 2022) Xing, Shen; Pilkington, Lisa
Plant-based milks are an increasingly important product due to many reasons such as consumer allergies to protein present in cow’s milks and both ethical and environmental concerns around the consumption of mammalian milks. While there has been a huge recent demand for plant-based milks, there is little available research on these plant-based milks made from various plant-based raw materials. In addition, some of the plant-based milks available in the market do not satisfy what consumer needs as they many do not meet the desired quality or nutritional values. The objective of this research was to make a range of alternative plant-based milks, many of which have never been made or studied before, from a range of raw materials, representing the five categories of cereal, pseudo-cereal, nuts, seeds and legumes. The properties of the resulting milks were then to be analysed, for them to be compared. Additionally, the effect of different experimental soaking conditions and their effect on these properties were also to be explored. In total, milks made from thirteen raw materials (rye, rice, soy, cowpea, black bean, hazelnut, cashew, pistachio, watermelon seed, pumpkin seed, flaxseed, buckwheat and black quinoa) using nine experimental soaking conditions (20 °C-2 hours, 20 °C-4 hours, 20 °C-8 hours, 35 °C-2 hours, 35 °C-4 hours, 35 °C-8 hours, 50 °C-2 hours, 50 °C-4 hours and 50 °C-8 hours) were made at a homebased scale in triplicate using a method developed in this work (a total of 351 milks). Once the milks were made, a series of physicochemical analyses (total soluble solids, colour and pH) and chemical analyses were performed (FT-IR and NMR) to compare differences in the properties of the resulting milks for the different types of milk and also the effect of soaking conditions. A series of measurement methods were developed to analyse all these properties of the plant-based milks and were successfully applied to all samples. Once the measurements of these properties was performed, that data was analysed using RStudio. This analysis was primarily focussed towards finding out the differences between these milks compared and their relationship to the raw materials. It was found that the total soluble solids (°Brix) of the milks all ranged between 0.3 and 7.7 with statistically significant differences between all milks and a moderate positive correlation between the protein in the raw material and total soluble solids of the milks. Furthermore, based on the statistical analysis, it was shown that the colour of the milks were very distinct from each other. Two methods were developed for colour analysis and while the more-traditional CIE method was a better tool to distinguish the colour of different milks, the alternative photographic method was found to be appropriate if the former could not be conducted. Moreover, it was found that the pH of the milks all ranged between 6.22 and 6.70 although the differences between the milks were statistically significant. Lastly, the statistical analysis showed valuable outcomes in analysing macronutrients in the different milks, using FT-IR and NMR measurements in combination with data analysis techniques, including pre-processing, in-depth PCA analysis and the use of random forest models to select the most important variables to differentiate between milk types and soaking conditions. Overall, all physicochemical analysis methodologies used in the research were non-destructive, and could be applied during the manufacture of plant-based milks in a commercial or research setting and would be particularly useful in industry to identify the ideal conditions for process design. Additionally, the chemical-composition analysis methods in combination with the statistical analysis pathways used herein would be able to be used to understand how these conditions impact on the macronutrients, which can be used to refine or optimise the designed processes.
Factors affecting weight gain following renal transplant in paediatric patients at Starship Child Health
(ResearchSpace@Auckland, 2022) Cracknell, Mikayla; Lovell, Amy; Friedlander, Stella
Background: Weight gain and obesity are common following paediatric renal transplant. Several factors are reported to influence weight gain in children post renal transplant; however, results are mostly inconclusive, and the knowledge of the determinants of weight gain in the New Zealand population is lacking. This study aimed to describe longitudinal growth and weight post-transplant in New Zealand paediatric renal transplant patients and determine any risk factors that could predict excessive weight gain. The secondary aim was to understand the barriers and facilitators to nutrition care. Methods: A mixed-methods study design was employed. A retrospective clinical record audit of all renal transplants performed at Starship Child Health, between September 2008 and April 2021, was conducted. Patient demographics, anthropometry, biochemical and nutrition data were collected to determine any relationships between growth and weight parameters and patients' clinical and demographic variables. Patients were grouped according to a change in steroid dose regimen that occurred in November 2012. A random-effects mixed model was used to evaluate changes in anthropometric (z-scores) and biochemical variables post-transplant. Multiple comparisons were performed post hoc to compare changes since transplant within each steroid pathway. Multivariate linear regression was used to identify independent factors associated with overweight and obesity at specific time points. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with patients and their families/whānau, and inductive thematic analysis was performed to identify themes. Results: Seventy-nine renal transplants were performed between September 2008 and April 2021. Recipients were between one and 16 years of age. At the time of transplant, 15.9% of children were overweight, and 13% were obese, increasing to a combined prevalence of 47% at three months post-transplant. No significant group-by-time interaction was seen for any anthropometric variables. Māori and Pacific children had increased odds of being overweight or obese at transplant (OR: 6.841; 95% CI: 1.105, 42.360; p=0.039 and OR: 19.078; 95% CI: 2.116, 171.995; p=0.009, respectively), compared to non- Māori and non-Pacific children, and this persisted in Pacific children at six months post-transplant (OR: 6.55; 95% CI: 1.135, 37.750; p=0.036). Male patients had an increased odds of being overweight or obese at transplant (OR: 11.79; 95% CI: 1.973, 70.496; p=0.007) compared to female patients. Five semi-structured interviews were completed, and key themes included a lack of practical and culturally specific advice. Conclusion: Rapid weight gain was observed in the initial months post-transplant. Male sex, Māori and Pacific ethnicity were identified as risk factors for overweight and obesity at transplant, and risk persisted in those of Pacific ethnicity at six months following transplant. Semi-structured interview findings highlighted a need for more practical advice post-transplant and more culturally specific nutritional care to better support healthy eating practices in these patients.
Augmented gallery in the public sphere
(ResearchSpace@Auckland, 2021) Hao, Yun; Liggins, Matt
Physical presence and spatial configuration of art galleries has always been an important part of experiencing artworks. As a result of the recent Covid-19 pandemic, many arts gallery are forced to operate virtually through websites, and some even chose to permanently close their physical gallery space. Although web-operation can allow for more publicity, it compromises the viewing experience of the artwork itself, as we are limited to a two-dimensional screen. The Augmented Gallery proposes and investigates in an alternative strategy of having a pop-up galley space, it allows the artist to exhibit their work as a hybrid form. The Augmented Gallery is a hybrid exhibition space that combines the virtual art forms with the three-dimensional physical environment, specifically through using augmented reality (AR) technology on mobile devices. This thesis investigates the design parameter, and the user experiences of the hybrid gallery spaces. It questions on how artists and architect could work collaboratively in the design and creation of the spatial environment. What are the new functionalities of the Augmented Gallery? And how do we create a satisfying and entertaining user-experience in this gallery space? The author collaborated with three New Zealand based artists to develop and construct the Augmented Gallery as 1:1 applied experimentation. Through 3D scanning and digital manipulation, the artists’ works were transformed into virtual elements that augments with the physical gallery space. Using portable augmented reality devices, the visitor can simultaneously engage with the physical and the digital art forms. Iterative experiments were conducted during the design process to optimise this user-experience, and to create a cohesive gallery space. The investigations conducted in this research combines both architectural and artistic thinking. It critically evaluates both the opportunities as well as limitations of the augmented gallery space. The interdisciplinary collaboration between art and architecture has help spark new ideas for both the artists and architectural designers. Virtual art as part of the augmented gallery itself. This hybrid form of gallery enhances the connection between digital art and the physical gallery space. It challenges us to rethink about the architectural design and the new functionalities of future gallery spaces.
Constructing cultural identity through text messaging: the case of Hong-Kong Cantonese-English bilinguals
(ResearchSpace@Auckland, 2022) Chan, Kwun Tung Snowden; Syed, Saurov
Under the Biliteracy and Trilingualism policy, both Standard Chinese and English are core subjects printed on the school curriculum throughout 12 years of compulsory education in Hong Kong, and Cantonese is expected to be spoken fluently by every local-born resident through natural exposure. It is in this sociolinguistic environment, newly created language varieties used by particular social stratum came into sight, namely Hong Kong English (HKE) and Kongish. Research to date has not yet adequately attended to what roles these varieties play when it comes to intra-group communication among bilinguals. This thesis focuses on the lexicogrammar of HKE and Kongish as reflected by text data in real-time messaging among young Hongkongers. It sheds light on the linguistic and pragmatic considerations that rationalize the use of each of these varieties in context. Using semi-structured interviews, it reports that HKE and Kongish exist as common intra-ethnic means of communication in e-discourse apart from Cantonese and standard English. Additionally, the innovation of HKE and Kongish can be traced to bilinguals' linguistic manipulation as a means of achieving a range of personal and interpersonal purposes.
Chemical and Heavy Metal Analysis of E-liquids and E-liquid Emissions Under Different Vaping Conditions
(ResearchSpace@Auckland, 2022) Yan, Angela An-qi; Burrowes, Kelly; Suresh, Vinod
Electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes) have rapidly gained popularity recently, especially in younger adults. Evidence to date suggests that e-cigarettes are safer than conventional cigarettes but are not harmless. E-cigarettes use e-liquids to aerosolise the general ingredients including propylene glycol, vegetable glycerine, nicotine and flavourings. New toxic compounds can be formed after aerosolising the e-liquid. This project evaluated the chemical composition, including heavy metal analysis, in NZ-made e-liquids with various formulations and resulting aerosol condensates under different vaping conditions. Vaping conditions included ISO 20769:2018 standard conditions, lower and higher power settings of 10W and 80W, and a longer puff duration of 5 seconds. The chemical analysis of nicotine, flavourings, and degradation products was performed using Headspace Solid-Phase Microextraction Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (HS-SPME GC-MS). Results demonstrated 142 flavourings, nicotine and two nicotine-related degradation products called nicotyrine and myosmine. Trace elements of nicotine appeared in e-liquids that claimed to be nicotine-free, and trace elements of flavourings were present in products labelled as flavourless. High temperatures in e-cigarettes have been found to degrade components into toxic chemicals. One of the flavouring-related degradations, formaldehyde in condensates was not detected via GC-MS but was detected through preliminary High-Performance Liquid Chromatography. The heavy metal analysis of twenty-two elements was performed using Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry. The e-liquids contained eighteen metals at dangerous levels that exceeded the occupational health standard limitation. Metal present in highest concentration was silicon which made up 98.9% of total metal content. After aerosolisation, increases in several metals were found such as Fe, Zn and Cr at the highest concentrations. Increased device power setting and puff duration led to elevated coil temperatures and oxygen supply, resulting in more toxicants with higher concentrations in e-liquid emissions, including nicotine, nicotyrine, myosmine, and heavy metals. Assessment of the literature to link chemicals found with negative health implications was conducted. Many of the chemicals detected in this study have been linked with adverse health consequences, especially to lung function and the respiratory system as a whole. This body of work provided the first characterisation of the chemical composition of NZ-made e-liquids and a foundation for regulating these products.
Taiaroa : The Food Bowl of the North : Recalling Te Waimate, the birthplace of horticulture
(ResearchSpace@Auckland, 2021) Connolly, Matthew; Hoete, Anthony
This design led thesis explores how an architectural proposition can regenerate the decimated provincial landscape of Aotearoa, New Zealand. By drawing on indigenous and historical knowledge, architecture is considered as a tool in overturning the current over commercialised supermarket food consumption model. A single multifaceted intervention adjacent to 200 hectares of Class A soil in Northland’s Te Waimate region acts as the antithesis to contemporary methods of food production, sale, and consumption in Northland. The scheme aims to reduce the steps between paddock and plate by selling seasonal produce from the land to sustain the growing local community of 15,000, reducing the handling we see in commercial food production today. The architectural proposition explores the idea of an alternative approach to sustainability. This utilises contemporary knowledge of organic and regenerative farming practices, while viewing food production and storage through a historic and indigenous lens. These alternative influences have cultivated a nuanced understanding of seasonal, landscape-sensitive production and land use, which has filtered through every aspect of the project. In using these hybrid ideas, architecture is used as a tool to create a positive social life, cleansing the way the surrounding Northland communities consume food, ultimately resulting in a better understanding of how our land is used and valued, avoiding situations seen in Pukekohe. It presents a visionary yet viable approach to the solution and is designed to maximise the possibilities within this topic further than realistically possible in order to discover how food could be grown and consumed in the future.

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