Reliability and Feasibility of Change of Direction Testing in National Basketball Players

The reliability and feasibility of a 2-2 shuffle test time against on-court lateral change of direction performance was examined. Ten male national league players performed two trials of the 2-2 shuffle test per direction and were compared against their total steals throughout the season. Intraday reliability of the test was computed using Bland Altman plots, intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs) and coefficients of variations (CVs). Anthropometric and total steals differences between fast and slow 2-2 shuffle performance were assessed with an independent t-test, percent difference (Diff %), and effect size (ES). The 2-2 shuffle test time for dominant (ICC = 0.86, CV = 8.61%) and non-dominant (ICC = 0.90, CV = 9.30%) directions met pre-determined reliability thresholds (ICC > 0.8, CV < 10%). Faster 2-2 shufflers were significantly shorter (1.91 ± 0.03 vs. 2.02 ± 0.09, Diff % −5.45, p = 0.03, ES = −1.3) in height and accrued more total steals than their slower counterparts (15.60 ± 9.24 vs. 9.00 ± 6.44, Diff % 42.31, p = 0.22, ES = −0.8). Practitioners may add the 2-2 shuffle to their assessment battery as the test time is a reliable metric and can show the direction for on-court lateral performance as reflected by total steals

Turnover intention of new graduates in Japan : a cross-cultural study on the effects of person-job fit, the mediating effect of employee wellbeing and the moderating effect of recruitment systems..

Over the past 30 years, Japan’s three-year turnover rate for new graduate employees has never dropped below 30%. Analysing Japan’s societal context reveals the possibility that the country’s unique simultaneous recruitment system, which fails to foster person-job fit, may be responsible for its high turnover. Thus, following the theory of met expectations, the current study investigated whether differing recruitment systems moderated the direct and indirect relationship between person-job fit and turnover intention via workplace wellbeing in Japanese and New Zealand new graduate employees. This cross-cultural study analysed cross-sectional quantitative and qualitative data from 157 Japanese and 142 New Zealand new graduate employees to conduct mediation, moderated mediation and content analyses. Mediation analyses supported the negative indirect effect of person-job fit on turnover intention via workplace wellbeing in Japanese new graduates, suggesting the importance of facilitating person-job fit to minimise Japanese new graduates’ workplace wellbeing and subsequent turnover intentions. However, this indirect effect was not found among New Zealand new graduates. Moderated mediation analyses supported the moderating role of recruitment systems, where the indirect effect of person-job fit on turnover intention via workplace wellbeing was stronger in Japanese new graduates than in New Zealand new graduates. This study makes vital contributions to the limited literature by establishing the importance of person-job fit in influencing Japanese new graduates’ workplace wellbeing and subsequent turnover intention and revealing the exacerbating role of the simultaneous recruitment system on this negative indirect relationship that amplifies Japanese new graduates’ expectations to enter a job that aligns with their knowledge, skills and abilities (KSAs). Thus, these results suggest the need for Japanese organisations to rethink their approach to recruitment to ensure that new graduates’ person-job fit is facilitated

Forming metal organic framework glass membranes for gas separation.

This thesis investigates the fundamental factors affecting the use of glass transformations to repair defective crystalline metal organic framework (MOF) membranes. This work aims to clarify our understanding of the major limitation that prevents MOF materials being used for gas separation membranes: intercrystalline defects. The research aimed to produce MOF membranes within tubular ceramic supports and evaluate the differences in gas separation performance between crystalline and glass (ag) forms. A four-stage method was adapted to produce glass membranes, including the use of an -alumina tubular support, ZnO precursor deposition via Atomic Layer Deposition (ALD), in-situ solvothermal synthesis of ZIF-62, and defect healing through glass transformation. The gas separation performance of ZIF-62 and agZIF-62 membranes showed low permeance (10⁻⁸ & 10⁻¹⁰ mol m⁻²s⁻¹Pa⁻¹ respectively) and selectivities (e.g. H₂/CO₂ of 3.5 & 4.3 respectively) which were seen as significant areas for improvement. To address the low permeance, ALD conditions to control membrane thickness were developed, reducing crystalline membranes thicknesses from 38 μm to 16 μm. The glass transition process led to further membrane thinning, down to 2 μm, due to a capillary effect. To address low selectivity, the relationship between isothermal hold times, porosity, and macroscopic melting was examined via PALS, adsorption studies, and visual imaging. These results showed that only limited retention of porosity was possible, and that isothermal treatments offered no control over pore structure. These results highlighted challenges in reproducibility during glass transformation by revealing the variability in agZIF-62 samples, including pore aperture size which ranged from 3.2 to 3.7 Å. Finally, a pioneering alternative synthesis approach using chemical vapor deposition (CVD) was explored for the multi-ligand ZIF-62 to address the poor quality of ZIF-62 membranes. However, the polymorphic nature and high energy state of ZIF-62 prevented its synthesis via CVD, instead resulting in the formation of the dense ZIF-zni. Overall, this research provides foundational insights for enhancing the performance and scalability of ZIF-based membranes for gas separation

Tactility in Perception of Biobased Composites

Biobased composites - sustainable alternatives to fossil-based materials, could gain better acceptance if their perceptual handicaps could be overcome. This paper considers the role of tactility in contrast with visual stimuli, as well as the perceptual qualities influenced by tactility. The analysis revealed a significant impact of tactility in forming attributes such as naturality, roughness and strength. Attributes like beauty and complexity remain less affected by touch, and more visual-dominant. These findings may help designers in creating desirable products with sustainable materials

Submission on Treaty Principles Bill

This is a submission that opposes the Principles of the Treaty of Waitangi Bill and recommends that it not proceed to a second reading in Parliament. It addresses three broad issues: the question of sovereignty; the standing of “the principles”; and the intent and impact of this Bill

Investigating the Isotopic Abundance of Solar Neighbourhood FGK Stars with the HERCULES Spectrograph

This thesis was undertaken with the goal of determining whether the HERCULES instrument on the 1-Metre McLellan Telescope at Ōtehīwai Mt John Observatory is capable of determining Magnesium isotopic abundance from stellar spectra. Observations of 19 stars were taken using HERCULES, a pipeline was developed, and the isotopic abundances were measured. The astrophysical parameters were found for 19 Gaia Benchmark Stars (GBS) verifying the pipeline processes. These were found to be in agreement with the literature to within 2 sigma. Giant stars had less certain parameters due to molecular regions. Using the GBS parameters for spectrum synthesis the isotopic ratio for Mg of 19 stars was determined. It was found that the Sun has a Mg isotopic ratio 24Mg:25Mg:26Mg of 69.60 ± 3.38 : 11.53 ± 0.09 : 18.76 ± 0.92. The 26Mg isotope was overestimated. For αCenA (HD 128620) the 25Mg isotope was overestimated. This overestimation of 25Mg or 26Mg and subsequent underestimation of 24Mg was also seen with HD 128621 and HD 10700. Mg isotopes were measured successfully for most stars but limits were found in the isotope detection. A Teff cut off of 5300K was suggested for isotopic determination. The recommended regions for determining Mg isotope abundances from MgH features for giants are region 3, 4, 5 and 8, and for dwarfs are region 1, 4, 5 and 9. Further refinement could be done to retrieve more regions. A comparison of the MgH line abundance,and lbl [Mg/H] found that an agreement was limited indicating further refinement of isotopic measurements is required. The r−process element Europium did not show the predicted correlation with 24Mg. The s−process element Barium did not show the predicted correlations with 25Mg and 26Mg. This is further evidence that the isotope pipeline is not yet finding the right balance of isotopes

Towards psychological foundations of mathematics.

In the algebraic world, addition and multiplication are special. In the geometric world, lines, circles, right angles, parallel lines, etc. are special. Attempts to lay foundations for arithmetic (such as Peano’s axioms or the ZFC axioms) are evidence that addition and multiplication are special. Likewise, the fact that Euclid’s axioms for plane geometry include lines, circles, right angles, parallel lines, etc. are evidence that these objects are special. While these foundations are successful at doing what is required of them - facilitating the proving of theorems about addition, multiplication, lines, circles, etc. - they do not address the question of why these objects are special; indeed, these foundations rest on the presupposition of this fact. This thesis attempts to answer this question. When we say that addition, multiplication, and the fundamental geometric objects are special, we mean primarily psychologically so, but also mathematically. In order to explain the special status (psychologically speaking) of addition and multiplication, we use four foundational mathematical concepts - monotonicity, convexity, continuity, and isomorphism - to uniquely identify natural, rational, and real addition, and (positive) real multiplication. To explain the special status (psychologically speaking) of lines, circles, right angles, and parallel lines, we use three foundational mathematical concepts - distance, symmetry, and betwixity (betweenness) - and reconstruct Euclidean plane geometry from these concepts. We then show that each of these concepts is - prior to being a formal mathematical concept - a fundamental and intuitive psychological concept; a preverbal principle of perceptual organization that is biologically based and shapes how humans and non-humans alike perceive the world. Essentially, we are laying down psychological foundations for arithmetic and geometry. In the course of laying down these foundations, we ask questions about familiar mathematical objects that mathematicians do not usually ask; our goals are somewhat distinct from those of the mathematician. Consequently, in our efforts to answer such questions we sometimes find a new mathematical perspective from which to view these familiar objects; in this way, we also help to (partially) explain why these familiar objects are mathematically special, and not merely psychologically so. In particular, we lean heavily on the order-theoretic structure of the natural numbers; we also view natural addition through topological, metric-theoretic, and lattice-theoretic lenses

Interactions between kororā/little penguins (Eudyptula minor) and their terrestrial environment at Pōhatu/Flea Bay, Banks Peninsula.

The kororā/little penguin (Eudyptula minor) is a seabird found across New Zealand and Southern Australia and is an important biological indicator of ecosystem health. Despite what the term ‘seabird’ suggests, kororā rely heavily on their terrestrial habitat for nesting and breeding. As a result, these birds may select particular breeding sites and exhibit movements across multiple temporal scales that could enhance reproductive success and survival. However, breeding habitat selection, breeding success, and movement patterns can differ across colonies due to varying threat and habitat contexts, necessitating local-scale research. In this thesis I explored the breeding ecology and movement dynamics of kororā at the Pōhatu/Flea Bay colony on Banks Peninsula, New Zealand, using weekly monitoring data from two breeding seasons (2022 and 2023). In chapter 2, using a combination of generalised linear models and occupancy models, I aimed to investigate how fine-scale habitat and nest box characteristics influence nest box selection for breeding and hard tick presence (Ixodes eudyptidis). Additionally, I examined whether these characteristics, along with lay timing and tick presence, impact breeding success. In chapter 3, I used generalised linear models and qualitative descriptions to explore the interannual and weekly-scale movements of 92 microchipped individuals, looking specifically at nest box and mate fidelity, natal nest box philopatry, and the influence of behavioural stage on weekly movements. My findings revealed that kororā selected more isolated nest boxes for breeding, with an indication that they may be less likely to breed in newer nest boxes, which also had lower tick presence. However, I found that breeding success was primarily influenced by lay timing, with later lay dates reducing hatching success in both years and sharply decreasing fledging success in 2022, whereas fledging success remained higher in 2023. High nest box fidelity was observed between the two seasons, with 81% of returning breeders using the same nest box, where prior hatching success was found to influence those that changed nest boxes. Partner fidelity was also high, with 91% of pairs observed together in 2022 remaining together. At a weekly scale, 28% of individuals were observed at more than two different nest boxes across the study period, with movements ranging from neighbouring nest boxes (<1 m) to distant boxes (up to 335 m), and these movements predominantly occurring during loafing (i.e. the period when individuals are not actively breeding or moulting). Together, these findings offer valuable colony-specific insights that can inform conservation efforts and serve as a foundation for ongoing research at Pōhatu, benefiting from additional years of data. Based on this information, I provide practical conservation applications, including recommendations for optimising nest box placement and design to improve their use for breeding and enhance nest fidelity, while highlighting the importance of integrating terrestrial and marine conservation efforts to improve breeding success

Multidecadal estimation of hydrological contribution and glacier mass balance in the semi-arid Andes based on physically based modeling and geodetic mass balance

Glaciers are of paramount importance in diverse environments, and due to the accelerated retreat experienced in recent decades, efforts have intensified to achieve a comprehensive understanding of key variables such as mass balance and glacial melting. However, the scarcity of data in regions that are difficult to access, such as the Andes Cordillera, hinders reliable glaciological studies of the historical period. This study examined the mass balance and melting dynamics of the Universidad Glacier, the largest in the semi-arid Andes, from 1955 to 2020, using the physically based Cold Regions Hydrological Model (CRHM). The model was calibrated with geodetic mass balance estimates available between 1955 and 2020 and evaluated against on-site observations available between 2012 and 2014. Change point analysis revealed three contrasting periods of mass balance evolution: significant mass loss for the periods 1955–1971 and 2006–2020 and near-equilibrium mass balance from 1971 to 2006. These loss and gain periods align with the negative phases of the Pacific Decadal Oscillation (PDO) and the positive ENSO (El Niño) events, respectively. Simulated runoff from glacier melt showed a positive trend of 8% per decade since 1971. Calibrated and uncalibrated versions of the model showed similar temporal variability, but cumulative mass balance differed significantly. The model calibrated from 1955 to 2020 had a minimal overestimation of 0.1% in mass loss and slightly improved the representation of the annual albedo. Relative to this best-performing model, the model calibrated with geodetic mass balance estimates from 2000 to 2020 overestimated mass loss by 25%, whereas the uncalibrated model overestimated mass balance by 62%. Physically based modeling with parameters adjusted based on field observations is adequate to reproduce the most salient features of MB interannual variability. However, long-term projections may diverge significantly, and albedo parameterizations, including its spatial and temporal evolution throughout a glacier surface, are an avenue for future research

Taxonomy and conservation genomics of threatened limestone populations of Senecio aff. matatini (Asteraceae).

Senecio matatini is a recently delineated New Zealand endemic of the Astereceae family with four recognised subspecies. However, the existence of several morphologically deviating populations in limestone environments prompts the question of whether the limestone populations should be recognised as one or more subspecies of S. matatini or if they should be recognised as another one or more distinct species. These taxonomically ambiguous calcicolous plants are only known from small and isolated populations, which are considered to be declining. This further necessitates taxonomic research, as well as obtaining a better understanding of their patterns of genetic connectivity and diversity. We used genomic data obtained through Genotyping by Sequencing to determine the amount of genetic diversity in populations and the extent of connectivity among populations of six limestone forms of S. matatini - S. aff. matatini “Cape Campbell” , S. aff. matatini “Castle Hill”, S. aff. matatini “Mt Cass” (de Lange et al., 2018; Ornduff, 1960; Rogers et al., 2018), S. aff. matatini “North Dean”, “South Marlborough Limestone” and S. aff. matatini “Tablelands”. We also included representatives of the four currently recognised subspecies of S. matatini in my analyses - S. matatini subsp. basinudus (Ornduff) Courtney, de Lange & Pelser, S. matatini subsp. discoideus (Cheeseman) Courtney, de Lange & Pelser, S. matatini subsp. matatini and S. matatini subsp. toa (C.J.Webb) Courtney, de Lange & Pelser. We used landmark analysis on a subset of this species complex to help resolve some of the patterns of genetic structure. This was to determine how genetically distinct they are to the limestone forms. We aimed of identify limestone populations and forms that have unique genetic variation or are genetically isolated from other populations and forms. We also aimed to determine which and how many taxa to recognize within this taxonomically complex group. We found patterns of genetic structure within the species complex which showed the most support for five distinct genetic clusters with little admixture between the groups. The individual limestone entities hold unique variation further indicative of their genetic isolation. The limestone entities were not all distinct from the subspecies. The population genetic analyses found the limestone entities to hold high levels of genetic variation, however, metrics for some entities were influenced by low sample sizes. Taxonomic recognition for two new subspecies representing limestone entities is recommended. One limestone entity, thought to be unique clustered tightly with one of the subspecies. Other entities largely can be accommodated in the current taxonomic classification of S. matatini, however these may need further study. The results of this study will help inform the formal classification of the S. matatini complex, contribute to an accurate assessment of its conservation status, and facilitate effective conservation management