Science: Theses and Dissertations

An experimental investigation of the secretary problem : factors affecting sequential search behaviour.

Hsiao, Y. C. (University of Canterbury, 2018)

The underlying cause of people stopping their search prior to the theoretical optimal solution in commonly found sequential search problems, often known as the secretary problem, is as yet undetermined. In the secretary ...

Virus inactivation utilising naturally occurring enzymes in wastewater

Inglis, Amanda Rachel (University of Canterbury, 2018)

Adequate sewage treatment is vital for maintaining New Zealand’s economy as well as offering economic and sustainable methods of treating wastewater globally. Effective treatment is required to protect both public health ...

Are xenoestrogens breast cancer risk factors? Unravelling the cocktail effect

Dudley, Samantha Zoe (University of Canterbury, 2018)

Breast cancer is an important well-known estrogen receptor (ER) mediated disease. Interactions with ERs rely on salient features of estrogen molecules. If these features occur on other molecules they are likely to mimic ...

Foxton, its site and changing function.

Boniface, Herbert Garaway (University of Canterbury, 1947)

To understand the present geographic character of Foxton, some knowledge of its history is essential, and it is therefore regrettable that no history of the town has ever been published. Many of the pioneer records have ...

Private speech-language therapy practices in Aotearoa – New Zealand.

Gleissner, Max Florian (University of Canterbury, 2018)

Demographic and service provision information about speech-language therapists (SLTs) working in private practice in Aotearoa – New Zealand is limited. However, anecdotal reports suggest that the number of private ...

On the lagrangian perturbation theory of structure formation in general relativity

Li, Yong-Zhuang (University of Canterbury, 2018)

In this thesis we focus on two different problems in the study of the formation and evolution of large scale structure using the Lagrangian perturbation approach. First, we study the effects of velocity dispersion in ...

The Asian Forum for Polar Sciences: fostering Asian co-operation in Antarctica

Colombo, Andrea (University of Canterbury, 2018)

Riverscape heterogeneity controls on spatial patterns in fish assemblages

Boddy, Nixie (University of Canterbury, 2018)

Given the importance of spatial heterogeneity in altering dispersal, interspecific interactions, and population persistence, high rates of habitat homogenisation across the globe are a concern. In river networks, confluences ...

The ecology and toxin production of gambierdiscus and fukuyoa species from the Pacific

Argyle, Phoebe A. (University of Canterbury, 2018)

Ciguatera fish poisoning is a common food-borne illness experienced in tropical locations worldwide. It is caused by the ingestion of fish and seafood that have accumulated ciguatoxins (CTXs) (and possibly maitotoxins, ...

Optical modelling techniques for refinement of a prototype radiation dosimeter

Hubley, Lancia M. (University of Canterbury, 2018)

The aim of this thesis was to verify that the optical modelling software FRED was a suitable candidate to virtually prototype improvements to an interferometric radiation dosimeter. To achieve this, a model of the ...

Investigating the impact of high-performance work practices on project success

Olateju, Adekunle Tosin (University of Canterbury, 2018)

This thesis integrated theories and framework in organisational behaviour and project management disciplines and investigated how organisations can use individualised focused but strategically linked High-Performance Work ...

A new GIS data model for depicting traditional knowledge of spatio-temporal patterns via motifs, folk thesauri, narratives and accompanying visualisations

Mackenzie, Kierin Jeffrey (University of Canterbury, 2018)

The current standard GIS data models have some limitations, particularly when dealing with interconnected data. These models, such as raster and vector data models, rely on features and layers that by nature are divorced ...

The use of video modelling to reduce fear, and teach appropriate response and safe behaviours in children with autism spectrum disorder with a fear of dogs.

Smith, Holly (University of Canterbury, 2018)

The aim of this research was to investigate whether video peer modelling and video self modelling (VSM) were effective treatments in reducing fear of dogs in children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). This study also ...

Does dissociation mediate the relationship between childhood abuse and auditory hallucinations? An investigation using clinical samples with schizophrenia and dissociative identity disorder.

Nesbit, Amy J. (University of Canterbury, 2018)

Previous research has found that the relationship between childhood trauma and auditory hallucination is mediated by dissociation (Perona-Garcelan et al., 2012a, 2014) and that the specific types of dissociation that mediate ...

Motivation, personality and pokémon : a Personal Projects Analysis (PPA) investigation into motivation and exercise gaming.

Bates, Hamish (University of Canterbury, 2018)

In 2016, the mobile phone game Pokémon Go was launched. In the span of a few weeks this would go on to be one of the most popular games on IOS and Android and result in its players walking millions of kilometres as part ...

Mapping and modelling phreatic ballistic fields at tourism hotspots : a methodological assessment at Tongariro and Whakaari (White Island) Volcanoes, New Zealand..

Gates, Stephanie Louise (University of Canterbury, 2018)

Ballistic projectiles ejected during explosive volcanic eruptions pose a significant hazard to people, infrastructure, buildings and the environment due to their high impact and sometimes heat energy, accounting for 40% ...

The effect of video peer-modelling and video self-modelling on the adaptive behaviour of students with autism spectrum disorder using a single-subject research design.

Cox, Julie Nell (University of Canterbury, 2018)

In a move towards an inclusive education system, the Special Education 2000 policy permitted the inclusion of students with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) into mainstream New Zealand schools. It is well established that ...