Doctoral Theses

Permanent link for this collectionhttps://hdl.handle.net/10292/4

The Doctoral Theses collection contains digital copies of AUT doctoral theses deposited with the Library since 2004 and made available open access. All theses for doctorates awarded from 2007 onwards are required to be deposited in Tuwhera Open Theses unless subject to an embargo.

For theses submitted prior to 2007, open access was not mandatory, so only those theses for which the author has given consent are available in Tuwhera Open Theses. Where consent for open access has not been provided, the thesis is usually recorded in the AUT Library catalogue where the full text, if available, may be accessed with an AUT password. Other people should request an Interlibrary Loan through their library.

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Acute Carbohydrate Strategies for Resistance Training Performance
(Auckland University of Technology, 2026) King, Andrew
Carbohydrate (CHO) is critical for moderate-to-high-intensity exercise; however, its relevance to resistance training (RT) performance is unclear due to inconsistent findings, limited mechanistic evidence, and overreliance on endurance-based nutritional guidelines. This thesis elucidates the role of CHO ingestion and mouth rinsing (CMR) as potential ergogenic aids for RT performance by integrating systematic evaluation and update of the literature (Chapters 2 - 4); characterisation of applied nutrition practices in RT-centric athletes (Chapters 5 & 6); and experimental cross-over trials (Chapters 7 & 8), including preliminary evidence of acute CHO ingestion’s influence on subcellular glycogen utilisation during RT (Chapter 8). A systematic review and meta-analysis were conducted to quantify the acute effects of CHO on RT performance and identify ergogenic response moderators (Chapter 2). Across studies with varying designs, CHO produced small improvements in total session volume when pre-exercise fasts exceeded 8 hours, and large improvements when session durations exceeded 45 minutes. An updated meta-analysis (Chapter 3) incorporating recently published trials and corrected data extractions refined these estimates as a small effect across the same sub-groups. A network meta-analysis was subsequently conducted to rigorously synthesise CMR data for acute RT outcomes (Chapter 4). The network structure allowed for the simultaneous modelling of multiple active comparators (e.g., CMR with maltodextrin, glucose, or maltose) and non-active comparators (e.g., taste matched placebo and water only rinses, or no-rinse control). Relative to placebo, CMR did not improve maximal dynamic strength but produced moderate and small effects on peak force and total session volume, respectively. Two international surveys characterised the general and peri-workout nutrition practices of drug-tested powerlifters (Chapters 5 & 6). Athletes periodised their nutrition across training phases and reported peri-workout nutrition strategies broadly aligned with sport nutrition guidelines. Pre-training nutrition was prioritised, with many athletes consuming CHO-containing meals before RT, with general and peri-workout CHO practices varying by sex, weight class, age class, and competitive calibre. To test whether CHO ingestion, independent of energy provision, enhances RT performance, a double-blind, isoenergetic, cross-over trial compared high-CHO (1.2 g/kg), low-CHO (0.3 g/kg), and calorie-less placebo breakfasts before a ~90-min, high-volume RT session (Chapter 7). Volume performance did not differ between conditions, indicating performance may not be sensitive to CHO dose when EI and expectancy are controlled. Finally, a case series examined the effects of acute CHO ingestion versus an energy-matched placebo on high-volume lower-body RT volume and total and subcellular glycogen compartments (Chapter 8). Preliminary data suggest an ergogenic effect of CHO on volume performance. Total muscle glycogen decreased by approximately 50 - 77% from pre- to post-exercise, representing a substantially greater depletion than previously reported in the literature. Subcellular glycogen depots exhibited similarly large pre- to post-exercise reductions, and neither total nor subcellular glycogen measures demonstrated consistent differences between high- and low-carbohydrate conditions. Collectively, this thesis clarifies the contextual role of CHO ingestion and CMR as potential RT ergogenic aids, advances their mechanistic understanding through novel subcellular analyses, and provides applied insights informing RT-specific sport nutrition guidelines.
Tempered Radicals Fostering Inclusion in New Zealand’s Manufacturing Industries
(Auckland University of Technology, 2025) Griffiths, Christopher
Global workforce mobility and technological change have created increasingly diverse workplaces where inclusion must extend beyond visible demographics to embrace differences in values, identity, and life experience. Organisations seeking to unlock the benefits of diversity while managing tensions must create inclusive climates where all individuals feel belonging and are valued for who they are. Tempered radicals are individuals committed to organisational success while holding values that at times diverge from dominant norms. They offer potential as champions of inclusion, as their experience of difference may heighten awareness of exclusion and provide insight into fostering belonging for others. A concept introduced by Meyerson and Scully (1995), tempered radicals pursue subtle, patient strategies that respect organisational objectives while remaining true to their values. Their tempered nature makes them less visible, yet they act as catalysts for meaningful change through incremental, context-sensitive approaches. Although tempered radicals have been recognised as change agents, research has yet to investigate their ability to foster inclusion in the workplace. Furthermore, little is known about how their approaches vary across organisational levels, particularly within manufacturing contexts. This study addresses both gaps through two progressive research questions: (1) How might tempered radicals foster inclusion in the workplace? and (2) How do their approaches differ across frontline, supervisory, and managerial levels within manufacturing organisations? The research employed a two-phase qualitative design grounded in an interpretive paradigm and social constructionist epistemology. Narrative inquiry enabled collaborative exploration of participants’ lived experiences. Data were drawn from participants across frontline, supervisory, and managerial roles in New Zealand manufacturing organisations. Phase 1 used purposive sampling and thematic analysis to identify tempered radical attributes and strategies. Phase 2 then introduced Leximancer computer-assisted analysis to compare inclusion strategies across hierarchical positions. Phase 1, guided by Meyerson’s (2008) framework, confirmed four defining attributes: (1) difference from dominant culture, (2) desire to succeed and fit in, (3) staying true to values and identity, and (4) implementing change, and a spectrum of strategies from quiet resistance to alliance building. Phase 2 then revealed hierarchical variation: frontline actors emphasised relational inclusion and micro-acts of cultural disruption; supervisors focused on operational adaptation and team cohesion; and managers integrated inclusion into strategic processes while maintaining organisational legitimacy. Theoretically, this research advances tempered radicalism from an agency-oriented change approach to a multilevel systems perspective by introducing both a model and a framework. First, the Tempered Radical Inclusion Model explains how attributes translate into action through three mechanisms: (1) drawing on outside experiences to bring authentic selves to workplace challenges; (2) pursuing meaningful change benefiting both organisation and society; (3) and leveraging ambivalence between organisational objectives and personal values. Second, the Multilevel Tempered Radical Approach Framework reveals how frontline workers build relationships and capability, supervisors bridge divides, and managers establish strategic conditions for cross-level coordination. Practically, this study offers guidance for organisations to recognise tempered radicals as key enablers of inclusion, foster environments that encourage dialogue, and embed practices that support level-appropriate strategies. This study explains how tempered radicals operate as invisible change agents across manufacturing hierarchies. By demonstrating that inclusion work varies meaningfully across levels while drawing on common foundational attributes, the research underscores the critical role of tempered radicals in shaping workplaces where belonging and authenticity can coexist.
Where Are All the Woke Kids? Lived Experience First: Reordering Media Literacy Practice to Examine 17–18-year-olds’ Interpretations of Gender Performativity and Media
(Auckland University of Technology, 2026) Usmar, Richard Patrick
Putting their everyday experiences first, this thesis explores how senior high school students in Aotearoa/New Zealand make sense of gendered identities through media literacy practices. It is presented in two manuscript-style chapters, each structured as a standalone article submitted for academic publication. The first paper investigates students’ ideas about gendered identities by reflecting on individuals they admire, the performativity and values of admiration in real life, and the connections they make to media representations. Drawing on Judith Butler’s theory of gender performativity, the study shows students—particularly young women—demonstrate encouraging levels of critical awareness, while many young men largely fail to show critical thinking, resist notions of gender equality and fall back on essentialist assumptions. The second paper extends this exploration by focusing on how students engage with an ambiguous media text—specifically one that invites audiences to consider multiple readings. By analysing student responses to a video clip that deliberately avoids presenting a fixed message, this study allows students to offer personal reflections and make visible their own ideas about gendered identities. This pedagogical approach empowers learners to examine how representations of gender both conform to and resist dominant norms, fostering deeper critical engagement and self-awareness. Again, responses reveal strongly gendered patterns in media literacy competencies: broadly speaking female students critically engage with context and representation, while male students often reinforce dominant tropes. Together, the papers highlight a concerning persistence of gender essentialism among older male teens, despite recounting real-life admiration for people regardless of their gender identity. The thesis argues for the importance of embedding critical, gender-conscious media literacy into classrooms—both to challenge ingrained assumptions and to support young people in understanding how identity, representation, and social discourse interact with the media they consume and their lived experiences.
Accountability and Sustainability Reporting in a Post-Conflict Region: The Case of the Kurdistan Region of Iraq
(Auckland University of Technology, 2025) Khudir, Ibrahim
Sustainability reporting as a practice has gained considerable global recognition and is designed to promote corporate transparency and accountability. However, critics argue that multinational corporations operating in developing societies adopt Western notions of accountability when preparing sustainability reports. Such reports, they claim, fail to consider local conceptualisations (grounded in local beliefs and values) of accountability and thus fail to achieve meaningful accountability to local communities. This challenge is particularly evident in post-conflict regions, where fragile, complex, and often volatile political, social, and institutional realities dictate corporate disclosure practices. This research, guided by accountability theory and using an interpretive qualitative design, explores the relationship between sustainability reporting and accountability in the KRI. Data comprised 46 semi-structured interviews, including citizens, tribal leaders, mukhtars (government-appointed officials who act as intermediaries between villagers/local communities and the government), non-governmental organisation representatives, local workers, and managers of foreign oil companies (FOCs). Interview data were analysed using thematic analysis to identify key patterns and locally grounded conceptualisations of accountability. In addition, 18 corporate reports published in 2023, including seven sustainability reports and eleven annual reports from FOCs operating in the KRI, were analysed using qualitative content analysis. These reports were examined to assess the extent to which corporate disclosures align with locally defined accountability dimensions, such as Islamic and tribal accountability. Notably, local oil companies (LOCs) do not engage in sustainability reporting in any form, whether through standalone sustainability reports, annual reports, or corporate websites. Thematic analysis guided the analysis of the data collected. The findings reveal that local stakeholders in the KRI conceptualise accountability as a moral and relational obligation grounded in communal, religious, and social values rather than as a formal, procedural mechanism. In contrast, oil and gas companies, whose operations profit from the exploitation of local natural resources, publish sustainability reports based on global frameworks that conceptualise accountability through economic logics. As a result, sustainability reports that primarily serve the interests of foreign investors offer little, if any, transparency or accountability to local stakeholders who are at the forefront of the sustainability challenges caused by the oil and gas industry. This study makes several significant contributions to sustainability reporting and accountability literature, particularly in the context of a post-conflict developing region. The study conceptualises accountability for sustainability rooted in Kurdish and Islamic values, challenging Western-centric models and advocating for culturally grounded alternatives. It reveals the gaps between corporate disclosures and local stakeholder interests, beliefs and concerns, and the need to conceptualise accountability through the local stakeholders' collective social, moral, and spiritual views and experiences on corporate behaviour, as opposed to Western models of accountability that focus on relationships between the accountee and the accountor underpinned by economic well-being. Furthermore, local oil companies, which are controlled by the KRI government, fail to publish sustainability reports, indicating little, if any, concern for local stakeholders. Addressing the local stakeholder needs, this research integrates Islamic ethics and communal obligations into the discourse on corporate responsibility, thereby extending both theoretical and practical understandings of accountability for developing and Islamic societies. Finally, practical recommendations are offered for policymakers, standard-setters, and practitioners to enhance transparency and promote inclusive accountability with respect to the information needs of local stakeholders.
Mechanical Behaviour of Ti6Al4V Lattice Structures Fabricated by Electron Beam Powder Bed Fusion
(Auckland University of Technology, 2026) Huang, Yawen
The development of Additive manufacturing (AM) techniques, such as electron beam powder bed fusion (EBPBF) or electron beam melting (EBM), allows the production of light-weight metallic objects with complex structures, such as lattice structures and cellular porous structures with limited geometrical constrains. In recent years, PBF-fabricated lattice structures with tailored mechanical properties have successfully been designed and manufactured for various applications such as aero engineering and biomedical engineering, as demonstrated in numerous published works. The mechanical properties of the PBF lattices have been extensively investigated considering uniaxial loadings. However, in the real-life applications, the loading can occur in varied directions and the mechanical properties of the PBF lattices can be affected by the different loading directions (LDs). Therefore, the anisotropic mechanical behaviour of the lattice structures must be well understood. Even though published works have confirmed that the mechanical behaviour of PBF lattices structures is affected by the geometrical features, process-induced defects and post-process treatments, limited attention has been given to the effect of LD with respect to the unit cell direction of the lattice. For biomedical implant applications, particularly in hip implants, compressive loading is dominant, thus, this PhD research focuses on investigate the mechanical behaviour of the EBPBF fabricated Ti6Al4V simple-cubic cell based lattice structures under quasi-static and cyclic compressive loadings considering the orientation-dependant effects with respect to the LD. The SC unit cell has been chosen as it can provide a condition for studying the orientation effects without the ambiguity introduced by more complex unit cell geometries. A series of experimental quasi-static and fatigue tests and simulation models were conducted on different EBPBF lattice samples. Three groups of simple-cubic-cell-based lattice structures were produced by EBPBF with unit cell orientations (UCOs) of [001]//LD, [011]//LD and [111]//LD and subject to quasi-static testing and cyclic compressive testing, followed by detailed examinations. In addition, finite element models (FEMs) were conducted to analyse the compressive behaviour of the lattices. The combined effects of LD and UCO on quasi-static and cyclic compressive properties of the lattices have been studied and discussed, providing insight into the anisotropic quasi-static and fatigue behaviour of the lattices. Then an exploratory study has been conducted, porous femoral stem has been designed based on the findings in SC lattices to meet the required fatigue life of 5×10^6 cycles specified the international standard while maintaining the fully porous surface for bone ingrowth. FE simulations and fracture surface analysis has been conducted to identify the effects of stress concentrations and manufacturing defects on the fatigue strength of the produced porous femoral stems. In addition, the effects of surface defects on the fatigue performance of the EBPBF stems have been investigated using Kitagawa-Takahashi approach. It has been found that both the quasi-static and cyclic behaviours of the simple cubic lattices are strongly dependent on their UCOs with respect to the LDs. Among the three groups of lattices, [001]//LD specimens exhibited the most favourable quasi-static compressive strength, with yield strength up to 200% higher and a 4-6 times higher fracture strain than those of the [011]//LD and [111]//LD lattices, due to their less sensitivity to surface defects. Local stress concentrations were found in non-[001]//LD specimens, resulting in yielding and fracturing of these lattices under low loading levels. Considerably greater orientation-dependent effects have been identified in the compressive fatigue behaviour of the lattices, [001]//LD lattices demonstrated approximately 800% higher fatigue strength at 5×10^6 cycles than the non-[001]//LD structures. The low fatigue strength of the non-[001]//LD lattices resulted from crack initiation readily occurring in the high-tension locations, specifically in the top and bottom nodes within each unit cell. The subsequent sideway growth of these cracks leading to fracturing along (001) will be shown. This failure mechanism is absent in [001]//LD lattices resulting in their significantly higher fatigue strength. Examining the data in the literature has revealed that fatigue strength values of all non-SC lattice structures are low, likely due to the same failure mechanism identified for non-[001]//LD SC lattices in this study. The fatigue testing results of the porous femoral stems have suggested that the cracks always initiated at the tension-concentrated zone at lateral side of the stem. With topologically optimised reinforcement, the EBPBF porous stems have successfully met the required fatigue life as specified in the international standard while maintaining sufficient surface porosity for osseointegration. More importantly, the linear-fracture-mechanics-based analysis of surface defects on the EBPBF stems demonstrated that the lack-of-fusion defects on the stress-concentrated locations was the dominant factor contributing to the reduction of the fatigue life of the EBPBF stem components rather than surface roughness.
Human Sensing Using Low Resolution Thermopile Sensors
(Auckland University of Technology, 2026) Ma, Shengjun
Interest in human sensing has grown substantially in recent years. This growth is driven by applications across diverse domains, including healthcare, residential aged care, security and surveillance, entertainment, and intelligent living environments. A fundamental requirement for many human sensing solutions is the use of device free methods that safeguard user privacy. Although various sensing modalities have been explored, each has its own advantages and limitations. Thermal sensing, which operates by detecting and measuring Infrared (IR) radiation emitted by the human body, is emerging as a promising option for device free human sensing. This thesis presents a device-free and privacy-preserving framework for human sensing applications using the IR signal captured by low resolution thermopile sensors. Machine learning approaches are applied to perform two distinct tasks: localization and fall detection. We develop a scalable, networked thermopile sensing platform to perform these tasks. To the best of our knowledge, no open-source or commercially available hardware platform has been specifically designed for human sensing using low-resolution thermopile sensors. We address this gap by releasing all PCB schematics, firmware, and supporting code. This enables replication and further extension by the wider research community. A 2D CNN–LSTM regression model was developed for localization and trained using data collected from eight participants. The model achieved median localization errors between 0.2 m and 0.3 m. The evaluation was performed on participants whose data were not used for training, ensuring robust and generalizable performance. We systematically examine multiple ceiling- and wall-mounted sensor configurations, ad-dressing limitations of prior studies that considered only a small number of sensors in fixed layouts. The results show a clear dependence of localization accuracy on both sen-sor number and placement. Experimental benchmarking against previous approaches indicates that the proposed algorithm provides improved localization accuracy. To assess scalability, four ceiling mounted sensors were deployed to cover a substantially larger area than reported in existing studies. The system operated reliably in this setting, demonstrating the practical viability of thermopile based localization. We developed a fall detection system that employs machine learning models to automatically identify falls from the IR data captured by the thermopile sensors. Three machine learning classifiers, namely SVM, MLP and RF, were trained on data collected from five participants enacting fall scenarios and performing other activities such as standing and sitting. The accuracy of the fall detection algorithms was evaluated using data from an additional five participants who were not included in the training set. The SVM classifier demonstrated the most consistent performance within the 16 different thermopile sensor configurations investigated. The accuracy varies between 92.5%and 99.2% and depends on the number of sensors and their respective locations. A combination of ceiling- and wall-mounted sensors with overlapping fields of view offered the best balance between coverage and sensor count. However, our experimental results also show that accurate fall detection is achievable with a single sensor, provided the fall occurs within the sensor’s clear field of view.
Developing and Validating a Next-Gen Digital Project Manager Competency Model for Construction’s Digital Transformation
(Auckland University of Technology, 2026) Owais, Omar
The construction industry is undergoing rapid digital transformation, yet no empirically validated competency framework currently exists to guide Project Managers (PMs) in navigating this shift. Existing models are either generic or fragmented, failing to unite traditional competencies with emerging digital demands. This thesis addresses that gap by developing and validating a Next-Gen Digital PM Competency Model tailored to the Architecture, Engineering, and Construction (AEC) sector. Adopting a five-phase mixed-methods design, the study systematically progressed from conceptual exploration to empirical validation. First, traditional PM competencies were identified through an intensive literature review and thematic categorisation, reaffirming their enduring relevance but also their insufficiency for digitally enabled delivery. Second, a Systematic Literature Review (SLR), NVivo-assisted thematic analysis, and Large Language Model (LLM) synthesis produced a standardised list of 55 digital competencies across skills, knowledge, and core personality traits, refined through expert validation. Third, these competencies were integrated into a taxonomy, distinguishing between unchanged, digitally enhanced, and newly emerged competencies. Fourth, the taxonomy was empirically tested through a survey of AEC professionals, with Exploratory Factor Analysis (EFA) revealing seven latent constructs encompassing 25 retained items. Finally, Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA) validated the model, producing a robust framework of seven interrelated constructs with 22 retained items, demonstrating strong reliability, convergent validity, and discriminant validity. The study is conceptually grounded in international literature and empirically validated using data collected from AEC professionals in New Zealand and Australia, providing a context-specific foundation for a model that is intended to be transferable, while its validation remains grounded in this specific context. The validated Next-Gen Digital PM Competency Model makes three contributions. Theoretically, it unites fragmented competency traditions into a coherent, hybridised framework that reflects the realities of digital construction. Methodologically, it advances competency research through a novel combination of qualitative synthesis, taxonomy development, and sequential factor analysis. Practically, it establishes a validated backbone that functions as a stable yet adaptable foundation. While not a final endpoint, this model provides the basis for future development of guidelines, competency assessment instruments, and self-reflection tools that enable PMs and organisations to benchmark digital readiness and identify gaps in capability, ensuring its progressive operationalisation across workforce planning, professional certification, and training. Beyond its immediate validation, the model also serves as a research and universal backbone, consolidating evidence across competencies, methodology, taxonomy integration, and empirical factor structure. Its stability provides a common reference point for PMs, organisations, and academia, while its adaptability allows contextual tailoring to legislation, culture, and technological maturity. In this way, the model functions as both a rigorous research construct and a practical platform for deployment, charting a clear pathway toward role-specific frameworks, assessment instruments, and international uptake. By bridging traditional strengths with emerging digital demands, this thesis delivers an empirically grounded competency backbone that equips PMs to lead and adapt to the evolving digital future of construction.
A Conceptual Framework for Global DevSecOps: Delphi-AHP Study
(Auckland University of Technology, 2026) Zhao, Xiaofan
Context: DevOps has become mainstream in the Software Engineering (SE) industry and academia, enhancing software development performance by bridging the gap between development (Dev) and operations (Ops). However, security requirements are often overlooked and devalued because they are perceived as hindrances to the high velocity required in DevOps. DevSecOps, as a security-oriented variant of DevOps, aims to integrate security into DevOps implementation by promoting collaboration among development (Dev), operations (Ops), and security (Sec) teams. Meanwhile, academia and industry’s interest in another trend – Global Software Engineering (GSE), has also significantly increased. GSE is a business strategy that arranges software development teams geographically distributed across the world. The foundational idea of DevOps/DevSecOps is to reduce functional silos and foster collaboration, and it encounters magnified challenges in GSE contexts due to geographical, temporal, linguistic, and cultural distances. Researchers and practitioners have paid attention to DevOps adoption in GSE, yet a research gap exists between DevSecOps and GSE that warrants academic investigation. Aim: This research aimed to provide an in-depth understanding of DevSecOps and its adoption in GSE by developing an empirically grounded conceptual framework. Methods: This research was divided into two stages. First, a Multivocal Literature Review (MLR) study was conducted to explore the current state of DevSecOps. A Thematic Analysis (TA) was performed to identify, synthesise, and analyse themes within the data for reporting MLR results and to further establish a conceptual framework as a theoretical basis for the following research. Second, an empirical study was conducted to validate, refine, and upgrade the MLR findings. It employed a qualitative research methodology, incorporating a quantitative survey that combined a Delphi survey and the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP). The Delphi-AHP study consisted of three survey rounds with 18 international participants, who are DevSecOps experts with various roles, including academic, industrial, managerial, and technical. The data were collected via an online survey that used multiple question formats, including AHP pairwise comparisons, multiple-choice, and open-ended questions. A dissent analysis was conducted to determine whether there is consensus or dissent regarding DevSecOps. Results: The MLR study identifies five aspects of DevSecOps research (Definitions, Challenges, Practices, Tools/Technologies, and Metrics/Measurement), collects related themes of each aspect, and generates a “DevSecOps CPTM (Challenge-Practice-Tool-Metric) Model (Version 1.0)” by integrating the themes of the latter four aspects. An unexplored area relating to the application of DevSecOps in GSE has been identified. Subsequently, the Delphi-AHP study evaluates and prioritises the identified challenges, practices, tools, and metrics, collects new items into each aspect, identifies slight differences between local and global DevSecOps, and upgrades the DevSecOps CPTM Model from Version 1.0 to 2.0 by incorporating additional GSE aspects. Additionally, the dissent analysis reveals that dissenting opinions exist on DevSecOps between the SE industry and academia. Conclusion: This research provides implications for both practice and theory by providing an in-depth understanding of DevSecOps and its adoption in GSE. As the key artifact, the DevSecOps CPTM Model (Version 2.0) is presented to effectively support SE academia and industry by providing a broad landscape and a prioritised breakdown of DevSecOps, from which researchers and practitioners can select an area of focus to enhance their knowledge or practice. With DevSecOps spanning many stages of the lifecycle, the framework will enable the exploration of new emphases and future opportunities, such as AI-driven DevSecOps practices and tools.
Submaximal Torque Control at the Shoulder in Young, Healthy Adults: The Effects of Dual Tasking, Fatigue and Taping
(Auckland University of Technology, 2026) Adams, Thomas
The shoulder is a highly mobile joint, particularly the glenohumeral joint, which sacrifices articular stability for increased mobility. To compensate, the joint relies on the complex actions of muscles, especially the rotator cuff, to provide functional stability. The sensorimotor system integrates peripheral sensory feedback, central processing and efferent muscle output to ensure coordinated muscle activity, maintaining joint stability. Much of the research on shoulder sensorimotor control has focused on proprioception and almost exclusively on joint position sense and movement appreciation, with far less attention to torque control. Studies of torque control could offer insight into sensorimotor control under conditions that may pose an injury risk. The aim of this research was to investigate submaximal torque control at the shoulder in healthy young adults under conditions of dual tasking, fatigue and shoulder taping. Three experimental studies were undertaken. The first, an observational cross-sectional study, investigated dual tasking and submaximal torque control of the shoulder internal and external rotators. The addition of a visual Stroop choice reaction task resulted in a dual task effect, with significant decreases in torque accuracy and steadiness during torque matching and tracking tasks. The second study, also of repeated measures design, examined the effects of an intermittent, duty-cycled, isometric fatiguing protocol on torque control in young healthy adults. Despite noticeable fatigue, torque matching accuracy and steadiness did not significantly differ between conditions. In the final study, a randomised crossover trial, participants performed shoulder torque matching and tracking tasks with and without a common shoulder taping technique. Taping had no significant effect on torque control. The main conclusions of this research were fourfold. 1) Cognitive dual-tasking impairs the ability of healthy individuals to match submaximal target torques and maintain steady torque output, suggesting the need for further research into motor-cognitive dual tasking in injury prevention and rehabilitation. 2) An intermittent isometric fatigue protocol did not significantly affect torque control in healthy young adults. However, applying this protocol to individuals with shoulder injuries and sensorimotor deficits might yield different results, offering important clinical insights. 3) A commonly used taping technique for shoulder injury prevention did not impact torque control meaningfully in healthy individuals. Similar to the fatigue findings, the effects of taping might differ in individuals with impaired sensorimotor control due to injury. 4) The studies used the same shoulder position and target torque, limiting the generalisability to other levels of torque or shoulder positions. Future research should explore the effects of varying target torque levels and other shoulder positions relevant to potential injury.
A Portable, Non-Pharmacological Intervention for Chronic Pain Management
(Auckland University of Technology, 2026) Parikh, Ankit Parimal
Chronic pain affects approximately 20% adults in the Western world. It is difficult to treat and has a negative impact on an individual’s physical and mental health, sleep, and overall quality of life. Globally, it costs billions of dollars in healthcare and lost productivity. Vagus nerve stimulation (VNS), a neuromodulation technique, is a potential non-pharmacological treatment for chronic pain. VNS activates brainstem regions involved in descending pain inhibition, likely increases endogenous opioid release, modulates cortical nociceptive processing, and has anti-inflammatory effects. All these mechanisms are believed to have an antinociceptive effect. While VNS requires surgical implantation, transcutaneous auricular vagus nerve stimulation (taVNS) is a non-invasive, more accessible, safer and cost-effective alternative. Research also suggests that synchronising VNS with the exhalation phase of respiration - respiratory gated (RG) stimulation - enhances activation of pain-modulating brainstem regions. However, RG taVNS studies have been limited to laboratory settings due to the lack of portable equipment. This research aimed to develop a non-invasive portable taVNS system that offered RG stimulation. Additionally, it explored the use of heart rate variability (HRV) as a potential biomarker of stimulation efficacy, to enable future closed-loop stimulation. In Study 1, the accuracy of the prototype in-ear and fingertip-based photoplethysmography sensors was evaluated against a gold standard 12-lead electrocardiography system for measuring vagally mediated HRV parameters, such as the root mean square of successive R-R interval differences and the high-frequency component of HRV. A prototype stretch sensor was also evaluated for detecting the onset of exhalation, compared to a gold standard sensor. Thirty healthy participants wore the prototype and the gold-standard equipment to measure HRV and changes in respiratory state during 10 minutes of normal breathing and deep slow breathing. The results showed that the prototype fingertip-based sensor and stretch sensor were sufficiently accurate for integration into the RG taVNS system. The findings of Study 1 were used to develop a custom sensing system. Additionally, a custom in-ear electrode and a mobile application were developed. A portable kit was assembled to enable home-based RG taVNS, comprising these systems and a commercial stimulator. Study 2 evaluated the feasibility of a future single-centre clinical trial of home-based RG taVNS in individuals with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Twelve participants with active RA participated in this study, which required three hospital visits and performing 12 RG taVNS sessions from home over 2 weeks. Feasibility outcomes were promising, with 90% session adherence, high usability ratings (9/10), and strong acceptability (average 66%, general 87%) ratings. No severe treatment-emergent adverse events were reported. While the single-arm study design precludes causal inferences regarding the effects of RG taVNS on treatment outcomes, medium to large pre- to post-intervention effects were observed in reducing pain interference, grip pain intensity and psychological distress. Medium effects were also observed in reducing resting pain and tumour necrosis factor-α levels. Effects on other outcomes were minimal. Larger effect sizes observed in some outcomes in the second week raise the potential that longer interventions may enhance benefits. Overall, the findings of this thesis have led to the development of a novel portable RG taVNS system that could be used in future, fully powered clinical studies.
Ecotourism and Community Empowerment: A Case Study of Whale-Watching Tourism in China with Insights from New Zealand
(Auckland University of Technology, 2026) Zhang, Xiao
Whale-watching is one of the fastest-growing tourism sectors. However, previous research has paid little attention to the impacts of whale-watching on local communities. Also, research on tourism empowerment has mostly focused on the outcomes of empowerment, with limited exploration of empowerment as a dynamic process and the underlying factors that influence it. Therefore, there is a need to better understand how whale-watching empowers host communities, which factors shape empowerment processes, and how community empowerment impacts the sustainable development of tourism. This study explores the process of community empowerment, factors that influence empowerment (especially sociocultural factors) and their implications for sustainable tourism development in two whale-watching communities: Sanniang Bay, China and Kaikōura, New Zealand. A mixed-methods design was adopted, combining in-depth interviews and questionnaire surveys to comprehensively reveal the complex process of community empowerment and its outcomes. This study finds that community empowerment is a dynamic, ongoing, and context-sensitive process that leads to multidimensional outcomes involving the continuous interaction of different types of power ('power within,' 'power to,' 'power with,' and 'power over'). In Sanniang Bay, tourism management rights are controlled by the government and external enterprises, and residents lack effective channels for participation in decision-making, limiting overall community empowerment. In contrast, in Kaikōura, the residents have greater autonomy in resource management and tourism operations through institutionalised participation mechanisms, and the outcomes of empowerment are more stable and comprehensive. In addition, the study identifies three key factors that influence community empowerment: internal factors, external factors, and factors related to tourism development. At the same time, this study applies Hofstede's revised cultural framework to systematically explain the profound impact of sociocultural factors on the empowerment process. Based on the findings, this study proposes a conceptual framework for the dynamic process of community empowerment, which embraces 'soft' empowerment outcomes (psychological, social, and cultural) and 'hard' empowerment outcomes (economic, political, and environmental). This framework highlights the interactive relationship between intangible interpersonal changes ('soft') and tangible institutional structural changes ('hard') during the empowerment process. Moreover, the study proposes two new concepts: (1) 'Perception of fairness,' which emphasises the role of fairness in psychological empowerment; and (2) 'Authority over cultural representation,' which emphasises the control that communities have in expressing their own culture. This study deepens the theoretical understanding of power dynamics in community empowerment, demonstrating how empowerment can enhance economic, social, and environmental sustainability, as well as community resilience. Methodologically, a China-centred dual case study approach, with Kaikōura used as a supplementary reference case, provides a rigorous yet flexible research pathway for empowerment studies. In practical terms, this study offers implications for tourism policymakers and local communities, emphasising the importance of fair benefit distribution, inclusive governance, sustained community capacity building, and culturally and environmentally sensitive practices. It also highlights community unity, autonomy, and collective organisation as the essential foundations for effective empowerment and sustainable tourism development.
An Intelligent Forecasting Method for Hierarchical Load Structure in a Residential Market
(Auckland University of Technology, 2026) Parkash, Barkha
Electricity is an essential resource in the modern world, underpinning nearly all aspects of daily life. In recent years, the residential electricity consumption profile has evolved significantly due to the increasing penetration of non-linear loads such as electric vehicles (EVs) and localised generation from rooftop photovoltaic (PV) systems. These changes pose new challenges for utility operators, who must manage infrastructure while ensuring a stable balance between electricity demand and supply. Accurate load forecasting is, therefore, critical to avoid mismatches that may compromise grid reliability and efficiency. In the residential sector, electricity consumption patterns vary widely between households, influenced by socio-demographic factors such as income, household size, and occupancy patterns. These contribute to diverse load profiles, necessitating a deeper understanding of their relationship with electricity usage to develop more accurate and responsive forecasting models. This research advances residential load forecasting by developing a novel top-down (TD) hierarchical forecasting framework. Traditional TD methods typically use fixed historical ratios for disaggregation, which can fail to adapt to dynamic consumption patterns. In contrast, the proposed framework leverages input features from both the aggregated level and the target sub-level, along with cross learning features, to forecast loads across multiple layers of hierarchy. Two model variations are proposed: a two-stage model, where separate neural models are trained for aggregated and sub-level forecasts with the second model utilising output of first model, and an end-to-end model that integrates all inputs into a single learning structure. These approaches enable accurate forecasting across different levels of hierarchy without relying on static assumptions, improving both scalability and performance. A second key contribution is the integration of socio-demographic features and EV charging data into the forecasting models. By incorporating variables such as household characteristics and EV charging behaviours, the study evaluates the impact that these have on the forecasting accuracy. The third major contribution is the investigation of EV charging prices and their interaction with charging time and load forecasting accuracy. As market liberalisation has introduced time varying and dynamic pricing structures, consumers are increasingly responsive to price signals. The thesis analyses how these pricing models affect EV charging patterns and, subsequently, the performance of the proposed forecasting models. It highlights that price driven charging behaviours introduce additional uncertainty and volatility into load profiles, which must be accounted for in effective forecasting strategies. Together, these contributions offer a robust and adaptable framework for residential load forecasting that accommodates evolving consumption patterns. The proposed methodology is not only scalable and data efficient but also tailored for practical deployment in modern power systems, offering utility providers and stakeholders a valuable tool for planning and operational decision making.
Formulation and Evaluation of Advanced Buccal Mucoadhesive Systems for Cannabinoid Delivery: In-Situ Gels and 3D Printed Films
(Auckland University of Technology, 2026) Nagaraj, Anushree
The resurgence of interest in plant-derived therapeutics has positioned cannabinoids, particularly Δ⁹-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD), as promising pharmacological agents with demonstrated analgesic, anti-inflammatory, antiemetic, and neuroprotective effects. However, their clinical translation remains hindered by low aqueous solubility, extensive hepatic first-pass metabolism, and poor oral bioavailability (<10–20%). Conventional oral and oromucosal dosage forms, including oils, capsules, and sprays such as Sativex, often yield variable absorption and unpredictable pharmacokinetics, leading to inconsistent therapeutic responses and unwanted psychoactive effects. These limitations underscore the need for alternative delivery systems capable of bypassing hepatic metabolism, enhancing cannabinoid absorption, and ensuring controlled drug release. This thesis aimed to develop and optimize buccal cannabinoid delivery systems, including thermoresponsive mucoadhesive in-situ gels, ion-activated in-situ gels, and extrusion-based 3D bioprinted mucoadhesive films to address the abovementioned shortcomings. Buccal delivery offers a non-invasive and patient-friendly route that enables direct absorption into the systemic circulation, allowing for rapid onset of action and improved bioavailability. Two distinct in-situ gelling mechanisms were employed in the development of cannabinoid formulations, with the gelling polymers combined with either hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC) or Carbopol 934 to produce mucoadhesive in-situ gels. The first approach involved the formulation of thermoresponsive in-situ gels using Poloxamer 407, optimized through factorial design to achieve ideal sol–gel transition temperatures, appropriate viscosity, and mucoadhesive strength. These formulations exhibited reversible sol–gel behaviour, transitioning from a free-flowing liquid at room temperature to a cohesive semi-solid gel at 37°C. The second formulation platform focused on ion-activated in-situ gels, utilizing gellan gum, κ-carrageenan, and a novel κ/ι-carrageenan blend that gelled upon exposure to salivary cations. The κ/ι-carrageenan system formed a synergistic polymeric network balancing rigidity and flexibility, resulting in enhanced gel strength, elasticity, and mucoadhesion compared to single-polymer systems. Both thermoresponsive and ion-activated gels demonstrated prolonged mucosal residence, with Carbopol-based formulations exhibiting superior mechanical strength, mucoadhesion, and physicochemical properties compared to HPMC-based gels. The systems displayed biphasic release profiles, characterised by an initial lag phase (~15–30 minutes) followed by sustained cannabinoid release over 4 hours. To further improve stability and storage properties, ion-induced in-situ gels containing Carbopol were developed into freeze-dried formulations that could be readily rehydrated before administration These lyophilized systems retained their gelling capacity and preserved over 94% of cannabinoid content after six months, offering improved storage stability and eliminating the need for strict cold-chain conditions. The third approach involved using 3D bioprinting to fabricate extrusion-based mucoadhesive films composed of HPMC and Carbopol matrices, enabling precise control over geometry, thickness, and cannabinoid loading. HPMC-based films demonstrated excellent mechanical integrity, uniform drug distribution, and sustained cannabinoid release over 2 hours. This work demonstrated the feasibility of employing bioprinting techniques for producing individualized cannabinoid dosage forms with enhanced pharmacokinetic predictability. This work also introduced a novel formulation strategy integrating multiple terpenes as permeation enhancers with hydroxypropyl-β-cyclodextrin inclusion complexes of cannabinoids within the developed buccal systems, providing a complementary mechanism to enhance both solubility and buccal absorption. This thesis provided a comprehensive foundation for buccal delivery of cannabinoids by integrating formulation optimization, physicochemical and rheological characterization, ex vivo permeation, and stability evaluation. The findings underscore the potential of mucoadhesive buccal systems to overcome the pharmacokinetic limitations of oral cannabinoids, reduce required doses, enhance patient compliance, and support the clinical translation of cannabinoid therapies for conditions such as chemotherapy-induced nausea, appetite stimulation, chronic pain, and multiple sclerosis.
Process Matters: The Effects of Process Variables on Patient Outcomes in Musculoskeletal Care Pathways
(Auckland University of Technology, 2026) Harvey, Daniel
In New Zealand and globally, the burden of pain, disability, and related healthcare costs due to musculoskeletal conditions is increasing. Researchers and clinicians have endeavoured to tackle this growing issue through various diagnostic and treatment-focused management strategies. Given the limited success of existing assessment and treatment methods, there has been a recent shift among clinicians, researchers and funders towards promoting value-based care for musculoskeletal conditions. This approach enhances efficiency and incentivises better patient outcomes by emphasising the importance of care processes. Consequently, value-based care presents an opportunity to investigate how individual processes experienced by patients during their rehabilitation, known as process variables, impact outcomes for musculoskeletal patients within New Zealand's care pathways. However, there appears to be limited evidence and understanding in the existing literature regarding the role of process variables and their impact on patient outcomes. To address this gap, this thesis primarily aims to investigate how process variables affect patient outcomes in musculoskeletal care pathways. A series of three studies was developed and are presented in this thesis. In the first study, to better understand what a process variable is within a musculoskeletal care pathway, a nominal group technique (a consensus-based approach) was employed among New Zealand experts in the management of care pathways. The operational definition clarified that a process variable is a modifiable factor, within a pathway, that can be measured and when changing it may lead to different operational or patient outcomes. In the second study, a focus group approach was used to explore patient perspectives on process variables in musculoskeletal care pathways, aiming to identify what patients consider important during their rehabilitation journey. Several process variables were identified, including the timeliness of treatment, the order of care, the coordination of care delivery, quantifying progress, equity of access, and patient navigation. Four themes emerged from the reflexive thematic analysis: 1) process matters, 2) how quantifying progress facilitates patient engagement, 3) the benefits of equitable access of care, and 4) recovery is made easier with navigation. In the third study, an observational cohort study retrospectively examined a database of patients with musculoskeletal injuries receiving care within musculoskeletal rehabilitation care pathways. Quantile linear regressions were utilised to analyse the associations between process variables and the outcome measures reported by patients at discharge. Significant associations with varying degrees of effect were found between process variables and patient outcomes in some surgical and non-surgical musculoskeletal care pathways. Collectively, the findings demonstrate that process variables can significantly influence patient outcomes in musculoskeletal care pathways, both positively and negatively. Therefore, this thesis urges clinicians, funders, health system planners, researchers and educators to prioritise the identification, measurement, and utilisation of process variables within musculoskeletal care pathways to enhance patient outcomes.
Enhancing Athlete Profiling Through Technology-Integrated Multiple Hop Testing: Implications for Physiotherapy and Strength and Conditioning
(Auckland University of Technology, 2025) Sharp, Anthony
Multiple hop tests, such as the triple hop (TH) and quintuple hop (QH), are commonly used in strength training, conditioning, and physiotherapy to evaluate lower-limb function, monitor return-to-sport (RTS) progress, and measure athletic performance. Traditionally, these tests quantify total distance jumped, which offers limited insight into movement strategies. Advances in affordable technology, including smartphone videography to computer vision tracking, present opportunities to improve the diagnostic value of these assessments, but their validity, reliability, and practical usefulness are still under-investigated. Given this information, this thesis addressed the overarching question: can technology integration into multiple hop testing provide greater diagnostic insight to better inform physiotherapeutic and strength and conditioning practices? To answer this, the work was structured across four sections, each targeting a specific set of research questions. The current literature on TH and QH tests was reviewed in Section 1, evaluating their reliability, utility, and relationship to performance. Findings highlighted that while the TH is reliable and commonly used, the QH remains under-researched, with limited evidence on its validity and sensitivity. Furthermore, reliance on distance as the sole outcome measure limited diagnostic value, underscoring the need for alternative metrics and accessible technologies to capture movement strategies. The feasibility of smartphone videography for assessing multiple hop performance was investigated in Section 2. Using free software (Kinovea) with tablets and smartphones, strong between-rater (ICC = 0.85-1.00), within-rater (ICC = 0.98-1.00), and test–retest (ICC = 0.47-0.93) reliability for spatiotemporal variables such as flight time, ground contact time, and total time were found. High levels of agreement were found when these variables were compared to gold standard force plates, although small systematic biases were observed. It was established that smartphone-based approaches provided valid, reliable, and cost-effective alternatives for hop diagnostics in field and clinical environments. In Section 3, the physical and biomechanical demands of TH and QH tests, inter-limb asymmetries, and their relationship to sprint performance were explored. Successive hops imposed progressively greater eccentric braking demands, with vertical braking impulses increasing by ~32% and horizontal braking impulses by ~56%, highlighting the importance of graded progression in rehabilitation contexts. Kinetic analyses showed average asymmetries of up to 40% in braking impulses, with some reaching 96%. These asymmetries are often hidden when only using distance outcomes, which averaged 4.7% and peaked at 12.7%. Hop distances correlated strongly with 10-40 m sprint times (r = 0.70-0.80), with reactive strength index horizontal (RSIhor) identified as the strongest predictor of sprint ability (r = 0.49-0.71). Finally, given the high shared variance between TH and QH variables, it is recommended that practitioners use only one of the tests in their assessment battery, the choice of which depends on the injury and athletic status of those being tested. The focus of Section 4 was to translate the research findings of the thesis into applied resources for practitioners, using a “Masterclass” framework to bridge theory and practice. This synthesis provided physiotherapists and strength and conditioning coaches with practical guidance on implementing multiple hop assessments, monitoring asymmetries, and applying hop diagnostics to rehabilitation and performance enhancement. This thesis presents original research that expands the understanding of how multiple hop testing can enhance diagnostic insights in athletic profiling. The findings demonstrate that simple, cost-effective technologies can be effectively integrated into assessments, providing valid and reliable measures of both athlete movement and outcome strategies. Although limitations included cross-sectional designs, male dominated samples, and a focus on TH and QH tasks over other hop-based assessments, the research establishes a framework for incorporating hop assessments into applied practice. Future research should validate emerging technologies like AI-driven video analysis and inertial measurement units, broaden normative data across sexes and performance levels, and explore longitudinal and applied outcomes in clinical and elite sport environments.
Kraken the Code: On Decoding Deep-sea Squids Via Host-associated Microbiota (Cephalopoda: Oegopsida)
(Auckland University of Technology, 2025) Maranzana, Marina
Microbial symbiosis with marine hosts facilitates the adaptation and survival of the host, expanding the range of habitable niches available to them in the deep ocean. Research on the microbiomes of deep-sea organisms is increasing due to their recognised importance for providing insight into the physiology, ecology, and behaviour of host organisms; however, much remains to be studied. The microbiota of deep-sea oegopsid squids is an emerging field, with the majority of oegopsid squids' microbiota still unknown. Deep-sea squids are of considerable economic, scientific, and ecological importance, yet there is a lack of data on their life histories and ecologies. This is due to the challenges of studying them in situ and the inaccessibility of deep-sea samples, which limits research availability. Therefore, this PhD thesis aimed to increase our limited understanding of Southern Ocean deep-sea oegopsid squids by investigating their bacterial communities for the first time using 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing. Nine different squid species from five distinct families belonging to the order Oegopsida were sequenced. To start, a single species was used to assess the intraspecific variability between sexes by analysing the digestive tract microbiota of five females and five males of Aotearoa’s endemic Southern arrow squid, Nototodarus sloanii. The core microbial taxa observed were Mycoplasma and Brachybacterium, and no significant differences were observed between the sexes. When no significant differences were observed among any individuals within a species, the bacterial community composition variability among species within the same genus and between genera within the same family was investigated. No significant difference in microbial richness was observed among species or between genera; however, a significant difference in microbial beta diversity was observed between squid genera. Mycoplasma and Brachybacterium (which has not been previously reported in cephalopods) are the two most common and abundant microbial taxa found in all researched deep-sea squids. Mycoplasma was seen to be mainly associated with the digestive tract and beak of all squid species, and the BD1-7 clade was the most abundant bacterium in the gills of all the ommastrephid squids. The opportunistic collection of a single species, Todarodes filippovae, at two distinct locations (the Chatham Rise and the sub-Antarctic) enabled a preliminary description of differences in body site microbiota between the two locations within a single species. Both the Chatham Rise and sub-Antarctic digestive tract samples mainly consisted of Brachybacterium. However, the sub-Antarctic beak samples were primarily composed of Mycoplasma, while the Chatham Rise beak samples were mainly made up of Aurantivirga. Once the intra- and inter-genus variability was established, the four ommastrephid deep-sea squids were compared with four different deep-sea oegopsid squids known for storing ammonia in their muscle tissues for buoyancy. This was done to assess variability in the microbiota among deep-sea squids with different body chemistries. A significant difference was observed between the ammoniacal and non-ammoniacal squids. Across all squids except Onykia robsoni, the beaks harboured similar bacterial communities but with different relative abundances. For all squid species, the same was true for the brain, inner eye fluid, and ommastrephid gills. In contrast, for all squid species except Taningia danae, the siphon and reproductive organs showed the greatest variation in both microbial abundance and diversity among squid taxa, although some general trends could be observed within the ammoniacal (which contained more Mycoplasma) and non-ammoniacal squid groupings (which had more BD1-7 clade). Lastly, due to the opportunistic collection of a rare deep-sea oegopsid squid in the Ross Sea, the colossal squid (Mesonychoteuthis hamiltoni), and the availability of a public dataset on NCBI on the microbiota of seawater from the Ross Sea a preliminary assessment of the transfer of microorganisms between the surrounding environment and host organism was conducted, as well as a first description of the microbiota of six body sites of the colossal squid. The bacterial genus Pseudomonas was the only observed taxon in both datasets; however, another bacterial taxon, Pseudoalteromonas, which was observed in all the Ross Sea seawater depth samples, was also observed in several deep-sea squids investigated in this thesis. Mycoplasma, which was seen to be the most abundant bacterium in the colossal squid, was not present in any of the seawater samples from the Ross Sea dataset. Investigating the microbiota of deep-sea squids is essential in furthering our understanding of their life history and ecology. This will also provide insights into how changes in oceanic conditions resulting from anthropogenic pressures could affect their health, as their microbial symbionts are thought to be linked to pathogen prevention and nutrient assimilation. This body of work represents the first microbiota study of cephalopods of the Southern Ocean and the first microbiota study worldwide of deep-sea squids belonging to the families: Octopoteuthidae, Onychoteuthidae, and Cranchiidae.
Rohingya Refugee Background Students Negotiating Aotearoa New Zealand’s Educational Practices and Institutions
(Auckland University of Technology, 2026) Chowdhury, Sorowar
Education is pivotal in successful refugee resettlement, with refugee students navigating diverse discourses within resettlement countries' educational systems. These discourses predominantly shape their subjectivities: identities governed by both internal (self)-analysis and external forces of power. While extensive research exists on refugees' educational opportunities globally, there is a gap regarding refugee background students' (RBS’) navigation of New Zealand's education system. This study examines Rohingya RBS’ educational aspirations and their negotiations with New Zealand’s education system. New Zealand, known for its diversity and inclusivity, presents various challenges for RBSs within its education system. Despite its welcoming stance, refugees often struggle with adapting to the educational complexities. This research employs Foucault’s theories of power, knowledge, and discourse, using Foucauldian Discourse Analysis (FDA) to explore the language and knowledge construction processes affecting Rohingya RBS. It examines how power dynamics within New Zealand’s education system, shaped by global colonialism, capitalism, and neoliberalism, govern these students. The study focuses on six purposively selected Rohingya RBS, three secondary students and three adults. It analyses a range of data: relevant government policy documents, interviews with educators and refugee coordinators, and classroom observations and interviews with Rohingya RBS. The analysis focusses on an interplay between statements, discourses, and discursive formations. It identifies and maps discourses and discursive formations, drawing on the Rohingya RBS' experiences. The study identifies three major neoliberal discourses: English language acquisition, educational opportunities, and aspirations. Each comprises three peripheral discourses. Under English language acquisition, the discourses include language learning, language barriers, and learning alternatives. Educational opportunities encompass access to education, quality of education, and alternative opportunities. Aspiration discourses cover personal aspirations, collective refugee aspirations, and alternatives to aspirations. These discourses provide a framework for interpreting and presenting the findings. The research finds that New Zealand's educational discourses of opportunity and ‘success’ are closely linked to English language acquisition, which, in turn significantly shape Rohingya RBS' aspirations. These discourses encompass broader societal narratives, such as integration, economic self-sufficiency, and cultural adaptation. The study explores how Rohingya RBS negotiate their educational pathways, highlighting the challenges related to English language proficiency and diverse educational practices that impact their academic progress and self-perception. Central to this thesis is the notion that academic success for RBS in New Zealand hinges on English proficiency, which determines their academic potential and aspirations. This leads to theories of linguistic governmentality, positioning the English language as a key element in successful resettlement. This thesis contributes to the development of more effective educational policies and practices for severely persecuted populations like the Rohingya in New Zealand and similar jurisdictions.
Next-Generation Wireless On-Chip Communication Using Terahertz Antennas
(Auckland University of Technology, 2025) Paudel, Biswash
The exponential growth of data-driven technologies, including artificial intelligence (AI), high-definition sensing, and wireless chip-to-chip interconnects, has intensified the demand for ultra-high-speed, energy-efficient communication systems. Conventional microwave and millimetre-wave solutions are reaching their physical and spectral limits, prompting a shift toward the terahertz (THz) band (0.1–10 THz) for next-generation wireless networks. The THz spectrum offers unprecedented bandwidth and spatial resolution but remains hindered by propagation loss, fabrication tolerances, and integration constraints within semiconductor environments. These challenges define a crucial research gap in realizing compact, low-loss, and CMOS-compatible THz antenna systems. This thesis addresses that gap through the design and modelling of advanced on-chip and substrate-integrated THz architectures. First, a stacked substrate-integrated waveguide (SIW) pyramidal horn antenna is proposed to achieve beam symmetry, high gain, and planar compatibility. The design employs multilayer dielectric loading and Gaussian excitation to balance E- and H-plane radiation, demonstrating efficient operation around 210 GHz. Second, a broadband, probe-less rectangular-waveguide (RWG) to SIW mode converter is introduced, enabling low-reflection TE10 to TE20 transitions and compact interfacing between metallic and planar structures. Finally, the thesis models intra- and inter-chip THz communication channels using realistic on-chip antennas and packaging materials, evaluating coupling efficiency, loss mechanisms, and spatial field behaviour for Wireless Network-on-Chip (WiNoC) applications. Collectively, these works contribute new insights into THz front-end integration, demonstrating that multilayer SIW antennas and mode converters can deliver high performance and scalability within chip-scale systems. The research establishes a foundation for CMOS/BiCMOS-compatible THz transceivers, paving the way for future 6G and Integrated Sensing and Communication (ISAC) platforms. Future work should focus on fabrication, experimental validation, and reconfigurable metamaterial loading to further enhance bandwidth, tunability, and practical deployment of on-chip THz systems.
An Evidence-Based Framework for Whole-life Cost Analysis of Residential Buildings in New Zealand
(Auckland University of Technology, 2026) Samarasekara, Herath Mudiyanselage Samadhi Nayanathara
The construction industry plays a crucial role in the global economy, with residential building projects accounting for a significant share of activities, particularly in the Asia-Pacific region and New Zealand. Whole-life Costing (WLC) is increasingly recognised as a vital approach to fostering economic sustainability, facilitating informed decision-making, and enhancing resilience in construction projects. However, despite its acknowledged advantages, there is no tailored WLC framework available for residential buildings, particularly in New Zealand. This absence of a specific, context-aware framework has led to the underutilization of WLC principles and inadequate lifecycle cost management within the sector. This thesis fills the research gap by creating a WLC framework specifically designed for residential buildings in New Zealand, considering the unique environmental, social, regulatory, and seismic challenges the country faces. Thus, this research aims to develop a WLC framework that considers all elements to enhance the estimation accuracy of residential buildings for long-term economic sustainability, benefiting industry professionals, policymakers, homeowners, and researchers involved in New Zealand's residential. This research adopts an interpretivist philosophy, applying an inductive approach and qualitative methodology. The study was structured in three stages: a systematic literature review and framework document analysis; 22 semi-structured interviews with industry stakeholders, including quantity surveyors, architects, engineers, project managers, facilities managers, homeowners, and government representatives; and a validation phase involving five expert participants. Initially, 80 factors influencing global Whole-life Cost (WLC) estimation were identified and refined to 37 key factors relevant to New Zealand’s residential construction context. System dynamics modelling, through causal loop diagrams, was then used to uncover complex feedback loops and interactions among these factors. The Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) subsequently prioritised them, ensuring accurate weighting and contextual relevance. In the validation stage, expert reviewers assessed the selected factors for clarity, relevance, and applicability to the New Zealand context. Their feedback was thematically coded to identify consensus and capture suggestions for refinement. This rigorous process enhanced the robustness of the framework, confirmed the prioritisation outcomes, and strengthened its practical applicability for industry stakeholders. Significant obstacles to WLC implementation include methodological complexity, a lack of local whole-life cost data, fragmented industry practices, and insufficient integration with standard procurement and project delivery systems. The validated framework addresses these challenges by including components for acquisition, construction, operation, maintenance, end-of-life, and external social and environmental costs. Key validation insights highlighted the importance of seismic resilience, variations in regional climate, material evaluation, differences in labour productivity, supply chain resilience, and the need for integration of local climate data. Recommendations also emphasised usability improvements, such as pre-populated datasets, scenario modelling, example case studies, and dashboard interfaces with dropdown menus. The development of the New Zealand-specific Whole-of-Life Cost (WLC) framework represents an innovative and dynamic approach that effectively bridges theoretical concepts with practical applications. It enables stakeholders to reconcile initial construction costs with long-term operational efficiencies, resilience to hazards, and commitments to environmental sustainability. This research contributes significantly to the literature and practice of lifecycle cost modelling, providing guidance for sustainable housing development that aligns with the nation's economic and sustainability objectives. The framework serves as a vital resource for policymakers, practitioners, and researchers dedicated to improving the accuracy of lifecycle cost assessments, advancing sustainability initiatives, and incorporating holistic, long-term perspectives into the residential construction sector in New Zealand.
Elucidating the Concept of Task Challenge in Stroke Rehabilitation
(Auckland University of Technology, 2026) Gomes, Emeline
Stroke is a life-altering experience that can profoundly impact a person’s identity, function, participation, and wellbeing. These impacts extend beyond the individual, with significant consequences for whānau and society. Reducing the impact of stroke is therefore a critical priority and rehabilitation plays a central role in this endeavour. Stroke rehabilitation involves a biopsychosocial and person-centred process that can promote recovery and support people to (re-)engage in meaningful life roles. This process is commonly described as being underpinned by core principles, including timing, person-centred care, and challenge. Although many of these underpinning principles have been extensively researched and endorsed in clinical guidelines, several remain poorly understood, inconsistently implemented, and variably effective in clinical practice. As the impact of stroke continues to grow, gaps between research and practice are likely to widen, further limiting the capacity of rehabilitation to respond to the needs of people with stroke. This highlights a pressing need to advance stroke rehabilitation and the principles that inform it. One potential avenue for advancing stroke rehabilitation lies in optimising the principle of ‘challenge’. Prior literature has variably referred to challenge as “how hard a task is” or the “amount of physical or mental effort put forth by a person”. Emerging research suggests that, when carefully tailored to the person, challenge may produce better rehabilitation experiences and outcomes. Yet, despite its therapeutic potential, challenge remains poorly understood, and in turn, risks being suboptimally applied in both research and practice. To enhance its use, a comprehensive understanding of the concept is required. Therefore, this doctoral thesis aimed to advance understanding of the concept of challenge in stroke rehabilitation. Adopting a pragmatist philosophical position, this thesis comprised three interrelated qualitative studies exploring challenge from the perspectives of people with stroke, whānau, and rehabilitation therapists. Study A, a concept analysis study, captured how challenge is conceptualised in the stroke rehabilitation literature from the perspectives of people with stroke and physiotherapy, occupational therapy, and speech-language therapy disciplines. A principle-based framework was used to ask philosophical questions of the literature and build a theoretical understanding of challenge. This analysis delineated key conceptual components, characterising challenge as a multifaceted, multidimensional, and dynamic concept in stroke rehabilitation. This informed a proposed definition of challenge as an interaction between the task, the person’s ability, and their subjective experience, which when optimised to the individual, may foster learning, recovery, and engagement in rehabilitation and everyday life. Study B, a video-reflexive ethnography study, explored how people with stroke, physiotherapists, occupational therapists, and speech-language therapists understand and experience challenge in stroke rehabilitation practice. Findings revealed four interrelated themes: (i) Challenge is an interpretive lens, (ii) The terms and conditions of engaging with rehabilitation challenge, (iii) Making challenge make sense, and (iv) Meeting or leaving each other in the challenge. These themes demonstrated that challenge in stroke rehabilitation practice is shaped by nuanced personal and relational dynamics. People with stroke and therapists often viewed challenge through their unique experiential and professional lenses, respectively. Explicit and implicit practices could facilitate shared understanding and the co-construction of meaningful experiences of challenge, grounded in trust, emotional safety, and mutual attunement. However, when genuine collaboration was lacking, this risked misaligned understandings, a strained therapeutic relationship, and could diminish the perceived value of stroke rehabilitation. Study C, a focused video analysis study, examined how challenge is operationalised in stroke rehabilitation practice. Three intersecting practices were identified: (i) Structuring the temporal phases of challenge, (ii) Establishing the macro-architecture of challenge, and (iii) Modulating challenge through micro-calibrations. These practices described when, what, and how challenge-related work was enacted across a rehabilitation session, and encompassed an interplay of explicit and implicit technical and relational practices. While both people with stroke and therapists actively contributed to these practices, the extent and nature of their influence and collaboration varied according to the task, personal and relational dynamics, and the rehabilitation context. Taken together, this thesis elucidates the key conceptual components of challenge, foregrounds the central role of the therapeutic relationship in shaping its experience, and articulates how it is dynamically implemented in practice. The integration of these theoretical, experiential, and practical findings advance understandings of challenge beyond ambiguous descriptions and toward a robust conceptual foundation capable of strengthening both research and practice. In doing so, this thesis offers clear direction for optimising the use of challenge in ways that may enhance experiences of and outcomes from stroke rehabilitation.

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