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Zeolite structuring via ionic liquid templating and its emerging applications.
No full textZeolites have attracted significant attention in the fields of catalysis, adsorption, and separation due to their well-defined pore architecture, high thermal stability, and tunable acidity. Various zeolites have proven to be highly versatile, offering a unique combination of microporosity, catalytic activity, and shape-selectivity suitable for numerous industrial applications. However, conventional hydrothermal synthesis methods, which typically rely on aqueous media and organic structure-directing agents (OSDAs), often present limitations in terms of crystal morphology control, porosity optimization, and environmental sustainability. Ionic liquids (ILs) have emerged as promising solvents and SDAs for the synthesis of zeolitic materials. Owing to their unique physicochemical properties, such as low vapor pressure, high thermal stability, and abundant ion combinations, ILs provide a versatile medium for crystal growth under milder and more controllable conditions. The application of ILs in zeolite synthesis, commonly referred to as ionic-liquid-templated or ionothermal synthesis, offers a paradigm shift in material design. In this work, both of the templating effect and ionothermal strategy were studied. The crystal growth kinetics were analyzed, and a mechanism was proposed to guide further studies on structural development, linking synthesis conditions to potential applications.
In the early stage of this work, various ILs including 1,5-dibromopentane, 1-methylpyrrolidine, 1-ethyl-3-ethylimidazolium bromide, 1-Ethyl-1-methylpyrrolidinium bromide, 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium bromide and 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium chloride, were used to reveal the topology structure of the zeolite synthesis from different ionic liquids. Results showed that the ANA was synthesized from 1,5-dibromopentane, 1-methylpyrrolidine, 1-ethyl-3-ethylimidazolium bromide, 1-Ethyl-1-methylpyrrolidinium bromide at Si/Al ratios 20-50. While higher Si/Al ratios and extended hydrothermal treatment led to the transformation of ANA to MOR. TON and MFI were successfully prepared from imidazolium-based templates, with the pure phase of MFI formation templated by 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium-based synthesis. This part provides the instructions for the following efficient and modifiable MFI synthesis.
MFI zeolite, with the distinct three-dimensional porous network, has attracted wide interest in petrochemical processes and environmental applications. In this work, we utilized 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium (BMIM)-based ILs for MFI-type zeolite synthesis, obtaining a highly crystallized MFI-type crystal in 18 h. To clarify the advantages of using ILs, ZSM-5 directed from the conventional template, tetrapropylammonium hydroxide, was prepared as a comparison. Parameters including ion variations, aging duration, and aluminate content on crystal phase growth were explored. Furthermore, seed-assisted synthesis was carried out to verify the impact of the IL on the nucleation step. The mechanism of the fast crystallization process was then revealed to show that the presence of BMIM in the synthesis gel contributed to rapid nucleation, followed by a direct formation of amorphous particles. These amorphous particles then underwent inward growth, ultimately resulting in the formation of well-crystallized particles. This finding indicates the promising potential of ILs for efficient zeolite synthesis.
The ionothermal synthesis of MFI-type zeolites using [BMIM]Br, with a focus on framework development, and functional performance was also explored. By tuning synthesis parameters of temperature, Si/Al ratio, and employing a two-step heating strategy, well-crystallized ZSM-5 materials with enhanced porosity were obtained. Structural characterization by XRD, SEM, and N₂ physisorption confirmed that the two-step synthesis improved crystallinity and microporosity, while also promoting uniform mesopore formation and better pore accessibility. Functional assessments, including room-temperature N₂ adsorption, methylene blue adsorption, and catalytic toluene methylation, were conducted. Using the two-step heating treatment, the N₂ adsorption capacity of ionothermally synthesized zeolites increased from 2.57 cm3/g to 3.86 cm3/g, and methylene blue adsorption (within 6 h) improved from 61.18 mg/kg to 74.54 mg/kg. Furthermore, toluene conversion rose by 11%, and xylene selectivity increased by 10%, confirming the enhanced structural properties achieved through the two-step heating treatment. Kinetic modeling indicated a shift from diffusion-limited physisorption in single-step samples to chemisorption-driven processes in two-step products. The recyclability of [BMIM]Br was demonstrated after single-step use, but structural degradation occurred following reuse from high-temperature treatments. Comparisons with TPAOH-templated hydrothermal syntheses further highlighted the superior structural direction offered by ILs. These findings advance the understanding of crystal growth in ionothermal systems and emphasize the potential of ILs in tailoring high-performance zeolite materials for catalytic and adsorption applications
Improving Software Engineering Team Communication Through Stronger Social Networks
No full textStudents working in teams in software engineering group project often communicate ineffectively, which reduces the quality of deliverables, and is therefore detrimental for project success. An important step towards addressing areas
of improvement is identifying which changes to communication will improve team performance the most. We applied two different communication analysis techniques, triad census and socio-technical congruence, to data gathered from a two-semester software engineering group project. Triad census uses the presence of edges between groups of three nodes as a measure of network structure, while socio-technical congruence compares the fit of a team’s communication to their technical dependencies. Our findings suggest that each team’s triad census for a given sprint is promising as a predictor of the percentage of story points they pass, which is closely linked to project success. Meanwhile, socio-technical congruence is inadequate as the sole metric for predicting project success in this context. We discuss these findings, and their potential applications improve communication in a software engineering group project
Agrichemicals as drivers of antibiotic resistance in pollinator microbiota.
No full textMany modern agroecosystems are chemical-intensive environments. I focus on the
effects of herbicidal agrichemicals on the bee microbiota. Herbicides are included in
anthropogenic ‘novel entities’. The production and release of herbicides outpace the
ability to monitor and regulate them (Persson et al., 2022; Richardson et al., 2023).
Furthermore, the harm caused by herbicides is an area underrepresented in the
literature generally (Jørgensen et al., 2018; Landrigan et al., 2018) and in research on
pollinator health (Cullen et al., 2019). The sublethal effects of herbicides on the
microbiota of wild bees, honeybees, or bumblebees is not currently known. In particular,
the risks to bees exposed to both herbicides and antimicrobials are unexplored. Such
compounds may act together on the bee gut microbiota, disrupting metabolic or immune
roles and leaving bees vulnerable to infection from a range of pathogens. Therefore,
multiple chemical exposures may eliminate the quantitative (biodiversity and
production) and qualitative (wellbeing, identity and culture) contributions of pollinators.
Three attributes rationalise the use of pollinators and their microbiota in this thesis:
i) Pollinating insects are routinely exposed to a range of agrichemicals and
antimicrobials.
ii) The stable pollinator core microbiota provides an excellent model ecosystem
for laboratory study.
iii) Pollinators are keystone species for various ecosystems and uphold many
types of agricultural production
Occupational noise induced hearing loss : conservation policies and barriers.
Full text linkBackground.
Occupational noise-induced hearing loss (ONIHL) is a major cause of preventable morbidity and one of the most prevalent work-related health hazards globally. Occupational hearing conservation programs (HCPs) rely on a hierarchy of control measures for prevention, early detection, and diagnosis of ONIHL. Typically, the goal of HCPs is not complete prevention of ONIHL so much as minimising risk of ONIHL to some acceptable level. Despite HCPs, ONIHL remains a leading cause of morbidity implying potential ineffectiveness.
Our main aims were to:
(i) Assess evidence on commonly used noise-exposure limits, associated NIHL risk levels among workers, and predicted excess risk at these levels.
(ii) Develop an understanding of the incidence, compensation costs, and trends of ONIHL in New Zealand and other high-income countries.
(iii) Investigate practices, perceived barriers, facilitators, and challenges with existing HCPs in high-income countries, using New Zealand as a case study.
(iv) Examine the accuracy and precision of noise monitoring and surveillance methods.
(v) Investigate the susceptibility of different audiometric test frequencies in early ONIHL stages and evaluate commonly used early flag/shift criteria.
Methods
The thesis used a variety of methodological approaches and types of data to address the aims, including secondary data via systematic reviews, and primary data via analysis of ONIHL compensation databases, and garnering expert input via the Delphi technique and cross-sectional surveys.
More specifically:
i) Three systematic reviews addressed five research questions on accuracy and precision of different noise-exposure assessment methods, susceptibility of audiometric test frequencies to early ONIHL changes, sensitivity of early detection metrics, ONIHL levels at various noise exposures, and differences between observed and predicted excess risk.
ii) A retrospective analysis of ONIHL compensation data from five high-income countries (Australia, Germany, New Zealand, Hong Kong, and Canada) examined incidence rates, trends, and costs over a decade.
iii) A cross-sectional online survey with quantitative and qualitative questions was conducted with stakeholders (employees, employers, occupational health specialists) to assess practices, barriers, strengths, and challenges of existing HCPs. A validated questionnaire covering key HCP components was adapted, piloted, and administered in English via Qualtrics from July 2023 to April 2024.
Results
The first systematic review assessing occupational noise exposure and the associated excess risk at different noise limits found that, as expected, higher noise levels were linked to an increased risk of ONIHL. Commonly used prediction models estimated an excess risk of 8% to 22% for exposure to 85 dBLAeq, 8hr, 8hr over 40 years. Variability in estimates was attributed to differences in ONIHL definitions and inconsistencies in hearing conservation practices.
Across the five high-income countries where complete data was available, 131,433 newly compensated ONIHL cases were identified, with males comprising 96.3% of cases. The construction and manufacturing sectors were primary contributors to ONIHL. Across all study countries, ONIHL ranked among the top three work-related conditions, with incidence rates ranging from 5 to 148 per 100,000 employed workers. Rehabilitation compensation costs exceeded USD 800 million during the study period, with Germany accounting for the highest expenses. Overall, nearly USD 2 billion was spent on ONIHL compensation during this period, including pension costs associated with ONIHL cases in Germany. The analysis of compensation data showed that in New Zealand, male workers comprised over 90% of new ONIHL cases, with more than 50% occurring among workers aged 65 years and older. The mining, manufacturing, agriculture, forestry, and fishing sectors had the highest ONIHL incidence rates. Submitted and accepted compensation claims rose until 2016, followed by a decline. Despite fewer new cases post-2016, the economic burden persisted, marked by increasing annual costs.
The survey involved 58 participants, including 40 occupational health specialists, 9 employees in noisy environments, and 9 employers/supervisors. Results indicated a lack of understanding among employees regarding ONIHL and proper Hearing Protection Devices (HPD) use, signalling ineffective training. Baseline hearing tests were often delayed, and noise measurements were deemed costly. Current HPDs are uncomfortable, leading to frequent removal. Despite this, occupational health specialists reported a gradual increase in awareness, with audiometry and ONIHL education becoming common during annual health checks. Notably, 67% of employers/supervisors overlook noise ratings when purchasing equipment.
Financial barriers to implementing HCPs, particularly in lower-income countries, were also considered. A systematic review comparing various noise measurement methods various methods found that a hybrid approach (combining task-based, subjective rating, and trade mean measurements) performed with negligible bias, high precision, and accuracy comparable to gold-standard personal dosimetry. Given the variation in HCP assessment strategies, namely in relation to audiometric monitoring, systematic review-2 explored the relative importance of each audiometric test frequency. The results suggested that those frequencies above 8 kHz, particularly 12-16 kHz, were most susceptible to early ONIHL, while conventional frequencies of 3-6 kHz were also susceptible. Therefore, depending on which frequencies are used in early flag metrics, audiometric monitoring processes might have low sensitivity and specificity, but modifications can improve performance. Another feature of HCPs that can vary are the criterion noise exposure levels that trigger action.
Conclusions
The thesis provides valuable insights into high-risk groups for ONIHL. The findings emphasise the need for sector-specific preventive measures. The findings also emphasise the need for intensified ONIHL prevention efforts, particularly within the manufacturing and construction industries across high-income countries. The thesis highlights the disproportionate representation of males among the new ONIHL cases, whether due to their concentration in noisy settings or inherent susceptibility to noise-induced hearing changes. The economic burden is evident, as nearly USD two billion was allocated for compensation of ONIHL costs. The significant burden of ONIHL as a leading occupational issue, and the present work also offers fresh insights for areas to target towards intensified prevention and intervention efforts for accelerated reduction in new ONIHL cases.
Improving awareness and training programs, as well as expanding the variety of HPDs, are crucial for enhancing compliance and HPD utilisation. Consistent and timely audiometric monitoring, along with comprehensive noise assessments, aligns with evidence-based practices. Addressing these gaps can tailor HCPs to effectively prevent ONIHL, promoting better health outcomes for workers in noisy work environments.
A variety of relatively lower-cost noise exposure assessment methods had relatively high accuracy and precision levels comparable to personal dosimetry. These findings are particularly relevant for low-income countries where occupational noise measurements should be obtained with minimal work disruptions and costs. There is a need to refine ONIHL monitoring metrics and study extended high frequencies for early detection. In addition, improved noise exposure guidelines are required, based on long-term multinational data to generate more precise risk estimates
Exploring motivation for secondary school writing.
No full textThe evidenced decline in students’ writing achievement and motivation, particularly at the transition from primary to secondary school, may have significant implications for future communicative competence. Extant research into writing pedagogy and achievement motivation largely focuses on parsing theoretical definitions, examining construct and achievement relationships, or assessing the efficacy of writing interventions. However, research has not prioritised the lived experiences and personal voices of students and teachers or the intersection of such in school-based writing environments. For this reason, the current research asks two questions: What beliefs do Year Eight and Year Nine students in New Zealand have about themselves as writers and about the school-based writing environment? What do teachers view as enablers and barriers to students’ motivation and progress in writing? Using three studies, student perspectives are explored through a combination of focus groups and surveys, and teacher perspectives are explored using interviews. A triangulated analysis integrates learner-centred and teacher-centred perspectives to identify areas of congruence, complementarity, and divergence. The results show that explicit and autonomy-supportive instruction enable students’ motivation for writing, but that time constraints, lags in students’ writing and self-regulation skills, and inconsistencies in how writing is defined and valued, by both students and teachers, act as barriers to the provision of writing instruction and to students’ writing motivation. The results of this research inform future writing pedagogy by highlighting the need for agreement about the why, what, how, and who of writing instruction at the secondary school level to support the development of proficient and competent writers
Is everyone a transport planner? An analysis of opinions on streetscape changes in Ōtautahi Christchurch.
Full text linkThe way our streets change over time is a consistently contested issue amongst communities and governments. Streetscape changes, such as the development of cycleways, roads, traffic calming, and management systems, often face perceived and tangible challenges related to cost, convenience, and the overall appeal of the project. The resulting contestation goes beyond the formal realm of councils and government bodies; it directly impacts members of the community, with public opinions increasingly voiced on digital and external platforms. This heightened visibility often contributes to the spread of misinformation, complicating the public’s understanding of project intentions and outcomes.
Historically, streetscapes have played a pivotal role in urban planning, reflecting shifts in societal needs and values (Said & Samadi, 2016). Whether designed for efficient traffic flow, pedestrian comfort, or social interaction, the design of streets shapes our daily experiences and, in turn, our neighbourhoods. As such, it is not surprising that streetscape changes can be met with resistance, particularly when they challenge the status quo. However, what happens over time to that resistance?
This thesis examines how public opinions evolve following the implementation of major streetscape alterations, identifying opinions about changes in both before and after the implementation and comparing them. Initial perceptions will be drawn from consultation submissions, which will be analysed to identify key themes. These findings will be compared with primary data collected through semi-structured interviews with residents, businesses, and frequent users of the affected streets. The combination of qualitative thematic analysis and submission review will provide insights into both attitudes toward transport projects and the consultation process itself. By examining shifts in community sentiment and identifying perceived gaps in engagement, this research aims to highlight areas for improvement in future consultation practices.
Despite initial resistance, many respondents developed strong support for the projects after experiencing the changes, particularly those using active transport or with children benefiting from improvements. Concerns about safety and aesthetics shifted to praise, highlighting the role of firsthand experience in acceptance. However, consultation shortcomings led to frustration, with many feeling their feedback was overlooked. Confusion over project objectives and design fuelled resistance. Trials and temporary activations emerged as valuable tools for increasing acceptance. The discussion underscores the importance of clear communication, transparent decision-making, and inclusive engagement to maximize community wellbeing and ensure socially beneficial urban projects
A circular economy approach to generate energy and high value products from green waste.
Full text linkGreen waste (GW), often perceived as an environmental liability, holds the potential for creating a circular loop of resource recovery and value creation. With waste production expected to rise, circular waste management strategies are crucial to mitigate environmental issues and capitalise on waste bioconversion to recover materials and maximise resource recovery. Anaerobic digestion (AD), a waste treatment method, has gained popularity globally. AD uses bacteria to decompose organic matter without oxygen to create biogas, a valuable renewable energy, and digestate. With a new AD facility due to open in Christchurch in 2026, an increase in the production of digestate is expected. Utilising the digestate from AD as a feedstock for black solider fly larvae (BSFL) bioconversion could provide a circular organic waste management system with higher resource recovery and potential economic advantages. BSFL technology works by larvae converting organic waste into high-value products like protein-rich insect biomass and frass. However, GW, rich in lignocellulose, which accounts for >60% of the organic waste going to Christchurch’s organic waste processing facility, poses challenges for AD and BSFL bioconversion, necessitating pre-treatment methods for lignocellulose breakdown. This research aims to investigate how a fermentation pre-treatment (FPT) and a hydrothermal pre-treatment (HTP) on GW influence energy production during AD and how they contribute to creating a suitable feedstock for BSFL bioconversion. A FPT was conducted and found that a 50/50 green waste/apple waste ratio produced a VFA yield of 11235 mg/L ± 278, which led to a methane yield of 211.49 ± 13.97 ml/g VS, 148.6% higher than the control (without fermentation) during methanogenic AD. A HTP was conducted at 180°C for 30 minutes and showed minor compositional changes and led to a methane yield of 106.17 ± 1.90 ml/g VS, 24.81 % higher compared to the control during methanogenic AD. BSFL feeding trials were conducted using the pretreated wastes, and it was found that larvae could grow and survive when fed with digestate. FPT digestate-fed larvae showed the highest growth of 233.34% ± 154.84, in relation to their initial size, compared to all other digestates and was higher than untreated GW with a growth rate of 127.12% ± 48.58 compared to their initial size. However, this was not statistically significant. Upscaling feeding trials to reduce variability in the results could show that FPT digestate could enhance larvae growth compared to untreated GW. Future studies should explore pre-treatment optimisation further and the effects of different GW types, integrate or utilise other co-digestants, and evaluate the environmental and economic impacts of the process to provide more insight
Design of a mobile learning management application for parents of young children with learning difficulties in Sri Lanka.
Full text linkThis study addresses the needs of parents and caregivers seeking support for their children with learning
difficulties in Sri Lanka. Research indicates that over 70% of Sri Lankan parents lack a clear understanding of
how to support children facing these challenges, which adversely affects both the parents and their children.
Children with learning disabilities who do not receive adequate support are more susceptible to mental health
issues such as anxiety and depression. It is essential for parents to gain behavioural knowledge that
emphasises positive reinforcement methods to enhance the behaviour of children with learning difficulties.
Home-based support strategies, including goal setting, encouragement, and positive reinforcement, have
proven to be highly effective. Currently, there is limited research on the experiences of parents managing
children with specific learning disorders. Therefore, the aim of this study is to design a user-centred Mobile
Learning Management System (LMS) application that offers knowledge, techniques, resources, and support
for parents of children with learning difficulties. This research focuses on two primary questions: (1) What
information and services should the LMS provide to parents and caregivers of young children experiencing
learning difficulties? (2) How can a Mobile Learning Management System assist these parents and caregivers
in supporting their children?
To address these questions, the study presents research findings indicating that parents need a better
understanding of learning difficulties and proper guidelines to navigate their child's challenges. Many parents
exhibit negative attitudes and reactions towards their child’s diagnosis, including rejection, denial, overprotection,
and hopelessness. Caring for a child with learning difficulties can impose major physical, personal,
social, financial, and emotional burdens on parents. This research highlights parents’ experiences and the
barriers they face in dealing with children who have learning difficulties, emphasising their lack of knowledge
and the struggles they encounter. Through interviews with selected participants based on their backgrounds,
the study explores the parents’ and caregivers’ perspectives, inner thoughts, and the assistance they require
from this product. Drawing upon both the research findings and interview responses, the study aims to create
a user-friendly mobile learning management system that meets the daily needs of parents and caregivers. By
gaining knowledge, parents can better manage their concerns. Additionally, the study considers how to
incorporate feedback from user interface testing to refine the final design of the application and evaluate the
effectiveness of user experience-focused strategies.
This LMS mobile application is crafted to offer mental and emotional support, catering particularly to working
parents and those facing challenges with daily tasks related to their young children's learning difficulties. The
goal of this support is to make a notable positive impact on the physical and emotional well-being of parents
and caregivers. Consequently, children with special needs receive the attention and care they require to
address their learning challenges effectively
Investigating Tier 2 early reading interventions.
Full text linkLearning to read is complex and for some learners they will encounter challenges. These learners will require systematic and explicit intervention. Drawing on theoretical models of reading, this mixed-methods research took place within a multiple case study design. All participants provided informed and voluntary consent. Interviews and observations were used to explore how teachers plan for and implement Tier 2 reading interventions. Student assessments were used to explore the relationship between the intervention and learner progress. This provided varied and rich data to explore and answer the research questions. This research study explored three different schools in the Canterbury region, their Year 1 reading intervention group, and the instruction personnel over six to eight weeks. Overall findings show differences in the design and planning of intervention lessons and a lack of explicit instruction during the implementation of the lessons. A varying range of explicit instructional strategies were identified in the observed lessons. Missing from the findings was an understanding of the explicit and systematic nature of Tier 2 intervention, systems in place for progress monitoring, and specific identification of cognitive skills. This highlights the need for teacher professional development and support in the application of literacy knowledge, based on theoretical models of reading development and research