1-4 october 2012 - The University of Auckland
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1-4 OCTOBER 2012 Showcasing the best of postgraduate research at The University of Auckland PROGRAMME presented by The University of Auckland’s Postgraduate Students’ Association and the School of Graduate Studies Exposure began as a PGSA initiative in 2003. Now organised with The School of Graduate Studies, Exposure is an opportunity for postgraduate students to showcase their work to an audience, gain public recognition, receive feedback and network with employers. Students can enter the following catergories: 1. Poster Display 2. Oral Presentation 3. Variety Showcase The winners and two runners up from each catergory receive generous cash prizes. All events are open to members of the public. About the PGSA The Postgraduate Students’ Association is an incorporated society dedicated to strengthening the postgraduate community at The University of Auckland. The association is run by a board of representatives from each faculty. Our vision is to create and foster a sense of identity and community for all Postgraduate Students and provide an effective voice promoting the distinct and unique academic, professional and school interests of postgraduates within the University and the wider community. About The School of Graduate Studies The School of Graduate Studies is located at the Graduate Centre in the East Wing of the ClockTower on the City Campus. The University’s Dean of Graduate Studies and Postgraduate Advisers are located in the Graduate Centre. Staff advise current and prospective postgraduate students on regulations, admission and enrolment, doctoral administration and examination processes, thesis submission, annual report processes and dispute procedures. The School of Graduate Studies also produces regular e-newsletters to both postgraduate students and staff, and runs the annual 3 Minute Thesis competition. CONTENTS 1 2 Welcome Letter Rob Tedesco, PGSA President Letters of Support Associate Professor Caroline Daley, Dean of Graduate Studies Professor Jane Harding, Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research) 3 Organising Committee 3 Judges 2012 4 Calendar of Events 8 Fisher & Paykel Healthcare Oral Competition Abstracts 8 Faculty of Arts Roisin Bennett Sheira Cohen Maria Tanyag 9 Faculty of Education Alex Li 9 Faculty of Engineering Anuprita Arora Muhammad Zeeshan Ul Haque Shahid Hussain Sharain Liew Tom Lintern Octavio Perez-Garcia Reza Shafiel Dmitry Volynkin Jenny Xu 13 Faculty of Law Dominic Dagbanja Emily Starrett Wright 14 Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences Amita Bansal Antonio Fernando Cameron Fraser Susan Fryer Derryn Gargiulo Michael Haggerty Yufeng Hou Andrew Li Felipe Molina Jacque Giriraj Singh Shekhawat Petr Tomek Mancy Tong Ankita Umapathy Alexandra Wallace Kim Ward 20 National Institute of Creative Arts and Industries Ros Cheong Hamed Golshan Eziaku Onyeizu Rob Tedesco 22 Faculty of Science Lynda-Maree Bavin Hanieh Saeedi Nikhil Sengupta Rewi Stirrat 24 Exposure Poster Competition Abstracts 24 Faculty of Arts Marilyn Chetty Chloe Pinel Sabina Rehman 25 Faculty of Business and Economics Qiaomin Li 25 Faculty of Engineering Tom Allen Farrukh Aziz Bhatti Emily Hargrave-Thomas Shin Tien Hoh Saifang Huang Shahid Hussain Ho Yan Leung Sandy Lin Reece Neil Oosterbeek Shyam Mohan Panamoottil Niranchan Paskaranandavadivel James Pau Frank Chuan Qin Contents i Samantha Alda Rodrigues Sophia Areta Rodrigues Reza Shafiei Arief Probo Tjahyono Sean Turley Elisabeth Veronika Wambrauw Song Xing 32 Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences Bronwen Gardner Lucy Goodman Herah Hansji Emilia Hlatywayo Emma Horsfield Francis Hunter Alice Lagas Leo Lam Sandy Lau Colin Mak Nasim Mehrabi Lakshini Mendis Stuti Misra Keith Pine Prutha Redey Junru (Jennifer) Song Dasun Wagachchi 39 National Institute of Creative Arts and Industries Nur Azfahani Ahmad Hamed Golshan Nur Mohd Hussain Anindita Mandal Asieh Motazedian Alfian Syam Zhi Jian (David) Wong 42 Faculty of Science Mohammad Abdullatif Peter Bratby Jennifer Creaser Ashleigh Fox Stefanie Hittmeyer Safurah Binti Abdul Jalil Hande Karaosmanoglu Julie Kho Mario Kubanik Y. N. Lamb Anna M. Matuszek Valerie van Mulukom Anupama Rao Gulur Srinivas Winai Suthanthangjai ii Contents Sarah Thompson Mancy Tong Clare E. Turner Ying Wang James Chun-Cheng Wu 49 Exposure Variety Showcase Abstracts 49 Faculty of Arts Anaise Irvine 49 Faculty of Engineering Anuprita Arora Emily Hargrave-Thomas 50 Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences Petr Tomek. 50 National Institute of Creative Arts and Industries Christina Houghton Valerie Smith Rob Tedesco Evania Vallyon Yusnidar Yusof 53 Faculty of Science Tracy Howe 56 Maps City Campus Owen G Glenn and Musgrove Studio Welcome Letter Kia ora! It gives me great pleasure to welcome you to the Postgraduate Students’ Association tenth annual research exposition: EXPOSURE. This forum allows your fellow students, professors, and the general public to see, and indeed celebrate, the ground-breaking postgraduate research being undertaken at the University. The Postgraduate Students’ Association is dedicated to providing a sense of belonging within our community to encourage students to challenge themselves and thrive at the University of Auckland. EXPOSURE is an avenue to do this by allowing postgraduate students the ability to showcase their research, network with fellow students, and develop their communication and presentation skills. I would like to thank this years sponsors for without them EXPOSURE would be impossible: Douglas Pharmaceuticals, Fisher & Paykel Healthcare, The University of Auckland Society, and Norcross Printing Group and Displayways. Special thanks also to the University faculties as well: Faculties of Arts, Business, Education, Engineering, Law, Medical and Health Sciences, Science, and the National Institute for Creative Arts and Industries. Thanks also to our Exposure Chair, Roslyn Cheong, and the committee who spent many hours tirelessly planning these events along with volunteers from the PGSA and School of Graduate Studies. They all have worked for several months to put together an exciting and enlightening EXPOSURE 2012. A hearty welcome as well to our participants and judges, alongside visitors from around the university and beyond. I wish all the participants good luck with their presentations, posters, and variety performance. On behalf of the Exposure Committee and the PGSA, we all hope you have an enjoyable, stimulating, and eye-opening experience at EXPOSURE 2012. Yours sincerely, Rob Tedesco PGSA President Welcome Letter 1 Letters of Support Since 2003, Exposure has showcased research carried out by postgraduate students at The University of Auckland. Masters and doctoral students have enlightened, entertained and enthralled audiences with their poster displays, oral presentations, live performances, and through multimedia. I am sure that entries this year will do the same. With over 2000 doctoral students and several hundred research masters students, The University of Auckland is a hotbed for postgraduate research. The theses being written, and the creative works being produced, will benefit our society, economy and nation. The School of Graduate Studies is delighted to work with the Postgraduate Students’ Association on Exposure12. On behalf of the School I would like to thank all of those who have made this exposition possible, from the organisers to the presenters, the sponsors to the judges. I am sure that Exposure12 will be a huge success. Caroline Daley Associate Professor Caroline Daley Dean of Graduate Studies Celebrating academic excellence for the eighth successive year, Exposure is established as a key contributor to core activities at The University of Auckland. As the country’s leading research-led University, The University of Auckland is committed to supporting excellent research and research-led teaching. Research is an exciting endeavour, and events like Exposure are vital in encouraging many of our brightest emerging researchers in their fields. The University of Auckland seeks to promote intellectual independence in a world-class research environment, where passion for exploration, eagerness to succeed and strong work ethics are valued as the mainstays of research excellence. Exposure promotes these attributes in an exciting way. From the ranks of our postgraduate students today, distinguished research leaders will emerge, equipped with knowledge and understanding of our increasingly globalised world. They will develop ideas that will shape our society’s future. Their vision will become our reality. The University of Auckland strives to prepare its postgraduate students for their upcoming tasks by encouraging them to reflect on current knowledge, integrating teaching with research strengths, and providing them with the best possible technologies. In giving postgraduate researchers the chance to showcase their work at Exposure, the Postgraduate Students’ Association is making an important contribution to fostering academic distinction and research excellence. I would like to thank the Postgraduate Students’ Association for organising yet another magnificent exposition of our research students’ talents and accomplishments. My congratulations and best wishes go to all participants in this marvellous event. Jane Harding Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research) 2 Letters of Support EXPOSURE ORGANISING COMMITTEE Zeenatul Basher (Faculty of Science, PGSA Board member) Hermangi Bhana (Faculty of Science representative) Roslyn Cheong (NICAI, PGSA Board member and Exposure Chair) Carol Greene (FMHS, PGSA Board member) Emily Hargrave-Thomas (Faculty of Engineering, PGSA Board Secretary) Melody Humphreys (Faculty of Science representative) Anaise Irvine (Faculty of Arts, PGSA Vice-President) Sarah Knox (NICAI representative) Prem Kumar (Faculty of Engineering, PGSA Board member) Shrish Latch (Faculty of Science, PGSA Board member) Julia MacDonald (Faculty of Science, PGSA Board member) Penny Newton (Events & Communications Officer, School of Graduate Studies) Liesl Ploos van Amstel (General Manager, PGSA) Jin Quek (Faculty of Science Representative) Rob Tedesco (NICAI, PGSA President and Exposure Vice-Chair) EXPOSURE JUDGES 2012 The Exposure Committee would like to thank the following judges for supporting Exposure 2012: Julie Bartlett-Trafford Dr Ian Brailsford Johanna Cogle Gabriella Davila Helen Gaeta Mark Harvey Professor Bradley Jackson Denise Lazelle Gretchen Lutz-Spalinger Maree McEntee Associate Professor Brian McArdle Jennie Oakley Simon O’Connor Peter Onneweer Frazer Orr Dr David Pang Leigh Pearson Christina Pollock Lucy Powell Christiane Pracht Associate Professor Cristin Print Professor Robin Small Denis Snelgar Professor Lorraine Stefani Dr Sean Sturm Evelien van Vliet Neda Zdravkovic Bright Sparks Challenge The Bright Sparks Challenge seeks to encourage postgraduates at The University of Auckland to consider the potential commercial applicability of the research they undertake. Spark is a student-led organisation seeking to foster an entrepreneurial culture amongst staff and students at The University of Auckland through the educational and inspirational speaker series Vision 2 Business, the Ideas 2 Business Workshop and various challenges. To encourage more postgraduates to think entrepreneurially and enter the Spark Ideas and $100k Challenges, Spark and PGSA have once again joined forces to bring the Bright Sparks Challenge to Exposure entrants. The Challenge simply asks postgraduates, in 500 words, to describe: how their research can be translated into a product or service, what need is addressed, who will use it and what is needed to make this happen. The winning entry is awarded with a cash prize of $1000. Exposure Organising Committee and Judges 3 EXPOSURE CALENDAR OF EVENTS 2012 Event Date Venue Time Fisher & Paykel Healthcare Oral Prelims 1 Oct OGGB - 4105 Engineering - 406 8.30am Fisher & Paykel Healthcare Oral Finals 2 Oct Musgrove Studio 5.30pm Variety Showcase 3 Oct Musgrove Studio 5pm Exposure Poster Display 1-4 Oct Engineering Neon Foyer 8.30am - 5pm Prize Giving 4 Oct Old Government House 5.30pm Exposure Timetable for the Fisher & Paykel Healthcare Oral Presentations Stream A: 1st October 2012 Venue: Room 4105, OGGB Session 1: 8:30am - 12:30pm Judging Panel Simon O’Connor Peter Onneweer Denis Snelgar Faculties: FACULTY OF ARTS / FACULTY OF BUSINESS & ECONOMICS FACULTY OF EDUCATION / FACULTY OF ENGINEERING FACULTY OF LAW / NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF CREATIVE ARTS & INDUSTRIES Researcher Topic Faculty Dmitry Volynkin EARTHQUAKE DAMAGE AVOIDANCE: THE RAPID RE-OCCUPATION OF STEEL BUILDINGS. Engineering Emily Starrett Wright UNIVERSAL JURISDICTION AS A TOOL OF TRANSITIONAL JUSTICE IN THE HABRÉ CASE: INTERNATIONAL CRIMINAL LAW’S CONTRIBUTION TO HUMAN RIGHTS Law Reza Shafiel TSUNAMI DAMAGE TO COASTAL STRUCTURES Engineering Octavio Perez-Garcia SYSTEMS BIOLOGY APPROACH TO HELP CLEAN WATER AND AIR: METABOLIC NETWORK ANALYSIS OF NITRIFYING BACTERIA Engineering Tom Lintern DESCRIBING THE SHAKING IN “SHAKEN BABY SYNDROME” Engineering Anuprita Arora “DO YOU SQUEEZE BEFORE YOU SNEEZE?” – MEASURING INTRA-ABDOMINAL PRESSURES FOR URODYNAMIC Engineering Maria Tanyag CONTRACEPTIVES AND THE WEAK PHILIPPINE STATE: UNDERSTANDING THE UNEVEN PROGRESS AMONG WOMEN’S RIGHTS AT THE NATIONAL LEVEL Arts Shahid Hussain CONTROL OF A ROBOTIC ORTHOSIS FOR GAIT REHABILITATION Engineering Roisin Bennett CITIZENSHIP IN THE AGE OF GLOBALISATION: THE NEED FOR GLOBAL CITIZENSHIP EDUCATION Arts Jenny Xu CERES: AN INTEGRATED DUAL RESOURCE MANAGEMENT AND PRODUCTION PLANNING SYSTEM Engineering 4 Exposure Timetable for the Fisher & Paykel Lunch 12:30pm-1:00pm Session 2: 1:00pm-5:00pm Judging Panel Helen Gaeta Jennie Oakley Sean Sturm Neda Zdravkovic Faculties: FACULTY OF ARTS / FACULTY OF BUSINESS & ECONOMICS FACULTY OF EDUCATION / FACULTY OF ENGINEERING FACULTY OF LAW / NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF CREATIVE ARTS & INDUSTRIES Researcher Topic Faculty Sharain Liew ULTRATHIN SOLUTIONS FOR PHOTOVOLTAICS Dominic Dagbanja Law THE PROMOTION, PROTECTION AND REGULATION OF FOREIGN INVESTMENT IN GHANA: AN ASSESSMENT OF THE LEGAL IMPLICATIONS OF THE INVESTMENT TREATY STANDARDS FOR POLICY SPACE, REGULATORY AUTONOMY AND THE PROTECTION OF THE PUBLIC INTEREST Engineering Sheira Cohen DEATH AND IDENTITY: MORTUARY ARCHAEOLOGY, SOCIAL STRUCTURE AND CHANGE IN EARLY ROME AND LATIUM Arts Alex Li BEING CHINESE AND SEXUAL IN NEW ZEALAND: CHINESE DIASPORA YOUTH’S EXPERIENCE WITH SEXUALITY EDUCATION Education Hamed Golshan SOCIO-SPATIAL SEGREGATION IN URBAN SYSTEMS NICAI Rob Tedesco THE "VALUE" OF BEETHOVEN?: THE ECONOMICS AND HISTORY OF THE AUCKLAND PHILHARMONIA NICAI Muhammad Zeeshan Ul Haque A PRACTICAL MODEL OF THE NERVE OF THE FOOT FOR DIABETIC NEUROPATHY Engineering Eziaku Onyeizu CAN ARCHITECTURE IMPROVE PRODUCTIVITY? A CASE OF “GREEN” BUILDINGS NICAI Ros Cheong MEDICAL URBANISM: HEALING HEALTHCARE SPACES AND PRODUCING AN IMAGE OF CARE NICAI Stream B: 1st October 2012 Venue: Room 406, Engineering Building Session 1: 8:30am - 12:30pm Judging Panel Julie Bartlett-Trafford Gretchen Lutz-Spalinger Christiane Pracht Robin Small Faculties: FACULTY OF MEDICAL & HEALTH SCIENCES FACULTY OF SCIENCE Researcher Topic Faculty Petr Tomek Development of a sensitive fluorescent assay for detection of indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase (IDO) activity and its application in screening for novel IDO inhibitors. FMHS Giriraj Singh Shekhawat TRANSCRANIAL DIRECT CURRENT STIMULATION (TDCS) INTENSITY AND DURATION EFFECTS ON TINNITUS SUPPRESSION FMHS Nikhil Sengupta BELIEVING SOCIETY IS FAIR EVEN WHEN IT'S NOT Science Michael Haggerty DETERMINING THE ROLE OF VASCULAR ENDOTHELIAL GROWTH FACTOR D IN DEVELOPMENTAL LYMPHANGIOGENESIS IN ZEBRAFISH FMHS Amita Bansal DO CHANGES IN APOPTOSIS AND PROLIFERATION EXPLAIN THE LONG-TERM REDUCTION IN PANCREATIC BETA-CELL MASS IN PRETERM SHEEP? FMHS Exposure Timetable for the Fisher & Paykel 5 Lynda-Maree Bavin IS THERE AN EFFECTIVE AND EFFICIENT WAY TO IMPROVE HEALTH BEHAVIOURS AT AN INTERNATIONAL LEVEL? Science Hanieh Saeedi FIRST REPORT OF ANTERIOR PALLIAL TENTACLES IN SOLEN DACTYLUS (BIVALVIA: SOLENIDAE) FROM IRAN Science Kim Ward WHAT IS IT LIKE TO LIVE WITH NIGHT TIME CPAP? A QUALITATIVE GROUNDED THEORY STUDY FMHS Alexandra Wallace FETAL ANAEMIA IMPAIRS HEART GROWTH AND INCREASES INDICES OF CARDIOVASCULAR RISK IN ADULT SURVIVORS OF INTRAUTERINE TRANSFUSION FMHS Ankita Umapathy CHARACTERISING GSH EFFLUX PATHWAYS IN THE RAT LENS: EVIDENCE FOR INTER-TISSUE EXCHANGE OF GLUTATHIONE FMHS Lunch 12:30pm-1:00pm Session 2: 1:00pm-5:00pm Judging Panel Denise Lazelle Cristin Print Evelien van Vliet Faculties: FACULTY OF MEDICAL & HEALTH SCIENCES FACULTY OF SCIENCE Researcher Topic Faculty Andrew Li Correction of clinically important errors in MRI measurement of blood flow FMHS Antonio Fernando BARRIERS TO COMPASSION IN MEDICAL CARE FMHS Susan Fryer CARING FOR DYING RESIDENTS IN AGED CARE FACILITIES - THE EXPERIENCES OF HEALTH CARE ASSISTANTS IN THE FRANKLIN REGION FMHS Cameron Fraser REPROGRAMMING KERATOCYTES INTO NEURONS: THE CHALLENGE OF NEURONAL QUANTITY FMHS Rewi Stirrat PSTAT6 EXPRESSION PATTERNS IN HUMAN LYMPH NODES Science Yufeng Hou SUPER-RESOLUTION IMAGING OF CARDIAC CALCIUM HANDLING SYSTEMS IN RAT TISSUE SECTIONS FMHS Felipe Molina Jacque SENSORIMOTOR FUNCTION IN THE HAND IS ENHANCED BY TEMPORARY CUTANEOUS ANAESTHESIA OF THE FOREARM FMHS Mancy Tong THE EFFECTS OF CALCIUM ON ENDOTHELIAL CELL ACTIVATION: RELEVANCE TO PREECLAMPSIA FMHS Derryn Gargiulo MICROBIAL VALIDATION OF A COMMERCIAL FILTER UNIT: THE V-BUGS STUDY FMHS Ankita Umapathy CHARACTERISING GSH EFFLUX PATHWAYS IN THE RAT LENS: EVIDENCE FOR INTER-TISSUE EXCHANGE OF GLUTATHIONE FMHS 6 Exposure Timetable for the Fisher & Paykel World Leading Life Changing Career Making We are a leading designer, manufacturer and marketer of a range of innovative healthcare devices which incorporate unique features to improve patient care. We are a global organisation with 2200 plus employees worldwide, with around 1800 based in New Zealand. Our site in East Tamaki is a truly unique environment, offering modern, purposebuilt facilities in park-light surroundings. We also have subsidised café and there are many social sports and interest groups within Fisher & Paykel Healthcare to take advantage of. We offer unique career opportunities in many different areas including engineering, finance, IT, quality, regulatory, marketing, supply chain and more. www.fphcareers.com Fisher & Paykel Healthcare Oral Competition Abstracts 7 Oral Abstracts Proudly sponsored by Fisher and Paykel Healthcare Ltd DEATH AND IDENTITY: MORTUARY ARCHAEOLOGY, SOCIAL STRUCTURE AND CHANGE IN EARLY ROME AND LATIUM Sheira Cohen. CLASSICS AND ANCIENT HISTORY ARTS CITIZENSHIP IN THE AGE OF GLOBALISATION: THE NEED FOR GLOBAL CITIZENSHIP EDUCATION. Roisin Bennett. SOCIOLOGY The age of globalisation has increased the prevalence of global interconnectedness in our everyday lives. Globalisation is driven by a combination of economic, technological, socio-cultural, and political factors, which are forcing us to reconsider the importance of traditional notions of citizenship, as nation-state borders are more porous then ever before. Due to the intensification of the interlinked nature of our current world, ideas surrounding the creation of post-national forms of citizenship, such as the emergence of the concept of global citizens, have become increasingly popular. While there has been a growth in academic writing about the need for more global notions of citizenship, the literature unanimously illustrates that there needs to be a shift in the way we think and subsequently educate our future generations for global citizenship to be achieved. Global Citizenship Education programmes have increased in popularity over the last two decades, as governments, education ministries, schools, and individual teachers acknowledge the need for providing a global dimension in the education system. This presentation will uncover the extent to which Global Citizenship Education has been implemented in New Zealand and assess whether or not New Zealand students are being taught to be more aware, responsible, and participatory national and global citizens. Early Roman history is extremely important to our understanding of the Roman Empire and the development of complex state-orientated social and political structures in general, and my research aims to looks at the nature of early Roman and Latin identity in the early Iron Age through the medium of mortuary archaeology. Burial evidence is the most abundant and consistent archaeological evidence for the early Roman period and provides a unique look at the expression of individual and group identities. By focusing on mortuary archaeology, this research intends to sidestep many of the problematic elements of the later literary sources for this period, whose anachronistic view of Roman identity complicate more objective analysis of this period. My three case-studies form a cross-section of this period, both temporally and geographically, and each engages with different aspects of identity and its development. The sheer diversity of remains at Rome allows a discussion of urbanisation and the interaction between settlement and cemetery space. Osteria dell’Osa is an isolated necropolis with no discernible settlement attached to it, but its interesting spatial organisation provides an interesting look at familial and clan-based identity. The site of Satricum contains several necropoleis from different periods which facilitates a long-term view of development as well as an opportunity to study potential ethnic and social change. Combined, the view of early Roman and Latin identity is one of substantial fluidity and variation between different regions, with multiple economic, cultural, and social factors combining to create a more unified and recognisably Roman society. CONTRACEPTIVES AND THE WEAK PHILIPPINE STATE: UNDERSTANDING THE UNEVEN PROGRESS AMONG WOMEN’S RIGHTS AT THE NATIONAL LEVEL Maria Tanyag. POLITICAL STUDIES At the national level, states are better at advancing certain women’s rights over others. Substantial progress has been made in institutionalising policies that allow for women’s political participation, preventing discrimination 8 Fisher & Paykel Healthcare Oral Competition Abstracts in the workplace, and promoting greater educational and decision-making opportunities. However, a number of states are yet to ensure universal access to reproductive health services, and protect women from domestic violence and marital rape. What accounts for the uneven progress among women’s rights? To answer this question, this thesis examines the complex dynamics of state-society interactions and how these shape policies. Using the Philippines and public funding of contraceptives as a case study, it illustrates how a country can have various pro-women policies, and yet be incapable of providing public access to contraceptives amidst opposition from the local Catholic hierarchy and its pro-life allies. It adopts the framework by Htun and Weldon which calls for the disaggregation of women’s issues as doctrinal, non-doctrinal, gender-status, or classbased. Depending on the type of issue, a particular mode of interaction between relevant state and non-state actors will be activated, and their effectiveness in promoting their respective agenda is determined by the various institutions in place. Informed by postcolonial feminism and the literature on intersectionality, it argues that where historically-defined inequalities based on gender, religion, class, and nation have entrenched relations of privilege in society, these multiple and often overlapping inequalities have weakened the state’s capacity and autonomy to enact policies independent of dominant interests, particularly when these policies are aimed at fundamentally challenging power relations in society. Ultimately, state weakness vis-a-vis women’s rights is overcome not just when the interests of state leaders and issue networks align, but also when both are able to make use of existing institutions to quash opposition. EDUCATION BEING CHINESE AND SEXUAL IN NEW ZEALAND: CHINESE DIASPORA YOUTH’S EXPERIENCE WITH SEXUALITY EDUCATION Alex Li. CRITICAL STUDIES IN EDUCATION For this project, I’m interested in exploring a central research question: how do diasporic Chinese youth become sexual subjects in New Zealand? Sexuality of Chinese diaspora youth has been an understudied research topic in New Zealand, and most of related international literature comes from the disciplines of medicine and psychology, largely driven by a public health agenda. Locating my research as cross-disciplinary, I critically examine existing literature and a profile of the selected literature which portrays Chinese diaspora youth’s sexuality. Previous research predominantly portrays Chinese diaspora youth’s sexuality in two ways: they are an exotic Other, and they are unknowing sexual subjects. The first aspect refers to research findings that ‘affirm’ Chinese diaspora youth as sexually conservative and reckless, two seemingly contradictory qualities which present simultaneously. This paradoxical understanding of Chinese’s sexuality echoes the exotification of Chinese diasporas in popular culture, and highlights the ways race/ ethnicity intersects with sexuality. The second aspect of the profile – Chinese diaspora youth as sexually unknowing, is based on research findings that suggest Chinese young people are lacking in sexual knowledge and therefore engaging in ‘risky’ sexual behaviors. I critique the presumed link between sexual knowledge and safe sexual practice implied and argue against a construction of Chinese young people as passive subjects with no agency. Given the identified gaps, I propose employing a feminist post-structuralist perspective to explore Chinese diaspora youth’s sexual subjectivity and its construction in the context of New Zealand. I will look at the experience of sexuality education among ethnic Chinese of age 18-25 from different diasporic backgrounds, and address how transnational experiences intersect with production of sexual subjectivities. An ecological model will be used to structure the analysis of how participants negotiate the becoming of their sexual selves against the cultural, institutional, interpersonal, and individual realities in New Zealand. ENGINEERING “DO YOU SQUEEZE BEFORE YOU SNEEZE?” – MEASURING INTRAABDOMINAL PRESSURES FOR URODYNAMIC Anuprita Arora. AUCKLAND BIOENGINEERING INSTITUTE Research shows a rising correlation between increased intra-abdominal pressure (IAP) and urinary incontinence. Urinary incontinence is 4 times more likely to affect women than men. Urodynamics, a diagnostic tool used to differentiate between causes of urinary incontinence, involves comparing estimates of pressure within the bladder to intra-abdominal pressures. A range of methods of measuring IAP have been investigated; none are ideal and employ many assumptions. The current Fisher & Paykel Healthcare Oral Competition Abstracts 9 standard requires measuring IAP using a rectal balloon catheter. Limitations include displacement of the catheter during strain, peristalsis, and motion artifacts of fluid filled tubes. The Auckland Bioengineering Institute has developed a novel, wireless intra-vaginal pressure device to estimate IAP (first generation device). This has provided repeatable and reliable measurements in 12 healthy women. The device consists of a fluid filled silicone balloon (which acts as a pressure transducer) connected to a pressure sensor and wireless transmitter. The aim is to further develop this prototype to enhance uptake in the clinical environment. The silicone balloon was reduced in size (from 55mm to 40mm) to minimize interference from pelvic floor muscles. A mould compatible with a silicone transfer press machine was developed to streamline production of the balloon, significantly reducing production time. This second generation device was developed and tested in two volunteers. Preliminary testing in two volunteers showed no retention issues and the device was well tolerated. Future work involves testing the device against the rectal system in an urodynamics clinic to ensure patient acceptability. A clinical interface for data collection and presentation will be developed along with a charger to charge the device wirelessly. The thesis also aims to understand the regulations and standards necessary to get the device into commercial markets, especially for US and Europe. A PRACTICAL MODEL OF THE NERVE OF THE FOOT FOR DIABETIC NEUROPATHY Muhammad Zeeshan Ul Haque. AUCKLAND BIOENGINEERING INSTITUTE Diabetic neuropathy is the most common long term complication of diabetes mellitus, in which nerves throughout the whole body are damaged, especially these in the lower limb and foot. Various electrodiagnostic methods has been employed to evaluate the diabetic neuropathy and these methods have met with limited success, but there remain some unsolved problems. For example, with these methods there is not yet an ideal way to identify where the electrodes should be placed in order to measure the specific change in the nerve response due to nerve damage in diabetic sensory neuropathy. Computational modelling may offer 10 Fisher & Paykel Healthcare Oral Competition Abstracts an important approach and tools in order to recognise the specific nerve damage response for a diabetic foot. However, a comprehensive description of the computational modelling of the nerves in the foot to evaluate diabetic neuropathy is currently lacking. Consequently, an initial structural and functional model of the nerves of the foot has been developed. This model shows the realistic anatomical structure of the various major nerves, as well as somatosensory nerve networks of the foot’s skin. In addition, this model also defines the electrical signal propagation from the most distal regions of the foot’s nerves toward the uppermost regions of the major nerves. This electrical propagation signal will be helpful in determining the sensory response of the nerves in the foot. In future, we will evaluate the response of the diabetic foot ulcers. In the prospective studies, this structural and practical model of the nerves of the foot will provide a useful tool to clinicians to determine the pathological consequences of diabetic neuropathy such as those which occur in diabetic foot ulcers and other circumstances. CONTROL OF A ROBOTIC ORTHOSIS FOR GAIT REHABILITATION Shahid Hussain. MECHANICAL ENGINEERING Robot assisted gait training may help in producing rapid improvements in functional gait parameters. This research presents new experimental results with an intrinsically compliant robotic gait training orthosis. The newly developed robotic orthosis has 6 degrees of freedom (DOFs). A trajectory tracking controller based on the boundary layer augmented sliding control (BASMC) law was implemented to guide the subject’s limbs on physiological gait trajectories. The compliance of the robotic orthosis sagittal plane hip and knee joints was also controlled, independently of the trajectory tracking control. The robotic orthosis and the control scheme were evaluated on ten neurologically intact subjects walking on the treadmill. The results showed that subjects can walk in the robotic orthosis with comfort and the BASMC law was able to guide the subject’s limbs on reference physiological trajectories. ULTRATHIN SOLUTIONS FOR PHOTOVOLTAICS Sharain Liew. CHEMICAL AND MATERIALS ENGINEERING Ultrathin gold films on plastic substrates have been fabricated via sputtering to be used as a transparent electrode for organic solar cells. In under 2 minutes of sputtering, gold films of 7.5 nm and 15 nm thickness were deposited on polycarbonate (PC) and poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) substrates. The type of plastic used influenced the optical transparency of the films with 7.5 nm films on PMMA being the most transparent (~60%) in the visible light spectrum. Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) images for both plastics show that the film coverage appears uniform with the absence of island-like features characteristic of discontinuous films. This statement was further supported by resistance measurements obtained on both substrates, indicating the continuity and homogeneity of the films. Films (7.5 nm and 15 nm) on PC were less resistant compared to PMMA with the thicker film being more conductive. These proves that gold films on PC gave better coverage compared to PMMA due to less cracks as shown by the SEM images. The sheet resistivity obtained for 7.5 nm gold film on PC was 1.27x10 -7m compared to a similar film thickness on PMMA (3.51x10 -7m). These ultrathin films on readily available plastic substrates would provide a cost effective option for cheaper photovoltaic energy. Despite the current exorbitant price of gold, these electrodes are relatively cheap to produce due the thickness of the film which is a billionth of a metre. Compounded by the usage of cheap plastic substrates, the cost to fabricate this electrode is lower compared to current methods that utilise indium tin-oxide that is very expensive due to the dwindling supply of indium. Furthermore, flexibility will no longer be an issue in photovoltaics with this electrode. DESCRIBING THE SHAKING IN “SHAKEN BABY SYNDROME” Tom Lintern. AUCKLAND BIOENGINEERING INSTITUTE Shaken Baby Syndrome (SBS) is more correctly defined as non-accidental head injury (NAHI) due to the paucity of knowledge surrounding the mechanisms of injury. It is hypothesised that motion of the head may be responsible for the injuries observed clinically. It is therefore important to characterise the relationship between shaking events and the resulting motion of the head. To do this, a computational model was developed to link the torso and skull via the cervical spine. The stiffness properties of the joints between bones were estimated using in vivo measurements from an ovine animal model. In these experiments, the forces required to manipulate the head were measured using a force/torque sensor and the associated positions of the head and torso were recorded using a 3D motion capture system. These data were interpreted using rigidbody dynamics modelling to estimate the mechanical properties of the joints, and these results will be presented. A validated computational model of the head and neck system will assist in analysing shaking dynamics in ongoing experimental work using this animal model. This bioengineering framework and the insights gained will be translated to the clinical setting to investigate shaking dynamics in human infants. SYSTEMS BIOLOGY APPROACH TO HELP CLEAN WATER AND AIR: METABOLIC NETWORK ANALYSIS OF NITRIFYING BACTERIA Octavio Perez-Garcia . CIVIL AND ENVIRONMENTAL ENGINEERING Nitric oxide (NO) and Nitrous Oxide (N2O) are greenhouse and ozone depleting gasses produced in nitrification processes of the biological treatment of wastewater. Systems biology tools such as Stoichiometric Metabolic Network (SMN) models and Flux Balance Analysis (FBA) are helping many research areas of basic and applied science to understand and improve biological processes. However, the use of these analysis techniques to engineered environmental bioprocesses is just starting. In this research we propose a SMN model and the use of FBA to quantify respiratory pathways of the nitrifying Ammonium Oxidizing Bacteria (AOB) with special focus on the NO and N2O producing pathways. The model was calibrated and validated with fitness and sensitivity analysis against literature data. The model was then used to estimate AOB intracellular reaction rates of nitrification experiments that produce NO and N2O. The model provides estimations of reaction rates of the full AOB respiratory machinery under a range of environmental conditions including anoxic and NO2 shocks and suggests that NO and N2O production phenomenon is a consequence of the shift of the final electron acceptor between O2, NO2 and NO in combination with an excess production of periplasmic reduced Cytochrome 552. Based on this data, bioprocess control strategies to avoid NO and N2O emissions from wastewater biotreatment are proposed. TSUNAMI DAMAGE TO COASTAL STRUCTURES Reza Shafiel. CIVIL AND ENVIRONMENTAL ENGINEERING Tsunamis are a grave threat to coastal areas, particularly in island countries such as New Zealand because of its long coastline. The infrastructure in low lying coastal areas is at particular risk of tsunami damage. The major damage Fisher & Paykel Healthcare Oral Competition Abstracts 11 to infrastructure is caused both directly by the tsunami waves and by the impact of floating debris. The 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami and the 2011 Japan tsunami have highlighted the need to investigate the interaction between tsunami waves and coastal structures. However, the impact of tsunamis on coastal structures has gained limited attention. The study focuses on improving the resilience of typical New Zealand coastal structures to tsunamis. A laboratory investigation of the impact of tsunami waves on the front face of a coastal structure is presented. The experiments were conducted in a 14m long, 1.2m wide and 0.8m deep wave flume equipped with an automatic gate designed to generate a tsunami bore. The forces induced on a 1:17 scale model of a coastal building were measured. The maximum force in the wave direction was equivalent to about 240% of the hydrostatic force. EARTHQUAKE DAMAGE AVOIDANCE: THE RAPID RE-OCCUPATION OF STEEL BUILDINGS. Dmitry Volynkin. CIVIL AND ENVIRONMENTAL ENGINEERING In the February 2011 Christchurch earthquake, the shaking was stronger than the city’s buildings were designed for. Despite this, HSBC and Pacific Residential Towers performed extremely well. These two buildings contained steel and concrete arranged in a common way; however the performance increase due to this is often more than is accounted for. These are called composite structures. These structures have continued to surprise engineers with their performance, in earthquakes and in other applications such as fire safety. These observations first prompted an analytical Honours study, and the very promising results prompted this doctoral study. The results indicate both improved performance as well as a self-centring effect whereby the building comes back into alignment. Currently most buildings are unlikely to return to alignment, making the use of components such as elevators problematic. My doctoral research so far has focused on a novel bolted element required for the new system. Once the damage to buildings is minimized, it is possible to rapidly re-occupy the premises, after repairing any damaged secondary components such as doors. Businesses, councils and other organizations may continue to operate. This will have knock-on effects, making it less likely that people will 12 Fisher & Paykel Healthcare Oral Competition Abstracts lose their jobs, and more importantly, crucial services can continue to operate, speeding up recovery. CERES: AN INTEGRATED DUAL RESOURCE MANAGEMENT AND PRODUCTION PLANNING SYSTEM Jenny Xu. MECHANICAL ENGINEERING The increasingly flexible and customized manufacturing approach taken by industry in recent years is often characterized by the rapid introduction of new products with shorter life cycles, smaller lot sizes, and changing product mixes. The high value-added products produced are generally highly customized to satisfy specific customer groups. In such an environment, manufacturing processes are steadily becoming more worker reliant. This is especially true for small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs) who cannot afford to invest in expensive automation technologies. It has now become necessary to consider the unique characteristics inherent in both human and machine resources during production planning to generate accurate production schedules. However, there is currently a lack of appropriate tools for companies to evaluate and track their available resources. This often results in poor resource management and leads to inaccurate resource schedules and higher production costs. To address the outlined problem, the CERES dual resource management and production planning system is proposed. The system is composed of a number of flexible evaluation modules that allow companies to track the capability, efficiency, and reliability of their resources. Other valuable functions offered include training facilitation, personnel selection for hiring and promotion decisions, and online testing/surveying for assessments. Information gained from these modules can then be fed into the system’s scheduling module to produce more accurate and efficient schedules for production. The CERES system is designed with flexibility in mind and can be applied to companies in various industries. It is designed such that the system will become specifically tailored to a company as more unique company details are incorporated over time. Overall, the CERES system will enable companies to achieve more effective resource management and better resource scheduling to significantly decrease total production costs. LAW THE PROMOTION, PROTECTION AND REGULATION OF FOREIGN INVESTMENT IN GHANA: AN ASSESSMENT OF THE LEGAL IMPLICATIONS OF THE INVESTMENT TREATY STANDARDS FOR POLICY SPACE, REGULATORY AUTONOMY AND THE PROTECTION OF THE PUBLIC INTEREST Dominic Dagbanja. LAW This thesis is primarily aimed at finding out whether the legal framework governing foreign investment in Ghana is compatible with the State’s obligations under the Constitution of Ghana to protect the public interest in the areas of development, human rights, and environment protection. The thesis will address the question whether Ghana’s international investment treaties have constrained or have the potential to constrain public policy choices and regulatory autonomy needed to protect the public interest. It is interested in addressing the dilemma of how investment treaties may be used, if needed at all, to protect legitimate foreign investment while respecting the State’s constitutional obligations to protect the society at large. The thesis’s proposition is that because Ghana’s investment treaty terms are absolute, ill-defined in scope and intended to limit regulatory actions, they are incompatible with the country’s constitutional obligations to protect the public interest. A number of factors justify this thesis at this time: the dearth of research on the relationship between investment treaty obligations and constitutional obligations in Ghana; reforms in investment regulation at the international level since the entry into force of Ghana’s investment treaties; current debates in Ghana whether certain investment agreements are in the public interest; and ongoing international debate about balancing investor and State interests. A review of Ghana’s investment treaties and legislation to take into account recent changes in international investment rulemaking and in relation to constitutional requirements thus becomes a fundamental prerequisite for effective protection of both investment and the public interest. The method for the study will involve interpretive, descriptive and theoretical engagement with existing foreign investment laws and policies. It is expected that the study will reveal the limitations of investment law and policy in Ghana and contribute to a better way of protecting foreign investment without compromising the public interest. UNIVERSAL JURISDICTION AS A TOOL OF TRANSITIONAL JUSTICE IN THE HABRÉ CASE: INTERNATIONAL CRIMINAL LAW’S CONTRIBUTION TO HUMAN RIGHTS Emily Starrett Wright. LAW This dissertation evaluates international criminal law’s contribution to human rights in transitional justice contexts, through an examination of the legal principle of universal jurisdiction in the prosecution of Hissène Habré. Habré is the ex-dictator of Chad responsible for massive human rights abuses. Transitional justice means formal responses to conflict, authoritarianism, and human rights abuses. Universal jurisdiction is the principle that any country can prosecute someone for crimes which are particularly grave and universally condemned. These crimes include torture, war crimes, crimes against humanity, and genocide. Universal jurisdiction is controversial because it is exercised by powerful, first world states against third world states. For example, both Habré and George W Bush committed torture, but only Habré will face criminal charges. Thus, imperialism and power inequalities shape universal jurisdiction, leading to political interference, selectivity, and jurisdictional imperialism. Imperialism and power inequalities also contribute to atrocities. Habré’s crimes stem partially from Chad’s colonisation, Cold War intervention, and poverty/ structural violence. Human rights abuses continue in Chad today, 22 years after Habré fled. Thus, international law must address transitional societies’ broader needs and the causes of atrocity. Further, a narrow focus on prosecution obscures wider culpabilities, artificially individualises atrocity, fails to address its causes, and divorces it from context. Prosecution alone will not bring ‘justice’ to Chad, even if it is a just outcome for Habré. Instead, we must evaluate universal jurisdiction by its contribution to peace, justice, and human rights. ‘Justice’ should include addressing structural violence, power imbalances, human rights, and remedying causal factors. Thus framed, justice does not compromise peace and requires more than prosecution. Justice and peace are mutually reliant, not competing, and both require human rights. Fisher & Paykel Healthcare Oral Competition Abstracts 13 Universal jurisdiction is useful but flawed. It fails to address atrocity’s causes but could help hold Habré to account, improving human rights, peace, and justice. MEDICAL AND HEALTH SCIENCES DO CHANGES IN APOPTOSIS AND PROLIFERATION EXPLAIN THE LONGTERM REDUCTION IN PANCREATIC BETA-CELL MASS IN PRETERM SHEEP? Amita Bansal. LIGGINS INSTITUTE Background: Preterm babies are at increased risk of impaired glucose tolerance in adulthood. This may be secondary to reduced pancreatic beta-cell insulin secretion or reduced peripheral insulin sensitivity. We have demonstrated that preterm sheep have reduced betacell mass in young adulthood. However, the mechanisms underlying this are unknown. Objectives: To determine the effects of preterm birth, hyperglycaemia (a common complication of prematurity), and its treatment with insulin on beta-cell apoptosis and proliferation. Methods: % proliferating and % apoptotic beta-cells were determined by triple-immunofluorescent staining of DAPI, insulin, Ki67 or active-Caspase 3 proteins, in pancreata collected at 12 months of age from lambs born at term (TermC; 148 d) or antenatal corticosteroid induced preterm (137 d) (n=12-13 per group). Preterm lambs were randomised to control (PremC), hyperglycaemic (HYPER; 50% dextrose infused intravenously for 12 d), or insulintreated (INS; 50% dextrose infused for 12 d with insulin to restore euglycaemia) groups. Results: PremC had a lower proliferating beta-cell percentage than TermC (TermC 0.41%; PremC 0.21%; HYPER 0.30%; INS 0.29%, SE=0.04, p<0.05). HYPER had a higher apoptotic beta-cell percentage than other lambs (TermC 0.67%; PremC 0.68%; HYPER 1.26%; INS 0.74%, SE=0.09, p<0.05). INS had a similar proliferating and apoptotic beta-cell percentage as control lambs. Discussion: In sheep, preterm birth reduced beta-cell mass due to a reduction in beta-cell proliferation in youngadulthood. Hyperglycaemia increased beta-cell apoptosis which may further reduce beta-cell mass with advancing age. Further investigation is required to determine if these changes are secondary to prematurity or related to antenatal corticosteroid use. 14 Fisher & Paykel Healthcare Oral Competition Abstracts BARRIERS TO COMPASSION IN MEDICAL CARE Antonio Fernando. PSYCHOLOGICAL MEDICINE Background: Doctors are expected to be compassionate by their patients, professional regulatory bodies and by their colleagues. Despite this expectation, there is limited research on doctor’s compassion and what prevents them from being compassionate. There has been research on empathy which is the identification of a patient’s emotions or experience. There is very little research on compassion which involves the desire and intention to relieve patients of their suffering. Objectives: This study aims to develop a validated questionnaire to understand what prevents doctors from being compassionate to their patients. Methods: 378 physicians were recruited to participate in the study. Several measures were administered to assess demographics and clinical practice variables. The newly developed Barriers to Compassion questionnaire and Clinical Compassion Behaviour List in addition to validated questionnaires which include Satisfaction with Life Scale, Perceived Stress Scale, Work Locus of Control Scale, and Compassionate Love Scale were administered. Results and Discussion: Data from the newly developed questionnaire suggests that there are four dimensions to barriers to compassion in medical practice. A four component solution using Principal Component Analysis suggests a “burnout factor”, “external distraction factor”, “difficult patient and family factor”, and “complexity/uncertainty factor”. A surprising finding is the fourth factor which is mostly composed of items that add complexity and uncertainty in the treatment process. These include adverse effects, patients who are not improving, lack of time, and patients who are from different backgrounds. REPROGRAMMING KERATOCYTES INTO NEURONS: THE CHALLENGE OF NEURONAL QUANTITY Cameron Fraser. OPHTHALMOLOGY Background: Our lab has found that keratocytes (corneal stromal cells) can be reprogrammed en mass into neurons without genetic manipulation. The goal of this technology is to create a source of neurons for clinical transplant applications. Internationally there are already neuronal transplant trials for diseases such as glaucoma, stroke and spinal transection. One of the challenges of translating this technology into a clinical setting is the small quantity of corneal keratocytes, and their quiescent nature. Objectives: Proliferate the normally quiescent keratocytes while retaining their ability to be reprogrammed into neurons, thus generating a large quantity of neurons that can be used in future clinical transplant trials. Methods: Using mammalian cell culture (human and rat), several strategies have been explored to increase the quantity of neurons generated. These include proliferating keratocytes while retaining their keratocytic phenotype, reprogramming the proliferative fibroblastic phenotype and reverting the fibroblastic phenotype back to keratocytes. Results: (1) Highly proliferative corneal fibroblasts appear to have been successfully reprogrammed into neurons based on immunohistochemical analysis of neuronal proteins. (2) Fibroblasts can also be reverted back to keratocytes when cultured in serum free media with specific growth factors. (3) Collaboration formed with a molecular neurophysiology laboratory to assess functional status of reprogrammed neurons, and baseline electrophysiology begun. Discussion: Proliferating keratocytes as fibroblasts and then reprogramming these cells into neurons appears to be a viable way to generate large quantities of neurons which could be used in future clinical transplant trials. Further work is required to assess the functional status of these neurons. CARING FOR DYING RESIDENTS IN AGED CARE FACILITIES - THE EXPERIENCES OF HEALTH CARE ASSISTANTS IN THE FRANKLIN REGION Susan Fryer. NURSING Background: Many international studies have highlighted the potential barriers and facilitators of good end of life care in aged care facilities. These studies have predominantly captured the views and experiences of registered nurses and family caregivers. Health Care Assistants (HCAs) are a fundamental part of the aged care workforce as they are involved in the majority of direct care of residents, yet there is limited research exploring their perspectives. Objective: To explore the experiences of HCAs when caring for dying residents in aged care facilities. Methods: Focus group discussions were conducted with HCAs working at aged care facilities in one semi-rural region of Auckland. Facilities were eligible to participate in the study if a death had occurred within the unit within the previous 12 months. Twenty six female HCAs representing six facilities participated. Results: Preliminary findings suggest participants have a wealth of knowledge and experience in caring for dying residents; they typically provide the majority of direct care for residents at the end of life and also act as a source of information and support to residents’ families. Discussion: HCAs have the ability to build strong connections with residents and family caregivers through their daily contact. They demonstrate intuition or a “knowing” when providing end of life care. A supportive environment and recognition of their role in end of life care will ensure HCAs become a linchpin in any aged care facility. MICROBIAL VALIDATION OF A COMMERCIAL FILTER UNIT: THE V-BUGS STUDY Derryn Gargiulo. ANAESTHESIOLOGY Background: Healthcare-associated infections are caused by micro-organisms inadvertently introduced into patients receiving medical care, and create a significant worldwide financial and human burden. The possible contribution of anaesthetists to this burden has not been well studied, partly because of difficulties conducting such research in practice. We have shown that in highly realistic, simulated anaesthetics, potentially pathogenic micro-organisms can be grown from drugs administered by anaesthetists. A proposed study uses a commercial 0.2µm filter unit, incorporated into intravenous additive lines, to capture the potential contamination during real anaesthetics. Objectives: To validate a method of back-flushing a precontaminated, commercial filter unit is to be used in future clinical studies. Methods: (I) Five concentrations of either Staphylococcus epidermidis or Escherichia coli were passed through 0.2µm filter units. Four different volumes (5mL, 10mL, 20mL or 50mL) of sodium chloride 0.9% alone, Tween 80 1% and Peptone 0.1% or tryptic soya broth, Tween 80 1% and Peptone Water were used to back-flush the units. A 0.1mL sample was plated onto agar, incubated for 24 hours at 37oC and the micro-organisms enumerated. (II) Five concentrations of either Staphylococcus epidermidis or Escherichia coli were passed through 0.2µm filter units. A 20ml volume of tryptic soya broth, Tween 80 1% and Peptone Water was back-flushed through the units. The entire 20ml eluate was incubated for 24 hours at 37oC and turbidity recorded. Results: (I) Micro-organisms could not be reliably enumerated using this method. (II) Turbidity was observed at bacterial counts equal to or greater than 10 bacterial colonies per ml. Discussion: Back-flushing the filter unit will allow the enumeration of micro-organisms captured during the administration of drugs for anaesthesia in clinical practice. Fisher & Paykel Healthcare Oral Competition Abstracts 15 DETERMINING THE ROLE OF VASCULAR ENDOTHELIAL GROWTH FACTOR D IN DEVELOPMENTAL LYMPHANGIOGENESIS IN ZEBRAFISH Michael Haggerty. MOLECULAR MEDICINE & PATHOLOGY Background: Vascular endothelial growth factor-D (VEGF-D) is a mitogenic glycoprotein that promotes both lymphangiogenesis and angiogenesis. VEGF-D, as well as VEGF-C, activates VEGF receptor-3 to induce proliferation, migration, differentiation, and survival of lymphatic endothelial cells. While both VEGF-D and VEGF-C enhance tumour lymphangiogenesis and metastasis, only VEGF-C has a defined role during lymphatic development. Currently, based on mouse KO data, it appears VEGF-D is not required for lymphatic development and is only involved in pathological lymphangiogenesis. Objectives: Determine the role of VEGF-D in developmental lymphangiogenesis in zebrafish. Methods: Whole-mount in situ hybridization (WMISH) was used to describe gene transcript expression patterns. Microinjection of morpholino oligonucleotides (MOs) and confocal imagery was used to measure the lymphatic phenotype of gene ‘knockdown’ during development. Microinjection of full-length mRNA will be used to overexpress VEGF-D and observe consequent phenotypes. Results: Expression of VEGF-D was found in the facial and head vasculature of the zebrafish, which appears to align with expression of blood vessel markers. Along with quantified data from ‘knockdown’ experiments showing VEGF-D is not essential for facial lymphatic development, it is thought that VEGF-D may compensate for loss of VEGF-C during lymphangiogenesis. Discussion: Based on the results from WMISH and MO experiments, VEGF-D may have unrecognized and important developmental roles in the zebrafish, which emphasizes the complexity of the molecular mechanisms that underlie lymphangiogenesis. SUPER-RESOLUTION IMAGING OF CARDIAC CALCIUM HANDLING SYSTEMS IN RAT TISSUE SECTIONS Yufeng Hou. PHYSIOLOGY Background: In cardiac myocytes, precise coupling between electrical excitation and mechanical contraction is needed to maintain normal function. Central to this process 16 Fisher & Paykel Healthcare Oral Competition Abstracts are calcium ions with studies suggesting signalling is affected by nanometre architecture. Such structures cannot be visualised by conventional optical microscopy due to the diffraction limit. Aim: Firstly to achieve immunofluorescent staining and multi channel optical super resolution imaging of rat cardiac tissue sections for calcium release unit associated proteins. Secondly to develop a method of imaging t-tubules in super resolution using a combination of primary antibodies targeting different protein epitopes. Methods: We employed standard immunohistochemistry protocol to label ryanodine receptor protein (RyR), Junctophilin (JPH), sarcoplasmic reticulum calcium ATPase (SERCA), Z disk associated protein alpha actinin, and t-tubule labelling in different combinations to produce images incorporating up to 3 colour channels. Results: Comparisons with both electron microscopy and confocal microscopy suggests similar morphology of structure in all three imaging modalities with super-resolution offering clear advantages in detail discrimination when compared with diffraction limited methods. Ryanodine receptor imaging suggests a much more continuous distribution of receptors than previously believed from electron microscopy and we are currently looking to characterize this distribution in full 3D super resolution. Discussion: The ability to image with sub diffraction limit methods in tissue section offers promise in the analysis of biopsies and patient samples for the study of heart disease. Furthermore, results from calcium release cluster distributions suggest a potential need for revision of current release models relying on clusters. CORRECTION OF CLINICALLY IMPORTANT ERRORS IN MRI MEASUREMENT OF BLOOD FLOW Andrew Li. ANATOMY WITH RADIOLOGY Background: Blood flow measurements are of great clinical significance to quantify the severity of cardiac conditions such as aortic stenosis and to make the best treatment decisions for patients. Traditionally this is performed using echocardiography, but MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) potentially provides a more accurate technology. Unfortunately recent work has identified measurement errors of up to 30% due to the presence of ‘background phase’ in MRI flow measurements, which are caused by eddy current disturbance of the magnetic field. Aim: Develop a mathematical equation that allows the background phase for any MRI scan to be predicted and therefore corrected in a clinically useful way. Methods: A static gelatine phantom was constructed to measure and study the background phase of a Siemens Avanto 1.5 Tesla MRI scanner at 324 different slice orientations using the standard product phase contrast flow sequence. Results: The study shows that the background phase is significant, but fortunately stable over time and predictable. A first order polynomial fit was found to sufficiently describe the background phase mathematically for all 324 slice orientations. Discussion: The study shows that the implementation of a mathematical description of background phase is feasible and possible. A successful implementation of such a system would promise significantly more accurate MRI measurements of blood flow for clinical diagnosis. SENSORIMOTOR FUNCTION IN THE HAND IS ENHANCED BY TEMPORARY CUTANEOUS ANAESTHESIA OF THE FOREARM Felipe Molina Jacque. MEDICINE Background: Cutaneous anaesthesia (CA) of the forearm induces rapid improvements in hand function, in both healthy adults and stroke patients. These effects are attributed to enhanced sensorimotor function at the cortical level, however little is known about the underlying physiological mechanism. Aims: To explore the therapeutic potential of cutaneous anaesthesia of the forearm on hand sensorimotor function, and its mechanism of action. Methods: Twenty-five right-handed volunteers participated in this double-blinded, placebo-controlled, cross-over study. Participants’ left forearms were treated with either a topical anaesthetic cream (EMLA) or a placebo cream in each session. Cutaneous sensibility and spatial discrimination were assessed before and after treatment. Motor performance of the left hand was measured with the Grooved Pegboard Test (GPT) after treatment. Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) was used to record motorevoked potentials from the left first dorsal interosseous (FDI) and abductor digiti minimi (ADM) muscles. Single and paired-pulse TMS was used to measure corticomotor excitability, intracortical inhibition and afferent inhibition, before and after treatment. sensibility increased proximal to the site of anaesthesia (p < 0.01). Intracortical inhibition within the primary motor cortex increased after CA treatment, but not placebo (p < 0.01). There were no effects on cutaneous sensibility at the fingertips, corticomotor excitability, or afferent inhibition. Discussion: The functional benefits of CA may be due to increased intracortical inhibition and enhanced signal-tonoise ratio within the sensorimotor system. CA may be a useful adjuvant to hand rehabilitation when sensorimotor performance is impaired by conditions such as stroke. TRANSCRANIAL DIRECT CURRENT STIMULATION (TDCS) INTENSITY AND DURATION EFFECTS ON TINNITUS SUPPRESSION Giriraj Singh Shekhawat. AUDIOLOGY Background: Perception of sound in the absence of an external auditory source is called tinnitus. It can have a devastating impact on an individual’s quality of life. Previous work has shown that anodal tDCS of the Left Temporoparietal Area (LTA) and Dorso Lateral Pre Frontal Cortex (DLPFC) is potentially the most favourable polarity and sites of stimulation for tinnitus relief. Objective: This pilot study aimed to determine anodal tDCS (LTA) dose (current intensity and duration) response effects for tinnitus suppression. Methods: Twenty-five participants with chronic tinnitus and a mean age of 54 years took part. Participants were screened for contraindications to tDCS by a neurologist. Anodal tDCS of LTA was carried out. Current intensity (1 mA and 2 mA) and duration (10 min, 15 min and 20 min) were varied and their impact on tinnitus was measured. Results & Discussion: tDCS was well tolerated by all participants. 56% of participants (14) experienced transient suppression of tinnitus, 44% of participants (11) experienced long term improvement of tinnitus symptoms (overnight - less annoyance, more relaxed and better sleep). There was an interaction between duration and intensity of the stimulus on the change in rated loudness of tinnitus (F (2, 48) = 4.355, p = 0.018) and CGI score (F (2, 48) =3.193, p = 0.050) after stimulation. Two mA current intensity and 20 minute duration were the most effective stimulus parameters. tDCS can be a potential clinical tool for patients with tinnitus although more research is needed in this area. Results: CA treatment improved spatial discrimination at the fingertips (p < 0.05), and improved fine motor performance (p < 0.05), compared to placebo. Cutaneous Fisher & Paykel Healthcare Oral Competition Abstracts 17 DEVELOPMENT OF A SENSITIVE FLUORESCENT ASSAY FOR DETECTION OF INDOLEAMINE 2,3-DIOXYGENASE (IDO) ACTIVITY AND ITS APPLICATION IN SCREENING FOR NOVEL IDO INHIBITORS. Petr Tomek. AUCKLAND CANCER SOCIETY RESEARCH CENTRE Background: IDO is a validated new target for cancer therapy. The identification and evaluation of novel and potent small molecule inhibitors of IDO requires sensitive and accurate assays that can efficiently screen large numbers of compounds for inhibition of IDO activity. A colourimetric and a fluorescence assay have been described, but each have limitations. Objectives: To develop a sensitive, fluorescence assay for measuring IDO enzymatic activity suitable for highthroughput screening; to adapt the assay for use with the automated robotic workstation; and to use the new system to screen compound libraries for novel IDO inhibitors. Methods: Human 6His-IDO was purified from cultures of E. Coli (EC538) transformed with pQE9-IDO and pREP4 constructs. IDO activity was assayed by measuring the fluorescence intensity ( ex 400nm, em 500nm) of a fluorophore formed in a reaction of piperidine with the N-formylkynurenine generated by IDO from tryptophan. Results: A superior fluorescence assay, providing high sensitivity, high throughput, and fewer false positives was developed. This new assay was 30 times more sensitive than previously-published IDO activity assays. The NCI Diversity Set III compound library was screened using this assay, and a number of novel IDO inhibitors with low µM potencies were identified. Discussion: Novel IDO inhibitors identified using the assay will serve as ‘leads’ for the drug development programme of a new approach to cancer therapy. Additionally, during the process of assay development, the formation of a novel fluorophore with unusual chemical properties was discovered. This fluorophore was responsible for high sensitivity exhibited by the assay. 18 Fisher & Paykel Healthcare Oral Competition Abstracts THE EFFECTS OF CALCIUM ON ENDOTHELIAL CELL ACTIVATION: RELEVANCE TO PREECLAMPSIA Mancy Tong. OBSTETRICS & GYNAECOLOGY Background: Preeclampsia affects 5-7% of pregnant women and it is characterised by maternal endothelial cell activation. From multiple clinical and epidemiological studies, increased calcium intake has been associated with a decrease in risk of preeclampsia. However, the protective mechanisms of calcium are still unclear. Objectives: To investigate whether calcium can affect endothelial cell activation induced by known inflammatory factors. Methods: Endothelial cells (HMEC-1) were cultured with IL-6, necrotic trophoblastic debris (NTD) or sera from preeclamptic women with increasing concentrations of calcium (400-700ug/mL CaCl2) in the presence or absence of L-NAME, a nitric oxide synthase inhibitor. After 24 hours, ICAM-1 expression was measured by cell-based ELISA. All experiments were conducted in quadruplicates on three separate occasions. Results: Addition of IL-6, NTD or sera from preeclamptic women to HMEC-1 significantly upregulated cell-surface ICAM-1 expression (p<0.0001). The simultaneous addition of calcium inhibited the increase in ICAM-1 expression induced by these activators in a concentration dependent manner (p<0.0003). The addition of L-NAME partially countered calcium’s effects (p<0.03). Discussion: Increased levels of calcium prevent endothelial cell activation induced by inflammatory factors known to be present in preeclamptic pregnancies. This beneficial effect is partially mediated through the intracellular NOS pathway. These findings may provide clues to explain how calcium supplementation can reduce the risk for developing preeclampsia. CHARACTERISING GSH EFFLUX PATHWAYS IN THE RAT LENS: EVIDENCE FOR INTER-TISSUE EXCHANGE OF GLUTATHIONE Ankita Umapathy OPTOMETRY AND VISION SCIENCE Background: Of all the ocular tissues, the lens has the highest concentration of glutathione (GSH), exceeding levels found in the liver and kidney which regulate plasma GSH levels. By analogy to the liver, we hypothesize that the lens serves as a reservoir of GSH that can be utilised by anterior tissues of the eye such as the cornea, ciliary body and trabecular meshwork (TM). Objectives: To show that the rat lens is capable of GSH efflux and to identify GSH uptake pathways in the ciliary body and TM. Methods: Lenses were cultured in artificial aqueous humour and GSH levels in the humour measured using high performance liquid chromatography. Molecular and immunohistochemical techniques were utilised to identify and localise GSH transport pathways. Results: The rat lens exports GSH into the aqueous humour. Immunohistochemical studies reveal MRP1 and OATP2 to be localised to the lens epithelium indicating that these transporters are most likely mediate to GSH efflux from the lens. OAT3 was localised to the non-pigmented epithelium of the ciliary body and the TM suggesting that this transporter may be responsible for uptake of GSH from the aqueous. Discussion: Our findings provide evidence for the lens in supplying GSH to the tissues of the anterior eye. When this reservoir of GSH is eliminated during cataract surgery, a reduction in GSH availability to the anterior eye could render tissues more susceptible to oxidative stress and subsequent ocular pathologies. GSH supplementation postcataract surgery may be a strategy for preserving long term ocular health. FETAL ANAEMIA IMPAIRS HEART GROWTH AND INCREASES INDICES OF CARDIOVASCULAR RISK IN ADULT SURVIVORS OF INTRAUTERINE TRANSFUSION Alexandra Wallace. LIGGINS INSTITUTE Background: Fetal anaemia alters coronary conductance, flow and architecture in adult sheep, but effects in humans are unknown. Objectives: To compare cardiovascular and metabolic function of adults who received intrauterine transfusion for treatment of fetal anaemia with that of their unaffected siblings. Method: Participants were individuals who received intrauterine transfusion at the National Women’s Hospital from 1963-1992, and their unaffected sibling(s). Assessments included anthropometry, blood pressure, lipids, glucose tolerance test, heart rate variability analysis and cardiac MRI. Data were analysed using multiple regression adjusted for age, sex, BMI, and birth weight z-score. Results: Affected participants (n=95) were younger than unaffected (n=92, mean±SEM: 33.7±1.0 vs. 40.1±1.1years, p<0.001), born at lower gestation (34.3±0.2 vs. 39.5±0.2weeks, p<0.001) and of lower birth weight (2.5±0.1 vs. 3.3±0.1kg, p<0.001). Affected participants had lower end diastolic volume (153.2±2.5 vs. 165.8±2.6ml, p=0.001), end systolic volume (57.5±1.4 vs. 63.6±1.5, p=0.006), stroke volume (95.5±1.5 vs. 102.2±1.6ml, p=0.005) and left ventricular mass (125.8±2.1 vs. 133.1±2.1g, p=0.02), reduced high density lipoprotein concentration (1.44±0.04 vs. 1.56±0.04mmol/L, p=0.04) and augmented sympathovagal tone (low frequency to high frequency ratio 2.3±0.3 vs. 1.5±0.3, p=0.04). Discussion: These findings suggest that heart growth is impaired by fetal anaemia, leading to reduced cardiac mass and smaller cardiac chambers in adulthood. A smaller heart implies lower myocyte number and greater work per unit of myocardium. Furthermore, reduced high density lipoprotein and augmented sympathovagal tone suggest increased cardiovascular risk. These findings provide the first evidence in humans that fetal anaemia has potentially deleterious cardiovascular consequences in adulthood. WHAT IS IT LIKE TO LIVE WITH NIGHT TIME CPAP? A QUALITATIVE GROUNDED THEORY STUDY Kim Ward. NURSING Background: Night time continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) via nasal or face mask is a recognised therapy for obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA). CPAP can be a difficult and painful therapy and evidence suggests that compliance is often poor. Currently the voices of CPAP users are absent from the literature with the majority of studies related to interventions to improve compliance. Objectives: Using a grounded theory approach, this study explores the experiences of patients receiving CPAP for OSA. Methods: Semi-structured individual phone interviews with CPAP users have been conducted and are audio recorded and transcribed verbatim. To date eight participants have been interviewed. Further interviews of participants and their spouses are planned. Results: Early findings support that CPAP is a difficult therapy and the degree to which spousal engagement exists appears to impact the desire to persevere with CPAP use. In addition, there are gender and cultural differences in how this therapy is perceived and utilised. Male participants have a more pragmatic view of their use of CPAP than Fisher & Paykel Healthcare Oral Competition Abstracts 19 female participants with issues associated with body image apparent in the findings. Discussion: Spousal support appears an important component of a person’s experience with CPAP and spouses will be included as the study progresses. Given that compliance with CPAP is often poor a deeper understanding of patients’ perspectives with this therapy will help improve care and education for CPAP users. NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF CREATIVE ARTS AND INDUSTRIES MEDICAL URBANISM: HEALING HEALTHCARE SPACES AND PRODUCING AN IMAGE OF CARE Ros Cheong. ARCHITECTURE Large-scale medical facilities are often manifested as monumental bulwarks, and their public perceptions - as distinct from their immediate functional purpose to promote the good health of the population – have long been associated with soulless mazes of corridors, artificiality and have not inspired passions in mainstream architectural culture compared to other typologies. While the classic centralized institution promised close proximity of a concentration of diverse specializations and information accessibility, in a world where information can now be exchanged wirelessly, physical distances become more redundant, and with sharpened distinctions between acute, inpatient and outpatient amenities, the unraveling of the typology is now possible. This is fueled by evidence that spatial concentration can entail logistical problems, generate large masses of traffic, and while striving to achieve multidisciplinary settings combine amenities with little functional relation to one another. Although the inpatient components of hospitals are increasingly regarded as hotel facilities and temporary The University of Auckland Society - proudly supporting student ingenuity at EXPOSURE 2012 Join us to make connections that really matter Why belong to the Society? Often our members talk about the value of being connected to ‘like-minded’ people: - people who thrive on knowledge and new ideas - people who strive for success - their own and others’ - people who are inspired b by creativity and artistic endeavour - people who appreciate the advantages that a great education brings and want to be involved with New Zealand’s premier university as it moves forward. University of Auckland Society membership* expands horizons – intellectually, yy, professionally and socially. Members are part of the life of the University. They also enjoy ooy an attractive range of discounts and benefits. Will you join us? *Annual Levy $50 20 Fisher & Paykel Healthcare Oral Competition Abstracts www.society.auckland.ac.nz Email society@auckland.ac.nz TTel +64 9 923 2309 residential units, they tend to struggle to offer an everyday living environment. Links between everyday surroundings and the rest of society in the recovery pathway to create social inclusiveness is hazy in the clinical setting. To a certain extent it is also inaccurate to say that hospitals are healing spaces when it can make completely healthy people feel uncomfortable and awful. Yet, healthcare is essential in the construction of cities and is of enormous potential in generating community identity, where the equality of patients and staff, treatment, and experience become inextricably related. The current recurring theme which architecture needs to overcome is to become a place for healing and therapy; that is through balancing optimal deployment of healthcare while humanizing the experience of spaces in accordance with human living conditions. How design reconciles modern technology with humane conditions will be the primary question my research will answer. SOCIO-SPATIAL SEGREGATION IN URBAN SYSTEMS: DOUBLE SUBMISSIONS Hamed Golshan. ARCHITECTURE The growth of mega-cities within the developing world has presented extreme challenges to ensuring the fundamental well-being of the general population and providing basic access to social services for all, especially adequate housing. In recent decades, the geographical patterns of residential segregation in Australasia are noted to be changing, either expanding through the growth of large homogeneous areas, or contracting via the fragmentation of social groups. Within the region, large-scale residential segregation linked to inequality is readily apparent and is a prominent feature of the region’s large urban centres. Patterns of segregation are linked to changes in urban planning, governance, and social policy implementation at the local level, macro-economic shifts at regional and national levels, and power relations between actors in the development process. This research will examine how residential segregation in Australasian cities is influenced by shifts in policy and planning and how advanced research methods can test the linkages between urban planning and housing development. Using a mixed-methods approach, the research will relate the policy and planning of housing development and residential segregation patterns with simulated segregation processes over time. CAN ARCHITECTURE IMPROVE PRODUCTIVITY? A CASE OF ‘GREEN’ BUILDINGS Eziaku Onyeizu. ARCHITECTURE The green building movement started in the UK in the early 1990s and has subsequently spread across the globe. Though there are variations in every country, the movement is characterised by a rating tool that attempts to measure the energy performance and environmental characteristics of a building. Without any legal obligation for their use, the rating tools initially relied on moral imperatives for their adoption. Since this had little commercial value, the uptake of the rating tools was slow. By the early 2000s the emphasis of the green building movement began to change with the claim that ‘green’ office buildings were not only environmentally friendly but also resulted in more productive occupants. Productivity became the marketing technique that accelerated the adoption of green rating tools since this concept now had a commercial value. It was claimed that the extra investment required to construct a ‘green’ building not only helped the environment but the investment could also be recovered by increased productivity of its occupants. With productivity being so central to the characteristics of a green building, one would expect that there was substantial and robust research that related the criteria of green rating tools to some measure of productivity. A literature review of this field of research has revealed unsubstantiated and conflicting results combined with unreliable research techniques. This raises two central questions: i) what are the characteristics of a building that make it more productive, and ii) how is productivity measured in an office environment? These are my central research questions and I propose to examine them in two ways. Firstly, by a critique of the research that lies behind the claims of the rating tools and, secondly, by undertaking field studies on occupants in ‘green’ buildings in New Zealand. The latter involves the use of an internationally recognised questionnaire that claims to measure productivity. It highlights the effects of ideas and practices that devalue the meaning of “green” design and Indoor Environment Quality. My research challenges the very basis of ‘green’ rating tools and consequently has the potential to contribute to this area of research in an innovative way. Fisher & Paykel Healthcare Oral Competition Abstracts 21 THE “VALUE” OF BEETHOVEN?: THE ECONOMICS AND HISTORY OF THE AUCKLAND PHILHARMONIA Rob Tedesco. MUSIC In this paper, I examine the process of professionalization of orchestral ensembles in Auckland and how this led to the formation of the Auckland Philharmonia (APO), with particular reference to the Auckland String Players and Symphonia of Auckland. Using data collected from ethnographic and archival sources, I look at how a group of semi-professional string players led to a fully professional ensemble in the present day. By looking at the formation of these ensembles, I explain how it was that “in 1940 . . . a group of keen musicians who felt the need for an orchestral ensemble capable of giving public performances came together”, as explained by the Auckland String Players’ annual report in 1951. This venture became the Symphonia of Auckland, by 1975 a full-time symphony orchestra. By 1980, the orchestra was near insolvency; a lack of financial support from the Auckland community had effectively doomed the organization. Declaring bankruptcy, the orchestra was disbanded. By 1981, however, a new orchestra had been founded, soon known as the Auckland Philharmonia, as the players of the Symphonia felt the city needed an orchestra. Tracing this history is important in order to examine how the “value” of the orchestra has evolved in Auckland to the present day. I will also focus on the problems experienced by the APO in the early twenty-first century and how it has responded to these, with reference to what the APO is doing in its education and community programmes. SCIENCE IS THERE AN EFFECTIVE AND EFFICIENT WAY TO IMPROVE HEALTH BEHAVIOURS AT AN INTERNATIONAL LEVEL? Lynda-Maree Bavin. PSYCHOLOGY Introduction: Fictional television programs may provide the opportunity for a captured audience, emotional and cognitive involvement, in-depth education, and positive social modelling of health-related behaviours. A growing number of studies have found positive associations between health-related messages in fictional television programs and viewers’ beliefs and behaviours. However, 22 Fisher & Paykel Healthcare Oral Competition Abstracts a limitation of most of these studies is that they did not take measurements, of both viewers and non-viewers, before and after the episodes aired. Methods: This experimental study (N = 97) was carried out in a naturalistic setting. New Zealanders aged 14 to 24 were recruited through Facebook advertising. Respondents who indicated they never watched ER were invited to participate, then those who were randomly allocated to the treatment group were asked to view an ER episode, in an everyday setting - such as their home, when it aired on television later that week. All participants completed both baseline and post-viewing measures. Results: Participants who viewed the ER episode were significantly more likely (MM = 4.38, MSE = .192) than the non-viewing controls (MM = 3.67, MSE = .168), to intend to take a passed out friend to hospital or ring an ambulance (F(1, 94) = 7.68, p < .01, partial n2 = .08). The percentage of participants in the viewing group who intended to play drinking games in the following year, significantly decreased from 59.1% to 50.0% ( 2(1) = 24.07, p < .001), whereas there was no change in the control group (56.3%). Discussion: The narratives of fictional television programs may be an effective way to deliver in-depth health education to large, attentive, and emotionally involved audiences. Measuring and reporting these types of effects may motivate producers to incorporate more of these beneficial storylines in future episodes and, subsequently, influence health beliefs and behaviours at an international level. FIRST REPORT OF ANTERIOR PALLIAL TENTACLES IN SOLEN DACTYLUS (BIVALVIA: SOLENIDAE) FROM IRAN Hanieh Saeedi. LEIGH LAB Solenidae are deep burrower bivalves in the sediments of the intertidal tropical and sub-tropical areas. Solen dactylus, an endemic species to the Persian Gulf, is distributed along the sandy-muddy coast of the northern Persian Gulf, Iran. Specimens of S. dactylus have been collected by the authors since 2006 from Bandar Abbas to study their biology and ecology. During these studies we found an unexpected pair of anterior pallial tentacles at the dorsal end of the anterior pallial crest of the mantle. Anterior pallial tentacles were stained with hematoxylin and eosin to study their histological characters. Two kinds of epithelial cells (pyramidal and vacuolated) and fibres (radial and longitudinal), and a branch of the pallial nerve located in the centre of a haemocoel, were determined. We also studied the association of the anterior shell furrow with the presence of the anterior tentacles. All species with long anterior pallial tentacles had anterior shell furrows. This paper showed that anterior pallial tentacles are present in most Solenidae from Asia to the Middle East and Europe. However, we need to study the evolution and function of the anterior tentacles using genetic techniques and in vitro experiments. BELIEVING SOCIETY IS FAIR, EVEN WHEN IT’S NOT. Nikhil Sengupta. PSYCHOLOGY System Justification Theory (Jost & Banaji, 1994) posits that human beings have an inherent motivation to perceive the social and political systems under which they live as being fair and just, even in the face of systemic inequality. For members of minority groups, who are often the victims of disadvantage, this motivation conflicts with their desire to advance the interests of their own group. Paradoxically, research has shown that in order to resolve this conflict, the disadvantaged often cling more strongly to beliefs about the fairness of the status quo (Jost, Pelham, Shelson & Sullivan, 2003). Here I report the findings of the first study of my PhD, which tested this “enhanced system justification” hypothesis using a large, nationally representative sample of New Zealanders (N = 6196). This is the first study of its kind to directly compare societal levels of system justification between members of advantaged and disadvantaged groups. I found that Pacific and Asian people, who experience the worst socioeconomic disadvantage and the highest levels of discrimination, believe that New Zealand society is fairer than Pakeha do. Further, they believe even more strongly in the fairness of ethnic-group relations specifically, relative to their beliefs about the fairness of the overall system. This provides support for the discomforting notion that those most disadvantaged by the status quo often become its most ardent supporters. However, unlike other minority groups in New Zealand and around the world (see Sibley & Barlow, 2009), Maori were not found to display this enhanced tendency for system justification. This is cause for optimism, as understanding what leads Maori to recognize the unfairness in society can illuminate how other minorities can overcome their strong desire to justify the very systems that disadvantage them, and become motivated to push for social change. PSTAT6 EXPRESSION PATTERNS IN HUMAN LYMPH NODES Rewi Stirrat. BIOLOGY Background: Lymph Nodes (LNs) are secondary lymphoid organs that provide interfaces between the blood and lymphatic circulatory systems. Human LNs number around 450 in the body, and are located at strategic positions to promote exposure of antigen to immune cells. Antigen Presenting Cells (APCs) mediate cellular interactions within LNs by presenting antigen on MHC molecules to lymphocytes, while also regulating lymphocyte responses and activations. APC functional polarisations have been identified in recent years, many of which align with M1 (classically activated) and M2 (alternately activated) classifications. Transcription factor markers have been associated with these popularisations in the literature. Aim: To observe markers of APC phenotypes in conjunction with APC subset molecules in healthy and diseased LNs. Further, to apply the observed patterns of LN APC marker molecules to cultured M1 and M2 APCs in vitro. Methods: Immunohistochemistry using 4 colour fluorescent markers was performed on Formalin Fixed, Paraffin Embedded LNs, 10 of which were healthy, and 5 of which had diagnosed Hodgkin Lymphoma. Results: pSTAT6, a transcription factor in the chain associated with M2 type APCs was observed to be strongly expressed in the B cell follicular region of healthy LNs. The expression was brightest in Follicular Dendritic Cells (FDCs). Discussion: pSTAT6 transcription factor expression is not primarily associated with M2 type macrophages in human LNs. Currently undertaken research is focused towards confirming a role for pSTAT6 as a marker of follicular activation. Fisher & Paykel Healthcare Oral Competition Abstracts 23 Poster Abstracts ARTS TRANSLATING POLICY INTO PRACTICE: WORKING WITH MAORI OFFENDERS TOWARDS DESISTANCE Marilyn Chetty SOCIOLOGY Desistance research highlights the importance of risk factors and protective factors in understanding successful desistance from offending, with recent research showing the processes of desistance differ for ethnic minority offenders. In New Zealand, indigenous Maori are significantly overrepresented in reoffending statistics, and a new Integrated Practice Framework is being implemented to guide how probation officers manage all offenders, including Maori offenders. Within this programme of change are also culturally specific models such as the Working with Whanau Engagement Model that help tailor professional probation practice to the needs of Maori offenders and support a prosocial approach to reintegration. This research will focus on the implementation of the new framework and investigates to what extent the goals set out in the policies in the current correctional policy are being realized. The research approach is qualitative and relies on data obtained from semi-structured interviews with probation officers, exploring several conceptual and analytical themes derived from existing literature. The research will explore the benefits and challenges associated with the new practice framework set against the goals of reducing Maori reoffending using a culturally responsive approach tailored to the specific needs of Maori offenders. WOMEN’S CRAFT IN A MODERN WORLD: OPPORTUNITIES AND CHALLENGES FOR TIMORESE TO SELL HAND-WOVEN TEXTILES Chloe Pinel DEVELOPMENT STUDIES Industrialization has not wiped out the craft sector as some may have predicted. In recent years we have seen a renewed appreciation in the rich world market for natural, organic and handmade products. This is good news for disadvantaged Southern artisans and organizations working 24 Exposure Poster Abstracts to promote their rural development. This Masters research looks at the opportunities and challenges perceived by 20 Timorese women to sell their hand-woven textiles. It has stemmed from a Volunteer Service Abroad (VSA) funded position as ‘Textile Product Design Advisor’ for a women’s co-operative in Timor Leste. Hand looming is a significant activity by most women here, but is supported by little research. Through the use of semi-structured interviews I have attempted to ground any implications for development within the cultural and social realities of the participants. This aligns with a post-development perspective. The research will add to the global body of literature looking at the contribution of handcrafts to development goals. I hope it will also benefit local non-profit organizations supporting artisans in Timor Leste. Timor Leste is a new country facing significant development challenges and this helps identify initiatives that best support its rural artisans. VARIETIES OF ENGLISH: REGIONAL DIVERSITY AND INDIVIDUAL PROFICIENCY AMONG NATIVE AND NON-NATIVE USERS OF ENGLISH Sabina Rehman ENGLISH English is an international language and its users are spread all over the world. These users can be divided into two major categories: the native users, i.e. those who have English as their first language, and the non-native users, i.e. those whose first language is not English. The relationship of English language with its native and non-native users is extensively being investigated in the field of linguistics, and is being explained through various models. One such explanation is given by the linguist Braj Kachru who presents a model of three concentric circles for the users of English. The innermost circle contains countries where English is the first language of the majority of people, the outer circle consists of countries having English as an important second language, and the outermost circle has countries in which English is a foreign language and is used mostly for specific official use to a certain extent. Though each region in these circles uses a different variety of the English language, one can discern connotations of linguistic superiority in the model’s central circles, with the outer circles occupying the role of followers of the internationally accepted norms of English usage. I have taken up Braj Kachru’s model and tested the level and nature of proficiency among the international users of English. My study focuses on the English language proficiency of international students at Auckland. My survey takes up native and non-native users of English and tests the speaking, reading, writing, and listening skills of both these groups. My results show that the proficiency of English language users is based not so much on national or geographical background as upon one’s individual linguistic exposure and learning experience. Proficiency in the four skills of English usage is case-specific, with each region having its own individual variety of English. BUSINESS HOW COULD FREE TRADE AGREEMENT HELP ATTRACT FOREIGN DIRECT INVESTMENT? Qiaomin Li ECONOMICS In 2010, ACFTA (ASEAN-China Free Trade Agreement) was formally established after three agreements came into force in 2005, 2007 and 2010. One of its goals is to enhance the attractiveness of members to foreign direct investment (FDI). More than five years have passed since the 2005 agreement and we are able to examine its realization. This paper tests the change of FDI inflow to China and ASEAN due to ACFTA through a gravity model. In the model, the main explanatory variable, ACFTA, is a dummy variable with four values. The values of ACFTA indicate the degrees of liberalization after each agreement by following the Member Liberalization Index (MLI) (Dee and Gali 2003). With MLI, our model generates more accurate results about the FDI effects of ACFTA. The results show that ACFTA positively impacts on FDI inflow, especially FDI from intra FTA. Both China and ASEAN benefit from ACFTA. ENGINEERING ‘ FLUID STRUCTURE INTERACTION CONSIDERATIONS IN HULL SLAMMING Tom Allen MECHANICAL ENGINEERING Traditional analysis for structural specifications on high speed and high performance marine craft has treated the hull as rigid for the purposes of establishing design pressures. The increased use of highly flexible composite materials has led to more flexible hull structures on both the local and global scale. This deviation from the rigid assumption leads to a decrease in accuracy of structural performance prediction, producing either non-optimised structure or premature failure. Further to treating the structure as rigid, the dynamic non-uniform pressure experienced during slamming is often simplified as a uniform static load. This work investigates the effect of local structural flexibility during slamming events. The aim is to better understand when fluid-structure interaction and the non-uniformity of the load can be neglected and when it must be considered to either ensure structural optimisation or prevent premature failure. Both experimental and numerical work has been undertaken in order to establish the fluid structure interaction occurring over a range of impact parameters and hull panel constructions. Sandwich constructions have been focused on due to the ability to vary their flexural rigidity and shear stiffness independently. Results have indicated that traditional analysis methods lead to under predictions for the load at the edge of the panel, which for sandwich construction is likely to lead to premature failure, while the centre of the panel undergoes similar levels of loading as traditional simplifications. Variations in the applied pressure have also been seen with a reduction of peak pressure and an increase in residual pressure at the centre of the panel. Work has also been undertaken to allow for comparison of experimental data with both numerical and analytical predictions by considering the error effects of the instrumentation used, allowing collaborators to directly compare their predictions with our experimental results. SPECTRUM SENSING USING A LINEAR ANTENNA ARRAY Farrukh Aziz Bhatti ELECTRICAL AND COMPUTER ENGINEERING Cognitive radio (CR) is an intelligent wireless communication system that is aware of its electromagnetic environment and thus it can transmit on any unused frequency at a particular location and time. This is considered as a potential solution for facilitating the increasing number of wireless services that cannot be assigned dedicated frequencies in the over-crowded spectrum. A crucial requirement from a CR is that it should be able to accurately sense the wireless signals of a licensed user (LU), before it can use the LU’s frequency for its own transmissions. Failing to do this may cause interference to the LU communication which cannot be afforded. Sensing the presence of an LU’s signals is referred to as spectrum sensing. Sensing a very low powered LU signal is a challenging task in the presence of radio channel variations and receiver’s internal noise that also varies. Using multiple antennas on a sensor can help improve the sensing performance in different ways. Exposure Poster Abstracts 25 This work reports an experimental study that investigates the improvement in sensing performance as a function of different number of antennas used in a linear antenna array. A software defined radio (SDR) system with multiple (coherent) radio-frequency front ends is used as a CR that receives over the air wireless signals from a signal generator emulating an LU. The received signals are then subjected to a covariance based detection algorithm for detecting the LU’s signals. It is observed that the sensing performance improves almost asymptotically as the number of antennas are increased from 1 to 4. In addition a higher variation in sensing performance is observed due to multipath fading as the antenna arm is rotated and sensing is performed at different positions using a single antenna. This variation reduces significantly as the number of antennas is increased. DETECTING OSTEOARTHRITIS BEFORE IT’S TOO LATE: A QUEST TO FIND A SUITABLE ANIMAL MODEL FOR EARLY OSTEOARTHRITIS Emily Hargrave-Thomas CHEMICAL AND MATERIALS ENGINEERING Osteoarthritis is a degenerative disease where cartilage lining the surfaces of joints deteriorates. It is a leading cause of disability in developed countries. The most successful and common treatment is total joint replacement, removing the diseased cartilage and bone and replacing them with a prosthetic joint. There are no effective methods for repairing damaged cartilage. A better understanding of the early changes in osteoarthritis is needed to enable early detection and to develop less invasive treatments. To study early osteoarthritis, cartilage samples from early disease states are needed. The majority of joint tissue samples come from joints removed during total joint replacement and are too degenerate. There is a limited supply of early osteoarthritic human tissue so an animal model is desired. The bovine patella (cow kneecap) is a potential experimental model that is easy to obtain from meat processing facilities. The degeneration seen in the bovine model must be compared with the human to confirm that they display osteoarthritis as opposed to other forms of degeneration. Fifteen bovine patellae were obtained from an abattoir, fixed, and decalcified. Samples of the cartilage on the underlying bone were stained and their degeneration was graded using common osteoarthritic scoring systems. Patterns of degeneration were compared with human histological samples. The bovine samples showed similar degenerative changes 26 Exposure Poster Abstracts to human osteoarthritis, including: cartilage surface irregularities, fibrillation into cartilage, cell proliferation, decreased staining, and increased density of underlying bone. However, bovine samples had less stain loss than equivalently degenerate human samples, no large clusters of cells, and relatively mild degeneration. This study suggests that the bovine patella is an appropriate model to represent early osteoarthritic changes in humans because the pattern and extent of degeneration is similar to human osteoarthritis. This animal model will be used in future studies to quantify the early changes seen. BIODIESEL FROM EDIBLE OIL WITHIN SECONDS: HOW IS THIS POSSIBLE? Shin Tien Hoh CHEMICAL AND MATERIALS ENGINEERING Biodiesel is usually manufactured by reacting edible vegetable oil or animal fat with methanol in the liquid phase. The liquid-liquid batch reactor method requires 30 - 60 minutes to achieve reasonable conversion into biodiesel. The relatively slow reaction rates are contributed to by the limitation of reaction temperature, by the boiling point of methanol (65oC), and the immiscibility of the liquid reactants i.e. mass transfer barrier. Recently, a novel process has been developed in the Chemical and Materials Engineering Department of the University of Auckland by Dr Sam Behzadi and Professor Mohammed Farid to reduce the reaction time to a few seconds. This is accomplished by spraying fine droplets of oil into a methanol vapour atmosphere. Thus, the main objective of this present work is to derive a mathematical model which provides fundamental understanding to the rapid gas-liquid transesterification process. The model is based on the gas absorption process followed by a secondorder chemical reaction inside the liquid droplets. The model depicts that the overall process is governed by a mass transfer term and a reaction kinetics term. Gasliquid transesterification reactions were performed in a laboratory-scale droplet reactor to simulate the conditions within the novel spray reactor mentioned earlier. Analysis of experiment results and modelling efforts reveal that the gas-liquid transesterification reaction rate is predominated by the mass transfer term while the reaction rate constant (reaction temperature) played an important role. As a conclusion, the gas-liquid transesterification reaction is able to produce biodiesel within seconds because of elevated reaction temperatures which are no longer limited by the boiling point of methanol, and enhanced mass transfer of the methanol vapour phase into small oil droplets. SHINING TEETH WITH GLASSCERAMICS Saifang Huang CHEMICAL AND MATERIALS ENGINEERING It is known that tooth loss may create serious physical, functional, emotional, and psychological consequences. Dental restorations would reconstruct people who lose their teeth with a big smile, which are made from materials that can simulate the nature of teeth or even outmatch them. Glass-ceramics are a promising material for dental applications because of their excellent biocompatibility, natural-looking aesthetics, good properties, and clinical performance. Although all-ceramic restorations perform well in clinical application, they are expensive for patients due to the fact that they require complex fabrication processes but just come up with one product. In contrast, glass-ceramic restorations have an important merit that they are suitable for mass production by using glass technology and a post heat treatment process, thereby significantly cutting down the price of each product. Moreover, the tooth colour, translucence, and self-glazing effect of glassceramics can be adjusted by controlling glass composition and crystallinity, and thus enable glass-ceramics to be aesthetically pleasing and with a very similar external appearance to natural teeth. Particularly, lithium disilicate glass-ceramics attracted extraordinary attention over other glass-ceramics. One aim of my PhD project is to fabricate a glass-ceramic with the desired mechanical properties for dental applications. In preliminary experiments, the crystalline phase formation, microstructure, and mechanical properties of lithium disilicate (Li2Si2O5) glass-ceramics in the SiO2–Li2O–Al2O3–P2O5–ZrO2 system were investigated. At a temperature lower than 770 °C, the lithium metasilicate (Li2SiO3) phase dominates. On the other hand, when the glass was heated to a higher temperature, the lithium disilicate phase dominates and some other minor phases such as cristobalite (SiO2) and lithium phosphate (Li3PO4) emerge. ZrO2 emerged in nano sized crystallized when the temperature was above 790 °C. Lithium disilicate glass-ceramics with Vickers hardness of 8.1~8.4 GPa and flexural strength of 282~307 MPa were prepared in this glass system. A BIO-INSPIRED ROBOTIC ORTHOSIS FOR GAIT REHABILITATION Shahid Hussain MECHANICAL ENGINEERING This research presents the modelling and control of a robotic gait training orthosis. The robotic orthosis has six degrees of freedom. Hip and knee sagittal plane rotation are powered by the antagonistic actuation of pneumatic muscle actuators (PMA). The modeling of the PMA was performed using an artificial neural network (ANN). A fuzzy logic control scheme was used as a trajectory tracking controller. The purpose of the fuzzy logic control scheme was to guide the human subject’s limbs on reference physiological trajectories with minimum trajectory tracking errors. The fuzzy logic control scheme was evaluated on a healthy subject during robot assisted walking and satisfactory performance was obtained. WIRELESS POWER SYSTEM FOR IMPLANTABLE HEART PUMPS BASED ON ENERGY INJECTION CONTROL Ho Yan Leung AUCKLAND BIOENGINEERING INSTITUTE Implantable heart pump therapy is an effective cure for patients with medically refractory heart disease, who are on the waiting list for a heart transplant. It is also helpful for the recovery of a failing heart. But such heart pumps are only approved for end stage heart failure patients due to risks that are not caused by the heart pump itself, one of which being the power delivery to the heart pump. These pumps need to operate continuously over a period of several months, and on average draw over 5W of power. This high level of power consumption eliminates the possibility of using an implanted battery source. The current practice is to supply power by a cable through the skin of the abdomen. This percutaneous link is prone to infection and injury, making it a leading cause of adverse events. Inductive Power Transfer (IPT) technology provides a Transcutaneous Energy Transfer (TET) method for infectionfree power delivery to the implantable heart pump. My research explores how IPT can be used in this unique application where the system requirements and operating environment are very different from normal industrial IPT systems. The focus of this study is to apply an energy injection type of power converter to a TET system for heart pumps, and analyse how it performs under the conditions it will experience in practice. The results from this study show that the proposed system can regulate the voltage at the implant across wide magnetic coupling variations (k=0.1 to 0.3); and still maintain an end-to-end efficiency of over 78.7% across the whole control range while delivering 15W of power. The results obtained show that the proposed system is sufficiently robust and flexible to deliver the required power to keep an implantable heart pump spinning. Exposure Poster Abstracts 27 SOLVENT FREE TISSUE SCAFFOLDS FOR BIOMEDICAL APPLICATIONS Sandy Lin MECHANICAL ENGINEERING The development of techniques for tissue and organ transplantation over the past century has been fast and revolutionary. However, the lack of donors is still the problem and causes many deaths for patients waiting for organ transplants. In the United States alone, approximately a quarter of patients in need of organs die while waiting for suitable donors. This has caused many to consider tissue engineering techniques as alternatives for organ transplantation. One of the main elements of tissue engineering is the tissue scaffold, which supports cell growth. Cells are implanted into the artificial scaffold which is capable of supporting three dimensional tissue formations. Many techniques including electrospinning have been studied for use in medical applications, but often involve the use of toxic organic solvents. This research is in developing solvent-free scaffolds using micro/nanofibrillar composite (MFC/NFC) technology for regenerative medical usage. Cellular testing shows promising results from seeding MC3T3-E1 osteoblastic cells on the scaffolds. Cell numbers have increased over a 10 day period with a confluent layer of live cells seen after seven days of cell culture on the MFC/NFC scaffolds. With appropriate cells and nutrients integrated into these scaffolds, it may be possible to regenerate tissues that are in desperate need by patients. By using the MFC/NFC technique, biodegradable polymers can be used to produce solvent-free nanoporous structures which have great potential for use as tissue scaffolds. DESIGNING ORTHOPAEDIC IMPLANTS BASED ON POLYLACTIC ACID-COATED MAGNESIUM Reece Neil Oosterbeek CHEMICAL AND MATERIALS ENGINEERING In recent years there has been much interest in magnesiumbased materials for use as orthopaedic implants due to their biodegradability within the body. This means that a second operation is not required for implant removal. However, current materials degrade too quickly - this study attempts to improve corrosion resistance by applying composite coatings consisting of inorganic and polymer components. Firstly, inorganic coatings were applied to magnesium to improve polymer bonding via precipitation from a supersaturated solution. Solution pH, temperature, and coating time were varied to create two different coatings (denoted A and B). Polylactic acid (PLA) coatings were then applied by dip coating in a PLA/dichloromethane solution. 28 Exposure Poster Abstracts The adhesion strength of the composite coatings was tested, and it was found that the inorganic coatings weakened polymer bonding – due to brittle fracture in the inorganic layer. Corrosion testing was carried out by immersing coated samples in a salt solution at 37oC, and monitoring the pH (magnesium corrosion is known to increase solution pH). All coatings were seen to reduce corrosion, however due to hydrogen evolution (a known characteristic of magnesium corrosion) blisters form under the PLA coatings. The PLA coating cracks under the pressure of the evolved gas and exposes uncoated magnesium, resulting in increased corrosion. A correlation is seen between the adhesive strength of the coating and the time it takes to crack, with stronger coatings lasting longer before cracking. In summary, the inorganic coatings applied reduced the adhesion strength of PLA coatings, thereby reducing corrosion resistance – the best corrosion resistance was obtained by PLA only coating on magnesium. It is evident from this study that the adhesive strength between the substrate and the coating is of critical importance to the corrosion protection afforded by the coating, in order to delay or eliminate cracking of the coating entirely. MULTIPLE SCALE STRUCTURE AND DAMAGE IN FLAX FABRIC COMPOSITES Shyam Mohan Panamoottil MECHANICAL ENGINEERING Fracture of materials is a multiscale phenomenon, which can span from yielding/failure of large structural components, right down to an atomistic failure of bonds. Due to the difficulties associated with representing the finer details in analysis, the smaller scale processes have been buried under large safety factors in design. However, with large computational resources becoming increasingly affordable, it is now possible to consider the solution of numerical representations of materials at multiple scales in practical time periods. These scales are then usually linked together by one of several multiscale modelling approaches. Composites are inherently multiscale, being built up from the basic fibre and matrix to plies, which are then stacked to form laminated panels, which can then be used for structural components. The hierarchy goes deeper for natural fibre composites, where the fibre itself is made of multiple microfibrils. In this context, it is of particular interest to assess the applicability of mutiscale damage models to predict the failure behaviour of natural fibre composites (flax fabric composites in this project). Current damage models will be combined with multiscale numerical representations of fabric composites and their components to enable a more realistic prediction of failure behaviour. It is common to talk of “tailoring” the properties of composites by suitable selection of materials and their arrangements. However, their properties are usually determined through several tests after manufacture. With the development of multiscale models, the properties of these tailored materials could be numerically predicted from the design stage. DETECTION OF RECOVERY TIMES IN GASTRIC EXTRACELLULAR HIGHRESOLUTION ELECTRICAL RECORDINGS Niranchan Paskaranandavadivel AUCKLAND BIOENGINEERING INSTITUTE Mechanical contraction in the stomach, which breaks down the food we eat, is governed by an underlying rhythmic bio-electrical event known as slow waves. Abnormalities in the slow wave activity have been linked to major stomach disorders such as Gastroparesis, where the stomach is in a state of partial or complete paralysis and digestion is delayed. With the use of high-resolution electrical recordings in the outer surface of the stomach, the spatio-temporal dynamics of slow wave propagation can be recorded. The activation time of slow waves is commonly used to assess the spatiotemporal profile of the slow wave propagation. In this study, we present a novel method in this field, to detect the recovery time in gastric electric recordings. It uses the activation time of slow waves, and a derivative of the signal using the Savitzky Goaly algorithm, to define the recovery point in a slow wave event. This allows the mapping of the recovery phase and computation of the activation-recovery intervals of the slow wave propagation. This method was performed in three pigs which exhibited normal gastric slow wave propagation. This study has two significant findings. First the recovery phase of slow wave activity can be quantified in a reliable manner using a derivative based method. Second, recovery time mapping can be used as an additional utility in highresolution gastric mapping to elucidate the mechanics behind abnormal slow wave activity in stomach disorders such as Gastroparesis. THE MISSING LINK: MAKING EXOSKELETONS ACCESSIBLE TO THE PHYSICALLY DISABLED James Pau MECHANICAL ENGINEERING There are numerous military and industrial outfits that are attempting build an exoskeleton - a robotic device that is anthropomorphic in nature and works in concert with a user’s movements to augment their natural strength and endurance. However, these exoskeletons could offer more assistance to the disabled. In New Zealand alone, 384,000 adults have a physical disability and this number is increasing – every day 21 New Zealanders have a stroke, cerebral palsy affects 0.2% of live births, and there is one new spinal cord injury every 5 days. A significant portion of these people require assistance, and having their own exoskeleton device would make their lives much easier. The problem is that the military versions of exoskeletons require users to exert forces and torques that are strong enough for the exoskeleton to react to, and a disabled user would find this difficult and exhausting. This lack of direct information exchange between the user and the exoskeleton is one of the main barriers to exoskeletons seeing widespread use in the physically disabled population. The solution is to develop an interfacing approach that makes use of the EMG signal. This is a biosignal that comes from the electrical activity within muscle, and can be detected non-invasively from the skin surface. It indicates intended muscle activation and its main advantage is that it can be detected without an actual movement. This means that it could allow an exoskeleton to respond proactively to user intent. More importantly, while physically disabled users may not be able to produce measureable forces, they will still have residual EMG signals that can be picked up by the interface. When these signals are combined with a model that mathematically represents the bone and muscle structure of a joint, the interface outputs predictions for intended joint torque and position. MULTI-TOUCH AGILE PROJECT MANAGEMENT TOOL Frank Chuan Qin ELECTRICAL AND COMPUTER ENGINEERING This poster will mainly introduce: 1) the technology of Microsoft PixelSense and the methods of developing software applications on this platform; 2) how this technology can benefit the Agile project management. Microsoft PixelSense (previously named Surface) is a technology which allows a display to recognize fingers, hands, and objects placed on the screen, enabling visionbased interaction without the use of cameras. Agile software development is a group of software development methods based on iterative and incremental development, where requirements and solutions evolve through collaboration between self-organizing, crossfunctional teams. Exposure Poster Abstracts 29 By using some images and concise description, hopefully this poster will appeal to the audiences’ interest in Multitouch software application development. BISCUIT BREAKDOWN DURING CHEWING HOW DOES THE FLEXIBLE ANNULUS IN THE INTERVERTEBRAL DISC INTEGRATE WITH THE RIGID VERTEBRA? Texture plays a key role in deciding the palatability of solid foods. It is a dynamic sensory attribute that describes the inmouth feel of food. As such, texture depends on how food breaks down during chewing. Chewing drastically alters the structure and properties of solid foods by comminution and mixing with saliva, leading to the formation of a cohesive bolus for safe swallowing. This study aims to investigate how biscuits break down during chewing by analysing changes in bolus structure. Griffin’s Superwines biscuits were used in this single-subject chewing study. Biscuit breakdown was studied by measuring changes in the particle size of the bolus as chewing progresses. Samples were chewed and expectorated after varying percentages of the total chewing time to represent the biscuit bolus at different stages (i.e. 10%, 30% and 50%). Bolus particles were spread onto a transparent sheet, imaged by a flatbed scanner and analysed with ImageJ to obtain particle measurements. The structure of the final bolus was also studied using higher-resolution imaging techniques. Biscuit samples were chewed till ready to swallow, expectorated and frozen in liquid nitrogen. The frozen bolus was either cryo-sectioned and viewed with light microscopy, or cryo-fractured and examined with cryoscanning electron microscopy (cryo-SEM). Image analysis reveals that particle size increases with chewing time because saliva acts like glue and binds fractured particles together. Thus, although individual biscuit particles become smaller as chewing progresses, they agglomerate into clusters and form a single, pastelike mass by the point of swallow. Light microscope and cryo-SEM images of the final bolus imply that most of the solid particles at the point of swallow are individual starch granules. Furthermore, cryo-SEM also suggests that the concentration of dissolved sugars in saliva is not homogeneous within the final bolus. Samantha Alda Rodrigues CHEMICAL AND MATERIALS ENGINEERING The intervertebral disc plays a major role in the spine, providing flexibility and force transmission in an otherwise rigid structure. It comprises three different regions – the soft jelly-like nucleus in the centre, the firm multilayer annulus around this and the two endplates which represent a discvertebral bone transition. The annulus-endplate junction is particularly important as it is the main connection that holds the disc and vertebrae together, facilitating load transfer between the two tissues. But the change in mechanical properties makes this difficult, causing high stresses to develop here which not only makes it a potential weak-link in the disc but also poses a common engineering issue. So how is the structure designed for this stressful environment and where does the strength come from? This study aims to investigate the structural architecture of this junction using novel imaging techniques and vertebradisc-vertebra segments from sheep lumbar spines. These were first prepared for microscopy by fixing, decalcifying, and cryogenically sectioning them along different planes – oblique (in-plane with the annular fibre angle which is approximately 60° to vertical) and coronal (approximately parallel to each annular layer). Resulting sections were then imaged in their fully hydrated state using Differential Interference Contrast (DIC) optical microscopy. The annular fibre bundles were found to penetrate right through the cartilaginous endplate to the disc-vertebra boundary. On entering this layer, the bundles have a tendency to divide into sub-bundles, forming a 3D multileaf morphology with each leaf separated by cartilaginous endplate matrix. This increases the interface area between embedded bundle and endplate matrix which, consequently, allows higher loads to be carried by the annulus. Given the limited endplate thickness, this mechanism achieves greater anchorage strength over a relatively short depth. Additionally, microstructural comparison of the junction in its relaxed versus loaded state provides further insights into its mechanical nature. 30 Exposure Poster Abstracts Sophia Areta Rodrigues CHEMICAL AND MATERIALS ENGINEERING TSUNAMI DAMAGE TO COASTAL STRUCTURES Reza Shafiei CIVIL ENGINEERING Tsunamis are catastrophic events causing the loss of thousands of human lives and severe damage to coastal infrastructure, particularly in island countries such as New Zealand because of its long coastline. The major damage to infrastructure is caused both directly by the tsunami waves and by the impact of floating debris. The 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami and the 2011 Japanese tsunami have heightened awareness of the need to study the interaction between tsunami waves and coastal structures. However, the impact of tsunamis on coastal structures has received limited attention. The design of tsunami-resilient buildings is an urgent need. This poster presents an experimental investigation of the tsunami-induced force on the front face of a typical New Zealand coastal building. The forces induced on a 1:17 scale model of a coastal building are equivalent to about 240% of the hydrostatic force, in the wave direction. A NOVEL ROTARY SENSOR FOR A LIGHTWEIGHT HAND EXOSKELETON Arief Probo Tjahyono MECHANICAL ENGINEERING A novel rotary sensor based on a conducting polymer called polypyrrole has been developed. This rotary sensor addresses the issue of bulky and heavy rotary sensors for the finger joints of hand exoskeletons. The rotary sensor was fabricated with its size and weight in mind so that its implementation can bring about lightweight and lowprofile hand exoskeletons. This was achieved by coating a thin film of polypyrrole onto a thin strip of natural rubber using the vapour phase polymerisation deposition method. The response of this rotary sensor has been characterised using a 1 degree-of-freedom joint. Due to variation of the electrical resistance for the same angular position during repeated tests, the change in electrical resistance ( R/R0) was used instead as it provided a more consistent result. Hence, this rotary sensor was able to measure the relative angular position instead of the absolute angular position. This relative angular position measurement was assessed by implementing it with a proportional-integral-derivative (PID) controller to control the rotation of a 1 degree-of-freedom joint actuated using an air muscle. A laser rangefinder was installed to measure the actual angular position and used for comparison to the relative angular position reading from the rotary sensor. The rotary sensor was able to provide feedback to the controller where the error on the angular position reading from the rotary sensor reached only 5°. However, the rotary sensor’s response time is fairly slow compared to the laser rangefinder and would have difficulty with a high angular velocity. THE EFFECT OF LOADING HISTORY ON THE VULNERABILITY OF CARTILAGE AND BONE Sean Turley CHEMICAL AND MATERIALS ENGINEERING Like human athletes, race horses are known to suffer from the early onset of osteoarthritis, which is related to the loading demands experienced by the cartilage and bone within the joint. Such animals therefore present as an ideal model for studying joint problems facing high performance human athletes. We hypothesise that there are regions within the joint that are sufficiently different in microstructure, as defined by their respective loading histories, so that they become particularly vulnerable to degenerative change or microfracture. To investigate this hypothesis, the palmar and dorsal regions within the fetlock joint, both regions known to have different loading histories, were contrasted in terms of articular cartilage morphology and mechanical properties to provide insight into the relationship between loading history, tissue adaptation, and joint vulnerability to injury. The cartilage of the palmar region had significantly (p < 0.01) smaller superficial zone, mid to deep zone, and total thickness compared to the dorsal. The calcified cartilagebone interface irregularity (a measure of bone remodelling) was significantly greater in the palmar region compared to the dorsal. The palmar region had significantly lower modulus values compared to the dorsal. The modulus showed a significant positive linear correlation (r = 0.66) with superficial zone thickness. In the palmar region cartilage, the thinner superficial zone and associated lower modulus indicate a lesser ability to redistribute loads compared to the dorsal region. We propose that this difference leaves the palmar bone more vulnerable to microfracture, which in turn may lead to heightened levels of bone remodelling. The subsequent change in bone structure and mechanical properties are typical as a precursor to early osteoarthritis and explains why, clinically, the palmar region is most frequently affected. Exposure Poster Abstracts 31 CAN A DECISION MAKING FRAME FROM AOTEAROA (NEW ZEALAND) TRANSFER TO PAPUA (INDONESIA)? CHANGING LAND USE FROM PEAT LAND TO AGRICULTURAL PURPOSES IN MERAUKE, PAPUA, INDONESIA Elisabeth Veronika Wambrauw CIVIL ENGINEERING Merauke is the easternmost city of Indonesia and is located in the south. Merauke is targeted as a main supplier of Indonesian food, with a project named The Merauke Integrated Food and Energy Estate (MIFEE). Merauke has a total area of 4,469,841 ha, and more than a half of the total area has potential land for agriculture and more than 30 national and international companies have permission to invest in this region. However, changing land use from peat land to agricultural purposes creates conflict with Indigenous People and environment problems. To assist with a better understanding of these challenges, the main objective of the study is to identify the transferability of a decision making framework from Aotearoa (New Zealand) to Papua. By using the Mauri Model Decision Making Framework (MMDMF), the sustainability of changing land use in Merauke can be analysed. MMDMF is a sustainable decision support system that including indigenous New Zealand culture which consists of four dimensions of well-being; Mauri of Whanau (economic), Mauri of community (social), Mauri of Hap (culture), and Mauri of the ecosystem (environment). Based on the data, there are seven stakeholders; central government, local government, small farmers, agribusiness companies, NGOs, Indigenous People, and researchers. As a result of theMauri Model - Analytical Hierarchy Process (APH) the first four actors put economy as the priority, while NGOs and Indigenous put culture, and the researchers put the ecosystem as the significant concern. After combining with the Mauriometer, the measurement shows – 0.52, which means the MIFEE does not sustain the whole aspect of human being, only Agribusiness Companies that have the benefit of this project over a long-term period. To conclude, MMDMF can be adopted in Papua because it covers the culture aspect and it shows unsustainable development of the project. MIND-ANGEL: USING MIND ONLY FOR COMMUNICATION AND CONTROL Song Xing MECHANICAL ENGINEERING Mind-Angel is a novel device that solely employs brain activities to realize communication and control. It is dedicated 32 Exposure Poster Abstracts to people with mobility impairments. The driving force behind this is to explore the potential of science and technology and use them to improve the well-being of disabled people especially in promoting self-care and independence. Statistics show that many old or disabled people do not enjoy life to the full and there is a health and social cost to this predicament. If appropriate tools are available, for example, to restore the capacity for communication and control of these people, they may enjoy a higher quality of life than at present. Employing brain activities to communicate and control opens a window of opportunity for people with mobility impairments. However, existing products can only conduct simple commands with low accuracy and speed, even after extensive training. They are not efficient enough for daily life. Mind-Angel offers the kind of technology that can enhance the quality of life of disabled people and reconnect them with society. The unique algorithm of proposed Mind-Angel can detect extremely weak signals and interpret them with high accuracy. This conclusion has been verified by trials with nine participants. Mind-Angel has a wireless interface, compact structure and only a few recording sites. It is easy to operate and does not require extensive training. In addition, Mind-Angel is cost-efficient and affordable for most potential users in New Zealand. Mind-Angel has great potential to be widely used in assisting physically challenged people in their daily life. MEDICAL AND HEALTH SCIENCES DOPAMINE RECEPTOR EXPRESSION ON PROGENITOR CELLS IN THE HUMAN SUBVENTRICULAR ZONE Bronwen Gardner ANATOMY WITH RADIOLOGY Background: Dopamine is an important neurotransmitter that is thought to play a role in the control of new neuron formation (neurogenesis) in a large range of vertebrates, including humans. However, little is known about the expression patterns and roles of the five dopamine receptor subtypes (D1-5) in the major neurogenic region in the adult human brain, the subventricular zone. Parkinson’s disease is a neurodegenerative disorder that involves a decrease in cerebral dopamine, which may affect the neurogenic process in these patients; however, research in this area has not been conclusive. Objectives: Define the expression patterns of dopamine receptors in the human subventricular zone in control and Parkinson’s disease brains. Determine which neurogenic cell types express which dopamine receptors. Methods: Immunohistochemistry, immunofluorescence, and immuno-electron microscopy using fixed human brain tissue. Results: The D2 receptor is the most abundant dopamine receptor subtype in the human adult subventricular zone in both control and Parkinson’s patients, and is expressed on proliferating cells. The other receptor subtypes (D1,3-5) are all found in the subventricular zone, but at lower levels. Interestingly, preliminary data suggest that there is no significant change in D2 receptor levels in the Parkinson’s disease subventricular zone. Discussion: The relative abundance of D2 receptors, and their localisation on proliferating cells, supports previous studies showing that D2 receptor activation increases neurogenesis in the subventricular zone. In addition, the lack of change in D2 receptor levels in Parkinson’s disease supports a recent study suggesting there is no change in subventricular neurogenesis in this disease. SUPER RESOLUTION IMAGING OF HIPPOCAMPAL SYNAPSES Lucy Goodman PHYSIOLOGY Background: The postsynaptic density (PSD) is a dense region of protein that lies beneath the postsynaptic membrane of excitatory glutamatergic synapses. Understanding the ‘molecular architecture’ of the PSD may reveal whether structural changes in architecture are correlated with synaptic plasticity. Of particular interest are the scaffolding proteins responsible for transporting glutamate receptor components to the postsynaptic membrane and thus regulating the excitability of the neuron. However, the ~200 nm resolution limit of traditional optical microscopy has greatly complicated detailed study of protein arrangements within the densely packed PSD. Recently developed super resolution imaging techniques have overcome these limitations. Methods: We have applied a single molecule localisation method of super resolution imaging known as dSTORM to image the distribution of synaptic proteins in cultured rat hippocampal neurons. Results: Dual-colour super resolution imaging of the respective pre and postsynaptic proteins Homer and Bassoon reveals two physically discernible protein distributions separated by the synaptic cleft. 3D super resolution imaging has allowed us to align synapses into the same orientation, providing a stable reference point from which to measure the relative locations of other protein distributions. Transient overexpression of the MAGUK scaffolding protein SAP97 alters synapse morphology and protein distribution, a process thought to underlie synaptic plasticity. Discussion: We are currently investigating the spatial distribution of SAP97 relative to other key synaptic proteins, including Homer, Bassoon, and PSD95. This study illustrates how new super resolution imaging techniques can be used to study the molecular architecture of the synapse in unprecedented detail. REGULATION OF FATTY ACID BINDING PROTEIN 5 BY ITS ASSOCIATED LONG NON-CODING RNA IN HUMAN BREAST CANCER CELL LINES Herah Hansji AUCKLAND CANCER SOCIETY RESEARCH CENTRE Background: Fatty acid binding protein 5 (FABP5) is a member of a family of proteins that bind to fatty acids, functioning in their transport, metabolism and cell signalling. FABP5 is associated with poor prognosis and high tumour grade. It is speculated to facilitate interactions between adipocytes and breast cancer cells, driving malignant changes and breast cancer progression. Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNA) have emerged as regulators of protein coding genes, and may regulate the function of FABP5. Objectives: To investigate the role of long non coding RNA in the regulation of FABP5 in breast cancer. Methods: Bioinformatic analysis of publicly available databases was used to identify lncRNA associated with FABP5. Stability of lncRNA was measured through treatment of breast cancer cells with actinomysin D. Breast cancer cells were treated with fatty acids and gene expression of FABP5 and its associated lncRNA was measured through quantitative PCR. Results: An antisense lncRNA, hereafter referred to as FABP5AS was identified to be associated with FABP5. FABP5 and FABP5AS were differentially expressed according to cell line. Stability assays confirmed the stable transcription of FABP5AS, indicating it is likely to be functional. Treatment with fatty acids lead to differential and discordant expression of FABP5 and FABP5AS in breast cancer cell lines. Discussion: LncRNAs have been observed to play a role in suppression of its associated protein, and the differential expression of FABP5AS to FABP5 upon treatment with fatty acids suggests that such a phenomenon may be involved in the mechanism by which FABP5 expression is regulated. Exposure Poster Abstracts 33 EXPLORING THE EXPERIENCES OF PRACTICING CLINICAL SUPERVISORS WITHIN A NEW ZEALAND MENTAL HEALTH AND ADDICTIONS SERVICE MENTAL HEALTH Emilia Hlatywayo NURSING Background: The stressful nature of mental health nursing requires nurses to receive ongoing support to enable them to improve their practice and the quality of client care. Clinical supervision is one strategy that offers support and professional development. In New Zealand clinical supervisors offer this service but there is little research on their experiences. Objective: To explore the experiences of mental health and addictions nurses who provide clinical supervision in a New Zealand District Health Board. Methods: A qualitative descriptive methodology was used. Data was collected via individual semi-structured interviews from 15 clinical supervisors and was thematically analyzed. Results: Four over-arching themes were identified: Acquiring the nuts and bolts of clinical supervision, practicing flexibly within supervision frameworks, integrating clinical supervision with nursing practice, and working within organisational frameworks. Discussion: The findings of the study show how providing clinical supervision is a rewarding as well as a challenging experience. It requires motivated and well-prepared individuals who are willing to support other’s professional development while reflecting on and developing their own practice. Organisational systems can be either supportive or constraining to the effective implementation of clinical supervision. The implications of the findings highlight the need for employers to provide adequate resources, clear policies and procedures that support and enable all mental health nurses to access clinical supervision. Investing in clinical supervision brings out the best in motivated and committed supervisors and in their supervisees. COULD COMMUNITY PHARMACIES HELP TO MEET THE UNMET HEALTH NEEDS OF NEW ZEALAND’S YOUTH? Emma Horsfield PHARMACY Background: Although young people are generally considered to be fit and healthy, the Ministry of Health has identified many unmet health issues amongst the youth population in New Zealand (NZ). Community pharmacy is 34 Exposure Poster Abstracts developing services in some of these areas, such as smoking cessation and emergency contraception, and pharmacies are readily accessible to young people. However, there have been few studies in this area. Objectives: To investigate the potential for community pharmacies to help increase healthcare access and address unmet health needs of young people in NZ. Methods: Descriptive secondary analysis of the Youth ‘07 health and wellbeing survey data, alongside confirmatory focus groups with a Youth Advisory Group. Results: Seventeen per cent (N = 1,485) of all students had been unable to access care when required in the previous 12 months. Of these students, 86.0% cited barriers to accessing healthcare that are unlikely to be barriers in a community pharmacy setting (e.g. not being able to get an appointment). Thirty per cent (N = 2,475) of students had experienced difficulty accessing healthcare in the past 12 months for various health issues, with over half of these (N= 1,326) citing a health issue for which community pharmacies provide services (e.g. minor health issues; smoking cessation). Discussion: This research indicates that there is potential for community pharmacies to improve healthcare access for young people in NZ. Further research is needed to explore how community pharmacy models of care might be provided in an appropriate and acceptable manner for youth. BIOINFORMATIC ANALYSIS IDENTIFIES FOXRED2 AS AN ACTIVATING REDUCTASE OF THE ANTICANCER PRODRUG SN29428 Francis Hunter AUCKLAND CANCER SOCIETY RESEARCH CENTRE Background: The University of Auckland-developed compound SN29428, a nitro-chloromethylbenzindoline prodrug that is reduced to its cognate DNA-alkylating amine in the absence of oxygen, shows significant promise as a hypoxia-targeted anticancer prodrug in preclinical models. However the enzymes that activate this agent in hypoxic tumours have not been identified and this remains a central challenge for patient-individualised therapy. Objectives: We sought to employ bioinformatic modelling to identify enzymes potentially capable of hypoxia-dependent SN29428 activation in tumour cell lines, and to evaluate any candidates using cell-based forced expression assays. Methods: SN29428 activation under aerobic and hypoxic atmospheres was assayed by HPLC-MS/MS in a panel of 23 tumour cell lines. These phenotypic measures were correlated with Affymetrix global microarray expression data using Spearman’s and first-order partial correlations. Biologically plausible candidates were filtered using functional gene annotations. The priority candidate FOXRED2 was expressed in HEK293 cells by stable transfection and confirmed by western blotting. Results: Three Affymetrix probes specific for FOXRED2, an endoplasmic reticulum-associated flavoreductase, were highly correlated with hypoxia-specific activation of SN29428 in the panel of 23 tumour cell lines. Forced expression of FOXRED2 in HEK293 cells markedly increased SN29428 activation in a hypoxia-selective manner. This phenotype was suppressed by the flavoprotein inhibitor diphenylene iodonium, confirming true enzymatic activation. Discussion: We have identified FOXRED2 as a novel SN29428-activating flavoreductase with no previouslydescribed xenobiotic metabolising activity. FOXRED2 is widely-expressed in human tumours and these findings may have significant implications for individual tumour profiling and patient selection in clinical development of nitro-chloromethylbenzindolines. MEASUREMENT OF HUMAN VISUAL CORTEX EXCITABILITY USING SUPRATHRESHOLD PHOSPHENE PERCEPTION Alice Lagas OPTOMETRY AND VISION SCIENCE Background: Human visual cortex excitability can be measured by using single-pulse transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) to induce the percept of a phosphene. The standard technique involves varying the intensity of TMS delivered to the occipital pole, until an intensity that produces phosphenes on 50% of pulses is identified. Objectives: Here we investigated the perception of phosphenes induced by single-pulse TMS delivered at varying suprathreshold intensities. The aim was to assess whether suprathreshold phosphene perception could provide an additional measure of visual cortex excitability. Methods: Seven healthy adult males completed measurements of threshold and suprathreshold phosphene perception on three separate occasions. Phosphene thresholds were determined using standard techniques. Perception of suprathreshold phosphenes was assessed with single-pulse TMS across a fixed range of five stimulator output strengths. Results: Participants rated the intensity of each phosphene relative to the percept induced by the maximum TMS strength used within a session. A logistic function was fitted to the average intensity ratings which provided a 50% intensity threshold. Phosphene intensity ratings were correlated with phosphene thresholds (Pearson’s R = 0.84, p<0.02) and did not vary systematically across sessions, F(2,12) = 0.33, p=0.7. In contrast, phosphene thresholds declined significantly across sessions, possibly due to task learning F(2,12) = 6.18, p=0.014. Discussion: These results suggest that measurements of suprathreshold phosphene perception may provide a useful additional measure of human visual cortex excitability. THE CATION CHLORIDE TRANSPORTERS: REGULATORS OF CELL VOLUME IN HUMAN LENSES? Leo Lam OPTOMETRY AND VISION SCIENCE Background: Lens transparency is critically dependent on the ability of the lens to regulate its volume. Previous work from our laboratory has identified Cation Chloride Cotransporter (CCC) and its regulatory kinases (WNK, STK39, OSR1) and phosphatases (PP) in maintaining cell volume in rat lenses. Pharmacological modification of CCC activity in vitro leads to morphological damage consistent with lenses from diabetic rats indicating that dysfunction of CCC and its regulatory proteins may contribute to the pathogenesis associated with diabetic cataracts. Objectives: To translate our previous work on cell volume regulation in rat lenses to humans. Methods: Human donor lenses were obtained from the NZ National Eye Bank and processed for either Western blotting or immunohistochemistry. Results: Western blotting revealed that WNK1, STK39, OSR1 and PP were present in human lenses. However, the levels of kinase detected were low relative to levels of phosphatases. Furthermore, in all three regions of the lenses, regulatory components of CCCs were detected. Immunohistochemistry confirmed the regional distributions of these regulatory proteins. Discussion: In all regions of the human lens, regulatory proteins required to regulate cell volume are expressed. Further work is required to map the different members of the CCC family. These results provide the first step towards identifying the molecular pathways involved in controlling cell volume in the human lens. This is required if targeted anti-cataract therapies are to be developed that are effective in humans. Exposure Poster Abstracts 35 CYTOKINES IN PREECLAMPSIA; A META-ANALYSIS AND SYSTEMATIC REVIEW OF MEDIAN DATA Sandy Lau OBSTETRICS AND GYNAECOLOGY Background: Pregnancy is described as a state of mild systemic inflammation generated by the mother towards her immunologically foreign fetus. Preeclampsia, the leading cause of maternal mortality and morbidity, is an exaggeration of this systemic inflammation. Clinical data on levels of TNF- , IL-6 (both pro-inflammatory) and IL10 (anti-inflammatory) in women with preeclampsia and healthy pregnant women are conflicting. As inflammation may play a role in the pathophysiology of preeclampsia, it is vital to clarify this relationship. Objective: Are blood levels of TNF- , IL-6 and IL-10 different between women with preeclampsia and healthy pregnant women? Method: A systematic literature search of studies comparing TNF- , IL-6 and IL-10 in the blood of women with preeclampsia and healthy pregnant women was performed using the following databases: PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science, and SCOPUS. A meta-analysis was performed on the parametric data using the RevMan 5 software while non-parametric data was included in a systematic review. Results: Women with preeclampsia have higher blood levels of TNF- , IL-6 but not IL-10 in the third trimester of pregnancy (p<0.00001, p<0.00001 and p=0.85 respectively). The systematic review of median data is in agreement with these results. Discussion: The results suggest a shift towards inflammation in preeclampsia without a compensatory increase in antiinflammatory cytokines. Non-parametric data is traditionally excluded in meta-analyses due to a lack in statistical methods, potentially excluding quality informative data. This is the first meta-analysis of cytokines in preeclampsia that included consideration of non-parametric data. TNF- , IL-6 but not IL-10 are increased in preeclampsia. PROGENITOR CELLS IN THE THALAMOSTRIATE SUBVENTRICULAR ZONE OF THE ADULT HUMAN BRAIN Colin Mak ANATOMY WITH RADIOLOGY Background: Although it was long thought that no new neurons were born after development, it has recently been found that the adult human brain harbours progenitor cells in the subventricular zone (SVZ) and hippocampus, and that these early cells are able to differentiate into 36 Exposure Poster Abstracts functioning new neurons and glia. In humans, most studies have examined the rostral SVZ of the lateral ventricle over the caudate nucleus (CN). However, it has been alluded to by some researchers that there is a substantial increase in thickness of the ventral SVZ, caudal to the CN, and cells in this area stain with markers for stem cells and early neurons. Objectives: The present study aims to map out the boundaries of the large thickening of the SVZ in the caudal part of the ventral lateral ventricle, namely in the thalamostriate region (tsSVZ). Methods: Immunohistochemistry was performed on every 10th 50-µm-thick serial section in five formalin-fixed human brains, using proliferating nuclear cell antigen (PCNA) and glial fibrillary acidic protein delta (GFAP ), both markers of adult progenitor cells. Results: In the sagittal plane, the tsSVZ, centred around the thalamostriate vein between the CN and thalamus, began to thicken at about 4.5 mm from midline, became most prominent at 9 mm from midline, and tapered off at 11.5 mm from midline. At the thickest point it was nearly 40 times thicker than the normal human SVZ over the CN. Further analyses of the histological organisation of the cellular layers of the tsSVZ were performed using hematoxylin and eosin, and luxol fast blue staining. Discussion: This study describes for the first time in detail, the massive enlargement of the SVZ in the caudal region between the CN and thalamus of the human brain, and may represent a large reservoir of progenitor cells destined for neurogenesis. INTERNEURONAL CHANGES IN THE PRIMARY SENSORY CORTEX IN HUNTINGTON’S DISEASE Nasim Mehrabi ANATOMY WITH RADIOLOGY Background: Huntington’s disease (HD) is a neurodegenerative disorder with variable symptoms including choreiform movements, cognitive, mood, and neuropsychological changes. According to our recent studies, variable HD symptomatology is associated with variable pyramidal cell loss in the cerebral cortex. Objectives: To extend these results, we are now investigating the correlation between the pattern of GABAergic interneuron loss in the cerebral cortex with the phenotypic variability in HD. GABAergic interneurons are inhibitory neurons that modulate the activity of pyramidal neurons in the cerebral cortex, thereby determining the cortical output. Methods: This study is being carried out using unbiased stereological cell counting to quantify three major types of GABAergic interneurons in the primary sensory cortex of 10 HD and 12 normal post-mortem human brains. Three different calcium binding proteins, calbindin-D28k, calretinin and parvalbumin, are used to label interneurons. The HD cases are categorized into three dominant symptom groups (“mood”, “motor” and “mixed”) based on their symptom profiles, which was collected from family members and clinical records. Results: According to our preliminary data, there is a heterogeneous loss of Calbindin-positive interneurons in the sensory cortex of the HD cases compared to control cases, with parvalbumin-positive interneurons being preserved in all HD cases. We have observed a significant loss of calbindin-positive interneurons (67% loss) in HD cases with major “motor” disorder, but not in cases with mainly “mood” or “mixed” symptoms. Discussion: These preliminary results suggest an important association between the pattern of interneuronal loss in the sensory cortex and the variable symptomatology in HD. NEUROPEPTIDE Y IN THE SUBVENTRICULAR ZONE IN HUNTINGTON’S DISEASE Lakshini Mendis ANATOMY WITH RADIOLOGY Background: Huntington’s disease (HD), a genetic neurodegenerative disease, leads to the death of specific cells in the caudate nucleus (CN). In an attempt to compensate for this cell loss, cell proliferation and neurogenesis increases in the human subventricular zone (SVZ) in HD. As its neuroproliferative effects, via the Y1 receptor (NPY1-R), have been previously documented, neuropeptide Y (NPY) may drive this process in the human SVZ in HD. However, research examining the neuroproliferative role of NPY in humans is limited. Objectives: To examine NPY and NPY1-R expression in the SVZ in normal and HD brains. Methods: Post-mortem human CN/SVZ sections were stained using immunohistochemical and immunofluorescent methods. NPY+ cells in the SVZ were counted in normal and HD brains, and statistical analysis was performed. Results: While the average number of NPY+ cells in the adult human SVZ seemed higher in grade 1-4 of HD, in comparison to normal cases, these differences were not statistically significant. Nonetheless, these NPY+ cells were in close proximity to cells expressing glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) and NPY1-R, and also expressed nitric oxide synthase (NOS), somatostatin (SMT). Discussion: Akin to NPY-interneurons in the CN, SVZ NPY+ interneurons are conserved in HD, and may upregulate their NPY production to drive neuroproliferation in HD. The proximity of these NPY cells to GFAP+ and NPY1-R+ cells, and the co-expression of NOS and SMT, suggests a possible neuroproliferative role in the adult human SVZ. Further research is currently underway to confirm the relationship of NPY to neurogenesis in HD. IN VIVO CORNEAL CONFOCAL MICROSCOPY: AN OPHTHALMIC MARKER FOR PERIPHERAL NEUROPATHY IN DIABETES MELLITUS Stuti Misra OPHTHALMOLOGY Background: Nerve biopsy with electron microscopy, and ex vivo confocal microscopy of skin punch biopsies allow direct examination of nerve fibre damage and repair in diabetes. However, both are invasive procedures and may induce persistent pain at the biopsy site. Objectives: The aim of the current study was to investigate the relationship between corneal sub-basal nerve plexus density as imaged by in vivo confocal microscopy, corneal sensitivity, and peripheral neuropathy. Methods: Forty eight participants (aged 48 ± 11 years) with a history of type 1 diabetes mellitus and 37 control participants (aged 45 ± 13 years) were recruited. IVCM and non-contact aesthesiometry was performed in one eye of each participant. An overall neuropathy score was obtained from a combination of symptomatic neuropathy score, clinical assessment, biothesiometry, and nerve conduction test. Results: The sub-basal nerve density (SBN) was significantly lower in the diabetic group (10.3 ± 3.9 mm/mm2) than in the control (26.3 ± 9.2 mm/mm2) (p<0.01). Corneal sensitivity threshold in the diabetic group was 1.2 ± 0.6 mBAR compared to 0.2 ± 0.3 mBAR (p<0.01) in the control. SBN was modestly correlated with corneal sensitivity (r=0.26, p=0.06). Moderate correlation was observed between total neuropathy score and sub-basal nerve density (r=0.30, p=0.03). Discussion: The correlation of corneal sub-basal nerve density with corneal sensitivity and total neuropathy score confirms that reduced corneal nerve density reflects peripheral neuropathy in diabetes. This suggests a potential surrogate role for corneal IVCM in the assessment of peripheral diabetic neuropathy and monitoring of novel treatments. Exposure Poster Abstracts 37 HYDROPHOBICITY OF ARTIFICIAL EYE SURFACES BEFORE AND AFTER CLEANING Keith Pine OPTOMETRY AND VISION SCIENCE Background: Cleaning regimes are associated with discharge frequency and volume but the direction of the effect has not been found. Objectives: The aim of this experiment was to measure the hydrophobicity of artificial eye surfaces before and after cleaning and removal of surface deposits. Methods: Eighteen anophthalmic patients were recruited. The wetting angles on the surface of their artificial eyes were measured by a goniometer using distilled water droplets. The measurements were taken before and after wiping the surface with a paper towel wetted with cold water. Statistical analysis was carried out using a 2 sample t-test assuming unequal variances. Results: The mean of the wetting angles before cleaning was 29.8° and after cleaning it was 80.8° (p<0.0001). Discussion: The finding that hydrophobicity levels rose significantly after artificial eyes were cleaned suggests that the tear film is likely to break up when the eye is reinserted in the socket. The resulting dry areas may mildly irritate the conjunctiva leading to the production of mucins and increased discharge. The result of this experiment provides causal evidence for the finding that more frequent cleaning is associated with more severe discharge. This is an important outcome because discharge is the main current concern for anophthalmic patients after health of the remaining eye. UNDERSTANDING THE MECHANOSENSITIVE RESPONSE TO OSMOTIC LOADING IN CELL SUBPOPULATIONS WITHIN THE NUCLEUS PULPOSUS OF THE INTERVERTEBRAL DISC Prutha Redey ANATOMY WITH RADIOLOGY Background: The intervertebral disc (IVD) contains two cell types: Notochordal (NC) cells and mature nucleus pulposus (MNP) cells. Current theory suggests that loss of NC cells leads to failure in mechanical integrity of the disc leading to disc herniation. This project tests the hypothesis that abnormal/ inappropriate mechanical stresses cause loss of NC cell function. Objectives: Examine the effect of pathological (high) and 38 Exposure Poster Abstracts normal osmotic loading on intracellular calcium signalling. Examine the effect of osmotic stress on cell death, IL-1 production and glycosaminoglycan (GAG) production. Methods: MNP and NC cells from the central nucleus pulposus of bovine IVD were isolated and seeded into 3D gels. Both cell types were exposed to hypo- (300mOsm), iso- (400mOsm) and hyper-osmotic (500mOsm) stress and intracellular calcium was monitored for 10 minutes. The effect of osmotic stress on cell viability, IL-1 secretion and extracellular matrix was assessed in cells cultured for up to 7 days. Results: MNPs showed elevated calcium levels and NCs had reduced levels in response to hyper-osmotic stress. There was no change in calcium in response to hypo-osmotic stress for both cells types. NC cells showed a higher percentage of cell death on day 7 in hyper-osmotic conditions. There was no significant difference in percentage cell death of MNP cells for all osmotic conditions. Discussion: Initial data suggests that NC cells but not MNP cells are responsive to osmotic stress and that pathological levels of osmotic stress for even short periods can be detrimental to NC cell function. HETEROGENEOUS GABAA RECEPTOR LOCALISATION IN THE HUMAN AMYGDALA Junru (Jennifer) Song ANATOMY WITH RADIOLOGY Background: GABAA receptors are inhibitory ionotropic heteropentamers assembled from 19 different subunits. Receptor pharmacology and physiology is determined by subunit configuration, and receptors containing 2- and 3subunits are of interest for their involvement in anxiety. Rodent studies demonstrate GABAA receptor expression throughout the brain, notably in the amygdala. The amygdala, a heterogeneous cluster of subnuclei, has functions ranging from neuropsychological to behavioural. However, few studies have characterised its chemoarchitecture in the human. Objectives: To localise major GABAA receptor subunits in the subnuclei of the normal human amygdala, and identify cell types that express them. Methods: Perfusion-fixed amygdala sections from 8 normal post-mortem human brains were stained immunohistochemically using antibodies against GABAA receptor subunits 1, 2, 3, 2,3 and 3. Immunofluorescent double-labelling was used to localise GABAA receptor subunits with calcium-binding proteins, parvalbumin and calbindin. Results: The 1- and 2,3-subunits had similar distributions, with higher immunoreactivity in the lateral nucleus, and cellular immunoreactivity in the basal nucleus. High 2-subunit-immunoreactivity was seen in all subnuclei, particularly the lateral, central, and cortical nuclei. 3-subunit-immunoreactivity was high in the intercalated nuclei while the 3-subunit was only expressed on a few cells throughout the subnuclei. A subset of 1- and 2,3but no 2-subunit-immunoreactive cells co-localized with parvalbumin and calbindin. Discussion: Comparable to the rodent, GABAA receptors feature prominently in the human amygdala. The heterogeneous localisation of GABAA receptor subunits in the human amygdala subnuclei reflects the diversity of amygdala function. Furthermore, the prevalent expression of the 2-subunit suggests a role in anxiety for the amygdala. DEVELOPING A VACCINE FOR GROUP A STREPTOCOCCUS USING ITS PILUS AS A CARRIER OF STREPTOCOCCAL PEPTIDE ANTIGENS Dasun Wagachchi MOLECULAR MEDICINE & PATHOLOGY Background: Streptococcus pyogenes (GAS) is a gram positive bacterial pathogen that can cause life-threatening infections such as sepsis, necrotizing fasciitis, and toxic shock syndrome and delayed sequelae such as rheumatic fever and rheumatic heart disease. Acute rheumatic fever is especially significant in New Zealand where, during 1996-2005, the incidence in indigenous Maori people was 10 times that of people of European descent and the ethnic disparity is getting wider. Despite the significant health burden caused by GAS, currently there is no safe and effective vaccine available. Aim: Develop a potential vaccine for GAS using streptococcal peptide antigens expressed within the group A streptococcus M1 pilus structure on the surface of Lactococcus lactis. Methods: Several possible sites were identified in the major pilus protein where peptide antigens could be expressed. An ovalbumin peptide was genetically engineered into each of these sites to see if the addition of a peptide interferes with the polymerisation of the pilus. Streptococcal peptide antigens will then be expressed at the sites which will allow stable pilus formation. Results: A modified streptococcus pilus, with an ovalbumin peptide genetically engineered into one site of the major pilus protein, was expressed on the surface of L. lactis. Although faint pilus expression was seen, the pilus did not seem to polymerise. Discussion: The results indicate that pilus assembly is affected in the one construct that was tested. Several more constructs need to be tested. NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF CREATIVE ARTS AND INDUSTRIES SOLAR PHOTOVOLTAICS FOR LOWINCOME GROUPS: TOWARDS DIMINISHING INEQUALITY POWER SUPPLIES FOR SOUTH EAST ASIA Nur Azfahani Ahmad ARCHITECTURE Countries in South East Asia are largely financed from their fossil fuel resources of oil and gas that come principally from the South China Sea. The benefits of these resources have filtered down through society and allowed the nation to have cheap electricity costs and have enabled energy to be distributed equitably throughout society. South East Asia’s economic expansion has been powered by cheap oil and gas making it dependent on and addicted to using large amounts of fossil fuels. These countries that are primarily reliant on fossil fuels for generating their power supply need to take account of long-term energy security due to fossil fuel depletion which could threaten the development of this continent. The ‘South China Sea Conflict’, concerning territorial rights to the oil and gas fields of the South China Sea, could impact further on the countries’ energy security and reserves of both oil and gas. Loss of this resource could result in reduced power generation potential with the risk of interrupted power supplies and an inequitable distribution to the population. With reduced fossil fuels, these countries will need to look towards renewable energy and, with the strategic location on the equator; solar energy supplied through photovoltaic (PVs) technology is an obvious choice. The implementation of solar PV in this continent is in its early stages and the incentives have previously been based on tax offsets. This favours high income groups whose energy costs are a small part of their budget and so there has been little market penetration of the technology. If a mechanism can be found that can allow all income groups to benefit from this technology, then PVs could become widely distributed and thereby contribute to national energy security as well as potentially providing an income for lower income groups. This research will analyse both the potential of harnessing electrical energy using solar PVs applied to rural housing and the mechanisms that could be adapted to provide incentives towards an equitable distribution of electricity for low-income groups. Exposure Poster Abstracts 39 SPATIAL SEGREGATION IN COMPLEX URBAN SYSTEMS: HOUSING AND PUBLIC POLICY IN AUCKLAND, NEW ZEALAND Hamed Golshan ARCHITECTURE The growth of mega-cities within the developing world has presented extreme challenges to ensuring the fundamental well-being of the general population and providing basic access to social services for all, especially adequate housing. In recent decades, the geographical patterns of residential segregation in Australasia are noted to be changing, either expanding through the growth of large homogeneous areas or contracting via the fragmentation of social groups. Within the region, large-scale residential segregation linked to inequality is readily apparent and is a prominent feature of the region’s large urban centres. Patterns of segregation are linked to changes in urban planning, governance, and social policy implementation at the local level, macro-economic shifts at regional and national levels, and power relations between actors in the development process. This research will examine how residential segregation in Australasia cities is influenced by shifts in policy and planning and how advanced research methods can test the linkages between urban planning and housing development. Using a mixedmethods approach, the research will relate the policy and planning of housing development and residential segregation patterns, with simulated segregation processes over time. FROM KAMPONG TO CITY AND BACK AGAIN Nur Mohd Hussain ARCHITECTURE Prior to Independence in 1957, the Malay population were mostly rural subsistence farmers. Globalization and industrialization of the country over the following decades led to a significant rural to urban migration. Between 1970 and 2000, the population had shifted from 73% rural to 73% urban. The industrialization of Malaysia was made possible by two key components: Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) and Malaysia oil fields in the South China Sea. Competition from other Asian countries has impacted on FDI, and ‘Peak Oil’ in the South China Sea has resulted in energy insecurity. There is now evidence of the beginnings of deurbanization as a result of this scenario. Therefore, without the oil and gas resources together with economic growth and foreign investment, the urban 40 Exposure Poster Abstracts industrial society will become economically insecure. This situation is threatening supply of resources, particularly of food. As the population keeps on growing, the demand for resources (especially food) will lead to an insufficient supply and could result in issues such as resource insecurity and poverty in urban areas. The concern is what options are available to the urban society if urbanization is reversed. Therefore, in regards to the Malaysia uniqueness in having rich land resources and reserved land ownership, this research will investigate the capacity that rural areas have as an alternative land to cater for the returned migrants. Besides this, it will also look into the capability that the urban society has to once again live from the land, to return from the cities to kampong. The research aim is to address the push and pull factor that have led urbanization and subsequently, de-urbanization through established references. In particular, this research will highlight the potential and alternatives of land-based resources that Malaysia has for a resilient future. DENSITY, INTENSIFICATION & URBAN REDEVELOPMENT: THE METABOLISM OF MUMBAI Anindita Mandal ARCHITECTURE The purpose of the research is to analyse the negative impact of increasing density on infrastructure and environment and devising ways to minimise them, as applied to large scale brownfield redevelopment projects. The focus is on the old residential/mixed-use area of the Island-City of Mumbai, India, covering an area of about 16500 acres. Due to its geographical constraints and outmoded infrastructure, it can no longer keep pace with the increasing population and fragmented growth. To encourage the redevelopment of these low-rise, old and dilapidated buildings, and to increase the average floor-space index (FSI), the Government of Maharashtra is providing additional FSI as incentive. High-rise residential buildings are being promoted as a sustainable solution by the government and researchers alike, with almost no consideration of the environmental impact of increased density. Also, it does not take into account the finite resource availability for which the city is dependent on its hinterland or the potential for any new development to harness its own water or energy from renewable resources. This research challenges the current convention that the increased densification of cities is compatible with sustainability. It will present a simulation of the metabolism of Mumbai and compare the environmental impact of proposed further densification with the current urban form. It is anticipated that the thesis will demonstrate that there are limits to density due to constraints of natural resources. Case studies of existing urban areas will be systematically compared with proposed denser developments. This will involve both a quantitative analysis, using a comparative ‘ecological footprint’ to measure environmental impact, as well as a qualitative analysis, based on field studies, to establish how patterns of behaviour in denser urban forms impact on environmental factors. The results of this research are likely to go beyond Mumbai and provide a lesson to all cities in emerging economies. EVALUATING THE EFFECTS OF VEGETATION ON URBAN MICROCLIMATE AT MACRO AND MICRO SCALE Asieh Motazedian ARCHITECTURE This research focuses on vegetation in urban public open spaces and aims to provide answers to the question: how can we plan and design high quality public open spaces, where vegetation plays a key role in the control and improvement of the urban micro-climate? This research will be conducted at two levels; macro and micro scale. Two different methodologies will be used for this purpose; remote sensing data collection (satellite images) and field measurements, respectively which will be applied to selected parks in Auckland as case studies. The objective of this research at micro scale is to determine the relation between park characteristics, and the air temperature inside the park. Park size and the ratio of greenery to hard surface material used are considered as two of the parameters defining green area characteristics. The methodology applied for this part includes three major phases; (1) investigation of the micro-climate of specific parks and assessment of air temperature inside the parks in different places in relation to their characteristics; (2) simulation of environmental improvements of the investigated area pre and post application of changes to vegetation patterns, and finally, (3) development of guidelines for the design of sustainable public open spaces with higher quality, in terms of park size and the amount of vegetation needed for achieving a specific air temperature reduction. Hobos (T and RH) and a Kestrels wind speed meter will be used for the environmental measurements and ENVI-met software will be applied for the simulations. At the macro scale, the objective is to explore the relation between the mean air temperature inside the parks and their different surroundings. This will be an outside-in observation to find out if the same parks with different surroundings experience varying air temperatures. I also want to see if the temperature zones around the parks are affected by the shape of the parks or if there are other parameters influencing them. For this purpose, I am thinking of using remote sensing data collection (satellite images). ASSESSING PEOPLE’S TRAVEL BEHAVIOUR IN AUCKLAND Alfian Syam PLANNING New Zealand in general and Auckland in particular is experiencing a significant change in travel volume, marked by an increase in car ownership and public transport use. The increase in travel volume is accompanied by a growth of new immigrant population in Auckland. This paper seeks to find out the ways ethnic demographic characteristics might affect travel behaviour. It uses data from two sources, Statistics New Zealand and the Ministry of Transport New Zealand. Statistics New Zealand provides data on demographic characteristics which was collected from the 2006 Census of Population and Dwellings and the Ministry of Transport supplies data which was collected from the 2010 New Zealand Household Travel Survey. This study found that demographic characteristics, ethnicity in particular, do matter in terms of travel choices, travel distance, and needs. For example, the NZ Europeans was the group with the highest use of cars, especially as a driver and Pacific Islanders was the largest in car use as passengers compared to other ethnic groups. The study also found that income, household structure, and residential location can have a big impact on ethnic groups’ travel behaviour. Understanding the differences in travel behaviour among ethnic groups and the possible explanations for these differences can help in the development of more appropriate policies, best suited to meet the travel needs of all population groups. As Auckland becomes more diverse over the next few decades, a significant portion of growth in travel demand will undoubtedly come from minority population. Therefore, differences in travel behaviour, such as those identified in this paper are likely to have wide-reaching consequences for short- and long-term travel demand forecast, planning, and policy development. ZERO-CARBON CHRISTCHURCH 2030: A SUSTAINABLE ENERGY STRATEGY FOR ECONOMIC GROWTH AND STABILITY Zhi Jian (David) Wong ARCHITECTURE Out of crisis arises opportunity; the devastating earthquakes in Christchurch provide the chance to implement green Exposure Poster Abstracts 41 economic strategies by transitioning Christchurch to become a Zero-Carbon city. I agree with Einstein when he said, “we can’t solve problems by using the same kind of thinking we used when we created them.” In order to solve our current global economic and environmental emergency, we need a completely new approach and can no longer rely on outdated technology to solve present day problems. I am now proposing an energy strategy for Christchurch where the city relies completely on renewable energy sources. This is not only feasible but also economically more stable in the long term. In doing this Christchurch could build on New Zealand’s identity as a ‘clean, green’ country and capture the attention of foreign investment in sustainable technologies, which is one of the fastest growing markets globally. By transitioning to renewable energy, the city can create the necessary infrastructure to attract high value technology companies to locate themselves in Christchurch thus leading to a more innovative and creative workforce. The green energy scheme is based on a collection of diverse and decentralized renewable sources, which would make the energy system in Christchurch more resilient in times of crisis. The beauty of a green renewable energy structure is that once the system is operational, the cost of energy will be minimal, which will have significant economic savings for both the government and private sectors. The proposed energy strategy is based on utilizing natural resources in the most efficient and economic way. Rather than rebuilding the city as it was, I propose we take this opportunity to re-establish Christchurch as the true Garden City of the world, and lead the way by implementing a green energy plan. SCIENCE TOWARDS A MORE TRANSPARENT RESEARCH EVALUATION USING CITATION CLASSIFICATION Mohammad Abdullatif COMPUTER SCIENCE Citation classification is an emerging area of research that is concerned with identifying the reasons behind citations made to a publication and subsequently classifying those citations into categories based on the citation reason or function. Examples of citation functions include citing a publication to support one’s argument, acknowledge awareness of work done by others, confirm or negate findings, and to build upon or evolve the work being cited. 42 Exposure Poster Abstracts Citation classification allows us to have a more transparent research evaluation model and provides more information about the reasons behind citations received by an author’s publications. This model would provide more qualitative information about the citations than currently used models that rely on pure citation counts such as the h-index. We perform citation classification on a large dataset of sentences containing citations using X-means. The main feature for clustering is the similarity between verbs extracted from the citation sentences calculated using Shortest-Path, Wu-Palmer, and the Leacock Chodorow similarity measures. All three measures use the hierarchy of verbs in the WordNet lexical database when calculating the similarity between the verbs. The Leacock Chodorow measure provides us with 12 valid verb clusters that have the best average inter/intra-cluster measure distances amongst the three similarity measures. A MODEL OF ADAPTIVE NOISE FILTERING IN THE SHARK BRAIN Peter Bratby MATHEMATICS Sharks detect their prey using an extremely sensitive electrosensory system which is capable of distinguishing weak external stimuli from a relatively strong background noise generated by the animal’s own breathing. Experiments indicate that an organ within the shark’s hindbrain, the dorsal octavolateral nucleus (DON), is responsible for extracting the external stimulus using an adaptive filter mechanism which suppresses any signal correlated with the shark’s breathing motion. The DON’s principal neuron integrates input from a single electroreceptor as well as many thousands of parallel fibres transmitting breathingcorrelated motor command signals. We develop a biophysically-based computational simulation which demonstrates a mechanism for adaptive noise filtering in the DON. A spatial model of the neuron uses the Hodgkin-Huxley equations to simulate the propagation of action potentials along the dendrites. Synaptic inputs are modelled by applied currents at various positions along the dendrites, whose input conductances are varied according to a simple learning rule. The resulting system of differential equations is then solved numerically. The simulation shows that the neuron is able to extract weak signals from periodic noise, and that the spatially distributed nature of the model does not significantly affect the neuron’s ability to learn. FINDING GEOMETRIC STRUCTURE IN CHAOS Jennifer Creaser MATHEMATICS The flap of a butterfly’s wings in New Zealand can cause a hurricane in Florida. The butterfly effect, mathematically called sensitive dependence on initial conditions, is a sign of chaos. The Lorenz system is a simplified model of thermal convection introduced by meteorologist Edward Lorenz in 1963. It is a parameter-dependent system and Tucker proved in 1999 that chaos exists in the system for the classical parameter values used by Lorenz. I study a parameter regime where the analytic techniques used by Tucker and others no longer work and much remains unknown about the system. My work looks at how two-dimensional surfaces and onedimensional curves, called invariant manifolds, organise the three-dimensional phase space of the Lorenz system and give structure to the chaos. This poster discusses a sudden change in two of the one-dimensional manifolds, referred to as ‘the flip’. I use advanced numerical methods to compute and visualise the intertwining manifolds before and after this transition. INVISIBLE EVIDENCE: WHAT MORE CAN YOUR CELLS REVEAL TO FORENSIC SCIENTISTS? Ashleigh Fox FORENSIC SCIENCE Often in the examination of bloodstained evidence discussion occurs around whether to prioritise the fingerprint evidence, or focus on the biological evidence. Collecting a sample for DNA profiling could result in the loss of ridge detail that could have been used for fingerprint comparison. When the finger-marks are not clearly visible, chemical enhancement techniques are applied to the surface which could reduce or degrade the cellular material obtained. Previous forensic casework has highlighted circumstances where, after enhancement had been performed, it would be extremely valuable to both identify the body fluid present in a finger-mark, and generate a DNA profile from the same sample. This project further develops a novel body fluid identification technique by assessing the effects of chemical enhancement on the ability to detect a specific mRNA marker, Glycophorin A, which indicates the presence of blood. We treated a series of visible and latent finger-marks made in blood, using the most common blood-enhancement methods employed in New Zealand, including aqueous Amido Black, methanol-based Amido Black, Acid Yellow 7, and Leucocrystal Violet. The treated finger-marks were collected, and using a modified DNA IQ™ system, DNA and RNA were co-isolated from the same sample. The RNA was analysed using CellTyper, the RNA multiplex developed by ESR. Consistent with previously documented impacts of enhancement procedures on DNA profiling, it appears that even with visible finger-marks, Leucocrystal Violet affects subsequent RNA profiling. Aqueous Amido Black and Acid Yellow 7 may also have adverse effects on RNA profiling of very low levels of cellular material. While we have shown that RNA profiling of finger-marks can be successful even after being enhanced for fingerprint analysis, it may still be necessary to prioritise evidence types in certain circumstances. These results should help with forensic decision-making, by expanding knowledge of the extent of the detrimental effects of blood-enhancement reagents to obtaining RNA profiling markers, and also DNA profiling. UNTANGLING WILD CHAOS: FROM THE BUTTERFLY EFFECT TO THE DRAGONFLY EFFECT Stefanie Hittmeyer MATHEMATICS The notion of chaos in dynamical systems is characterized by the property that any two arbitrarily close initial states follow completely different paths under the dynamics of a system after only a short period of time. This means that tiny changes can have huge consequences; this is the socalled butterfly effect: the idea is that the flap of the wings of a butterfly in Brazil could cause a tornado in Texas We study a dynamical system that shows a “new” type of chaos, called wild chaos, which is more complicated than the “normal” chaos described by the butterfly effect. The system is given by the action of a map that folds the plane back onto itself in a special way. It exhibits wild chaos in one parameter regime, but is non-chaotic in another. Our aim is to gain a geometric understanding of how wild chaos appears when parameters are changed. For this purpose we compute certain sets that organize the dynamics on the plane and study how they interact with each other locally and globally. We find four types of local interactions that appear in infinite sequences and that organize the global changes on the plane on the way to wild chaos. The nature of these global changes implies that the wild chaos could be interpreted as a higher-dimensional butterfly effect, which we informally refer to as the dragonfly effect. Exposure Poster Abstracts 43 DESIGN EYE FOR THE GEEK GUY: CAN GAMES HELP COMPUTER SCIENCE STUDENTS LEARN THE AESTHETICS OF USER INTERFACE DESIGN? Safurah Binti Abdul Jalil COMPUTER SCIENCES Adding visual aesthetics to the curriculum, while necessary, is not easy. The core skills are best understood by practitioners with a background in the arts, and its subjective nature often makes aesthetics difficult for Computer Science (CS) students to learn. An emerging learning paradigm, commonly known as game-based learning (GBL), has the potential to better support student learning and sustain students’ motivation within limited instructional time. This research aims to study the efficacy of our GBL approach in helping CS students learn about visual aesthetics. In particular, we set out to find the relationship between students’ usage of our novel GBL-based software and their learning outcomes, and the impact they feel the tool has on their understanding of aesthetics. Our GBL prototype supports formative research through progressive refinement. The education literature has informed the prototype’s development, and we have gone through a number of iterations of testing and refinement within a natural context (HCI course delivery). We have collected data from multiple sources for triangulation. Our initial results are very promising, with the benefits of our approach being demonstrated by a recent survey of HCI students’ experiences. The students’ lab work and examination performance provides evidence that they had met the learning outcomes. GBL provides an effective avenue for CS students to learn the basics of aesthetic design in a very limited timeframe. This in turn contributes to sensitizing students towards the importance of aesthetic considerations when designing user interfaces. Through using our approach, students are better supported in creating interfaces that are not only usable but visually delightful. ANALYSIS OF BEVERAGE ANTIOXIDANTS USING A PEDOTBASED SENSOR Hande Karaosmanoglu CHEMICAL SCIENCES Antioxidants are important both in terms of human health and for food quality. The most commonly used polyphenolic antioxidant determination methods are the Folin-Ciocalteu assay and HPLC analyses. However, these methods have various disadvantages such as long time requirements, 44 Exposure Poster Abstracts low sensitivity, interfering agents etc. Recently, there has been an increase in research using cyclic voltammetry (CV) in antioxidant determinations. In addition to glassy carbon electrodes (GCE), conducting polymers such as polypyrrole, poly(3,4-ethylene dioxithiophene) (PEDOT) and polyaniline have been used in order to improve sensitivity and specificity. In this study, electrochemically polymerized PEDOT-covered 1 mm diameter GCEs were used for rapid and selective antioxidant analyses of tea and coffee samples. The beverages were analysed by CV between -400 and 800 mV (Ag/Ag+) at 100 mVs-1. A 3 mm diameter bare GCE was used for comparison. After identifying and quantifying the antioxidant content of samples by HPLC, the major compounds were tested using the electrochemical sensor. The CVs of green tea and coffee resembled that of epigallocatechin gallate and chlorogenic acid, respectively, which are the main phenolic compounds present in these beverages. Moreover, the total phenolic content was determined by the Folin-Ciocalteu assay. The integral of the current vs. time to 500 mV (Q500) from the CV scans was used as a measure of the total content of the most active polyphenols present, namely those with catechol and galloyl groups. The Q500 was converted to gallic acid equivalent values, using the Q500 values obtained for the CVs of gallic acid standard solutions. The correlation between the Folin-Ciocalteu and the Q500 was found to be 0.65. The findings showed that the electrochemical sensor is easy to handle and gives rapid results. In the future, a device can be designed that will be useful for industrial applications. FEMTOSECOND TRANSIENT ABSORPTION SPECTROSCOPY OF PORPHYRIN-FULLERENE COMPLEXES Julie Kho CHEMICAL SCIENCES A novel class of self-assembled porphyrin-fullerene complexes has been synthesized by Associate Professor Peter Boyd’s laboratory. These complexes have shown characteristics as potential solar harvesting molecules, i.e. converting solar energy to useful energy. The different combinations of porphyrin and fullerene molecules as well as attaching various substituents on the porphyrin affect the photochemistry dynamics. When photoinduced, electron transfer occurs from the porphyrin singlet excited state to the fullerene forming a cation and an anion this chargeseparated state can exhibit lifetimes as long as milliseconds. The specific goal of the study is to understand the structurefunction factors that control the initiation of electron transfer (charge separation) and the lifetime of the charge separated states. These molecules are currently being investigated at the Photon Factory using femtosecond transient absorption (TrA) spectroscopy. Initial results showed the formation of porphyrin cation between 660-730 nm. The experiment has been further extended to investigate the fingerprint absorption of fulleride at 1000 nm showing formation of the radical anion. Data analysis will be performed to extract the associated decay lifetimes. COOKING ANTICANCER DRUGS ON THE PIANO-STOOL OR THE DEVELOPMENT OF SMART DRUGS WITH TARGETING AND TARGETED PROPERTIES Mario Kubanik CHEMICAL SCIENCE Malignant neoplasms are the leading cause of death in New Zealand and the platinum-based drugs cisplatin, carboplatin, and oxaliplatin are cornerstones in cancer chemotherapy. Their major disadvantages are a number of adverse effects, the limited spectrum of activity, and intrinsic as well as acquired resistance. Therefore there is on-going effort on the development of new anticancer agents and in particular non-platinum metallodrugs have attracted the attention of scientific research. The most promising next generation metallodrugs are based on ruthenium as the central atom with two Ru(III) complexes currently undergoing clinical trials. More recently, Ru(II) organometallics have gained importance because of their tuneable activity against primary tumours or metastasis. Furthermore, it is possible to optimise their drug-like properties, such as lipophilicity and solubility, and their reactivity to biomolecules by careful selection of the ligand sphere. All of the currently applied compounds are not very selective for tumours and therefore we aim to prepare targeted compounds and complexes with targeting functionalities, which react ideally with a single intracellular target or are accumulated selectively in tumours. My research approach is to employ redox-active ligand systems which are structurally related to 2-hydroxy-1,4-benzoquinone. This structural motif acts as a bidentate ligand with two oxygen atoms coordinated to the metal centre. Quinones are known for their “redox cycling” properties, which may lead to the formation of reactive oxygen species in the tumour tissue and therefore to a synergistic effect together with the heavy metal. This work will eventually result in drug lead compounds, which are only toxic for cancer cells instead of damaging healthy tissue. CATECHOL-O-METHYLTRANSFERASE (COMT) VAL158MET POLYMORPHISM AFFECTS MAGICAL IDEATION Y. N. Lamb PSYCHOLOGY A frequent single nucleotide polymorphism in the catecholO-methyltransferase (COMT) gene influences levels of extracellular dopamine in the prefrontal cortex (PFC). The presence of the COMT wild-type allele has been linked to a number of mental disorders including schizophrenia, as well as with poorer performance on a range of cognitive tasks involving the PFC. Magical Ideation is a semi-serious consideration of the possibility of causal relationships between events that are conventionally deemed to be unrelated. Research suggests that high levels of this tendency may indicate a predisposition to schizophrenia that is linked to PFC dysfunction. This study is aimed to determine whether the COMT val158met polymorphism affects performance on the Magical Ideation Scale. A sample of 23 healthy young adults was genotyped and assessed on the Magical Ideation Scale. A one-way between-groups ANOVA run on preliminary data found a significant overall effect of COMT genotype on Magical Ideation scores (p<0.05). Post hoc tests showed that individuals with two copies of the mutant allele have significantly higher levels of Magical Ideation than individuals with two copies of the wild-type allele (p<0.05), with heterozygous participants not differing significantly from either of these groups. Our results suggest that COMT influences the various components of schizophrenia in dissimilar ways and illustrates the complexity of relationships between genes and mental disorders. Testing of further participants will help elucidate any relationship between COMT genotype and magical ideation in healthy individuals. VIRTUAL SCREENING FOR NOVEL INHIBITORS OF ATG5-ATG16 COMPLEX FORMATION. Anna M. Matuszek CHEMICAL SCIENCE Autophagy is a promising therapeutic target, with many studies currently focused on exploring this complex process. The manipulation of autophagy could be a potential method of targeting various diseases and processes including cancer and neurodegradation. One of the most interesting targets within the autophagy cascade is the complex formed between Atg12 and Atg5-Atg16, which plays a crucial role in the formation of autophagosomes. The Atg5-Atg16 system is quite distinctive, Exposure Poster Abstracts 45 with Atg16 bound to Atg5, only through non-covalent interactions. The two most active sites were experimentally identified in Atg5, where the crucial interactions occur with Atg16’s residues Phe46 and Arg35. The hypothesis is, that blocking the formation of Atg5Atg16 complex with a small molecule ligand, could lead to the inhibition of autophagosome formation, blocking the autophagy process. With the aim of finding potential inhibitors, a virtual library consisting of 50,000 compounds was prepared and docked to both Atg5’s active pockets. For each active site three consequent screenings were undertaken, applying four scoring functions available in the CCDC Gold Suite. The consensus scoring followed by a visual inspection, led to the selection of a score of promising ligands for further testing. MENTAL TIME TRAVEL: IMAGINING YOUR FUTURE WITH YOUR MEMORY Valerie van Mulukom PSYCHOLOGY (CENTRE FOR BRAIN RESEARCH) Remembering our past and imagining our future is a pivotal human activity, also called ‘mental time travel’. In this constructive process, various memory details are brought together into one coherent imagined event. The ‘distance’ between memory details (whether the details do or don’t go together) has been suggested to influence the plausibility of resulting imagined future events. The aim of this experiment was to investigate the effect of disparateness of details in imagined future events, and to test a new paradigm as a pilot for an fMRI study. The experiment consisted of two sessions: one memory and one imagining session. First, participants (N=14) recalled 96 memory details (persons, locations, objects) from three different social spheres (e.g., university friends, family, colleagues). These were recombined into novel sets as cues for the imagining task. These details either came from the same sphere (“Within Sphere”) or three different spheres (“Across Spheres”). By selecting the details from either the same or different social spheres, we manipulated the ‘disparateness’ of the details in the imagined events. One week later, participants imagined 90 future events with these cues. A surprise memory test followed 10 minutes after. Future events that contained details combined across spheres took significantly longer to construct, were less coherent, less detailed and less plausible than ‘within sphere’ future events. ‘Across spheres’ future events were also significantly more often forgotten than ‘within sphere’ future events. 46 Exposure Poster Abstracts As expected, imagined future events containing more disparate details (from different spheres) were rated as less plausible than within-sphere combinations, indicating our paradigm worked. In addition, we found that events with disparate details differed on a number of other ratings as well, interesting for future research. This paradigm will be used in an fMRI study, in which we’ll match our findings with brain activations. SPEEDY, ON-THE-SPOT DNA SENSORS BASED ON FLUORESCENT POLYMERS Anupama Rao Gulur Srinivas CHEMICAL SCIENCES (PERC), MACDIARMID INSTITUTE FOR ADVANCED MATERIALS AND NANOTECHNOLOGY There has been an enormous demand for commercial labelfree DNA sensors in a diverse range of fields including preemptive medicine, diagnostics, environmental monitoring, and the food industry. Addressing the need for sensitive, selective and facile DNA sensors, we have recently developed a first of its kind binary DNA sensor - bound to a magnetic nanoparticle - based on the quenching of a water-soluble, bio-compatible fluorescent polymer attached to a site-specific DNA sequence (oligonucleotide). The oligonucleotide forms half of the recognition sequence, the other a covalently bound dye-oligonucleotide pair. Proven to be highly sensitive for the target DNA along with a low detection limit, the system exhibits a number of desirable characteristics such as ease of handling (through magnetic deployment), facile, low-cost, sensitive, and selective DNA sensing while the oligonucleotides can also be tailored to allow for detection of any given sequence and mutations thereof of pathogens and microorganisms. Potential applications of such a sensing device include in vitro genetic studies, medical diagnostics, forensics, and monitoring of food contaminants. Furthermore, the fluorescent polymers can be used towards the development of application in optoelectronics (e.g. flexible electronics, light-emitting diodes (LED) and transistors). This work follows on from our previous research, involving an optical sensor based on interactions of a cationic fluorescent polymer with DNA. This poster focuses on the applications of the fluorescent polymers in developing the novel binary DNA sensor. PROBIOTICS & ANTHOCYANINS, SIMPLE RECIPES FOR A HEALTHY HEART Winai Suthanthangjai CHEMICAL SCIENCES There has been increasing interest in phenolic phytonutrients in relation to common gut microflora (probiotic strains), especially anthocyanins due to their protection against cardiovascular diseases and cancers. However, previous studies indicated that intact anthocyanins are unlikely to act as local antioxidants due to their structural complexity. Instead anthocyanin metabolites need to be considered, as simpler molecules, such as phenolic acids, that are easily absorbed and are thus more bioavailable. To date, there is limited information on the bioconversion of anthocyanins by probiotic strains, especially under different pH conditions similar to those found in the human digestive system. In this study, we have investigated the biotransformation of representative anthocyanins, malvidin-3-glucosides to their metabolites by Lactobacillus plantarum and Lactobacillus sakei at pH 3.4, 4.2, 5.9 & 7.0 and incubated anaerobically at 37oC for 0, 8, 12, 16, and 24 hours. The samples were centrifuged, and then the supernatants were stored at -20oC and analysed using semi-preparative liquid chromatography (Semi-prep LC). The metabolites were identified by high performance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS). Anthocyanin glycosides were found to be completely hydrolysed by all of the selected strains at pH 4.2 and 5.9 after 24 hours of incubation. They were quite stable under acidic conditions (pH 3.4), but were highly unstable at neutral pH and were mostly degraded after 8 hours at pH 7.0 by both chemical and microbial degradation. The main metabolites were phenolic acids, which proved to have a higher chemical and microbial stability than the anthocyanins themselves, and thus may be mainly responsible for antioxidant activity against free radicals of benefit against the onset of various diseases. ILLUMINATING THE RENAISSANCE: ULTRAFAST SPECTROSCOPY OF ANTHRAQUINONES Sarah Thompson CHEMICAL SCIENCES Ultrafast transient absorption (TrA) spectroscopy has been used to evaluate the response of two naturally occurring organic chromophores – purpurin (1,2,4-trihydroxyanthraquinone) and alizarin (1,2-dihydroxyanthraquinone) – to light, in order to probe their photodegradation timescales and mechanisms. These molecules are members of a family of molecules known as anthraquinones, due to a common 9,10-anthraquinoid core structure. Anthraquinoid molecules form the principal colour-bearing constituents of a number of naturally occurring red colorants, which are used in dye form or mordanted to make pigments (cochineal, carmine, kermes, madder, lac). Despite these pigments’ well-known vulnerability to light, the use of alizarin and purpurin, both individually and as components of the mixture of anthraquinones extracted from the root of the madder plant (Rubia tinctorum), has spanned more than 3000 years. The TrA studies presented here, conducted in the Photon Factory, represent the first femtosecond time-resolved spectroscopic studies of alizarin and purpurin. They indicate that even very small structural differences can have a significant impact upon the photodegradation of pigment molecules, and reflect the reported superior macroscopic photostability of alizarin compared to purpurin. THE EFFECTS OF CALCIUM ON ENDOTHELIAL CELL ACTIVATION: RELEVANCE TO PREECLAMPSIA. Mancy Tong BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES Preeclampsia affects 5-7% of pregnant women and is characterised by maternal endothelial cell activation. From multiple clinical and epidemiological studies, increased calcium intake has been associated with a decrease in risk of developing preeclampsia. However, the protective mechanisms of calcium are unclear. The aim of this work is to explore the effects of calcium on endothelial cell activation and to investigate potential intracellular mechanisms by which calcium functions. Endothelial cells (HMEC-1) were cultured with IL-6 or sera from women with preeclampsia in the presence of increasing concentrations of calcium (400-700µg/mL CaCl2) for 24 hours. In some experiments, HMEC-1 were also pre-treated with L-NAME, a nitric oxide synthase (NOS) inhibitor (1mM), for 24 hours before the addition of IL-6 and calcium. Endothelial cell activation was quantified by cellbased ELISA measuring cell-surface ICAM-1 expression. All experiments were conducted in quadruplicates on three separate occasions. Data are presented as a median ± 5th/95th percentile. Statistical significance was assessed by the Mann-Whitney U-test or Kruskal-Wallis test. Results were considered to be statistically significant if p<0.05. The addition of IL-6 or sera from women with preeclampsia to endothelial cells significantly upregulated cell-surface ICAM-1 expression (p<0.0001). The addition of calcium inhibited the increase in ICAM-1 expression induced by Exposure Poster Abstracts 47 Clare E. Turner SPORT AND EXERCISE SCIENCE Background: Carbohydrate is the preferred fuel for exercising muscles. Until recently it was assumed that carbohydrate had no influence on human performance until sugars appear in the bloodstream and become available for muscle. We have recently detected immediate improvements in human performance when carbohydrate touches the tongue. Sensors in the mouth may be involved in a novel form of signalling, capable of immediately regulating the brain’s control of muscle. Purpose: This study uses neuroimaging to examine the human brain during oral carbohydrate feeding and physical activity. Method: Carbohydrate and placebo (energy free) solutions with identical perceptual qualities (taste and sweetness) were infused and recovered from the mouth using a novel feeding device. Brain activity was measured using functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging whilst participants generated force during a handgrip task. Results: An increase in the activation of sensory and motor areas was observed with carbohydrate compared to placebo during the handgrip task (P>0.05). This bias between treatments was equivalent to a fractional increase of 22 ± 0.4% in the number of active voxels during carbohydrate. Discussion: This is the first demonstration that oral carbohydrate exposure enhances the extent of activation in brain regions responsible for movement. The increased brain activity provides a neural basis for enhancements in force production that have been observed with oral exposure to carbohydrate. Receptors in the mouth appear to encode information relating to energy that is distinct from the perceived sense of taste. Conclusion: These findings shed light on a unique fuelsensing mechanism, confirming that the mere presence of carbohydrate in the mouth can influence areas of the brain that control movement. 48 Exposure Poster Abstracts Ying Wang PSYCHOLOGY Collaborative activities in which individuals coordinate their actions to attain a common goal play a fundamental role in our everyday lives. Infants engage in collaborative activities before their first birthday; however, little is known about their understanding of collaborative action. Using a visual habituation paradigm, experiments were designed to investigate whether 10-month-olds understand that the actions of collaborative partners are critical to the attainment of a common goal. The results suggest that 10-month-olds represent the actions of collaborating partners in terms of a common collaborative goal only after receiving active experience with a collaborative activity. Although active experience seemed to have shaped infants’ understanding of collaborative goals, the possibility remained that experience simply enhanced infants’ understanding of the means-ends nature of the action sequence. The results of a second condition demonstrated that infants who received active experience with a collaborative activity viewed active engagement in a collaboration as being critical for an individual’s actions to be interpreted as being directed towards a collaborative goal. Together, these findings demonstrate that 10-month-olds come to understand the shared nature of collaboration after a highly salient collaborative experience. Identifying the effects of experience on infants’ understanding of collaborative goals in a laboratory context provides insights into the role that experiences in their everyday lives might play in their understanding of collaboration. LECTROSPINNING OF NANOFIBROUS POLYANILINE AND POLY-CAPROLACTONE WITH POTENTIAL APPLICATIONS IN TISSUE ENGINEERING James Chun-Cheng Wu CHEMICAL SCIENCES The objective of this study was to evaluate the suitability of poly- -caprolactone (PCL) / polyaniline (PANI) fibrescaffolds for tissue engineering applications. PCL which is a biocompatible polyester, was combined with nanofibrous polyaniline (nfPANI), a multi-functional polymer, to produce fibre-scaffolds with electrical conductivity, free-radical scavenging capacity and biocompatibility. The diameters 3 CARBOHYDRATE IN THE MOUTH ACTIVATES BRAIN CIRCUITS THAT ENHANCE EXERCISE PERFORMANCE DOES EXPERIENCE INFLUENCE 10-MONTH-OLDS’ UNDERSTANDING OF COLLABORATION? 3 these activators in a concentration dependent manner (p<0.0003). The addition of L-NAME partially countered calcium’s effects (p<0.03) Increased levels of calcium prevent endothelial cell activation induced by inflammatory factors known to be present in preeclamptic pregnancies. This beneficial effect is partially mediated through the intracellular NOS pathway. These findings may provide clues to explain how calcium supplementation can reduce the risk for developing preeclampsia. of the PCL/PANI fibre-scaffolds, determined by SEM, was c.150nm and suitable for attachment and proliferation of cells. The electrical conductivity of the PCL/PANI fibre-scaffolds, determined by a 2-probe method, showed a logarithmic increase as the loading of PANI increased. TEM images also suggested that PANI formed interconnecting networks within the PCL matrix, which would have contributed to the logarithmic increase of electrical conductivity. This suggests the PCL/PANI fibre-scaffolds may provide a suitable substrate for electrical stimulation for cell growth. Free-radical scavenging capacity of the PCL/PANI fibre-scaffolds was measured using the 2,2-diphenyl1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH ) assay, which is a measure of antioxidant property of the fibre-scaffolds. The PCL/PANI fibre-scaffolds showed a linear increase of DPPH scavenging capacity as a function of wt% PANI, and sustained removal of DPPH over the 24 hour period monitored. This suggests the PCL/PANI fibre-scaffolds could provide sustained protection against oxy-radicals and may be potentially useful as antioxidative wound dressings. Biocompatibility of the PCL/PANI fibre-scaffolds was evaluated using L929 mice fibroblast cells. L929 cells attached onto glass-slips containing PCL/ PANI fibres-scaffolds and showed healthy growths. Resazurin assay of L929 cells showed the growth rate is comparable to tissue culture plate (a known industry standard). Hence, the PCL-nfPANI fibre-scaffolds are biocompatible. Morphologies of L929 cells were evaluated under environmental scanning electron microscopy (ESEM) and fluorescence microscopy, which indicated healthy dendritic growths and non-toxic to mammalian cells. Consequently, PCL/PANI scaffolds exhibit genuine potential as a substrate or template for tissueengineering applications. Variety Showcase Abstracts ARTS DIGITAL HUMANITIES: OR, HOW A STUFFY LITERARY SCHOLAR LEARNED TO WORK A NEW-FANGLED COMPUTER THINGY Anaise Irvine. ENGLISH Literary scholars are not known for being on the cutting edge of technological advancement. Usually, we sit in our offices and read books all day, and if someone tries to get us to touch a computer mouse, we quote the poet Robert Burns: “The best laid schemes of Mice and Men / oft go awry, / And leave us nothing but grief and pain, / For promised joy!” However a few savvy literary scholars have started making use of new techniques, combining traditional closereading methodologies with software-aided quantitative methods. That’s exactly what I’m doing in my PhD project. I want to know how authors have changed their view of families and heredity since the discovery of genetics. So to find that out, I’m performing traditional close readings of novels and films that reference genetics; and supporting those readings with software analyses of digitised texts. In this demonstration of a software analysis, you’ll see how I take a selection of texts from Project Gutenburg’s online database, strip them down, and scan them to find out how they associate families with genes. You’ll also see how you can experiment with easy online keyword scanning tools to do your own mini-research projects. And you’ll hear all about how a little outside-your-training perspective can really refresh your methodology, even if terms like “Unix shell scripting” make you want to weep into the nearest Austen novel. ENGINEERING “DO YOU SQUEEZE BEFORE YOU SNEEZE?” – MEASURING INTRAABDOMINAL PRESSURES FOR URODYNAMICS Anuprita Arora. AUCKLAND BIOENGINEERING INSTITUTE Research shows a rising correlation between increased intra-abdominal pressure (IAP) and pelvic floor disorders such as urinary incontinence. Urinary incontinence is 4 times more likely to affect women than men. Urodynamics, a diagnostic tool used to differentiate between causes of urinary incontinence, involves comparing estimates of pressure within the bladder to those developed intraabdominally. A range of methods of measuring IAP have been investigated; none are ideal and employ many assumptions. The current standard requires measuring IAP using a rectal balloon catheter. Limitations include displacement of the catheter during strain, peristalsis, and motion artifacts of fluid filled tubes. The Auckland Bioengineering Institute has developed a novel, wireless intra-vaginal pressure device to estimate IAP (first generation). This has provided repeatable and reliable Exposure Variety Showcase Abstracts 49 measurements in 12 healthy women. The device consists of a fluid filled silicone balloon (which acts as a pressure transducer) connected to a pressure sensor and wireless transmitter. The aim is to further develop this prototype to enhance uptake in the clinical environment. The silicone balloon was reduced in size (from 55mm to 40mm) to minimize interference from pelvic floor muscles. A mould compatible with a silicone transfer press machine was developed to streamline production of the balloon, significantly reducing production time. This second generation device was developed and tested in two volunteers. Preliminary testing in two volunteers showed no retention issues and the device was well tolerated. Future work involves testing the device against the rectal system in an urodynamics clinic to ensure patient acceptability. A clinical interface for data collection and presentation will be developed along with a charger to charge the device wirelessly. The thesis also aims to understand the regulations and standards necessary to get the device into commercial markets, especially for US and Europe. DETECTING OSTEOARTHRITIS BEFORE IT’S TOO LATE Emily Hargrave-Thomas. CHEMICAL AND MATERIALS ENGINEERING The surfaces of the bones of the body, where they form a joint, are lined with cartilage. Cartilage is an impressive material that supports the body’s weight but also allows smooth, pain free joint movement. There is less friction generated between the surfaces of cartilage than a sharpened ice skate on ice, a steel spatula on a Teflon pan, or any other solid man-made materials. Cartilage lacks nerves and blood vessels which allows for pain free movement but means it can’t heal when injured. Osteoarthritis is a degenerative disease of the cartilage in which the cartilage layer is lost and the underlying bone is exposed. It is the most common joint disease and will affect almost everyone during the aging process. The most successful and common treatment is total joint replacement, removing the diseased cartilage and bone and replacing them with a prosthetic joint. There are no effective methods for repairing damaged cartilage. A better understanding of the early changes in osteoarthritis is needed to enable early detection and to develop less invasive treatments. To study early osteoarthritis I use an animal model, the bovine patella (or cow kneecap), rather than human tissue that is difficult to obtain, especially mid degeneration before the disease causes pain or requires joint replacement. I 50 Exposure Variety Showcase Abstracts quantify changes in stiffness, mineralisation, and structure using standard engineering techniques. I look not only at cartilage but also the underlying bone and the intermediate layer called calcified cartilage. I have found that before the cartilage begins to degenerate it swells, a sign that its microstructure is altered, making it weaker and more susceptible to injury. I have also detected changes in the underlying calcified cartilage and bone suggesting that the disease is not solely affecting cartilage but rather the whole joint. MEDICAL AND HEALTH SCIENCES PIANO SOLO PERFORMANCE OF THE ORIGINAL COMPOSITION “FANTASY” Petr Tomek. AUCKLAND CANCER SOCIETY RESEARCH CENTRE “Fantasy” is the name for the original composition created by Petr Tomek in the year 2012. This fantasy for piano solo is composed in f sharp minor and is full of charming melodies, mighty chords and unusual harmonies evoking dreams, fantasies but also devilish sensations. Temperamental and energetic, it is very addictive to listen to. The duration of the performance of this piece is approximately 12 minutes. NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF CREATIVE ARTS AND INDUSTRIES WATER SLIDES: HOW CAN ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUES BE EXPLORED THROUGH PERFORMANCE MAKING? Christina Houghton DANCE How might a series of choreographic iterations provoke awareness of water ecology in Auckland City? Water is currently a highly visible environmental issue, globally we are becoming more concerned with supply, control, quality and access to waterscapes that are part of our daily lives. Water as a substance provides a metaphor for connectivity as our fluid bodies are connected through air, water, and land as part of the water cycle of nature. Cultural meanings of water have been linked to the senses as water inspires a fluid perception. This term coined by Deleuze in relation to the moving images of cinema is described by Jackie Clarke (2010) in relation to the city’s flows and circuits as we experience living waterscapes and imagery in everyday life. I am interested in choreographic processes that encourage a temporal sensing of the environment around us thus revealing how our actions on a local level can impact on issues of global significance. This research involves site responsive investigations of my own domestic activities in relation to water and the Whau Estuary, a degraded arm of the Waitamata Harbour in New Lynn, Auckland. Choreographic research explores the relationship between humans and nature through a kineasthetic experience of landscape and performance of the every day. ECOLOGIES OF THE GUTTER: DANCETHOUGHT EXPERIMENTS IN A GUTTER ENVIRONMENT. Valerie Smith DANCE Ecologies of the Gutter explores the state of health and wellbeing of a gutter system and gutter culture through dance-thought experimentation. This practice-led research project wonders what might be revealed of gutter sites across Auckland city when rethought as an interaction of the three ecologies of mind, society and environment (Guattari, 2000). It investigates the spatial politics of shame and pride (Johnston, 2007) present in the relationship between city dwellers and a city’s gutter system. The research questions the sustainability of a system of elimination and seeks positive change in the interrelation of thoughts, feelings and behaviours implicit to a gutter environment and its urban design. How might the design principles of Whatever your needs, we can help. 28 We l l i ngto n B ranch. 82 -8 4 N e s lon Stre e t Ph : 0 4 576 0990 Au ck l an d B ra n ch . 2 4 L Allr ig ht Pla ce Ph : 09 574 6574 Exposure Variety Showcase Abstracts 51 permaculture and Deep Ecology philosophy be applied as choreographic practice to improve the health and wellbeing of a gutter culture? Becoming-gutter is proposed as a healthy alternative approach to relating with the gutter where participants of experiments are engaged in ritual processes of channeling, draining, detoxifying, unblocking, and cleansing their ‘systems’. ‘Becomings’, a creative process of proliferating (Deleuze & Guatarri, 1987, p272), is drawn on as a political strategy that resists the value-based hierarchy of a gutter’s clean/dirty and private/public binaries. Deleuze and Guattari think of becomings as a “form of counterpraxis to the forces and powers of binary oppositions” (Joff, 2010). Shame and pride are also employed as performative affects (Sedgwick, 2003, Probyn, 2005) in the creation of dance-thought experiments with gutter dwellers. As practice-led, this artistic project uses a multimodal approach where the processes and methodologies are “as the production of knowledge” (Barrett, 2007, p 1). Accordingly, it contributes choreographic research through text and performance writing, documentation of danceart practice, and a performance event. Ecologies of the Gutter emerges as a protest, a choreo-re-evolution, and, an inventory of eco-behaviour-activism. THE “VALUE” OF BEETHOVEN?: THE ECONOMICS AND HISTORY OF THE AUCKLAND PHILHARMONIA Rob Tedesco MUSIC In this paper, I examine the process of professionalization of orchestral ensembles in Auckland and how this led to the formation of the Auckland Philharmonia (APO), with particular reference to the Auckland String Players and Symphonia of Auckland. Using data collected from ethnographic and archival sources, I look at how a group of semi-professional string players led to a fully professional ensemble in the present day. By looking at the formation of these ensembles, I explain how it was that “in 1940 . . . a group of keen musicians who felt the need for an orchestral ensemble capable of giving public performances came together”, as explained by the Auckland String Players’ annual report in 1951. This venture became the Symphonia of Auckland, by 1975 a full-time symphony orchestra. By 1980, the orchestra was near insolvency; a lack of financial support from the Auckland community had effectively doomed the organization. Declaring bankruptcy, the orchestra was disbanded. By 1981, however, a new orchestra had been founded, soon known as the Auckland Philharmonia, as the players of the Symphonia felt the city needed an orchestra. Tracing this history is important in 52 Exposure Variety Showcase Abstracts order to examine how the “value” of the orchestra has evolved in Auckland to the present day. I will also focus on the problems experienced by the APO in the early twenty-first century and how it has responded to these, with reference to what the APO is doing in its education and community programmes. SURFACING FRAMES: ON ENDURING AND FORGETTING Evania Vallyon DANCE Surfacing Frames explores ways of evoking performance through performance, beyond containment in artifacts from the past. Engaging the affective archive as a concept, Surfacing Frames follows current discourse in performance studies where the singular live-ness of the performance event becomes the site for research. Live-ness, here is understood as the flux of the present moment, this destabilizes more traditional understandings of the archive and its en-suite of documentation practices. The provocation here is that these ‘practices need to be questioned, re-mapped and displaced in order to leave room for the powerful affective memory traces that such events can engender.’ (Laura Cull, 2012) Throughout the course of the year I collaborated with a dancer, drummer and photographer in devising a siteresponsive performance across one level of a storage building. As the first iteration of Surfacing Frames, we invited six witnesses to roam independently through the co-creation of a performance-event, as radical de and reframing of grid-like space through percussive, kinesthetic and visual sensibilities. My proposition here is that in order to share of the performance findings from that other time and place there must be an element of live-ness. For this end, I explore the performance lecture as second iteration on enduring and forgetting performance. CAN ARCHITECTURE AFFECT THE ACADEMIC ACHIEVEMENT AND SOCIAL WELLBEING OF STUDENTS IN NEW ZEALAND SCHOOLS? Yusnidar Yusof. ARCHITECTURE The majority of the New Zealand population is European of mainly British descent. The minority consists of indigenous Maori, Pasifika and Asian origins. Today 58% of the New Zealand Pasifika population are New Zealand born (Statistics New Zealand, 2005). With New Zealand situated in the southwest of the Pacific Ocean, Auckland is arguably the capital of the South Pacific Islands. There isn’t another global city with a large concentrated population of Maori and Pasifika. This rich mix of culture is reflected within many New Zealand school environments. Cultural origin influences how we live, work, socialize and learn. Culture refers to a particular group’s shared knowledge, concepts, values, customs, symbols, and behaviours. When thinking about pedagogy and practice in a school with students from varying cultural backgrounds, increasingly teachers need to know and understand different belief systems, cultures, and [learning] practices (Bevan-Brown, 2007). How sensitive are current school building designs in accommodating the differences in culture and pedagogy? Good NZ new school designs and remodelled teaching spaces have been outlined by the Ministry of Education. How do these ‘good school designs’ affect students’ academic achievement? Is success measured only by National Standard results? How is the wellbeing of students quantified? This research will include analysis of the architectural quality of schools that are failing as well as thriving. The parameters that will be compared are decile rating, National Certificate of Education Achievement (NCEA), and whether or not the architecture has received any architectural recognition. The focus will be on schools with a large ethnic mix particularly in south Auckland. The research will study how architecture can (in close collaboration with educationists) generate academic excellence and social wellbeing in New Zealand schools. history of the island. The data show significant differences between eruptions of different centres, with individual eruptions having homogenous mineral populations. This implies the existence of separate long-lived magma reservoirs beneath each centre. Equilibrium constraints, however, show that mineral populations in the individual eruptions are not in equilibrium. This suggests that either some mineral populations are entirely xenocrystic or that a significant amount of magma mixing occurred just prior to eruption. The occurrence of mafic mineral populations with similar compositions across all eruptions suggests a common source reservoir at depth prior to shallow magmatic segregation. This presentation will use pirates on the open sea as a metaphor to explain the complex magmatic dynamics that gave rise to the volcanism seen on the island of Dominica. SCIENCE THE MAGMATIC EVOLUTION OF ANDESITIC PLINIAN ERUPTIONS ON DOMINICA, LESSER ANTILLES Tracy Howe. ENVIRONMENT Although volcanic activity in the Lesser Antilles is generally characterized by dome-forming eruptions, pyroclastic flow deposits on the island of Dominica indicate that a series of andesitic Plinian eruptions occurred 20-30 ka ago. Microprobe analyses from orthopyroxenes (En52-58), clinopyroxenes (En64-69), plagioclases (An54-92), FeTi oxides, amphiboles, olivines, and glass were used to determine the geochemical evolution of individual eruptions of both styles. The different eruptions were compared and used to create a detailed story of the recent magmatic Exposure Variety Showcase Abstracts 53 Whether you're an experienced professional or just embarking on your career, consider a career with Douglas Pharmaceuticals Limited, your opportunities with us are virtually unlimited. We offer you a fast-­‐moving, ambitious, and stimulating environment that provides unparalleled opportunities for you to progress your career in many areas of our business. Our diverse and substantial client base brings you face-­‐to-­‐face with some of the world’s most innovative and exciting organisations and people. Throughout your career, you will be challenged by the work and by the people on your team as well as by the clients we serve. You will be constantly learning and your ideas will be welcomed in an atmosphere of collaboration and teamwork. We provide learning and career development opportunities aimed at building your technical competence, self development, team work, and leadership skills development. 54 www.douglas.co.nz KIWI. AUTHENTIC KIWI. & PROUD. AUTHENTIC KIWI. & PROUD. AUTHENTIC & PROUD. Norcross are proud to sponsor Exposure and to be the preferred print supplier for The University of Auckland Norcross are proud to sponsor Exposure and to be the preferred print supplier for The University of Auckland Norcross are proud to sponsor Exposure and to be the preferred print supplier for The University of Auckland FULL SERVICE PRINT MANAGEMENT QUALITY PRINT MANUFACTURING ONLINE ORDERING Full Service Print ManageMent PRE-PRESS & DESIGN Quality Print ManuFacturing INTEGRATED LOGISTICS Online Ordering ADVANCED DIGITAL ASSET MANAGEMENT // ADAM Pre-PreSS & deSign PRINT & LOGISTICS CONSULTANTS Full ServicelOgiSticS Print ManageMent integrated Quality Print ManuFacturing advanced digital aSSet ManageMent // adaM Online Print & Ordering lOgiSticS cOnSultantS Pre-PreSS & deSign integrated lOgiSticS 55 H EET STR CES PRIN E ES 16 CEN 19A 18 E T N WE BO Q U RA 25 AD N om ST 3 RE Th eB 3 6 1 3 3a CES 7 T EE ST R 3 9 11 16 22 2 5 14 18 7 23 18 D Y N 15 YA R W 6 25 -2 27 5 20 Inf Kate oC E om dge mo r SY ns M 1 1 1 ON 31 DS 1 S Co tude 3 mm nt 22 31 21 6 16 21 52 1 12 5 PRIN 34 36 AD 38 RO 10 Co 11 mm erc 24 26 ET as 2 Bl N dg . TE AL 22 AN ZA C ST R AV E EET N U E T 10 22 3 0 8 17 20 GRAFTO7 5 23 ET N RE 9 22 12 EA 40 24 ST 36 ST AN LE Y STR E ET 26 ROAD RO SY M O AD 58 N D S 20A 432 Fine Arts AL 70 N 431 ES P 20 20 'No.14' Flats GR 433 TO WS 14 ME N 16 AC E PL AC E GR AF ER TO T 76 AF P 10 PL 16 67 KE R 73 I TA 600 SCALE 200m WH 0 Geo-graphics Unit, School of Geography & Environmental Science © The University of Auckland, September 2006 AD KA RI ST RE ET 2 RO 27 LA N E International House 1 60 S IVE T EE R ST ST P P 6 436 AK DR Lecture Theatres P 20 400 435 P 14 438 IT AIN 417 439 H OM SS ND MO GU0503 Map – City Campus to n Br id ge uth Libraries Faculty Offices and Student Centres Architecture 423 Audio Visual 206 Engineering 402 Fine Arts 432 General Library 109 Law (Davis) 802 Music 250 Arts 201 Business & Economics 207, 113 Creative Arts & Industries 423 Engineering 402 Law 801 Science 301 Theology (School of) 804 pu O m Ca RA af to n G Gr N s So ay rw oto M to FT t yW es rw a Mo to to Mo torw ay We st m m fro s af AUCKLAND CITY HOSPITAL to Gr pu fro th ou yS wa Ca m T 60 or n ot to M Gr af TR EE 3 60 1 Wynyard Street (01Wyn) 240 58 Symonds Street (58Sym) 435 Architecture (ALR) 421 Arts 1 (Arts) 206 Biology (BLT) 106 Cell Biology (CMBioLT) 110 Chemistry (Chem) 301 ClockTower (ClockT) 105 Commerce A (CA) 114 Commerce C (C303) 207 Conference Centre (Conf) 423 Engineering (Eng) 401, 403 Fine Arts (FA) 432 Geology (Geol) 301 Human Sciences (HSB) 201 Law (Algie, Northey, Stone) 801 Law (Small) 803 Library (Lib) 109 Lower Lecture Theatre (LLT) 115 Mathematics (MLT) 303 Music (M) 250 Newman Hall (NH) 805 Old Choral Hall (OCH) 104 Old Government House (OGH) 102 Physics (PLT) 303 Statistics (SLT) 303 Upper Lecture Theatre (ULT) 115 Walk to Railway Campus E S T KSID BAN NU LAN us mp E AV 18 1 ST 9 O'Rorke Hall LD to SY Ca C 16 EY STREET T 614 W 16 NG RO AHA PE AD AD ZA 9 O SL UN 600 FIE RA ay ilw Ra to RO AN EN O RL LE KE N E AT EL MO ED TI ED W W WA 16 AIR AR 56 50 Directory Accommodation & 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Excelerator, New Zealand Leadership Institute 435 External Relations 135 Facilities Management 201 Fale Pasifika Complex 273-275 Film, Television & Media Studies, Dept of 206 Financial Services 439 Fine Arts, Elam School of 417, 431-433, 610 Fisher Building 804 Flexible & Distance Learning, Centre for 435, 438, 820 Food Science Programme 301 Forensic Science Programme 301 Geography & Environmental Science, School of 201 Geology, Dept of 301 George Fraser Gallery 132 General Library 109 Germanic & Slavonic Studies, 619 Dept of 206 Graduate Centre 119 Graduate School of Enterprise 810 Grounds Maintenance 120-121 618 Gus Fisher Gallery 820 History, Dept of 214, 223 CITY RD Human Resources 103 Human Sciences Building 201 ID Card Centre 105 Information Commons 315 Indonesian 435 Information Systems & Operations ST Management, Dept of 104 M KA AC CITY BE Y PL EMIL Student Commons 315 north Information Technology Systems & Services, to Downtown, PL Kenneth Myers ILY Student Financial Support 105 ITSS 409, 438 Harbour Bridge EM 820 Centre and North Student Information Centre 105 International Business, Dept of 810 ND ST A L 74 RE E RT Student Learning Centre 315 International House 602-603 S HO T P W E Student Records & Graduation 105 International Relations Office 103 EDE NC S 816 RES Student Recruitment & Course Advice 119 NZ Post Shop iSPACE (for international students) 315 ET RE Student Union 311-312 James Henare Maori Research Centre 225 ST P T 4 OR Students’ Association, AUSA 322 Japanese 435 SH1 - 11 Te Kohanga Reo 255 810 Kate Edger Information Commons 315 Tertiary Foundation Certificate Programme 206 Kenneth Myers Centre 820 Theology, School of 804 Key Control, Access Control, 11 Wynyard St 201 Thomas Building 110 Language Laboratories 109, 201, 206, 219 Translation Studies, Centre for 206 Law, School of 801-803 Transport 201 Lecture Theatre Management Unit 115 KITCH 15 ENER 801 Tuition Fees 105 Legal Research Foundation 801 ST Unisafe 201 Library, General 109 802 17 UniServices 439 Lippincott Cottage 118 CR 800 University Bookshop 315 Lodge, Old Government House 123 E Law P ENU 803 V 2 A University Careers Centre 105 Newman Maclaurin Chapel & Chaplains 107 EN Hall BOW 123 University Health Services 315 P Maidment Theatre, Studio 313 805 18 135 Lodge University House 135 Maintenance Workshops 201 804 University University of Auckland Management & Employment Relations, House Developments 207 Dept of 207 Fisher 107 EET STR Building Maclaurin University of Auckland Maori & Indigenous Education, International George Fraser ENT Chapel LIAM Gallery Foundation 135 Research Institute for 253 PAR University of Auckland 132 Maori Material Culture Workshop 226 Society 135 Maori Studies, Dept of 226, 253 100 sector Vice-Chancellor’s Office 103 Marae 251-252 Werry Centre 618 Marketing, Dept of 113 Women’s Studies 201 Mathematics, Dept of 303 Old 121 Government Mechanical Engineering, Dept of 401 102 House Mediator’s Office 438 120 Security Musgrove Studio Theatre 313 115 The ClockTower Information Desk Music, School of 117, 250 to Railway 'Music Shed' C 124 om Newman Hall 805 Campus Access Parking me 105 11 117 New Start 435 rce 1 City-Tamaki Bus Stop 125 A New Zealand Asia Institute 435 P Staff Parking, Area No 114 P 18 New Zealand Leadership Institute, 3 11 118 9 Underpass P Excelerator 435 9 P 241 103 P Visitor Parking 'Number 14' Student Flats 436 Staff Service 110 Alfred Nathan 24 Old Choral Hall 104 0 House P 106 24 Music Old Government House 102 Bio 26 6 log O'Rorke Hall 614 y 250 109 214 P General Owen G Glenn Building, The 260 1V P Library Pacific Studies, Centre for 273 ALF Marae 104 ALBERT RED Performing Arts 820 Old Choral 200 8 252 1 5 M PARK Student aid Hall Pharmacy 315 25 Service 201 31 ment 4 311 3 Philosophy, Dept of 804 2 S Human 1 TRE s t 255 Sciences Photographers 435 ET P 253 Ar 22 15A 206 Physics, Dept of 303 5 P Planning, Dept of 421 AV 15 274 Planning & Quality Office 103 to Queen Street, 226 312 315 207 Harbour Bridge Political Studies, Commerce and North P 273 36 C Dept of 212, 215-216 P Fale Pasifika Complex 16A 219 Polymers & Coatings Science 300 Programme 301 303 Post Office Agency 315 314 402 Science Property, Dept of 421 Centre Recreation 260 P Centre The Owen G Glenn Building 5 Property Services 439 (under construction) Psychology, Dept of 201 P 40 Recreation Centre 314 404 301 Research Office 438 Engineering Science 401 Retail Facilities 315, 311 Centre Safety Officer 103 408 403 Scholarships & Financial Support 105 P 16 16 16 P Schools Partnership Office 119 7 423 Science Centre 301, 303 ITSS 400 Conference Security 201 409 Centre 422 Short Courses 810 410 ST PA UL UNISAFE Sociology, Dept of 201 ST Security Control Room Spanish, Dept of 206 11 Wynyard Street Phone 3737-599 Staff Common Room 102 421 Architecture ext 85000 Statistics, Dept of 303 P strata, Postgraduate Commons 315 19 LO WE 610 R Student Administration 105 D S ay GRAFT ON RO AD 16 N GR h o ut AF GR M AD AF TO N RO M oto tor otor rwa wa wa yN to M yN yS o o r th o oto rwa & W rth & uth to M y So We est oto uth st rw m fro EW S Mo fro m M torwa y So oto uth rw ay No rth &W est from Y LE ST AN ST T EA EET STR YS Mo SLE LLE WE fro m SY MO N DS ET GR AFT ON ST RE T AS TE EE TR YS LE ES 16 ROAD W YN YA RD STR EET ST RE ET SY M ON DS ST RE AD RO RED ET N TE AL LL WE to M T PRIN CES S TREE AN ZA C AV E NT RA AD QU ALF Tournament Parking P Owen G Glenn Building 12 Grafton Road Business School Owen G Glenn Building L P L NE AR P TO LO W DOMAIN ER MA N I DO DR IVE TO P W Map – Owen G Glenn and Musgrove Studio 57 EXPOSURE CALENDAR OF EVENTS 2012 Event Date Venue Fisher & Paykel Healthcare Oral Prelims 1 Oct OGGB - 4105 Engineering - 406 8.30am Fisher & Paykel Healthcare Oral Finals 2 Oct Musgrove Studio 5.30pm Variety Showcase 3 Oct Musgrove Studio 5pm Exposure Poster Display 1-4 Oct Engineering Neon Foyer 8.30am - 5pm Prize Giving 4 Oct Old Government House 5.30pm NOTES: 58 Notes Time NOTES: Notes 59 We are a leading designer, manufacturer and marketer of a range of innovative healthcare devices which incorporate unique features to improve patient care. We are a global organisation with 2200 plus employees worldwide, with around 1800 based in New Zealand. Whether you're an experienced professional or just embarking on your career, co a career with Douglas Pharmaceuticals Limited, your opportunities with us are vi unlimited. Host Our site in East Tamaki is a truly unique environment, offering modern, purposebuilt facilities in park-light surroundings. We also have subsidised café and there are many social sports and interest groups within Fisher & Paykel Healthcare to take advantage of. We offer you a fast-­‐moving, ambitious, and stimulating environment that pr unparalleled opportunities for you to progress your career in many areas of our bu Our diverse and substantial client base brings you face-­‐to-­‐face with some of the w most innovative and exciting organisations and people. We offer unique career opportunities in many different areas including engineering, finance, IT, quality, regulatory, marketing, supply chain and more. Throughout your career, you will be challenged by the work and by the people o team as well as by the clients we serve. You will be constantly learning and ideas will be welcomed in an atmosphere of collaboration and teamwork. Principal Sponsor www.fphcareers.com We provide learning and career development opportunities aimed at building technical competence, self development, team work, and leadership skills develop Sponsors Special Prizes Whatever your needs, we can help. 28 Faculty Sponsors We l l i n g to n B ra n c h . 8 2 - 8 4 N e s l o n St re e t Ph : 0 4 5 7 6 0 9 9 0 Au c k l a n d B ra n c h . 2 4 L Al l r i g ht Pl a ce Ph : 0 9 5 7 4 6 5 7 4 www.douglas.co.n
