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This collection houses research from the School of Science and from the School of Engineering at the University of Waikato.
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Item Polylactide composites reinforced with pre-impregnated natural fibre and continuous cellulose yarns for 3D printing applications(Journal Article, MDPI AG, 2024) Priya Muthe, Lakshmi; Pickering, Kim; Gauss, ChristianAchieving high-performance 3D printing composite filaments requires addressing challenges related to fibre wetting and uniform fibre/polymer distribution. This study evaluates the effectiveness of solution (solvent-based) and emulsion (water-based) impregnation techniques to enhance fibre wetting in bleached flax yarns by polylactide (PLA). For the first time, continuous viscose yarn composites were also produced using both impregnation techniques. All the composites were carefully characterised throughout each stage of production. Initially, single yarns were impregnated and consolidated to optimise formulations and processing parameters. Solution impregnation resulted in the highest tensile strength (356 MPa) for PLA/bleached flax filaments, while emulsion impregnation yielded the highest tensile strength for PLA/viscose filaments (255 MPa) due to better fibre wetting and fibre distribution. Impregnated single yarns were then combined, with additional polymer added to produce filaments compatible with standard material extrusion 3D printers. Despite a reduction in the mechanical performance of the 3D-printed composites due to additional polymer impregnation, relatively high tensile and bending strengths were achieved, and the Charpy impact strength (>127 kJ/m2) for the viscose-based composite exceeded the reported values for bio-derived fibre reinforced composites. The robust mechanical performance of these filaments offers new opportunities for the large-scale additive manufacturing of structural components from bio-derived and renewable resources.Item Recyclable hemp hurd fibre-reinforced PLA composites for 3D printing(Journal Article, Elsevier, 2024) Beg, Mohammad DH; Pickering, Kim L; Akindoyo, John O; Gauss, ChristianIn this study, 3D printing filaments were produced from hemp hurd fibre-reinforced polylactide (PLA) composites. Hemp hurd microfibres were obtained through alkaline digestion followed by a bleaching treatment and were used to produce PLA-based composites with 20–40 wt% fibre content for fused deposition modelling. Tensile testing of 3D printed composites revealed a gradual increase of Young's modulus with the addition of fibres, reaching a maximum of 7.1 GPa for the 40 wt% composite - a two-fold increase to neat PLA. However, tensile strength was only improved for the 20 wt% formulation, with an increase of 8% in comparison with neat PLA. Nevertheless, the thermo-mechanical properties of the composites were significantly enhanced with the addition of fibres. In addition, physical objects were printed from the recycled filaments to assess their recyclability and printability. It was found that the recycled filaments maintained comparable mechanical properties and printability after three recycling cycles.Publication Novel composition(Patent, 2022) Magnusson, Marie; de Nys, RockyThe field of the invention relates to processes for preparing Asparagopsis oil compositions, comprising extracting at least one bioactive from a biomass of Asparagopsis into an oil to form the compositions. These compositions are suitable for reducing total gas production and/or methane production in a ruminant or pseudo-ruminant animal.Publication Seismic resilience vs. functional recovery of buildings: A critical review(Conference Contribution, New Zealand Society for Earthquake Engineering, 2022) Li, L; Chang-Richards, A; Boston, Megan; Elwood, KAchieving functional recovery means that buildings can be safely reoccupied in a reasonable amount of time and with minimal repair following a major earthquake. It requires a paradigm shift of building standards and design practice from life-safety-centred to resilience-oriented. This paper presents a critical review of the existing methodologies and frameworks for assessing buildings' seismic resilience and modelling functional recovery. In particular, the insights about how seismic resilience contributes to functional recovery and vice versa were drawn from a comparison of these two concepts. This paper can be helpful in future research to determine the resiliency targets and identify the missing gaps to formulate a framework for functional recovery to be used in the New Zealand engineering and building sector.Publication Exploring inequity in access to medications for Type 2 Diabetes in primary care in the Waikato region: Final report(Report, 2021-08-17) Lawrenson, Ross ; Chepulis, Lynne Merran ; Paul, R; Mayo, C; Keenan, RawiriType 2 diabetes (T2D) is a growing health issue in New Zealand (NZ) that disproportionately affects twice as many Māori as non-Māori and an increasing number of younger people. T2D is associated with a range of microvascular and macrovascular complications, chronic kidney disease and cardiovascular disease (CVD), the latter being the greatest cause of morbidity and mortality in this patient group. However, complications are reduced in patients that have improved glycaemic control. To achieve optimal outcomes and reduce the chance of diabetes-related complications, patients should aim to have their glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) measurement less than 53 mmol/mol if possible. Diabetes is primarily managed in primary care, and a number of recent publications suggest that there is considerable inequity in the management of diabetes in New Zealand, particularly for Māori. In an earlier piece of work we have shown that Maori are significantly less likely than non-Maori to be prescribed metformin, but that once prescribed it they are equally likely to have the medication dispensed. This suggests that there may be issues that can be addressed within primary care that are influencing the use of diabetes medications. Thus, the aim of this small piece of work was to characterise diabetes medication use in a Waikato primary care population, and to report on medication adherence and association with HbA1c levels.Item The source, composition and typology of ‘Limestone’ Adzes from Eastern North Island, New Zealand(Journal Article, 2016) Nelson, Campbell S.Collections of stone adzes (toki) from the eastern North Island of New Zealand include a number of typologically early (Archaic) forms made from what has been previously described as ‘siliceous or silicified limestone’. Seventy five finished adzes and preforms of this material were recorded in the present study. Their geographic distribution is primarily restricted to southern Hawkes Bay – Wairarapa, and they apparently originated from a single manufacturing centre at Owahanga, on the northern Wairarapa coast. Chemical and mineralogical analyses (by X-ray fluorescence, portable XRF, vacuum gasometry and X-ray diffraction) of two artefacts from Owahanga show they contain about 20–30 per cent CaCO3 (as calcite), while samples of the presumed local source rock have a slightly higher carbonate content but comparable silica (quartz) and Rb concentrations. The rock type used in the manufacture of adzes was therefore not a true limestone but calcareous mudstone, compositionally distinct from siliceous limestones in southern Wairarapa and probably derived from the Whangai Formation. Possible reasons for the use of this stone material are discussed.Publication Guidebook for pre-conference North Island New Zealand 'Volcanoes to Oceans' field tour (26th - 30th July 2010) 19th World Congress of Soil Sciences, Brisbane (31st July - 6 August 2010)(Book, Massey University, 2010) Lowe, David J.; Neall, V; Hedley, M; Clothier, B; MacKay, AField trip sponsored by: Soil and Earth Sciences, INR, Massey University. Department of Earth and Ocean Sciences, University of Waikato. Environment Waikato.Item Bioinspired surface modification of mussel shells and their application as a biogenic filler in polypropylene composites(Journal Article, Elsevier BV, 2024-10) Xu, Jing; Mucalo, Michael R; Pickering, Kim LThis study explores the potential of mussel shells (MS) as biogenic fillers in polymer composites. The chemical composition and crystal structures of MS were characterised. To improve MS filler dispersion and adhesion within a polypropylene (PP) matrix, three surface modification methods were evaluated: polydopamine (PDA) coating, maleic anhydride-grafted polypropylene (MAPP) modification, and PDA/MAPP co-modification. The PDA coating, inspired by the adhesive properties of mussel foot proteins, successfully functionalized the MS surface, as confirmed by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). Thermodynamic analysis, based on contact angle measurements, revealed that MAPP and PDA/MAPP modifications reduced surface energies and potential energy differences. These changes enhanced filler dispersion and interfacial bonding by increasing hydrophobicity and reducing agglomeration in the PP matrix. Consequently, PP composites with 20% PDA/MAPP-modified MS fillers exhibited a 2.9% increase in tensile strength and a 7.5% increase in flexural strength compared to neat PP. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) also showed reduced filler-matrix debonding and fewer voids. The proposed mechanism attributes these macroscopic property enhancements to the ability of the PDA coating to facilitate chemical and hydrogen bonding between MS fillers and MAPP.Item Examining the mid to long‐term variability in saturated hydraulic conductivity of sandy soils and its influencing factors under constant head test in the laboratory(Journal Article, American Geophysical Union (AGU), 2024) Nikghalb Ashouri, Saeed; Pittari, Adrian; Moon, Vicki; Shokri, AliSaturated hydraulic conductivity (Ks) is a crucial parameter that influences water flow in saturated soils, with applications in various fields such as surface water runoff, soil erosion, drainage, and solute transport. However, accurate determination of Ks is challenging due to temporal and spatial uncertainties. This study addresses the knowledge gap regarding the long‐term behavior of Ks in sandy soils with less than 10% fine particles. The research investigates the changes in Ks over a long period of constant head tests and examines the factors influencing its variation. Two sandy samples were tested using a hydraulic conductivity cell, and the hydraulic head and discharge were recorded for over 50 days. The results show a general decline in Ks throughout the test, except for brief periods of increase. At the end of both tests, there are noticeable reductions in the saturated hydraulic conductivities of the samples, with one sample being 96% and the other sample 91% less than the maximum recorded saturated hydraulic conductivity during the tests. Furthermore, the relationship between flow rate and hydraulic head gradient does not follow the expected linear correlation from Darcy's law, highlighting the complex nature of sandy soil saturated hydraulic conductivity. The investigation of soil properties in three different sections of the samples before and after the tests revealed a decrease in the percentage of fine particles and a shift in specific gravity from the bottom to the top of the sample, suggesting particle migration along the flow direction. Factors such as clogging by fine particles and pore pressure variation contribute to the changes in Ks. The findings of this research show the importance of considering changes of saturated hydraulic conductivity during constant‐head laboratory tests. Therefore, this study provides evidence for the requirement to further assess the laboratory methods for measurement of the saturated hydraulic conductivity in sandy soil mixtures.Publication The influence of warming on phosphorus burial in continental margin sediments(Journal Article, 2023) Zhao, M; Tarhan, L; Planavsky, N; Isson, Terry T.The marine phosphorus cycle plays a critical role in regulating rates of primary productivity and thus the size of the marine biosphere. Yet, the cumulative effects of temperature change—and warming, in particular—on marine phosphorus burial remain poorly understood. Here, we explore a benthic biogeochemical model that accounts for the compounded effect of temperature on the kinetics of key diagenetic reaction pathways, diffusion coefficients, seawater pH, dissolved O2 concentration and bioturbation, in order to provide a new predictive framework for understanding the temperature response associated with P burial in continental margin settings. We find that temperature has a direct and positive impact on marine phosphorus burial, as it directly increases the formation rate of key mineral P-removal pathways—foremost carbonate fluorapatite (CFA). The increase in authigenic P burial during climate warming is likely to partially counter the effects of increased water-column P regeneration rate during climate warming events, and thus influence the extent of oceanic anoxia and organic matter burial, a factor that should be considered when assessing the response of the P cycle in the face of warming.Publication Neuroanatomy of a sex changing fish: the New Zealand spotty wrasse (Notolabrus celidotus) brain atlas(Journal Article, Informa UK Limited, 2024-06-15) Kamstra, Kaj; van der Burg, Chloé; Quertermous, Haylee M; Muncaster, Simon; Todd, Erica V; Jasoni, Christine L; Brown, Culum; Gemmell, Neil JFor most vertebrates, sexual fate is genetically determined and remains fixed throughout life. However, for some teleost fishes sex is more plastic. Significant progress has been made in characterising the cellular and molecular processes that underpin gonadal sex change. The brain-mediated mechanisms that underlie and initiate this transformation, however, remain poorly understood. One reason for this is the current lack of a neuroanatomical reference work for sex changing fishes. Here, we present a brain atlas for the New Zealand (NZ) spotty wrasse (Notolabrus celidotus), developed from 10 wild caught specimens (2 male and 8 female). From each fish, coronal cryosections were collected and stained with cresyl violet solution. Photomicrographs were taken of each section using an inverted bright field microscope and 3D reconstructions were rendered of each brain for annotation and volumetric comparison of specific brain regions. The brain atlas describes the general features of the NZ spotty wrasse brain as well as its specificities. This atlas provides the necessary foundation for further investigation of the brain mechanisms driving protogyny in this species.Publication Effects of cortisol on female-to-male sex change in a wrasse(Journal Article, Public Library of Science (PLoS), 2022-09-01) Goikoetxea, Alexander; Todd, Erica V; Muncaster, Simon; Lokman, P Mark; Thomas, Jodi T; Robertson, Holly A; De Farias e Moraes, Carlos E; Gemmell, Neil JSex change occurs as a usual part of the life cycle for many teleost fish and the modifications involved (behavioural, gonadal, morphological) are well studied. However, the mechanism that transduces environmental cues into the molecular cascade that underlies this transformation remains unknown. Cortisol, the main stress hormone in fish, is hypothesised to be a key factor linking environmental stimuli with sex change by initiating gene expression changes that shift steroidogenesis from oestrogens to androgens but this notion remains to be rigorously tested. Therefore, this study aimed to experimentally test the role of cortisol as an initiator of sex change in a protogynous (female-to-male) hermaphrodite, the New Zealand spotty wrasse (Notolabrus celidotus). We also sought to identify potential key regulatory factors within the head kidney that may contribute to the initiation and progression of gonadal sex change. Cortisol pellets were implanted into female spotty wrasses under inhibitory conditions (presence of a male), and outside of the optimal season for natural sex change. Histological analysis of the gonads and sex hormone analyses found no evidence of sex change after 71 days of cortisol treatment. However, expression analyses of sex and stress-associated genes in gonad and head kidney suggested that cortisol administration did have a physiological effect. In the gonad, this included upregulation of amh, a potent masculinising factor, and nr3c1, a glucocorticoid receptor. In the head kidney, hsd11b2, which converts cortisol to inactive cortisone to maintain cortisol balance, was upregulated. Overall, our results suggest cortisol administration outside of the optimal sex change window is unable to initiate gonadal restructuring. However, our expression data imply key sex and stress genes are sensitive to cortisol. This includes genes expressed in both gonad and head kidney that have been previously implicated in early sex change in several sex-changing species.Publication A new experimental model for the investigation of sequential hermaphroditism(Journal Article, Springer Science and Business Media LLC, 2021-12-01) Goikoetxea, A; Muncaster, Simon; Todd, E. V.; Lokman, P. M.; Robertson, H. A.; De Farias e Moraes, C. E.; Damsteegt, E. L.; Gemmell, N. J.The stunning sexual transformation commonly triggered by age, size or social context in some fishes is one of the best examples of phenotypic plasticity thus far described. To date our understanding of this process is dominated by studies on a handful of subtropical and tropical teleosts, often in wild settings. Here we have established the protogynous New Zealand spotty wrasse, Notolabruscelidotus, as a temperate model for the experimental investigation of sex change. Captive fish were induced to change sex using aromatase inhibition or manipulation of social groups. Complete female-to-male transition occurred over 60 days in both cases and time-series sampling was used to quantify changes in hormone production, gene expression and gonadal cellular anatomy. Early-stage decreases in plasma 17β-estradiol (E2) concentrations or gonadal aromatase (cyp19a1a) expression were not detected in spotty wrasse, despite these being commonly associated with the onset of sex change in subtropical and tropical protogynous (female-to-male) hermaphrodites. In contrast, expression of the masculinising factor amh (anti-Müllerian hormone) increased during early sex change, implying a potential role as a proximate trigger for masculinisation. Collectively, these data provide a foundation for the spotty wrasse as a temperate teleost model to study sex change and cell fate in vertebrates.Publication Human activities shape global patterns of decomposition rates in rivers(Journal Article, American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS), 2024) Tiegs, SD; Capps, KA; Costello, DM; Schmidt, JP; Patrick, CJ; Follstad Shah, JJ; LeRoy, CJ; Acuña, Vicenç; Albariño, Ricardo; Allen, Daniel C; Alonso, Cecilia; Andino, Patricio; Arango, Clay; Aroviita, Jukka; Barbosa, Marcus VM; Barmuta, Leon A; Baxter, Colden; Bellinger, Brent; Boyero, Luz; Bragina, Lyubov; Brown, Lee E; Bruder, Andreas; Bruesewitz, Denise A; Burdon, Francis J.; Callisto, Marcos; Camacho, Antonio; Canhoto, Cristina; Castillo, María M; Chauvet, Eric; Clapcott, Joanne; Colas, Fanny; Colón-Gaud, Checo; Cornut, Julien; Crespo-Pérez, Verónica; Cross, Wyatt F; Culp, Joseph; Danger, Michael; Dangles, Olivier; de Eyto, Elvira; Derry, Alison M; Villanueva, Veronica Díaz; Douglas, Michael M; Elosegi, Arturo; Encalada, Andrea C; Entrekin, Sally; Espinosa, Rodrigo; Ferreira, Verónica; Ferriol, Carmen; Flanagan, Kyla M; Flecker, Alexander S; Fleituch, Tadeusz; Frainer, André; Friberg, Nikolai; Frost, Paul C; Garcia, Erica A; García-Lago, Liliana; Soto, Pavel Ernesto García; Gessner, Mark O; Ghate, Sudeep; Giling, Darren P; Gilmer, Alan; Gonçalves, José Francisco; Gonzales, Rosario Karina; Graça, Manuel AS; Grace, Mike; Griffiths, Natalie A; Grossart, Hans-Peter; Guérold, François; Gulis, Vlad; Gutiérrez-Fonseca, Pablo E; Hepp, Luiz U; Higgins, Scott; Hishi, Takuo; Huddart, Joseph; Hudson, John; Imberger, Moss; Iñiguez-Armijos, Carlos; Isken, Mark W; Iwata, Tomoya; Janetski, David J; Kirkwood, Andrea E; Koning, Aaron A; Kosten, Sarian; Kuehn, Kevin A; Laudon, Hjalmar; Leavitt, Peter R; Lemes da Silva, Aurea L; Leroux, Shawn; Lisi, Peter J; MacKenzie, Richard; Marcarelli, Amy M; Masese, Frank O; McIntyre, Peter B; McKie, Brendan G; Medeiros, Adriana; Meissner, Kristian; Miliša, Marko; Mishra, Shailendra; Miyake, Yo; Moerke, Ashley; Mombrikotb, Shorok; Mooney, Rob; Moulton, Timothy; Muotka, Timo; Negishi, Junjiro; Neres-Lima, Vinicius; Nieminen, Mika L; Nimptsch, Jorge; Ondruch, Jakub; Paavola, Riku; Pardo, Isabel; Peeters, Edwin THM; Pozo, Jesus; Prussian, Aaron; Quenta, Estefania; Reid, Brian; Richardson, John S; Rigosi, Anna; Rincón, José; Risnoveanu, Geta; Robinson, Christopher T; Rodríguez-Gallego, Lorena; Royer, Todd V; Rusak, James A; Santamans, Anna C; Selmeczy, Géza B; Simiyu, Gelas; Skuja, Agnija; Smykla, Jerzy; Sponseller, Ryan; Sridhar, Kandikere R; Stoler, Aaron; Swan, Christopher M; de Mello, Franco Teixeira; Tonkin, Jonathan D; Uusheimo, Sari; Veach, Allison M; Vilbaste, Sirje; Vought, Lena B-M; Wang, Chiao-Ping; Webster, Jackson R; Wilson, Paul B; Woelfl, Stefan; Woodward, Guy; Xenopoulos, Marguerite A; Yates, Adam G; Yoshimura, Chihiro; Yule, Catherine M; Zhang, Yixin; Zwart, Jacob ARivers and streams contribute to global carbon cycling by decomposing immense quantities of terrestrial plant matter. However, decomposition rates are highly variable and large-scale patterns and drivers of this process remain poorly understood. Using a cellulose-based assay to reflect the primary constituent of plant detritus, we generated a predictive model (81% variance explained) for cellulose decomposition rates across 514 globally distributed streams. A large number of variables were important for predicting decomposition, highlighting the complexity of this process at the global scale. Predicted cellulose decomposition rates, when combined with genus-level litter quality attributes, explain published leaf litter decomposition rates with high accuracy (70% variance explained). Our global map provides estimates of rates across vast understudied areas of Earth and reveals rapid decomposition across continental-scale areas dominated by human activities.Publication Robust stutter bisimulation for abstraction and controller synthesis with disturbance(Journal Article, Elsevier, 2023) Krook, Jonas; Malik, Robi; Mohajerani, Sahar; Fabian, MartinThis paper proposes a method to synthesise controllers for cyber-physical systems subjected to disturbances, such that the controlled system satisfies specifications given as linear temporal logic formulas. To solve this problem, a finite-state abstraction of the original system is first constructed, and then a controller is synthesised for the abstraction. Due to the disturbances and uncertainty in the environment, future states cannot be predicted exactly, and the abstraction must take this into account. For this purpose, the robust stutter bisimulation relation is introduced, which preserves the existence of controllers for any given linear temporal logic formula that excludes the next operator. States are related by the robust stutter bisimulation relation if the same target sets can be guaranteed to be reached or avoided under control of some controller, thus ensuring that disturbances have similar effect on paths that start in related states. It is shown that there exists a controller enforcing a linear temporal logic formula for the original system if and only if a controller exists for the abstracted system. The approach is illustrated by a robot navigation example.Publication Using tertiary building performance to define post-disaster functionality timeframes for community recovery and resilience(Poster, 2023-08-29) Mayer, Bethany; Boston, MeganBuilding damage from earthquakes can have significant consequences for communities, leading to direct and indirect losses. These losses include casualties and repair costs, reduced productivity and well-being. Current building codes prioritize life safety by aiming to prevent deaths, but lack provisions for repairability and functionality, resulting in potentially long recovery times. There has been growing interest in enhancing post-earthquake building functionality, which refers to a building's ability to serve its intended purpose. Beyond life safety, additional functionality states have been defined, including re-occupancy (safe shelter), functional recovery (basic service provision), and full functionality (restoration to pre-earthquake conditions). Several frameworks and design methodologies have been developed in the United States to understand the requirements for achieving these higher functionality states. However, these frameworks predominantly focus on structural and non-structural component damage, with limited consideration for external impacts (e.g., neighbouring buildings) and social factors (e.g., pre-event planning and occupancy policies). Furthermore, their applicability outside the United States and on a broader scale remains uncertain. In response to the disruptions caused by the Canterbury earthquake sequence in 2010/2011, New Zealand government organizations have expressed a desire to move beyond existing life safety codes and increase the country's resilience. The requirements for achieving higher functionality states within a New Zealand context remains an active research area. This poster proposes developing a framework for post-earthquake building functionality tailored explicitly to New Zealand. Tertiary education institutions in New Zealand are selected as a case study due to their functional similarities to other community buildings such as libraries, offices, cafes, and auditoriums. The research objectives include learning from institutions affected by the Canterbury earthquake sequence, understanding the needs of institutions nationwide, and investigating the framework's applicability to other types of buildings. The poster presents these objectives and details on required resources, timelines, risks, and ethical considerations.Publication Optimization of friction stir spot welding process using bonding criterion and artificial neural network(Journal Article, MDPI, 2023-05-01) Jo, DS; Kahhal, Parviz; Kim, JHThe objectives of this study were to analyze the bonding criteria for friction stir spot welding (FSSW) using a finite element analysis (FEA) and to determine the optimal process parameters using artificial neural networks. Pressure-time and pressure-time-flow criteria are the bonding criteria used to confirm the degree of bonding in solid-state bonding processes such as porthole die extrusion and roll bonding. The FEA of the FSSW process was performed with ABAQUS-3D Explicit, with the results applied to the bonding criteria. Additionally, the coupled Eulerian–Lagrangian method used for large deformations was applied to deal with severe mesh distortions. Of the two criteria, the pressure-time-flow criterion was found to be more suitable for the FSSW process. Using artificial neural networks with the bonding criteria results, process parameters were optimized for weld zone hardness and bonding strength. Among the three process parameters used, tool rotational speed was found to have the largest effect on bonding strength and hardness. Experimental results were obtained using the process parameters, and these results were compared to the predicted results and verified. The experimental value for bonding strength was 4.0 kN and the predicted value of 4.147 kN, resulting in an error of 3.675%. For hardness, the experimental value was 62 Hv, the predicted value was 60.018 Hv, and the error was 3.197%.Publication eDNA is a useful environmental monitoring tool for assessing stream ecological health(Journal Article, Wiley, 2024-07) Suren, Alastair; Burdon, Francis J.; Wilkinson, Shaun P.Environmental DNA (eDNA) is increasingly used in biodiversity assessments, but there remain uncertainties regarding its congruence with data based on traditional approaches involving habitat sampling and morphological‐based taxonomy. Using eDNA for biomonitoring has several advantages, including improved processing efficiencies and precision of taxonomic identification. In contrast, traditional biomonitoring is time‐consuming and expensive, often limiting the number of sites monitored. Establishing that eDNA‐derived metrics are congruent with their traditional equivalents on a national scale would support its wider use in biomonitoring. Our study compared ecosystem health assessments made by traditional biomonitoring techniques to those using eDNA from 53 sites throughout Aotearoa New Zealand. Because eDNA sampling was not done concurrently with benthic sampling at most sites, we used the average community composition at each site based on previous sampling occasions. We also allocated species identified by eDNA to the traditional level of identification to allow comparisons with eDNA data identified to broader taxonomic groups. We assessed similarities between the three datasets and found a high degree of correlation and convergence between biotic indices calculated from the different methods. eDNA did, however, appear to under‐represent some taxa, reflecting challenges in matching barcodes with an often‐incomplete sequence library. eDNA data did not always perform better in terms of showing the effects of land use on invertebrate community composition, but all datasets produced similar patterns. Multivariate analyses (redundancy analysis and variation partitioning) identified congruent relationships between environmental and spatial variables with the invertebrate community structure described by the three methods. eDNA data replicated the environmental responses and showed the same overall patterns in community composition as the traditionally collected data. We suggest that eDNA biomonitoring can complement traditional methods, and will perform at least as well as traditional data at detecting patterns in invertebrate community composition and ecosystem health at a national scale.Publication Introducing the global work-integrated learning modules: Global connectivity for practitioners(Conference Contribution, WACE Inc, 2022-09) Ferns, Sonia J.; Kay, Judie; Hoskyn, Katharine; Zegwaard, Karsten; Johansson, Kristina; McRae, NorahAs the focus on strengthening graduate employability intensifies for institutions, work-integrated learning (WIL) has become a strategic priority for higher education globally (Rowe & Zegwaard, 2017). The need for a highly skilled workforce to sustain the economy is driving mounting pressure to equip graduates with capabilities to navigate the volatile workplace and contribute to the social and commercial aspects of humanity (Dacre Pool et al., 2019). To achieve this imperative, staff with the capacity to design, deliver, and assess quality WIL learning experiences are essential. The concept of the Global WIL modules was driven by a pressing need for professional development globally as the profile of WIL grows and is increasingly a strategic priority for institutions worldwide (Zegwaard et al., 2019).Publication The changing professional development needs of the international work-integrated learning community(Conference Contribution, WACE Inc, 2022-09) Zegwaard, Karsten E.; Ferns, Sonia; Johansson, Kristina; Hoskyn, Katharine; McRae, Norah; Kay, JudieThe practice of work-integrated learning (WIL) continues to expand across the higher education sector, with many universities introducing or expanding their WIL offerings to align curriculum more closely to employability outcomes (Rowe & Zegwaard, 2017). Universities in Australia have rapidly developed WIL, with all universities offering WIL in almost all the disciplines (Universities Australia, 2019). In New Zealand, WIL has been given increasing attention with the Universities NZ, the peak body for NZ universities, DVCA’s Committee creating a WIL sub-committee to develop national strategy, and with the University of Waikato introducing compulsory WIL for all undergraduates degrees (Muller et al., 2021). The Canadian government recognised WIL as crucial to economic advancement and provided CAD$150 million to support work placement opportunities (Beaulne-Stuebing, 2019).