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The research is an examination of the question of whether China, with a substantial number of State-Owned Enterprise (SOEs) active in the market, can effectively maintain a level playing field through the existing competition law and policy framework and, if not, what strategies or policies it could adopt in order to address this problem. The Thesis takes the position that the current competition law and policy in China have limited effect in ensuring a level playing field between SOEs and non-SOEs. To be clear, the Thesis does not suggest that the existing Chinese competition law and competition policy completely fail to address competition concerns caused by Chinese SOEs; on the contrary, there are cases that suggest that SOEs, like all the other market players, are under the scrutiny of Chinese competition law (the Anti-Monopoly Law ‘AML’) and will continue to be so in the future. Chinese competition policy is developing into a more comprehensive policy and the newly established Fair Competition Review System (FCRS) potentially addresses one aspect of competitive neutrality concerns caused by SOEs, the regulatory advantages of SOEs. Collectively, the Thesis argues that the application of AML and the FCRS cannot address all aspects of competitive neutrality problems caused by SOEs, leaving the problem of lack of competitive neutrality between SOEs and non-SOEs unaddressed in the market of China. Given the current reform of SOEs has increased pressure on Chinese SOEs to be more competitive, this Thesis argues that it is a good time for China to reconsider how level the playing field is between SOEs and non-SOEs. To ensure competition between SOEs and non-SOEs is based on efficiency, rather than on who can benefit from government ownership and political connections, the Thesis proposed to reform the AML. It also provides policy recommendations for China to consider when introducing a competitive neutrality policy in its regime. These measures, if adopted, would provide stronger domestic competition and would help Chinese SOEs to be more competitive in the market.

Perovskite oxides have received a significant amount of attention in research within recent years, due to their wide range of electronic and magnetic properties, and for their enormous potential for new and innovative device applications. The growth of perovskite oxides on silicon would be a tremendous advantage; considering that silicon has been the most successful material used in major global industries during the past century. The incorporation of perovskite oxides in a silicon-based industry will make it readily adaptable for new devices that utilize the properties of perovskite oxides, which are not widely accessible at the present time. To reach this goal, serious scientific efforts have been made in the controlled growth of perovskite oxides on silicon. Key to success is a better understanding of how perovskite oxides grow on silicon which could ultimately lead to high quality perovskite growth and potentially to successful commercialization of such for industrial applications. In this study, scanning transmission electron microscopy (STEM) is used to obtain atomic resolution images of perovskite oxides directly grown on silicon; to assist us in understanding and evaluating its precise structural details. A LaAlO3 /SrTiO3 /Si sample and several SrTiO3 /Si samples were used in these experiments. The specimens were prepared by wedge mechanical polishing, followed by ion milling for further thinning and to reduce polishing damage. Several milling tests were performed using Si and SiO2 /Si samples to optimize the milling conditions. An Atomic Force Microscope was utilized to measure the surface roughness of the samples before and after ion milling, so as to ex- amine and record the milling damage by measuring surface roughness. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy was used to analyze the composition before and after milling. Some troubleshooting of a newer model ion mill was also performed and possible damage from polishing and ion milling during the STEM specimen preparation is discussed. In STEM data is collected by detectors as binary numbers, which need to be collated and processed before direct viewing and further analysis. Therefore, software applications have been developed for STEM image processing, which converts data into images and supports advanced editing, such as adjusting contrast or techniques to enhanced image clarity. In our research, ImageJ was used to precisely analyze STEM images of perovskite oxides grown on silicon. To customize image processing, we developed a python based software, "STEM SmartPro". This software displays binary images directly for ease of viewing and basic editing, while also saving edited images as tiff or jpeg files. Some other features include convenient viewing of images in a slide-show format, providing quick access to all supporting files stored in the same folder, and performing cross-correlation for image registration with a single click. The software design, both the UI layer and the system structure, is reviewed in detail. STEM images were recorded for the LaAlO3 /SrTiO3 /Si sample and the SrTiO3 /Si samples, which were provided by Darrell Schlom's thin-film growth group. X-ray diffraction was performed by Zhe Wang and used to analyze the overall sample quality. In particular, rocking curves are widely used to determine the crystal quality of the grown film. Previous results of SrTiO3 grown on silicon show satisfying rocking curve results at thicknesses of either below 8 unit cells or above 100 nm. Schlom's group filled the gap and grew SrTiO3 layers at a thickness in between, with surprisingly low rocking curve broadening widths, which indicate good crystal quality. Here, we analyzed the atomic structure of samples directly by STEM to verify the film quality and understand the improved rocking curve results. However, the STEM images of the three SrTiO3 /Si samples displayed a high density of defects and grain bounderies; in contradiction to the rocking curve analysis. in addition to defects, an amorphous layer was found at the SrTiO3 /Si interface which is most likely SiO2 as observed previously. Images taken for a LaAlO3 /SrTiO3 /Si sample are also discussed. The LaAlO3 is relaxed towards the top of the film while the bottom layers are relatively strained, indicating the pressure of the system accumulated was released at the top of the LaAlO3 . It also shows a similar amorphous layer at the SrTiO3 /Si interface, as well as SrTiO3 islands.

Search engine optimization (SEO), as a multi-million dollar business of search engine marketing, has seldom been studied from the consumers' perspective. This study aims to be the first step of researching consumers' reaction to SEO as a marketing practice and its potential impact on online search behaviors. Results showed that the general attitude towards the use of SEO was positive. However, after participants of this study learned about how SEO worked, their evaluations of search engines and the websites directed to by search engines decreased. Most of the participants' online search behaviors remained unchanged except for the number of different searches conducted. Theoretical and practical implications are discussed.

Courtyard housing in other cultures, such as China and Europe, has been proven to be capable of providing densities similar to those proposed in intensified development for Auckland. Many existing models have also proven that courtyard housing can be a sustainable housing solution relevant for the environment. However, the application of courtyard housing with higher density development has not been explored before in the New Zealand context. Present housing patterns in Auckland tend to keep different types of households segregated from one other. There are areas of two-bedroom houses, other areas of studio and one-bedroom apartments, other areas of three-and four-bedroom houses. This means we have, correspondly single people, couples and small families with children, segregated by type. However, the idea of sustainable growth is to promote the increase in density, mix of functionality and communities, and create neighbourhoods with individuality and identity. Increase in density is vital, otherwise suburbs will endlessly take over agricultural land and even the countryside, resulting in urban sprawl and an ecological imbalance. A mix of function helps to compensate for social problems and the mix of type and age of people strengthens the community as a whole. This research design project challenges the current status quo in regards to the Auckland planning regime, as well as housing designs, and aiming at achieving social interaction and community integration to fulfil the human desire for a sense of belonging, through quality urban solutions and architectural designs. Through research it becomes apparent that housing is more than just architecture; it needs to engage with both the urban issues and the community in order to develop neighbourliness. The possibilities for the courtyard housing typology in the Auckland urban context have been tested through the processes of ‘research for design’ and ‘research by design’. This research showed that the typology has the potential to increase urban density and to provide for security and privacy.