Faculty of Health and Environmental Sciences

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The research carried out at AUT's Faculty of Health and Environmental Sciences can be broadly defined in three themes:

Health Sciences

School of Clinical Sciences
School of Public Health and Psychosocial Studies
School of Interprofessional Health Studies

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School of Science

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12 Step Psychotherapy: A Time-limited, Cost-effective Depth Therapy
(New Zealand Association of Psychotherapists (NZAP) Inc., 2017) Fay, J
Twelve step psychotherapy is a time-limited, cost-effective depth psychotherapy that was developed gradually over several years of practising therapy in a public outpatient mental health service setting. Twelve step psychotherapy is structured as twelve discrete steps of one (two at most) session each. It blends clinical and cognitive behavioural psychology, emotionally focussed supportive psychotherapy, trauma therapy, attachment therapy, psychoanalytic investigation and insight, lifespan development, sociotherapy, archetypal psychology and mindfulness meditation. It reflects my particular skill set after 39 years of practising psychotherapy, but it is very teachable and does not take 39 years to learn. Whakarāpopotonga He wā-whakatina, he utunga whakahaere tōtika whakaoranga hinengaro hōhōnu te poutama tekau mā rua whakaora hinengaro, i whakawhanakehia mai i ngā tau maha whakamahinga haumanu i raro i te maru o te rātaonga hauora hinengaro tūmatanui. He whakatakotoranga āta wehea ai ngā tepe tekau mā rua kia kotahi (kāre e rahi ake i te rua) te wāhanga ia huinga. Whakatōpūhia ai te mātai haumanu te mātai hinengaro, te taituarā arotahi kare-ā-roto whakaora hinengaro, haumanu whētuki, haumanu here, rangahau me te whakamāramatanga wetewetenga hinengaro, whakawhanaketanga koiora, mātauranga haumanu hāpori, te hinengaro paerewa, me te āta whaiwhakaaro. E whakaatahia ana ōku ake pūkenga i roto i ngā tau toru tekau mā iwa e mahi ana i taku mahi kaiwhakaora hinengaro, engari ka taea noa ihotia te ako, ā, kāre e pau te toru tekau mā iwa tau te ako.
1RM Prediction and Load-velocity Relationship
(The Norwegian School of Sport Sciences, 2012) Jidovtseff, B; Cronin, J; Crielaard, J; Villaret, J; Harris, NK; Wiig, H
No abstract.
2008 International Gambling Conference - Looking Forward: New Directions in Research and Minimising Public Harm (Final Report)
(Auckland University of Technology (AUT), 2008) Bellringer, M; Nahi, P
The 2008 International Gambling Conference Looking Forward: New Directions in Research and Minimising Public Harm took place on 21 to 23 February 2008 at the Crowne Plaza Hotel, Auckland. On 20 February 2008, two full-day Pre-Conference Workshops were held. In addition to keynote presentations from leading authorities, there were parallel sessions of papers and short workshops selected from proposals submitted by conference participants. For the second time (and in response to positive feedback from the 2006 conference) there was a ‘community voices’ session which was a forum for people who have been impacted by problem gambling, to speak out about their experiences. The Conference provided participants with a forum to examine new and emerging gambling technologies along with their various impacts and consequences. In addition, the papers and short workshops had an emphasis on measures to prevent and reduce harm associated with gambling, including harm from problem gambling. This included government policy and regulation, community engagement and advocacy, industry practice, public education, prevention and early and brief interventions, treatment and rehabilitation. The Pre-Conference Workshops focused on treatment of problem gamblers, and public health/social marketing approaches to reducing gambling harm. The Conference and Workshops brought together service providers and consumers, government officials and regulators, industry representatives, researchers and academics in gambling and related fields. The Conference was assisted by a grant from the Ministry of Health.
2023 International Consensus on Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation and Emergency Cardiovascular Care Science With Treatment Recommendations: Summary From the Basic Life Support; Advanced Life Support; Pediatric Life Support; Neonatal Life Support; Educati
(Ovid Technologies (Wolters Kluwer Health), 2023-12-12) Berg, KM; Bray, JE; Ng, KC; Liley, HG; Greif, R; Carlson, JN; Morley, PT; Drennan, IR; Smyth, M; Scholefield, BR; Weiner, GM; Cheng, A; Djärv, T; Abelairas-Gómez, C; Acworth, J; Andersen, LW; Atkins, DL; Berry, DC; Bhanji, F; Bierens, J; Couto, TB; Borra, V; Böttiger, BW; Bradley, RN; Breckwoldt, J; Cassan, P; Chang, WT; Charlton, NP; Chung, SP; Considine, J; Costa-Nobre, DT; Couper, K; Dainty, KN; Dassanayake, V; Davis, PG; Dawson, JA; de Almeida, MF; De Caen, AR; Deakin, CD; Dicker, B; Douma, MJ; Eastwood, K; El-Naggar, W; Fabres, JG; Fawke, J; Fijacko, N; Finn, JC; Flores, GE; Foglia, EE; Folke, F; Gilfoyle, E; Goolsby, CA; Granfeldt, A; Guerguerian, AM; Guinsburg, R; Hatanaka, T; Hirsch, KG; Holmberg, MJ; Hosono, S; Hsieh, MJ; Hsu, CH; Ikeyama, T; Isayama, T; Johnson, NJ; Kapadia, VS; Kawakami, MD; Kim, HS; Kleinman, ME; Kloeck, DA; Kudenchuk, P; Kule, A; Kurosawa, H; Lagina, AT; Lauridsen, KG; Lavonas, EJ; Lee, HC; Lin, Y; Lockey, AS; Macneil, F; Maconochie, IK; Madar, RJ; Hansen, CM; Masterson, S; Matsuyama, T; McKinlay, CJD; Meyran, D; Monnelly, V; Nadkarni, V; Nakwa, FL; Nation, KJ; Nehme, Z; Nemeth, M; Neumar, RW; Nicholson, T; Nikolaou, N; Nishiyama, C; Norii, T; Nuthall, GA; Ohshimo, S; Olasveengen, TM
The International Liaison Committee on Resuscitation engages in a continuous review of new, peer-reviewed, published cardiopulmonary resuscitation and first aid science. Draft Consensus on Science With Treatment Recommendations are posted online throughout the year, and this annual summary provides more concise versions of the final Consensus on Science With Treatment Recommendations from all task forces for the year. Topics addressed by systematic reviews this year include resuscitation of cardiac arrest from drowning, extracorporeal cardiopulmonary resuscitation for adults and children, calcium during cardiac arrest, double sequential defibrillation, neuroprognostication after cardiac arrest for adults and children, maintaining normal temperature after preterm birth, heart rate monitoring methods for diagnostics in neonates, detection of exhaled carbon dioxide in neonates, family presence during resuscitation of adults, and a stepwise approach to resuscitation skills training. Members from 6 International Liaison Committee on Resuscitation task forces have assessed, discussed, and debated the quality of the evidence, using Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation criteria, and their statements include consensus treatment recommendations. Insights into the deliberations of the task forces are provided in the Justification and Evidence-to-Decision Framework Highlights sections. In addition, the task forces list priority knowledge gaps for further research. Additional topics are addressed with scoping reviews and evidence updates.
2023 International Consensus on Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation and Emergency Cardiovascular Care Science with Treatment Recommendations: Summary from the Basic Life Support; Advanced Life Support; Pediatric Life Support; Neonatal Life Support; Education, Implementation, and Teams; and First Aid Task Forces
(Elsevier BV, 2023-11-09) Berg, KM; Bray, JE; Ng, KC; Liley, HG; Greif, R; Carlson, JN; Morley, PT; Drennan, IR; Smyth, M; Scholefield, BR; Weiner, GM; Cheng, A; Djärv, T; Abelairas-Gómez, C; Acworth, J; Andersen, LW; Atkins, DL; Berry, DC; Bhanji, F; Bierens, J; Bittencourt Couto, T; Borra, V; Böttiger, BW; Bradley, RN; Breckwoldt, J; Cassan, P; Chang, WT; Charlton, NP; Chung, SP; Considine, J; Costa-Nobre, DT; Couper, K; Dainty, KN; Dassanayake, V; Davis, PG; Dawson, JA; Fernanda de Almeida, M; De Caen, AR; Deakin, CD; Dicker, B; Douma, MJ; Eastwood, K; El-Naggar, W; Fabres, JG; Fawke, J; Fijacko, N; Finn, JC; Flores, GE; Foglia, EE; Folke, F; Gilfoyle, E; Goolsby, CA; Granfeldt, A; Guerguerian, AM; Guinsburg, R; Hatanaka, T; Hirsch, KG; Holmberg, MJ; Hosono, S; Hsieh, MJ; Hsu, CH; Ikeyama, T; Isayama, T; Johnson, NJ; Kapadia, VS; Daripa Kawakami, M; Kim, HS; Kleinman, ME; Kloeck, DA; Kudenchuk, P; Kule, A; Kurosawa, H; Lagina, AT; Lauridsen, KG; Lavonas, EJ; Lee, HC; Lin, Y; Lockey, AS; Macneil, F; Maconochie, IK; John Madar, R; Malta Hansen, C; Masterson, S; Matsuyama, T; McKinlay, CJD; Meyran, D; Monnelly, V; Nadkarni, V; Nakwa, FL; Nation, KJ; Nehme, Z; Nemeth, M; Neumar, RW; Nicholson, T; Nikolaou, N; Nishiyama, C; Norii, T; Nuthall, GA; Ohshimo, S; Olasveengen, TM
The International Liaison Committee on Resuscitation engages in a continuous review of new, peer-reviewed, published cardiopulmonary resuscitation and first aid science. Draft Consensus on Science With Treatment Recommendations are posted online throughout the year, and this annual summary provides more concise versions of the final Consensus on Science With Treatment Recommendations from all task forces for the year. Topics addressed by systematic reviews this year include resuscitation of cardiac arrest from drowning, extracorporeal cardiopulmonary resuscitation for adults and children, calcium during cardiac arrest, double sequential defibrillation, neuroprognostication after cardiac arrest for adults and children, maintaining normal temperature after preterm birth, heart rate monitoring methods for diagnostics in neonates, detection of exhaled carbon dioxide in neonates, family presence during resuscitation of adults, and a stepwise approach to resuscitation skills training. Members from 6 International Liaison Committee on Resuscitation task forces have assessed, discussed, and debated the quality of the evidence, using Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation criteria, and their statements include consensus treatment recommendations. Insights into the deliberations of the task forces are provided in the Justification and Evidence-to-Decision Framework Highlights sections. In addition, the task forces list priority knowledge gaps for further research. Additional topics are addressed with scoping reviews and evidence updates.
3 year stroke survivors: the long term impact of stroke on cognition and factors associated with recovery
(SAGE, 2015) Mahon (Nee Haslemore), S
Worldwide, stroke is the second commonest cause of death and the most frequent cause of disability in adults, having an enormous physical, psychological and financial impact on patients, families, the health care system, and society. There is evidence that stroke should be considered a long-term condition, with many stroke survivors still experiencing adverse outcomes several years after their stroke. One of the strongest predictors of post stroke outcome are severity and patient age. Stroke severity can be judged clinically, based upon the degree of neurological impairment and the size and location of the infarction. Other important influences on stroke outcome include cardiovascular disease, co-morbid conditions, epidemiologic factors, cognitive impairment and complications of stroke. Severity of stroke is one of the most important factors affecting short and long-term outcome. Existing data on long-term health-related outcomes within the stroke population is limited; has small sample sizes, poor verification of stroke subtypes, poor study design and short-term follow-up (within 12 months). In addition there is a lack of data which provides a fair representation of all ethnic groups in New Zealand who have experienced a stroke. Accurate and representative longitudinal data are needed to determine the impact of stroke, in order to identify key factors that may impact stroke recovery and identify vulnerable groups who are at greater risk for poorer outcomes following stroke. This may provide a greater insight into who is affected most with stroke and why. This study seeks to examine the burden of stroke at three and six-years (n=2180). Identification of predictors that make independent contributions to outcomes post- stroke will inform the development of techniques to manage and/or cope with such deficits, guide remediation and optimize rehabilitation. This study provides a unique opportunity to address current gaps in knowledge in this area and may inform healthcare policy to improve overall outcomes in this population.
30-year trends in stroke rates and outcome in Auckland, New Zealand (1981-2012): a multi-ethnic population-based series of studies
(PLoS One, 2015) Feigin, VL; Krishnamurthi, RV; Barker-Collo, S; McPherson, KM; Barber, PA; Parag, V; Arroll, B; Bennett, DA; Tobias, M; Jones, A; Witt, E; Brown, P; Abbott, M; Bhattacharjee, R; Rush, E; Suh, FM; Theadom, A; Rathnasabapathy, Y; Te Ao, B; Parmar, PG; Anderson, C; Bonita, R; ARCOS IV Group
Insufficient data exist on population-based trends in morbidity and mortality to determine the success of prevention strategies and improvements in health care delivery in stroke. The aim of this study was to determine trends in incidence and outcome (1-year mortality, 28-day case-fatality) in relation to management and risk factors for stroke in the multi-ethnic population of Auckland, New Zealand (NZ) over 30-years.
A Case Series on the Effectiveness of the ReAktiv PDE Orthosis Following High-Energy Ankle Trauma
(Auckland University of Technology (AUT) Library, 2022-11-17) Gardner, Sarah
In this presentation I aim to highlight the effectiveness of the ReAktiv PDE orthosis to improve physical function in people who have sustained lower extremity injuries during high-energy trauma (HET). These injuries often require complex surgery and extensive rehabilitation, resulting in long-term problems such as pain, loss of function and limitations in physical activity. There is limited evidence in the literature on the success of passive-dynamic ankle-foot-orthosis being used for unloading traumatic ankle injuries and improving physical function in general populations as previous studies have predominantly been conducted on military personnel. For this study, a case series was used to evaluate the effect the ReAktiv PDE Orthosis and a six-week rehabilitation program had on physical function in people with a HET injury. Measures of physical function were recorded pre- and post-fitting of the orthosis in three people who had sustained a HET injury to the lower limb. Physical function was assessed using the Lower Extremity Functional Score (LEFS), Two-minute walk test (2MWT), Single-Leg Balance (SLB), Timed stair ascent (TSA), and the Four-square step test (FSST). Following wearing of the orthosis and the completion of the rehabilitation programme, lower limb function improved in two of the participants. These improvements in physical function were seen as indicated by the change in scores seen in the 2MWT, FSST, TSA and the SLB test at the commencement and conclusion of the rehabilitation programme. The ReAktiv PDE orthosis shows potential as a treatment option to improve walking performance in people who have sustained a lower extremity HET injury. In addition to the use of the orthosis, the use of a six-week physiotherapy-led rehabilitation programme, recorded further improvements in physical function specifically walking performance, physical mobility, and balance.
A Comparative Analysis of Global Optimization Algorithms for Surface Electromyographic Signal Onset Detection
(Elsevier BV, 2023-09-01) Alam, S; Zhao, X; Niazi, IK; Ayub, MS; Khan, MA
Surface Electromyography (sEMG) is a technique for measuring muscle activity by recording electrical signals from the surface of the body. It is widely used in fields such as medical diagnosis, human–computer interaction, and sports injury rehabilitation. The detection of the onset and offset of muscle activation is a longstanding challenge in sEMG analysis. This study pioneers the implementation, configuration, and evaluation of Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO) against other optimization algorithms for sEMG signal detection, including Genetic algorithms (GA), Simulated Annealing (SA), Ant Colony Optimization (ACO), and Tabu Search (TS). The results show that the PSO algorithm achieves the highest median accuracy and F1-Score and is the fastest among the selected algorithms but has lower stability compared to Genetic algorithms and Ant colony optimization. The design and value of the cost function had a significant impact on the results, with optimal results obtained when the cost value was between 0.1203 and 0.1384. The use of these algorithms improved detection efficiency and reduced the need for manual parameter adjustment. To the best of our knowledge, no published studies have utilized Simulated Annealing, Ant colony optimization, and Tabu search meta-heuristic algorithms to detect sEMG signal onsets.
A Comparative Study of Gender Disparities in Geoscience and Mining in Mongolia
(MDPI AG, 2023-08-29) Ochir, G; Baatar, M; Sanjaa, M; Williams, H
Mongolian women enjoy equal rights and actively participate in various sectors of the national economy, including the mineral and mining industry. The Mongolian University of Science and Technology (MUST), the largest university in Mongolia, plays a crucial role in preparing engineers for the Mongolian industry. Within MUST, the School of Geology and Mining Engineering (SGME) stands out as one of the largest schools, boasting a dedicated team of 136 staff members. Impressively, 92 of these staff members are female, constituting a remarkable 67.65% of the total staff. The directorial board of SGME, consisting of 12 members, also demonstrates a noteworthy level of gender diversity, with 5 of its members being female. This represents a proportion of 41.67% and highlights the inclusion of women in decision-making positions. Additionally, it is worth noting that the Geology and Hydrogeology department, one of the five departments within the School, is led by a capable female leader. However, despite the encouraging representation of women among staff and in leadership roles, there is a noticeable disparity in the enrollment and graduation rates of students at SGME. Currently, these rates stand at only about 20–24 percent, indicating the need for further efforts to encourage and support female students in pursuing geology and mining engineering studies. Outside of academia, within the mining industry, the Oyu Tolgoi large-scale mine, which in 2022 employed 20,328 workers, faces a significant gender imbalance. Out of this workforce, only 3577 are women, comprising a mere 18% of the total employees, while the remaining 82% are men. Among the 2997 total employees in the open pit mine, 737 women are employed in various roles, including 66 engineers and technicians, with the remaining 671 in other positions. In the newly opened underground mine, the total number of women employees stands at 2840, including 248 engineers and technicians and 2592 in other roles. Furthermore, on the Board of Directors, there are only 2 women out of a total of 23 managers, and a mere 104 women hold positions as senior staff and superintendents. A comparative analysis between Asia and other global regions reveals that female employment in Mongolia’s mining sector in general, at 18%, closely aligns with Oceania’s rates (17%) and surpasses those of both the broader Asian region (13%) and South America (11%). Addressing these statistical imbalances is crucial to improving gender equality in geoscience and mining. Historically, the mining industry has been male-dominated, but women-led professional geoscience and mining organizations in Mongolia play a vital role in promoting the recruitment, retention, and advancement of women in these industries. Recognizing the significance of gender diversity, these organizations strive to increase the representation of women in leadership positions. Women in leadership bring unique perspectives that contribute to well-rounded decision-making processes within organizations. By acknowledging the importance of gender dynamics, promoting inclusivity, and supporting the professional growth of Mongolian women in geoscience and mining, the overall development and sustainability of these sectors in the country will be greatly enhanced.
A Comprehensive Chemical Analysis of New Zealand Yacon Concentrate
(MDPI, ) Chessum, Keegan; Kam, Rothman; Chen, Tony; Yan, Mary
Yacon (Smallanthus sonchifolius) is an ancient Andean crop, traditionally used for both food and medicinal purposes, which was first introduced to New Zealand in the 1980s. In recent years, there has been growing global interest in yacon due to its potential as a functional food, which could be related to its unique profile of bioactive compounds, including prebiotic compounds, such as fructooligosaccharides (FOS), and phenolic compounds, which may have a range of activities, including antioxidant ones. FOS are non-digestible prebiotic carbohydrates, providing low calorific value and a positive impact on gut microflora. Our objective was to conduct a comprehensive chemical analysis of New Zealand yacon concentrate (NZYC, a sweet syrup produced from juice extracted from New Zealand grown yacon roots). Analysis included proximate composition, mineral, sugar, phenolic, amino acid, and organic acid profiles as well as antioxidant activity. The major mineral identified in NZYC was potassium (658 ± 6 mg/100 g), with significant concentrations of phosphorus, calcium, magnesium, and iron also determined by microwave plasma atomic emission spectrometry. The FOS content of NZYC ranged from 17.6 ± 0.3 to 52.7 ± 0.8 g/100 g as determined by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), coupled with an evaporating light scattering detector (ELSD). The total phenolic content of NZYC ranged from 565 ± 9 to 785 ± 43 mg gallic acid equivalents per 100 g by the Folin-Ciocalteu method. Chlorogenic acid and caffeic acid were quantified as the major phenolic compounds. The major amino acids quantified were L-arginine, L-glutamic acid, L-proline, L-aspartic acid, and asparagine. The major organic acids quantified were citric, malic, quinic, and fumaric acids. The antioxidant activity of NZYC was determined by the ferric-reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) assay, cupric ion-reducing antioxidant capacity (CUPRAC) assay, and 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging activity, and it was several times higher than both Manuka honey and goji berries by the basis of weight. These results support the classification of New Zealand yacon concentrate as a nutraceutical food product and its use in further development of novel food products.
A Critical Tiriti Analysis of Te Pae Tata: The Interim New Zealand Health Plan
(New Zealand Medical Association, 2023-04-14) Rae, Ngaire; Came, Heather; Bain, Leah; McCambridge, Alana
The current health reforms in Aotearoa New Zealand are being described as “transformational”. Political leaders and Crown officials maintain the reforms embed a commitment to Te Tiriti o Waitangi, address racism and promote health equity. These claims are familiar and have been used to socialise previous health sector reforms. This paper interrogates claims of engagement with Te Tiriti by undertaking a desktop critical Tiriti analysis (CTA) of Te Pae Tata: the Interim New Zealand Health Plan. CTA follows five stages from orientation, close reading, determination, strengthening practice, to the Māori final word. The determination was done individually and a consensus was negotiated from the indicators; silent, poor, fair, good, or excellent. Te Pae Tata proactively engaged with Te Tiriti across the entirety of the plan. The authors assessed Te Tiriti elements of the preamble, kāwanatanga and tino rangatiratanga as “fair”, ōritetanga as “good” and wairuatanga as “poor”. Engaging more substantively with Te Tiriti requires the Crown to recognise that Māori never ceded sovereignty and treaty principles are not equivalent to the authoritative Māori text. Recommendations of the Waitangi Tribunal WAI 2575 and Haumaru reports need to be explicitly addressed to allow monitoring of progress.
A description of the methodology used in an overview of reviews to evaluate evidence on the treatment, harms, diagnosis/ classification, prognosis and outcomes used in the management of neck pain
(Bentham Open, 2013) Santaguida, L; Keshavarz, H; Carlesso, L; Lomoton, M; Gross, A; MacDermid, J; Walton, D; Reid, Duncan Arthur
Background: Neck Pain (NP) is a common musculoskeletal disorder and the literature provides conflicting evidence about its management. Objective: To describe the methodology used to conduct an overview of reviews (OvR) and to characterize the distribution and risk of bias profiles across the evidence for all areas of NP management. Methods: Standard systematic review (SR) methodology was employed. MEDLINE, CINAHL, EMBASE, ILC, Cochrane CENTRAL, and LILACS were searched from 2000 to March 2012; Narrative and SR and clinical practice guidelines (CPG) evaluating the efficacy of treatment (benefits and harms), diagnosis/classification, prognosis, and outcomes were eligible. For treatment, articles were limited to SRs from 2005 forward. Risk of bias of SR was assessed with the AMSTAR; the AGREE II was used to critically appraise the CPGs. Results: From 2476 articles, 508 were eligible for full text screening. A total of 341 articles were included. Treatment (n=117) had the greatest yield. Other clinical areas had less literature (diagnosis=54, prognosis=16, outcomes=27, harms=16). There were no SR for classification and narrative reviews were problematic for this topic. There was great overlap across different databases within each clinical area except for those for outcome measures. Risk of bias assessment using the AMSTAR of eligible SRs showed a similar trend across different clinical areas. Conclusion: A summary of methods used to review the literature in five clinical areas of NP management have been described. The challenges of selecting and synthesizing eligible articles in an OvR required customized solutions across different areas of clinical focus.
A Fair Go for All: A Problematic Contribution to Anti-racism Praxis in Aotearoa
(Auckland University of Technology, 2013) Came, H
In New Zealand, the Human Rights Commission is the lead agency in countering institutional racism. They have recently undertaken a major research project, A Fair Go For All (Human Rights Commission 2011), to inform the development of a national strategy/approach to counter structural discrimination. This paper, from an activist scholarship standpoint argues their chosen approach has ignoring the power relations inherent in researching racism. Furthermore their approach has minimised both the historic element of racism against Māori and the significance of Te Tiriti o Waitangi to anti-racism praxis in Aotearoa. Rather than endorse an ad hoc approach with a focus on practitioner bias (personally-mediated racism), and addressing ethnic inequalities (the outcome of institutional racism) this paper advocates for a Tiriti based systems change approach to transform institutional racism as it manifests in the neo-colonial context of Aotearoa.
A Genus in the Bacterial Phylum Aquificota Appears to Be Endemic to Aotearoa-New Zealand
(Springer Science and Business Media LLC, 2024-01-02) Power, JF; Carere, CR; Welford, HE; Hudson, DT; Lee, KC; Moreau, JW; Ettema, TJG; Reysenbach, AL; Lee, CK; Colman, DR; Boyd, ES; Morgan, XC; McDonald, IR; Craig Cary, S; Stott, MB
Allopatric speciation has been difficult to examine among microorganisms, with prior reports of endemism restricted to sub-genus level taxa. Previous microbial community analysis via 16S rRNA gene sequencing of 925 geothermal springs from the Taupō Volcanic Zone (TVZ), Aotearoa-New Zealand, revealed widespread distribution and abundance of a single bacterial genus across 686 of these ecosystems (pH 1.2-9.6 and 17.4-99.8 °C). Here, we present evidence to suggest that this genus, Venenivibrio (phylum Aquificota), is endemic to Aotearoa-New Zealand. A specific environmental niche that increases habitat isolation was identified, with maximal read abundance of Venenivibrio occurring at pH 4-6, 50-70 °C, and low oxidation-reduction potentials. This was further highlighted by genomic and culture-based analyses of the only characterised species for the genus, Venenivibrio stagnispumantis CP.B2T, which confirmed a chemolithoautotrophic metabolism dependent on hydrogen oxidation. While similarity between Venenivibrio populations illustrated that dispersal is not limited across the TVZ, extensive amplicon, metagenomic, and phylogenomic analyses of global microbial communities from DNA sequence databases indicates Venenivibrio is geographically restricted to the Aotearoa-New Zealand archipelago. We conclude that geographic isolation, complemented by physicochemical constraints, has resulted in the establishment of an endemic bacterial genus.
A Global Perspective on Collision and Non-collision Match Characteristics in Male Rugby Union: Comparisons by Age and Playing Standard
(Informa UK Limited, 2023-02-19) Till, K; Hendricks, S; Scantlebury, S; Dalton-Barron, N; Gill, N; den Hollander, S; Kemp, S; Kilding, AE; Lambert, M; Mackreth, P; O’Reilly, J; Owen, C; Spencer, K; Stokes, K; Tee, J; Tucker, R; Vaz, L; Weaving, D; Jones, B
This study quantified and compared the collision and non-collision match characteristics across age categories (i.e. U12, U14, U16, U18, Senior) for both amateur and elite playing standards from Tier 1 rugby union nations (i.e. England, South Africa, New Zealand). Two-hundred and one male matches (5911 min ball-in-play) were coded using computerised notational analysis, including 193,708 match characteristics (e.g. 83,688 collisions, 33,052 tackles, 13,299 rucks, 1006 mauls, 2681 scrums, 2923 lineouts, 44,879 passes, 5568 kicks). Generalised linear mixed models with post-hoc comparisons and cluster analysis compared the match characteristics by age category and playing standard. Overall significant differences (p < 0.001) between age category and playing standard were found for the frequency of match characteristics, and tackle and ruck activity. The frequency of characteristics increased with age category and playing standard except for scrums and tries that were the lowest at the senior level. For the tackle, the percentage of successful tackles, frequency of active shoulder, sequential and simultaneous tackles increased with age and playing standard. For ruck activity, the number of attackers and defenders were lower in U18 and senior than younger age categories. Cluster analysis demonstrated clear differences in all and collision match characteristics and activity by age category and playing standard. These findings provide the most comprehensive quantification and comparison of collision and non-collision activity in rugby union demonstrating increased frequency and type of collision activity with increasing age and playing standard. These findings have implications for policy to ensure the safe development of rugby union players throughout the world.
A Heideggerian Analysis of Good Care in an Acute Hospital Setting: Insights from Healthcare Workers, Patients and Families.
(Wiley, 2023-05-17) Dewar, Jan; Cook, Catherine; Smythe, Elizabeth; Spence, Deborah
This study articulates the relational constituents of good care beyond techno-rational competence. Neoliberal healthcare means that notions of care are readily commodified and reduced to quantifiable assessments and checklists. This novel research investigated accounts of good care provided by nursing, medical, allied and auxiliary staff. The Heideggerian phenomenological study was undertaken in acute medical-surgical wards, investigating the contextual, communicative nature of care. The study involved interviews with 17 participants: 3 previous patients, 3 family members and 11 staff. Data were analysed iteratively, dwelling with stories and writing and rewriting to surface the phenomenality of good care. The data set highlighted the following essential constituents: authentic care: caring encompassing solicitude (fürsorge); impromptu care: caring beyond role category; sustained care: caring beyond specialist parameters; attuned care: caring encompassing family and culture; and insightful care: caring beyond assessment and diagnosis. The findings are clinically significant because they indicate the importance of nurse leaders and educators harnessing the potential capacity of all healthcare workers to participate in good care. Healthcare workers reported that participating in or witnessing good care was uplifting and added meaning to their work, contributing to a sense of shared humanity.
A Historical Narrative of the Development of Midwifery Education in Indonesia
(Elsevier, 2022-06-20) Adnani, Qorinah Estiningtyas Sakilah; Gilkison, Andrea; McAra-Couper, Judith
AIM: To describe the history of midwifery education, present the current education programmes and explore the ways that have been undertaken to advance the midwifery profession in Indonesia. METHODS: Historical and contemporary government documents were reviewed. FINDINGS: The history of midwifery education in Indonesia shows a complex picture during and since colonisation with government, education institutes and association proposing different ways in which midwives were to be educated. Advocacy from the midwifery profession in Indonesia meant increasingly it is midwives who are determining how midwifery education is provided. Recent initiatives have resulted in a diploma, advanced diploma, bachelor's degree, and a master's degree in midwifery. The work of the midwifery profession advocating for midwifery education culminated in the Midwifery Act 2019. These changes in this Act will ensure that midwifery education meets the needs of women and their families but also lead to competent midwives who have the knowledge and skills to provide midwifery services at all levels of health provision. The history of midwifery in Indonesia illustrates the importance of the ICM pillars of association, regulation, and education. CONCLUSION: The history of midwifery education in Indonesia shows that for too long midwifery education was decided, determined and even regulated by authorities and disciplines other than midwifery. However, when the midwifery association and regulation inform and regulate midwifery education then there is an opportunity to provide care that will make a difference in outcomes for women and their families. The historical analysis of the story of Indonesia midwifery gives insight into what is required for quality education.
A Low-Carbohydrate Diet in Place of SGLT2i Therapy in a Patient with Diabetic Cardiomyopathy
(Bioscientifica, 2023-12-13) Kleissl-Muir, S; Rasmussen, B; Owen, A; Zinn, C; Driscoll, A
In patients with diabetes mellitus, the toxic milieu caused by abnormal glucose and free fatty acid handling can lead to heart failure (HF). Referred to as diabetic cardiomyopathy (DMCM), this syndrome often exists in the absence of conventional risk factors for HF such as history of myocardial infarction or hypertension. Low-carbohydrate diets (LCDs) have recently been endorsed as an efficacious therapeutic dietary approach to prevent and reverse cardiometabolic disease including type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). LCDs improve systemic insulin resistance (IR), reverses cardiac remodelling in a rodent model and downregulates the expression of sodium–glucose co-transporter 2 (SGLT2) receptors in the kidney. It is therefore conceivable that a lifestyle approach such as adopting an LCD can be offered to patients with DMCM. The reported case is that of a 45-year-old man with a 15-year history of non-ischaemic cardiomyopathy, T2DM and obesity. The patient volunteered to engage in a 16-week low-carbohydrate dietary intervention trial and then self-selected to remain on this diet for 1 year. The whole-food LCD was based on simple ‘traffic light’ style food lists and not designed to restrict calories, protein, fat or salt. After 1 year, the patient had lost 39 kg and his cardiometabolic markers had significantly improved. LCDs present a potentially beneficial approach for patients with DMCM and could be considered as a lifestyle intervention before SGLT2i therapy is commenced.
A Mixed-Methods Study Protocol on Factors Contributing to Suicide Clusters Among Native American Youth in a Northern Plains Reservation
(Frontiers Media SA, 2024-01-08) Brockie, T; Kahn-John, M; Mata Lopez, L; Bell, E; Brockie, T; Brockie, T; Decker, E; Glass, N; Has Eagle, H; Helgeson, K; Main, NJ; Kazemi, M; Perez-Monteau, R; Myrick, A; Nelson, KE; Ricker, A; Rider, T; Roberts, T; Wilson, DH; Yazzie, K; Perrin, N
Introduction: Suicide and suicide clusters within Native American Reservation communities are devastating to the entire community and increase individuals’ risk for suicide over the lifespan. The objective of this paper is to describe the Indigenous community-based participatory research protocol implemented in partnership with the Fort Belknap Indian Community in Montana, United States. The study protocol was developed to understand suicide risk and protective factors, and community-derived solutions, in a reservation community with history of a suicide cluster and high rates of youth suicide. Methods: In this mixed-methods study, qualitative data from youth, adults, and service providers and quantitative data from 200 adolescents and young adults (aged 14–24 years) were collected in Fort Belknap, Montana from May – December of 2022. Qualitative data were collected first via in-depth interviews and focus groups. Survey questions included validated and pre-tested measures of factors youth experience across socio-ecological levels. Thematic analysis was applied to the qualitative data; and logistic regression models were used to examine relationships within the quantitative data. Discussion: This study will add a multi-dimensional perspective to our current understanding of (1) risk and protective factors for suicide, community-derived postvention solutions, and insights on community assets, and (2) the current health and psychosocial status of youth in the Fort Belknap community. This study may serve as an exemplar of co-created, culturally safe solutions designed to address mental health resource gaps. Next steps include development of a suicide crisis response tool kit and a culturally aligned postvention intervention that will enhance individual, family, and community survivance.

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