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Age-Based Population Dynamics of the Four-Rayed Rattail Coryphaenoides subserrulatus From the Chatham Rise, New Zealand
No full textThis study explores the age-based population dynamics of the four-rayed rattail Coryphaenoides subserrulatus, a bycatch species from the Chatham Rise orange roughy (Hoplostethus atlanticus) fishery. Age and size distribution of C. subserrulatus ranged from 2 to 27 years, and 139 mm to 366 mm (TL), respectively. The sampled population was female-dominated, especially in the older and larger classes, with a sex ratio of 1.69 females per 1 male (F:M = 1.69:1). Von Bertalanffy growth function (VBGF) analysis showed asymptotic length of 337.02 mm for females and 312.84 mm for males. Likelihood Ratio Test (LRT), and 95% confidence ellipses conducted on VBGF parameters of L∞ and K, confirmed female growth to be significantly different than male. Length–Weight relationship analysis showed this species to have a negatively allometric growth coefficient (b = 2.69), which indicates prioritisation of growth over condition. Annual mortality rate was estimated at 14.39% (yr−1), indicating a stable population under unfished conditions. This study contributes to the understanding of the population dynamics of C. subserrulatus in New Zealand waters, adding to the existing knowledge on the ecology of this deep-sea bycatch species
A Survey on Machine Learning Approaches for Vital Sign Monitoring Using Radar
No full textThe integration of machine learning methodologies with radar-based vital sign monitoring represents a significant advancement in non-contact healthcare surveillance systems. This systematic literature review synthesizes and critically analyzes research from 2020 to 2025, addressing substantive theoretical and methodological gaps in extant literature. Our comprehensive taxonomic classification of machine learning paradigms employed in this domain elucidates the progressive refinement from conventional algorithmic approaches to sophisticated deep learning architectures, with particular emphasis on hybrid neural network configurations optimized for physiological signal extraction in non-stationary environments. Methodologically, this survey contributes a rigorous evaluation framework comprising standardized assessment protocols, quantifiable performance metrics, and cross-validation methodologies—elements conspicuously absent in previous reviews. Empirical analysis demonstrates substantial correlations between dataset demographic characteristics and algorithmic generalizability, with heterogeneous participant cohorts yielding markedly enhanced performance across cardiac, respiratory, and hemodynamic parameter estimation tasks. The review delineates four distinct developmental phases in the field’s chronological evolution and provides analytical insight into persistent technical challenges: motion artifact compensation, multi-subject disambiguation, and the translation of laboratory efficacy to clinical utility. This comprehensive examination of computational approaches for radar-based vital sign monitoring establishes a theoretical foundation and methodological framework to guide future research towards physiologically robust and clinically viable implementations
The Phenomenology of the Happy Host: An Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis and Autoethnographic Study of Alterity in the Hospitality Industry
No full textThis personal exploration examines the distinct qualities and perspectives of a joyful host in the food and beverage industry within a commercial hospitality venue. It highlights the necessity of enriching the emotional experiences of both guests and oneself during service encounters. This study examines the significant experiences that enhance the well-being of individuals and those around them, revealing a unique phenomenon of alterity within the context of commercial hospitality. The central concept focuses on the genuine experiences of a food and beverage host, underscoring the crucial role of alterity in commercial hospitality. Alterity involves recognising and engaging with the experiences of others, making the concept of “Otherness” essential for fostering positive interactions within this industry. Moreover, the research emerged from a profound understanding of Otherness shaped through careful self-reflection. These insights foster greater self-awareness, enabling individuals to manage and regulate emotions more effectively when faced with overwhelming negative feelings. The ability to navigate these challenging emotions enables frontline hospitality workers to experience authentic joy, rooted in genuine hospitality, which in turn results in meaningful and satisfying experiences within the commercial hospitality sector.
This research adopts a phenomenological approach to examine the case of an exuberant host within the food and beverage sector of the hospitality industry. By utilising Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA) and autoethnography, the study explores the joyful experiences of the enthusiastic host through the lens of Dasein. It highlights key events that evoke a sense of Otherness while providing a comprehensive cultural analysis of personal experiences. The research emphasises the valuable insights gained from a significant event at the Chandelier Lounge in the Cordis Hotel Auckland, which I referred to as the “phenomenon of the tipping flute.”
I have interpreted the phenomenon of the tipping flute, which relates to a theory that elucidates the concept of sui generis empathy, acknowledging otherness. This perspective is crucial for food and beverage hosts who consider and integrate this principle into their daily roles. This research asserts that authentic happiness is achievable in the hospitality sector, even when confronted with its most emotionally taxing challenges. Furthermore, while the idea of alterity—recognising ‘Otherness’—is important in commercial hospitality, it warrants further investigation and a more thorough examination.
The exploration of the joyful host phenomenon offers a captivating perspective on its application. It highlights a crucial opportunity to nurture a culture of alterity within the industry. The study strongly suggests that adopting the concept of alterity can significantly improve the overall hospitality experience. These insights could motivate the hospitality sector to create a more welcoming and compassionate atmosphere, ultimately contributing to the development of a more empathetic and enjoyable future in the hospitality industry
Accounting Choices in Data Envelopment Analysis
No full textDue to the increasing availability of large-scale digitalized databases containing summarized financial accounting measures, a growing number of DEA models are using these variables. Where only accounting measures are used, we term these “FinDEA” models. Accounting measures are subject to accounting choices regarding recognition and measurement, which means that they are not necessarily equivalent to direct measures of underlying physical measures more commonly used in DEA. This paper investigates the impact of accounting choices on FinDEA results related to alternative accounting measures of capital. Using both simulated and real-world data, we find that accounting choices impact FinDEA results, with the magnitude influenced by the heterogeneity of the accounting choices and sample sizes. Our results suggest that the variations in accounting choices need to be considered as part of an assessment of the homogeneity of inputs and outputs when designing DEA models using accounting measures
Trauma-Informed Work-Oriented Counselling: Protocol for a Scoping Review
No full textObjective: The objective of this scoping review is to investigate the published peer-reviewed literature addressing a) the extent of trauma awareness among employment counsellors and b) how work-oriented counselling services address the trauma-related support needs of their users. The research questions are: 1. How do work-oriented counselling services recognise and respond to the impact of trauma on job seekers? 2. What trauma-informed strategies do they integrate to support individuals in obtaining, retaining, or returning to employment?
Introduction: Exposure to trauma is increasingly recognised as a significant public health concern. Trauma is associated with high level of disability and reduced productivity; and has a negative impact on employment and career development. There is growing recognition that trauma awareness should be integrated into such sectors as education, justice, labour and welfare.
Inclusion criteria: Population: Service users who receive services or participate in interventions aimed at improving employability, defined as obtaining or retaining for paid work, and whose inability to secure or maintain employment could be linked to trauma. Concept: Initially non-medical support, intervention or counselling that consider trauma-related barriers of their users to obtaining or maintaining paid work in the services. Context: Work-oriented services worldwide, including welfare programs, social services, interventions, and counselling (publicly or privately funded), aimed at assisting individuals in obtaining or maintaining paid work. Types of sources: Peer-reviewed articles in English reporting on primary studies, published between 2015 and 2025.
Study identification and selection: A systematic search will be conducted in SCOPUS, EBSCO (Academic Search Elite, CINAHL, ERIC, MEDLINE), OVID (EMBASE, PsycINFO, AMED), PTSDpubs, and PubMed. References will be managed and duplicates removed using EndNote and Rayyan, and then double-screened using Rayyan, with disagreements resolved through discussion. Full-text sources that meet inclusion criteria will have their reference lists searched for additional studies.
Data extraction and synthesis: Data extraction will include key contextual data and the TIDIER-Rehab Checklist. The PRISMA-ScR framework will guide the review's presentation. Reporting will include a descriptive collation of study information relevant to the research questions and, as appropriate, a thematic synthesis of this information to address the research questions
Long-term Mortality Outcome of a Primary Care-based Mobile Health Intervention for Stroke Management: Six-year Follow-up of a Cluster-randomized Controlled Trial
No full textBACKGROUND: Despite growing evidence of primary care-based interventions for chronic disease management in resource-limited settings, long-term post-trial effects remain inconclusive. We investigated the association of a 12-month system-integrated technology-enabled model of care (SINEMA) intervention with mortality outcomes among patients experiencing stroke at 6-year post-trial. METHODS AND FINDINGS: This study (clinicaltrial .gov registration number: NCT05792618) is a long-term passive observational follow-up of participants and their spouse of the SINEMA trial (clinicaltrial .gov registration number: NCT03185858). The original SINEMA trial was a cluster-randomized controlled trial conducted in 50 villages (clusters) in rural China among patients experiencing stroke during July 2017-July 2018. Village doctors in the intervention arm received training, incentives, and a customized mobile health application supporting monthly follow-ups to participants who also received daily free automated voice-messages. Vital status and causes of death were ascertained using local death registry, standardized village doctor records, and verbal autopsy. The post-trial observational follow-up spanned from 13- to 70-months post-baseline (up to April 30, 2023), during which no intervention was requested or supported. The primary outcome of this study was all-cause mortality, with cardiovascular and stroke cause-specific mortality also reported. Cox proportional hazards models with cluster-robust standard errors were used to compute hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs), adjusting for town, age, and sex in the main analysis model. Analyses were conducted on an intention-to-treat basis. Of 1,299 patients experiencing stroke (mean age 65.7 years, 42.6% females) followed-up to 6 years, 276 (21.2%) died (median time-to-death 43.0 months [quantile 1-quantile 3: 26.7-56.8]). Cumulative incidence of all-cause mortality was 19.0% (121 among 637) in the intervention arm versus 23.4% (155 among 662) in the control arm (HR 0.73; 95% CI 0.59, 0.90; p = 0.004); 14.4% versus 17.7% (HR 0.73; 95% CI 0.58, 0.94; p = 0.013) for cardiovascular cause-specific mortality; and 6.0% versus 7.9% (HR 0.71; 95% CI 0.44, 1.15; p = 0.16) for stroke cause-specific mortality. Although multisource verification was used to verify the outcomes, limitations exist as the survey- and record-matching-based nature of the study, unavailability of accurate clinical diagnostic records for some cases and the potential confounders that may influence the observed association on mortality. CONCLUSIONS: Despite no observed statistically difference on stroke cause-specific mortality, the 12-month SINEMA intervention, compared with usual care, significantly associated with reduced all-cause and cardiovascular cause-specific mortality during 6 years of follow-up, suggesting potential sustained long-term benefits to patients experiencing stroke
Reconstructing Pre-European Marine Habitats Using Archaeological Assemblages: A Case-Study From the Ōtata Midden, New Zealand
No full textThe Ōtata midden, site R10/139, on Ōtata Island in the Hauraki Gulf, New Zealand, is a stratified site with dates spanning most of the pre-European occupation of New Zealand (cal 1350–1800 CE). This provides a rare opportunity to examine potential anthropogenic changes in the pre-European marine environment. Snapper (Chrysophrys auratus) otoliths from three midden layers were analysed for barium (Ba) and strontium (Sr) composition with Laser Ablation Inductively Coupled Mass Spectrometry (LA-ICP-MS) and the resulting data for the first 1500 µm from the core, roughly equivalent to the first two years of the fish’s life, were analysed with Behavioural Change Point Analysis (BCPA). This showed that juvenile snapper behaviours did not change but that Ba concentrations in the second year of life did. This is attributed to anthropogenic landscape changes altering the hydrology of the zone where freshwater mixes into the marine waters of the gulf
Unravelling the Mechanism of the SHON Protein in Triple Negative Breast Cancer MDA-MB-231 Cell Line
No full textTriple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is the most deadly subtype of breast cancer, and accounts for approximately 10-15% of all breast cancer diagnoses. TNBC acquired its name, due to the fact that its cancer cells are negative for two crucial molecular receptors; estrogen and progesterone, and it also does not produce enough of the HER2 protein, and thus, is triple-negative for all three of these molecular markers. This makes this subtype of breast cancer incredibly difficult to treat as the absence of these molecular receptors, prevents the use of more effective treatments, such as endocrine therapy and immunotherapy. The anthracycline-based chemotherapy drug doxorubicin has been adopted as the standard preferred treatment for TNBC. However, while doxorubicin is the preferred treatment, it is unfortunately problematic and is highly associated with the formation of drug resistance in patients and dose-limiting toxicity. Recent research has identified a new potential oncogene associated with the formation of breast cancer (subsequently also TNBC) known as the SHON (secreted hominoid-specific oncogene) gene. Previous literature identified that the forced expression of this gene in breast cancer cell lines enhanced the oncogenicity of the cells, increased cell proliferation, and increased overall cancer cell survival. As well as enhancing the oncogenicity of breast cancer cells, there was also evidence to suggest that the SHON gene could be a potential biomarker for TNBC, and that it can be used as a way to predict patient response to anthracycline chemotherapy. Based on previous literature we hypothesized that by using CRISPR-Cas9 gene editing technology, we could knock out the SHON gene from MDA-MB-231 cells, to study and compare the differences between MDA-MB-231 cells with this gene and MDA-MB-231 cells without this gene. Allowing, not only a better understanding of how this gene behaves and functions as an oncogene, but also determining whether or not this gene knock out would cause MDA-MB-231 cells to be more sensitive to the anticancer effects of doxorubicin. The knock out of the SHON gene via CRISPR-Cas9 technology was confirmed using Sanger sequencing. To distinguish the difference in cell proliferation a colony formation assay was performed. To understand the differences in metabolic activity between SHON-KO MDA-MB-231 cells and SHON-WT MDA-MB-231 cells, a PrestoBlue assay was performed. Then an MTT assay was used to compare the differences in sensitivity to doxorubicin, and finally an apoptosis assay was performed to determine the doxorubicin-induced apoptosis rates between the isogenic cell pair. Knock out of SHON gene in MDA-MB-231 cells significantly decreased cell proliferation and colony formation, further confirming its oncogenicity roles. The results also suggest that the MDA-MB-231 cells without the SHON gene were more susceptible to undergoing apoptosis. For the first time, I generated experimental evidence that knock out of SHON gene in MDA-MB-231 cells is associated with decreased sensitivity to doxorubicin. This result is consistent with the clinical evidence that SHON expression is a positive prognostic biomarker for predicting the response to anthracycline-based therapy in TNBC patients
Neurodiversity and Human Resource Development: A Systematic Literature Review
No full textThis Systematic Literature Review (SLR) examines the significance of implementing tailored neurodiverse training programmes to support individuals with neurodiversity. The review explores how Humanistic Learning Theory (HLT) and Digital Transformation (DT) can aid neurodiverse individuals by reducing cognitive load and minimising biases within teams. It further investigates how Human Resource Development (HRD) initiatives can be designed to assess and enhance the well-being of neurodiverse individuals.
Following the PRISMA protocol, a standardised and transparent review process was conducted, encompassing a search across four databases: EBSCO, Google Scholar, ProQuest, and NZ Research. The inclusion and exclusion criteria were strictly developed based on thematic analysis, timeframe, language, article quality, and methodology. Initially, 440 articles were gathered across four databases, out of which 16 relevant peer-reviewed studies and 12 grey literature sources from global organisations were identified.
The findings highlight the importance of incorporating HRD initiatives that promote neurodiverse well-being and how integrating a humanistic approach with DT can create effective, personalised training programmes. These approaches help reduce stigma and provide organisations with search strategies to foster inclusivity.
This review contributes to existing literature by identifying gaps and proposing directions for future research. Additionally, it offers practical recommendations for organisations to implement neurodiversity-focused programmes that improve workplace inclusivity and well-being. This study emphasises the critical role of individualised support and inclusive practices in creating equitable opportunities for neurodiverse individuals
Indigenous Knowledge, Architecture, and Nature in the Context of Oceania
No full textThis perspective article is derived from conversations between leading Indigenous academics and practitioners in the fields of architecture and urban design recorded at a keynote panel at the 2023 NUWAO International Symposium on Nature-based Urban Climate Adaptation for Wellbeing, held at Te Herenga Waka Victoria University of Wellington, Aotearoa New Zealand. The focus of the discussion was Indigenous design for adaptation to climate change in Moananui Oceania with an emphasis on relationships to nature. Given the diversity of Moananui Oceania in terms of languages, cultures, histories, and worldviews, this discussion represented a unique convergence of Indigenous leadership and thought in the field. It highlighted key themes related to Indigenous design for climate change adaptation and offered a novel, distinctive perspective aimed at advancing thinking around nature-based solutions (NbS). It is important to recognise and integrate Indigenous values and approaches to knowledge generation, particularly within academic settings. In the context of Moananui Oceania this can require adapting oral traditions and formats, such as talanoa, and hui or kōrero, into conventional Western-based research formats such as the journal article. This paper is an attempt to capture important Indigenous knowledge and discussion in a western format to enable further dissemination and sharing. This means the format and methodologies described in the paper do not align exactly with traditional scientific journal article formats, however the discussions and findings help to meet the motivation of the authors, which is to transform traditional Indigenous ways of sharing information into a perspective article format and share insights with a wider audience. This methodology aligns well with the special issue call that this paper resides in (Just, Socio-ecological Urban Transformation: Nature-based Solutions and Traditional Ecological Knowledge), underpinning the relevance and potential contribution to the field. Two key themes were explored within the context of the importance of working with nature; relationships between ecologies and tikanga (customary practices), and looking backwards to generate innovation and resilience