Otago University Research Archive
Not a member yet
10699 research outputs found
Sort by
'Water we do about the river?' An Integrated Approach to Understanding Water Quality in the Waikaka Stream, Southland, New Zealand
No full textWater quality causes are a highly contested issue in New Zealand, with rivers and streams struggling with the effects of intensive pastoral agriculture. The Waikaka Stream in Southland is an example of a catchment that currently does not meet local water quality standards, due to ‘very poor’ water quality. Management of freshwater has changed significantly over time in New Zealand, but has typically been the responsibility of regional authorities, carried out with a reliance on technical and scientific information, often with a disregard for the socio-political dimensions of freshwater management. Consequently, in recent years communities in Southland have mobilised to form catchment management groups, offering an alternate bottom-up management regime. It is unknown how these community management groups fit into the wider environmental management structure in New Zealand, or how they can be best directed to contribute to the improvement of New Zealand waterways, including the Waikaka Stream. The aim of this study was to evaluate the water quality of the Waikaka Stream and analyse community responses to their perceived water quality problem. A socio-hydrology lens was employed to elucidate how the measured data compared to water quality perceptions. A mixed methodological approach used a 12-month data set with a monthly water sampling frequency, and semi-structured interviews with farmers in the Waikaka Catchment. Quantitative and qualitative results were integrated in the interpretation phase, to understand the disconnect between physical water quality parameters and community perceptions of the Waikaka Stream. The Waikaka Stream water quality was highly variable across the catchment, indicating that the current single monitoring site is not appropriate to be fully representative. Suspended sediment concentrations exceeded national guidelines across the entire catchment, with site averages ranging from 4.0 mg L-1 to 10.8 mg L-1. E. coli thresholds were exceeded at six sites, ranging from 126 CFU/100ml to a maximum of 1414 CFU/100ml. Total nitrogen ranged from 0.3 ppm to 3.0 ppm, while total phosphorus measured between 11.9 ppb and 242.6 ppb. The water quality results showing exceedance of national guidelines, which contradicted farmer perspectives of ‘good’ water quality, highlighting the hidden risk of water quality. This discord creates issues for freshwater management, as it introduces distrust between farmers and the regulating regional government. The power dynamics between stakeholders can further complicate the collaborative management process and limit the implementation of improved management strategies. The formation of the Waikaka Stream Catchment Group indicates that farmers and local community members are seeking collaborative action to improve freshwater health. This study demonstrates that catchment groups deliver an opportunity for social learning, and a format by which local knowledge can be better included in management, to work towards the principles of Integrated Catchment Management (ICM). Catchment groups provide a link between individual farmers and regional government, therefore building trust for future collaborative management
Open Access at the University of Otago: what do we know?
No full textThis infographic is the Otago-specific version of a national research project to take a snapshot of the proportion of research by New Zealand authors that is open access. This project was the of the Concul of New Zealand University Librarians (CONZUL). See more here: https://www.universitiesnz.ac.nz/about-universities-new-zealand/unz-committees-and-working-groups/council-new-zealand-universityThree out of five research outputs by Otago authors in 2017 are behind paywalls as of June 2019. Of the 868 articles that are behind a paywall, 84% of these could be deposited legally in a non-commercial repository to make them free-to-access. This is despite a citation advantage of 93% for research that is openly accessible. Where open access was achieved by a paid method (Article Processing Charges) this was estimated to have cost NZ$735,000 for 2017
Alleviating Death Anxiety in Epicureanism
No full textEradicating the fear of death is a central concern in Epicurean philosophy. As hedonists, the Epicureans seek to pursue pleasure and avoid pain in order to achieve a life of eudaimonia. The fear of death is viewed as a particularly damaging form of mental pain, and the Epicureans go to great lengths to demonstrate that it is, in fact, irrational.
The ‘fear of death’ is a relatively broad term. It not only encompasses the fear of being dead, but also the fear of dying, the fear of mortality, and the fear of premature death. How adequately the Epicureans address each of these fears has been the subject of much debate. I argue that the Epicureans do successfully recognise and abolish these four strands of anxiety. They use a network of arguments to combat the multi-faceted nature of the fear of death. A close examination of these arguments reveals that they are deeply entrenched in the Epicureans’ underlying physical and ethical theories. The individual arguments each form one part of a holistic attempt to remove the fear that is seen to obstruct a life of pleasure. As such, the arguments must not be viewed independently, but rather as a collective whole. I demonstrate that the Epicurean efforts to alleviate death-related concerns are comprehensive, cogent, and internally consistent. Therefore, when Epicureanism is embraced as a whole, the fundamental goal of a pleasurable life that free from the fear of death is entirely attainable
Calcium intakes of New Zealand male and female adolescents
No full textBackground: Calcium requirements during adolescence are high due to rapid skeletal growth throughout this key life stage. Increased peak bone mass has been found to decrease risk of osteoporosis in later life. Peak bone mass achieved during adolescence is determined by the degree of positive calcium balance achieved in this period. Given the current burden of osteoporosis in the aged population of New Zealand, investigation of dietary calcium intake in adolescents could help contribute to optimal bone health as these adolescents move into adulthood.
Objective: To assess the current dietary calcium intake of New Zealand male and female adolescents aged 15-18 years. Key food sources of dietary calcium will also be examined.
Design: This cross-sectional cluster study carried out across 2019/20 collected data on demographics, dietary habits, food choices and motivations, weight loss methods and intentions using online questionnaires. The participant’s food and beverage intakes were assessed using two non-consecutive 24 hr dietary recalls. Dietary data was entered into the nutrient analysis software Foodworks, which calculated mean daily energy and calcium intake data for each participant. Prevalence of inadequate calcium intake was assessed using the Estimated Average Requirement (EAR) cut-point method.
Results: A total of 266 females and 135 males participated in the study with calcium intake calculated for 243 females and 102 males. The majority of participants identified as New Zealand European or other (57% of males, 78% of females), with 32% of males identifying as Asian, compared to 3.4% of females. Mean (standard deviation) energy intakes were 10,077 kJ/day (3215) for males and 7959 kJ/day (1781) for females. Median (inter-quartile range) calcium intakes were 935 mg/day (656, 1222) for males and 711 mg/day (551,915) for females. Prevalence of inadequate calcium intake (based on EAR of 1050 mg/day) was 63% for males and 85% for females. Milk was the top food source contributor to calcium intake, providing 17% and 28% of average daily calcium for males and females respectively.
Conclusion: Findings from this study reflect a high prevalence of inadequate calcium intakes in the New Zealand adolescent population, particularly in females. The results indicate there is likely a large proportion of adolescents who are at high risk of osteoporosis in later life. Dietitians should continuously consider practical ways to assist this population group in meeting such calcium high requirements. Further investigation into the calcium intake and correlating bone health specifically of this population within New Zealand may be required
Policy and planning in urban and peri-urban agriculture: The cases of Uyo and Benin City, Southern Nigeria
No full textIn Africa, the practice of urban and peri-urban agriculture (UPA) can be traced back to ancient civilizations. However, in recent times, farming in the developing world more broadly, is promoted for its contribution to household food security and poverty alleviation. Much research effort has thus been geared toward establishing these benefits, especially as urban poverty and unemployment continue to rise. Despite these benefits, UPA is still often considered illegal in many countries, with little official recognition and support from urban authorities. This attitude on the part of officials is said to stem from the restrictions on urban farming during the colonial era through planning policies. The inclusion of UPA in urban plans and the formulation of supporting policies are proposed as a way to ensure its future sustainability and enhance its potential benefits.
The most populous country in Africa, Nigeria, provides important case study cities for several reasons. First, the legal and planning context of UPA has not previously been studied in depth. Secondly, it allows for the comparison of the historical significance of UPA between a precolonial metropolis, Benin City, and the city of Uyo, which developed in the context of colonial planning regulations. Thirdly, there are gaps in our understanding of UPA in Nigeria, especially in relation to class and power. Using key informant interviews, questionnaire surveys and observation, this study has investigated the nature, significance, planning and policy implications of UPA in the two cities.
This thesis explores the significance and planning context of UPA in Nigeria through a historical lens. It examines the policy implications of these findings, as well as the potential opportunities and limitations for the support of farming and its inclusion in urban plans. It argues that UPA is not simply a technical fix to the existing system, but a potential driver for positive political, environmental, social, and economic transformation and, given its significance, there is a need for alternative conceptual framings of the practice in Africa beyond survival and poverty alleviation. It is cautioned that UPA is not in itself a way out of poverty, but an important component of robust food security and poverty alleviation strategies, therefore, necessitating its inclusion in urban food policies and development strategies. While this study problematizes support and policy in the context of rapid urbanisation and the resulting pressure on land, support and policy are, nonetheless necessary. However, such policy must be sensitive to participating households on the margin and any support must be aware of the political outcomes, whether intentional or not
The Issue Of Teleology In Spinoza: A Defence Of The Standard Interpretation
No full textCurrent scholarship offers two competing accounts of Spinoza’s views on the issue of teleology, which I label Standard Interpretation and Modest Interpretation respectively. Several texts, including Ethics 1 Appendix, support the Standard Interpretation: they make the point that Spinoza rejects all forms of teleology and teleological explanations. A second group of remarks, most of which occur in Part 3 of the Ethics, suggests that the chief claim of the Modest Interpretation is correct: Spinoza seems to accept some meaningful forms of teleology and teleological explanations. In this thesis, I build a new case for the Standard Interpretation. I assess divine causality and human causality in Spinoza and show that, given other Spinozistic assumptions, one and the same activity underlies all of causation. In particular, two metaphysical commitments preclude Spinoza’s endorsement of divine teleology: causal determinism and necessitarianism. These commitments amount to a failure to meet two conditions that Spinoza places on final causation: (i) that an agent has the ability to choose freely, and (ii) that an agent chooses among a range of possible states. I show that Spinoza’s reasons for rejecting teleology in God also apply mutatis mutandis to the activity of singular things. By providing such an account I hope to debunk one of the main assumptions of the Modest Interpretation: namely, that Spinoza’s fundamental distinction between substance and mode gives him the flexibility to deny teleological activity to God but to attribute it to finite beings
Rationalising meat consumption: the perception of meat as natural, necessary, normal or nice in non-vegetarian adolescent males and females in New Zealand
No full textBackground: the consumption of meat has attracted considerable attention in recent years, in regard to negative health outcomes, environmental impact and animal welfare. Research suggests that adults justify their meat consumption as either ‘natural’, ‘necessary’, ‘normal’ or ‘nice’, however, little is known in regard to adolescents, both worldwide and in New Zealand. Nutritional requirements increase during adolescence due to their rapid growth and development, as too does autonomy surrounding food choices, as they develop and become increasingly aware of their personal values. Dietary habits developed during adolescence may track into adulthood, therefore creating favourable habits is important for short- and long-term health outcomes. Developing consumer-orientated strategies for a transition to a more plant-based diet first requires an understanding of the perceived benefits adolescents hold and how they rationalise their continued consumption of meat.
Objective: The primary objective is to describe the perceptions of meat consumption as ‘natural’, ‘necessary’, ‘normal’ or ‘nice’ by non-vegetarian male and female adolescents aged 15-18 years. The secondary objectives are to describe how these perceptions differ between males and females, and how they are related to meat consumption patterns.
Design: The Survey of Nutrition Dietary Assessment and Lifestyle (SuNDiAL) project was a cross-sectional study aiming to compare the dietary intakes and habits, nutrition status, motivations, attitudes and physical activity of male and female adolescents aged 15- 18 years in New Zealand. This thesis used questionnaire data, including the ‘4Ns’ questionnaire, which assessed the adolescents’ perception of meat consumption as ‘natural’, ‘necessary’, ‘normal’ or ‘nice’, and the Dietary Habits questionnaire, which assessed meat consumption patterns.
Results: Males endorsed all 4N constructs with a higher level of agreement than females. The ‘nice’ subscale had the highest level of endorsement overall for both males and females (mean 5.0 and 4.5 respectively) whereas the ‘necessary’ subscale had the lowest in both males and females (mean 4.3 and 4.0 respectively). At least half of the male adolescents consumed red and processed meats three times per week, whereas at least half of female adolescents consumed red and processed meats more than five times per week.
Males with a high self-reported weekly consumption of red meat, endorsed ‘normal’ and ‘nice’ the most, whereas a high consumption of poultry showed a greater endorsement for ‘natural’ and ‘necessary’. In females, higher self-reported weekly consumption of red meat, showed a greater endorsement of all 4N subscales. As consumption of poultry increased, so too did their endorsement of all 4N subscales.
Conclusion: Male and female adolescents agreed most strongly that meat is tasty (‘nice’) and agreed less strongly that meat is necessary for survival (‘necessary’), suggesting they are more driven by the taste and pleasure they receive from meat consumption, rather than potential health benefits
Effects of Secreted Amyloid Precursor Protein-Alpha Peptide Fragments on Glutamate Receptor Subunit Trafficking in the Rat Hippocampus
No full textGlutamate receptors play a key role in synaptic plasticity mechanisms and are critical for learning and memory function. Deficits in synaptic plasticity and glutamate receptor functioning are observed in disease states like Alzheimer’s disease, and finding potential therapies for such disease states remains a major global endeavour. Previous research has found that secreted amyloid precursor protein-alpha (sAPPα) has multiple plasticity promoting effects. The aims of the current project were to identify the potential glutamate receptor trafficking promoting effects of functional regions of sAPPα, specifically the peptide CTα16, located at the C-terminal, and RER, located in the E2 domain. Rat hippocampal slices and primary hippocampal cultures were treated with sAPPα and peptides in acetylated form, Ac-CTα16 and Ac-RER for 30 minutes. Analyses of total and cell-surface expression of glutamate receptor subunits GluA1, GluN1, and GluN2A, within hippocampal slices were completed via western blot. Immunofluorescence (mean intensity and puncta density) corresponding to surface and internal GluA1 was analysed using confocal imaging of hippocampal cultures. It was hypothesized that Ac-CTα16 and Ac-RER treatments would upregulate trafficking of GluA1 and GluN1 to the cell surface. Paired t-tests revealed no increases in membrane or total glutamate subunit levels in hippocampal slices. One-way ANOVA revealed a significant increase in cell-surface and intracellular intensities, as well as the density of cell-surface puncta in hippocampal cultures, following Ac-RER treatment. These results failed to replicate the previous finding that sAPPα increases glutamate receptor trafficking, and also indicated that Ac-CTα16 does not increase glutamate trafficking under these conditions, unlike Ac-RER. Additional investigation into the specific changes associated with the RER peptide in slices, including potential effects on other receptor subunits and the localization of detected GluA1-containing receptor increases, may support the development of RER-based peptide therapy
Device measured physical activity and sleep in a sample of adolescent females in New Zealand
No full textAbstract
Background: Moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) and sleep duration are two crucial and important components in maintaining overall health. Although there are clear guidelines on both MVPA and sleep duration, it is distinctly shown throughout the literature that adolescents from around the globe commonly fall short of the recommendations. Recently, there has been a shift to moving the guidelines towards a 24 h approach. Despite this, there is limited research available which assesses both MPVA and sleep durations concurrently in adolescents.
Objective: The purpose of this study was to describe the sleep and moderate-to-vigorous intensity physical activity, measured in adolescent females of the Survey of Nutrition, Dietary Assessment, and Lifestyles (SuNDiAL) project, and to investigate how average MVPA may affect average sleep from one day to the next.
Design: Two hundred and thirty-eight adolescent females aged 15-18 y were recruited from high schools from eight different locations throughout New Zealand (NZ). Accelerometers (Actigraph GT3X) were used to assess MVPA and sleep duration.
Results: Participants spent an overall mean time of 42.6 min and 7 h and 18 min each day in MVPA and sleep, respectively. Compared to the guidelines of at least 60 min of MVPA and 8-10 h of sleep per day, only 23% and 20% of participants meet the guidelines for MPVA and sleep, respectively. Time spent in MVPA was not associated with an increased sleep duration for that evening. Additionally, participants who accumulated a higher average of MVPA throughout the week, did not sleep longer compared to their counter parts. These results suggest there is no meaningful association between MVPA and sleep duration.
Conclusion: A large proportion of adolescent girls do not meet the physical activity and sleep guidelines. This suggests there is a need for interventions which target physical activity and sleep separately which would support this age group to undertake healthier practices which would therefore lead to more favourable health outcomes
Maternal Reminiscing during Middle Childhood: Associations with Infant and Child Temperament
No full textThe way that mothers engage in conversation with children about the past is associated with key developmental outcomes such as memory, language, and narrative skills, as well as emotional understanding (Fivush, 2019; Salmon & Reese, 2016; Waters et al., 2019; Wu & Jobson, 2019; Laible, 2004a). A small body of research has suggested that mothers may differ in elaborative style based on the temperament of their child (Bird et al., 2006; Laible, 2004a, 2011; Lewis, 1999). The present study explored how mother-child reminiscing related to child temperament and maternal demographic factors. It was hypothesised that mothers would be more elaborative with children who were higher in orienting/ regulatory capacity when younger. On the other hand, it was predicted that mothers would be less elaborative with children who were higher in positive emotionality and/ or negative emotionality. Maternal ethnicity and demographic factors were also hypothesised to predict reminiscing style. As a part of a broader cohort study called Growing Up in New Zealand (www.growingup.co.nz), 1,348 participants were randomly selected for this project. Maternal ethnicity and demographics were recorded antenatally. Temperament was measured during infancy (9-months) with the Infant Behaviour Questionnaire– Revised Very Short Form (IBQ-R-VSF) as well as in early childhood (54-months) with the Child Behaviour Questionnaire– Very Short Form (CBQ-VSF). Elaborative style was measured during a reminiscing conversation at age-8 using a revised version of the Elaborative Reminiscing Scale (Laible, 2004b; Leyva et al., 2020). During the reminiscing task, dyads were instructed to talk about a time that the child was injured, had a social disagreement, or felt disappointed. Results suggested that elaboration style was linked with temperament scores at 9- months, but not at 54-months. Specifically, mothers were less elaborative with children who were higher in positive emotionality/surgency during infancy. Maternal demographic factors including age, education, and culture were also identified as significant predictors of elaboration style. These results suggest that early temperament may predict parents’ later reminiscing styles, and future work is needed to explore the directionality of this relationship