Otago University Research Archive
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Iodine intakes and main food sources in New Zealand adolescent males
No full textBackground: The New Zealand population is susceptible to iodine deficiency due to low iodine levels in the soil. In response to this, two fortification strategies exist; iodisation of table salt which began in 1924, and more recently, in 2009, iodised salt was required to be used in most commercial bread products. Since the introduction of mandatory bread fortification in 2009, few studies have assessed the iodine intake of adolescents in particular. Objective: To estimate the usual iodine intake of adolescent males in New Zealand, and compare reported iodine intakes to nutrient reference values. To identify the main food sources contributing iodine to the diet, and determine the proportion of adolescent males using iodised salt in the household.
Design: A cross-sectional survey of 15-18 year old adolescent males from high schools located in six locations across New Zealand. Iodine intake was assessed through two 24- hour dietary recalls, and were entered into FoodWorks to calculate energy and iodine intake and contribution of major food groups to iodine in the diet. Nutrient data were adjusted for ‘usual’ intake using the Multiple Source Method. A dietary habits questionnaire was used to determine the frequency of consumption for a range of foods, including those that are sources of iodine. Iodine intake was calculated from: food-only; from food and added iodised salt, where 48 μg iodine was added to participants who reported using iodised salt. Anthropometrical measurements were also taken.
Results: Of the 135 participants included in the study, the majority (57%) identified as New Zealand European and other ethnicity, followed by Asian (32%), Māori (9%) and Pacific (2%). The mean energy intake was 10,077 kJ/day, and most participants (67%) were in the healthy weight category based on BMI z-scores. Fifty-seven percent of participants reported using iodised salt in their household. The mean iodine intake from food-only was 107 μg/day; the proportion of participants with usual iodine intake below the estimated average requirement of 95 μg/day was 31%. When iodine from iodised salt was included, the mean intake increased to 131 μg/day; the proportion of participants with an iodine intake below the estimated average requirement was 19%. Iodised salt users had a significantly higher iodine intake compared to non-users; the mean difference (95% CI) was 53 (44 to 62) μg/day. The dietary habits questionnaire revealed bread and bread-based dishes were the main contributors of iodine in the diet (31%), followed by milk and dairy products (19%).
Conclusion: The majority of adolescent males surveyed in this study had a daily iodine intake that was adequate to meet their iodine requirements. The results from this study show iodised salt use and the mandatory fortification of bread with iodine continue to be important contributors of iodine in the New Zealand diet
Polarisation and Poverty Reduction in Africa: The Devil is in the Choice of Equivalence Relation
No full textThe focus of this paper is the low observed mean consumption elasticity of poverty in Africa, and the suggestion that polarisation of national distributions, specifically the non-parametric ‘relative distribution’ method, is essential to understanding the low regional elasticity. The version of the methodology adopted results in a measure of absolute polarisation. We show that the results obtained for 24 countries in the region are entirely a product of this choice, and while preference for translation-invariance is a normative matter, claims regarding changes in distributions are not. There is no evidence of distributional changes unaccounted for by standard measures of inequality and mean consumption. Which, in turn explain the evolution of poverty levels in the 24-country sample. Given that changes in mean consumption and inequality, among the sample countries, account for both the changes in the chosen measure of polarisation and the evolution of poverty, there is no distinct role for the chosen measure of polarisation in accounting for the evolution of poverty in the region
Identity construction in online dating
No full textOnline dating has emerged as one of the most widely used opportunities provided by the internet, yet only a small number of studies have focused on online daters who have met and developed successful relationships with partners from an internet dating website. In this environment, online daters must become their own marketing managers in terms of creating their own advertising campaign which ensures they are presenting a self which appears both attractive and desirable, yet at the same time is genuine and honest.
Using the concepts of Belk’s re-embodiment through online constructed identity (2013; 2016) and Gonzales and Hancock’s (2008) identity shift, this research investigates the relationship between the construction of an online identity, through the disclosure of personal information, in the form of a dating profile, and the successful formation of a relationship initiated through an online dating site. Using individual and dyadic in-depth interviews, twenty one individuals who met their current partners on a dating site were interviewed for this study.
The findings suggest the role of online dating could be considered two-fold. Not only is it an avenue for initiating a meeting with another individual, which may lead to a long-term romantic relationship. It may also be used for evaluating and modifying one’s self-identity, by reducing the discrepancy between one’s actual and ideal self. Evidence was found of this occurring, with respondents using online dating as an opportunity to portray themselves as being more confident and self-assured than they actually were in real life. For many of these respondents, online dating provided the opportunity to alter, and in some cases, reconstruct aspects of their identity during a period of ambiguity and role uncertainty in their lives. Many of the online daters in this study were in a period of liminality, and through feedback and reassurance from others, as well as learning from past dating experiences, they were able to evaluate, make adjustments and craft a newly constructed re-embodied self-identity by means of an identity shift, which was closer to a real sense of who they were.
This research extends existing theory on online identity formation, self-disclosure, liminality, identity shift and self-growth by contributing to the growing consumer behaviour literature surrounding online dating research
The Self Divided: The Problems of contradictory claims to Indigenous peoples’ self-determination in Australia
No full textWhen the United Nations General Assembly endorsed the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (‘UNDRIP’) in 2007, many extolled it for recognising Indigenous peoples’ right of self-determination. Although there is some consensus that all peoples have self-determination, as a legal claim it has routinely inspired criticism that it will lead to contradictory claims, interpretations, and further political contestation. Ten years after UNDRIP's endorsement, some Indigenous claims of self-determination in Australia are contradictory. While contradictory claims may not be inherently problematic, in the context explored in this article, there are problematic effects. This article examines how contradictory self-determination claims arose in response to Australia's recent Native Title Amendment (Indigenous Land Use Agreements) Act 2017 (Cth) (‘2017 Amendments’), which amended and weakened the Native Title Act 1993 (Cth) (‘NTA’). It also evaluates the consequences of those contradictory claims and argues for renewed critical assessment of who legitimately determines the self who claims self-determination.Peer Reviewe
Ngā Kete Mātauranga. Māori scholars at the research interface
No full textIn this beautiful and transformative book, 24 Māori academics share their personal journeys, revealing what being Māori has meant for them in their work. Their perspectives provide insight for all New Zealanders into how mātauranga is positively influencing the Western-dominated disciplines of knowledge in the research sector.
It is a shameful fact, says co-editor Jacinta Ruru in her introduction to Ngā Kete Mātauranga, that in 2020, only about 5 percent of academic staff at universities in Aotearoa New Zealand are Māori. Tertiary institutions have for the most part been hostile places for Indigenous students and staff, and this book is an important call for action. ‘It is well past time that our country seriously commits to decolonising the tertiary workforce, curriculum and research agenda,’ writes Professor Ruru.
The book demonstrates the power, energy and diversity that can be brought out into the world by Māori scholars working both comfortably and uncomfortably from within, without and across diverse academic disciplines and mātauranga Māori. – Professor Linda Tuhiwai Smith
These deeply personal stories provide a portal into the te ao Māori world, which many outside it seek to understand, but struggle to find a frame in which to do so. The abstract concept of decolonising the tertiary workforce is brought to life and given meaning by these kōrero of strength, where the authors display courage and vision from within an environment so often hostile to Indigenous ways of knowing. Read it, be inspired, and welcome this refreshingly written challenge to embrace mātauranga Māori and build a stronger academy. – Professor Juliet A. Gerrard, Prime Minister’s Chief Science Advisor Kaitohutohu Mātanga Pūtaiao Matua ki te Pirimi
Role of langerin+ cells in skin pathologies
No full textLangerhans cells (LCs) are epidermal immune cells that express C-type lectin receptor langerin along with a subset of dermal dendritic cells. Langerin+ cells play a pivotal role in skin immunity. Previous research has suggested that LC may be involved in skin repair, but little is known about the importance of LC/ langerin+ cells or their specific role in wound healing processes. In this study the impact of ablation of langerin+ cells on healing of a full-thickness excision wound were investigated using the langerin-DTR LC-depletable mouse. Strikingly, depletion of langerin+ cells resulted in more rapid reduction in wound area. Accelerated wound healing in the langerin+ cell depleted group was characterized by enhanced neo-epidermis and granulation tissue formation, and increased cellular proliferation and angiogenesis within these newly formed tissues. The accelerated healing in the absence of langerin+ cells were associated with increased levels of GM-CSF and F4/80+ cells within the granulation tissue.
RNA-seq analysis revealed that there was an increase in genes associated with muscle contraction and myofibril assembly pathways but a loss in genes associated with keratinization pathways was observed in the DT treated mice at day 0 post – wounding which could be contributing to the accelerated healing. Deconvolution of RNAseq data revealed that a potential increase in the percentage of eosinophils at D0 which was sustained throughout the healing process in the depleted group. An earlier infiltration of dendritic cells and M2 macrophages in the depleted group at earlier time points could be setting up the wound microenvironment more conducive for healing. Down regulation and delayed expression of genes in the complement cascade, neutrophil degranulation pathways support an inhibitory role for langerin+ cells during inflammatory phase of wound healing. Therapies that suppress langerin+ cells or their function may therefore have utility in progressing the healing of wounds in humans.
Based on the inhibitory role of langerin+ cells on proliferation and angiogenesis in the wound, we predicted that in a highly proliferated and vascular condition such as a tumour, langerin+ cell numbers would decrease. However, in human squamous cell carcinoma tissues, we did not observe significant correlation between proliferation and angiogenesis in the tumour with langerin+ cells, tumour size of depth, indicating that the SCC microenvironment is not similar to the wounds. In contrast to our hypothesis, the distribution of langerin+ cells increased as the tumour size increased, suggesting that increased langerin+ cells might aid in tumorigenesis or the tumour microenvironment could be inhibiting the migration of langerin+ cells. Similar to the wounding experiments, GM-CSF and IL-17 exhibited opposing levels of expression in the centre and periphery of the tumour. Unlike in the wound healing tissues, langerin+ cells did not significantly correlate with other factors such as proliferation, angiogenesis, GM-CSF or IL-17, suggesting that langerin+ cells could be playing different roles according to the microenvironment. Further single cell sequencing in both mouse and human wounds and tumours would be highly beneficial to reduce the granularity of their roles in the varying skin microenvironment. Use of mouse models that ablate only the LCs or the langerin+ DCs can help elucidate their specific roles in the skin
The fluoride intake from diet, water and toothpaste of New Zealand adolescents
No full textBackground: Fluoride plays an essential role in the prevention of dental caries, the most common chronic disease for New Zealanders of all ages. Despite public controversy, community water fluoridation (CWF) is considered one of the top 10 greatest public health achievements of the past century. Currently, only 48% of New Zealanders have access to fluoridated water, with limited data on fluoride intakes in the New Zealand (NZ) population available.
Objective: To assess the fluoride intake of NZ adolescent males and females from water, diet and toothpaste and to evaluate the necessity and contribution of fluoridated water to daily fluoride intake.
Design: For this cross-sectional, multi-centred study, 266 females and 135 males aged 15-18 years were recruited from 13 high schools across NZ, located in areas with and without CWF. Participants completed online self-administered questionnaires to provide information about demographics and toothbrushing habits. Anthropometric measurements (weight and height) and interviewer-assisted 24-hour recalls were carried out during an in-school visit. A follow-up 24-hour recall was conducted virtually the following week to assess usual dietary intake. Dietary data were entered and analysed in FoodWorks Professional Software; the multiple source method was used to adjust data for usual intake. An extended version of the 2018 NZ Food Composition Tables was used, with missing fluoride values imputed from the NZ Total Diet Study and a recent UK database, all of which included different fluoride contents for food affected by CWF. Community water fluoride concentration of each school district was acquired through direct contact with regional councils or online reports. Only participants who had provided data on usual diet and toothbrushing habits were included in the calculations for fluoride intake.
Results: The water fluoride concentration was 0.56-0.75mg/L in areas with CWF (F areas) and 0.03-0.11mg/L in areas without CWF (NF areas). Of the total enrolled participants, 50% of males and 41% of females attended schools in areas with CWF. There were 223 female and 80 male participants included in the final analysis. Only 32 females (14%) and 2 males (3%), all residing in F areas, met the Adequate Intake (AI) for fluoride of 3mg/day. The mean difference (95% CI) in fluoride intake was 1.81 (1.60, 2.01)mg/day for females and 1.13 (0.92, 1.35)mg/day males in F versus NF areas. In F areas, females had a significantly higher total fluoride intake than males, with mean difference of 0.74 mg/day; this was largely associated with the higher water intake of females versus males in F area with mean difference (95% CI) of 1.05 (0.70,1.39)L/day. Tap water contributed 60-79% of total daily fluoride intake in F areas and 16-18% of the total daily fluoride intake in NF areas. No participant consumed more than the Upper Limit (UL) for fluoride of 10 mg/day for fluoride. Diet and toothpaste provided, on average, less than 1.00mg/day of fluoride to total fluoride intake.
Conclusion: This is the first study to measure fluoride intakes in NZ adolescents using a robust method of dietary assessment that accounted for CWF. The key finding of this study was the importance of CWF and the consumption of tap water, which together, were essential to ensure NZ adolescents meet the AI, set to reduce their risk of dental caries
Tort to the environment: a stretch too far or a simple step forward?
No full textThis analysis considers the implications of Smith v Fonterra Co-operative Group Ltd [2020] NZHC 419 and the possibility of a new tort to the environment developing within New Zealand jurisprudence. In Smith, the New Zealand High Court refused to strike out a cause of action based upon a new inchoate tort against seven corporations for the damage likely to be caused by their greenhouse gas emissions (GHGs), and allowed the matter to proceed to trial. The case raises questions as to whether the time is ripe in New Zealand for the development of a tort to the environment, and whether such a tort could apply to hold private emitters liable for harm caused to the atmosphere by GHGs. In this analysis, we conclude that a duty to protect the environment may be a natural evolution of the New Zealand law of torts and may extend to conduct causing damage to the atmosphere, opening up the possibility of successfully suing corporations for harm to the climate.Peer Reviewe
A quantitative survey of consumer perceptions of smart food packaging in China
No full textThis study quantified the acceptability of smart food packaging technologies and determined their associations with sociodemographic, attitudinal, and behavioral characteristics of consumers in China. Two quantitative surveys were conducted using an intercept method in Beijing with one for intelligent food packaging and the other for active food packaging. Chi-square tests of independence and contingency tables were used to determine the acceptability of smart food packaging and significant associations with multiple variables. Smart packaging was accepted by 56% of participants in both surveys. Marital status and employment status were associated with the acceptance of active packaging, while consumer interactions with current food packaging were associated with the acceptance of intelligent packaging. Acceptance of both active and intelligent packaging was associated with trust in multiple institutions. This study is the first to provide broad information about Chinese consumers' acceptance of smart packaging technologies for food products. Findings from this research can contribute to further detailed consumer studies in product-specific packaging designs
Registered Nurses experiences, knowledge and practice of kangaroo care for preterm babies in two Neonatal Intensive care units in South Island of New Zealand
No full textInternational research acknowledges that there are multi-dimensional factors that affect the implementation of kangaroo care in the neonatal intensive care unit. While it is accepted that the nurse plays an important role in stimulating the implementation of kangaroo care, its success as a neonatal care strategy pivots on infant readiness, parental readiness and parental availability. In addition, interprofessional collaboration and teamwork are necessary for safe implementation. Kangaroo care is a simple and cost-effective health strategy that has well documented effects for its contribution towards improving well-being and health outcomes for premature babies and their parents. Its benefits when applied to preterm babies in the neonatal intensive care are immediate and cumulative. Importantly research has shown that the benefits and implications of kangaroo care for health go beyond the neonatal intensive care.
However, little is known about New Zealand registered nurses’: experiences of their role in the implementation of kangaroo care; knowledge of the underpinning evidence supporting the therapeutic value of kangaroo care for premature babies; and current level of practice of kangaroo care.
Aim: The aim of this study was to explore registered nurses’ experiences, knowledge and practice of kangaroo care and to highlight factors that promote or hinder the uptake of kangaroo care for preterm babies in two neonatal intensive care units in New Zealand.
Methods: Using a purposive sampling strategy, 14 registered nurses, who met the inclusion criteria, participated. This was a qualitative, semi-structured interview-based study. The participants guided the flow of the interviews. Inductive thematic analysis, as outlined by Braun and Clarke, allowed for rich-description and interpretation of the participant-generated meanings. Coded data was grouped into themes and sub-themes.
Results: Four main themes were generated from the data. Importantly the findings from this study highlighted that nurses in New Zealand know about kangaroo care and use it in everyday clinical practice. The snapshots of clinical practice provided by the nurses strengthened what is known about the effects of kangaroo care on the baby and the parents. The nurses made it apparent that applying kangaroo care was implicit in the ICU when babies were most likely to be at a critical phase in their development and recovery.
Most of the nurses named the lack of standardisation of practice and out-dated nursing practice mind-sets as influential to the variable implementation of daily kangaroo care for the growing preterm baby. Half of the nurses highlighted that staffing, heavy workloads, the busy, crowded, and noisy environment of less acute areas were influential to the limited practice of kangaroo care for stable growing preterm babies.
Conclusion: This study identified organisational support for the practice of kangaroo care in the neonatal intensive care unit. Also, that kangaroo care was being implemented, albeit irregularly. It established that facilitating parental readiness, affording clear local practice guidelines, providing continuing education initiatives for staff as well as parents may invigorate the practice of kangaroo care within the neonatal intensive care unit