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Positioning in Active Deformation Zones Implications for NetworkRTK and GNSS Processing Engines
No full textNew Zealand’s actively deforming landscape results in both gradual and imperceptible deformation to instantaneous block shifts. The geophysical processes that cause the deformation include the tectonic plate motion (slow, regular deformation), earthquake events (instantaneous coseismic deformation), post-seismic relaxation (slow regular deformation) and slow slip events (irregular deformation occurring at timescales from days to years).
Network RTK (NetworkRTK) and GNSS processing engines are current day positioning applications that need to be able to accommodate deformation that may be slow or fast, regular or irregular, in order to maintain accurate and reliable coordinates. Most commercial software can only apply velocities that are assumed to be linear. Deformation effects that are non-linear are not accounted for, which potentially leads to inaccurate coordinates.
There are two aspects that need to be considered. The first is the ability to model the reference station coordinates, e.g. NetworkRTK. Secondly, the ability to model and transform non-reference station coordinates to the local datum, e.g. the rover positions computed using NetworkRTK and the positions derived from a GNSS processing engine. For reference station coordinates, geodetic time series modeling can be used to accurately model both linear and non-linear deformation. But it becomes more challenging to model non-uniform deformation at non-reference positions.
This paper considers examples in New Zealand of non-linear deformation that includes post-seismic relaxation and slow slip events.Peer Reviewe
Modelling Time Dependent Transient Deformation in New Zealand
No full textMost organisations who maintain regional terrestrial reference frames base their realisations on the global International Terrestrial Reference Frame (ITRS) that uses space based positioning techniques (e.g. GNSS, ITRF, SLR, DORIS) to realize the International Terrestrial Reference Frame (e.g. ITRF2005, ITRF2008). Where ITRF sites are located within stable plates, the coordinate motion is largely of a linear nature. However, sites that are located within plate boundary zones, can exhibit non linear motion that is the result of other geophysical processes such as earthquake events, volcanic activity, subduction, subsidence and up lift. In such zones, a precise coordinate frame transformation that provides the linkages between global and regional ITRF realisations are not valid. Many of these processes exhibit motion that is time dependent and hence more complex models are required in order to accurately model the deformation. This in turn has implications for national geodetic infrastructure and land surveying applications e.g. Network RTK (NRTK) and GIS.
Although periodic earthquake events that cause co seismic displacement are a consequence of t he tectonic situation in New Zealand, a greater challenge is the time dependent transient deformation caused by post seismic relaxation and slow slip events (SSE). NRTK systems require accurate, current epoch (or instantaneous) site coordinates, which can be di fficult to determine when a site periodically (and unpredictably) undergoes slow slip deformation. In addition, most NRTK systems use simple predictive models (e.g. position and velocity only) and do not have any ability to account for non linear deformation.
This paper describes some of the methods and results that are being developed to model these complex deformation events. In particular, examples from NRTK sites will be used to illustrate the transient nature of the deformation both in time and space.Non Peer Reviewe
Voices of Parents and Grandparents: Pacific Peoples’ Views on Factors Contributing to Teenagers’ Wellbeing
No full textFamilies foster individuals psychologically, culturally, morally and provide an avenue to social acceptance. Strong relationships are central for advancing wellbeing. When individuals feel connected to their Pacific identity and cultural identity, they experience lower levels of depressive symptoms; that is, the more strongly a person perceives their cultural identity, the better their wellbeing.
Mental disorders occur at greater frequency (25%) in New Zealand (NZ) born Pacific individuals versus the overall NZ population (20.7%). Ultimately, the wellbeing of adolescents growing up in New Zealand reflects how well the environment in which they live provides opportunities for them to grow and flourish. However, there has been little to no research focusing on migrant Pacific peoples and their children’s wellbeing. Consequently, to better identify the reasons for these troubling statistics, pertinent research is needed.
The aim of this study was to address this research gap by investigating perceptions of migrant Pacific people’s wellbeing living in New Zealand and to find ways to apply these identified concepts, enablers and barriers of wellbeing. Eight Pacific Island parents from different ethnicities were recruited by their availability, spirit to contribute openly and related experiences. Out of the eight participants recruited (including two grandparents), four were male and four were female ranging from age 30-60 years old.
The study adopted a qualitative methodology, employing in-depth face to face interviews and used the Fonofale and Kakala frameworks. Qualitative analysis was used to gain an understanding of the responses given in the interview. Participants sat in during a one on one interview format focusing on open ended questions whereby their opinions, beliefs or attitudes were on the role of wellbeing in their family’s life were talked about. From their thoughts, themes were drawn and linked to the interview research and current discussions.
There were several themes which suggested that wellbeing is multidimensional, containing a sundry of varying influences that encompass positive effects, negative outcomes, quality of life and overall mental health along with the recognition that Pacific families, Pacific culture and Pacific identity help nurture wellbeing. This area of research contributes to the existing global theoretical body of knowledge and addresses the knowledge gap relating to wellbeing. This in turn has important implications and for the development of future strategies and considerations for the wellbeing of Pacific peoples
Essays on financial integration, natural disasters, and commercial banks in East Asia
No full textThe thesis examines the impact of financial integration on commercial banks in East Asia. The thesis comprises three essays examining the relationship between financial integration and bank cost efficiency, financial integration and bank default risk, and the moderating role of financial integration on the impact of natural disasters on bank performance.
More specifically, the first essay tests whether there is a non-monotonic relationship between financial integration and bank cost efficiency. A sample of commercial banks from nine East Asian countries over the period 1997–2014 is examined. This is the first study to apply the non-monotonic stochastic frontier model to this relationship. The essay consistently reports a non-monotonic impact of financial integration on bank cost efficiency. Financial integration contributes to the improvement in bank cost efficiency up to a threshold. The model suggests that when the foreign claims are greater than 100% of GDP and when more than 40% of banks are non-domestic, a further increase in financial integration becomes efficiency-impeding.
The second essay examines the impact of different forms of financial integration on bank default risk. Using the system generalized method of moments (GMM) and sampling eight East Asian countries during 1999–2014, the essay finds that financial integration lowers bank default risk in the recipient countries. The impact is primarily driven by the foreign claims extended by Asian lenders and the foreign claims extended via local affiliates. These results show that close proximity of lenders and borrowers or ‘local’ knowledge via an affiliate presence alleviates information asymmetry, allowing for effective monitoring and disciplining of the loan relationship. The result supports the fostering of financial integration, promoting deeper intra-regional connectedness throughout East Asia. Where foreign claims come from outside East Asia, policy makers should encourage presence through local affiliates, as this has an equivalent impact.
The third essay analyses the impact of natural disasters on commercial bank performance and the moderating impact of financial integration on the relationship. Commercial banks from seven East Asian countries during 1999–2014 are sampled. The system GMM regression reveals that natural disasters significantly lower the deposits ratio but have no contemporaneous relationship with liquidity, credit risk, profitability, and default risk. The essay also shows that foreign banking claims, specifically those extended by Asian lenders, help to alleviate the deposits decline in the aftermath of natural disasters. These results highlight the role of commercial bank deposits and foreign banking claims as sources of finance for post-disaster recovery. The resilience of the Asian foreign claims in the event of local shocks also provides evidence to support deeper intra-regional financial integration in East Asia
An exploration of the experiences of registered nurses working in aged residential care facilities regarding interRAI: A qualitative research design
No full textAbstract
Title
An exploration of the experiences of registered nurses’ working in aged residential care facilities regarding interRAI: A qualitative research design.
Aim
To assess the experiences of RNs’ working in aged residential care facilities in Christchurch, about performing interRAI assessments using interRAI MOMENTUM software.
Objectives
• To explore the positive and negative experiences of registered nurses regarding using interRAI for their clients’ assessments.
• To explore the factors affecting the registered nurses in performing interRAI based comprehensive health assessments.
• To identify the aids and barriers faced by registered nurses in interRAI application or use.
Review of Literature
The interRAI assessment system first introduced in New Zealand in the year 2004 is a standardized tool for performing client assessments in aged residential care (ARC) facilities in NZ since 2015. The word ‘interRAI’ stands for ‘international resident assessment instrument’ which has replaced the paper assessments used in planning and implementing evidence based care for clients. The interRAI suite of instruments is used in acute, residential and community care settings. At present, registered nurses (RNs) who are interRAI competent and working in aged care are required to complete these assessments nationwide. Aged residential care (ARC) is one of the most rewarding and at the same time a complex area of nursing practice which requires techniques that are advanced and practical. With a growing older population and increasing RN turnover in aged care, it is a difficult time for private aged care providers in terms of sustaining the nursing workforce and ensuring the quality of nursing care being provided. Furthermore, the implementation and maintenance of interRAI services is managed by Technical Advisory Services (TAS) across both North and South islands of NZ. Since Ministry of Health, New Zealand has made the interRAI assessments mandatory for the aged care sector, it is important to understand the RNs’ experiences and perceptions around interRAI and the factors associated with its completion within the scheduled time period, once an assessment is undertaken.
Methods
A qualitative design was utilized to assess the experiences of RNs about interRAI. Focus group interview technique was implemented to collect data. Seven RN participants who gave consent for participation from various ARC facilities were interviewed in a focus group. Focus group methodology was conducive for the participants in terms of spontaneously discussing the issues and aids they believe could potentially improve their approach towards interRAI assessments. Thematic analysis was used to analyze the findings from the data collected that reflected in four themes. The data was audio taped and later transcribed for maintaining accuracy.
Findings
Four themes identified were RN’s positive experiences and engagement with interRAI tool; challenges with using interRAI tool; professional and system barriers faced by RNs; and need for a unified standard assessment system.
Conclusion
Themes and subthemes represented the various factors affecting interRAI use and its perception by RNs in aged care sector. Theme one includes positive understanding of the interRAI tool, and RNs’ acknowledgement for its comprehensive and multidisciplinary feature. Theme two reflects on the challenges faced by RNs namely the mandatory and time consuming nature of these assessments, increased workload on RNs and the limited implementation of the tool in NZ. Theme three discusses various obstacles faced by RNs ranging from a preference for paper-based assessments, organisational and technical barriers to miss-constructed perception of the nursing profession among the team of health care assistants. And, theme four states the need for a universal assessment system at all levels of health care. However, the focus group acknowledged that interRAI assessments are valuable in informing nursing practice and with required improvements in its current implementation strategy, interRAI assessment system might become instrumental in changing the current health care practice for better in the future
New Zealand GPS velocity field: 1995–2013
No full textWe collate nearly two decades of campaign GPS data gathered at over 900 sites throughout New Zealand to release a New Zealand nationwide GPS velocity field. The data span the entire North and South islands of New Zealand with a typical spacing of 10–20 km and a denser network (c. 2–8 km spacing) in the Wellington region, central Taupo Volcanic Zone and parts of the Arthur’s Pass area. The dataset provides the most comprehensive-to-date view of crustal deformation within the Australia–Pacific plate boundary zone in the New Zealand region. We discuss the data acquisition, processing and derivation of the velocities and uncertainties. We also undertake corrections for earthquake displacements to obtain a velocity field that is largely representative of interseismic deformation between 1995 and 2013.Peer Reviewe
In vitro and in vivo studies on the binding and permeation of ketotifen and norketotifen atropisomers in the central nervous system
No full textKetotifen (K) is a first-generation antihistamine with antiinflammatory potency. It penetrates the blood-brain barrier (BBB) and causes a sedative side effect. Norketotifen (N) is an active metabolite of K. The S-atropisomer of N (SN), however, has antihistaminic and antiinflammatory properties but less sedating side effect than RN and K. This may be due to: (1) higher concentrations of K and RN than SN in the central nervous system (CNS) and/or (2) higher affinity of K and RN than SN for rat brain H1 receptors. The aim of this thesis was to investigate the mechanism of why SN lacks a sedative side effect.
To determine concentrations of racemic K and N and atropisomers of K and N in buffer solutions and bio-matrices, nonchiral and chiral high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) assays were developed and validated. Log P and log D of K and N (both octanol/buffer and liposomes/buffer) were determined to aid in interpretation of in vitro cell studies. Rat brain endothelial (RBE4) and colorectal adenocarcinoma (Caco-2) cell monolayers were used as in vitro models of the BBB to study the stereoselective uptake and permeability of K and N atropisomers. To investigate the distribution of K and N atropisomers between brain tissue and plasma, the total and free brain-to-plasma (B/P) ratios of K and N atropisomers were measured 5 min post-administration of racemic K and N through the rat tail vein. The affinity of K and N atropisomers to brain H1 receptors was investigated by determining the extent of inhibition of [3H] mepyramine binding to H1 receptors in rat brain cell membranes.
The in vitro studies indicated active mechanisms for transporting K and N in both RBE4 and Caco-2 cell lines; however, none of these mechanisms were stereoselective. Interestingly, for both cell lines, more N was found binding non- specifically to cell membranes than that of K, though in a non-stereoselective manner. Liposomes/buffer distribution studies aided in interpretation of these results.
Similarly, the total and free B/P ratios of K and N atropisomers suggested a predominant influx mechanism involved in transporting of K and N through the rat BBB. However, this mechanism was not stereoselective for either K or N atropisomers. In addition, K and N non-specifically bound to rat plasma protein and brain tissues in different degree but the non-specific binding was not stereoselective either.
In contrast, H1 receptor affinity results suggested a stereoselective binding of SN for the H1 receptors in rat brain, in that SN had a lowest affinity compared with RN, SK and RK. Significant differences in the affinity for the H1 receptors were found between SN and SK, SN and RK, moreover, between SN and RN. Although the difference was significant but not substantial compared to some published stereoselective affinity for the H1 receptors, a similar degree of difference was observed and published by other research groups. Thus the lowest affinity of SN for the H1 receptors could participate in the observed less sedative effect caused by SN.
In conclusion, there was no stereoselective transport of SN through the BBB either in vitro or in vivo, and there was no stereoselective non-specific binding of SN to rat plasma proteins or brain tissues. The lower sedative effect of SN is due to a lower uptake of N than K into the brain and reduced binding of SN to CNS H1 receptors
“I don’t think it’s a real word though”: Perceptions of Mindfulness as a Treatment for Arthritis-related Fatigue
No full textFatigue is a pervasive and debilitating symptom of arthritis that results in interference both physically and cognitively, often disrupting daily activities and thought patterns. Previous qualitative and quantitative research has suggested alternative psychological therapies such as mindfulness may be useful to help cope with chronic pain associated with arthritis. Past research has also suggested that pain and fatigue are symptoms that often occur concurrently when diagnosed with arthritis. Currently there is no research on the perceptions of individuals with arthritis about the potential incorporation of psychological treatments like mindfulness for their arthritis-related fatigue. The aim of the present thesis was to investigate perceptions of mindfulness as a possible treatment for arthritis-related fatigue. The sample was comprised of twenty participants, aged 28 to 77, with a diagnosis of one or more of six various types of arthritis. The participants took part in one of six focus groups where they were asked about their experience of fatigue related to their arthritis, their experience with psychological therapies and mindfulness, as well as their willingness to incorporate mindfulness for their fatigue. Each group was conducted by three facilitators who asked semi-structured questions over 90-minutes. The groups were recorded and transcribed verbatim. Focus groups were then coded and analysed using inductive thematic analysis using a semantic approach coupled with a realist epistemology. Three themes were identified. The first theme ‘Lack of experience with psychological therapies for arthritis-related fatigue’ explains how participants had not accessed psychological support for their fatigue because of a variety of barriers to seeking treatment and not knowing it was an option for them. The second theme ‘Experiences and understanding of mindfulness’ had two subthemes, the first highlighting that the majority of participants did not know what mindfulness was, many never hearing the term prior to the focus groups, and the second highlighting that some participants did understand mindfulness, usually due to first-hand experience of some of the components of mindfulness. The third theme ‘Mindfulness as a potential treatment option for fatigue’ also had two subthemes showing a polarity between participants and their willingness to incorporate mindfulness for fatigue. Some of the participants who had experienced mindfulness before were willing to try mindfulness for their fatigue. However, others did not believe mindfulness would be useful for them due to a lack of understanding of what mindfulness involves and its potential benefits to them. These findings provide an in-depth account of how people with arthritis view alternative therapies such as mindfulness for fatigue. Furthermore, these findings suggest for mindfulness to be implemented in this demographic, increased education is required to decreased stigma associated with psychological therapies and first-hand experience of mindfulness is required. Overall, findings provide a unique perspective on a more holistic approach to treatment of fatigue among people with arthritis that may be useful in both educational and clinical settings
Answering the call: Bishop Robert Barron's Word on Fire ministry in light of the New Evangelization
No full textThis thesis explores the theology and ministry of Bishop Robert Barron, a prominent American Catholic evangelist. Specifically, it analyzes the purpose, content, and success of his evangelization program in light of the many problems facing the Catholic Church in the United States of America since the Second Vatican Council (1961-1965). This Council aimed to rejuvenate the Church internally and improve its relations with the wider culture. Yet Catholicism in the Western world since the 1960s, and especially since the advent of the new millennium, has experienced a significant loss of influence and active members. For these reasons, Church leaders have called for a New Evangelization, directing their attention in particular to the increasingly secular West.
Barron’s Word on Fire ministry represents the most concerted effort in America, home to one of the largest Catholic populations on earth, to actualize the New Evangelization. It also seems to be among the most successful, for Barron has inspired many laypeople to support Word on Fire, earned the respect of the hierarchy and the Vatican, and prompted a substantial number of non-Catholics to convert; he has also made a favorable impression upon the wider culture. As almost no academic literature exists about Barron or his relationship to the New Evangelization, this thesis aims to provide the first comprehensive explanation of his popularity and theological significance.
To accomplish this goal, the thesis explores four key aspects of Barron’s thought: his understandings of God, ecclesiology, Tradition, and Catholic humanism. It then discusses the logistics of Word on Fire. The thesis contends, firstly, that Barron’s success is attributable to his vibrant theology. Although Barron strives to be loyal to the Magisterium, he makes a special effort to portray its teachings in a fresh, dynamic manner. This helps him to engage with demographics not usually receptive to Catholic evangelization, for example, committed atheists and lapsed Catholics. A second factor that underscores his popularity, the study argues, is Barron’s innovative use of technology, the internet in particular. For in addition to reinforcing his vibrant persona, his use of these media enables him to reach an enormous number of people.
At the same time, the thesis contends that Barron’s unsystematic approach to theology and evangelization, though beneficial in many respects, also has certain shortcomings. Above all, it introduces an element of inconsistency into his theology that, at times, detracts from his main points. In addition, the thesis contends that Barron’s desire to transform Word on Fire into a popular movement akin to Opus Dei before attending to the downsides of his unsystematic style might generate logistical difficulties and damage the reputation of his otherwise successful ministry
Communication and collaboration between general practitioners and acupuncturists in New Zealand: A case study of integrated mental health care
No full textGeneral practitioners (GPs) play an important role in integrated care management of primary mental health, and in most cases act as the primary provider and access point for further services. In recent years more service users are utilising complementary and alternative medicine (CAM), including acupuncture, for the management of mental health. The workforce within the acupuncture profession could potentially support healthcare management of common primary mental health problems, particularly in light of current workforce challenges, and address bodily stress and physical symptomatology of mental health presentations. However, the interaction and collaboration between these two groups (GPs and acupuncturists) in relation to shared mental health care has not been investigated.
This thesis explores interprofessional communication between GPs and acupuncturists in New Zealand utilising a case study of mental health care. The aim of this thesis was to understand the barriers to communication, and to facilitate collaboration between the two participant groups.
The project utilized a mixed methods multiphase design: with both qualitative and quantitative inquiry and involving the convergence of data and analyses. A nationwide survey of 400 GPs and 250 acupuncturists was conducted. Univariate data was analysed using descriptive statistics, which included frequencies and percentages for categorical data. This was followed by individual semi-structured interviews of 13 purposively sampled acupuncturists, and 14 GPs which was analysed using thematic analysis. This design consisted of four distinct phases: quantitative, qualitative, implementation and reflection. Following the integration of the data within the literature, the project continued to tool kit development and piloting to further address the project’s aims.
The convergent analysis of the quantitative and qualitative data identified both facilitators and barriers to integrative mental health care between the two provider groups. Facilitators included a willingness by both groups to engage, and the desire to support patient choice. Interview data indicated increased patient preference for CAM, including acupuncture, and the expectation of integration of CAM with mainstream by patients. A further facilitator was the concern of participants about low levels of patient disclosure about CAM use and the lack of routine asking about CAM by GPs. Both provider groups acknowledged the complexities of working within mental health care, and supported the development of specific mental health competencies in light of the recognition of the limitations surrounding current mental health care.
Barriers included the limited opportunities for sharing of information and the lack of current established pathways for communication or direct referrals. This included the technical limitation of an absence of shared electronic health records. A further barrier was acupuncture not having an established position within clinical guidelines and clinical pathways.
The role evidence played in clinical decision-making was complex. The unfamiliarity of acupuncture's evidence-base to both provider groups was an identified barrier, yet both groups acknowledged that while practice is informed by the evidence, there are many other factors that also inform clinical practice.
The analysis of data supported the development, testing and piloting of a communication and collaboration toolkit. The tools contained within this kit were aimed at enabling both participant group’s opportunities and pathways to communicate and collaborate. The initial piloting and evaluation of these tools by a subset of both provider groups found them to be practical and accessible.
This thesis contributes to the body of knowledge concerning communication and collaboration between GPs and acupuncturists, and suggests that by facilitating communication and enhancing training, acupuncture can provide a significant component of integrated care in primary mental health. This thesis provides context within a New Zealand health care setting, and also provides insight through the disaggregation of specific provider groups for analysis, rather than a grouping together of CAM as a whole. The data driven design and development of a toolkit has direct clinical utility and transferability to other groups within health care. These tools have the potential to facilitate communication between acupuncturists and GPs working with shared mental health patients, and to inform future research and tool development through their piloting in practice