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An exploration of the factors influencing the success and failure of rural micro-business in Choiseul Province, Solomon Islands
No full textRESEARCH QUESTIONS
Main questions:
How do the challenges and opportunities that face rural micro-businesses in Choiseul Province, Solomon Islands, influence their performance and longevity?
Sub-questions:
1. How do these challenges inhibit the growth of rural micro-business?
2. How do these opportunities stimulate the growth of rural micro-business?
ABSTRACT
In both developed and developing countries, SMEs are the driving forces in job creation and revenue growth. This means that the SME sector is a significant contributor to developing a country's socio-economic status. This research explores current and former local business owners' experience regarding the challenges and opportunities that affect their rural micro-businesses’ success or failure in Northeast Choiseul Province, Solomon Islands. A case study approach using semi-structured interviews was employed to generate an in-depth, multi-faceted understanding of factors affecting rural businesses in their real-life situation. Data analysis followed a thematic analysis using coding techniques to generate themes. The research findings indicated that the main reasons for rural business owners in Northeast Choiseul to operate their businesses is to support their family's wellbeing, rural peoples' livelihoods, and to support their children's education. The study also found that the main constraints facing these businesses was unreliable shipping services, poor telecommunication, and the kaon(loan or debt) system. The study further revealed that factors such as lack of working capital, kaon (debt) system, and the influence of local culture contribute to rural businesses' failure. Contrastingly, the study showed that factors such as past working experience, customer relationship, marketing (location), and social business network contribute to the success of rural businesses. The interpretation drawn here is that operating a micro-business is one of the primary sources of income for the people of Choiseul, and that there is a need to support the growth of such small-scale businesses. The research therefore recommends that relevant authorities need to assist rural business owners to improve their business performance and longevity
The association between sport specialisation and movement competency in youth: a systematic review
No full textNegative long-term outcomes have been reported following sport specialisation including increased injury risk. The underlying mechanisms remain unclear; however, fewer exposures to broad ranging movement patterns and reductions in movement competency have been suggested. This review synthesised the evidence to examine if an association is present between sport specialisation and movement competency.
A systematic electronic database search was conducted using combinations of the key words early speciali?ation, sport speciali?ation, early sport speciali?ation, single sport, high school, youth, adolescen*, movement competenc*, movement ability, movement control, movement pattern, physical performance, coordination, fitness, motor skill, motor development, movement performance, neuromuscular control, balance, asymmetr*.
Thirteen articles met the inclusion criteria and were included. Four studies reported no significant differences in movement competency based on specialisation status, while seven showed some measures of movement competency differed but not others. The remaining two studies concluded that adult athletes who participated in two or more sports during high school exhibited better movement competence than those who specialised in a single sport. Multisport athletes commonly displayed improved jump mechanics and performance compared to those competing in a single sport (6/9 studies).
Consistent differences in movement competence based on level of sport specialisation were not shown; however, sport specialisation may result in poorer jump mechanics/performance than playing multiple sports. Further research is needed across a greater range of sports, and consistent definitions of both movement competence and the level of sport specialisation are required to improve our ability to compare and contrast different studies
Examining the peer-reviewed published literature regarding low back pain in rowing: A scoping review
No full textOBJECTIVE
To explore the breadth and depth of the low back pain (LBP) literature in rowing and to identify areas for future research.
DESIGN
Scoping review
BACKGROUND
LBP is highly prevalent in the rowing population. The body of existing research variously investigates risk factors, prevention, and treatment methods. Literature search: PubMed, Ebsco, ScienceDirect: inception to November 1, 2020.
STUDY SELECTION CRITERIA
We included published, peer-reviewed, primary, and secondary data pertaining to LBP in rowing.
DATA SYNTHESIS
Arksey and O’Malley’s framework for guided data synthesis was used. Reporting quality of a subsection of the data was assessed using the STROBE tool. Results: Following the removal of duplicates and abstract screening, a set of 78 studies were included and divided into the following categories: epidemiology, biomechanics, biopsychosocial, and miscellaneous. The incidence and prevalence of LBP in rowers were well mapped. The biomechanical literature covered a wide range of investigations with limited cohesion. Significant risk factors for LBP in rowers included back pain history and prolonged ergometer use.
CONCLUSION
A lack of consistent definitions within the studies caused fragmentation of the literature. There was good evidence for prolonged ergometer use and history of LBP to constitute risk factors and this may assist future LBP preventative action. Methodological issues such as small sample size and injury reporting increased heterogeneity and decreased data quality. Further exploration is required to determine the mechanism of LBP in rowers through research with larger samples
A scoping review of definitions, signs, symptoms, and measures of non-pathological breathing abnormalities
No full textRESEARCH QUESTION AND AIM
What are the types of NPBAs and how are they defined, diagnosed and measured? There were six types of NPBAs identified: dysfunctional breathing, hyperventilation syndrome, vocal cord disorder, exercise induced bronchoconstriction, sighing dyspnoea and habit cough.
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND Non-pathological breathing abnormalities are of varied interest to multiple health disciplines. Dysfunctional breathing is but one related phenomenon that has emerged from research published by these disciplines. Although methods of diagnosing and treating dysfunctional breathing have been in effect, there has been no consensus of its definition. The same can be said of other breathing abnormalities which are non-pathological.
OBJECTIVES
1. To identify the types of available indexed evidence in the field of non-pathological breathing abnormalities
2. To clarify what non-pathological breathing abnormalities are as a key concept (i.e. record available definitions in the literature and synthesise how frequent these definitions are used)
3. To identify key characteristics or factors related to non-pathological breathing abnormalities (i.e. record both suggested signs, symptoms and measures in the literature and synthesise their frequency)
4. To identify and analyse gaps related to terminology, classification, diagnostics, epidemiology, aetiology, treatment and management in the knowledge base
METHOD
A scoping review was undertaken. A novel framework was created to achieve the objectives of this research. Search involved ten online databases with no date or geographical restrictions.
RESULTS
Eighty-four articles (63 peer reviewed; 21 grey literature) were selected for inclusion. Six non-pathological breathing abnormalities were discovered: dysfunctional breathing, hyperventilation syndrome, vocal cord disorder, exercise induced bronchoconstriction, sighing dyspnoea and habit cough. There were some close associations related to each abnormality discovered too. Multiple definitions, signs and symptoms, and measures relevant to each non-pathological breathing abnormality were recorded and synthesised. A visual map shows the types of literature published and the deficits that exist.
CONCLUSION
Either more research is required to better classify each non-pathological abnormality, or implementation of the Delphi technique to better define dysfunctional breathing and hyperventilation syndrome. Future research could build upon this existing scoping review framework to carry out a systematic review
Foundation
No full textRESEARCH QUESTION:
How can architecture be used as a medium for reconnecting iTaukei (indigenous Fijians) with their culture?
ABSTRACT:
Dela ni Yavu is a project that intends to reconnect and strengthen the relationship of iTaukei urban communities with their culture. iTaukei cultural values and traditions are in danger of disappearing in urban areas, impacting the cultural education of future generations of iTaukei. This project focuses on celebrating and integrating cultural education by providing a Cultural Centre for iTaukei urban communities and all Fijians within the capital city, Suva.
In order to design a Cultural Centre that recognises and promotes iTaukei design it was first necessary to understand the iTaukei culture and develop a design framework to guide the process. The project effectively became two projects. Inspired by the Te Aranga Māori Design Principles a preliminary framework, the iTaukei Design Principles, was developed. This was then used to inform the design process.
The research began by investigating and understanding the sociocultural challenges iTaukei people face in urban centres, and the reasons iTaukei communities struggle to sustain their culture. This led to researching and learning more about iTaukei culture and the core values that underpin the traditions and customs. Exploratory studies, including interviews, were conducted. These confirmed the anxiety around the loss of culture and also confirmed some of the cultural values highlighted in the literature. These core cultural values informed the development of the iTaukei Design Principles.
The developing iTaukei Design Principles, in turn, informed the design of the Cultural Centre. Other cultural centre precedents from the wider Oceania region were analysed through drawings and diagrams, an architectural techniques observed during this analysis also informed the design of the facility.
The final design, the Dela ni Yavu Cultural Centre, provides spaces for urban iTaukei to practice and learn about their culture and embraces the concept of consolidating iTaukei identity and heritage in an urban environment.
Site: Suva, Fij
Completing the square
No full textRESEARCH QUESTION:
How can new architecture revitalise an urban space while remaining sensitive to its historic significance?
ABSTRACT
On 22nd February, 2011, a devastating earthquake struck Canterbury that changed the city of Christchurch in an instant. Cathedral Square, the geographic and metaphoric heart of the city, suffered some of the worst damage. ChristChurch Cathedral, a symbol of the city, had fallen, as did many others. Much of the Square’s fabric was lost. Although the Square has seen many changes since its creation by European settlers in 1850, nothing was as dramatic as the changes it suffered on that day.
Ten years on from the earthquakes, the Square is still a shell of its former self. Only three new buildings have been constructed, and the process of rebuilding the Cathedral has only just begun. This poses a question: how can new architecture act as an element that revitalises an urban space? With the vitality of the old Square missing, it is in desperate need of life to remain the city’s heart.
The theories of Camillo Sitte and Colin Rowe provide a framework from which a response can begin to develop at two scales: an urban masterplan level and a building level. At a building level, Rem Koolhaas’ approach to programme and circulation is investigated through the process of collage and model making. However, there is also another layer to this. How can this new architecture remain significant to the historic qualities of the site? James Strike’s theories on sympathetic design provide a useful tool for analysing the designs response to its context. Aldo Rossi’s The Architecture of the City provides an overarching theoretical framework that links these areas of research together.
This project has developed a response that solves several issues that the Square currently faces
Bicultural, and specifically Māori, values in a diverse Aotearoa/New Zealand workplace
No full textRESEARCH QUESTION
What strategies are required to instill and embed bicultural, and specifically Māori, values in a diverse Aotearoa/NZ workplace?
iINVESTIGATIVE QUESTIONS
IQ1 How can a diverse Aotearoa/NZ workplace instill and embed bicultural, and specifically Māori, values?
IQ2 What recommendations can be made to instill and embed bicultural, and specifically Māori, values in a diverse Aotearoa/NZ workplace?
IQ3 Where does the responsibility lie to instill and embed bicultural, and specifically Māori, values in a diverse Aotearoa/NZ workplace?
ABSTRACT
Aotearoa has a unique bicultural foundation and increasingly diverse demographics, influencing Aotearoa and diverse workplaces. To identify the importance, and determine factors that limit organisations, in the development and implementation of bicultural, and specifically Māori, values in a diverse Aotearoa/New Zealand (NZ) workplace was the focus of this research. In this predominantly qualitative, mixed methods, exploratory case study, a questionnaire and focus groups were used. Three diverse socially responsible organisations participated with 47 valid responses from 58 questionnaire respondents, and 11 executive/leadership team members for focus groups. The study investigated strategies, approaches and recommendations needed; factors that limit; and responsibilities. As a diverse socially responsible organisation, the research identified social responsibility as an ethical framework alongside complementary Te Tirti o Waitangi (Te Tiriti) and Te Tiriti principles; and stakeholder theory and analysis were beneficial to understand diverse stakeholders needs. Major results found similar and contrasting perspectives relating to understanding and knowledge of Māori values, bicultural values, Te Tiriti, Te Tiriti principles, and Aotearoa bicultural foundation, biculturalism and multiculturalism, including importance of these to individuals and perceptions of their organisation. The research identified that positive influences and impacts can increase understanding and knowledge, and negative factors, barriers and challenges can limit organisations; however, all individuals have responsibility, led by leadership and management. Significant findings were three key, essential categories, (a) frameworks, (b) organisational practices, (c) stakeholders, identified and needed for developing and implementing bicultural, and specifically Māori, values in a diverse Aotearoa/NZ workplace. This study contributes to Aotearoa research on Māori values, bicultural values, Te Tiriti, Aotearoa bicultural foundation, biculturalism and multiculturalism, and diverse Aotearoa workplaces
The eternal present of the mythical event : re-establishing place identity with speculative installations that reawaken heritage stories
No full textThis paper proposes that speculative architectural installations strategically ‘curated’ into neglected architectural contexts can help to engender an ‘immediate and a timeless realm,’ an encapsulation of a cultural story that the new interventions help to embody. The research method investigates historical and cultural narratives that were once associated with selected architectural and urban sites that have lost their place identity over time. Design led research experiments examine how place identity can be rejuvenated by strategically curating objects, digital animation and sound into these architectural contexts in ways that bring their essential stories to life again, allowing cultural and heritage memories to be collectively experienced and shared. The research concludes that speculative architectural installations provide an opportunity to reach a much wider public audience than traditional academic scholarly approaches alone. Through community-based and collaborative creative practice, such architectural research can critically explore – and help to mediate and mitigate – seemingly intractable contemporary architectural problems such as the loss of cultural, heritage and place identity in our evolving urban environments. The research that looked at a derelict urban site in Rome played a significant role in convincing the Rome City Council that strategic application of cultural, mythological and historical experiences is a viable cost-effective way to culturally revitalise neglected and derelict public spaces
Thermal performance of school building not only impact indoor thermal comfort
No full textAuckland has a temperate climate with comfortable warm, dry summers and mild, wet winters. Auckland school building thermal design not only focuses on winter indoor thermal comfort but also indoor health condition related to high relative humidity. A conventional Auckland school has a number of low-rise, isolated buildings with light weight envelopes. In over 90% of Auckland schools, each isolated building only has one to four classrooms. For these types of school buildings with a big ratio of building surface to volume, the thermal performance of building envelope becomes the most important design factor for indoor thermal and health conditions. Field study data of winter indoor microclimate of three classrooms with different insulation and thermal mass in their building envelopes are used for this study. The study not only compares and evaluates winter indoor thermal condition but also indoor health conditions of classrooms with different R-value and thermal mass in their envelopes. Increasing R-value without thermal mass in building envelope can increase winter indoor thermal conditions but cannot reduce fluctuations of indoor air temperature and relative humidity. Adding thermal mass in building envelope with similar R-value not only can improve indoor thermal condition but also improve indoor health conditions
A molecular approach to study Hymenoptera diets using wasp nests
No full textThe study of animal diets has benefited from the rise of high-throughput DNA sequencing applied to stomach content or faecal samples. The latter can be fresh samples used to describe recent meals or older samples, which can provide information about past feeding activities. For most invertebrates, however, it is difficult to access ‘historical’ samples, due to the small size of the animals and the absence of permanent defecation sites. Therefore, sampling must be repeated to account for seasonal variation and to capture the overall diet of a species.
This study develops a method to describe the overall diet of nest-building Hymenoptera, based on a single sampling event, by analysing prey DNA from faeces accumulated in brood cells. We collected 48 nests from two species of introduced paper wasps (Polistes chinensis Fabricius and P. humilis Fabricius) in the urban and peri-urban areas of Auckland, New Zealand and selected two samples per nest. One from brood cells in the outer layer of the nest to represent the most recent diet and one from brood cells in an inner layer to represent older diet.
Diet differed between species, although both fed mainly on Thysanoptera, Lepidoptera and Acariformes. Prey taxa identified to species level included both agricultural pests and native species. Prey communities consumed were significantly different between inner and outer nest samples, suggesting seasonal variation in prey availability and/or a diversification of the wasps’ diet as the colony grows. We also show for the first time potential predation of marine organisms by Polistes wasps.
Our study provides field evidence that Polistes wasps feed on agricultural pests, supporting the hypothesis that some social wasp species could have a suppressing effect on agricultural pests. The proposed methodology is readily applicable to other nest-building Hymenoptera and has the potential to provide comprehensive knowledge about their diet with minimum sampling effort. Such knowledge is essential to measure the ecological impact of invasive Vespidae and support the conservation of native invertebrate biodiversity