Rangahau Aranga: AUT Graduate Review
Not a member yet
181 research outputs found
Sort by
Child Invisibility and Childhood Obesity Policy
Get PDFJoint presentation by postgraduate and academic by staff from AUT's Child and Youth Health Research Cluster. Faculty of Health and Environmental Sciences Research Roadshow 2022, Auckland, New Zealand
mHealth technologies for managing Problematic Pornography Use: A content analysis
Get PDFApproximately one in twenty individuals struggle with Problematic Pornography Use (PPU) (Bőthe et al., 2020). Several mobile apps are currently available that claim to help with managing ‘pornography addiction'. However, the utility of these apps is unclear, given the lack of literature on the effectiveness of mHealth solutions for PPU. Hence, this study aims to characterize the purpose, content, and popularity of mobile apps that claim to manage pornography addiction. This analysis includes 170 apps for both Android and iOS that meet the inclusion criteria. The five most common and popular features are: the ability to track the time since last relapse, tutorials and coaching, access to accountability partners or communities, content blocking or content monitoring, and a reward system for progress. Of these features, content blocking apps have the highest total number of users, but also have the lowest mean consumer satisfaction rating out of five stars. None of these apps contain references to literature providing evidence for their efficacy or safety.
In conclusion, there are several apps with the potential to provide low- or zero-cost, real-time interventions for people struggling to manage PPU. In particular, content blocking apps show some promise for PPU management. However, there is currently no empirical evidence to support the effectiveness and safety of these apps. Further research is required to be able to recommend apps that are safe for public consumption
Sustainable advanced roads that absorb tonnes of CO2 annually and become more resistant using Olivine
Get PDFGreenhouse gases, which mostly come from burning fossil fuels, are accumulating every day in the atmosphere and changing the climate around the world. New Zealand’s average annual temperature has risen by 1.13 degrees Celsius from 1909 to 2019 [1]. As a result, the level of sea is rising and adverse changes such as extreme rainfall, drought, increasing hunger and poor nutrition are beginning to emerge. Statistics show that the transport sector produces a considerable amount of carbon dioxide (CO2) annually. In New Zealand, road transport made up 43% of gross CO2 emission in 2018 and improving the engine technology was not effective [1]. Olivine is an easily accessible mineral that is found all over the earth’s mantle. Under natural conditions, 1 kg of Olivine can absorb about 1 kg of CO2 [2]. For optimal absorption, Olivine stone needs to be pulverised. Magnesium silicate in the stone reacts with water and CO2 to form bicarbonate that captures CO2 in a solid form. In addition to taking up CO2, Olivine has the potential to stabilise the soil sustainably through alkaline activation. New Zealand has 83,000 km of local roads and 11,000 km of state highways that have the potential to sequester CO2 not only in roads but also in the roadside area. Initial calculations show that the unsealed roads of New Zealand have the potential to absorb about 100,000 tonnes of CO2 annually. This study is a review paper that summarizes the recent progress in the field of sustainable roads. This presentation aims to evaluate the feasibility of using Olivine in road construction to stabilise the soil and calculate the potential of CO2 absorption in New Zealand to take a step toward the Climate Change Response (Zero-Carbon) Amendment Act 2019 and considerations concerning kaitiakitanga (guardianship). 
Spectral analysis of the polarisation of drifting subpulses
Get PDFPulsars are among the most extreme objects in the Universe. Each one is born during a supernova – a dramatic explosion that happens when a bright star is many times bigger than our Sun and runs out of fuel. The heavy core of the star collapses under its own weight into something denser than the nucleus of an atom. Each pulsar has a magnetic field that is millions of times stronger than any that can be produced here on the Earth. Like a cosmic lighthouse, this magnetic field generates beams that sweep across the Galaxy with each rotation of the star (Gold, 1968); however, the underlying physics of the pulsar emission mechanism remains poorly understood after decades of study. Unlike the steady beam of a lighthouse, a pulsar's beam crackles and pops with lightning-like discharges of energy (Ruderman & Sutherland, 1975). By studying this highly dynamic signal, we learn about what generates the radio waves and what happens as they travel through the turbulent plasma in the pulsar's strong magnetic field. A relatively rare number of pulsars exhibit quasi-periodic variations in the polarization state of their emission (Primak et al., 2022). To provide new insight into the origin of this behaviour, I have developed a novel statistical method of studying quasi-periodic polarization fluctuations. I apply this technique to the first-discovered pulsar, and compare and contrast the results with previous work. The method can be applied to a wide range of radio pulsars and used to estimate the fraction of pulsars that exhibit quasi-periodic polarization fluctuations. In doing so, this experiment will provide new experimental constraints on theories of radio emission and propagation in the pulsar magnetosphere, and facilitate a deeper understanding of the physics of relativistic plasmas in strong magnetic fields.  
International multispecialty consensus on how to image, define, and grade ultrasound imaging features of first metatarsophalangeal joint osteoarthritis: A Delphi consensus study
Get PDFThe objective of this research was to adopt a Delphi study design to reach consensus concerning which ultrasound imaging features should be assessed and graded, and what ultrasound imaging procedure should be performed when examining osteoarthritic change in the first metatarsophalangeal joint. An online Delphi study was conducted over four iterative rounds with 16 expert health professionals. Items were scored from 0-100 (0 = not at all important; 100 = extremely important). Consensus was defined based upon items receiving ≥70% of acceptance [1]. Items receiving ≤50% were rejected. Items considered ambiguous (median 51% - 69% of acceptance) were assessed in an additional round [2]. A final round determined the content validity of items through calculation of the content validity ratio and content validity index [3]. Sixteen items were deemed essential and seven items non-essential. Items deemed essential to assess included osteophytes graded dichotomously, cartilage damage graded continuously, synovitis and joint space narrowing graded on a semiquantitative scale. The panel deemed essential that the first metatarsophalangeal joint start in its neutral position then move through range of motion during scanning for both dorsal and plantar scan, orientating the probe in longitudinal and in transverse aspects, whilst using first metatarsal head and proximal phalanx as anatomical landmarks. A supine body position was only deemed essential for a dorsal scan and a neutral foot/ankle position was only rated essential for a plantar scan. The content validity index of the essential items was 0.19. The consensus exercise has identified essential components the ultrasound imaging acquisition procedure should encompass when examining first metatarsophalangeal joint osteoarthritis. The outcomes of the Delphi study will inform future studies into the methodological development of an ultrasound imaging atlas to grade the degree of osteoarthritic change in the first metatarsophalangeal joint
A bibliometric analysis of published research employing musculoskeletal imaging modalities to evaluate foot osteoarthritis
No full textTemporal and global changes in research utilising imaging to assess foot osteoarthritis (OA) is currently unknown. This study aimed to undertake a bibliometric analysis of published research to: (1) identify the imaging modalities that have been used to evaluate foot OA; (2) explore the temporal changes and global differences in the use of these imaging modalities; and (3) to evaluate performance related to publication- and citation-based metrics. An electronic search was designed and conducted using the Scopus database in August 2021. Studies were included if they used imaging to assess the foot in patients with foot OA, for recruitment or as a research outcome. The techniques for bibliometric analysis manifest across two categories: (1) performance analysis and (2) science mapping [1]. Descriptive statistics were used to summarise the study characteristics and data related to each imaging modality. Linear regression models were used to analyse temporal trends in the use of each imaging modality over time. 158 studies were identified between 1980 and 2021. Plain radiography was the most widely used modality, followed by computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging and ultrasound imaging, respectively. The number of published studies increased over time for each imaging modality (all P>0.018). The most productive country was the United States of America, followed by the United Kingdom and Australia. International authorship collaboration was evident in 57 studies (36.1%). The average citation rate was 23.4 per study, with an average annual citation rate of 2.1. Published research employing imaging to assess foot OA has increased substantially over the past four decades. Although plain radiography remains the gold standard modality, the emergence of magnetic resonance imaging and ultrasound imaging in the past two decades continues to advance knowledge and progress research in this field
Investigating the effect of noisy galvanic vestibular stimulation on somatosensory perception in healthy adults
Get PDFIt is well known that the vestibular system is an important sensory system used by the brain for postural control or human balance. To maintain postural control, the brain needs to integrate with other signals from the various sensory systems. The somatosensory system is one such sensory system. Evidence in healthy people suggests that Galvanic Vestibular Stimulation (GVS) has facilitatory effects on somatosensory perception such as touch. As GVS is uncomfortable, it is more feasible to deliver a new variant of GVS called noisy galvanic vestibular stimulation (nGVS) which delivers GVS with a sub-threshold weak current. Therefore, this research aims to investigate the effects of nGVS on somatosensory perception on foot in healthy adults. The findings will provide new insights for better understanding any somatosensory enhancement induced by nGVS on sensory perception on foot. It is assumed that this proposed study has a potential to expand our understanding of the links between the vestibular system and the somatosensory system by giving a detailed view of whether the vestibular system can influence processing within the somatosensory pathway, which is important for human balance. This subsequent research is the first step which will provide greater understanding of the effects of nGVS on balance and may help in developing a new treatment using nGVS for people with poor balance. In this presentation I will present the methodology how we are going to understand the links between vestibular and somatosensory system using nGVS behind ears and seeing its effect on sensory perception on foot. 
Parental vaccine hesitancy among former refugees in New Zealand
Get PDFImmunisation is one of the most effective public health measures to prevent and control infectious diseases. But for vaccinations to work, very high vaccine compliance is needed both amongst the general population and subgroups. Vaccine hesitancy (VH) — delay or refusal of vaccines — is an important factor underpinning low vaccination uptake around the world and in New Zealand (NZ). Previous VH studies have focused on the general population and evidence on subgroups, such as refugees, is limited. I have conducted a cross-sectional study among former refugee parents with a child under 16 years old. I used the Parental Attitudes about Childhood Vaccines (PACV) questionnaire in four languages (English, Arabic, Somali and Oromo). The rate of VH and the association between VH and sociodemographic factors was examined. This presentation will report key findings of the study. Of 178 participants, 29 (16.3%) were vaccine hesitant. The greatest concerns about childhood vaccines were side effects, general safety and efficacy (vaccine might not work well). Three in four parents reported that their child(ren) had up-to-date vaccination status. Parents with lower educational achievement were more hesitant to vaccinate than those with higher educational achievement. Caregivers who used unofficial sources of vaccine information were more hesitant to vaccinate than those who used official sources of vaccine information. The rate of VH among former refugees was less than that of the host population, yet more refugee parents delayed and refused vaccines than the host population, which may be explained by issues with accessibility and understanding of the NZ health system. VH among former refugees is influenced by modifiable factors (education and source of information); therefore, health and vaccine literacy tailored to former refugee parents’ needs in a manner that addresses their concerns is required to reduce VH and improve uptake. 
Can feeling younger increase older adults' technology acceptance?
Get PDFHow can marketers persuade older adults to adopt new technology? Although today’s technology revolution presents unforeseen opportunities, older adults are relatively slow to take advantage of them. As their resistance to technology is costly at both individual and societal levels, an effective intervention strategy is called for. In this presentation, I will aim to answer this call by investigating the power of subjective age—how old or young one feels—on older adults’ technology adoption. This research is in its early stage and will only introduce the theoretical background and study design. Recent research suggests that the perception of one’s age is open to situational influences. The momentary shift in subjective age can have important consumer consequences like the preference for contemporary (vs. traditional) options and prosocial behaviours. Building on this new research paradigm and the literature on technology acceptance, I predict that a boost in the feeling of youthfulness (i.e., via experimental manipulation) will increase older adults’ likelihood of adopting new technology. This effect is expected to be mediated by the feelings of selfefficacy and moderated by technology type. I plan to test this prediction through a series of experiments. Participants will be recruited online and randomly assigned to different subjective age conditions (high vs. low). For dependent measures, participants will indicate their attitudes and behavioural intention toward technology. One-way or two-way ANOVA’s will compare the levels of technology acceptance as a function of the subjective age manipulation. Theoretically, the present research contributes to the recent literature on the malleability of subjective age and its impact on consumer behaviour. Further, it adds to the literature on technology acceptance by introducing the novel concept of subjective age. This research also makes practical contributions by suggesting unique intervention strategies that marketers and policymakers can implement to promote older adults’ technology adoption
Decolonising the Coloniser: Indigenous Education Practices in Mainstream Teacher Education Programmes (TEPs) in Hawaiʻi and Aotearoa
Get PDFThis research project is intent on identifying opportunities for Teacher Education Programs (TEPs) in Hawaiʻi and Aotearoa to further normalise and integrate Indigenous education in mainstream contexts, and to support mainstream kumu/kaiako (educators) to deconstruct Eurocentric worldviews and build a kahua/kapupapa (foundation) in Indigenous knowedge systems (IK). Despite decades of advancement in the Indigenous education space, we are still confronted with a predominantly neo-colonial context for aʻo/ako (teaching and learning) where Indigenous education is viewed as a ‘side dish’ primarily for Indigenous students or as a ‘token’, but not as a kahua/kaupapa for all who reside in Hawaiʻi and Aotearoa. This research will provide critical guidance to transform the education system to support Indigenous resurgence and context and strategies for more effective collaboration between Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples. This presentation will share the process that I, a non-Indigenous researcher, am using to implement an Indigenous Research Paradigm (IRP) incorporating Indigenous and Western traditions including kaupapa Māori, Kānaka ʻŌiwi (Native Hawaiian) methodologies, and critical pedagogy. Phase 1 of the research will use methods of oral storytelling to gather moʻolelo/kōrero (stories, narratives, history), ʻike/mātauranga (knowledge, wisdom), and manaʻo/whakaaro (opinions, ideas) from Indigenous leaders on: 1) a future vision for mainstream TEPs grounded in IK, and 2) how they see non-Indigenous kumu/kaiako being involved in the decolonization and Indigenization of education spaces. The moʻolelo/kōrero will be analyzed to develop an interview framework for Phase 2 of the research where select mainstream TEPs will be reviewed to determine how Indigenous education is currently presented. This will include interviews of staff and participants and content analysis. The findings will be organized into a guiding framework tailored to a mainstream audience in efforts to ‘decolonize the colonizer’ and advance goals to build authentic bicultural/multicultural models that uplift IK for all