21436 research outputs found
Sort by
The association between rainfall and human leptospirosis in Aotearoa New Zealand
No full textLeptospirosis remains a significant occupational zoonosis in New Zealand, and emerging serovar shifts warrant a closer examination of climate-related transmission pathways. This study aimed to examine whether total monthly rainfall is associated with reported leptospirosis in humans in New Zealand. Poisson and negative binomial models were developed to examine the relationship between rainfall at 0-, 1-, 2-, and 3-month lags and the incidence of leptospirosis during the month of the report. Total monthly rainfall was positively associated with the occurrence of human leptospirosis in the following month by a factor of 1.017 (95% CI: 1.007–1.026), 1.023 at the 2-month lag (95% CI:1.013–1.032), and 1.018 at the 3-month lag (95% CI: 1.009–1.028) for every additional cm of rainfall. Variation was present in the magnitude of association for each of the individual serovars considered, suggesting different exposure pathways. Assuming that the observed associations are causal, this study supports that additional human cases are likely to occur associated with increased levels of rainfall. This provides the first evidence for including rainfall in a leptospirosis early warning system and to design targeted communication and prevention measures and provide resource allocation, particularly after heavy rainfall in New Zealand.fals
Savvy politicians know how to 'perform' authenticity - the Jacinda Ardern doco offers a masterclass
No full textAn explorative analysis of gameplay data based on a serious game of climate adaptation in Aotearoa New Zealand
No full textSerious games play a crucial role in educating and engaging the public on environmental management issues, such as climate change. These games also generate valuable data that can be used in understanding players' climate change decisions. However, there is a notable gap in the literature on serious game analytics to address the significance of scrutinising the usefulness of utilising gameplay data to explore player behaviours. This paper explores this gap through descriptive and quantitative analysis of gameplay data from ‘The Township Flooding Challenge’ in Aotearoa New Zealand to obtain data insights and data gaps in understanding players' behaviours and decisions on climate change adaptation. The findings suggest that gameplay data can offer insights into players' decisions on climate change adaptations amid uncertainty, but also highlights data gaps such as unclear definitions and incomplete data. Leveraging gameplay data can aid in data collection, decision-making modelling, and improving serious game design.fals
Communication accommodation theory in quantitative research: Toward a standardized operationalization of core constructs
No full textCommunication accommodation theory (CAT) has been an influential theory for 50 years. However, its core constructs have not been operationalized consistently in quantitative research. In this manuscript, we report on efforts to standardize and validate a multi-dimensional instrument to measure constructs of theoretical importance in CAT. In Study 1 (n = 416), we detail the process through which items drawn from previous research were collated and describe six factors confirmed through factor analysis of the “other-report” form of the instrument. In Study 2 (n = 398), we replicate the factor structure from Study 1 and demonstrate its construct validity. In Study 3 (n = 356), we show the instrument can also serve as a valid self-report measure.fals
Greenhouse gas mitigation in pasture-based dairy production systems in New Zealand: A review of mitigation options and their interactions
No full textReducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from dairy farming is crucial for mitigating climate change and enhancing the environmental credentials of New Zealand's dairy exports. This paper aims to explore potential GHG mitigation measures and their interactive effects when combined within New Zealand context, emphasising the practicality of these combinations, particularly focusing on recent studies of pasture-based dairy systems. The review assesses various mitigation options across animal, manure management, feed-based, soil-related, and system-related interventions and identifies immediately applicable mitigation options based on specific criteria. It also discusses the implementation costs, implications on emissions, and the combined effects of these options when applied as bundles in pasture-based systems using a combination matrix. It is indicated that mitigation options on New Zealand's dairy farms can yield diverse outcomes and costs based on farming characteristics. By analysing different combinations of short-listed, it was found that although most mitigation options are compatible, some may have a lower overall reduction potential because of interaction effects. Integrating lower N fertiliser use, low-emission feed, and reduced stocking rates with high-performing animals provides a practical approach for GHG reductions and potential cost savings. However, implementing compatible mitigation bundles requires better quantification of their interactions, economic viability, and compatibility with existing farming systems which need further research.fals
How does biodiversity risk exposure affect corporate regulatory intensity
No full textThis paper investigates the impact of biodiversity risk on corporate regulatory intensity of firms in the United States during 2007-2020. Using text-based measures of biodiversity risk and regulatory intensity extracted from corporate disclosures and public media, we provide empirical evidence of a positive impact of biodiversity risk exposure on corporate regulatory intensity. The finding suggests that more corporate exposure to biodiversity risk increases the regulatory intensity and cost of regulatory compliance. Further empirical analysis suggests that the impact of biodiversity risk exposure on regulatory intensity is less pronounced in firms with headquarters located in states with poorer institutions, and in vertically integrated firms.fals
Mitigating impacts of disaster through community resilience : whakawhanaungatanga vs. zombies : an exegesis presented in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Masters of Design at Massey University, Wellington, New Zealand
No full textCopyrightholders of any copyrighted images may use the Take Down Request link below to request their removal.This research contributes to the field of disaster risk reduction by utilising visual storytelling to emphasise the critical role of resilient communities in mitigating the impacts of climate-accelerated disasters, which disproportionately affect vulnerable populations. The Peninsula, a fictional pānui, explores the mātauranga Māori principle of whakawhanaungatanga through the depiction of ordinary members from the Miramar Peninsula community in tongue-in-cheek survival situations during an ongoing zombie catastrophe. Leveraging Wellingtonians’ appreciation for b-horror/humour storytelling seen in productions such as What We Do in the Shadows and Wellington Paranormal, the use of humour and the spectacle of a zombie context is an engaging narrative experience for readers to consider their contributions within their community in an emergency. Some social change campaigns have gained viral levels of success through the use of evocative visuals and narratives to resonate with the public, as seen in Aotearoa’s COVID-19 infographics and the CDC’s 2011 zombie-themed hurricane information. The zombie as a narrative device functions as a versatile symbol for political or socio-economic commentary, serving in this research as a “trojan-horse” for conveying emergency management information with a community focus. The social collaboration illustrated in The Peninsula mirrors the real world advantage of community resilience throughout the phases of an emergency. The design output is explored through affective design and developed through iterative cycles of “inquiry by design” methodologies and implementing community-based social marketing strategies
Sacred spaces : a data-driven study of indoor environment quality, energy efficiency, and management practices in Sri Lankarama Temple, Otahuhu, New Zealand : a research report presented in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Construction (Research) in Construction Project Management, School of Built Environment, Massey University, New Zealand
No full textTemples, such as Sri Lankarama Temple, situated at Otahuhu, New Zealand, are important for their cultural, spiritual, architectural, and communal significance. They act as hubs for cultural preservation, education, meditation, and social interaction. Because poor air quality can cause discomfort, decreased cognitive function, respiratory problems, and long-term degradation of temple materials, it is imperative that temples maintain a clean, stable, and healthy indoor environment. A careful and context-sensitive approach is needed to strike a balance between IEQ and energy efficiency. While minimizing energy use is essential, through avoiding excessive use of fans, air conditioning, and artificial lighting, inadequate ventilation and humidity control can result in poor IEQ while will negatively impact the building and it occupants. The aim of the study is to analyse the relationship between indoor Environment quality (IEQ), energy consumption, and building management practices across different spaces, identifying key inefficiencies and proposing data-driven strategies to optimise both occupant health and energy efficiency. As religious buildings are often overlooked in environmental and energy studies, this research aims to fill a critical gap by providing a data-driven analysis of how indoor conditions, energy usage, and operational practices interact in such settings. The temple comprises a range of diverse spaces, including prayer rooms, meditation halls, a kitchen, a library, and communal areas, each with different occupancy patterns and functional demands. The study was guided by five key objectives: to assess the compliance of IEQ with recommended international thresholds for temperature, humidity, and carbon dioxide, to Compare IEQ performance across different rooms within the temple, to analyse energy building consumption and the contribution of IEQ appliances, to investigating current practices influences the temple’s energy efficiency and IEQ, recommend strategies to enhance IEQ while maintaining efficiency through synthesis of qualitative and quantitative data. A mixed-methods approach was used to accomplish these goals. Using Internet of Things (IoT)-based sensors (EnviroQ), environmental data was gathered continuously for 30 days during Aril 2025, measuring CO₂, temperature, and relative humidity in six indoor spaces using 8 sensors. As a result, more than 15,000 data points were obtained and subjected to statistical and descriptive analysis. An overview of the appliances in each room and the temple's monthly electricity bills were used to estimate energy consumption. The building manager was also interviewed in a semi-structured manner to evaluate the temple's maintenance procedures, equipment usage, and air circulation. The findings demonstrated that the temple's overall IEQ performance, recorded 70.88% of temperature readings falling within the comfortable 20–24°C range, the temperature levels were relatively well-controlled. Additionally, areas such as the kitchen and meditation hall showed improved thermal consistency. On the other hand, humidity was a consistent problem in almost every area, with over 96% of recorded values surpassing the suggested upper limit of 60%. The open living room, kitchen, and prayer rooms were especially troublesome because of the high moisture content. With regards to CO₂ level, more than 90% of readings falling within acceptable range (below 1000 ppm). Prayer Room 2 showed alarming results, with over 54% of CO₂ readings above the above the acceptable threshold, suggesting insufficient ventilation during periods of high occupancy. It was specially the case during certain occasional and cultural activities. On the other hand, open living room and library maintained excellent air quality with regards to CO₂ level due to natural ventilation. High energy consumption did not always translate into better IEQ, according to energy analysis. Even though they consumed the most electricity, the kitchen, prayer rooms, and meditation halls continued to have high humidity and occasionally poor air quality. Conversely, low-energy areas like the library demonstrated strong IEQ results, indicating that well-planned, passively ventilated areas can sustain comfort levels without consuming a lot of energy. The majority of management practices were found to be reactive. The main source of ventilation was natural; mechanical systems were only employed for special occasions. Decisions were typically made based on observation rather than data, and there were no real-time monitoring systems in place. Building operators, who are mostly volunteers lacked environmental control and energy efficiency training, and there were no specific rules in place to control the use of, HVAC, lights, or other equipment in different rooms. The results led to specific room-specific recommendations, such as adding CO₂-triggered ventilation systems in high-occupancy rooms, installing dehumidifiers in high-humidity areas, upgrading to energy-efficient appliances, and putting smart controls and thermal curtains into place. To promote responsive, data-driven environmental management, it was also suggested that volunteers receive basic training and a real-time IEQ dashboard. The study makes significant contributions in spite of these limitations. It illustrates the importance of implementing energy audits, qualitative interviews, and quantitative sensor data to create a comprehensive picture of building performance. It also shows how modern environmental monitoring and energy optimisation techniques can greatly benefit sacred spaces, even though they are traditionally run. By implementing these suggestions, Sri Lankarama Temple could enhancing occupants/visitors comfort, safeguarding health, while cutting down on energy waste. By doing so, it can become a model for sustainable architecture of spiritual spaces, contributing to preservation of its cultural and spiritual mission. The impact and applicability of this approach will be expanded through future research that includes integrated energy and IEQ metering, long-term monitoring, and comparative studies across multiple heritage sites
Fine mapping highlights ITGAL and MUS81 loss-of-function mutations modulating recessive impacts in dairy cattle
No full textWe recently described several major-effect recessive loci impacting anatomical and lactation traits in dairy cattle. Two of these loci in particular presented multiple candidate causative variants, comprising tightly linked coding variants that could not be easily differentiated on a statistical or functional basis. Here, we re-examine the candidacy of these variants by leveraging a dataset of 1 million genotyped animals. Assessing lactation and bodyweight effects in conjunction with rare, recombined genotypes for the IL4R, KIAA0556, ITGAL, DPF2, and MUS81 candidates, we highlight ITGAL and MUS81 as the most likely causative genes for the two QTL. Recombinant homozygotes for these genes present larger, more significant effects than other candidates at the same loci, with both representing premature stop mutations anticipated to inactivate ITGAL and MUS81. We further examined homozygotes for the ITGAL mutation to better understand the range of phenotypes impacted. While outwardly normal, ITGAL mutants showed significant differences in the number and composition of circulating leukocytes, consistent with the role of ITGAL as a key mediator of leukocyte signalling, adhesion, and migration. These results demonstrate how near-perfectly linked candidate mutations can be differentiated given population-scale data, and highlight the ITGAL and MUS81 mutations as diagnostic targets to help manage the frequency of these variants.fals
Traumatic brain injury and substance use disorder in Aotearoa New Zealand : characteristics, correlates, and the role of social cognition in an inpatient addictions treatment sample : a thesis presented in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the qualification of Doctor of Clinical Psychology at Massey University, Wellington, New Zealand
No full textTraumatic Brain Injuries (TBIs) and Substance Use Disorder (SUD) often cooccur, yet the underlying mechanisms linking these conditions remain unclear. One potential explanation is that TBI disrupts neuropsychological functioning, particularly Social Cognition, thereby increasing the risk of SUD. The overall objective of this thesis is to explore these relationships in depth. To achieve this, the first study aimed to gather a detailed history of head-injury characteristics among individuals with SUD in Aotearoa, including TBI with loss of consciousness (LOC). By ascertaining these characteristics, the second study aimed to examine their association with neuropsychological outcomes. Third, our final study aimed to explore the potential role of Social Cognition in explaining the relationship between TBI and SUD.
A total of 77 adults (aged 18-64) engaged in residential treatment for SUD, participated in the current research. During their residential treatment program, participants completed self-report questionnaires to ascertain head-injury, TBI and SUD history, mental health, and TBI-related symptom severity. Of this sample, 70 went on to complete neuropsychological tasks.
Study 1 revealed that one hundred percent of the sample endorsed one or more lifetime head-injury events. 81.8% of the sample had experienced a self-reported TBI featuring LOC, with the remaining 18.2% having a history of a ‘possible TBI’ where they sustained a head-injury event without LOC. Overall, 91% sustained multiple lifetime head-injuries (either with or without LOC). Compared to the general New Zealand population, this sample featured a higher rate of TBIs of moderate severity, and most events were untreated. Many individuals sustained head-injuries at a young age and sustained repeated injuries into adulthood. Study 2 found that individuals who had a high number of lifetime head-injuries showed significantly lower scores on executive functioning and self-reported experiencing more cognitive difficulties. Study 3 found that within Social Cognition, the interpretation of complex social cues, particularly those involving deception and subtle social intentions, may mediate the relationship between TBI and SUD.
This research contributes to identifying unique rates, patterns, and outcomes of head-injury including TBI among treatment-seeking substance users and highlights factors which may increase individuals’ vulnerability. Social Cognition appears to be a mechanism worthy of future exploration as it may explain the relationship between TBI and SUD. Implications of these results for treatment and rehabilitation and directions for future research are discussed