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Sex differences in ventricular muscle energetics in a type 2 diabetic rat model
No full textBackgroundSex differences in cardiac function under diabetic conditions have been extensively studied. However, the impacts of type 2 diabetes on cardiac energetics between sexes remain poorly defined. Likewise, whether sex-specific differences in cardiac efficiency reported at the whole heart level manifest at the muscle level is uncertain. This study is the first to assess sex-specific cardiac energetics in type 2 diabetes by directly measuring heat production in isolated rat left ventricular trabeculae.MethodsInduction of diabetes in Wistar rats by a high-fat diet (23.5% kcal vs. 5% kcal from fat) and low-dose streptozotocin (30 mg/kg) was assessed through measurements of fasting blood glucose and glucose tolerance, and plasma biomarkers. Mechanoenergetics of isolated trabeculae were characterised using our work-loop calorimeter at body temperature. Experiments were conducted under loading conditions of varying muscle lengths, contraction modes, and afterloads. Force, muscle length, and heat output were simultaneously recorded. Metrics including twitch kinetics, shortening, mechanical work, activation heat, and cross-bridge heat were extracted, and mechanical efficiency was estimated and evaluated over a wide range of loading conditions.ResultsAt the organism level, diabetic rats exhibited increased blood glucose levels and impaired glucose handling. While diabetes caused sex-specific effects on body mass, corticosterone, plasma insulin, and biomarkers, our results at the muscle level showed no effects of diabetes on any measured indices of cardiac mechanoenergetics and, hence, mechanical efficiency, in either sex.ConclusionsEffects of type 2 diabetes do not manifest in the mechanoenergetic functional performance of isolated cardiac muscles, even when challenged to a wide range of loading conditions. This conclusion is upheld in both male and female rats. These findings underscore the need for assessing cardiac function beyond the muscle level, as muscle-specific thermodynamics in diabetes may not be captured from systemic whole-organism measurements
I Do Not Consent: Moral Rights and Machine Learning in Australian Copyright Law
No full textThis paper argues that Australia’s moral rights regime can be applied and extended to the unauthorised use of copyright-protected works to train artificial intelligence models. Building on prior work which set out a normative basis to reject the authorisation of such training without consent, the paper examines how the right of integrity of authorship can be repurposed towards these actions. The paper highlights how the existing scheme is limited by restrictions like the requirement for infringing acts to be done in Australia and the exception for reasonable infringing use. In response, the paper recommends the adoption of a dedicated moral right against unauthorised machine learning, with a focus on transparency as to training (or a presumption to that effect), allowing creators to withdraw consent for training, standards for verifying model ‘unlearning’, protection against contractual abuses that could bypass moral rights protections, flexible territoriality, and effective remedies grounded on deterrence
Caution is always needed when interpreting population-level vaping and smoking trends-authors' reply
No full textEmotional after-effects of the New Zealand Whakaari eruption on burns and theatre healthcare workers
No full textAimThe objective of this study was to examine the emotional experiences of healthcare workers after caring for injured patients following New Zealand's Whakaari/White Island volcanic eruption in 2019.MethodThis qualitative research used interpretive description methodology and was conducted at a public health service, Te Whatu Ora Counties Manukau, based in Auckland, New Zealand. Data were collected from two audio-recorded focus group interviews, which were transcribed and analysed using reflexive thematic analysis.ResultsThere were six participants from clinical, allied and technical disciplines from anaesthesia, plastic surgery and specialist burns services. Three salient themes were identified: 1) reckoning with aftermath, 2) collective emotional after-effects, and 3) cumulative harm amidst system constraints.ConclusionHealthcare organisations can anticipate deep psychological effects on healthcare workers after a mass casualty event. Opportunities for emotional processing may counter the stoicism of medical culture, particularly for those who sustain cumulative harm by recurrent exposure to trauma. More research is required to ascertain how to better meet the challenges of addressing healthcare workers' wellbeing after large-scale disasters
Sustainable Pathways: Economic and Carbon Analysis of NZ-Australian Bitumen Trade and the Potential of Bio-binders in NZ Transport Infrastructure
No full textThis study investigates the feasibility of enhanced bitumen trade between Australia and New Zealand, focusing on economic modeling, carbon footprint considerations, and sustainable innovations like biobinders. New Zealand’s shift to full import dependency following the Marsden Point Refinery closure has underscored supply chain vulnerabilities and environmental implications (Christie, Thompson, & Brathwaite, 2001; Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency [NZTA], 2023). Historically, bitumen imports from Australia benefited from established supply chains, quality assurance, and pricing stability (Pennington, 2022). However, the cessation of domestic refining and global shifts in crude oil sourcing have further complicated supply dynamics (White, 2016; NZTA, 2023).
Economic models demonstrate that trade continuity and expansion could stabilize pricing and bolster supply security. Carbon modelling shows the environmental significance of minimizing emissions across production, transportation, and application phases. Australia’s adoption of mega-refineries and sustainable technologies enables lower emissions per unit of production, providing a competitive advantage in international markets (White, 2016; Neaylon et al., 2019). Meanwhile, the exploration of biobinders— produced from renewable biomass such as lignin, vegetable oils, or other organic residues—presents a promising pathway to further reduce the carbon footprint of bitumen applications. Studies suggest that biobinders can enhance sustainability by replacing a portion of petroleum-based bitumen without compromising performance (Neaylon et al., 2019).
Nevertheless, variability in bitumen properties due to diverse crude sources and the introduction of biobinders requires stringent quality controls to meet New Zealand’s performance and regulatory standards (NZTA, 2023; Neaylon et al., 2019). This highlights the need for harmonized standards and transparent supplier practices.
This research identifies opportunities for bilateral cooperation in creating a trade framework integrating economic and environmental goals. Recommendations include adopting performance-based specifications, fostering supplier transparency, and scaling innovations such as polymer-modified binders and biobinders for reduced lifecycle costs and emissions (Neaylon et al., 2019). These approaches promise improved durability and alignment with the carbon neutrality commitments of both nations (Christie et al., 2001; NZTA, 2023). In doing so, this study contributes to a resilient, sustainable infrastructure strategy for New Zealand and Australia
Analyzing the Middle-Income Trap in Malaysia: Of (Chinese) Investment and Industrial Upgrading
No full textMalaysia’s embrace of the Belt and Road Initiative has raised the expectations of policymakers
concerning growth-generating investment from China, not least to jolt the Southeast Asian
country out of a perceived middle-income trap. This paper seeks to make sense of such
development. Through the case study of Digital Free Trade Zone, a much-touted public-private
partnership involving firms from both Malaysia and China, this paper forwards a threefold
argument. Firstly, technology transfer has remained modest, even in spite of strong political
support from the Malaysian leadership. Secondly, the continued reliance on foreign direct
investment and domestic state-owned enterprises to drive upgrading has coincided with a
relative neglect of Malaysia’s private sector and other microeconomic factors (e.g. skills
formation and a level playing field for all enterprises). Lastly, Malaysia’s industrial policy
formulation on the digital economy has broadly conformed to that observed in other more
mature industries. While this overlapping, top-heavy governance system might have worked in
the past, it is increasingly tricky to maintain or justify it in the digital economy, where speed
and flexibility are key components
Distribution and Abundance of the Isopod Exosphaeroma Echinensis, An Obligate Sea Urchin Commensal
No full textOn rocky reefs in northeastern New Zealand the sphaeromatid isopod Exosphaeroma echinensis has an obligate commensal relationship with the sea urchins, the most abundant of which is the kina, Evechinus chloroticus. The isopod is thought to benefit from the relationship by gaining shelter from predators and wave action among the host’s spines, and food in the form of kelp fragments trapped by the sea urchin. I aimed to determine the abundance and population structure (size and sex) of Ex. echinensis in relation to sea urchin attributes (host species identity, size) and environmental variability (rock orientation, depth, habitat type, wave exposure, season). Ex. echinensis occurred on 81% of all individual Ev. chloroticus sampled, with abundances highest on large sea urchins on horizontal surfaces in shallow, wave-exposed habitats (including urchin barrens). Ex. echinensis also occurred on Centrostephanus rodgersii, a large sea urchin with subtropical affinities that is currently increasing in numbers on northern mainland coasts. The size and sex structure of the Ex. echinensis population was fairly constant across the urchin attributes and environmental factors. Ex. echinensis is currently benefitting from unnaturally high densities of Ev. chloroticus, which are likely a recent (since about the 1950s) artifact of historical overfishing of sea urchin predators, especially snapper (Chrysophrys auratus) and red rock lobster (Jasus edwardsii). Overgrazing by Ev. chloroticus has destroyed many kelp forests and there are currently attempts to reverse this by large-scale culling of Ev. chloroticus populations. Ex. echinensis was found at all locations surveyed, including kelp forests that will not be targeted by future sea urchin culling and thus represent a refuge that should allow both members of the commensal relationship to persist, at least in the medium-term
What are Chinese tertiary dance teachers' meanings of teaching dance pedagogy within dance education majors?
No full textThis thesis critically investigates how dance teachers in Chinese tertiary institutions understand and teach pedagogy courses within dance education majors. It addresses the central research question: What are Chinese tertiary dance teachers' meanings of teaching dance pedagogy within dance education majors? Despite China's national efforts to promote aesthetic education and quality-oriented learning, the dance pedagogy course remains marginalised, often overshadowed by performance-centered training models. This disjunction prompts a re-examination of the status and practice of dance pedagogy within dance teacher education.
Guided by a constructivist framework and employing a narrative inquiry methodology, this study draws on semi-structured interviews with three dance teacher-educators. It explores how their professional identities, teaching beliefs, and personal histories influence their curricular decisions and instructional strategies.
The research identifies three key tensions: the institutional inertia of technique-oriented training systems, the challenges of transitioning from performer to educator, and the misalignment between curriculum content and employment expectations. By centering the perspectives of teacher-educators, this thesis addresses a gap in existing research on how structural inertia shapes pedagogical practice. It further calls for a critical rethinking of the role of dance pedagogy courses and their institutional positioning within China’s tertiary dance education system
Indigenous Relational Practices as a Strategy to Transform Acute Hospital Settings: A Kaupapa Māori Grounded Theory Study
No full textRelational practice is the basis for human connection and is linked to enhanced healthcare experiences and involvement with healthcare services. Although the nurse-patient relationship is typically built around behavioural communication skills, relational practice requires developing awareness, connectedness and responsiveness to others. The task-oriented ways of working have eroded these attributes. This study explored how Indigenous values and practices can transform relational practice in a publicly funded acute hospital in Aotearoa, New Zealand. Kaupapa Māori (Māori philosophy and practice) and grounded theory were used to generate and analyse data from interviews with Māori staff and consumers. Three culturally informed processes culminated in the culturally grounded theory of achieving a culture of whanaungatanga (belonging and inclusion): tikanga mahi (work ethic), whakawhanaungatanga (developing kinships) and manaakitanga (cultural and social responsibility). The study highlights the necessity of developing and maintaining relationships and creating an environment that enables relational practice. Findings show that developing a sound work ethic supported by solid and committed leadership and espousing Māori values is the catalyst for change. Applying an Indigenous mentoring model like the tuakana-teina (leader-learner) model may create an environment supporting organisational culture change
Assessment of Alternative and Multispectral Light Sources on Forensic Body Fluid Screening
No full textBody fluid samples play a crucial role in forensic investigations, serving as valuable sources of deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA). However, the detection of these samples can pose challenges due to their potential invisibility, limited quantities, and environmental contamination. While traditional presumptive tests are widely used, they have certain limitations, including the utilisation of chemical reagents that may interfere with subsequent DNA analysis.
Forensic light sources offer a non-destructive alternative for screening biological samples, improving visibility without direct contact. These devices operate by emitting light at specific wavelengths to induce fluorescence or absorption in biological stains. However, previous generations of forensic light sources were not widely adopted in New Zealand due to elevated false positive rates. This study aims to assess the effectiveness of the latest alternative light sources (ALS) and multispectral imaging (MSI) devices in detecting various body fluids, with a focus on their sensitivity, specificity, and practical applications such as interactions with the substrates and aging.
The study assessed two ALS devices (Crime-lite® X5, Crime-lite® AUTO) and one MSI device (ForenScope MSI Tablet) across a range of body fluids including blood, semen, saliva, vaginal secretion, urine, menstrual blood, sweat, faeces and breast milk. The results indicated forensic light sources cannot achieve the identification of different body fluids. Fabric type, colour, and the dye properties significantly impacted their visibility overall. Additionally, the study on sample age demonstrated that the fluorescence levels of semen changed over time, with all stains remaining detectable as long as one month after deposition. Comparisons with presumptive tests indicated that forensic light sources demonstrated a much lower specificity (50 - 80% false positive rate) but similar sensitivity. Despite limitations, forensic light sources can provide a rapid and non-destructive screening method of exhibits, allowing for efficient screening of large areas and serving as a complementary approach to conventional presumptive tests