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An overview on recent biomedical applications of biopolymers: Their role in drug delivery systems and comparison of major systems
No full textPolymers are ubiquitous in our daily lives, from workplaces to homes. Biopolymers are becoming more popular as an alternative to petroleum-based polymers because of their lower environmental impact due to their low carbon footprint and easy degradation. The primary aim of developing technology is a better quality of life. Improved therapies and tailor-made treatments are currently the focus of scientists. However, the delivery of drugs has been a long problem in the field of medicine. As a result, many drug delivery systems (DDSs) have been created for this purpose. Among these, nanotechnology-based DDSs, especially nanofibers, hold a promising future. This review focuses on the importance of naturally abundant biopolymers in recent medical applications, especially their role in DDSs, and provides a crucial comparison of the merits and demerits of the major DDSs for researchers to develop tailor-made DDSs
Women (Un)Moored: Shirley Jackson's entropic female characters
Get PDFShirley Jackson’s fiction presents an expansive catalogue of female characters who find themselves in eerie predicaments that they negotiate in interesting ways. This thesis explores the presentation of female characters in these predicaments. What roles do the female characters play in the stories they inhabit? What modes of escape do they employ from their predicaments? What makes their situations fundamentally anxious? To explore these questions, I examine the roles ascribed to female characters and their various responses to them. I inspect Jackson’s use of the ghost story and the fairy tale and the ways in which she engages with characteristic tropes to explore female agency. I interrogate anxieties about the self, and examine how these anxieties haunt many of the stories through their presentations of the female protagonists. These anxieties play out in the spaces that form and deform possibilities for women – the home, the suburb, the city – and through their allotted roles as wives, mothers, daughters, women alone. This study hopes to illuminate the entropic and anti-entropic nature of Jackson’s female characters: women variously unhinged by their roles or grounded by them. These women produce diverse reactions to oppressive situations as they negotiate their restrictive circumstances that simultaneously anchor and imprison them
Pre-conference tephra data workshop: Hands-on session II: Tephra excursion, Okareka loop road (29 January 2023)
Get PDFGeneral stratigraphy of Okareka Loop Road section.
The following units are evident in the sequence from the base upwards:
(1) early tephras (Te Rere, 25.1 cal ka; Okareka, 23.5 cal ka) and thin interbedded loess within the remnant top of a small, buried hill-top at the base of the sequence;
(2) the buried hill itself, the formation of which represents a period of erosion that occurred during the last glacial period, and remnants of a (reworked?) tephra draping the (paleo)hillslope (Rerewhakaaitu, 17.6 cal ka);
(3) the thick (~4.5 m), bedded pumice lapilli tephra (with lithics) mantling the hill (Rotorua, 15.6 cal ka), the top of which is pedogenically modified to form a distinct orange soil (this orange soil material is evident throughout Rotorua basin and in road cuttings such as along SH 5 to the west of Rotorua); and
(4) at least four younger tephras and soil horizons overlying the buried soil on the Rotorua tephra: Waiohau (14.0 cal ka), Rotomā (9.4 cal ka), Kaharoa (c. 1314 ± 10 CE/AD), and Rotomahana Mud (of the Tarawera eruption, 10 June 1886)
Nationalism in the 21st Century and its impact on revisionist great powers
Get PDFSince 2012, there has been a rise in the assertiveness of both China and Russia’s foreign policies. Both countries have framed their actions as justifiable for various reasons including: historical claims; the assertion of territorial sovereignty rights; or, in coming to the aid of an ally. What is most concerning is the nationalistic rhetoric which has accompanied these actions with its central focus on the attainment, or re-establishment, of great power status. Both President’s Xi and Putin contend that this status is a vital part of their countries national identities. Because of the close association between nationalism and the attainment of great power status both China and Russia have become more willing to challenge the international status quo which has led to a rise in great power competition. As a result, they now represent the first revisionist challenge to the liberal international order since the demise of the Soviet Union. This research investigates the impact of contemporary nationalism on revisionist great powers, and does it increase their threat to the international order?
This thesis aims to contribute to the current literature on Chinese and Russian nationalism and how nationalism drives the foreign policy choices of both countries. Whilst work has been done on contemporary nationalism, there is a limited amount that examines its impact on the foreign policy of great powers. Through a case study analysis of China’s foreign policy regarding the South China Sea, the East China Sea and Taiwan, this thesis has investigated if nationalism is responsible for China’s more assertive policy in these instances. Similarly, a case study analysis of Russia’s foreign policy is applied to the Ukraine, Syria and the Arctic to see if nationalism is responsible for Russia’s more robust foreign policy which has resulted in their annexation of the Crimea; their involvement in the Syrian civil war; and the modernisation of their armed forces and attendant military build-up in the Arctic.
The thesis concludes that nationalism largely drives and frames Beijing and Moscow’s foreign policy choices and that both the Chinese and Russian leaders use it for four principal reasons. First, to frame their interests with regards to their territorial integrity. Secondly, as a means to unite the populace around a national goal or objective.
Thirdly, as a means to strengthen and legitimise their authoritarian regimes in the face of Western democratic ideals. Lastly, as a way to compensate for failures in their performance legitimacy
Concussion, neck, and hamstring injury aetiology and injury prevention in Rugby Union
Get PDFABSTRACT
Background
Concussion and hamstring injuries are two of the most frequently diagnosed injuries in Rugby Union. Neck and hamstring strength have been identified as a modifiable risk factor to decrease the severity and incidence of these injuries. As such, there is an increasing interest in strengthening the neck and hamstrings in Rugby Union for injury prevention purposes.
Aims
The overarching aims of this thesis were to:
1. better understand the role of neck and hamstring strength and imbalances in the context of concussion, neck, and hamstring injury incidence and prevention;
2. scientifically document the status of neck and hamstring strength and imbalances in Rugby Union players using reliable methods; and
3. evaluate the impact of strengthening exercises and feedback strategies on strength outcomes in Rugby Union players.
Overall, this thesis sought to shed some light on neck and hamstring strength assessment and strengthening practices to inform injury prevention strategies in Rugby Union players.
Methods
This thesis is divided into four sections. The first section comprises a systematic literature review addressing neck strength in Rugby Union, a cohort cross-sectional study that compares the two most common methods to test isometric neck strength (“make” versus “break”), and a reliability study of isometric neck strength measures in flexion, extension, and bilateral side flexion. The second section includes a systematic literature review on hamstring injury incidence, risk factors, and prevention in Rugby Union. Thereafter, the reliability of measures from a load cell device to assess Nordic hamstring strength and bilateral balance in Rugby Union players is examined. The third section characterises both neck and hamstring strength in Rugby Union players. Specifically, isometric neck and Nordic eccentric hamstring strength values are examined in a large cohort of male and female semi-professional and professional Rugby Union players. Finally, the fourth section involves a randomised-controlled trial with a control group that examined the effect of a six-week progressive Nordic eccentric and isometric hamstring strength training programme performed with or without visual feedback on hamstring strength and bilateral strength balance in Rugby Union players.
Results
The neck strength literature review highlighted no consensus regarding standardised test methods implemented in Rugby Union, and limited evidence regarding direct associations between neck strength and concussion. When experimentally comparing the break to the make test, there were no systematic or proportional differences between methods detected based on the Passing-Bablock procedure. Despite the results suggesting these two methods could be used interchangeably to assess isometric neck strength, the make test showed some procedural advantages (e.g., lower potential for test-related injuries, enhanced participant comfort and confidence, and reduced influence of the examiner). Hence, the make test was chosen as the primary neck strength assessment method in the subsequent studies of this thesis. The reliability study on isometric neck strength measures from the make test revealed good-to-excellent intrasession reliability (ICC=0.85–0.95) and fair intersession reliability (ICC=0.51–0.69) for mean and maximal values.
The hamstring literature review concluded that it is likely worthwhile to combine strategies to prevent hamstring injuries and their recurrences in Rugby Union, and should include Nordic strength assessments and Nordic strengthening exercises. On this basis, Nordic assessment methods were chosen to assess hamstring strength in this thesis. The reliability study on Nordic eccentric strength assessment measures showed good intrasession reliability (ICC=0.79–0.90) and fair intersession reliability (ICC=0.52–0.64) for mean and maximal values.
A total of 342 Rugby Union players (87% male) participated in the characterisation study. Regarding isometric neck strength, male professional players were significantly stronger in all directions than semi-professional players except in extension; and overall, forwards (range:22–39 kg) were significantly stronger than backs (range: 22–31 kg) in all directions. Flexionto-extension ratio was 0.76 and side flexion ratio was 1.0 in males. There were no significant differences between forwards (range: 14–23 kg) and backs (range: 14–22 kg) in semiprofessional females, except in extension (backs > forwards). Flexion-to-extension ratio was 0.83 and side flexion ratio of 1.0 in females. Considering Nordic eccentric strength, there male professionals were stronger than semi-professional players in terms of absolute strength (422.1 vs 398.7 N), relative to body mass was greater in professionals than semi-professionals (4.57 vs 3.87 N·kg⁻¹). Absolute strength was significantly greater in forwards than backs (426.8vs 387.2 N); but relative to body mass, strength was lower (3.78 vs 4.67 N·kg⁻¹). In females, the strength values ranged from 226 ± 41N and 2.8 ± 0.5N·kg⁻¹ to 320 ± 1.0N and 3.8 ± 0.6N·kg⁻¹, forwards ranged from 255 ± 107N to 320 ± 1.0N whilst backs ranged from 226 ± 41N to 295 ± 65N.
Regarding the four section a randomised-controlled trial that analysed the effectiveness of a six-week isometric hamstring and Nordic eccentric training performed with or without visual feedback on hamstring strength and bilateral strength balance in Rugby Union players. The time x group interaction from the repeated measures ANOVA was not significant for both peak strength and bilateral strength balance measures, indicating similar changes between groups from Pre to Post timepoints. Additionally, there was no main effect of time on outcomes, indicating no significant difference in strength or balance measures from Pre to Post timepoints. There was a significant main effect of group on peak strength, with controls identified as being significantly weaker than the other two groups during post-hoc pairwise comparisons (94.0 N weaker vs non-feedback and 89.3 N weaker vs feedback). There was no significant main effect of group on balance.
Conclusion
This thesis presents a compilation of studies focusing on neck and hamstring strength as modifiable risk factors for concussion, neck, and hamstring injuries in Rugby Union. This thesis provides data on isometric neck and Nordic hamstring eccentric strength values using two feasible and reliable test methods that use load cell devices. The data collected from semiprofessional male, professional male, and semi-professional female Rugby Union players can be used to inform practice and establish baseline values for practitioners interested in rehabilitation, return to play, and strengthening of neck and hamstring in Rugby Union. The six-week progressive Nordic eccentric and isometric hamstring strength training programme was not superior to usual training (control group) for improving eccentric bilateral strength or decreasing bilateral strength imbalances, warranting exploration of alternative strength training programmes and strategies
Biogeochemistry of denitrifying bioreactors to enhance phosphorus removal from agricultural subsurface drainage
No full textDegradation of water quality due to nutrient over-enrichment has become a global environmental concern. In Aotearoa, agricultural pollution of freshwaters by nutrients is increasing. Therefore, strategies need to be implemented to minimize nutrient pollution in surface waters. Denitrifying bioreactors (DBRs) are a prominent edge-of-field treatment technology to mitigate surface water nitrate loadings from agricultural subsurface drainage. Recent studies have identified that subsurface drainage can also contribute to the loss of phosphorus from agricultural soil. Therefore, this thesis investigates the potential of DBRs to incorporate iron-based materials to sequester phosphorus and reduce pollution of waterways.
There is some evidence suggesting low-level phosphorus removal by woodchip bioreactors alone. However, it is inevitable that woodchips alone do not abiotically remove phosphorus due to the incompatibility between the surface charge of wood at neutral-to-acidic pH values. In this study, raw pinus radiata, and, thermally modified pyrolyzed woodchips were employed for surface modification, with view to enhancing P binding in DBRs.
We were mindful in the design of material functionalization to avoid complicated preparation steps, exotic or harmful reagents, and impractical particle sizes to ensure compatibility for large-scale applications in the agricultural landscape. Results indicated that the functionalization of wood media successfully inversed the surface charge, leading to a net positive charge within the favorable range for phosphorus adsorption under reactor-specific conditions (pH 5.5 − 6). The maximum adsorption capacity of functionalized wood and functionalized biochar corresponded to 65.8 mg g-1 and 31.4 mg g-1, respectively, comparing well to values reported in the literature.
DBRs operate under varying hydraulic conditions, which results in variable flow rates, nutrient concentrations, redox status, pH, and many other variables that affect the operation of the bioreactor. The stability of iron hydr(oxide) composites is expected to be sensitive to some of these conditions, especially acidic and anaerobic conditions, which favor dissolution of iron hydr(oxide)s and therefore could adversely affect P removal. Furthermore, there are other likely products of reduced Fe2+ and orthophosphate (HPO42-) that could form under the conditions anticipated. Therefore, the biogeochemical environment in the DBR was characterized to understand the stability of iron hydr(oxide)s and their ability to subsequently remove of phosphorus.
To date, there have been only limited investigations into the stability of iron hydr(oxide)s under real-world bioreactor conditions, and functionalisation studies often neglect the impact of oscillating redox conditions on the stability of Fe-based adsorbents. In light of this, bench-scale woodchip bioreactors were established, both with and without MnO2, to evaluate the redox buffering capacity of MnO2 with view to mitigating the reductive dissolution of iron oxide. This approach aimed to improve the retention of dissolved reactive phosphorus (DRP) on the introduced iron oxide surfaces. It was concluded that iron oxides effectively remove DRP and MnO2 enhances nitrogen (N) removal, with slightly better performance observed in the treatment incorporating Fe oxides and MnO2. Hence, it can be inferred that the addition of manganese and iron oxides proves advantageous as an amendment to the conventional woodchip substrate in DBRs to enhance nutrient removal.
This thesis has demonstrated that Fe-functionalized media can effectively remove DRP in agricultural drainage water. In addition, by incorporating MnO2, Fe oxides can be stabilised under oscillating redox conditions, and therefore the combination of MnO2 and Fe oxides could serve as a practical solution for DBRs to mitigate diffuse pollution in New Zealand. These findings offer insights for redesigning DBRs, providing a clearer understanding of the dynamics of P removal in DBRs, and how functionalized media can be employed in the long term to remove phosphorus from agricultural drainage water, meeting water quality objectives while minimizing P releases
Ngā Akoranga pai o te Tuhinga Pūrākau. Lessons from the heart of learning stories
No full textThis study investigated how New Zealand teachers in Early Childhood Education (ECE) gathered, documented and utilised assessment information about children’s learning. It utilised phenomenological inquiry, with data being gathered through semi-structured interviews with five experienced ECE teachers. Thefindings highlight the complexity of the predominant narrative assessment format used by the teachers: Learning Stories. The strong reliance on teachers’ fundamental competencies and understanding of the writing process was central to narrative assessment. On the other hand, findings emphasised the benefitsof well-written Learning Stories and highlighted interesting ways they can be utilised. This article focuses on two important aspects of ECE assessment. Firstly, the teacher who is the heart of the Learning Story-writing process, and who possesses a complex skillset to connect with people, collect information and articulate an important message about the child as a learner. Secondly, on the Learning Story itself, its benefits and the ways that assessment information can be utilised from them
The influence of warming on phosphorus burial in continental margin sediments
No full textThe marine phosphorus cycle plays a critical role in regulating rates of primary productivity and thus the size of the marine biosphere. Yet, the cumulative effects of temperature change—and warming, in particular—on marine phosphorus burial remain poorly understood. Here, we explore a benthic biogeochemical model that accounts for the compounded effect of temperature on the kinetics of key diagenetic reaction pathways, diffusion coefficients, seawater pH, dissolved O2 concentration and bioturbation, in order to provide a new predictive framework for understanding the temperature response associated with P burial in continental margin settings. We find that temperature has a direct and positive impact on marine phosphorus burial, as it directly increases the formation rate of key mineral P-removal pathways—foremost carbonate fluorapatite (CFA). The increase in authigenic P burial during climate warming is likely to partially counter the effects of increased water-column P regeneration rate during climate warming events, and thus influence the extent of oceanic anoxia and organic matter burial, a factor that should be considered when assessing the response of the P cycle in the face of warming
Used product acquisition, sorting and disposition for circular supply chains: Literature review and research directions
No full textThe vision of a circular economy (CE) inspires firms, governments, and scholars alike. The transition is underway in both practice and the literature, but success depends on the effective implementation of circular supply chains (CSCs), which encompass acquiring used products, sorting them by type and quality, and deciding which to dispose to various processing options. We review 131 high-impact journal articles on returns acquisition, sorting, and disposition (ASD) over the decade 2012–2021 to assess the current status of ASD research for CSCs and to discuss important research directions for supporting the transition to a CE. Uniquely synthesising the state of the art on all these three overarching decision areas, we find aspects of CSCs prominent in the decade's research agenda, such as closed loop supply chain coordination and ASD for remanufacturing, and highlight growing coverage of behavioural considerations. Research applicability has been constrained by a lack of empirical studies, limited practical validation of mathematical models, a focus on economic objectives, and restrictive modelling assumptions about behaviour and uncertainty in returns. We recommend further research in each part of ASD to facilitate a CSC, and as a whole, for transitioning to a CE. CE concepts such as joint decision-making between product design and returns management, cross-sector collaboration, and product-service systems should inform the agenda for CSC research
Changing ourselves: How does personality change relate to well-being and authenticity?
Get PDFChange in personality is viewed in two contrasting ways. Sometimes it is seen as an indicator of psychopathology or inauthenticity, associated with reduced well-being. Yet the ability to change oneself is also viewed as a sign of positive self-development, a process of becoming more authentic, and associated with increased well-being. This meta-analysis sought to compare these two perspectives and determine whether personality change can contribute to a good life. Sixteen independent samples (24,000 participants) were analysed to test the relationships between traits change and authenticity, traits change and well-being, and values change and well-being. Trait change was positively related to authenticity, while values change was associated with increased well-being. Moderator analysis indicated that type of change (over role or time) did not influence the relationship between trait change and authenticity, nor did length of time over which change took place influence the personality change and well-being relationship. Including traits and values allows a more holistic understanding of personality change and demonstrates that personality change is not damaging to living well, having instead a minimally positive association with well-being and authenticity