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Diversity of mammalian species in the Kangchenjunga Landscape of eastern Nepal
Get PDFThe Himalayas, including Nepal, are a biodiversity hotspot. However, records on mammalian richness remain incomplete due to resource limitations, inadequate training, and the remote location of study areas. The unprotected forest area of the Panchthar-Ilam-Taplejung region in eastern Nepal is a vital corridor connecting India and Nepal. Using a structured methodology we aimed to increase our knowledge of mammalian diversity in this area. Camera traps were deployed throughout the Panchthar-Ilam-Taplejung area in 53 locations in winter and 54 in spring, accumulating 3014 camera trap days and generating 93,336 images, with a positive trigger rate of 29.8%. The survey revealed 17 species of medium to large-sized mammals and an additional six species of smaller unidentified mammals, including two melanic variations and two previously undocumented species. Activity patterns were calculated for species with more than five image records in both seasons. The findings contribute essential information about the Kangchenjunga Landscape, which can be used to further conservation efforts in this critical ecosystem corridor
The lived experience of adults with Dyspraxia/DCD : A thesis submitted in partial fulfilment of Doctor of Philosophy at Lincoln University
Get PDFDyspraxia is an emergent social phenomenon that has generally been associated with childhood and motor coordination difficulties. The experience of Dyspraxia in adulthood is, conversely, not well understood with only a small number of studies examining Dyspraxia across the life course. Dyspraxia is predominantly conceptualised in both the research literature and practice using the biomedical model. Dyspraxia is one of several neurodivergent experiences and possibly the least well known, having only been recognised in the past two decades, in comparison to a longer social awareness of experiences such as Dyslexia and Autism. Known as Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD) in the medical literature, the phenomenon has been etiologically defined as a physical functional deficit. By contrast, Dyspraxia can also be understood as having cognitive functional aspects, such as in the Aotearoa New Zealand context. The objectives of this research were firstly to examine the lived experiences of participants with Dyspraxia/ DCD in relation to predominant social biomedical conceptualisations. A second objective was to identify the repercussions of contemporary social framings of Dyspraxia/ DCD in Aotearoa New Zealand and how Dyspraxia is understood and addressed, particularly in adulthood. The approach taken to answer the research objectives was that of the thematic analysis of semi-structured interviews undertaken with both people with Dyspraxia and professional participants. In this work, a qualitative approach was employed in the form of semi-structured interviews with twenty-three people with Dyspraxia to better understand the lived experience. Further, twenty-six professionals in medical and education fields were also interviewed to investigate the role of institutions on the Dyspraxia lived experience. Participants were located through two gatekeeper organisations, cold-calling and snowball sampling techniques. This research, undertaken by an insider researcher with Dyspraxia, highlighted that an examination of Dyspraxia is unable to be considered independently of social contexts. Further, it was found that biomedical framings affected the lived experience of participants with Dyspraxia/DCD in Aotearoa New Zealand and the subsequent social response to the phenomenon. The lived experience of Dyspraxia in adulthood was found to have implications for how people with Dyspraxia construct their identity with Dyspraxic participants describing the need to adapt in normative social settings to achieve inclusion. This thesis adds to current conceptualisations by utilising the capabilities approach (CA) to examine the lived experience of Dyspraxia in relation to the medical and social models. Throughout are a range of accounts from Dyspraxic participants, describing their attempts to access the capabilities necessary to ensure the life outcomes they value. The CA can account for the significant changes between childhood and adulthood described by study participants within their social worlds. In contrast to the biomedical perception that DCD is a physical deficit, this thesis shows that the attainment of capabilities is complex and evolves across the lifespan in response to personal heterogeneities but also the social environments that Dyspraxic participants inhabit. The CA was found in the discussion to improve upon, and complement, current conceptualisations of Dyspraxia. Conceptualising Dyspraxia in alternate ways to better explain study findings, such as using the CA, suggests a range of areas for future research and practice
Indigenous culture and marketing: An Aotearoa perspective
No full textThis study focuses on the gap of an Indigenous perspective in the marketing academy. Specifically, it explores New Zealand commercial marketing practitioners’ perspectives and the integration of Māori cultural elements (Tohu Māori) in the Aotearoa New Zealand context through in-depth interviews of both Māori and non-Māori commercial marketing practitioners. Results indicate the importance of intent, the application of Te Ao Māori, and tikanga (Māori protocol) to convey meaning to prevent tokenism, exploitation, or unauthenticity. Relationships and consultation are critical for using Tohu Māori in marketing for both Māori and non-Māori. Our findings contribute to the marketing academy by incorporating Indigenous culture and perspectives in academic marketing research
Comparison of suckling and artificial rearing on calf growth and milk requirements in pastoral dairy systems
No full textContext. Dairy calf-rearing practises have the potential to influence profitability through milk requirements at rearing, and affect lifetime productivity and market access from an animal-welfare perspective. Aims. The aim of this research was to compare calf growth and milk requirements by using conventional artificial rearing (AR) and restricted milk allocation with AR and high milk allocation or suckled calves. Methods. Forty-five Friesian × Jersey calves were allocated to be either AR on 6 L/calf.day, (ARC) or 12 L/calf.day, (ARH), or suckled with dams in a cow–calf contact system using partial contact (15 h/day, CCC). AR calves were fed, and intake measured, using an automatic feeder, whereas CCC calves had access to their dams between 1500 hours and 0600 hours. Calves were transitioned off milk, once they reached at least 75 kg liveweight (LW), by gradually reducing their milk allocation (AR) or reducing access to their dam (CCC). Key results. Milk consumption for ARH was greater than for ARC calves (382 vs 450 L/calf, P < 0.05), whereas for CCC calves milk-yield difference between dams for the control and suckling groups during the suckling period and over the full season was 706 and 1048 L/cow respectively. There was no difference in weaning weight of calves (87 ± 1.7 kg LW), but, owing to differences in pre-weaning growth rate, age to weaning was youngest (P < 0.05) for CCC (55 days), followed by ARH (62 days) and ARC (73 days). Respective growth rates between birth and weaning (P < 0.001) for CCC, ARH and ARC calves were 0.955, 0.873 and 0.755 ± 0.028 kg/day. Although there was a growth check among CCC calves during the weaning period, there were no post-weaning differences in growth rate among the groups. Conclusions. Increasing milk allowance had the benefit of improving calf pre-weaning growth rate, giving the option of weaning calves either earlier or when heavier. However, milk yield losses under suckling systems may be too high to warrant the elevated pre-weaning growth of calves. Implications. The costs–benefits of high milk allocation or suckling systems need to be ascertained over the lifetime of the animals to assess long-term survival and productivity outcomes
Price, quality, and availability of gluten-free products in Australia and New Zealand–a cross-sectional study
No full textAdhering to a gluten-free diet (GFD) is essential for individuals with gluten-related disorders such as coeliac disease, dermatitis herpetiformis, gluten ataxia, and wheat allergy. Approximately 1%-2% of the population is affected by these conditions. Access to affordable, high-quality gluten-free products (GFPs) is crucial for maintaining dietary compliance and well-being. This study explores the experiences of those on a GFD, focusing on the availability, quality, and cost of GFPs compared to non-GFPs. The study was conducted in two stages: (1) An online survey was distributed to Australian Coeliac Association and Coeliac New Zealand members to gather data on shopping habits, preferred GFPs, and opinions on product availability, value, and quality. (2) Retail observations involved creating a `shopping basket/list' based on survey results to compare the availability and price of GFPs versus non-GFPs in major supermarkets across urban and rural areas. Results from 1501 Australian and 700 New Zealand respondents and retail observations revealed that GFPs are significantly more expensive and of lower quality than non-GFPs. Commonly purchased items include bread, pasta, crackers, flour, and breakfast cereals. The study highlights the need for improved availability, affordability, and quality of GFPs, especially in bridging the cost disparity between urban and rural areas
The ROI of hotel human capital investment: What's that about... never heard of it!
No full textThis study investigated the relationship between hotel Human Capital Investment (HCI), employee productivity (EP) and the Return on Investment (ROI) of Human Capital (HC). When hotels invest in their HC, they should expect a return on that investment, a concept known as Return on Human Capital Investment – ROHCI.
Semi-structured interviews with general and operational hotel managers and a survey of employees sought to understand HCI, EP, and ROHCI and how these were measured and tracked. Participants were from international and domestic hotel brands in New Zealand.
This research reports hotel managers and senior hotel head office human resource directors do not understand or measure ROHCI at operational or tactical levels. These findings have not previously been considered or reported in the literature. The key message for industry practitioners and hospitality researchers is that they should work together to co-produce research that will help managers better understand ROHCI and its calculation
Endophyte mixture effects on ryegrass staggers in sheep
No full textEpichloë endophytes protect ryegrass from insect pests, but no strain provides both the highest level of insect protection and lowest risk to livestock health. This study examined mixtures of endophytes to find combinations that could mitigate ryegrass staggers in sheep. At Barenbrug NZ, Courtenay, pastures varying widely in sown proportions of perennial ryegrass infected with nea3, nea12 and standard endophyte (SE) were sown in May 2019 and tested with lambs in summer and hoggets in spring 2020. In summer, sown proportions of >65% nea3, 65% nea3 and 65% nea3, <35% nea12 and no SE
Development of functional food with pea cooking water and the effect on human postprandial glycaemic response : A thesis submitted in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the Degree of Doctor of Philosophy at Lincoln University
No full textHigh GI carbohydrates are associated with several diseases, including diabetes, obesity, and cardiovascular disease (CVD). The rate of starch digestion and absorption significantly impacts metabolic responses. Slowly digestible carbohydrates are advantageous for managing metabolic disorders such as diabetes and hyperlipidaemia and are found in legumes, pasta, and whole-grain cereals. Peas, a high-quality protein source, are typically consumed after soaking and cooking. Pea cooking water is the by-product of split yellow peas, often regarded as an ideal egg white substitute in bakery products due to its emulsifying properties. Pea cooking water (PCW) was recently reported to be rich in proteins, fibres and micronutrients. However, current research has not specifically investigated the nutritional aspects of pea cooking water, although significant nutrient loss is known to occur during cooking.
This study investigated the potential of pea cooking water to manage glycaemic responses in carbohydrate-rich foods by examining its effects on human glycaemic levels as well as the structural and textural properties of these foods. This study examines the structural and nutritional modifications that occour to pasta when PCW or pea flour (PF) are incorporated into the formulation. The inclusion of freeze-dried PCW (PCWFD) in pasta significantly (P<0.05) reduced the optimal cooking time (OCT) and altered water absorption capacity due to its unique structural attributes. Compared to traditional wheat pasta, PCWP exhibited a lower OCT (P<0.05), reduced swelling index (P<0.05), and higher cooking loss when substituting 20% of semolina with PCWFD (P<0.05). Additionally, pasta substituted semlina with 10% and 20% PCWFD showed increased tensile strength and decreased cutting force (P<0.05), maintaining an intact microstructure and consistent particle size distribution.
The incorporation of PCWFD modified protein-starch network of the pasta. The modified protein-starch networks in PCWP and PFP resulted in slower glucose release and a lower glycaemic response (P<0.05). The study explored the impact of varying cooking times and PCWFD levels, finding that longer cooking times and higher PCWFD concentrations affect cooking loss and water absorption, influencing glycaemic response. PCWP performs comparably or better than traditional pea flour pasta in in vitro glucose digestion tests. The food matrix does not disrupt the effect of PCW in reducing and slowing glucose release, as demonstrated by comparisons with rice boiled in PCW versus normal water.
PCW incorporation significantly reduced postprandial glycaemic responses in human subjects (P<0.05), attributed to the high protein content and fibre effects on gastric emptying. The lower glycaemic index (GI) effect is also due to the higher protein content, lower starch content, and protein-starch interactions. Despite a fully gelatinized structure, PCWP maintain a reduced glycaemic response. These findings highlight the potential of PCW as a functional ingredient to enhance the nutritional profile of pasta, reduce glycaemic responses, and promote sustainable food processing practices.
The present work addressed the potential health benefits of PCW to develop of functional food by investigating the effect on human postprandial glycaemic response. It represented a functional and innovative approach to food development while promoting environmentally sustainable practices
The effect of hypoxia (10% FiO2) on neuromuscular activity during repeated cycle-sprints in young athletes
No full textIntroduction: A decrease in oxygen concentration produced by hypoxia training in exercising muscles, or metabolic stress, is proposed to stimulate various physiological processes associated with muscle hypertrophy. One possible mechanism is an increase in motor unit recruitment (volume). Another is a change in the muscle fibre type recruitment ratio, away from type-l motor units (oxidative) contribution to force production toward type-2 motor units (glycolytic) to complete an exercise task. However there is conflicting evidence regarding whether such training produces similar hypertrophic and or strength/force production increases as traditional resistance training. but with lower injury risk. Aim: This study investigated neuromuscular recruitment patterns using electromyography (EMG), of the vastus lateralis (VL) during rest and after fatiguing exercise during either continuous normoxia or hypoxia (Fraction inspired oxygen = 10% - hypoxicator, G02Altitude).
Methods: The effects on VL muscle strength (leg extensions) in a cross-over study were examined in eighteen athletes (13 males, 5 females) before and after completing 10 x of 6-second cycle-sprints. At 2 timepoints post-exercise, immediately after, and again 5 minutes later, EMG, heart rate variability, maximal voluntary contraction (MVC), near-infrared-spectroscopy, peak. power output and arterial oxygen saturation were compared to 2 pre-exercise sets ("Baseline."' and "Pre").
Results: Final post-exercise MVC was significantly lower (7.5%) than baseline across time but not by condition. Comparative frequency analysis of the percentage change from pre to post-exercise in EMG area, at low 1-29 Hz (type-1 fibre activity) and high 75-100 Hz (type-2 fibre activity), revealed a significant reduction in type-1 fibre area/activity relative to type-2, by between 20-30% during hypoxia with a 10% difference in type-1 fibre activity between conditions. Significantly higher non-linear analysed sympathetic nervous system (SNS) tone "Immediate" post-exercise occurred in hypoxia, with positive correlations between SNS index at low (1-29 Hz) and high band (75-100 Hz) EMG areas (R2 = 0.47, P< 0.002 and R2 0.56, P< 0.0003).
Conclusion: Exercise in hypoxia appeared to cause a temporary increase in central command mediated SNS tone and greater recruitment of type-2 muscle fibers with an accompanying reduction in type-1. Acute hypoxia training may benefit type-2, fast twitch muscle fiber conditioning
