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The effect of technology upskilling on the quality of life of elderly people in Iran : A thesis submitted in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the Degree of Doctor of Philosophy at Lincoln University
Get PDFThe impact of smartphones and social media apps on lifestyle, Quality of Life, and well-being among elderly people is an important issue with digital communication becoming the predominant communication mode. The effect of using social media apps on the elderly people’s Quality of Life in developing countries including Iran is an important area to address, to understand what future interventions should be recommended to policy makers. A mixed-methods study was designed to determine the impact of training in using smartphone social media apps (including Telegram, WhatsApp, and Instagram) on the Quality of Life of the elderly citizens in Shiraz-Iran. The population of the study was all the senior residents registered in local public health centres located in Shiraz, Fars, Iran in 2018-2019. The qualitative results were based on the analysis of semi-structured interviews, while the quantitative results were based on the changes in the mean scores of the CASP-19 scale and subscales (p-value) in the intervention population measured before the study, after the intervention and again one month later. In the quasi-experimental quantitative study, the intervention group in the CASP-19 questionnaire sub-scales (control, autonomy, pleasure, self-realization) mean values increased and the overall mean score of Quality of Life increased between the pre-test and the post-test and between the pre-test and the follow-up test. The control sub-scale had the lowest effect size (η2 =0.11), followed by autonomy (η2=0.13) and self-realization (η2=0.14). The highest size of the effect was for pleasure (η2 =0.42) and Quality of Life (η2=0.46) variables. The control group showed no significant changes in the control, autonomy, pleasure, self-realization, and the level of the Quality of Life variables for the duration of the study. It can be concluded that the significant changes in the level of the Quality of Life in the intervention group was due to the educational program. The result of the qualitative study reinforces this conclusion
Cause for concern: Evaluating shade for UVR protection in Christchurch playgrounds : A thesis submitted in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the Degree of Master of Landscape Architecture at Lincoln University
Get PDFObjectives: Shade cover in parks, particularly park playgrounds, are valuable landscape settings for reducing over-exposure to ultraviolet radiation (UVR). UVR is emitted from the sun, with over-exposure linked long-term to skin cancer among other health issues. With the highest exposure time in early life stages, children and young adults are among some more at-risk populations. Parks must protect from direct UVR. Furthermore, the distribution and quality of parks tend to be distributed in favour of wealthier neighbourhoods across a parks network. This study aimed to determine whether shade was adequately and equitably provided in parks located within the highest and lowest socioeconomic (SES) neighbourhoods of Christchurch, New Zealand using accessibility as a factor informing park selection.
Methods: Between April and December 2022, 63 Parks in Christchurch were audited using a mixed method of desktop modelling and site visits to establish the percentage of shade cover and the amount of direct UVR blocked in shaded areas. ArcGIS Pro was used to conduct spatial analysis informing park selection regarding park location, accessibility, and the presence of play equipment to refine the sample size. Desktop analysis using Vectorworks was undertaken to establish the quantity of shade cover in park activity zones, with site visits also conducted for each park to determine the quality of shade cover in park activity zones.
Results: Many parks audited had inadequate shade cover to reduce UVR over-exposure risk. Only one park audited had built shade present and there was limited succession planting for shade noted during site visits. There were correlations noted between park size and shade cover, with smaller parks typically having more shade cover in playground areas. Furthermore, there were some significances observed between SES parks, and by park category. Shade quality was found to be related to the size of canopy cover. However, the quality of shade did not vary significantly between parks, or between SES areas.
Conclusions: There is limited shade provision in Christchurch parks, that is, primarily, irrespective of SES status. This is cause for concern in relation to skin cancer prevention and ensuring healthy park environments for the public. The provision of shade in park settings should be prioritised and focus on areas within a park that attract the most use, such as playgrounds.
Implications: Shade provision needs to be a primary objective for the future design and upgrade of parks and playgrounds in Christchurch. The issue of shade provision also needs to be considered at the planning and policy levels to help implement these improvements
Nitrate isotopes (δ¹⁵N, δ⁸O) in precipitation: Best practices from an international coordinated research project
No full textStable isotope ratios of nitrogen and oxygen (¹⁵N/¹⁴N and ¹⁸O/¹⁶O) of nitrate (NO₃‾) are excellent tracers for developing systematic understanding of sources, conversions, and deposition of reactive atmospheric nitrogen (Nr) in the environment. Despite recent analytical advances, standardized sampling of NO₃‾) isotopes in precipitation is still lacking. To advance atmospheric studies on Nr species, we propose best-practice guidelines for accurate and precise sampling and analysis of NO₃‾ isotopes in precipitation based on the experience obtained from an international research project coordinated by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). The precipitation sampling and preservation strategies yielded a good agreement between the NO₃‾ concentrations measured at the laboratories of 16 countries and at the IAEA. Compared to conventional methods (e.g., bacterial denitrification), we confirmed the accurate performance of the lower cost Ti(III) reduction method for isotope analyses (¹⁵N and ¹⁸O) of NO₃‾ in precipitation samples. These isotopic data depict different origins and oxidation pathways of inorganic nitrogen. This work emphasized the capability of NO₃‾ isotopes to assess the origin and atmospheric oxidation of Nr and outlined a pathway to improve laboratory capability and expertise at a global scale. The incorporation of other isotopes like ¹⁷O in Nr is recommended in future studies
Investigating the effects of source-sink relationships on yield components, fruit development and composition of grapevines : A thesis submitted in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the Degree of Doctor of Philosophy at Lincoln University
No full textViticulture practices (e.g., pruning, leaf removal, cluster thinning etc.), temperature and other climate conditions all have an influence on grapevine (Vitis vinifera L.) phenology, berry maturation and composition. Leaf removal as a common management practice alters the Leaf Area to Fruit Weight (LA: FW) ratio and may influence the timing of key phenological stages, berry maturation, photosynthesis activity, carbohydrate allocation and yield components. The outcome of this practice depends on the time and degree of leaf removal, the position and area of the removed leaves, the cultivar, and the climate. Winegrape growers need to decide where and when canopy management strategies are required. Therefore, understanding the relationship between different times and positions of leaf removal and yield components, carbohydrate allocation and berry composition could be beneficial for grape growers, particularly commercial vineyards and wineries. The outcomes of these practices on final yield, berry and wine composition are also important. Furthermore, research in two different environments, a vineyard and a glasshouse, could help to a better understand the interaction between source restriction and temperature.
This study involved Pinot noir vines, both in outdoor vineyard conditions and within a moderated glasshouse environment. During various stages of the growing season, out of a total of twelve leaves on each shoot, six leaves were systematically removed, while the remaining six were retained at different positions along the shoot. The primary goals of this research were 1) to characterise the influence of apical versus basal leaf removal at three key phases of vine development: flowering, fruit set and bunch closure on the time of veraison, berry maturation parameters (total soluble solids, acidity and berry weight), berry components (seed, skin and pulp), berry composition (phenols, tannin and anthocyanins), vegetative growth (leaf, shoot and root), carbohydrate reserves and yield components; 2) to evaluate the real effect of source limitation achieved by apical and basal leaf removal at flowering and bunch closure on vegetative and reproductive parameters (as stated in aim 1), when the effects of environmental factors, especially temperature, are minimised under a controlled and moderated glasshouse environment; and 3) to investigate the effect of apical and basal leaf removal at flowering and bunch closure on leaf area, net photosynthesis, transpiration, stomatal conductance, and chlorophyll content over a period of time (from flowering to harvest).
For the first and second aims, two similar experiments were conducted in a vineyard and a glasshouse. The experiment in the vineyard included two leaf removal positions (apical and basal) and three times (flowering, fruit set and bunch closure). A potted vine experiment with two positions of leaf removal (apical versus basal) at flowering and bunch closure was conducted in the glasshouse. The timing of veraison was determined in both experiments, and key components of berry composition including total soluble solids, pH, titratable acidity, malic acid, phenols, tannin, and anthocyanins were assessed from veraison to harvest. The seeds and skins of the berries were separated, and their fresh and dry weights were measured from veraison to harvest. Seed variability was also assessed by weighing each seed. At harvest(s), fruit set percentage, berry weight, bunch weight, yield, and vegetative growth (leaf, shoot, root) were evaluated.
To achieve the third aim, a potted vine experiment was carried out in a glasshouse. Leaf removal treatments were applied at flowering and bunch closure as follows: twelve main leaves retained, six basal leaves retained, six apical leaves retained, leaves 2-7 (counting up the shoot) retained. Before treatments, the leaf area removed and retained were measured, and at harvest, the leaf area of all vines was evaluated. Vine net CO2 gas exchange was monitored from treatment to harvest on selected leaves from the top, middle, and bottom positions, depending on the treatment. Concurrently, leaf chlorophyll content and soil moisture were determined. Fruit set% and harvest bunch weight, vegetative growth and berry maturation were evaluated.
Fruit set percentages ranged from 45 to 75% in the vineyard experiment and from 80 to 100% in the moderated glasshouse conditions. The observed result may be attributed to stable environmental conditions that can impact the success of fruit set. Another possibility is that potted (young) vines having only one inflorescence each, thus allowing for a more focused distribution of nutrients and carbohydrates to the flower cluster. In all three experiments, basal leaves retained vines delayed 50% veraison, however, the glasshouse experiments contributed to a greater delay than the vineyard trial. Keeping six apical leaves resulted in a shorter delay than keeping basal leaves.. Source limitation slowed the rate of total soluble solids accumulation in all experiments. Following the delay in veraison, keeping six basal leaves at flowering, fruit set and bunch closure resulted in a reduction in total soluble solids concentrations in the vineyard and potted vine trials. Apical leaves retained vines had lower total soluble solids than non-defoliated vines at the start of veraison due to a few days delay in reaching veraison; however, this delay was compensated during ripening, and there was no difference in total soluble solids between apical leaves retained vines and control at harvest in all three experiments. The hypothesised compensatory mechanisms identified for defoliation stress in basal leaves retained vines were increased chlorophyll content, stomatal conductance, transpiration, and maintenance of soil moisture, all of which enabled an increase in net photosynthesis over a period of time. These treatments, however, were unable to increase leaf area since they were the oldest leaves on the plant and had probably reached their maximum size. On the other hand, the compensatory mechanisms observed for the vines that retained apical leaves involved keeping a high rate of photosynthesis, transpiration and stomatal conductance as high as non-defoliated vine, while also increasing leaf size from the time of treatment application until harvest. As these leaves were young and immature they were still able to increase leaf size from the time of treatment application until harvest.
In the vineyard trial, the compensatory strategy of basal leaves retained vines was insufficient, resulting in reduced yield components. Although basal leaves retained vines had no detrimental effect on yield components in the glasshouse experiments, the analysis of vegetative growth and carbohydrate reveals that all basal leaves retained treatments had reduced shoot diameter, shoot weight, and root weight/carbohydrate in all three experiments. This means that in basal leaves, transferring energy to sink organs by increasing photosynthesis (resulting in a delay in veraison) was possibly inadequate and came at the expense of perennial organs. In the vineyard experiment, keeping apical leaves at flowering reduced fruit set percentage and vine capacity (an estimate of the above ground dry weight of the vine), while the other times (fruit set and bunch closure) in all three experiments had no effect on yield components, carbohydrate reserves and vegetative growth when compared to control vines.
Skin total phenols and tannin increased when six apical leaves were retained at flowering in the vineyard experiment, whereas the same treatment in the glasshouse had no effect on phenols or tannin, suggesting that the increase in phenols and tannin in the vineyard is most likely due to changes in the microclimate after removing the basal leaves, and defoliation has no significant effect on tannin and phenols in a control environment. Basal leaves retained treatments had reduced skin anthocyanins in both vineyard and glasshouse studies, which was not only because of the delay in veraison since basal leaves retained vines had lower anthocyanins concentration than non-defoliated vines at the same total soluble solids. While reduced carbohydrate availability is a primary factor affecting anthocyanin production in defoliated grapevines, there are other factors such as hormonal balance and light environment, and environmental factors that can also play a role in determining the final anthocyanin concentration in grape skins
It's all in the mud - The use of sediment geochemistry to estimate contemporary water quality in lakes
No full textLake ecosystems around the world are subject to multiple anthropogenic pressures leading to increased eutrophication and degraded ecosystems. The understanding of lake health at national scales is constrained by limited data, however, the increased long-term monitoring required to address such data deficiencies would be impractical, expensive and subject to significant time lags. More efficient methods of assessing contemporary water quality are needed. Lake sediments and the flux of constituents across the sediment-water interface in response to various biogeochemical cycles can result in the surficial sediments providing a time-integrated record of environmental conditions in the lake. As such, sediment geochemistry may offer a valuable and efficient indicator of contemporary lake water quality. To assess the potential of sediment indicators of water quality, geochemistry was analysed in surficial sediment samples (0–2 cm) collected from 101 lakes across New Zealand for which long-term water quality monitoring data was available. The selected lakes spanned various gradients, including lake type, trophic state, depth, latitude, altitude, catchment land use and sediment geochemistry. Linear modelling was undertaken to predict trophic state from sediment geochemistry and lake physiographic data separately and then from the two datasets combined. The combined model proved to be the strongest predictor of contemporary water quality (R² = 0.80) and is referred to here as the Sediment Geochemistry Trophic Model (SGTM). This model was then used to predict the trophic level in 76 unmonitored lakes. The sediment geochemistry analyses conducted for the development of the SGTM are routinely conducted for lake management projects and, aside from their predictive power for trophic levels, provide useful insights into nutrient cycling and lake restoration planning. The relationship between lake water quality and sediment geochemistry is complex, however, the SGTM offers a highly efficient method for assessing the state and drivers of contemporary water quality in unmonitored lakes
Bioactive compounds from food and their applications in the treatment of Type 2 diabetes
No full textThe occurrence of insulin and glucose metabolism disorders (collectively referred to as Diabetes), are increasing globally with expectations that over 700 million individuals will be diagnosed with Type 2 Diabetes by 2025. Current treatments for Type 2 Diabetes are limited by the side effects they impose on patients as well as the practical ability to resolve all aspects of the illness. Therefore, there is a need to develop new treatment approaches. Bioactive compounds derived from foods including, phenolic compounds, alkaloids, and bioactive peptides, have been shown to have potential as treatments for Type 2 Diabetes. Mechanisms of action for bioactive compounds derived from foods against Type 2 Diabetes include α-amylase and α-glucosidase inhibition, incretin hormone modulation, and modulation of insulin receptors (both expression and sensitivity). Before there use, bioactive compounds require concentration, extraction, and (or) purification from the original source. The protein fraction of food waste, especially animal-based foods, can also be used as a substrate for the generation of bioactive peptides or as a source of enzymes that can be subsequently used for the generation of bioactive peptides. Waste derived from plant based food systems, is known to be especially rich in phenolic compounds and alkaloids. When extracted using modern processing methods such as microwave assisted extraction or Pulsed electric field, plant based food waste can be seen as a sustainable source of these compounds. This chapter explores selected bioactive compounds found in food and evaluates them in the context of the treatment of Type 2 Diabetes
Efficacy of dual intracerebroventricular and intravitreal CLN5 gene therapy in sheep prompts the first clinical trial to treat CLN5 Batten disease
Get PDFMutations in the CLN5 gene cause the fatal, pediatric, neurodegenerative disease CLN5 neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis. Affected children suffer progressive neuronal loss, visual failure and premature death. Presently there is no treatment. This study evaluated dual intracerebroventricular (ICV) and intravitreal (IVT) administration of a self-complementary adeno-associated viral vector encoding ovine CLN5 (scAAV9/oCLN5) into CLN5 affected sheep (CLN5−/−) at various disease stages. CLN5 disease progression was slowed in pre-symptomatic sheep who received a moderate dose of scAAV9/oCLN5, whilst a higher ICV dose treatment in early and advanced symptomatic animals delayed or halted disease progression. Intracranial (brain) volume loss was attenuated in all treatment cohorts, and visual function was also sustained in both the early and advanced symptomatic treated sheep over the 24-month duration of the study. Robust CLN5 protein expression was detected throughout the brain and spinal cord, and improvements in central nervous system and retinal disease correlates were observed. These findings hold translational promise for extending and improving the quality of life in both pre-symptomatic and symptomatic CLN5 patients, and prompted the initiation of the first in-human Phase I/II clinical trial testing ICV/IVT administration of scAAV9 encoding human CLN5 (https://clinicaltrials.gov/; NCT05228145)
Towards forest supply chain risks
Get PDFForest supply chain has drawn increasing attention worldwide. This paper develops a supply chain risk (SCR) framework in the forest industry. Forest supply chain risk has become an obstacle to gaining competitive advantages and developing sustainable forestry. However, very few studies attempt to investigate SCR in an integrated forest supply chain. It is essential to understand and manage these risks, which may impede the industry’s performance improvement. An extensive literature review, and Delphi study are performed to develop and identify the major forest SCRs. The result has shown that the five types of forest SCRs are recognized. In this study, we extend SCR into the forest sector and contribute to the forest supply chain management literature. Further research is needed to address specific problems associated with types of SCRs and develop appropriate forest SCR mitigation strategies in contexts
Design and analysis of novel 3D printed foods with re-purposed animal and plant proteins
No full textFood Transition 2050 describes the need for New Zealand to diversify its food products. This has led to an increased interest in evaluating new food applications for animal, plant, fungal and microbial proteins. One of the approaches to increase available protein is to reduce food wastage and fully utilize existing animal and plant-based proteins by improving the functional and nutritional value of side streams from the food industry. Often these have either poor texture or visual appeal. 3D food printing technology offers the opportunity to turn these side streams into complex shaped foods with increased functional and nutraceutical value.
With the insights on 3D food printing technology and the newly installed in Lincoln University, The current project uses 3D Foodini food printers (manufactured by Natural Machines) to develop the tools and prototype processes that will allow the industry to gain greater value from the NZ resource base by producing new-to-NZ protein ingredients and foods. Our team has successfully established animal protein based (meat or dairy), pea protein based and hybrid (peameat; pea-dairy; pea-dairy-meat) 3D printed foods, and then determined their textural and rheological properties of these 3D printed protein constructs. These attractive 3D printed soft-textured protein-rich products will be particularly useful to people with special dietary requirements like dysphagia and geriatrics
Peptidomic analysis of anionic oat intestinal peptides
No full textMany studies have focused in recent years on the functional and nutritional properties of proteins in cereal and the bran and the bioactive attributes of peptides derived from these proteins. In vitro digestion model in combination with anion exchange chromatography isolates the cereal anionic intestinal peptides which, unlike cereal hydrophobic peptides, has not been proven to strongly relate to the bioactivity of peptides. The aim of my PhD project is to identify the bioactive anionic peptides derived from the storage protein of cereal bran and to assess their bioactivity. The protein was extracted from oat bran, wheat bran and barley and was then subjected to in vitro digestion model. The intestinal digesta of oat bran protein showed highest overall antioxidant and ACE inhibitory activity and was fractionated by anion exchange chromatography, and the fractions of which with highest antioxidant and ACE inhibitory activity were selected for sequencing by R-HPLC-MS/MS. The peptides in the fraction candidates were identified. In addition, the most abundant peptides in the fraction candidates were identified and the relation of those abundant peptides to bioactivity was evaluated.
For future perspective, the ACE inhibitory peptide candidates will be analysed by molecular docking. The peptide will be selected for synthesis and assayed to confirm the discovery of the novel peptides. Meanwhile, it is interesting to bring the novel peptides to cell-line works and in vivo