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Reconnecting to the social: Ontological foundations for a repurposed and rescaled SIA
Get PDFPublished versionSocial Impact Assessment’s incorporation into neoliberal management systems did not enhance their capacity to actually respond to social impacts. Efforts to integrate ‘social’ and ‘environmental’ assessments largely assumed that Social Impact Assessment rightfully belonged to key practitioners (professionals, academics, and corporate and government decision-makers). This article advocates rethinking ontological foundations for a different sort of Social Impact Assessment. It starts from an understanding that the social domain is always and inescapably connected across scales from the microbial, through the global to the cosmological. Building from experience working with Indigenous peoples, it recognizes that although ontological separation of social, environmental and other categories of impact assessment may well facilitate project approval, it also renders industrial systems deaf and blind to many of the most pressing risks facing coupled human and natural systems at multiple scales
Evolving digital technologies and their impact on hand drawing and the use of indigenous plants in landscape architecture design projects : A dissertation submitted in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the Degree of Master of Landscape Architecture at Lincoln University
No full textThis research explores the relationship between evolving digital tools and the use of Indigenous plants in landscape architecture design projects in New Zealand. Rapid advancements in digital imaging technologies over the past two decades have changed the ways that we see and experience the world. For landscape architects, technological advancements have shifted design processes. There is concern that through this shift a decline in hand-drawing has impacted the connections made between designer, place and materials.
This study investigates how image-creation tools in undergraduate design projects relate to the variety and use of plants in the same projects with a focus on the use of Indigenous plants. Projects spanning 20 years of student work from the Lincoln University Living Heritage archive were analysed. The recorded data highlights trends of increased image and Indigenous plant use as digital technologies have evolved. Digitally produced images were the largest contributor to the overall rise in image use. The findings suggest that while digital tools offer efficiency and expanded possibilities for designers, if used in isolation they could contribute to a disconnection between designers and their physical connection with sites, sense of place and unique environments that support local biodiversity. For landscape architecture education and professional practice, these insights emphasise the need to maintain a balance between; the efficiencies offered through advancing digital technologies, and the sensitivities developed through hands-on design skills like drawing to support cultural and ecological sustainability in landscape architecture
Investigating the preparation of hemp-protein isolate (HPI)
No full textThe aim of this research is to investigate the preparation of hempprotein isolate (HPI) and its subsequent hydrolysis using 0.5%bacterial protease and 2% pepsin protease in order to address HPI's low solubility, resulting in the production of hemp proteinhydrolysates (HPH). Samples were extracted minutes,showing identical degrees of hydrolysis. Hemp protein hydrolyzed with bacterial protease (HPHB) enhanced oil absorption capacity andemulsifying capacity, while hemp protein hydrolyzed with pepsin (HPHP)demonstrated an increase in water absorption capacity. In addition,the effects of varying HPH concentrations on the functional and nutritional properties of corn starches were explored. The study involved mixing two types of HPH, with concentrations of 10% and 20%,respectively, with normal corn starch (NCS), waxy corn starch (WCS),and high amylose corn starch (HACS). The significant decrease in RDS values was around 22% with 20% HPHP in HACS. The highest increase in RSvalues was about 10% with 10%HPHB in WCS. 20% HPHP exhibited the highest antioxidant activity among the three different amylose content starches and 20%HPH exhibited a favorable amino acid profile characterized by HPLC analysis. This study contributes to a deeper understanding of the interactions between starch-protein hydrolysates and holds promise for the development of healthier, more sustainable,and innovative foods
Internet use and household debt: Insights from rural China
No full textInternet use is accelerating in rural communities of developing countries. Although much attention has been devoted to the effects of Internet use on subjective well-being, income growth, poverty reduction, digital financial inclusion, and social connections in these communities, little is known about how it affects their indebtedness. This paper bridges this gap by investigating the association between Internet use and household debt in rural China. We use a conditional mixed process model and the instrumental-variable-based causal mediation framework to analyse the 2017 China Household Finance Survey data. The results show that Internet use and household debt are positively associated: household debt is 5,370 yuan higher among Internet users than non-users. Using the Internet increases household debt through its effects on consumption and investment spending. Targeted initiatives to help rural residents gainfully utilize the Internet to improve their financial well-being should be implemented. Strengthening legislation to allow rural residents to securely and responsibly increase their investment and consumption using the Internet will enhance rural communities’ welfare as Internet access becomes widespread over the coming years
Gender economics - VAW Nexus: Are the stories of Global North different?
No full textPresentation given at the campaign launch of "Zonta Says No to Violence against Women & Girls - 16 days of activism"
Dietary bioactive compounds trigger distinct epigenetic and metabolic reprogramming in Lactobacillus acidophilus
No full textLactobacillus acidophilus ATCC 4356 (LA), a key probiotic in the human gut microbiota, offers several health benefits. While dietary bioactive compounds are known to influence gut microbiota, their specific mechanisms remain unclear. This study investigated how certain dietary bioactive compounds impact LA gene expression and metabolism. Results showed each compound produces unique transcriptional, metabolic, proteomic, and epigenetic profiles in LA. Notably, dietary compounds altered the epigenetic landscape through N4-methylcytosine (4mC) modification, a relatively underexplored form of methyl modification that may play a role in regulating gene transcription. For instance, genistein treatment up-regulated 76 genes and the down-regulated 130 genes in LA. A gene involved in mucus-binding proteins, crucial for bacterial adhesion, was up-regulated 38-fold, likely due to 4mC modifications. Additionally, the gene coding for the melibiose operon regulatory protein increased 78-fold, enhancing melibiose (a prebiotic) production with genistein, but only 1.1-fold with sodium butyrate. This study highlights the potential of dietary compounds for microbial metabolic engineering, offering a non-GMO method for modulating bacterial performance and other biotechnology applications
Temperature-based phenology modelling for the grapevine
No full textHistorical phenology records have indicated that advances in key developmental stages such as budburst, flowering and veraison are linked to increasing temperature caused by climate change. Using phenological models the timing of grapevine development in response to temperature can be characterized and projected in response to future climate scenarios.
We explore the development and use of grapevine phenological models and highlight several applications of models to characterize the timing of key stages of development of varieties, within and between regions, and the result of projections under different climate change scenarios. The following aspects were evaluated: (1) importance of defining modelling objectives, (2) an understanding of database characteristics and how this may influence modelling outcomes, (3) the accuracy of models compared to observations, (4) the influence of the quality of phenological observations on model development and (5) the importance of calibrating a maximum the varieties for specific models. The challenges of the different modelling approaches and strengths and limitations of the outputs are discussed, particularly in the context of climate change projections.
Combining the results of these separate approaches highlights the opportunities and limitations of different modelling solutions and how different modelling approaches are needed to understand how temperature influences grapevine development depending on objectives, and that tools are available to help us better evaluate the potential effects of climate change on grapevine development
Geometry of milk liners affects milking performance in dairy cows
No full textThe geometry of milk liners may affect milking performance and cow comfort as the milk liner is the only part of the milking machine that comes into contact with the teat. To determine the effect of alternative shape of milk liners we compared square (SQR) vs. the conventional round (RND) teat cup liner on milking performance and comfort of dairy cows. Treatment milk liners were randomly allocated to clusters within each side of the 12 a side double up-herringbone dairy shed in a complete randomised block design over two periods. Milking performance data from a total of 10 065 (late stage of lactation and once-A-day milking frequency, LATE) and 18 048 (early stage of lactation and twice-A-day milking frequency, EARLY) milking events were automatically recorded by a DeLaval milk meter, and separately analysed for LATE and EARLY, respectively. In EARLY, cow comfort behaviour was also recorded during afternoon milking sessions. Across the two study periods, average milk flow rate, milk flow rate during 0-15, 15-30 and 30-60 s after cluster attachment, and milk flow rate at cluster take-off were higher in SQR compared to RND treatment. Proportion of time in a milking session with low milk flow rate and duration of milking session were less in SQR compared to RND treatment. However, effect of geometry of milk liner on peak milk flow rate was inconsistent across the two-study periods. Peak milk flow rate was higher (P < 0.001) in SQR than RND in LATE, but higher (P < 0.001) in RND than SQR in EARLY. Stomping and kicking behaviours of cows were similar between treatments. Results of this study suggest that square milk liners potentially improve milking performance, without adverse effect on cow comfort compared to conventional round liners. Long-Term, multi-site studies are required to confirm potential teat-end health benefits associated with square milk liners and further verify these results
2024 Moana Oceania soil judging competition handbook
No full textWelcome to the 2024 Moana Oceania Soil Judging Competition, held in Rotorua, New Zealand, from 28 November to 1 December 2024! This event serves as an exciting prelude to SOILS ROTORUA 2024 - the Joint New Zealand Society of Soil Science and Soil Science Australia Conference, "Te Kiri o Papatūānuku/ Weaving Soil Science Across Cultures and Events", scheduled for 2-5 December at the Rotorua Energy Events Centre.
This year’s competition is the product of 18 months of dedicated planning, building on the experience and expertise of past organising committees from both New Zealand and Australia. We’re fortunate to have had a dedicated organising committee and support from the SOILS ROTORUA 2024 conference team, all of whom have helped make this what we think may be the largest soil judging competition ever held worldwide! With over 200 participants, coaches, and volunteers from 20+ universities, nine regional councils, and more than 15 scientific and governmental organisations, societies, and consultancies across New Zealand, Australia and the Pacific Islands, this event promises an unparalleled experience for learning and networking in an engaging, hands-on environment.
Soil judging provides a wonderful opportunity for students and coaches alike to develop the skills of describing soil profiles, and then translating this into a basic land capability assessment. It is a highly effective way to build practical, field-based skills in a supportive atmosphere.
We would like to sincerely thank this year’s sponsors, whose generous support has enabled the New Zealand Society of Soil Science and Soil Science Australia to host the 2024 Moana Oceania Soil Judging Competition on this impressive scale. We encourage all participants to acknowledge and promote these sponsors on social media throughout the event.
The competition includes two days of immersive training, which for many of you will be your first time in a soil pit. Most importantly, being an inductee into the ‘Art and Science’ of soil judging is not an impediment, as demonstrated in previous events where even first-time participants have excelled, sometimes achieving top placements on Competition Day. This is an opportunity to connect with experts, academics, students, land managers and consultants. For students, this event offers a glimpse into potential careers in research, teaching, consultancy, and various roles across academia, government, and the private sector. As the event concludes, we hope you will find that this hands on learning experience has enriched your understanding and boosted your confidence with soil science. We encourage you to share your experience with fellow students and colleagues, inspiring them to come along to the next Australian Soil Judging Competition in Armidale, NSW in November 2025
Differences in organic Pinot Noir wine production systems correlated with microbiome analysis, sensory characteristics and volatile composition
No full textThe action of microorganisms on grape must during the fermentation process contributes significantly to the organoleptic properties of wine. The influence of the environment on microbial growth and metabolism is also well recognized. Organic winemakers rely on indigenous yeasts to drive their fermentation processes, however there are few studies that examine the possible influence of environmental factors on fermentation, and on sensory attributes of the finished product. We previously used a community metabarcoding approach to analyse the microbiome associated with organic wine produced in two differing environmental systems; outdoors (vineyard) and indoors (winery). The resultant wine from both systems were then assessed for aroma composition using GC-MS, and sensory attributes by a group of wine experts. Possible correlations between the identified microbial populations and sensory attributes were investigated to determine potential drivers. The results confirm the crucial role of the yeast, Saccharomyces in the modification of wine aroma and flavour. Moreover, analysis of the output of differential gene expression analysis (DESeq2) showed that the genus Gluconobacter might influence the ‘Mouth feel’ (astringency/tannin) and taste (bitterness) attributes of wines. Some volatile compounds were uniquely associated with a single wine. This suggests that measured differences in microbial community composition might play roles in their synthesis. Collectively, these results contribute to understanding the interplay of the complex microbial community matrix present in ‘wild’ ferments in terms of sensory and chemical characteristics of wine