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The Asian paper wasp (Polistes chinensis) is an invasive species in New Zealand and a voracious arthropod predator, incorporating a wide range of prey into its diet. We examined the colony survival and prey community composition of these wasps in a protected coastal habitat in New Zealand. Paper wasp colonies at this site were surveyed and monitored weekly over two summers. Our data showed that only ~20% of the monitored colonies each year survived until late summer, with high rates of colony mortality in late spring and early summer. We collected samples of wasp larval guts over a temporal gradient in one nesting season, and via DNA metabarcoding analysis, we identified the prey species consumed. The prey species most frequently identified in larval samples were endemic cicadas and several lepidopteran species. No native arthropod species of known conservation concern were identified in the analysis. However, 63% of the unique taxon sequences retrieved could not be identified by genus or species level, likely due to the absence of reference barcodes. These taxa may represent a group of understudied species, potentially highly endemic or localised. Our analysis indicates that these invasive wasps are opportunistic‐generalist predators with the potential to exert high predation pressure on native arthropods. P. chinensis may be preying on a range of understudied species, especially in remote, natural habitats across New Zealand. We recommend future studies continue to barcode native New Zealand arthropods in order to improve the taxonomic assignments of dietary studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: The Asian paper wasp Polistes chinensis is an invasive species in New Zealand and South-East Australia. This species threatens native invertebrate communities through predation and potentially competition for resources. During an ecological field study of P. chinensis in New Zealand, we discovered wasps that were infected with and were being killed by two species of pathogenic fungi. In the interest of investigating these fungi as potential biological control agents, our aim in this study was to identify the two fungal species using morphological and molecular methods, determine their natural prevalence in the studied paper wasp population, and test their infective potential to hosts in a controlled environment. We successfully identified the fungi species as Beauveria malawiensis, a generalist insect pathogen, and Ophiocordyceps humbertii, a specialist of social wasps. These are the first records of these species infecting paper wasps in New Zealand. We estimate that they produce infections in approximately 3.3% of wild P. chinensis colonies in our study site. In our infection assays, we passively exposed healthy wasp colonies to asexual fungal spores, which resulted in successful infections of B. malawiensis, and significantly increased wasp mortality rates. Two species of entomogenous fungi were discovered infecting the invasive paper wasp Polistes chinensis during an ecological study on Farewell Spit, New Zealand. We sequenced two nuclear ribosomal RDNA genes, the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) and the small ribosomal subunit 18S, and one protein-coding gene, the translation elongation factor 1-alpha (ef1 α). Combining sequence information with morphological examination, we identified these species as Beauveria malawiensis and Ophiocordyceps humbertii. We estimated that these fungi produce infection in approximately 3.3% of colonies in our study population. In bioassays, we successfully infected P. chinensis individuals from healthy colonies with B. malawiensis, with significant effects on adult mortality. This is the first record of both B. malawiensis and O. humbertii from Polistine hosts in New Zealand, and the first investigation into disease causality by these pathogens in P. chinensis. Our findings may contribute to the future development of biological control agents for paper wasps in New Zealand and elsewhere around the world. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study is to clinically and histopathologically evaluate the efficiency of different applications of medical ozone on corneal healing in the treatment of experimentally induced corneal alkali burns with sodium hydroxide (NaOH) in rabbits. For this purpose, 6 mm diameter filter paper impregnated with 1 N NaOH was applied to the central cornea of only the right eyes of 32 New Zealand rabbits for 1 min. The rabbits were randomly divided into four groups. The treatment continued for 21 days at three-day intervals. The first group was left as the control group (K) and was not applied medical ozone. The control group received no treatment. Subconjunctival ozonated blood was applied to the second group (M). Subconjunctival medical ozone was applied to the third group (S). Major autohemotherapy was applied to the fourth group (O). As a result of clinical and histopathological evaluations, highest degree of regeneration and healing findings in corneal tissues were in the M group. This was followed by O and S groups, respectively. The highest corneal tissue damage was observed in the cases belonging to group K. The cases closest to normal stromal thickness belonged to group M. It was noted that the K group had the highest stromal thickness and the farthest value from normal. In the light of the clinical, statistical and histopathological findings, different application techniques of medical ozone treatment in corneal alkali burn were found to significantly reduce complications compared to the control group and accelerate corneal reepithelization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The goal of this position paper on ventilatory support at home for children is to provide expert consensus from Australia and New Zealand on optimal care for children requiring ventilatory support at home, both non-invasive and invasive. It was compiled by members of the Thoracic Society of Australia and New Zealand (TSANZ) and the Australasian Sleep Association (ASA). This document provides recommendations to support the development of improved services for Australian and New Zealand children who require long-term ventilatory support. Issues relevant to providers of equipment and areas of research need are highlighted. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The direct and indirect impacts that invasive predators have on communities within their invaded range are poorly understood, particularly in the early stages of invasion. Through top‐down control of their prey, predators have the capacity to trigger cascading effects on lower trophic levels.We found the recent arrival of the invasive paper wasp Polistes dominula Christ has been associated with substantial declines in local butterfly abundance in New Zealand. One of the butterfly species we observed to be affected is the monarch, Danaus plexippus Linnaeus with densities reduced by 66% at the study site. Field experiments were conducted to examine the strength of the predation pressure exerted by P. dominula on monarch caterpillars and the cascading effects on milkweed (Gomphocarpus physocarpus E. Mey.) fitness.A survival study of monarch caterpillars was conducted across three habitat types (coastal, forest, and suburban). Caterpillar survival in suburban areas was lowest, with only 45% of caterpillars remaining after just 6 h of exposure to wasp foraging. Predation by P. dominula explained 85% of caterpillar deaths within the trial period.The cascading effects of P. dominula presence were quantified through changes in the height, foliage, and reproductive output of milkweed plants. Monarch caterpillar predation by P. dominula was found to have a positive effect on milkweed fitness.This study demonstrates a strong trophic cascade initiated by an invasive predator. These findings highlight the impacts an invasive species can have on local communities beyond their direct predatory effects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Over the course of the following chapters, Spencer charts the inability of Britain to corral its Pacific dominions into a fully functioning empire-wide air defence program during the 1920s. For example, the introductory chapters of the Australian and New Zealand official histories of air power in World War II examined their military aviation history largely through nationalist lenses, with a view to explaining their respective nations' war preparedness. British Imperial Air Power: The Royal Air Forces and the Defense of Australia and New Zealand between the World Wars: By Alex M. Spencer. [Extracted from the article]

Healthcare contributes to environmental harm. Trainee-led Research and Audit in Anaesthesia for Sustainable Healthcare (TRA2SH) is an Australasian network focused on sustainable anaesthesia practice. TRA2SH hypothesised that trainee-led audits alongside education presented on a scheduled national day, called Operation Clean Up, can improve engagement with sustainability initiatives. This paper aims to describe the first two years of Operation Clean Up in terms of goals, achievements and data collected so far. Environmental themes for Operation Clean Up were chosen based on available evidence (life cycle analyses and observational studies). The first Operation Clean Up (OCU 2020) focused on reducing the unnecessary use of single-use disposable absorbent pads (known as 'blueys' in Australia, 'greenies' in New Zealand). OCU 2021 included: refuse desflurane, reduce bluey use, reuse drug trays, and recycle paper and cardboard. TRA2SH provided an information pack to trainees who presented educational material to their department and fed back procurement figures to quantify each item. Descriptive statistics were used to analyse de-identified pooled data submitted to a centralised database. Eight departments submitted data for OCU 2020 and six provided follow-up data. Bluey use was reduced from a median of 37 to 34 blueys per ten surgical encounters. Fifteen departments submitted pre-campaign data for OCU 2021 with follow-up data to be collected during OCU 2022. Baseline data showed a median bluey use of 31 per ten surgical encounters. Volatile-related emissions were calculated; desflurane's proportion was 70% of these emissions yet was 11% of volatile procurement. Two participating departments removed desflurane from their formulary following OCU 2021. Operation Clean Up is a practical model for implementing sustainability initiatives using trainees as eco-leaders. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Spirometry has been established as an essential test for diagnosing and monitoring respiratory disease, particularly asthma and COPD, as well as in occupational health surveillance. In Australia and New Zealand, there is currently no pathway for spirometry operators in community‐based healthcare settings to demonstrate spirometry competence. The Australia and New Zealand Society of Respiratory Science (ANZSRS) has identified a need for developing a pathway for operators working in community‐based practices in Australia and New Zealand to demonstrate spirometry competence and certification. Spirometry certification provides evidence to patients, clients, employers and organizations that an individual has participated in an assessment process that qualifies them to perform spirometry to current international spirometry standards set out by the American Thoracic Society and the European Respiratory Society (ATS/ERS). This document describes a competence assessment pathway that incorporates a portfolio and practical assessment. The completion of this pathway and the award of certification confer an individual is competent to perform spirometry for 3 years, after which re‐certification is required. The adoption of this competency assessment and certification process by specialist organizations, and the commitment of operators performing spirometry to undergo this process, will enhance spirometry quality and practice in community‐based healthcare settings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This is an executive summary of the Australasian Diabetes in Pregnancy Society (ADIPS) 2020 guideline for pre‐existing diabetes and pregnancy. The summary focuses on the main clinical practice points for the management of women with type 1 diabetes and type 2 diabetes in relation to pregnancy, including preconception, antepartum, intrapartum and postpartum care. The full guideline is available at https://doi.org/10.1111/ajo.13265. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this study was to compare participant responses to a questionnaire delivered via the Internet with data collected using a traditional paper and pencil format distributed via postal mail. Athletes (N = 214, mean age 26.53 years) representing 18 sports from the New Zealand Academy of Sport were randomly assigned into two groups and completed the Athlete Burnout Questionnaire (ABQ; Raedeke & Smith, 2001). There was a noticeable trend (p = .07, two-tailed) toward a better response rate in the online group (57.07%) compared with the postal group (46.63%). Furthermore, online questionnaires were returned faster and contained fewer missing responses. A series of nested, multigroup confirmatory factor analyses indicated that there were no significant group differences in the factor structure or latent mean structures of the ABQ. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The pulp and paper industry consumes enormous quality of freshwater, leading to wastewater. It must be treated to remove pollutants, particularly residual dyestuffs, before releasing them to water bodies to avoid adverse environmental effects. The traditional wastewater treatment methods used for the pulp and paper industry are less efficient in colour and chemical oxygen demand (COD) removal. The current study is aimed at developing a novel catalyst for the catalytic ozonation of pulp and paper wastewater with better colour and COD removal for sustainable resources of clean water. The proposed catalyst is impregnated by iron on natural zeolites. Various parameters such as catalyst dose, pH, ozone dose, initial COD concentration, and reaction time are studied and optimized. The performance was evaluated by comparing the results with the single ozonation process (SOP) and catalytic ozonation process (COP). The highest COD and colour reduction efficiencies have been achieved, i.e., 71%, and 88% at a natural pH of 6.8. The proposed process achieved higher COD and colour efficiencies than the single ozonation process and catalytic ozonation process using raw zeolites. The improvement in efficiencies are 23% and 29% for SOP and 17% and 19% for COP, respectively. Hence, the results proposed the sustainability and applicability of COP to treat paper and pulp sector effluent. [Display omitted] • A novel Fe-zeolite catalyst was developed for catalytic ozonation process. • Performance of single ozonation process and catalytic ozonation process was evaluated. • Under optimized condition the catalyst remains efficient even after 5 cycles. • 71% of COD were eliminated using Fe/NZ as catalyst in catalytic ozonation process. • The optimum ozone dose for COD and color removal was 0.3 mg/ml of wastewater. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Asphalt pavement's density measurement is an important step in the quality control of asphalt road construction. It is usually achieved by applying the coring method (CM), nuclear density gauge (NDG), and electromagnetic density gauge (EDG). CM is the most accurate method, but it is a destructive method because the pavement is damaged when the cores are taken. NDG and EDG are nondestructive methods with high efficiency, but their measurement accuracy is poorer than that of CM. An EDG commonly used in density measurement is named pavement quality indicator (PQI). A novel method named density profiling system (DPS) is also based on the potential EDG. However, it was not applied to this research because more tests are required to verify its accuracy. This paper presents an approach to improve the accuracy of the nondestructive methods with NDG and PQI. It is based on the artificial neural network (ANN), which processes the raw data got from NDG and PQI and produces the predicted asphalt density as the output. The density measured in CM was used as the target density and the error between ANN-predicted density and target density was computed. To minimize this error, various ANN architectures and learning algorithms were tried in the ANN training process. Each established ANN model makes a substantial improvement in the performance of NDG or PQI in asphalt density measurement. Practical Applications: This research was initiated by Fulton Hogan (FH) Limited, a large road construction and maintenance company in New Zealand. FH lab teams are responsible for asphalt road density measurement in FH's road projects. One of the main method they use is to measure the densities of the cores taken from asphalt pavements (coring method). It is quite accurate but destructive and very time-consuming. They also use NDG or PQI, which are highly efficient nondestructive measurement devices. However, their measurement accuracy is poorer than that of the coring method. FH lab teams wanted to have a new density measurement method that is both accurate and efficient. An ANN-based approach is presented in this paper to address the issues faced by the FH lab teams. Densities collected with coring methods, NDG, and PQI were used to train and validate the ANN models. The results from the ANNs show substantial improvements of the measurement accuracy and efficiency. The proposed approach has been presented to the FH lab teams, who are impressed with its performance and plan to implement it in their projects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This is the second of a two-part New Zealand Journal of Geology and Geophysics Special Issue on understanding sedimentary systems in Aotearoa-New Zealand's Hikurangi Subduction Margin (HSM). This volume includes six research papers that explore sediment-tectonic interactions operating over a range of spatio-temporal scales. We take a distinctive perspective moving from the subduction deformation front in the Hikurangi Trough, upslope to the subduction wedge, and onshore to the Coastal Ranges. Temporally, papers span the onset of subduction in the Miocene, to disentangling provenance of turbidity currents triggered by the 2016 CE Kaikōura Earthquake. Collectively, the studies in the special issue reveal a complicated and continually evolving margin, where active tectonics and volcanism, coupled with vigorous climatic and oceanographic drivers, modulate erosion, transport, and depositional cycles of vast volumes of terrigenous sediment into ocean basins. Despite decades of significant research advances in our knowledge of the HSM, considerable scope remains for future work. A deeper understanding of fundamental tectonic-sediment interactions operating on active margins, along with the significant geohazards they pose remain outstanding research needs. Collectively, Volumes 1 and 2 highlight enduring interest in the HSM as a globally important natural laboratory for the study of subduction zone geoscience. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although visual arts pedagogies are considered central within early childhood education programs, teacher self-efficacy has a direct impact on the quality and delivery of visual arts curricula. Until recently, the visual arts self-efficacy, pedagogical knowledge, and practice of in-service early childhood teachers have remained largely unexplored. The authors of this paper present a qualitative, iterative re-analysis of their three PhD studies which broadly focussed on early childhood visual arts praxis and specifically examined the visual arts beliefs and pedagogy of early childhood teachers in Australia and New Zealand. A thematic analysis of the intersecting self-efficacy findings raised in the three studies identifies the powerful influence of self-efficacy on teaching practice in the visual arts domain and offers new understandings about visual arts self-efficacy amongst early childhood teachers. The combined findings reveal several factors that restrain or enhance teachers' visual arts self-efficacy across time, including the impact of childhood experiences, pre-service training and epistemological beliefs. The paper also identifies several enabling conditions that appear to support teachers to develop and maintain positive visual arts self-efficacy beliefs, including practical engagement with materials, sustained professional learning, relational trust and intentional leadership. These enabling conditions offer practical strategies and research recommendations in service of positive visual arts self-efficacy to enhance quality visual arts teaching in early childhood contexts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The face of climate action is increasingly young, well informed, and active. But despite the growing rumble of this youth-quake, the New Zealand political system has to date been slow to respond to climate change mitigation. This article will therefore critically explore the apparent paradox between the image of New Zealand as a leading progressive democratic society, and its current response to the climate emergency. In particular, the paper will interrogate this theme from the perspectives of the international critique of New Zealand's current legal and policy response, the dynamic lens of climate change litigation and its potential to influence public policy, and the increasing impact of tikanga Māori as a primary source of New Zealand law and its relational approach to the wellbeing of the environment and the underlying ethic of stewardship. The overall thesis of the paper will be that cumulatively these trends will have the energy to generate an effective response to climate change and mobilise the urgent joined-up action required to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and build adaptive capacity within the closing opportunity of the next two decades. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Flooding is Aotearoa-New Zealand's most frequent natural hazard, and there is high confidence that climate change is making extreme rainfall events more frequent and intense. Additionally, there are significant development pressures which could both increase the number of people and assets at risk and the flood hazard. To date, there is no publicly available consistent approach to accurately determine flood risk on a national scale, nor for how this may be changing; although there is a growing legislative requirement to provide quality information over multiple spatial scales. This paper draws on empirical data to gain insights on how to best manage changing flood risks in Aotearoa-New Zealand from the perspective of centrally organised entities. Findings confirm the need for a nationally consistent approach to flood risk management, better understanding of Aotearoa's communities and their vulnerability to floods, equitable access to quality information and decision-support tools, and better understanding of the economic impacts on differing communities, regions and places. The paper concludes that to achieve a flood-resilient Aotearoa, flood governance needs to be reconfigured to achieve national consistency in flood risk management whilst enabling targeted variability at the local scale. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The variety of contributions in I Fragments i point to how we might yet substantially revise current understandings of New Zealand's colonial conflict and its memories. This "fragmented" but exciting collection is useful as a short accessible text for Australian scholars wanting to understand shifts in New Zealand's commemoration of colonial conflict. Kidman pitches a larger context of colonial conflict and its legacy in an opening chapter on the 250th commemoration of Captain Cook in 2019, conveyed beautifully in an ethnographic mode. [Extracted from the article]

The acute and chronic effects of secondary-treated effluent from a New Zealand pulp and paper mill were assessed using both long-term adult and early life stage (ELS) laboratory exposures of rainbow trout. The relative impact of maternal exposure versus ELS exposure was assessed by a comparison of directly exposed eggs and larvae with the eggs and larvae of exposed adult trout that were reared in reference water. Rainbow trout were exposed to a secondary-treated mixed thermomechanical/bleached kraft mill effluent at a concentration of 15% or to reference water from the egg through to 320-d-old juveniles. The 2 adult rainbow trout exposures were undertaken with nominal concentrations of 10% and 12% treated effluent, respectively. There was no marked effect of water hardening with 15% effluent on fertility or survival of eggs to 16 d. In a subsequent exposure (with hardening in reference water), no significant effects were found on mortality to hatch, time to batch, length at hatch, mortality to swim-up, mortality to 320 d, or deformity rate at batch. At experimental termination (320 d), direct-exposed juveniles had smaller livers and reduced condition factor, likely due to differences in food consumption. In 2 subsequent consecutive experiments, exposure of adult trout to 10% and 12% effluent for 2 mo, followed by incubation of the fertilized eggs in reference water, produced no impact on fertility, survival to batch, survival to swim-up, or length and weight of fry at swim-up. Exposure of adult trout to i 2% treated effluent for S mo prior to egg fertilization also did not result in differing rates of fertility, mortality to hatch or mortality to swim-up. However, the 8-mo maternal exposure did result in swim-up fry that were significantly shorter and weighed less than the reference swim-up fry. This difference was directly attributable to smaller eggs in the 8-mo-exposed female trout. These results demonstrate that this pulp and paper mill effluent is more likely to elicit indirect impacts on progeny size through chronic exposure of adults to effluent during gonadal recrudescence rather than through direct exposure of early life stages to effluent. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Although exclusive breastfeeding is recommended for the first six months of life, research suggests that breastfeeding initiation rates and duration among Indigenous communities differ from this recommendation. Qualitative studies point to a variety of factors influencing infant feeding decisions; however, there has been no collective review of this literature published to date. Therefore, the objective of this scoping review was to identify and summarize the qualitative literature regarding Indigenous infant feeding experiences within Canada, the United States, Australia, and Aotearoa. Methods: Using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses- Scoping Reviews and the Joanna Briggs Institute Guidelines, in October 2020, Medline, Embase, CINAHL, PsycINFO, and Scopus were searched for relevant papers focusing on Indigenous infant feeding experiences. Screening and full-text review was completed by two independent reviewers. A grey literature search was also conducted using country-specific Google searches and targeted website searching. The protocol is registered with the Open Science Framework and published in BMJ Open. Results: Forty-six papers from the five databases and grey literature searches were included in the final review and extraction. There were 18 papers from Canada, 11 papers in the US, 9 studies in Australia and 8 studies conducted in Aotearoa. We identified the following themes describing infant feeding experiences through qualitative analysis: colonization, culture and traditionality, social perceptions, family, professional influences, environment, cultural safety, survivance, establishing breastfeeding, autonomy, infant feeding knowledge, and milk substitutes, with family and culture having the most influence on infant feeding experiences based on frequency of themes. Conclusions: This review highlights key influencers of Indigenous caregivers' infant feeding experiences, which are often situated within complex social and environmental contexts with the role of family and culture as essential in supporting caregivers. There is a need for long-term follow-up studies that partner with communities to support sustainable policy and program changes that support infant and maternal health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Self-harm and suicide behaviours are a major public health concern. Several factors are associated with these behaviours among military communities. Identifying these factors may have important implications for policy and clinical services. The aim of this review was to identify the risk and protective factors associated with self-harm and suicide behaviours among serving and ex-serving personnel of the United Kingdom Armed Forces, Canadian Armed Forces, Australian Defence Force and New Zealand Defence Force. Methods: A systematic search of seven online databases (PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, Global Health, PsycINFO, PTSDpubs and CINAHL) was conducted alongside cross-referencing, in October 2022. Following an a priori PROSPERO approved protocol (CRD42022348867), papers were independently screened and assessed for quality. Data were synthesised using a narrative approach. Results: Overall, 28 papers were included: 13 from Canada, 10 from the United Kingdom, five from Australia and none from New Zealand. Identified risk factors included being single/ex-relationship, early service leavers, shorter length of service (but not necessarily early service leavers), junior ranks, exposure to deployment-related traumatic events, physical and mental health diagnoses, and experience of childhood adversity. Protective factors included being married/in a relationship, higher educational attainment, employment, senior ranks, and higher levels of perceived social support. Conclusion: Adequate care and support are a necessity for the military community. Prevention and intervention strategies for self-harm and suicide behaviours may be introduced early and may promote social networks as a key source of support. This review found a paucity of peer-reviewed research within some populations. More peer-reviewed research is needed, particularly among these populations where current work is limited, and regarding modifiable risk and protective factors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Since all policies address problems, they necessarily include implicit or explicit constructions of these problems. This paper explores how child maltreatment has been constructed in New Zealand's child protection policies. It questions the underlying assumptions of this problem construction and seeks to shed light on what has been omitted. Utilizing a qualitative content analysis of eight key policy documents, this study reveals the construction of child maltreatment has been dominated primarily by a child-centric, risk-focused approach. This approach assigns blame and shifts responsibilities onto parents and families. In addition, the vulnerability discourse and social investment approach underpinning this perspective have allowed important structural factors, such as poverty and inequality, to remain unaddressed. This paper also highlights the one-dimensional focus on the lower social class to control future liabilities. We suggest that the harm inflicted by corporations on children's well-being is another form of child exploitation currently omitted from the problem construction. We suggest that child abuse should be defined and understood in policy as harm to children's well-being and argue that the state should prevent and mitigate harm by addressing structural forces of the problem as well as protecting children against corporate harms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the companion paper, test results were presented to explore the flexural performance of cold-formed ferritic stainless steel (FSS) closed built-up beams. Each specimen was fabricated by joining two lipped channels in a face-to-face configuration and securing them with spot welds at intermediate points along the beam span. Sectional aspect ratio, compression flange's sectional slenderness and moment gradient were the key parameters varied to explore their influence on the flexural response of such members through tests. The current paper establishes a simplified finite element (FE) model of cold-formed FSS closed built-up beams and verifies it against the test results. Further, an extensive parametric study is carried out using the validated FE model to generate a large pool of data points. A wider database comprising of test results, numerical results obtained from this study and numerical results available in the companion paper were used to critically examine the adequacy of the current Australian Specifications (AS/NZ), American Standard (SEI/ASCE-8), European Code (EN 1993-1-4), Modified Eurocode approach suggested by Gardner and Theofanous, and Direct Strength Method (DSM) in North American Specification (AISI-S100: 2016), Modified DSM approach proposed by the authors in the literature and Continuous Strength Method (CSM) for cold-formed steel (CFS) flexural members. This makes the current study the first to extensively assess the accuracy of the various design guidelines available in the codes and other relevant literature, which explicitly highlighted their grave limitations. Accordingly, through suitable modifications and recommendations, new design rules are proposed to reliably and safely predict the flexural capacity of cold-formed FSS closed built-up beams. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Articulating the complexities of relational wellbeing can be challenging at the best of times, and even more complex during periods of heightened stress and uncertainty. Taking inspiration from feminist materialisms and recent writings on material methods, we explore the potential of object interviews to reveal the material-discursive dimensions of women's experiences of wellbeing during the pandemic. In this paper we describe our research process conducting object interviews with 38 women living in Aotearoa New Zealand from a range of socio-economic, cultural, and ethnic backgrounds. We explore the potential and challenges of object interviews for surfacing new ways of knowing (theoretically, methodologically, and cross-culturally) wellbeing beyond human-oriented health, medical and social-constructionist models, and towards more multidimensional and relational understandings. This paper offers our reflections and learnings about the process of re-turning object interviews and the potential of such approaches for evoking complex ways of knowing wellbeing during and beyond pandemic times. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective To evaluate endodontic paper point tear test ( PPTT) in rabbits and compare changes in corneal touch threshold ( CTT) induced by Schirmer tear test ( STT) and PPTT. Normal corneal sensitivity recovery time after both tear tests was also measured. Also, mean PPTT and STT values were obtained. Methods Tear production of 20 eyes, from 10 rabbits, was evaluated using STT and the PPTT. Central corneal touch threshold was measured by a Cochet-Bonnet esthesiometer before any tear test was performed (zero time), immediately after the test (1 min), and consecutively at 6, 11, 16, and 26 min. Tests were conducted on three consecutive days: Day 1 - control condition, no tear tests performed only the CTT; Day 2 - CTT before and after PPTT; and Day 3 - CTT before and after STT. CTT values were compared using repeated measures ANOVA. Results Corneal touch threshold was significantly increased for at least 16 min after STT, indicating STT causes corneal discomfort. No difference was found between CTT following PPTT and controls, indicating PPTT caused minimal corneal discomfort. The mean (± SD) value for STT was 5.2 ± 1.0 mm/min and for PPTT was 13.8 ± 1.5 mm/min. Discussion The aqueous fraction of rabbit's tears can be successfully measured by PPTT. This report established reference values for PPTT in rabbits. Additionally, the absence of a significant difference in CTT after PPTT compared with controls shows that PPTT is well tolerated by rabbits. Considering the improved comfort (compared with STT), accuracy, and low cost, PPTT is a bona fide method of measuring aqueous tear production in rabbits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Historical socio-political processes have produced gross inequity of health resource for Aboriginal Australians and New Zealand Māori. Objectives: This paper argues that socio-political factors resulting from the entrenchment of colonialism have produced significant personal and structural barriers to the utilisation of healthcare services and directly impact the health status of these two vulnerable groups. Design: Discussion Paper. Conclusions: Understanding the actual barriers preventing the utilisation of healthcare facilities, as perceived by Indigenous people, is essential in reducing the gross disparity between Indigenous and non-Indigenous morbidity and mortality in Australia and New Zealand. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article details findings from an exploratory case study that examined the efficacy of a phonological awareness and vocabulary programme with children educated in a bilingual immersion context of English and te reo Māori (Māori language) in Aotearoa New Zealand. The current paper discusses changes in the development of early literacy skills in English and te reo Māori in two groups of children aged from 5 years 0 months to 7 years 5 months. Twenty-six children from two bilingual classrooms in a rural school participated in a programme implemented by teachers over 15 weeks. The programme included explicit instruction in phonological awareness and vocabulary. One classroom was from Level 1 te reo Māori immersion, and one was from Level 3 te reo Māori/English. Results were analysed at cohort and class levels. Analyses indicated that both groups of children significantly improved in phonological awareness skills, non-word reading, and expressive vocabulary. Correlational analyses indicated that growth in te reo Māori skills was positively associated with growth in English skills. These findings suggest that further investigation into how the explicit teaching of te reo Māori can benefit the development of phonological awareness and print-related skills in English. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: Develop evidence‐based recommendations for managers to support primary healthcare nurses to thrive at work. Design: A mixed‐methods sequential explanatory design. Methods: National data were collected in 2020 via an e‐survey based on a meta‐analysis of antecedents of thriving from 213 primary healthcare nurses across New Zealand. Structural equation modelling analysis identified the key factors supporting primary healthcare nurses to thrive. This informed a second open‐ended e‐survey in 2022 of 19 nurses from one primary healthcare organization. The thematic analysis provided recommendations for improving management strategies to support thriving primary healthcare nurses. Results: The vitality component of thriving significantly reduced burnout and intention to leave organization and profession. In contrast, the learning component of thriving had a significant positive effect on burnout. The key factors that support thriving at work are empowering leadership and perceived organizational supports (decreases burnout and intention to leave organization and profession through enhanced vitality). Recommendations for improving thriving were made in eight key areas: communication, effective management, professional development, scope of practice, autonomy, effective orientation, reward and work–life balance. Conclusions: Vitality is important in reducing burnout and turnover intentions. While learning was identified as increasing burnout, professional development and training for managers were identified as essential. Hence, the vitality dimension of the thriving at work construct should be studied at the dimension level, but more research is needed into the impact of learning on thriving over time. Primary healthcare nurses have identified that empowering leadership and perceived organizational support are critical factors in supporting them to thrive, and they provide specific recommendations for managers to improve these factors in the clinical setting. No Patient or Public Contribution: This study collected data from Registered Nurses only. What Is Already Known: A plethora of existing research focuses on resilience in nurses rather than thriving at work.Enabling employees to thrive at work contributes to improved well‐being and sustainable organizational performance. What This Paper Adds: Empowering leadership and perceived organizational support are the key factors that support primary healthcare nurses to thrive at work.The vitality dimension of the thriving at work construct should be studied at the dimension level, and further research is needed into the impact of learning on thriving over time.Primary healthcare nurses recommend that managers focus on improving communication, management efficiency, professional development, scope of practice, autonomy, orientation, reward and work–life balance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Methods Results Gastrointestinal stromal tumours (GISTs) are the most common mesenchymal tumours of the gastrointestinal tract. The New Zealand (NZ) population incidence has not previously been documented nor has the potential effect of ethnicity been reviewed. We furthermore wanted to assess the difference between those undergoing a wedge resection versus a more extensive operation which we hypothesised would correlate with recurrence and mortality.All patients (n = 103) with a GIST diagnosed and treated at Te Whatu Ora Waitematā (Auckland, New Zealand) between 2012 and 2021 are presented. Patient demographics, method of GIST detection, management approach, index surgery, histological features, use of adjuvant and neoadjuvant imatinib, follow‐up, recurrence and mortality rates were analysed.This paper reports the largest NZ GIST cohort to date and estimates an incidence of 17 cases per million per year. Eighty‐four patients underwent surgical resection, 58 received a wedge resection and 17 received a more extensive operation. Five‐year disease‐free survival rates were 100% in the low/very low risk, 90% in the intermediate and 59% in the high risk groups as determined by the modified NIH criteria. Our overall 5‐year GIST‐specific survival rate was 83%; it was 91% in those who underwent a wedge resection and 60% in the extensive operation group. There is evidence that Māori have higher rates of GIST recurrence compared to non‐Māori and are more likely to require an extensive surgical resection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

COVID‐19 brought public health challenges to the public transport system throughout the world. As a result, a range of response measures were implemented to ensure the safety of passengers while maintaining a functioning system. This paper explores the responses of public transport agencies in New Zealand's metropolitan cities (Auckland, Christchurch and Wellington) to the COVID‐19 pandemic by examining their physical and communication measures. We analysed public transport agencies' websites to understand the response measures implemented, including the accessibility of COVID‐19‐related information, and the communication of information via websites and social media platforms. The results show that 13 service responses were implemented across the three public transport agencies, with Auckland implementing the most measures. Seven infrastructural responses were implemented, with Christchurch implementing all seven. Wellington was found to be the public transport agency that used social media the most during the pandemic. The website accessibility findings suggest that the more accessible a public transport agency's website was, the less information was present. The research concludes that all three public transport agencies in New Zealand performed reasonably well and were able to maintain a safe and responsive public transport system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Risk identification has been at the heart of media coverage of the COVID-19 pandemic. Less consideration has been paid to the way that the media itself has (re)produced these risk categories, and how this has changed over the course of the pandemic. The aim of this article is to understand how risk has been constructed in the Aotearoa, New Zealand news media over the course of the COVID-19 pandemic. This paper reports findings from a longitudinal media analysis of mainstream news media articles (n = 388) published in the first week of March 2020, March 2021 and March 2022. Underpinned by a socio-cultural theoretical understanding of risk, we conducted a reflexive thematic analysis of the 22 most relevant articles from a week of coverage during each month of March. Our analysis identified three key themes by which we characterise the discussions of risk as these developed from 2020 to 2022: (1) Subjects of risk; (2) Spaces of risk; and (3) The nation facing risk. We conclude that the dominant frame surrounding risk was one of mutual risk and solidarity. We suggest future policies around pandemic risk mitigation must attend to both the range of competing risks as well as the different epistemologies (including scientific and indigenous worldviews) informing risk. We suggest that researchers, policy makers and reporters involve the voices of those 'at risk' into their publications. This analysis shows the value of taking a sociocultural analysis of risk as it is framed within a particular national-cultural context. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper uses critical realism to identify mechanisms that activate successful relationships. It draws data from a longitudinal, mixed‐methods study of youth who used multiple services. It examines functionality of four relational mechanisms: power, recognition, responsiveness and mutuality that lead to positive change and explores the implications of these for practice with youth with complex needs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Built-up back-to-back cold-formed steel (CFS) channel members (BBC members) are utilized as CFS compression members with enhanced load-bearing capacity in building structures. In this study, finite-element (FE) models of BBC compression members with pinned warping-fixed and pinned warping-free ends were established and verified using test results available in the literature. Using the developed FE models, detailed parametric studies were conducted to assess the behavior and capacity of slender BBC compression members with pinned warping-free ends, varying cross sections, and screw arrangements. The results were first compared with those of their individual (channel) members and BBC members with pinned warping-fixed ends. They were then used to evaluate the direct strength method (DSM) design rules in the CFS design standards used in North America and Australia/New Zealand. Finally, new reliable design rules based on the DSM equations and some analytical equations in the literature were proposed for the BBC compression members with pinned warping-free ends, together with suitable recommendations. This paper includes the main details of this study with a summary of its important findings and proposals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Inquiry-based project learning is an internationally recognised pedagogical approach where children work collaboratively to research and discover the answers to their questions through discussion, representation, and evaluation. This paper explores the findings from Phase One of a qualitative study examining how this approach has been interpreted in early childhood settings in Aotearoa/New Zealand. The findings from an online questionnaire sent to all settings registered on the New Zealand national data base revealed that the international discourse surrounding this approach has been a key influence in this context. There was, however, also evidence that more localised approaches that value indigenous knowledges, in alignment with the national early childhood curriculum, Te Whāriki (Te Whāriki. He whāriki mātauranga mō ngā mokopuna o Aotearoa: Early childhood curriculum. Ministry of Education. https://www.education.govt.nz/assets/Documents/Early-Childhood/Te-Whariki-Early-Childhood-Curriculum-ENG-Web.pdf) have been developed. Whilst participants identified pedagogical and practical challenges of undertaking inquiry-based approaches, the educational value of this approach for children was also strongly championed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Many of the implications of climate change for Aotearoa (New Zealand) remain unclear. To identify so-far unseen or understudied threats and opportunities related to climate change we applied a horizon-scanning process. First, we collated 171 threats and opportunities across our diverse fields of research. We then scored each item for novelty and potential impact and finally reduced the list to ten threats and ten opportunities through a prioritisation process. Within the 20 items presented in this paper, we uncover a range of climate-related costs and benefits. Unexpected opportunities evolve from economic reorganisation and changes to perspectives. The threats we highlight include the overall failure to interconnect siloed policy responses, as well as those relating to extreme events and feedbacks, as well as pressures that undermine the coherence of society. A major theme of our work is that climate change effects in Aotearoa are likely to transgress the boundaries of research disciplines, industry sectors and policy systems, emphasising the importance of developing transdisciplinary methods and approaches. We use this insight to connect potential responses to climate change with Aotearoa's culture and geography. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In response to growing attention to young children's citizenship, and recent calls for critique of Western discourses and practices, we explore the movement of Western 'pioneering' pedagogies of early childhood education (ECE) and their localisation in Aotearoa New Zealand. Employing a poststructural positioning, and theoretical devices drawn from the work of Michel Foucault and Kuan-Hsing Chen, this article 'bewilders' discourses of children's citizenship in Aotearoa by analysing the juxtaposition of pioneering pedagogies alongside complexities of power effects in early childhood settings. This article draws on data from the first author's doctoral study and employs reflexive thematic analysis to interrogate data gathered in interviews with kindergarten teachers in Aotearoa. Based on these analyses, this paper bewilders pioneering pedagogies in Aotearoa by advocating that young children's citizenship be recognised as a cultural-historical construct which acknowledges the syncretism of Western and Māori knowledges in ECE, and argues that children occupy a negotiated position as citizens in ECE settings in Aotearoa. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: It is now widely recognised that engaging consumers in research activities can enhance the quality, equity and relevance of the research. Much of the commentary about consumer engagement in research focuses on research processes and implementation, rather than dissemination in conference settings. This article offers reflections and learnings from consumers, researchers and conference organisers on the 12th Health Services Research Conference, a biennial conference hosted by the Health Services Research Association of Australia and New Zealand (HSRAANZ). Method: We were awarded funds via a competitive application process by Bellberry Limited, a national not‐for‐profit agency with a focus on improving research quality, to incorporate consumer engagement strategies in conference processes and evaluate their impact. Findings: Strategies included consumer scholarships, a buddy system, designated quiet space and consumer session co‐chairs; the reflections explored in this paper were collected in the funded, independent evaluation. Our insights suggest a need for more structured consumer involvement in conference planning and design, as well as the development of specific engagement strategies. Conclusion: To move toward active partnership in scientific conference settings, our experience reinforces the need to engage consumers as members in designing and conducting research and in presenting research and planning conference content and processes. Public Contribution: Consumer engagement in research dissemination at conferences is the focus of this viewpoint article. Consumers were involved in the conception of this article and have contributed to authorship at all stages of revisions and edits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The sharing of familiar foods is but one of the ways a cultural group identifies itself. But what happens if that cultural group begins to lose touch with, or control of, its food traditions? Worldwide, professional chefs are embracing traditional indigenous cookery techniques and ingredients in their search for national culinary identity. In doing so, the line between ownership and appropriation is becoming an increasingly fine one. Within today’s Māori society, the hāngī is one of the few remaining traditional food preparation techniques still in regular use. Yet the use of its traditional earth oven form is growing more infrequent as less labor-intensive variations grow in popularity and as the technique becomes increasingly incorporated into commercial hospitality practice. Drawing on research that explores the knowledge and personal experiences of seven hāngī practitioners, this paper examines the cultural significance of the hāngī as a traditional indigenous food preparation technique. As the hāngī increasingly crosses over into the commercial realm it questions the fine line between cookery technique and indigenous culinary property as it asks just what makes a hāngī a hāngī? [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper provides insight into the use of general extenders (e.g., and stuff, or something and and whatnot) in New Zealand Englishes as spoken by Māori and New Zealand European (Pākehā) New Zealanders. Based on audio‐recorded data of prompted co‐constructed narrations, the article explores the types of general extenders and their rate of occurrence in both groups. Contrary to expectations, the group of Pākehā New Zealanders shows a significantly higher rate of using general extenders compared to the Māori participants while the preferred types of general extenders overlap to a large extent among the two speaker groups. A close‐up on the by far most widely spread general extender in both groups (and stuff) unveils interesting patterns of variation across the Māori and Pākehā New Zealanders. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Many cancer treatments, including chemotherapy, targeted therapy, immunotherapy, and radiotherapy, can cause skin side effects. These are called 'dermatologic toxicities' or 'skin toxicities'. There are many different types of skin toxicities, some of which can not only affect the quality of life but also lead to cancer treatment being stopped or slowed down. This paper gives an overview of 12 of the most common skin toxicities experienced by people receiving cancer treatment. These include rashes, dry skin, skin irritation, hair loss, changes in skin colouring, and itching. We have provided Australia/New Zealand-specific recommendations on how skin toxicities can be prevented and managed, including the role of dermocosmetic solutions. Cancer systemic therapeutics and radiotherapy are often associated with dermatological toxicities that may reduce patients' quality of life and impact their course of cancer treatment. These toxicities cover a wide range of conditions that can be complex to manage with increasing severity. This review provides details on twelve common dermatological toxicities encountered during cancer treatment and offers measures for their prevention and management, particularly in the Australian/New Zealand context where skincare requirements may differ to other regions due to higher cumulative sun damage caused by high ambient ultraviolet (UV) light exposure. Given the frequency of these dermatological toxicities, a proactive phase is envisaged where patients can actively try to prevent skin toxicities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper aimed to estimate the heritability and genetic correlations for processability (milk coagulation properties, cheese yield, and heat stability), milk production, and milk composition of dairy sheep in a New Zealand flock. Test-day records from 169 ewes were obtained during the 2021–2022 season. Heritability estimates for yield traits (milk, fat, protein, and lactose yield) were moderate and ranged from 0.33 to 0.38. Whereas heritability estimates for processability traits were lower and ranged from 0.17 to 0.27. The genetic correlations indicated that poorer milk coagulation properties were associated with lower mammary health indicated by higher SCS, higher pH, and lower lactose content. Additionally, a higher ratio of casein to calcium i.e. lower availability of soluble calcium was associated with poorer milk coagulation properties. Higher yields of milk, fat, protein, and lactose were associated, but to a smaller degree, with better MCP. It is proposed that genetic improvement of dairy sheep for higher yields of fat and protein, and for lower SCS, could indirectly improve milk processability for cheese-making. However, it is recommended that larger studies involving more dairy sheep flocks are conducted to validate the present results before developing a selection index for this industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Learning analytics promise significant benefit to online education providers through improved, better-targeted student services. Much has been written about the potential of analytics and how they might be technically implemented, and various ethical considerations are published highlighting the significant potential risk of gathering, manipulating and applying student data to education. Developing an ethical position provides institutions with an opportunity to critically appraise their assumptions and practice however how best to articulate one is far from clear. This case study outlines the development of an ethical framework at Open Polytechnic of New Zealand and demonstrates how international ethics guidelines for learning analytics have shaped practice and informed policy development. Four stages to developing an ethics position in education institutions were followed: 1) examining existing institutional policy, 2) categorising student data, 3) addressing ethics concerns in a structured way and 4) approving an ethics position and extending practice. The paper concludes with suggestions for those developing ethics positions for implementing learning analytics to help towards a successful outcome. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this paper is to report on fatal landslides resulting from two extraordinary storm events in January and February 2023, in Auckland, New Zealand, including the characteristics of the terrain, the site geology, and the storms. The January 27 Auckland Anniversary storm was from an "atmospheric river," dumping Summer's worth of rain (265 mm) in one day. This was the highest 24-h total on record, estimated a 1 in 200-year event, with a peak 2-min rainfall of 4.2 mm, coinciding with Friday's evening "rush hour." This led to widespread landsliding throughout Auckland, including a fatal landslide in Parnell, central Auckland. Notably, this occurred only meters from a similarly destructive landslide in 1997. With January 2023 Auckland's wettest January on record, and with the region still in a state of emergency, Tropical Cyclone Gabrielle crossed the region on February 13–14. This also caused widespread landsliding, including a fatal landslide at Muriwai on the west Auckland coast. Fatal landslides from the same escarpment had occurred in 1965, close to the February 13, 2023, fatal landslide. Taken together, both storm events caused > 140,000 landslides across the North Island, and flooding, making hundreds of people homeless, with damage estimates of > US$8.6 billion (3.4% of NZ's GDP). For future disaster risk reduction, attention should be paid to revising legislation and local planning, which currently allows people to legally build (and re-build) houses in landslide-prone areas of New Zealand. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In October 2019, the largest fire in a commercial building in New Zealand since 1947 burned for over ten days through the roof and upper floor of the 120 m wide × 100 m long New Zealand International Convention Centre, which was under construction and nearing completion at the time. The steel composite and reinforced concrete framed building features five storeys above grade of structural steel framing with composite floors, comprising heavy, intricate steel work that was impacted by the fire. The main steel structure performed very well in response to fire exposure ranging from low to severe, with minimal damage and distortion to the heavy steel roof members in general, considering the severity of the fire. Secondary steel angles, tubular steel, and wide-flange members at the roof elevation were locally more heavily distorted. A very detailed post-fire evaluation of the structure was carried out, comprising mapping of the fire effects, deflections, metallurgical changes, extensive numerical modelling, and full scale in-situ experimental testing. The outcome resulted in retention of over 95% of the total roof steelwork (2500 tonnes). This paper provides an overview of the fire and the key steps involved in the post-fire structural evaluation of this unique fire case history. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper identifies and analyses current clothing options available to rock climbers in New Zealand, drawing from data collected via a survey of experienced climbers, relevant literature and a detailed design analysis of garments that are currently on the market. The study considers some of the limitations of current rock-climbing clothing and identifies issues that need to be taken into account to design more practical, responsive, sustainable clothing options for climbers. Drawing on professional design expertise in patternmaking, material selection and garment construction, this analysis is used to inform the development of more appropriate and innovative garment design strategies for rock-climbing. It also recognises the potential for novel development by employing innovations from the field of advanced textiles and apparel, in particular the integration of smart sensing technologies into garments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cultural safety is increasingly recognised as imperative to delivering accessible and acceptable healthcare for First Nations Peoples within Australia and in similar colonised countries. A literature review undertaken to inform the inaugural Caring for Australians with Renal Insufficiency (CARI) guidelines for clinically and culturally safe kidney care for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples revealed a timeline of the emergence of culturally safe kidney care in Australia. Thirty years ago, kidney care literature was purely biomedically focused, with culture, family and community viewed as potential barriers to patient 'compliance' with treatment. The importance of culturally informed care was increasingly recognised in the mid‐1990s, with cultural safety within kidney care specifically cited from 2014 onwards. The emergence timeline is discussed in this paper in relation to the five principles of cultural safety developed by Māori nurse Irihapeti Ramsden in Aotearoa/New Zealand. These principles are critical reflection, communication, minimising power differences, decolonisation and ensuring one does not demean or disempower. For the kidney care workforce, culturally safe care requires ongoing critical reflection, deep active listening skills, decolonising approaches and the eradication of institutional racism. Cultural safety is the key to truly working in partnership, increasing Indigenous Governance, respectful collaboration and redesigning kidney care. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper explores the role of teledermatology (TD) in Mohs micrographic surgery (MMS) at various stages of patient care. The study aims to assess the benefits, limitations, and patient experiences surrounding TD integration into MMS practices. We conducted a PubMed search using keywords related to TD and MMS, categorizing selected articles into pre-operative, intra-operative, and post-operative stages of MMS. TD reduced waiting times (26.10 days for TD compared to 60.57 days for face-to-face [FTF]) and consultation failure rates (6% for TD vs. 17% for FTF) for MMS preoperative consultations. It also shortened time to treatment by two weeks and led to notable travel savings (162.7 min, 144.5 miles, and $60.00 per person). Telepathology facilitated communication and decision-making during MMS, improving accuracy and efficiency, especially in challenging cases requiring collaboration where physical presence of another surgeon or pathologist is not feasible. Telepathology definitively diagnosed benign lesions and malignant tumors in 81.8% of cases (18/22). Additionally, there was a 95% agreement between conventional light microscopy diagnosis and telepathology in tumors (19/20), and 100% agreement for all 20 Mohs frozen section consultations. For post-operative follow-up, telephone follow-up (TFU) and text messaging proved effective, cost-efficient alternatives with high patient satisfaction (94% in New Zealand and 96% in the U.K.) and early complication identification. This study underscores TD's multifaceted benefits in MMS: enhanced patient experience preoperatively, improved communication during surgery, and cost-effective postoperative follow-up. Limitations include the financial expense and technical issues that can arise with TD (connectivity problems, delays in video/audio transmission, etc.). Further studies are needed to explore emerging TD modalities in post-operative patient management. The integration of TD into MMS signifies a progressive step in dermatological care, offering convenient, cost-effective, and better solutions with the potential to enhance patient experiences and outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The use of discrete damping devices in New Zealand buildings is increasing as designers seek to limit damage to both architectural and structural building elements in moderate earthquakes. The overall damping of the structure becomes a combination of inherent material damping, hysteretic damping from yielding of building elements at specific locations and damping from discrete devices. For over 60 years, engineers have used simplified analysis procedures (e.g., modal response spectrum analysis) to predict building response under seismic actions. The design of structures incorporating viscous dampers requires a paradigm shift in approach as the force each damper resists is a function of the relative velocity between its ends. Popular pseudo-static design methodologies promote the use of a viscous strut in the analysis model to represent them. However, it is incorrect to use elastic, mode-based analysis for a structure incorporating damping devices and relying on significant inelastic behaviour. This paper elucidates the complex mechanics of damper-structure interaction by reviewing some of the established classical, modal-based, simplified analysis techniques used in seismic design. A series of numerical investigations demonstrate how these techniques are usually invalid for structures that incorporate viscous dampers because they violate the laws of physics. The reason why mode-based techniques are invalid is explored with reference to the imaginary components of the natural modes of vibration and the effect on them of significant inelasticity within the structure. The dynamic characteristics of viscous dampers challenge conventional design approaches such as displacement-based design. This paper establishes that nonlinear time-history analysis is the only meaningful way of predicting the dynamic response of a structure incorporating viscous dampers when significant inelastic behaviour of the structure is expected. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Chemical eye injury is an acute emergency that can result in vision loss. Neurotrophic keratitis (NK) is the most common long-term manifestation of chemical injury. NK due to alkali burn affects ocular surface health and is one of its most common causes. Here, we established a rabbit model of corneal alkali burns to evaluate the severity of NK-associated changes. Material methods: Alkali burns were induced in NZ rabbits by treating the cornea with (i) a 5 mm circular filter paper soaked in 0.75 N NaOH for 10 s (Mild NK) and (ii) trephination using a guarded trephine (5 mm diameter and 150-micron depth), followed by alkali burn, with a 5 mm circular filter paper soaked in 0.75 N NaOH for 10 s (a severe form of NK). Immediately after, the cornea was rinsed with 10 mL of normal saline to remove traces of NaOH. Clinical features were evaluated on Day 0, Day 1, Day 7, Day 15, and Day 21 post-alkali burn using a slit lamp, Pentacam, and anterior segment optical coherence tomography (AS-OCT). NK-like changes in epithelium, sub-basal nerve plexus, and stroma were observed using in vivo confocal microscopy (IVCM), and corneal sensation were measured using an aesthesiometer post alkali injury. After 21 days, pro-inflammatory cytokines were evaluated for inflammation through ELISA. Results: Trephination followed by alkali burn resulted in the loss of epithelial layers (manifested using fluorescein stain), extensive edema, and increased corneal thickness (550 µm compared to 380 µm thickness of control) evaluated through AS-OCT and increased opacity score in alkali-treated rabbit (80 compared to 16 controls). IVCM images showed complete loss of nerve fibers, which failed to regenerate over 30 days, and loss of corneal sensation—conditions associated with NK. Cytokines evaluation of IL6, VEGF, and MMP9 indicated an increased angiogenic and pro-inflammatory milieu compared to the milder form of NK and the control. Discussion: Using clinical parameters, we demonstrated that the alkali-treated rabbit model depicts features of NK. Using IVCM in the NaOH burn animal model, we demonstrated a complete loss of nerve fibers with poor self-healing capability associated with sub-basal nerve degeneration and compromised corneal sensation. This pre-clinical rabbit model has implications for future pre-clinical research in neurotrophic keratitis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]