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Purpose: This study examines how carbon tools, including carbon accounting and management tools, can be created, used, modified and linked with other traditional management controls to materialise and effectuate organisations' response strategies to multiple interacting logics in carbon management and the role of sustainability managers in these processes. Design/methodology/approach: This study utilises the construct of accounting toolmaking, which refers to practices of adopting, adjusting and reconfiguring accounting tools to unfold how carbon tools are used as means to materialise responses to multiple interacting carbon management logics. It embraces a field study approach, whereby 38 sustainability managers and staff from 30 organisations in New Zealand were interviewed. Findings: This study finds that carbon toolmaking is an important means to materialise and effectuate organisations' response strategies to multiple interacting carbon management logics. Four response strategies are identified: separation, selective coupling, combination and hybridisation. Adopting activity involves considering the additionality, detailing, localising and cascading of carbon measures and targets and their linkage to the broader carbon management programme. In adjusting carbon tools, organisations adapt the frequency and orientation of carbon reporting, intensity of carbon monitoring and breadth of carbon information sharing. Through focusing on either procedural sequencing, assimilating, equating or integrating, toolmaking reconfigures the relationship between carbon tools and traditional management control systems. Together, these three toolmaking activities can be configured differently to construct carbon tools that are fit for purpose for each response strategy. These activities also enact certain roles on sustainability managers in the process of representing, communicating and/or transferring carbon information knowledge, which also facilitate different response strategies. Practical implications: The study demonstrates the various carbon toolmaking practices that allow organisations to handle the multiple interacting logics in carbon management. The findings provide suggestions for organisations on how to adopt, adjust and reconfigure carbon tools to better embed the ecological logic in organisations' strategies and operations. Originality/value: The authors identify how carbon toolmaking materialises and effectuates organisations' responses to multiple interacting logics in carbon management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The terms 'open' and 'distance' are no longer helpful for advancing approaches to education traditionally served by open institutions. A proposal to reframe the terms 'open' and 'distance' is made: 'open', it is suggested, needs to be linked more explicitly to education that is increasingly available, inclusive, scalable, and sustainable. 'Distance', on the other hand, needs to be replaced with the term 'designed,' which places attention on to the range of educational approaches now used to facilitate learning in ways that remove geographical barriers. The paper is based on part on the experience of a dedicated ODL institution in New Zealand, which found itself marginalized while a nation-wide renewal of the vocational education sector was taking place. Rather than being seen as a central part of the solution, ODL was instead assumed to be possible across regional provision. The 'distance' component was even represented as 'online,' which is becoming common across new entrants into what was traditionally understood as ODL. Five reasons for the decline of traditional understandings of ODL are offered. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Reverse transcriptases (RTs) are a family of enzymes that synthesize DNA using an RNA template and are involved in retrovirus propagation and telomere lengthening. In vitro, RTs are widely applied in various methods, including RNA-seq, RT-PCR, and RT-LAMP. Thermostable RTs from bacterial group II introns are promising tools for biotechnology due to their higher thermostability, fidelity, and processivity compared to commonly used M-MuLV RT and its mutants. However, the diversity of group II intron-encoded RTs is still understudied. In this work, we biochemically characterized a novel RT from a thermophilic bacterium, Anoxybacillus flavithermus, which was isolated from a hot spring in New Zealand and has an optimal growth temperature of around 60 °C. The cloned RT, named Afl RT, retained approximately 40% of the specific activity after a 45 min incubation at 50 °C. The optimal pH was 8.5, the optimal temperature was between 45 and 50 °C, and Mn2+ ions were found to be an optimal cofactor. The processivity analysis with MS2 phage gRNA (3569 b) demonstrated that Afl RT elongated fully up to 36% of the template molecules. In reverse transcription and RT-qLAMP, the enzyme allowed up to 10 copies of MS2 phage genomic RNA to be detected per reaction. Thus, Afl RT holds great potential for a variety of practical applications that require the use of thermostable and processive RTs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Popular theories that explain or predict behavioural intentions are based on people's attitudes and subjective norms. Their application is based on the (often implicit) assumption that people regard a subject (e.g., preventing the spread of COVID-19) as sufficiently important for them to formulate stable attitudes and subjective norms about it. As this assumption rarely holds for all people, the influence of attitudes and subjective norms in determining behavioural intentions changes depending on the importance of the subject. In other words, importance has a moderating effect on the relationship between intentions, attitudes, and subjective norms. We hypothesise that, as importance declines, the influence on intentions of attitudes decreases and the influence of subjective norms increases. This has important implications for efforts to encourage the adoption of preventative behaviours in relation to COVID-19 because promotional strategies designed to modify attitudes differ markedly from those designed to modify subjective norms. We test this hypothesis by analysing three different large-scale surveys about people's intentions, involvement, attitudes, and subjective norms regarding the spread of COVID-19 in New Zealand. The results support our hypothesis and highlight the importance of distinguishing between when the formation of behavioural intentions depends mainly on attitudes and when it depends mainly on subjective norms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The widespread perception of New Zealand is of a group of remote islands dominated by reptiles and birds, with no native mammals except a few bats. In fact, the islands themselves are only part of a wider New Zealand Region which includes a large section of Antarctica. In total, the New Zealand Region has at least 63 recognised taxa (species, subspecies and distinguishable clades) of living native mammals, only six of which are bats. The rest comprise a large and vigorous assemblage of 57 native marine mammals (9 pinnipeds and 48 cetaceans), protected from human knowledge until only a few centuries ago by their extreme isolation in the southwestern Pacific Ocean. Even after humans first began to colonise the New Zealand archipelago in about 1280 AD, most of the native marine mammals remained unfamiliar because they are seldom seen from the shore. This paper describes the huge contrast between the history and biogeography of the tiny fauna of New Zealand's native land mammals versus the richly diverse and little-known assemblage of marine mammals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Site‐occupancy modelling is widely used in ecology for understanding species distribution, habitat‐use and community changes but its application is still limited in paleoecology, where incomplete detection is also routine. Here, we make extensive expansions to an earlier multispecies occupancy model used to estimate the dynamics of relative species abundance in fossil communities. These expansions include incorporating counts of individuals at sites, explicitly allowing for the inclusion of specimens assignable to genus – but not species‐level, a situation common in paleontology, and modelling regional presence/absence. We provide simulations to check the performance of this new model, as well as simulations to quantify the benefits of using individual count data versus subsample occupancy data, and model estimates versus face‐value (raw) estimates, respectively. We also provide an empirical case study using occupancy data from a community of marine benthic colonial animals preserved in the Pleistocene of New Zealand. We find that the new model performs well, especially when it comes to recovering relative abundance dynamics and that it is well worth the effort to both collect individual count data and to include individuals unidentified to species‐level in the site‐occupancy modelling framework. This extended model can be widely applied in paleoecological settings and is necessary when both the average and uncertainty values of relative abundance dynamics need to be robustly estimated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lateral roots, including adventitious roots, are the main component of rapeseed roots with support, absorb, and synthesis functions and their morphological parameters directly affecting the plant's aboveground growth and yield. Root biomass, as a material base for lateral root growth, can be used as a link between plant phenotypes and their physiological processes, as well as to enhance root 3D growth model mechanisms and accuracy. To quantify the relationships between lateral root morphological indices and the corresponding organ biomass for rapeseed, we used two cultivars, NY 22 (conventional) and NZ 1818 (hybrid), and conducted cultivar and fertilizing cylindrical tube experiments during the 2016–2019, with two fertilizer levels, no fertilizer, and 180 kg N ha−1 fertilizer. The lateral root biomass and morphological parameters were determined during the whole growth period. The biomass‐based lateral root morphological parameter models were developed by analyzing the quantitative relationship between the lateral root morphological indices and their corresponding biomass, and the descriptive models were verified with independent experimental data. The results showed that the correlation (r) of simulated and observed values for the lateral root morphological parameters are all greater than 0.9 with significant levels at p < 0.001. The absolute values of the average absolute difference (da) of simulated and observed values for the lateral root length (LLR), lateral root average diameter (ADLR), lateral root surface area (SALR), and lateral root volume (VLR) are −30.408 cm, −0.003 mm, 12.902 cm2, and 0.039 cm3, respectively. The RMSE values are 175.183 cm, 0.010 mm, 59.710 cm2, and 1.513 cm3, respectively. The ratio of da to the average observed values (dap) for the LLR and VLR are all less than 5%, and the ADLR and SALR are all <6%. The models developed in this paper have good performance and reliability for predicting lateral root morphological parameters of rapeseed. The study provides a mechanistic method for linking the rapeseed growth model with the morphological model using corresponding organic biomass and laying a good foundation for establishing a 3D morphological model for rapeseed root system based on biomass. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Auckland Island pigs represent an inbred population of feral pigs isolated on the sub-Antarctic island for over 100 years. The animals have been maintained under pathogen-free conditions in New Zealand; they are well characterized virologically and have been used as donor sources in first clinical trials of porcine neonatal islet cell transplantation for the treatment of human diabetes patients. The animals do not carry any of the xenotransplantation-relevant viruses, and in the first clinical trials, no porcine viruses, including porcine endogenous retroviruses (PERVs) were transmitted to the human recipients. PERVs pose a special risk in xenotransplantation, since they are part of the pig genome. When the copy number of PERVs in these animals was analyzed using droplet digital PCR and primers binding to a conserved region of the polymerase gene (PERVpol), a copy number typical for Western pigs was found. This confirms previous phylogenetic analyses of microsatellites as well as mitochondrial analyses showing a closer relationship to European pigs than to Chinese pigs. When kidney cells from very young piglets were analyzed, only around 20 PERVpol copies were detected. Using these cells as donors in somatic cell nuclear transfer (SCNT), animals were born showing PERVpol copy numbers between 35 and 56. These data indicate that Auckland Island pigs have a similar copy number in comparison with other Western pig breeds and that the copy number is higher in adult animals compared with cells from young piglets. Most importantly, PERV-C-free animals were selected and the absence of an additional eight porcine viruses was demonstrated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bioremediation utilizes living organisms such as plants, microbes and their enzymatic products to reduce toxicity in xenobiotic compounds. Microbial-mediated bioremediation is cost effective and sustainable and in situ application is easily implemented. Either naturally occurring metabolic activity can be utilized during bioremediation for the degradation, transformation or accumulation of substances, or microbial augmentation with non-native species can be exploited. Despite the perceived low potential for the biological degradation of some recalcitrant compounds, successful steps towards bioremediation have been made, including with asbestos minerals, which are prevalent in building stock (created prior to the year 2000) in New Zealand. Evidence of the in situ biodegradation of asbestos fibres was investigated in samples taken from a retired asbestos mine, asbestos-contaminated soils and biofilm or lichen-covered asbestos-containing building materials. Microbial diversity within the biofilms to be associated with the asbestos-containing samples was investigated using internal transcribed spacer and 16S DNA amplicon sequencing, supplemented with isolation and culturing on agar plates. A range of fungal and bacterial species were found, including some known to produce siderophores. Changes to fibre structure and morphology were analysed using Transmission Electron Microscopy and Energy-Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy. Chrysotile fibrils from asbestos-containing material (ACMs), asbestos-containing soils, and asbestos incorporated into lichen material showed signs of amorphisation and dissolution across their length, which could be related to biological activity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This research addresses the strategic issue of why key decision-makers fail to foresee potential extreme 'black swan' events. Following a review of the literature, a conceptual framework is developed that identifies two types of organisational blindness that are reflected in Tetlock's hedgehog cognitive thinking style, being the oversimplification of uncertainty (e.g., inductive biases) and an unquestioned, top-down, reference narrative. This framework is tested using a case study approach and qualitative analysis of secondary data sources available from the Royal Commission of Inquiry and other published reports following the 2010 methane explosion at the Pike River Coal Ltd.'s mine (Pike) in New Zealand, that killed 29 miners and caused the loss of all funds invested. The results indicate that the combined effect of both blindnesses meant that Pike's collective intelligence was limited, and for the three key decision-makers at the Pike River mine, some type of extreme 'black swan' event was apparently inevitable. This research provides theoretical and practical contributions to the analysis of business and public policy decision-making under uncertainty. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ninety-six (96) 8-wk-old "mixed breed" of New Zealand white, California white and chinchilla rabbits were used to determine the growth performance, carcass and organ percentages of rabbits fed concentrate diets containing graded levels of Brassica oleracea outer leaves and Musa paradisiaca leaves. The rabbits were assigned to two groups of 48. Those in group 1 were allotted to four dietary treatments with concentrate diets containing 0, 10, 20 and 30% inclusion levels of B. oleracea outer leaves for one week and 12-wk adaptation and testing periods, respectively, for growth performance evaluation. Similar treatment and design were adopted for group 2 rabbits using graded levels of M. paradisiaca leaves. Six rabbits were randomly selected from each treatment group for slaughter at the end of the testing period for carcass and internal organ characteristics evaluation. There were no dietary effects on the parameters of rabbits fed graded levels of B. oleracea outer leaves except for M. paradisiaca, where the control diet had the lowest feed intake and the least (P<0.05) feed conversion ratio comparable to 30% inclusion level and final body weight, which was the highest (P<0.05) for rabbits fed diets containing 10 and 20% inclusion levels of M. paradisiaca leaves. The cost of feed was highest for the control diets, and reduced with increasing inclusion levels of the leaves in the diets. None of the rabbits died during the experimental period. The findings suggest that rabbits can be fed concentrate diets containing B. oleracea outer leaves and M. paradisiaca leaves up to 30% inclusion level for good growth performance and high carcass characteristics at a lower production cost than concentrate diets, while maintaining good health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective was to determine the postoperative hypersensitivity of two-step Total-etch as compared to one-step Universal adhesives followed by composite restorations on 100 patients by applying Total-etch on one tooth and Universal adhesive on another tooth. The bonds and teeth were randomly selected. Postoperative hypersensitivity was recorded by visual analog scale before, immediately after, and 24 h after the restoration using cold stimulus. The Mann–Whitney test was applied for statistical comparison of postoperative hypersensitivity between the two bonds as well as for any significant difference in genders with each bond. No significant difference was found between postoperative hypersensitivity of the two adhesives before (p-value = 0.57), immediately after (p-value = 0.604), and 24 h after (p-value = 0.728) the restoration. Males showed more hypersensitivity with Total-etch as compared to females before (p-value = 0.037), immediately after (p-value = 0.047), and 24 h after the restoration (p-value = 0.022). No significant difference was found between gender and Universal adhesive at all three stages (p-value > 0.05). The results suggest no significant difference in postoperative hypersensitivity between the two materials when good sample size and proper technique were observed along with the removal of bias like different patients having different pain perceptions and multiple operators having different operating skills. Males showed more hypersensitivity to Total-etch. Trial registration number: Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials. Registry number: ACTRN12622001213730. (Retrospectively registered: 09/09/2022). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Racism is an important determinant of health and driver of racial/ethnic health inequities. Experience of racism has been linked to negative healthcare use and experiences although most studies have been cross-sectional. This study examines the relationship between reported experience of racism and subsequent use and experience of health services. Methods: This is a prospective cohort study design. The 2016/2017 adult New Zealand Health Survey (NZHS) provided the sampling frame and baseline data on exposures, health status and confounders. This stand-alone study invited all exposed individuals to participate when sampled based on their reported experience of racism (ever), stratified by broad ethnic groupings (Māori, Pacific, Asian, European/Other). Equal numbers of unexposed participants were selected for invitation using propensity score matching (propensity to experience racism, based on key available predictive factors). Follow-up was one to two years after NZHS interview. Outcome variables (last 12 months) were: unmet healthcare need (overall, for mental health, for a general practitioner); satisfaction with usual medical centre; and experiences with general practitioners (explaining care, involvement in decision-making, treated with respect/dignity, confidence and trust). Logistic regression models examining the association between experience of racism (at baseline) and health service use and experience (at follow-up) used doubly-robust estimation to weight for propensity scores used in the sampling with additional adjustment for confounders. Results: The study had 2010 participants. Experience of racism (ever) at baseline was associated with higher overall unmet need at follow-up (adjusted OR (aOR) = 1.71, 95% CI 1.31, 2.23), with similar patterns for other unmet need measures. Experience of racism was associated with higher dissatisfaction with a usual medical centre (aOR = 1.41, 95% CI 1.10, 1.81) and with higher reporting of negative patient experiences. Conclusion: In line with how racism structures oppression, exposure to racism is largely felt by non-European groups in Aotearoa New Zealand. Experiences of racism potentially lead to poorer healthcare and healthcare inequities through higher unmet need, lower satisfaction and more negative experiences of healthcare. The health system has a critical role to play in addressing racism within healthcare and supporting societal efforts to eliminate racism and ethnic inequities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Despite three decades of policy initiatives to improve integration of health care, delivery of health care in New Zealand remains fragmented, and health inequities persist for Māori and other high priority populations. An evidence base is needed to increase the chances of success with implementation of large-system transformation (LST) initiatives in a complex adaptive system. Methods: This research aimed to identify key elements that support implementation of LST initiatives, and to investigate contextual factors that influence these initiatives. The realist logic of enquiry, nested within the macro framing of complex adaptive systems, formed the overall methodology for this research and involved five phases: theory gleaning from a local LST initiative, literature review, interviews, workshop, and online survey. NVivo software programme was used for thematic analysis of the interview, workshop, and the survey data. We identified key elements and explained variations in success (outcomes) by identifying mechanisms triggered by various contexts in which LST initiatives are implemented. Results: The research found that a set of 10 key elements need to be present in the New Zealand health system to increase chances of success with implementation of LST initiatives. These are: (i) an alliancing way of working; (ii) a commitment to te Tiriti o Waitangi; (iii) an understanding of equity; (iv) clinical leadership and involvement; (v) involved people, whānau, and community; (vi) intelligent commissioning; (vii) continuous improvement; (viii) integrated health information; (ix) analytic capability; and (x) dedicated resources and time. The research identified five contextual factors that influenced implementation of LST initiatives: a history of working together, distributed leadership from funders, the maturity of Alliances, capacity and capability for improvement, and a continuous improvement culture. The research found that the key mechanism of trust is built and nurtured over time through sharing of power by senior health leaders by practising distributed leadership, which then creates a positive history of working together and increases the maturity of Alliances. Discussion: Two authors (KMS and PBJ) led the development and implementation of the local LST initiative. This prior knowledge and experience provided a unique perspective to the research but also created a conflict of interest and introduced potential bias, these were managed through a wide range of data collection methods and informed consent from participants. The evidence-base for successful implementation of LST initiatives produced in this research contains knowledge and experience of senior system leaders who are often in charge of leading these initiatives. This evidence base enables decision makers to make sense of complex processes involved in the successful implementation of LST initiatives. Conclusions: Use of informal trust-based networks provided a critical platform for successful implementation of LST initiatives in the New Zealand health system. Maturity of these networks relies on building and sustaining high-trust relationships among the network members. The role of local and central agencies and the government is to provide the policy settings and conditions in which trust-based networks can flourish. Other: This study was approved by the Victoria University of Wellington Human Ethics Committee (Ethics Approval Number 27,356). The research was supported by the Victoria University of Wellington research grant (222,809) and from the University of Auckland Department of Medicine research fund (H10779). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Free-roaming companion cats have a detrimental impact on the environment and are at risk of harm. Despite these negative impacts, it is the norm in New Zealand (NZ) to allow companion cats to roam freely and only a minority of cat owners practice cat containment. This study firstly sought to identify what factors act as barriers and drivers of NZ owners' participation in cat containment, and secondly whether NZ owners could be segmented into unique audiences based on the factors predicting their cat containment behavior. It was hypothesized that cat owners with greater capability, opportunity, and motivation to perform cat containment would have greater cat containment intentions and behavior. Furthermore, it was expected that at least three segments of cat owners would exist in NZ which differed significantly in the set of capability, opportunity and motivational factors predicting their cat containment behavior. A quantitative online cross-sectional survey of 395 NZ cat owners was conducted, measuring containment intentions and behavior, and capability, opportunity, and motivation to perform cat containment. Results from bivariate correlations and multiple regression demonstrated that capability, opportunity, and motivational factors predicted increased cat containment intentions and behavior. Latent profile analysis identified four distinct segments of cat owners with unique COM profiles; engaged (6%), receptive (17%), ambivalent (48%), and opposed (30%). Validation analysis demonstrated that these groups all differed significantly in their cat containment intentions and behaviors. From these findings theoretically grounded behavior change interventions can be developed to target the causes of non-participation in cat containment for each of the identified cat owner segments, thereby improving the management of free-roaming cats in NZ. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Despite a low rate of infant mortality, Aotearoa New Zealand has a high rate of Sudden Unexpected Death in Infants (SUDI), with disproportionate impact for Pacific infants. This study explored the infant care practices, factors and relationships associated with increased risk of SUDI amongst Tongan, Samoan, Cook Islands Māori, and Niuean mothers in New Zealand, to inform evidence-based interventions for reducing the incidence of SUDI for Pacific families and their children. Methods: Analysis comprised of data collected in 2009–2010 from 1089 Samoan, Tongan, Cook Islands Māori and Niuean mothers enrolled in the Growing Up in New Zealand longitudinal cohort study. The sleeping environment (bed-sharing and sleep position) of the infants was assessed at 6 weeks. Multivariable logistic regression analysis were conducted, controlling for sociodemographic factors to explore the association between selected maternal and pregnancy support and environment factors and the sleeping environment for infants. Results: Mothers who converse in languages other than English at home, and mothers who consulted alternative practitioners were less likely to follow guidelines for infant sleeping position. Similarly language, smoking, alcohol, household dwelling, crowding and access to a family doctor or GP were associated with mothers following guidelines for bed-sharing. Conclusion: The impact of SUDI on Pacific infants may be lessened or prevented if communication about risk factors is more inclusive of diverse ethnic, cultural worldviews, and languages. Societal structural issues such as access to affordable housing is also important. This research suggests a need for more targeted or tailored interventions which promote safe sleeping and reduce rates of SUDI in a culturally respectful and meaningful way for Pasifika communities in Aotearoa, New Zealand. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: To investigate and compare estimates of the longevity of dental treatment, expectations for free remedial treatment, and attitudes about formal dental warranties among dentists, students, and patients. Materials and methods: This is a mixed-method cross-sectional questionnaire survey with convenience sampling from dentists, dental students, and patients in New Zealand. A questionnaire was distributed to New Zealand dentists (n = 28) and final-year dental students (n = 27). A separate questionnaire was provided to patients in a university dental clinic (n = 43). Mann-Whitney U, Chi-square and Pearson Correlation, and Binary logistic regression tests were used to test for differences between groups and correlations amongst variables. Qualitative data were analysed thematically. Results: Dentists believed that their posterior composite resin restorations would last longer (p = 0.014), would remediate failed crowns for longer (p = 0.002) and would provide longer crown warranties (p = 0.003) compared to students. Patients had higher expectations for restoration longevity and free remediation for failed treatment. Students were generally more willing to provide warranties. Crowns were perceived to be the most warrantable, while endodontic treatment was the least warrantable. Recall attendance, mechanical failure, and adequate oral hygiene were commonly proposed as warranty conditions for restorations and crowns. There was little consensus about complete dentures and endodontic treatment. Conclusions: There are significant disparities between the expectations of patients and clinicians regarding treatment longevity and free remediation times. Clinicians, in general, are willing to provide free remediation within a specified time frame, except for endodontic treatment, but are hesitant to provide formal dental warranties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Commercial greyhound racing in New Zealand has been under scrutiny for its animal welfare practices for over a decade. In 2021, the greyhound racing industry was placed 'on-notice' by the New Zealand Racing Minister and Associate Minister of Agriculture (Animal Welfare) due to ongoing issues with data recording, transparency, and animal welfare generally. Social license was identified as a key factor in deciding the future of commercial greyhound racing in New Zealand. This paper describes the findings of a robust survey of the New Zealand public's opinion towards commercial greyhound racing. The majority of survey respondents reported a negative view of the greyhound racing industry and indicated that, given the chance, they would vote in support of a ban on greyhound racing. The respondents reported a lack of involvement and knowledge of industry practices. These results confirm that the majority of the New Zealand public do not currently support the continuation of commercial greyhound racing in New Zealand. The commercial greyhound racing industry in New Zealand is struggling with an eroding social license and 'on-notice' status. Multiple independent reviews of the industry have identified ongoing issues of animal welfare during and between races, euthanasia decisions, poor data tracking, a lack of transparency and problems with rehoming dogs, resulting in New Zealand animal advocacy agencies and the general public questioning the continuation of greyhound racing. The current paper assessed the New Zealand public's awareness and familiarity with commercial greyhound racing, identified current levels of public support or opposition for racing, and provided context in terms of engagement with greyhound racing using a comprehensive survey of a robust sample of New Zealanders. The results confirm that the social license of the greyhound industry is under challenge with most respondents expressing disagreement with or lack of knowledge of current industry practices and indicating they would vote in support of a ban. There is scope for increasing public acceptability by addressing welfare issues, increasing awareness of positive industry practices, and encouraging transparency of the greyhound racing agency. However, as greyhound racing is on the decline worldwide, calls are likely to continue for a phase-out of commercial greyhound racing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The presented study investigates the efficiency of heterogeneous ice formation in natural clouds over Lauder, New Zealand / Aotearoa. Aerosol conditions in the middle troposphere above Lauder are subject to huge contrasts. Clean, pristine air masses from Antarctica and the Southern Ocean arrive under southerly flow conditions, while high aerosol loads can occur when air masses are advected from nearby Australia. This study assesses how these contrasts in aerosol load affect the ice formation efficiency in stratiform midlevel clouds in the heterogeneous freezing range (- 40 to 0 ∘C). For this purpose, an 11-year dataset was analyzed from a dual-wavelength polarization lidar system operated by National Institute of Water and Atmospheric Research (NIWA), Taihoro Nukurangi, at Lauder in collaboration with the National Institute for Environmental Studies in Japan and the Meteorological Research Institute of the Japan Meteorological Agency. These data were used to investigate the efficiency of heterogeneous ice formation in clouds over the site as a function of cloud-top temperature as in previous studies at other locations. The Lauder cloud dataset was put into context with lidar studies from contrasting regions such as Germany and southern Chile. The ice formation efficiency found at Lauder is lower than in polluted midlatitudes (i.e., Germany) but higher than, for example, in southern Chile. Both Lauder and southern Chile are subject to generally low free-tropospheric aerosol loads, which suggests that the low ice formation efficiency at these two sites is related to low ice-nucleating-particle (INP) concentrations. However, Lauder sees episodes of continental aerosol, more than southern Chile does, which seems to lead to the moderately increased ice formation efficiency. Trajectory-based tools and aerosol model reanalyses are used to relate this cloud dataset to the aerosol load and the air mass sources. Both analyses point clearly to higher ice formation efficiency for clouds which are more strongly influenced by continental aerosol and to lower ice formation efficiency for clouds which are more influenced by Antarctic/marine aerosol and air masses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A novel ultraviolet spectrometer has been developed and tested over 10 years at Lauder, New Zealand. The system, UV2, makes alternating measurements of the global and direct UV irradiance and can therefore be used to measure ozone and aerosol optical depth. After an analysis of the stability of UV2, these measurements, along with UV irradiance, are compared to relevant observations made by an additional UV spectrometer (UV4), a Dobson spectrophotometer (no. 072), and two radiometers measuring aerosol optical depth – a Prede sky radiometer and a Middleton Solar radiometer (SP02). UV2 irradiance is shown to be lower than UV4 by between 2.5 % and 3.5 %, with a standard deviation of a similar magnitude. Total column ozone values are shown to agree with Dobson spectrophotometer values with a mean bias of 2.57 Dobson units (DU) and standard deviation of 1.15 DU when using the direct sun measurements. Aerosol optical depth at 400–412 and 500 nm agrees to within 0.015 and is comparable to the difference between the reference radiometers. Further work is needed, particularly in the radiometric calibration at longer wavelengths, in order to determine if this instrument can supersede or enhance measurements made by the Dobson spectrophotometer or the aerosol radiometers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study demonstrates a framework for using high-resolution satellite imagery to automatically map and monitor outbreaks of red needle cast (Phytophthora pluvialis) in planted pine forests. This methodology was tested on five WorldView satellite scenes collected over two sites in the Gisborne Region of New Zealand's North Island. All scenes were acquired in September: four scenes were acquired yearly (2018–2020 and 2022) for Wharerata, while one more was obtained in 2019 for Tauwhareparae. Training areas were selected for each scene using manual delineation combined with pixel-level thresholding rules based on band reflectance values and vegetation indices (selected empirically) to produce 'pure' training pixels for the different classes. A leave-one-scene-out, pixel-based random forest classification approach was then used to classify all images into (i) healthy pine forest, (ii) unhealthy pine forest or (iii) background. The overall accuracy of the models on the internal validation dataset ranged between 92.1% and 93.6%. Overall accuracies calculated for the left-out scenes ranged between 76.3% and 91.1% (mean overall accuracy of 83.8%), while user's and producer's accuracies across the three classes were 60.2–99.0% (71.4–91.8% for unhealthy pine forest) and 54.4–100% (71.9–97.2% for unhealthy pine forest), respectively. This work demonstrates the possibility of using a random forest classifier trained on a set of satellite scenes for the classification of healthy and unhealthy pine forest in new and completely independent scenes. This paves the way for a scalable and largely autonomous forest health monitoring system based on annual acquisitions of high-resolution satellite imagery at the time of peak disease expression, while greatly reducing the need for manual interpretation and delineation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Platelets (PLTS) and fresh frozen plasma (FFP) are often transfused in cardiac surgery patients for perioperative bleeding. Their relative effectiveness is unknown. Methods: We conducted an entropy-weighted retrospective cohort study using the Australian and New Zealand Society of Cardiac and Thoracic Surgeons National Cardiac Surgery Database. All adults undergoing cardiac surgery between 2005–2021 across 58 sites were included. The primary outcome was operative mortality. Results: Of 174,796 eligible patients, 15,360 (8.79%) received PLTS in the absence of FFP and 6,189 (3.54%) patients received FFP in the absence of PLTS. The median cumulative dose was 1 unit of pooled platelets (IQR 1 to 3) and 2 units of FFP (IQR 0 to 4) respectively. After entropy weighting to achieve balanced cohorts, FFP was associated with increased perioperative (Risk Ratio [RR], 1.63; 95% Confidence Interval [CI], 1.40 to 1.91; P<0.001) and 1-year (RR, 1.50; 95% CI, 1.32 to 1.71; P<0.001) mortality. FFP was associated with increased rates of 4-hour chest drain tube output (Adjusted mean difference in ml, 28.37; 95% CI, 19.35 to 37.38; P<0.001), AKI (RR, 1.13; 95% CI, 1.01 to 1.27; P = 0.033) and readmission to ICU (RR, 1.24; 95% CI, 1.09 to 1.42; P = 0.001). Conclusion: In perioperative bleeding in cardiac surgery patient, platelets are associated with a relative mortality benefit over FFP. This information can be used by clinicians in their choice of procoagulant therapy in this setting. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Escherichia coli are routine indicators of fecal contamination in water quality assessments. Contrary to livestock and human activities, brushtail possums (Trichosurus vulpecula), common invasive marsupials in Aotearoa/New Zealand, have not been thoroughly studied as a source of fecal contamination in freshwater. To investigate their potential role, Escherichia spp. isolates (n = 420) were recovered from possum gut contents and feces and were compared to those from water, soil, sediment, and periphyton samples, and from birds and other introduced mammals collected within the Mākirikiri Reserve, Dannevirke. Isolates were characterized using E. coli-specific real-time PCR targeting the uidA gene, Sanger sequencing of a partial gnd PCR product to generate a gnd sequence type (gST), and for 101 isolates, whole genome sequencing. Escherichia populations from 106 animal and environmental sample enrichments were analyzed using gnd metabarcoding. The alpha diversity of Escherichia gSTs was significantly lower in possums and animals compared with aquatic environmental samples, and some gSTs were shared between sample types, e.g., gST535 (in 85% of samples) and gST258 (71%). Forty percent of isolates gnd-typed and 75% of reads obtained by metabarcoding had gSTs shared between possums, other animals, and the environment. Core-genome single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) analysis showed limited variation between several animal and environmental isolates (<10 SNPs). Our data show at an unprecedented scale that Escherichia clones are shared between possums, other wildlife, water, and the wider environment. These findings support the potential role of possums as contributors to fecal contamination in Aotearoa/New Zealand freshwater. Our study deepens the current knowledge of Escherichia populations in under-sampled wildlife. It presents a successful application of high-resolution genomic methods for fecal source tracking, thereby broadening the analytical toolbox available to water quality managers. Phylogenetic analysis of isolates and profiling of Escherichia populations provided useful information on the source(s) of fecal contamination and suggest that comprehensive invasive species management strategies may assist in restoring not only ecosystem health but also water health where microbial water quality is compromised. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Community-based primary care, such as general practice (GP) or urgent care, serves as the primary point of access to healthcare for most Australians and New Zealanders. Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has created significant and ongoing disruptions to primary care. Traditional research methods have contributed to gaps in understanding the experiences of primary care workers during the pandemic. This paper describes a novel research design and method that intended to capture the evolving impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on primary care workers in Australia and New Zealand. Recurrent, rapid cycle surveys were fielded from May 2020 through December 2021 in Australia, and May 2020 through February 2021 in New Zealand. Rapid survey development, fielding, triangulated analysis and dissemination of results allowed close to real-time communication of relevant issues among general practice workers, researchers and policy-makers. A conceptual model is presented to support longitudinal analysis of primary care worker experiences during the COVID-19 pandemic in Australia and New Zealand, and key learnings from applying this novel method are discussed. This paper will assist future research teams in development and execution of policy-relevant research in times of change and may inform further areas of interest for COVID-19 research in primary care. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Live crustaceans, especially lobsters, crabs, and shrimp, fetch premium prices in many international seafood markets, especially in parts of Asia. To access these market opportunities, live crustaceans frequently need to be transported over long distances, which can involve prolonged air exposure resulting in elevated stress and increased morbidity and mortality. Interventions which deliver metabolic suppression to live crustaceans during their transport have the potential to improve outcomes from live shipping. In this study, the administration of adenosine (Ado) and L-theanine (L-th) were assessed for metabolic suppression in the New Zealand scampi, Metanephrops challengeri, a deep sea lobster which is highly prized as seafood, and with excellent prospects for supply into premium live seafood markets. The administration to scampi of Ado and L-th in isolation or as a mixture (Ado/L-th), caused a significant decrease in heart rate (HR) with a lasting effect for the 4 hr experimental period. However, this depression of HR did not translate into a systemic downregulation of metabolism, as measured by the key metabolites, i.e., glycogen utilization and the accumulation of lactate and ammonia. The lack of systematic metabolic downregulation would preclude the potential use of Ado and L-th for commercial application in live shipping of crustaceans. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Popularity of one-way car rentals poses a challenge to rental car fleet management and brings to focus the importance of a strategic decision for rental car operators: whether to implement a single-fleet or a multifleet model. The single-fleet model allows movement of vehicles between regions, whereas the multifleet model does not. It is not obvious whether a single-fleet model is optimal due to its pooling effect, or a multifleet model due to shorter car relocation times. In practice, different rental car operators use different models. To answer this conundrum, we develop two simulation models and compare them in terms of fleet utilisation, branch service level, relocations, and operating profit. We have taken the New Zealand rental car industry as an example as the country consists of two well-defined regions: the North Island and the South Island. The results indicate that a multifleet model has a higher service level at key centres and higher utilisation. At the same time, the single-fleet model is relatively more profitable at the expense of a lower service level in key centres due to vehicles accumulating in the South Island due to a significant volume of one-way southbound travel. Overall, the implementation of either model should depend on the strategic goals of the rental car operator. Our work will be useful for practitioners considering whether or not to pool their fleet when allowing for one-way rentals with subsequent relocation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Plinia cauliflora [Mart.] Kausel (Myrtaceae), popularly known as "jabuticaba," is a fruit species native to Brazil. Despite extensive widespread usage, its antiatherosclerotic properties' impact remains unknown. Thus, the present study aimed to investigate the cardioprotective effects of a preparation obtained from the fruit peels of P. cauliflora (EEPC). Methods: Male New Zealand rabbits received a 1% cholesterol-supplemented diet for 60 days. On the thirtieth day, the animals were divided into five experimental groups and received, once a day, by the oral route, the EEPC (10, 30, and 100 mg/kg), simvastatin (2.5 mg/kg), or vehicle for 30 days. At the end of the experimental period, peripheral blood and arterial branch samples were collected. The levels of total cholesterol (TC), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), triglyceride (TG), malondialdehyde (MDA), nitrotyrosine (NT), nitrite, interleukin 1 beta (IL-1b), interleukin 6 (IL-6), soluble inter-cellular adhesion molecule-1 (sICAM-1), and soluble vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (sVCAM-1) levels were measured. Moreover, the catalase and superoxide dismutase levels were measured on the arterial samples. Histopathological analysis and arterial morphometry were also performed. Results and discussion: The oral administration of ESEG significantly lowered the levels of lipids in rabbits that were fed a CRD diet. This treatment also adjusted the protective system against oxidation in the arteries by decreasing the oxidation of lipids and proteins. Additionally, the levels of IL-1b, IL-6, sICAM-1, and sVCAM-1 in the bloodstream decreased significantly, and this was accompanied by a reduction of atherosclerotic lesions in all branches of the arteries. The findings suggest that EEPC may be a possible option for additional management of atherosclerosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: ATL1102 is a 2'MOE gapmer antisense oligonucleotide to the CD49d alpha subunit of VLA-4, inhibiting expression of CD49d on lymphocytes, reducing survival, activation and migration to sites of inflammation. Children with DMD have dystrophin deficient muscles susceptible to contraction induced injury, which triggers the immune system, exacerbating muscle damage. CD49d is a biomarker of disease severity in DMD, with increased numbers of high CD49d expressing T cells correlating with more severe and progressive weakess, despite corticosteroid treatment. Methods: This Phase 2 open label study assessed the safety, efficacy and pharmacokinetic profile of ATL1102 administered as 25 mg weekly by subcutaneous injection for 24 weeks in 9 non-ambulatory boys with DMD aged 10–18 years. The main objective was to assess safety and tolerability of ATL1102. Secondary objectives included the effect of ATL1102 on lymphocyte numbers in the blood, functional changes in upper limb function as assessed by Performance of Upper Limb test (PUL 2.0) and upper limb strength using MyoGrip and MyoPinch compared to baseline. Results: Eight out of nine participants were on a stable dose of corticosteroids. ATL1102 was generally safe and well tolerated. No serious adverse events were reported. There were no participant withdrawals from the study. The most commonly reported adverse events were injection site erythema and skin discoloration. There was no statistically significant change in lymphocyte count from baseline to week 8, 12 or 24 of dosing however, the CD3+CD49d+ T lymphocytes were statistically significantly higher at week 28 compared to week 24, four weeks past the last dose (mean change 0.40x109/L 95%CI 0.05, 0.74; p = 0.030). Functional muscle strength, as measured by the PUL2.0, EK2 and Myoset grip and pinch measures, and MRI fat fraction of the forearm muscles were stable throughout the trial period. Conclusion: ATL1102, a novel antisense drug being developed for the treatment of inflammation that exacerbates muscle fibre damage in DMD, appears to be safe and well tolerated in non-ambulant boys with DMD. The apparent stabilisation observed on multiple muscle disease progression parameters assessed over the study duration support the continued development of ATL1102 for the treatment of DMD. Trial registration: Clinical Trial Registration. Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry Number: ACTRN12618000970246. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Health intervention implementation in Aotearoa New Zealand (NZ), as in many countries globally, usually varies by ethnicity. Māori (the Indigenous peoples of Aotearoa) and Pacific peoples are less likely to receive interventions than other ethnic groups, despite experiencing persistent health inequities. This study aimed to develop an equity-focused implementation framework, appropriate for the Aotearoa NZ context, to support the planning and delivery of equitable implementation pathways for health interventions, with the intention of achieving equitable outcomes for Māori, as well as people originating from the Pacific Islands. Methods: A scoping review of the literature to identify existing equity-focused implementation theories, models and frameworks was undertaken. One of these, the Equity-based framework for Implementation Research (EquIR), was selected for adaptation. The adaptation process was undertaken in collaboration with the project's Māori and consumer advisory groups and informed by the expertise of local health equity researchers and stakeholders, as well as the international implementation science literature. Results: The adapted framework's foundation is the principles of Te Tiriti o Waitangi (the written agreement between Māori rangatira (chiefs) and the British Crown), and its focus is whānau (extended family)-centred implementation that meets the health and wellbeing aspirations, priorities and needs of whānau. The implementation pathway comprises four main steps: implementation planning, pathway design, monitoring, and outcomes and evaluation, all with an equity focus. The pathway is underpinned by the core constructs of equitable implementation in Aotearoa NZ: collaborative design, anti-racism, Māori and priority population expertise, cultural safety and values-based. Additionally, the contextual factors impacting implementation, i.e. the social, economic, commercial and political determinants of health, are included. Conclusions: The framework presented in this study is the first equity-focused process-type implementation framework to be adapted for the Aotearoa NZ context. This framework is intended to support and facilitate equity-focused implementation research and health intervention implementation by mainstream health services. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There is a growing call for health researchers to address the inequities in healthcare experienced by indigenous populations by focusing on the development of culturally responsive research approaches. This article presents a contextual example from Aotearoa New Zealand (NZ) of how indigenous (Māori) knowledge and practices helped reimagine and enhance an existing qualitative descriptive research protocol exploring clinicians' perspectives of robotic rehabilitation for people with stroke. The intent was to develop a research design that upheld and valued mātauranga Māori (indigenous knowledge systems) alongside Western clinical sciences knowledge. To achieve this, a collaboration of non-indigenous (tauiwi) and indigenous researchers with experience in Qualitative and Kaupapa Māori (indigenous) methodologies, and clinical practice was formed. The researchers undertook a cyclical process of relationship building, engagement with mātauranga Māori, discussion and exploration of how indigenous knowledge and practices could inform and shape the existing study design. Key influences in adapting the research design were drawn from Māori ethical principles, Māori frameworks of health and wellbeing, and Māori cultural practices for clinical engagement. Drawing on indigenous knowledge and practices to develop a Māori-centred research method resulted in significant changes to the study design, methods, and interview approach. Focused development of a culturally responsive approach enabled the researchers to engage indigenous participants in a research process that was safe, respectful, and culturally appropriate. Transformation occurred within the researcher-participant relationship from one often characterised as transactional, to one of deeper connection and reciprocity, which facilitated a richer and more in-depth inquiry. The explicit valuing and integration of indigenous knowledge and practices in adapting the research method strengthened the cultural responsivity of the research. Central to the process was prioritising working in relational partnership. Non-indigenous researchers' self-reflection on their own culture, alongside being attuned to the influence of historical, political, and social contexts of the participants experiences proved essential. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fluid flow and pore‐pressure cycling are believed to control slow slip events (SSEs), such as those that frequently occur at the northern Hikurangi margin of New Zealand. To better understand fluid flow in the forearc system we examined the relationship between several physical properties of Cretaceous‐to‐Pliocene sedimentary rocks from the Raukumara peninsula. We found that the permeability of the deep wedge is too low to drain fluids, but fracturing increases permeability by orders of magnitude, making fracturing key for fluid flow. In weeks to months, plastic deformation, swelling, and possibly not‐yet‐identified mechanisms heal the fractures, restoring the initial permeability. We conclude that overpressures at the northern HM might partly dissipate during SSEs due to enhanced permeability near faults. However, in the months following an SSE, healing in the prism will lower permeability, forcing pore pressure to rise and a new SSE to occur. Plain Language Summary: Earth's crust comprises many tectonic plates fitting together like jigsaw puzzle pieces. Tectonic plates subduct in the mantle along active converging margins, where the forces driving such a convergence can trigger large earthquakes. However, these subduction zones often deform without producing earthquakes, but through slow deformations called slow slip events (SSE). The Hikurangi Margin (HM) of New Zealand is a well‐studied subduction zone, producing both earthquakes and SSEs. The northern HM exhibits more frequent and shallower SSEs than the southern margin. Understanding what controls such differences can help improve the general understanding of subduction zone mechanics and earthquakes. One of the hypotheses is that the differences between the deformation of the northern and southern HM are controlled by the pressure of fluids at depth. We tested the elastic and fluid‐transport properties of four samples from the northern HM and found that the overriding plate, if not fractured, would be impermeable to fluids. We also tested a fractured sample and observed efficient healing that resets the initial permeability. We conclude that fracturing the overriding plate is fundamental to draining the fluids carried at depth by the subducting plate, and SSEs may create new pathways for fluids to escape to the seafloor. Key Points: We studied elastic properties, plastic deformation, and permeability of northern Hikurangi margin rocksWe provide a permeability‐porosity relationship for accretionary prism mudrocksPermeability healing in the Hikurangi accretionary prism rocks provides a mechanism justifying slow‐slip event cyclicity [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Up to 70% of people diagnosed with upper gastrointestinal (GI) tract or hepato-pancreato-biliary (HPB) cancers experience substantial reductions in quality of life (QoL), including high distress levels, pain, fatigue, sleep disturbances, weight loss and difficulty swallowing. With few advocacy groups and support systems for adults with upper GI or HPB cancers (i.e. pancreas, liver, stomach, bile duct and oesophageal) and their carers, online supportive care programs may represent an alternate cost-effective mechanism to support this patient group and carers. iCare is a self-directed, interactive, online program that provides information, resources, and psychological packages to patients and their carers from the treatment phase of their condition. The inception and development of iCare has been driven by consumers, advocacy groups, government and health professionals. The aims of this study are to determine the feasibility and acceptability of iCare, examine preliminary efficacy on health-related QoL and carer burden at 3- and 6-months post enrolment, and the potential cost-effectiveness of iCare, from health and societal perspectives, for both patients and carers. Methods and analysis: A Phase II randomised controlled trial. Overall, 162 people with newly diagnosed upper GI or HPB cancers and 162 carers will be recruited via the Upper GI Cancer Registry, online advertisements, or hospital clinics. Patients and carers will be randomly allocated (1:1) to the iCare program or usual care. Participant assessments will be at enrolment, 3- and 6-months later. The primary outcomes are i) feasibility, measured by eligibility, recruitment, response and attrition rates, and ii) acceptability, measured by engagement with iCare (frequency of logins, time spent using iCare, and use of features over the intervention period). Secondary outcomes are patient changes in QoL and unmet needs, and carer burden, unmet needs and QoL. Linear mixed models will be fitted to obtain preliminary estimates of efficacy and variability for secondary outcomes. The economic analysis will include a cost-consequences analysis where all outcomes will be compared with costs. Discussion: iCare provides a potential model of supportive care to improve QoL, unmet needs and burden of disease among people living with upper GI or HPB cancers and their carers. Australian and New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry: ACTRN12623001185651. This protocol reflects Version #1 26 April 2023. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Eczema is a chronic, relapsing skin condition commonly managed by emollients and topical corticosteroids. Prevalence of use and demand for effective botanical therapies for eczema is high worldwide, however, clinical evidence of benefit is limited for many currently available botanical treatment options. Robustly-designed and adequately powered randomised controlled trials (RCTs) are essential to determine evidence of clinical benefit. This protocol describes an RCT that aims to investigate whether a mānuka oil based emollient cream, containing 2% ECMT-154, is a safe and effective topical treatment for moderate to severe eczema. Methods: This multicentre, single-blind, parallel-group, randomised controlled trial aims to recruit 118 participants from community pharmacies in Aotearoa New Zealand. Participants will be randomised 1:1 to receive topical cream with 2% ECMT-154 or vehicle control, and will apply assigned treatment twice daily to affected areas for six weeks. The primary outcome is improvement in subjective symptoms, assessed by change in POEM score. Secondary outcomes include change in objective symptoms assessed by SCORAD (part B), PO-SCORAD, DLQI, and treatment acceptability assessed by TSQM II and NRS. Discussion: Recruitment through community pharmacies commenced in January 2022 and follow up will be completed by mid-2023. This study aims to collect acceptability and efficacy data of mānuka oil based ECMT-154 for the treatment of eczema. If efficacy is demonstrated, this topical may provide an option for a novel emollient treatment. The community-based design of the trial is anticipated to provide a generalisable result. Ethics and dissemination: Ethics approval was obtained from Central Health and Disability Ethics Committee (reference: 2021 EXP 11490). Findings of the study will be disseminated to study participants, published in peer-reviewed journal and presented at scientific conferences. Trial registration: Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry (ANZCTR) ACTRN12621001096842. Registered on August 18, 2021 (https://www.anzctr.org.au/Trial/Registration/TrialReview.aspx?id=382412&isReview=true). Protocol version: 2.1 (Dated 18/05/2022). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Spontaneous humeral fractures in first- and second-lactation dairy cows are recognized as a serious welfare problem in New Zealand. However, the condition is sporadic, which means that simple epidemiological descriptions and estimates of the extent of the problem are lacking. By combining the data from four independent studies using a multi-method approach, we found that their occurrence is more common than previously thought, with potentially up to 12% of farms and 4,620 dairy cattle affected in the 2013/2014 lactation season. Furthermore, the condition exclusively affects first- and second-lactation spring calving dairy cows, up to 4 months post-partum, and may affect multiple animals on the same farm, in the same season, and over multiple seasons, which are not always consecutive. We suggest that the evidence presented in this paper places an urgent requirement on the New Zealand dairy industry to undertake prompt action to understand the determinants of this epidemic. A multi-method approach integrating data from four independent sources was used to describe some key features of the epidemiology and estimate the herd and within-herd incidence of fractured humeri in New Zealand dairy cattle for the period 2007–2015. The first dataset was from a national case series where cases of humeral fractures in dairy cattle were identified by veterinarians across New Zealand between the 2007/2008 and 2011/2012 lactation seasons. The second dataset was from a pet food company based in the Waikato region, which collated the number of casualty first- and second-lactation cows found to have a fractured humerus post-slaughter in the 2014/2015 lactation season, and the third dataset was a case series conducted by veterinarians employed in a Waikato veterinary business, also from the 2014/2015 lactation season. For the final dataset, 505 randomly selected New Zealand dairy farmers completed a phone survey on the incidence of non-responsive, non-weight-bearing forelimb lameness in first- and second-lactation cows in the 2014/2015 lactation season. Using the telephone survey results, the within-herd and herd-level incidence of cases for first- and second-lactation dairy animals was calculated. The national case series reported 149 cases of humeral fractures in 22 dairy herds; the pet food case series identified 61 cases from 41 farms; and the practice-based case series found 14 cases from 10 farms. Humeral fractures exclusively affected first- and second-lactation dairy cows and had a peak incidence between calving and early mating. The national telephone survey found that non-weight-bearing forelimb lameness requiring euthanasia of first- or second-lactation cows occurred in 11.7% of herds, with a mean within-herd incidence of 2.6% for first lactation cows and 2.8% for second-lactation cows for affected herds. These combined datasets demonstrate that humeral fractures in young, lactating dairy cattle are more common than previously suspected and that they occur nationally and over multiple years on some farms. Further work on this condition is urgently required in New Zealand to establish cost-effective management practices that will reduce unnecessary animal suffering and waste. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The flexural buckling behaviour and resistances of press-braked stainless steel Z-section columns are investigated in this paper, based on experiments and numerical modelling. An experimental investigation was conducted on two press-braked stainless steel Z-sections and included material testing, initial geometric imperfection measurements and twelve fixed-ended column tests. Minor-axis flexural buckling was observed for all press-braked stainless steel Z-section column specimens upon testing. The key obtained fixed-ended column test results, including failure loads, load–deformation histories and failure modes, were fully reported. Following the experimental investigation, a numerical investigation was performed, with finite element models developed to validate against the fixed-ended column test results and then used to conduct parametric studies to generate additional numerical data. On the basis of the test and numerical data, the relevant buckling curves, as specified in the European code, American specification and Australian/New Zealand standard, were evaluated and shown to provide accurate and consistent flexural buckling resistance predictions for press-braked stainless steel Z-section columns. • The flexural buckling behaviour of press-braked stainless steel Z-section columns was studied. • Twelve fixed-ended column tests were conducted. • FE models were developed to validate against the test results and then used to perform parametric studies. • The codified buckling curves were assessed, showing good design accuracy and consistency. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the late 1960s, New Zealand and the United States collaborated to establish a southern hemispheric carbon dioxide (CO2) monitoring station on New Zealand's coastal cliffs. The New Zealand CO2 Project, as it came to be known, is an underappreciated landmark in the history of environmental monitoring. The archival record of its early years reveals the extent to which efforts to measure atmospheric carbon dioxide concentrations interacted closely with one of the most hotly debated political issues of the mid-twentieth century: urban air pollution. The designation of CO2 as air pollution on a planetary scale had profound legal implications in an era in which clean air legislation increasingly brought air pollution within the scope of governmental regulation, and administrative agencies began to jostle for control of the monitoring enterprise. The precise nature of CO2 as an air pollutant, however, was difficult to pin down. In these initial years of concerted carbon dioxide monitoring, when the lines between climate science and air pollution research were still blurred, CO2 developed its many pollutant identities. The nature of these identities - and the ways in which scientists and science administrators negotiated their boundaries - retain their relevance today, as nations continue to link air pollution and climate legislation in the twenty-first century. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Continuous-cover forestry (CCF), which maintains a relatively intact forest cover through selective harvesting, has emerged over the last few decades as a popular alternative to rotational forest management (RFM). Coast redwood, which is native to the western United States, grows rapidly in New Zealand and is well suited to CCF as it has high shade tolerance, an ability to coppice from the cut stem, and resistance to pests, diseases, wind and fire. A forest estate model was used to compare the carbon sequestration, timber production and profitability of redwood CCF, RFM and permanent carbon forestry (PCF) regimes at a regional level within New Zealand. Through linear programming, this model optimised carbon accumulation and harvesting decisions across a large forest to meet a series of constraints associated with each regime. All three regimes represented good investment decisions, but CCF had the highest soil expectation value (SEV) within most North Island regions while PCF had a slightly higher SEV within the South Island regions. Under the transitional CCF (CCFt), revenue from carbon initially increased before levelling out at 40 years, after which time a sustainable harvest of high-value timber commenced in perpetuity without additional revenue from carbon. The CCFt regime transitioned to a steady-state condition, with a uniform age class distribution from year 150 onwards (CCFs), after which time a very high SEV was attained that exceeded that of CCFt by four-fold in the North Island (NZD 136,126/ha vs. NZD 34,430/ha) and seven-fold (NZD 44,714 vs. NZD 6267/ha) in the South Island. This study highlights the profitability of managing redwood under CCF and how initial carbon revenue can be used to finance the transition of the forest to a steady-state condition that produces a stream of valuable timber with a very high rate of return. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: The usual output following health consultations from paediatric services is a clinical letter to the referring professional or primary care provider, with a copy sent to the patient's caregiver. There is little research on how patients and caregivers perceive the letter content. We aimed to: first understand child, young people and caregiver experiences of and preferences for receiving a health feedback letter about the child/young person's health measures within a healthy lifestyle programme; and second to provide a set of recommendations for designing letters to children, young people and their families within a healthy lifestyle programme. Methods: This qualitative study, informed by Kaupapa Māori principles, included focus groups of children aged 5–11 years and young people aged 12–18 years who were participants in a healthy lifestyle programme in Taranaki, Aotearoa New Zealand and of their respective caregivers (total n = 47). Discussions were audio‐recorded, transcribed and analysed using thematic analysis. Findings: Key themes were identified: letters sometimes acted as 'discourses of disempowerment'—some participants experienced a lack of safety, depersonalisation with medical jargon and 'feeling like a number'. Participants described the need for acknowledgement and affirmation in written communication—health feedback should include validation, choice regarding content, respectful tone and a strengths‐based approach to health messages. Interpretation: Letters to referrers, copied to families, can be perceived as disempowering, and participant and caregiver perspectives of content should be considered. This study challenges conventional practice in communicating health feedback with broader implications for written communication in healthcare. We propose separate letters aimed at the child/young person and their caregiver that offer choice in the information they receive. The administrative burden of multiple letters can be mitigated by advances in digital health. Patient Contribution: This study originated in response to feedback from service users that current health feedback was not meeting their needs or expectations. Patient perspectives, especially from children, are rarely considered in the generation of clinic letters from health professionals. Participants were child participants in the community‐based clinical service and their caregivers, and care was taken to represent the demographic backgrounds of service users. Collection and interpretation of Māori data were led by researchers who were local community members to ensure prioritisation and preservation of participant voice. Where possible, results are illustrated in the text by direct quotes from participants, whose identities are protected with a pseudonym. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: New Zealand's (NZ) complete absence of community transmission of influenza and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) after May 2020, likely due to COVID‐19 elimination measures, provided a rare opportunity to assess the impact of border restrictions on common respiratory viral infections over the ensuing 2 years. Methods: We collected the data from multiple surveillance systems, including hospital‐based severe acute respiratory infection surveillance, SHIVERS‐II, ‐III and ‐IV community cohorts for acute respiratory infection (ARI) surveillance, HealthStat sentinel general practice (GP) based influenza‐like illness surveillance and SHIVERS‐V sentinel GP‐based ARI surveillance, SHIVERS‐V traveller ARI surveillance and laboratory‐based surveillance. We described the data on influenza, RSV and other respiratory viral infections in NZ before, during and after various stages of the COVID related border restrictions. Results: We observed that border closure to most people, and mandatory government‐managed isolation and quarantine on arrival for those allowed to enter, appeared to be effective in keeping influenza and RSV infections out of the NZ community. Border restrictions did not affect community transmission of other respiratory viruses such as rhinovirus and parainfluenza virus type‐1. Partial border relaxations through quarantine‐free travel with Australia and other countries were quickly followed by importation of RSV in 2021 and influenza in 2022. Conclusion: Our findings inform future pandemic preparedness and strategies to model and manage the impact of influenza and other respiratory viral threats. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A rapid procedure for the targeted isolation of antibacterial compounds from Manuka (Leptospermum scoparium) leaf and branch extracts was described in this paper. Antibacterial compounds from three different Manuka samples collected from New Zealand and China were compared. The active compounds were targeted by TLC-bioautography against S. aureus and were identified by HR-ESI-MS, and -MS/MS analysis in conjunction with Compound Discoverer 3.3. The major antibacterial component, grandiflorone, was identified, along with 20 β-triketones, flavonoids, and phloroglucinol derivatives. To verify the software identification, grandiflorone underwent purification via column chromatography, and its structure was elucidated through NMR analysis, ultimately confirming its identity as grandiflorone. This study successfully demonstrated that the leaves and branches remaining after Manuka essential oil distillation serve as excellent source for extracting grandiflorone. Additionally, we proposed an improved TLC-bioautography protocol for evaluating the antibacterial efficacy on solid surfaces, which is suitable for both S. aureus and E. coli. The minimum effective dose (MED) of grandiflorone was observed to be 0.29–0.59 μg/cm2 against S. aureus and 2.34–4.68 μg/cm2 against E. coli, respectively. Furthermore, the synthetic plant growth retardant, paclobutrazol, was isolated from the samples obtained in China. It is hypothesized that this compound may disrupt the synthesis pathway of triketones, consequently diminishing the antibacterial efficacy of Chinese Manuka extract in comparison to that of New Zealand. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A re-examination of the original collection of Plagiothecium novae-seelandiae described by Brotherus in 1916 indicated that this material is not homogeneous. Re-examination of the diagnosis of this species and morphological analysis supports that two separate taxa should be distinguished – Plagiothecium novae-seelandiae var. novae-seelandiae and P. novae-seelandiae var. brotheri var. nov. Also, comparisons with the original collection of Hypnum lamprostachys (= P. lamprostachys) showed differences, which supported their treatment as separate taxa. Revision of the genus Plagiothecium from Australasia (CANB, CHR, HO, MEL, WELT) and types of other species described from this part of the world (P. funale and P. lucidum) supported by the study of their diagnoses, qualitative and quantitative characteristics as well as mathematical analyses (PCA, HCA) allowed the division of the examined material into six separate groups – six separate taxa. Thereby, three distinct taxa are proposed – P. cordatum sp. nov., P. semimortuum sp. nov., and P. semimortuum var. macquariense var. nov. All taxa mentioned above are described in detail, their current known distribution and ecological preferences are also included. In addition, images illustrating their most important taxonomic features, as well as an original key to distinguish individual taxa are presented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The water footprint of pastoral dairy milk production was assessed by analysing water use at 28 irrigated and 60 non-irrigated 'rain-fed' pastoral dairy farms in three regions of New Zealand. Two water footprint methods, the WFN-based blue water footprint impact index (WFIIblue) and the Available WAter REmaining (AWARE) water scarcity footprint (WFAWARE), were evaluated using different sets of global or local data sources, different rates of environmental flow requirements, and the regional or catchment scale of the analysis. A majority (~99%) of the consumptive water footprint of a unit of pastoral dairy milk production (L/kg of fat- and protein-corrected milk) was quantified as being associated with green and blue water consumption via evapotranspiration for pasture and feed used at the studied dairy farms. The quantified WFIIblue (-) and WFAWARE (m3 world eq./kg of FPCM) indices ranked in a similar order (from lowest to highest) regarding the water scarcity footprint impact associated with pastoral dairy milk production across the study regions and catchments. However, use of the global or local data sets significantly affected the quantification and comparative rankings of the WFIIblue and WFAWARE values. Compared to the local data sets, using the global data sets resulted in significant under- or overestimation of the WFIIblue and WFAWARE values across the study regions and catchments. A catchment-scale analysis using locally available data sets and calibrated models is recommended to robustly assess water consumption and its associated water scarcity impact due to pastoral dairy milk production in local catchments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Acute aortic syndrome (AAS) is an emergency associated with high peri-hospital mortality rates. Variable clinical presentation makes timely diagnosis challenging and such delays in diagnosis directly impact patient outcomes. Aims and objectives: The aims of the Collaborative Acute Aortic Syndrome Project (CAASP) are to characterise and evaluate the current AAS pathways of a cohort of hospitals in the UK, USA and New Zealand to determine if patient outcomes are influenced by the AAS pathway (time to hospital admission, diagnosis and management plan) and demographic, social, geographic and patient-specific factors (clinical presentation and comorbidities). The objectives are to describe different AAS pathways and time duration between hospital admission to diagnosis and management plan instigation, and to compare patient outcomes between pathways. Methods: The study is a multicentre, retrospective service evaluation project of adult patients diagnosed on imaging with AAS. It will be coordinated by the UK National Interventional Radiology Trainee Research (UNITE) network and Vascular and Endovascular Research Network (VERN) in conjunction with The Aortic Dissection Charitable Trust (TADCT). All AAS cases diagnosed on imaging between 1st January 2018 to 1st June 2021 will be included and followed-up for 6 months. Eligibility criteria include aortic dissection (AD) Type A, Type B, non A/B, penetrating aortic ulcer, and intramural haematoma. Exclusion criteria are non-AAS pathology, acute on chronic AAS, and age<18. This project will evaluate patient demographics, timing of presentation, patient symptoms, risk factors for AD, physical examination findings, timing to imaging and treatment, hospital stay, and mortality. Univariate and multivariate analysis will be used to identify predictors associated with prolonged time to diagnosis or treatment and mortality at 30 days. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The accuracy of satellite estimates for water column net primary productivity (NPP) are contingent upon the reliability of surface phytoplankton biomass, specifically chlorophyll a (Chl.a) and carbon (Cphyt), as indicators of euphotic biomass and photosynthetic rate. We assessed patterns in water column biomass at a deep estuary site (~40 m) in the Firth of Thames, Hauraki Gulf, New Zealand, using ten years (2005-2015) of in situ sampling (40 seasonal voyages and moored instrumentation). Seasonal biomass stratification coincided with physical and chemical stratification and exhibited a reasonable predictability based on surface Chl.a measures from mooring timeseries. High Chl.a (but not Cphyt) accumulated from late-spring (Nov.) in the lower portion of the water column, under nutrient deficient, clear surface water with deep euphotic zone conditions, peaking in mid-summer (Jan.) and ending by early autumn (Mar.). Satellite (MODIS-Aqua) NPP (2002-2018), was estimated with and without correction for deep biomass in two vertically generalized production models (Chl.a-VGPM and Cphyt-CbPM). Mean annual NPP (220-161 g C m-2 y-1, VGPM and CbPM respectively) increased 5-18% after accounting for euphotic zone deep biomass with a mid-summer maxim (Jan.: 30-33%). Interannual anomalies in biomass and NPP (about -10% to 10%) were an order of magnitude greater than small decreasing trends (<< 1% y-1). We discuss the impacts of observational factors on biomass and NPP estimation. We offer contextual insights into seasonal patterns by considering previous observations of biomass trends and nutrient enrichment in the Firth of Thames region. We propose future directions in accounting for deep biomass variations from shallow coastal areas to deeper continental shelf waters. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The first fossil limoniid fly from the Miocene Fossil-Lagerstätte of Foulden Maar in New Zealand is described on the basis of an isolated well-preserved wing. The specimen is tentatively attributed to a new species Gynoplistia fouldensensis sp. nov. in the large extant genus Gynoplistia, which is well diversified in the country. It is the second fossil record of this genus, the first one being an isolated wing from the Cretaceous Weald Clay Formation in the United Kingdom. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: An advanced cancer diagnosis can be associated with a significant profile of distress. Psychedelic compounds have shown clinically significant effects in the treatment of psychological distress in patients with advanced-stage cancer. Given the challenges of delivering timely and effective intervention in the advanced cancer context, it is possible that an alternative, more pragmatic, approach lies in psychedelic 'microdosing'. Microdosing refers to repeated administration of psychedelics in sub-hallucinogenic doses. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the feasibility of conducting a full-scale randomised controlled trial comparing psychedelic microdose-assisted–meaning-centred psychotherapy (PA-MCP) to standard meaning-centred psychotherapy (MCP) in New Zealand indigenous (Māori) and non-indigenous people with advanced cancer and symptoms of anxiety and/or depression. Although MCP is a well-established psychotherapeutic treatment in advanced cancer populations, the potential efficacy and effectiveness of this therapy when delivered alongside a standardised microdose regimen of a psychedelic compound have not been investigated. Methods: Participants with advanced-stage cancer and symptoms of anxiety and/or depression (N = 40; 20 Māori, 20 non-Māori) will be randomised under double-blind conditions to receive 7 sessions of MCP alongside 13 doses of either an LSD microdose (4–20 µg) (PA–MCP) or inactive placebo (placebo-MCP). The feasibility, acceptability, and safety of this intervention and physiological and psychological measures will be recorded at baseline, at each session of MCP, and at a 1-month and 6-month follow-up. Discussion: Our findings will evaluate the feasibility, acceptability, and safety of a larger randomised controlled trial and provide an initial indication of the potential benefits of psychedelic microdosing for psychological distress in advanced-stage indigenous and non-indigenous cancer patients. Trial Registration: NZCTR, ACTRN12623000478617. Registered 11 May 2023. https://www.anzctr.org.au/Trial/Registration/TrialReview.aspx?id=385810&isReview=true. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Semi-structured interviews are useful for exploring participants experiences, understandings, and opinions on a particular issue. Traditionally, interviews have taken place in-person however, because of in-person restrictions with Covid-19, and with the changing landscape of online connection, opportunities have arisen for how to conduct interviews using an online platform. The purpose of this article is to highlight the first author's experiences with using an online platform to conduct face-to-face interviews and the valuable contribution that online interviewing could offer as a valid research tool that differs to that of in-person face-to-face interviews. Online semi-structured interviews were conducted with fourteen midwives and five pregnant people from New Zealand using Microsoft Teams. Interviews were videorecorded and conducted as part of a larger mixed methods multiphase study to explore participants experiences with how they use communication technology to connect with one another. The interviews took place between September 2022 – May 2023. Two key areas which highlight the benefits and challenges with online interviews were identified. These were around the potential to 'capture the essence of the person' and through the flexibility of the technology in enabling FTF connections. Challenges were also noted around connectivity issues. Videorecording online interviews offered an ability to capture the 'essence of the person' through visual and auditory cues. These same cues were shown to assist with lipreading when transcribing inaudible words which can assist in the analysis of data. There were disruptions to some interviews due to interviewing taking place in the person's home and connectivity issues, however, these were felt to be minimal. Online interviewing should not be considered a 'poor relation' to in-person face-to-face interviews, but instead, a valuable option that contributes towards the growing body of knowledge around online interviewing as a valid research tool that is different from face-to-face. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper reports experimental and numerical investigations into the structural behaviour and resistances of high strength concrete-filled stainless steel tube (HCFSST) beam-columns under combined compression and bending. An experimental investigation was conducted on sixteen HCFSST beam-columns specimens fabricated from stainless steel tubes with two cross-section sizes and high strength concretes with four material grades, and included concrete cylinder tests, tensile coupon tests, initial global geometric imperfection measurements and eccentric compression tests. The test setups and procedures were fully reported and the experimental observations were discussed and analysed in detail. It was found that the plane cross-section assumption was valid for eccentrically loaded HCFSST sections and the lateral deflection distribution patterns for HCFSST beam-columns were approximately half-sine wave shapes. The test results were used in a subsequent numerical investigation for the validation of finite element models, which were then employed to conduct parametric studies to generate additional numerical data over a wide range of cross-section dimensions, member lengths and loading combinations. Based on the experimental and numerical results, the relevant design rules, as set out in the European code, American specification and Australian/New Zealand standard, were evaluated for their applicability to HCFSST beam-columns. The evaluation results revealed that the European code provided accurate but scattered failure load predictions when used for HCFSST beam-columns, while the American specification and Australian/New Zealand standard resulted in conservative and scattered failure load predictions. • The behaviour of high strength concrete-filled stainless steel tube (HCFSST) beam-columns is investigated. • Eccentric compression tests on sixteen HCFSST beam-column specimens are conducted. • The ductility, strength, longitudinal strain development and lateral deflection distribution are analysed. • FE models are developed to validate against the test results and then used to conduct parametric studies. • The applicability of relevant design codes is assessed against test and FE data. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Health assessment tools developed using mainstream or Western concepts have been widely used in clinical practice worldwide. However, even culturally adapted or culturally based tools may not be relevant in other social contexts if they are grounded in Western beliefs and perspectives. The application of mainstream assessment tools, when used in Indigenous populations, can lead to the inappropriate application of normative data and inaccurate or biased diagnosis of conditions as Indigenous concepts of health differ from Western biomedical concepts of health. Thus, considering the need for culturally meaningful, sensitive, safe, and unbiased health assessment approaches and instruments over recent years, tools have been developed or adapted by and with Indigenous populations in Australia, Aotearoa/New Zealand, Canada, and the United States. However, there is no existing systematic or scoping review to identify the methods and approaches used in adapting or developing health assessment tools for use with the Indigenous population in Australia, Aotearoa/New Zealand, Canada, and the United States. Methods: In response to these gaps, we are working with a First Nations Community Advisory Group in Northern Ontario, Canada, to undertake a scoping review following the 2020 JBI methodology for scoping reviews. A systematic search will be conducted in PubMed, APA PsychINFO, CINAHL, MEDLINE, Web of Science, Bibliography of Native North Americans, Australian Indigenous Health info data set, and Indigenous Health Portal. Two reviewers will independently screen all abstracts and full-text articles for inclusion using criteria co-developed with an advisory group. We will chart the extracted information and summarize and synthesize the data. The summarized findings will be presented to a Community Advisory Group, including First Nations community partners, an Elder, and community members, and their feedback will be incorporated into the discussion section of the scoping review. Discussion: This scoping review involves iterative consultation with the Indigenous and non-Indigenous scholars, First Nations Community Advisory Group, and community partners throughout the research process. This review aims to summarize the evidence on standard ethical approaches and practices used in Indigenous research while adapting or developing health assessment tools. It will inform the larger study focused on developing an Indigenous Functional Assessment tool. Further, it will seek whether the Indigenous ways of knowing and equitable participation of Indigenous people and communities are incorporated in the Indigenous research process. Systematic review registration: Open Science Framework https://osf.io/yznwk. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]