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Copyright of Movement & Sport Sciences / Science & Motricité is the property of EDP Sciences and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Provincial academies represent an important bridge between amateur and professional level rugby union in New Zealand. Athletes are provided with professional-level coaching; however, limited direct nutrition support is available. Congested training schedules and the requirement to work or study due to a lack of financial support may present a challenge towards athletes meeting nutrition requirements. The aim of the study was to facilitate improvement in nutrient intake, body composition and subjective well-being in provincial academy athletes via the implementation of a nutrition-support protocol based around behaviour change techniques. Significant increases in total energy (pre: 2492 ± 762 kcal; post: 2614 ± 625 kcal), relative energy (pre: 24.4 ± 7.5 kcal·kg; 25.5 ± 6.0 kcal·kg), total protein (pre: 131.1 ± 41.8 g; 153.8 ± 37.1 g) and relative protein (pre: 1.3 ± 0.4 g·kg; post: 1.5 ± 0.3 g·kg) were observed. Furthermore, changes in subjective sleep quality, stress, mood and upper body soreness were observed following the intervention. No changes were observed in body composition, carbohydrate or fat intake. Significant variability in nutrition and body composition changes highlights the importance of applying an individualised approach to nutrition support provision in developmental athletes. Practitioners working within these environments should be aware of the challenges and influences contributing to athletes' nutrition choices and habits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rugby sevens has established itself on the world stage since its inclusion in the 2016 Olympics. Participation among New Zealand (NZ) youth has surged. Sevens games have specific high demands, but little is known about these competitive demands in regards to youth. Two NZ male youth squads (U15, n = 13; U19, n = 14) were monitored during a national sevens tournament. Microsensor technology captured heart rate (HR) and kinematic performance. The rating of perceived exertion (RPE) was collected for U15 matches only. U19 and U15 players ran 108 ± 11 and 116 ± 13 m·min−1 at an average speed (VAVG) of 6.5 ± 0.6 and 6.9 ± 0.8 km·h−1. Peak speeds (VPEAK) reached 33.7 km·h−1, and high-intensity running distance (HIRD) averaged 252 ± 102 m. U15 (44.3 ± 9.2 game−1) and U19 (39.4 ± 6.1 game−1) showed different sprint rates. U15 covered more moderate-velocity distance (20–80% VMAX) and less low-velocity distance (<20% VMAX). RPE was 13 ± 1 (U15). An average HR of 90.0 ± 3.9% HRMAX was recorded. Upwards of 57% of game time was played at >90% HRMAX. Youth sevens competition is specifically demanding. U15 can experience greater loads than older peers in rugby. Coaches can use this information to optimize players' physical development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to determine the effect of sleep quantity and quality via the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) on students' academic achievement in their first year of university study. In this cross-sectional study, 193 students (102 female, 91 male, mean ± SD; age = 19.3 ± 2.9 y) from an undergraduate Health degree in New Zealand completed the PSQI four weeks prior to the end of the semester in their first year of university study. Results from three core subjects in the first semester were averaged and correlations between the PSQI and academic success were evaluated using Spearman's rho (ρ). The group were also trichotomized using a PSQI global score of ≤5 as the threshold for "good" sleepers (n = 62, 32%), a score of 5–8 for "moderate" sleepers (n = 63, 33%) and a score ≥8 to characterize "poor" sleepers (n = 68, 35%). Overall, students averaged 7 h 37 min of self-reported sleep duration with an average bedtime of 22:55 p.m. and wake time of 8:01 a.m. There was a significant, small inverse relationship between academic performance and bedtime (p = 0.03, ρ = −0.14), with those going to bed earlier having superior academic success. The trichotomized data demonstrated no significant differences in academic performance between students with poor, moderate and good sleep quality (p = 0.92). Later bedtimes were associated with lower academic performance in a group of first year university students. However, there were no other relationships observed between academic success and self-reported sleep quality or quantity as determined by the PSQI. Enhancing awareness of the impact of sleep timing on academic success should be prioritized and strategies to improve sleep hygiene should be promoted to university students. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Sleep is vital in influencing effective training adaptations in the military. This study aimed to assess the relationship between sleep and changes in physical performance over 6 weeks of military training. A total of 22 officer‐trainees (age: 24 ± 5 years) from the New Zealand Defence Force were used for this prospective cohort study. Participants wore wrist‐actigraphs to monitor sleep, completed subjective wellbeing questionnaires weekly, and were tested for: 2.4‐km run time‐trial, maximum press‐up and curl‐ups before and after 6 weeks of training. Average sleep duration was calculated over 36 nights (6:10 ± 0:28 hr:min), and sleep duration at the mid‐point (6:15 hr:min) was used to stratify the trainees into two quantile groups (UNDERS: 5:51 ± 0:29 hr:min, n = 11) and (OVERS: 6:27 ± 0:09 hr:min, n = 11). There were no significant group × time interactions for 2.4‐km run, press‐ups or curl‐ups (p >.05); however, small effects were observed in favour of OVERS for 2.4‐km run (59.8 versus 44.9 s; d = 0.26) and press‐ups (4.7 versus 3.2 reps; d = 0.45). Subjective wellbeing scores resulted in a significant group × time interaction (p <.05), with large effect sizes in favour of the OVERS group for Fatigue in Week 1 (d = 0.90) and Week 3 (d = 0.87), and Soreness in Week 3 (d = 1.09) and Week 4 (d = 0.95). Sleeping more than 6:15 hr:min per night over 6 weeks was associated with small benefits to aspects of physical performance, and moderate to large benefits on subjective wellbeing measures when compared with sleeping < 6:15 hr:min. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Decision making in complex contexts such as disaster risk management requires collaborative approaches to knowledge production. Evidence-based disaster risk management and pre-event planning relies on robust and relevant disaster risk knowledge. We report on a case study of Project AF8, a "cocreation" collaboration involving local- and central-government disaster risk management agencies and groups, critical infrastructure organizations, and scientists from six universities and Crown Research Institutes. Participant observation and interview data are used to document and analyze the processes used to generate, share, and apply multidisciplinary disaster risk knowledge. Project AF8 was conceived as a cross-jurisdictional and multiagency initiative to plan and prepare for a coordinated response across the South Island following a large magnitude earthquake along the Alpine Fault, one of New Zealand's major natural hazard risks. Findings show that (1) practitioners at all levels operate in highly uncertain environments and therefore have specific knowledge needs at different times and for different purposes, (2) disaster risk knowledge was perceived to be most effective when scientifically credible and focused on identifying likely impacts on the capacity of communities to function, and (3) disaster risk knowledge outputs and the processes used to cocreate them were perceived to be equally important. Using cocreation to combine researcher credibility with practitioner relevancy enhanced the legitimacy of Project AF8 processes, the collective disaster risk knowledge they facilitated, and the wider project. In hindsight, a greater focus at the outset on developing a formal coproduction structure may have increased the pace of cocreation, particularly in the early phases. Future interdisciplinary disaster risk management initiatives could benefit by adopting contextually relevant aspects of this example to strengthen the science-practice interface for more effective pre-event planning and decision making. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The second-generation anticoagulant rodenticide brodifacoum is an effective tool for the eradication of invasive rodents from islands and fenced sanctuaries, for biodiversity restoration. However, broadcast application of brodifacoum bait on islands may expose non-target wildlife in coastal marine environments to brodifacoum, with subsequent secondary exposure risk for humans if such marine wildlife is harvested for consumption. We report a case study of monitoring selected marine species following aerial application of brodifacoum bait in August 2011 to eradicate Norway rats ( Rattus norvegicus ) from Ulva Island, New Zealand. Residual concentrations of brodifacoum were detected in 3 of 10 species of coastal fish or shellfish sampled 43–176 d after bait application commenced. Residual brodifacoum concentrations were found in liver, but not muscle tissue, of 2 of 24 samples of blue cod (0.026 and 0.092 µg/g; Parapercis colias ) captured live then euthanized for tissue sampling. Residual brodifacoum concentrations were also found in whole-body samples of 4 of 24 mussels (range=0.001–0.022 µg/g, n =4; Mytilus edulis ) and 4 of 24 limpets (range=0.001–0.016 µg/g, n =4; Cellana ornata ). Measured residue concentrations in all three species were assessed as unlikely to have eventually caused mortality of the sampled individuals. We also conducted a literature review and determined that in eleven previous accounts of residue examination of coastal marine species following aerial applications of brodifacoum bait, including our results from Ulva Island, the overall rate of residue detection was 5.6% for marine invertebrates (11 of 196 samples tested) and 3.1% for fish (2 of 65 samples tested). Furthermore, our results from Ulva Island are the first known detection of brodifacoum residue in fish liver following an aerial application of brodifacoum bait. Although our findings confirm the potential for coastal marine wildlife to be exposed to brodifacoum following island rodent eradications using aerial bait application, the risk of mortality to exposed individual fish or shellfish appears very low. There is also a very low risk of adverse effects on humans that consume fish or shellfish containing residual concentrations in the ranges reported here. Furthermore, any brodifacoum residues that occur in marine wildlife decline to below detectable concentrations over a period of weeks. Thus potential human exposure to brodifacoum through consumption of marine wildlife containing residual brodifacoum could be minimized by defining ‘no take’ periods for harvest following bait application and regular monitoring to confirm the absence of detectable residues in relevant marine wildlife. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We sought to determine the incidence of ‘true’ VO2 max confirmation with the verification procedure across different protocols. 12 active participants (men n = 6, women n = 6) performed in random order 4 different maximal graded exercises tests (GXT) and verification bout protocols on 4 separate days. Conditions for the rest period and verification bout intensity were: A – 105 % intensity, 20 min rest; B – 105 % intensity, 60 min rest; C – 115 % intensity, 20 min rest; D – 115 % intensity, 60 min rest. VO2 max confirmation (difference between peak VO2 GXT and verification trial < ± 3 %) using the verification trial was 12/12 (100 %), 12/12 (100 %), 8/12 (66.70 %), and 7/12 (58.33 %) for protocols A, B, C, and D. There was a significant (p < 0.05) effect of verification intensity on VO2 max confirmation across all exercise test conditions (intensity effect within recovery 20 min (x2 (1) = 4.800, p < 0.05), intensity effect within recovery 60 min (x2 (1) = 6.316, p < 0.05)). No significant effect was found for incidence of VO2 max confirmation with different rest periods. We recommend the use of 105 % of the maximal GXT workload and 20 min rest periods when using verification trials to confirm VO2 max in normally active populations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rifleman, or titipounamu Acanthisitta chloris, is New Zealand's smallest endemic passerine. The species has a fragmented distribution and is threatened in the Rakiura region in the south of the South Island. The only known population of South Island rifleman A. c. chloris in the Rakiura region persisted on Codfish Island/Whenua Hou. To create a second population of rifleman in Rakiura, 30 caught from Codfish Island were reintroduced onto nearby Ulva Island in February 2003, the first translocation of rifleman. Survival and dispersal were monitored for 1 month post-release, and subsequently during the first and second breeding seasons. Mortality was greatest during holding and transfer, with low to moderate post-release mortality. All founding pairs bred in the first breeding season, and both founders and offspring bred in the second season. Dispersal across the island was greater for offspring. A simple deterministic matrix model indicated positive annual population growth (λ = 1.33), and low risk of short-term extinction. Holding/transfer techniques should be improved for future reintroductions, and longer-term monitoring should be undertaken for a more accurate assessment of vital rates. Based on the survival of founding birds, reproduction by the release generation and their offspring, and high probability of population persistence, the rifleman reintroduction was considered to be successful and a good model for future reintroductions of small passerine birds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Investigates the theory and the practice of decision making on coronary care among physicians in New Zealand. Selection of 39 general practitioners; Assessment on the condition, history and social circumstances of 113 patients; Comparison between theoretical theory of the practitioners and objective model for making decision.

Worldwide, Po-210 is an important contributor to human ionising radiation exposure through food. To characterise the ionising radiation dose for New Zealanders from Po-210 in shellfish, a dose assessment was undertaken. Deterministic and probabilistic dietary models were constructed by assigning shellfish consumption rates to Po-210 activity concentrations measured in shellfish. Modelling was undertaken for different shellfish consumer populations and geographical areas. Dietary modelling estimated an annual dose range from 4 μSv to 6070 μSv. The lowest dose was calculated for the overall shellfish consumer population residing in areas where baseline Po-210 activity concentrations were measured in shellfish. The highest dose was calculated for the high shellfish consumer population residing in areas where elevated activity concentrations were measured in shellfish. For the majority of the New Zealand population, the total estimated dose did not exceed the selected reference level of 1000 μSv, and Po-210 is therefore not a cause of concern. About 50% of high shellfish consumers residing in areas where shellfish had elevated Po-210 activity concentrations were exposed to ionising radiation resulting in an annual dose higher than 1000 μSv. Exposure assessment for different demographic groups identified that higher shellfish consumption rates in the population identifying as Māori lead to higher doses of ionising radiation for this group. • Po-210 in shellfish contributes considerably to the radiation dose to New Zealanders. • The ionising dose for Po-210 can vary greatly at a regional and demographic level. • Variation in radiation doses is an important consideration in radiation protection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

New Zealand is a small, relatively wealthy country disproportionately reliant on primary industries, and is vulnerable to a range of natural hazards, from extreme weather to seismic activity. This setting presents unique challenges and opportunities relating to rural disaster risk reduction (DRR). This presentation discusses the underlying drivers of rural disaster risk and methods for addressing it, by highlighting rural DRR issues, successes, and opportunities within a dynamic multi-hazard environment. Two case studies are presented. North Canterbury, on New Zealand's South Island, has been affected by multiple natural hazards in the past 5 years, most notably in 2016 when a large (Mw 7.8) earthquake and associated aftershock sequence coincided with the end of a severe multi-year drought. Semi-structured interviews with affected emergency managers and rural organizations revealed extensive social and economic impacts for rural households, which may not be adequately understood or planned for by emergency managers and policy makers. For example, the official response mechanism and policies in place did not provide for livestock welfare needs immediately following the earthquake, although this was found to be a high priority for farmers. The second case reports on Project AF8, a South Island-wide collaborative effort between emergency managers, private organisations, and researchers, which aims to reduce risk by enhancing coordination and disaster response planning for a large magnitude earthquake. The scenario exercise – which was co-created and implemented with emergency management, critical infrastructure, research scientist, and various other community actors – exemplifies a more collaborative, multi-level approach to rural DRR. Findings demonstrate the effectiveness of co-creation methods, in particular knowledge transfer and relationship-building via a trusted forum for emergency managers to exchange ideas and experiences, and discuss current best practices. Overall, the results of the two case study examples demonstrate the value of collaboration and knowledge co-production. By gaining insight into the local, contextually-dependent drivers of risk, and creating spaces for greater engagement between science, policy-makers and practitioners, the resilience of rural regions in New Zealand, and internationally, could be improved. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Understanding future volcanic eruptions and their potential impact is a critical component of disaster risk reduction, and necessitates the production of salient, robust hazard information for decision-makers and end-users. Volcanic eruptions are inherently multi-phase, multi-hazard events, and the uncertainty and complexity surrounding potential future hazard behaviour is exceedingly hard to communicate to decision-makers. Volcanic eruption scenarios are recognised to be an effective knowledge-sharing mechanism between scientists and practitioners, and recent hybrid scenario suites partially address the limitations surrounding the traditional deterministic scenario approach. Despite advances in scenario suite development, there is still a gap in the international knowledge base concerning the synthesis of multi-phase, multi-hazard volcano science and end-user needs. In this study we present a new modular framework for the development of complex, long-duration, multi-phase, multi-hazard volcanic eruption scenario suites. The framework was developed in collaboration with volcanic risk management agencies and researchers in Aotearoa-New Zealand, and is applied to Taranaki Mounga volcano, an area of high volcanic risk. This collaborative process aimed to meet end-user requirements, as well as the need for scientific rigour. This new scenario framework development process could be applied at other volcanic settings to produce robust, credible and relevant scenario suites that are demonstrative of the complex, varying-duration and multi-hazard nature of volcanic eruptions. In addressing this gap, the value of volcanic scenario development is enhanced by advancing multi-hazard assessment capabilities and cross-sector collaboration between scientists and practitioners for disaster risk reduction planning. • Pairing statistical models with end-user input gives credible and relevant outputs. • Modular eruption scenario framework allows flexibility for a range of end-user needs. • Frameworks delivers dynamic spatio-temporal outputs disaster risk applications. • Co-creative volcanic hazard assessment leads to relevant and credible outputs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The main aims were to determine how much diabetes is under-recorded on death certificates, the influence of demographic variables and to what extent New Zealand Health Information Service (NZHIS) coding is able to compensate for deficiencies. A retrospective review of 600 death certificates (during 1999) from the Mortality Review Database in Christchurch Hospitals was carried out. Clinical data, laboratory results, coroner’s reports, hospital clinical coding and NZHIS coding were collated and analysed. One hundred and four cases (17%) had clinically documented diabetes, of which only 47 (45%) had diabetes recorded on either the death certificate or the coroner’s report. Diabetes was recognised in NZHIS coding in 45 (43%) of cases and in 94 (90%) cases in hospital clinical coding. Diabetes was more likely to be recorded on the death certificate in males and in subjects treated with insulin (P<0.05). Of the 496 subjects without documented diabetes, 159 (32%) had a highest random plasma glucose >11.1 mmol/l. Documented diabetes is thus under-reported on more than 50% of death certificates and this is not compensated by NZHIS coding. In addition, there is likely to be a significant number of cases with undiagnosed diabetes. This may adversely affect the reliability of mortality statistics. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]