Improving the Bioactivities of Apricot Kernels Through Fermentation: Investigating the Relationship Between Bioactivities, Polyphenols, and Amino Acids Through the Random Forest Regression XAI Approach

Apricot kernels are known for being a rich source of oil, protein, and bioactive compounds. This study focused on enhancing the bioactivities of apricot kernels through fermentation. Additionally, this study explored the correlations between polyphenols, amino acids, antioxidant activities, and total phenolic content (TPC). The findings indicated that apricot kernels fermented with Lactiplantibacillus plantarum exhibited increased antioxidant activity, as assessed by the FRAP and CUPRAC methods, and an increased TPC compared to naturally fermented samples. The CUPRAC activity increased significantly from 1.03 to 1.82 mg of ascorbic acid per gram of sample on day 7, and the FRAP activity increased from 4.9 to 12.2 mg of ascorbic acid per gram of sample on day 3 of fermentation. Moreover, the TPC significantly increased from 1.67 to 7.58 mg of gallic acid per gram of sample on day 9 of fermentation. The results further demonstrated that, during the fermentation process, the concentration of hydroxybenzoic acid increased from 0.52 µg/g on day 0 to 5.3 µg/g on day 9. The DL-3-phenyllactic acid content demonstrated a significant increase from 0.42 µg/g on day 0 to 99.62 µg/g on day 5, while the benzoic acid content exhibited a notable increase from 45.33 µg/g to 138.13 µg/g over the fermentation period, with peak levels being observed on day 5. Similarly, most amino acids demonstrated a rise in concentration as the fermentation progressed, peaking on the ninth day. This study further employed random forest regression as a form of explainable artificial intelligence (XAI) to explore the relationships between phenolic compounds, amino acids, and antioxidant activities. Amino acids like L-cystine and L-anserine were found to positively impact FRAP values, while L-histidine and 1-methyl-L-histidine contributed to the CUPRAC antioxidant activity. Notably, hydroxybenzoic acid emerged as a key contributor to both the FRAP value and TPC, highlighting its significance in improving the overall antioxidant capacity of apricot kernels. These findings indicate that, under optimised fermentation conditions, apricot kernels hold promise as functional food ingredients due to the beneficial antioxidant properties observed in this study

Integrating Environmental Data for Mental Health Monitoring: A Data-Driven IoT-Based Approach

Mental health disorders constitute a significant global challenge, compounded by the limitations of traditional management approaches that rely heavily on subjective self-reports and infrequent professional evaluations. This study presents a groundbreaking IoT-based system that integrates big data analytics, fuzzy logic, and machine learning to revolutionise mental health monitoring. In contrast to existing solutions, the proposed system uniquely incorporates environmental factors, such as temperature and humidity in enclosed spaces—critical yet often overlooked contributors to emotional well-being. By leveraging IoT devices to collect and process large-scale ambient data, the system provides real-time classification and personalised visualisation tailored to individual sensitivity profiles. Preliminary results reveal high accuracy, scalability, and the potential to generate actionable insights, creating dynamic feedback loops for continuous improvement. This innovative approach bridges the gap between environmental conditions and mental healthcare, promoting a transformative shift from reactive to proactive care and laying the groundwork for predictive environmental health systems

Effect of Different Chamber Geometries on Combustion Formation to Reduce Harmful Emissions

The combustion process in internal combustion engines is the primary aspect of engine performance and emissions. Combustion chamber geometries such as grooved combustion chamber (GCC), shallow depth combustion chamber (SCC), and bathtub combustion chamber (BTCC) are used to investigate the effect of combustion rates on the emission parameters with respect to the standard flat combustion chamber (FCC). The impact of chamber modifications was simulated with an IC engine model using advanced chemical kinetics. Combustion parameters such as in-cylinder temperature, turbulence, and heat release rates were observed. The validated computational model assisted in analyzing combustion formations and their correlation with emissions like mass fractions, CO, CO2, and NOx. The results revealed that the modified chambers avoided the formation of fuel pockets and improved combustion behaviour compared to FCC. At 440 oCA, peak NOx emissions were higher by 14.95%, 27.10%, and 15.89% for GCC, SCC, and BTCC chambers, respectively, compared to the FCC chamber. At 440 oCA, CO2 emissions increased by 2.22%, 2.78%, and 2.78% for GCC, SCC, and BTCC chambers, respectively, compared to the FCC. The GCC chamber's geometry influences the air–fuel mixture distribution, leading to stratified combustion zones and utilizing both bowl and squish regions. The study concludes that GCC chambers can significantly enhance efficiency and reduce emissions by influencing temperature profiles and mass fraction distributions. The study recommends using the GCC chamber with optimized injection profiles for better combustion and improved swirl rates

Pasifika Mental Health Worker’s Perspectives on Suicide Ideation Amongst Pasifika Young Women in Aotearoa New Zealand

New Zealand (NZ) has one of the highest youth suicide rates in the developed world. Specifically, suicide rates for the Pacific population showed an increase from 7.2% to 9.6% in 2021 (Mental Health Foundation, 2022). A greater proportion of Pacific youth reported having increased risks of serious mental disorders and suicidality (12%) over the past few years, compared with their European peers (3%). Further, Pacific youth were also less likely to benefit from or access mental health services (Kapeli, Manuela & Sibley, 2020). Suicide ideation refers to thinking about or making plans to commit suicide, according to Harmer et al. (2024). Suicide ideations are higher amongst Pacific youth than in the general population (Teevale et al., 2016). A report from the NZ Youth19 survey indicates that the rates of significant depressive symptoms are high among Pacific females with a rate of 33% compared to 15% for Pacific males (Gossage et al., 2022). Suicide is rarely discussed with individuals who have lived experience due to the extensive stigma of talking about suicide. Due to their interactions with Pacific youth, Pacific mental health care workers are uniquely positioned to provide insight into suicide ideation. This research aimed to explore mental health workers perspectives on how suicide ideation affects the highest at-risk group, young Pacific women. To capture the perspectives and experiences of the healthcare workers, the Talanoa methodology was utilized to carry out the research. One-on-one Talanoa was carried out with seven Pacific mental health workers across Auckland, which was conducted between August – November 2023. Perspectives and experiences were then analysed using thematic analysis, which revealed emerging themes from the engagement of mental health workers with young Pacific women dealing with suicidal ideation. Themes that emerged from the Talanoa were the relationship between young Pacific women and parents and how this can contribute to a young woman’s emotional well-being. Furthermore, the significance of trust, cultural awareness and creating safe environments for expression and young Pacific woman’s ability to feel supported when emotionally distressed. Pacific Mental Health workers highlighted how services could be better enhanced to support young Pacific women experiencing suicidal ideation. It is my hope that this research can improve the stigma surrounding suicide and promote the Talanoa method to the general community to enable safe spaces and healing opportunities

ChatGPT Personalized and Humorous Recommendations

This study examines the impact of personalized and humorous responses generated by ChatGPT on the acceptance of and satisfaction with travel recommendations. Studies 1A, 1B, and 1C consistently indicate that visit intention and recommendation satisfaction were significantly higher when ChatGPT provided personalized rather than humorous responses. Study 2 investigates the effects of response type on visit intention and finds that recommendation satisfaction was not significant when participants were informed that the recommendation agent was human. Study 3 indicates that participants' usage experience with ChatGPT moderated the effects and that participants' need for cognition influenced their acceptance of personalized responses. Study 4 demonstrates different personalization methods from various sources, including preference-matching and tailored recommendation styles

Navigating Complexity in Design for Health Internships to Enhance Student’s Real-World Learning

In this paper, we reflect on two internship-based learning opportunities at a New Zealand-based university for design students to engage in authentic, real-world experiences in a design for health context. We present three hospital-based case studies as examples of the projects offered to students through Work Integrated Learning (WIL) internships and Summer Studentships (SS); a medication information leaflet, an information resource for women interrupting a pregnancy due to medical reasons, and a patient journey video and oral health resources for a children’s community dental service. Facilitating these real-world opportunities for design students has challenges, including building and maintaining connections and relationships with healthcare staff, careful selection of projects appropriate in scope and scale, managing and navigating expectations, and advocating for the value of design and implementation of students’ design solutions. Despite these challenges, both internships offer design students an opportunity to engage in the rich and complex healthcare context, while working on meaningful design projects that challenge them to consider the value and impact of their design practice. It highlights the benefits of engaging design students in different ways to better prepare them for an industry that asks designers to navigate tricky contexts and deliver design solutions to complex issues

“It’s a Given Now, That’s Just How We Communicate”: Pregnant People’s Experiences With Using Communication Technology When Connecting With Their Midwife

Introduction: Effective communication between pregnant women/people and midwives is important in establishing trusting and respectful relationships. Texting and email have been shown to be convenient ways for people to connect and share information. Aim: This paper reports on findings from interviews with pregnant and recently pregnant women/people on what is important for them when using communication technology to connect with their midwife. Method: Semi-structured interviews were conducted using an online platform. Two participants had previously completed an online survey in phase 1B of the multi-phase study and had expressed interest in participating further. Three other participants were recruited via a closed Pregnancy Facebook group and midwives. All participants were emailed an invitation to participate. Thematic analysis was used to analyse the interview data. Findings: Three themes emerged from the findings, highlighting what was important for participants when using communication technology with their midwife during their pregnancy: being known, access and connectedness, and the midwife recognised as a professional. Discussion: Being known was important when using communication technology, as it enabled respectful and trusting relationships to develop. These relationships were further enhanced through the functionality of communication technology which provided space for participants to compose messages and respond to their midwife, and through the convenience and flexibility with being able to communicate in a non-intrusive manner. The professionalism of the midwife was recognised with ensuring privacy of information, despite participants being unconcerned about privacy themselves. Conclusion: The knowingness that comes from a continuity of care relationship contributed towards a relationship of trust. This was reflected in the respectful choices made by the participants when using communication technology to connect with their midwife

A Falls Early Response Service in Aotearoa New Zealand: A Scoping Review

Aim: To understand the extent and type of evidence available on a joint service between occupational therapy and paramedics in a community falls early response service (FERS). Method: Three databases and Google Scholar were searched for published and grey material that combined occupational therapy and paramedicine community FERS. Two independent reviewers screened citations and then assessed articles for selection. Data extraction was performed by a third researcher and verified by the two reviewers. Results: Fourteen sources were included from the initial 6,432 screened, and 128 were subsequently assessed. The 14 sources were published between 2010 and 2023, with over 50% published after 2019. The number of participants in the studies ranged from 23 to over 35,000, with a variety of combinations of healthcare professionals. Conclusions: This review suggests that a combined occupational therapy and paramedicine FERS would benefit people who fall, the ambulance service and hospital care providers from a cost and resource point of view. A pilot study to further evaluate the cost and benefits of this kind of service is being explored based on the results of this scoping review.</jats:p

MINDPRES: A Hybrid Prototype System for Comprehensive Data Protection in the User Layer of the Mobile Cloud

Mobile cloud computing (MCC) is a technological paradigm for providing services to mobile device (MD) users. A compromised MD may cause harm to both its user and to other MCC customers. This study explores the use of machine learning (ML) models and stochastic methods for the protection of Android MDs connected to the mobile cloud. To test the validity and feasibility of the proposed models and methods, the study adopted a proof-of-concept approach and developed a prototype system named MINDPRESS. The static component of MINDPRES assesses the risk of the apps installed on the MD. It uses a device-based ML model for static feature analysis and a cloud-based stochastic risk evaluator. The device-based hybrid component of MINDPRES monitors app behavior in real time. It deploys two ML models and functions as an intrusion detection and prevention system (IDPS). The performance evaluation results of the prototype showed that the accuracy achieved by the methods for static and hybrid risk evaluation compared well with results reported in recent work. Power consumption data indicated that MINDPRES did not create an overload. This study contributes a feasible and scalable framework for building distributed systems for the protection of the data and devices of MCC customers