Who Do You Think You Are?: Constructing and Representing Central Otago identity

As museums are increasingly looking to the local community for support and validation, so too are communities looking to the museum for affirmation of their identity. Theories of meaning making and work in the field of social inclusion have led the way in restructuring the museum into an institution that embraces its surrounding community for the mutual benefit of both sides. In attempting to represent community, museums are taking up these new theories as they build towards becoming ever more relevant institutions. This thesis explores the current literature and investigates its relevance to the museum/community relationship through a case study of the Central Otago community and its new Museum, Central Stories. The study explores the construction of identity within the community and the representation of that identity within the Museum. In order to investigate the construction of community identity in Central Otago, three discussion groups were conducted in September 2006, with each group made up of members of local community and business groups. The discussions within these groups were divided into two phases, the first of which centred on the construction of Central Otago identity and the second on the Museum's representation of Central Otago identity. In the analysis of these focus groups, common themes were identified surrounding the region's landscape, events, history, museums, and community. In the first phase, participants were particularly reliant on their 'frames of reference' (Perin, 1992) in constructing identity. In particular, the role of personal experience emerged as an important factor in constructing community identity. Comparing the first and second phases of the discussions reveals the complex interweaving of elements in the construction and representation of the community's identity. The findings of this study highlight the significance of the museum/community relationship in contemporary museology. The developing museological theories on meaning making, particularly those that address the importance of visitor frames of reference, are identified as playing a critical role in developing this relationship. While this study is focused on the Central Otago example, the findings have broader relevance to the field of museum studies through their insights into the dynamics involved in constructing and representing community identity, and the complex relationship between the museum and its community

Who Do You Think You Are?: Constructing and Representing Central Otago identity

As museums are increasingly looking to the local community for support and validation, so too are communities looking to the museum for affirmation of their identity. Theories of meaning making and work in the field of social inclusion have led the way in restructuring the museum into an institution that embraces its surrounding community for the mutual benefit of both sides. In attempting to represent community, museums are taking up these new theories as they build towards becoming ever more relevant institutions. This thesis explores the current literature and investigates its relevance to the museum/community relationship through a case study of the Central Otago community and its new Museum, Central Stories. The study explores the construction of identity within the community and the representation of that identity within the Museum. In order to investigate the construction of community identity in Central Otago, three discussion groups were conducted in September 2006, with each group made up of members of local community and business groups. The discussions within these groups were divided into two phases, the first of which centred on the construction of Central Otago identity and the second on the Museum's representation of Central Otago identity. In the analysis of these focus groups, common themes were identified surrounding the region's landscape, events, history, museums, and community. In the first phase, participants were particularly reliant on their 'frames of reference' (Perin, 1992) in constructing identity. In particular, the role of personal experience emerged as an important factor in constructing community identity. Comparing the first and second phases of the discussions reveals the complex interweaving of elements in the construction and representation of the community's identity. The findings of this study highlight the significance of the museum/community relationship in contemporary museology. The developing museological theories on meaning making, particularly those that address the importance of visitor frames of reference, are identified as playing a critical role in developing this relationship. While this study is focused on the Central Otago example, the findings have broader relevance to the field of museum studies through their insights into the dynamics involved in constructing and representing community identity, and the complex relationship between the museum and its community

p-Selmer ranks of CM abelian varieties

For an elliptic curve with complex multiplication over a number field, the $p^{\infty}$--Selmer rank is even for all $p$. \v{C}esnavi\v{c}ius proved this using the fact that $E$ admits a $p$-isogeny whenever $p$ splits in the complex multiplication field, and invoking the cases of the $p$-parity conjecture that he had proven. We give an alternative proof without invoking $p$-parity, and generalise the result to principally polarised abelian varieties with complex multiplication

Low back pain and sickness absence among sedentary workers: the influence of lumbar sagittal movement characteristics and psychosocial factors

Introduction: Low back pain remains a burden for society, since it can lead to sickness absence and work disability. Physical occupational risk factors can contribute to the development of back pain, yet little is known about any risks in sedentary jobs posed by sitting. The influence of psychosocial factors on back pain and sickness absence amongst sedentary workers is also unclear. The aim of this study was to measure work activities, lumbar movement characteristics, symptoms and psychosocial factors in order to determine associations with low back pain and sickness absence. Methods: Phase 1: involved validation of a fibre-optic goniometer system that attaches to the lumbar spine and hip to continuously measure: (1) activities (sitting, standing, walking); and (2) lumbar movement characteristics (notably sitting postures and kinematics). New questionnaires were also validated to measure aspects of low back discomfort. Phase 2: consisted of a cross-sectional survey of call centre workers (n=600) to collect data on: demographics, clinical and occupational psychosocial factors, and symptoms. An experimental sample (n=140) wore the goniometer system during work. Phase 3: involved a 6-month follow-up survey to collect back pain and sickness absence data (n=367). Logistic regression was used to determine associations (P<0.05) between data. Results: Workers spent 83% of work-time sitting, 26% of which was spent adopting a lordotic lumbar posture. Current back pain (>24hrs: yes/no) was associated with a kyphotic sitting posture (time spent with a lumbar curve ≥180°) (R2 0.05), although future back pain was not. Using multivariable models: limited variety of lumbar movement whilst sitting was associated with future (persistent) LBP, dominating other variables (R2 0.11); yet high levels of reported back discomfort, physical aggravating factors and psychological demand at work were stronger predictors of sickness absence, and dominated other variables (R2 0.24). Interpretation: Workers do not follow the advice from employers to maintain a lumbar lordosis whilst sitting, as recommended by statutory bodies. Furthermore, sitting with a kyphotic posture did not increase the risk of back pain, although a relative lack of lumbar movement did. Thus, ergonomic advice encouraging lumbar movement-in-sitting appears to be justified. Predictors of sickness absence were multi-factorial, and consideration of work-relevant biomedical and psychosocial factors would be more useful than adopting more narrow screening approaches

Getting the Bug: Exploring Running Group Therapy for Youth with Affective Disorders

Mental health problems in adolescents place them on a trajectory for ongoing difficulties into adulthood. Treating youth with affective disorders using conventional interventions such as medication and talk therapy can be problematic. Important questions have been raised about the efficacy and safety of medications and some youths’ willingness to engage in counseling. There is, therefore, a need for constant attention to innovative and youth focused treatment options. Since 2006, Credit Valley Hospital in Mississauga, Ontario, Canada has offered youth diagnosed primarily with depression and anxiety an opportunity to address their mental illness with the alternative treatment of running. The purpose of this qualitative study was to develop a comprehensive knowledge of how youth with affective disorders experience a running group therapy program. The data is comprised of three focus groups and an individual interview. The data was analyzed thematically. The running group therapy program enables the youth to build running skills, experience the success of completing a race, while at the same time providing them with the opportunity to develop social skills. Overall, youth reported positive experiences and linked this therapy with elevated mood. Many youth reported a plan to continue to use running outside of the group to manage their moods. This study reports on the implications of running therapy for youth mental health treatment and the field of social work

Exercise-induced muscle damage is reduced in resistance-trained males by branched chain amino acids: a randomized, double-blind, placebo controlled study

Background: It is well documented that exercise-induced muscle damage (EIMD) decreases muscle function and causes soreness and discomfort. Branched-chain amino acid (BCAA) supplementation has been shown to increase protein synthesis and decrease muscle protein breakdown, however, the effects of BCAAs on recovery from damaging resistance training are unclear. Therefore, the aim of this study was to examine the effects of a BCAA supplementation on markers of muscle damage elicited via a sport specific bout of damaging exercise in trained volunteers. Methods: Twelve males (mean ± SD age, 23 ± 2 y; stature, 178.3 ± 3.6 cm and body mass, 79.6 ± 8.4 kg) were randomly assigned to a supplement (n = 6) or placebo (n = 6) group. The damaging exercise consisted of 100 consecutive drop-jumps. Creatine kinase (CK), maximal voluntary contraction (MVC), muscle soreness (DOMS), vertical jump (VJ), thigh circumference (TC) and calf circumference (CC) were measured as markers of muscle damage. All variables were measured immediately before the damaging exercise and at 24, 48, 72 and 96 h post-exercise. Results: A significant time effect was seen for all variables. There were significant group effects showing a reduction in CK efflux and muscle soreness in the BCAA group compared to the placebo (P < 0.05). Furthermore, the recovery of MVC was greater in the BCAA group (P < 0.05). The VJ, TC and CC were not different between groups. Conclusion: The present study has shown that BCAA administered before and following damaging resistance exercise reduces indices of muscle damage and accelerates recovery in resistance-trained males. It seems likely that BCAA provided greater bioavailablity of substrate to improve protein synthesis and thereby the extent of secondary muscle damage associated with strenuous resistance exercise. Clinical Trial Registration Number: NCT01529281

Low back pain and sickness absence among sedentary workers : the influence of lumbar sagittal movement characteristics and psychosocial factors

Introduction: Low back pain remains a burden for society, since it can lead to sickness absence and work disability. Physical occupational risk factors can contribute to the development of back pain, yet little is known about any risks in sedentary jobs posed by sitting. The influence of psychosocial factors on back pain and sickness absence amongst sedentary workers is also unclear. The aim of this study was to measure work activities, lumbar movement characteristics, symptoms and psychosocial factors in order to determine associations with low back pain and sickness absence. Methods: Phase 1: involved validation of a fibre-optic goniometer system that attaches to the lumbar spine and hip to continuously measure: (1) activities (sitting, standing, walking); and (2) lumbar movement characteristics (notably sitting postures and kinematics). New questionnaires were also validated to measure aspects of low back discomfort. Phase 2: consisted of a cross-sectional survey of call centre workers (n=600) to collect data on: demographics, clinical and occupational psychosocial factors, and symptoms. An experimental sample (n=140) wore the goniometer system during work. Phase 3: involved a 6-month follow-up survey to collect back pain and sickness absence data (n=367). Logistic regression was used to determine associations (P24hrs: yes/no) was associated with a kyphotic sitting posture (time spent with a lumbar curve ≥180°) (R2 0.05), although future back pain was not. Using multivariable models: limited variety of lumbar movement whilst sitting was associated with future (persistent) LBP, dominating other variables (R2 0.11); yet high levels of reported back discomfort, physical aggravating factors and psychological demand at work were stronger predictors of sickness absence, and dominated other variables (R2 0.24). Interpretation: Workers do not follow the advice from employers to maintain a lumbar lordosis whilst sitting, as recommended by statutory bodies. Furthermore, sitting with a kyphotic posture did not increase the risk of back pain, although a relative lack of lumbar movement did. Thus, ergonomic advice encouraging lumbar movement-in-sitting appears to be justified. Predictors of sickness absence were multi-factorial, and consideration of work-relevant biomedical and psychosocial factors would be more useful than adopting more narrow screening approaches.EThOS - Electronic Theses Online ServiceGBUnited Kingdo

Working With Faith-Based Communities to Develop an Education Tool kit on Relationships, Sexuality, and Contraception

Communities disproportionately affected from higher rates of unplanned teen births are in need of sustainable approaches to prevention strategies. One approach is to build the capacity of faith-based communities (FBCs) to address the sexual health needs of the surrounding community. However there is a need for comprehensive, user-friendly resources designed for FBCs that provide critical decision-making information related to pregnancy prevention inclusive of contraception. Using community-based, theoretical and practice-informed strategies, we developed a user-friendly sexuality education tool kit in five phases: (1) building relationships with faith leaders; (2) piloting educational sessions within churches; (3) gaining insight from participating faith leaders; (4) creating the tool kit; and (5) collecting feedback from training and implementation. Our findings suggest faith leaders remained motivated to overcome perceived barriers by their mission to serve their communities. A sexuality education tool kit that is respectful and guided by the input of FBCs can be a viable and innovative approach to address teen pregnancy

Effects of ceftriaxone on ethanol, nicotine or sucrose intake by alcohol-preferring (P) rats and its association with GLT-1 expression

Increased glutamatergic neurotransmission appears to mediate the reinforcing properties of drugs of abuse, including ethanol (EtOH). We have shown that administration of ceftriaxone (CEF), a β-lactam antibiotic, reduced EtOH intake and increased glutamate transporter 1 (GLT-1) expression in mesocorticolimbic regions of male and female alcohol-preferring (P) rats. In the present study, we tested whether CEF administration would reduce nicotine (NIC) and/or EtOH intake by adult female P rats. P rats were randomly assigned to 4 groups: (a) 5% sucrose (SUC) or 10% SUC [SUC], (b) 5% SUC+0.07mg/ml NIC and 10% SUC+0.14mg/ml NIC [NIC-SUC], 15% EtOH and 30% EtOH [EtOH] and (d) 15% EtOH+0.07mg/ml NIC and 30% EtOH+0.14mg/ml NIC [NIC-EtOH]. After achieving stable intakes (4weeks), the rats were administered 7 consecutive, daily i.p. injections of either saline or 200mg/kg CEF. The effects of CEF on intake were significant but differed across the reinforcers; such that ml/kg/day SUC was reduced by ∼30%, mg/kg/day NIC was reduced by ∼70% in the NIC-SUC group and ∼40% in the EtOH-NIC group, whereas g/kg/day EtOH was reduced by ∼40% in both the EtOH and EtOH-NIC group. The effects of CEF on GLT-1 expression were also studied. We found that CEF significantly increased GLT-1 expression in the prefrontal cortex and the nucleus accumbens of the NIC and NIC-EtOH rats as compared to NIC and NIC-EtOH saline-treated rats. These findings provide further support for GLT-1-associated mechanisms in EtOH and/or NIC abuse. The present results along with previous reports of CEF's efficacy in reducing cocaine self-administration in rats suggest that modulation of GLT-1 expression and/or activity is an important pharmacological target for treating polysubstance abuse and dependence

Exploiting satellite earth observation to quantify current global oceanic DMS flux and its future climate sensitivity

This is the final version of the article. Available from Wiley/AGU via the DOI in this record.We used coincident Envisat RA2 and AATSR temperature and wind speed data from 2008/2009 to calculate the global net sea-air flux of dimethyl sulfide (DMS), which we estimate to be 19.6 Tg S a-1. Our monthly flux calculations are compared to open ocean eddy correlation measurements of DMS flux from 10 recent cruises, with a root mean square difference of 3.1 μmol m-2 day-1. In a sensitivity analysis, we varied temperature, salinity, surface wind speed, and aqueous DMS concentration, using fixed global changes as well as CMIP5 model output. The range of DMS flux in future climate scenarios is discussed. The CMIP5 model predicts a reduction in surface wind speed and we estimate that this will decrease the global annual sea-air flux of DMS by 22% over 25 years. Concurrent changes in temperature, salinity, and DMS concentration increase the global flux by much smaller amounts. The net effect of all CMIP5 modelled 25 year predictions was a 19% reduction in global DMS flux. 25 year DMS concentration changes had significant regional effects, some positive (Southern Ocean, North Atlantic, Northwest Pacific) and some negative (isolated regions along the Equator and in the Indian Ocean). Using satellite-detected coverage of coccolithophore blooms, our estimate of their contribution to North Atlantic DMS emissions suggests that the coccolithophores contribute only a small percentage of the North Atlantic annual flux estimate, but may be more important in the summertime and in the northeast Atlantic