TeamMate : a longitudinal study of health in working farm dogs on the South Island of New Zealand : a thesis presented in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy in Veterinary Epidemiology, School of Veterinary Science, Massey University, Manawatu, New Zealand

Working farm dogs are crucial to the smooth running of sheep and beef farming operations in New Zealand, with specific types of dogs having been developed that are uniquely suited to the conditions of the country. Despite their importance to the economy of New Zealand, few studies have been carried out to examine health and welfare in these dogs, and none have examined the occurrence of new cases of disease or risk factors related to death, euthanasia or retirement. This thesis presents data from the TeamMate project, which was a longitudinal study of health in working farm dogs on the South Island of New Zealand. The study was designed to supplement and fill gaps left by previous studies and ran from early 2004 to late 2018, collecting data during five data collection rounds. In total, data from 1930 examinations of 641 working farm dogs were collected, with 124 dog owners and staff from 11 veterinary clinics involved. Data was collected through clinical examinations of dogs carried out by veterinarians, and by asking dog owners to provide information about husbandry and workload pertaining to each dog. The data was used to produce four research chapters, each of which focused on a different aspect of health in working farm dogs. The first research chapter detailed the study design and methodology of the TeamMate study and reported on population data, husbandry practices and prevalence of clinical abnormalities recorded on dogs’ enrolment to the study. Dogs were enrolled if they were at least 18 months old and in full work on farm. The data on population and husbandry largely confirmed previous research, with an almost even mix of the two most common types of dogs (Heading dogs and Huntaways) and males and females. Dogs found to be generally lean, were usually fed a combination of meat and commercial dog food and were housed in outdoor kennels. Clinical abnormalities defined as any abnormality irrespective of clinical significance, were recorded in 74% of dogs. The most common abnormalities involved the musculoskeletal system (42% of dogs), skin (including scars and callouses; 42%) and oral cavity (including worn and broken teeth; 35%). The second research chapter investigated whether conventional body condition scores (BCS) are appropriate when applied to lean, athletic dogs such as working farm dogs, which they have been poorly validated for. BCS was found to be correlated with a predicted measure of body fat mass, but the effect was too weak to be useful for indicating meaningful differences in body condition between dogs. The ratio of the predicted lean body mass to skeletal size has been proposed as an alternative to BCS when assessing body condition in lean, athletic dogs such as working farm dogs. However, the equation used to predict lean mass in working farm dogs was developed using only 20 dogs and not been validated on a new set of dogs with known lean mass. Both BCS and the lean mass ratio should be validated for use in lean athletic dogs, and further investigation should be carried out to determine whether they are associated with health outcomes in working farm dogs. The third research chapter focused on the occurrence of new instances of musculoskeletal abnormalities in 323 working farm dogs that were disease-free on enrolment to the study and had at least one follow-up examination. During the follow-up period, 184 dogs (57%) developed at least one musculoskeletal abnormality during 4,508 dog-months at risk, corresponding to approximately 4 dogs with recorded abnormalities per 100 dog-months at risk. Abnormalities in the hip and carpus were the most commonly observed. Two-thirds of dogs that experienced a musculoskeletal abnormality were observed to have a second abnormality. No major differences were observed between sexes or types or dogs. Considering the high prevalence and incidence of musculoskeletal abnormalities in this population, further research into the impact of musculoskeletal disease on the health, welfare and working ability of working farm dogs is strongly recommended. The fourth and final research chapter investigated the factors that affected dogs’ risk of being lost from the workforce. Data was included from 589 dogs where information was available on whether or not the dog had died, been euthanised or been retired from work. Eighty-one dogs (14%) were lost during the course of the study, the majority of which had died or been euthanised. A multivariable logistic regression model was used to estimate the risk dogs dying, being euthanised or being retired from work. After accounting for age, the presence of lameness was found to have a significant effect on the risk of loss (P = 0.04, odds ratio (OR) = 1.9). This study expands our knowledge about the impact of clinical abnormalities on the overall health of working farm dogs. Further research into the underlying issues that cause lameness in these dogs should be prioritised. The results of this study can be used to inform and prioritise further research, and will contribute to an increased understanding of how to ensure optimal health, welfare and working ability in working farm dogs

Parent-child communication about sexual issues in Zambia: a cross sectional study of adolescent girls and their parents

Background Parent-child communication about sexual issues can reduce risky sexual behaviour amongst adolescents. Risky sexual behaviour is of concern in sub-Saharan Africa where the prevalence of early pregnancy, unsafe abortion and HIV are high. Parent-child communication about sexual issues presents a feasible approach for reducing sexual risk amongst adolescents in sub-Saharan Africa but limited research exists from the region. This study from Zambia examines the sociodemographic and psychosocial factors that are associated with whether parents communicate with their daughters about sexual issues. Methods Data from a cluster randomized controlled trial examining the effect of interventions aiming to reduce teenage pregnancy and school drop out in Zambia was used. The data was collected between January–July in 2018 and consists of structured, face to face interviews with 4343 adolescent girls and 3878 parents. Cross sectional analyses examined the associations between parent-child communication about sexual issues and sociodemographic and psychosocial characteristics using univariate and multivariable logistic regression models. Results Adolescent girls who felt connected to their parents and those who perceived their parents to be comfortable in communicating about sex, were more likely to speak to their parents about sexual issues than those who did not (AOR 1.23, 95% CI 1.01–1.52; and AOR 2.94, 95% CI 2.45–3.54, respectively). Girls whose parents used fear-based communication about sexual issues, and those who perceived their parents as being opposed to education about contraception, were less likely to communicate with their parents about sex than those who did not (AOR 0.76, 95% CI 0.65–0.89; and AOR 0.76, 95% CI 0.63–0.91, respectively). Girls enrolled in school were less likely to communicate with their parents about sex than those out of school (AOR 0.56, 95% CI 0.44–0.71). Conclusion Parenting style, children’s perception of parental attitudes and parental communication styles are associated with whether parents and children communicate about sexual issues. This may imply that parents can improve the chances of communicating with their children about sex by conveying non-judgemental attitudes, using open communication styles with neutral messages and appearing comfortable whilst displaying positive attitudes towards communication around sex and contraceptive use.publishedVersio

Consumer culture, branding and British adolescents : a vicious cycle? : a comparison between high and low-income adolescents

The growth of consumerism has meant that individuals are increasingly using possessions as a means of developing their personal identities and forming social connections. Specifically, the consumer culture has seen the increase of brands and branded goods as marketers attach emotional attributes to them. Thus, brands have become communicative symbols which display, amongst other things, the owner's values, beliefs and social status. As a result, consumers are attempting to form their identities, social connections and self-worth by consuming (often branded) possessions which they feel are representative of their self or ideal self and will increase their chances of social acceptance. However, psychological studies in consumer behaviour suggest that the increasing propensity to seek inner happiness and social bonds through external means (consumption), has led consumers to be less satisfied with their lives and hence decreases psychological well-being; the focus on external rewards has reduced the importance that individuals place on personal development and intrapsychic developments.This study investigates the relationship between the consumption culture, branding and British adolescents, with a comparison between high and low-income teenagers. Adolescents are particularly prone to assuming consumer orientations (and hence the consequences thereof) due to their stage in identity development, their need for social acceptance and the fact that they are a very profitable market segment. As a result, teenagers are encouraged to turn to consumption for developing their personal and social identities, as opposed to more traditional means such as personal skill development. Although limited studies have investigated adolescent consumption, little attention has been paid to low-income adolescents who are prone to reduced self-worth but have a restricted consumption scope and thus cannot consume their self-worth in the same 'normal' ways as their peers. In light of previous studies, it was necessary to first develop a new measure of self-esteem which included the vital role of possessions (and specifically brands) in feelings of self-worth amongst adolescents. The scale-development process revealed the functional importance of self-esteem as a marker of social inclusion and hence shed light on the reason for the importance that adolescents place on specific brands; they are a promise of fitting-in. A valid and reliable 23-item, self-report measure of self-esteem is presented. Subsequent to developing the new scale, the research provided empirical support for a model of the psychological characteristics of adolescent consumption (including self-esteem). The result is a 'Vicious Cycle' model of consumption which suggests that there is a relationship between the factors which contribute to a consumer orientation and the likely effects of having such an orientation. For example, the model suggests that reduced self-esteem may contribute to consumerism and a consumption orientation may contribute to a reduction in self-esteem. Furthermore, the comparison between high and low-income teenagers showed that low-income teenagers were significantly more materialistic than their high-income counterparts thus supporting the suggestion that low-income teenagers are more prone to consumerism than their high-income counterparts. With reference to the detailed links presented in the Vicious Cycle model, the author proceeds to explore the efficacy of extant consumerist-curbing strategies and highlight the need for more effective methods if we wish future generations to develop in to more than simply shoppers.EThOS - Electronic Theses Online ServiceGBUnited Kingdo

Non-financial barriers in oral health care: a qualitative study of patients receiving opioid maintenance treatment and professionals’ experiences

Background People with substance use disorders often have poor oral health, which can negatively impact their quality of life. Since 2005, patients receiving opioid maintenance treatment (OMT) in Norway have been eligible for free oral health care services offered through public oral health clinics. Despite a large need for oral health services amongst patients in OMT, figures suggest that the use of these services is low amongst this patient group. It has been unclear which barriers that contribute to this. This qualitative study explores the underlying barriers to the use of oral health care services amongst patients in OMT, from the perspective of the patients as well as dental health care workers (DHW). Methods Through a combination of focus group interviews and individual interviews, data were collected from 63 participants; 30 patients in OMT and 33 DHW. Thematic analysis identified key themes for the use (or not) of oral health care services amongst patients in OMT. Results Both individual and structural barriers prevent OMT patients from using the free oral health care services offered to them. These barriers include struggling to attend appointments, anxiety and fear of dentists, discrepancies between patients’ expectations and the services offered and perceived stigma. OMT patients’ lack of information regarding their rights and access to oral health services was also a barrier, as was DHWs’ lack of knowledge and information of the OMT system and what they can offer patients. Conclusions OMT patients face several barriers in accessing and using oral health care services. However, through a number of relatively simple measures, it is possible that the use of oral health services amongst OMT patients can be increased.publishedVersio

‘I can’t go to her when I have a problem’: sexuality communication between South African adolescent girls and young women and their mothers

Parent–adolescent sexuality communication, the process in which parents and their adolescent children discuss sexuality and sexual and reproductive health, is a key component for adolescents’ protective behaviours. Open communication with parents, particularly mothers, enables informed sexual and reproductive health (SRH) decision- aking amongst adolescent girls and young women (AGYW). As part of a qualitative study evaluating a South African combination HIV prevention intervention for AGYW, we explored perspectives on SRH communication among AGYW and mothers of AGYW, and the effects of the intervention on sexuality communication as perceived by AGYW, mothers of AGYW, intervention facilitators and implementers, and community leaders. In-depth interviews and focus group discussions were conducted with 185 AGYW aged 15–24 years who had participated in the intervention, seven mothers of AGYW intervention recipients, 14 intervention facilitators, six community leaders, and 12 intervention implementers. Key themes that emerged in analysis were (1) Barriers to Sexuality communication, (2) Implications of Gaps in Sexuality Communication, and (3) Addressing Barriers to Sexuality communication. Barriers to sexuality communication included inability or unwillingness to discuss sex, a generation gap, proscriptive socio-cultural guidelines, and mothers’ discomfort, lack of knowledge and self-efficacy, and fear of encouraging promiscuity. AGYW described making poorly-informed SRH decisions alone, expressing a desire for more open communication with and support from parents/mothers. Framed within the social cognitive theory, these findings can help to guide efforts to address barriers around parent–adolescent  sexuality communication, inform interventions aimed at targeting SRH issues amongst AGYW, such as unintended pregnancy and HIV, and support meaningful engagement of parents in supporting AGYW in navigating pathways to achieving their SRH goals

The state of the Martian climate

60°N was +2.0°C, relative to the 1981–2010 average value (Fig. 5.1). This marks a new high for the record. The average annual surface air temperature (SAT) anomaly for 2016 for land stations north of starting in 1900, and is a significant increase over the previous highest value of +1.2°C, which was observed in 2007, 2011, and 2015. Average global annual temperatures also showed record values in 2015 and 2016. Currently, the Arctic is warming at more than twice the rate of lower latitudes

The Aeolus Data Innovation and Science Cluster

The Data Innovation and Science Cluster (DISC) is a core element of ESA's data quality strategy for the Aeolus mission, which was launched in August 2018. Aeolus provides for the first-time global observations of vertical profiles of horizontal wind information by using the first Doppler wind lidar in space. The Aeolus DISC is responsible for monitoring and improving the quality of the Aeolus aerosol and wind products, for the upgrade of the operational processors as well as for impact studies and support of data usage. It has been responsible for multiple significant processor upgrades which reduced the systematic error of the Aeolus observations drastically. Only due to the efforts of the Aeolus DISC team members prior to and after launch, the systematic error of the Aeolus wind products could be reduced to a global average below 1 m/s which was an important pre-requisite for making the data available to the public in May 2020 and for its use in operational weather prediction. In 2020, the reprocessing of earlier acquired Aeolus data, another important task of the Aeolus DISC, also started. In this way, also observations from June to December 2019 with significantly better quality could be made available to the public, and more data will follow this and next year. Without the thorough preparations and close collaboration between ESA and the Aeolus DISC over the past decade, many of these achievements would not have been possible

State of the climate in 2018

In 2018, the dominant greenhouse gases released into Earth’s atmosphere—carbon dioxide, methane, and nitrous oxide—continued their increase. The annual global average carbon dioxide concentration at Earth’s surface was 407.4 ± 0.1 ppm, the highest in the modern instrumental record and in ice core records dating back 800 000 years. Combined, greenhouse gases and several halogenated gases contribute just over 3 W m−2 to radiative forcing and represent a nearly 43% increase since 1990. Carbon dioxide is responsible for about 65% of this radiative forcing. With a weak La Niña in early 2018 transitioning to a weak El Niño by the year’s end, the global surface (land and ocean) temperature was the fourth highest on record, with only 2015 through 2017 being warmer. Several European countries reported record high annual temperatures. There were also more high, and fewer low, temperature extremes than in nearly all of the 68-year extremes record. Madagascar recorded a record daily temperature of 40.5°C in Morondava in March, while South Korea set its record high of 41.0°C in August in Hongcheon. Nawabshah, Pakistan, recorded its highest temperature of 50.2°C, which may be a new daily world record for April. Globally, the annual lower troposphere temperature was third to seventh highest, depending on the dataset analyzed. The lower stratospheric temperature was approximately fifth lowest. The 2018 Arctic land surface temperature was 1.2°C above the 1981–2010 average, tying for third highest in the 118-year record, following 2016 and 2017. June’s Arctic snow cover extent was almost half of what it was 35 years ago. Across Greenland, however, regional summer temperatures were generally below or near average. Additionally, a satellite survey of 47 glaciers in Greenland indicated a net increase in area for the first time since records began in 1999. Increasing permafrost temperatures were reported at most observation sites in the Arctic, with the overall increase of 0.1°–0.2°C between 2017 and 2018 being comparable to the highest rate of warming ever observed in the region. On 17 March, Arctic sea ice extent marked the second smallest annual maximum in the 38-year record, larger than only 2017. The minimum extent in 2018 was reached on 19 September and again on 23 September, tying 2008 and 2010 for the sixth lowest extent on record. The 23 September date tied 1997 as the latest sea ice minimum date on record. First-year ice now dominates the ice cover, comprising 77% of the March 2018 ice pack compared to 55% during the 1980s. Because thinner, younger ice is more vulnerable to melting out in summer, this shift in sea ice age has contributed to the decreasing trend in minimum ice extent. Regionally, Bering Sea ice extent was at record lows for almost the entire 2017/18 ice season. For the Antarctic continent as a whole, 2018 was warmer than average. On the highest points of the Antarctic Plateau, the automatic weather station Relay (74°S) broke or tied six monthly temperature records throughout the year, with August breaking its record by nearly 8°C. However, cool conditions in the western Bellingshausen Sea and Amundsen Sea sector contributed to a low melt season overall for 2017/18. High SSTs contributed to low summer sea ice extent in the Ross and Weddell Seas in 2018, underpinning the second lowest Antarctic summer minimum sea ice extent on record. Despite conducive conditions for its formation, the ozone hole at its maximum extent in September was near the 2000–18 mean, likely due to an ongoing slow decline in stratospheric chlorine monoxide concentration. Across the oceans, globally averaged SST decreased slightly since the record El Niño year of 2016 but was still far above the climatological mean. On average, SST is increasing at a rate of 0.10° ± 0.01°C decade−1 since 1950. The warming appeared largest in the tropical Indian Ocean and smallest in the North Pacific. The deeper ocean continues to warm year after year. For the seventh consecutive year, global annual mean sea level became the highest in the 26-year record, rising to 81 mm above the 1993 average. As anticipated in a warming climate, the hydrological cycle over the ocean is accelerating: dry regions are becoming drier and wet regions rainier. Closer to the equator, 95 named tropical storms were observed during 2018, well above the 1981–2010 average of 82. Eleven tropical cyclones reached Saffir–Simpson scale Category 5 intensity. North Atlantic Major Hurricane Michael’s landfall intensity of 140 kt was the fourth strongest for any continental U.S. hurricane landfall in the 168-year record. Michael caused more than 30 fatalities and $25 billion (U.S. dollars) in damages. In the western North Pacific, Super Typhoon Mangkhut led to 160 fatalities and$6 billion (U.S. dollars) in damages across the Philippines, Hong Kong, Macau, mainland China, Guam, and the Northern Mariana Islands. Tropical Storm Son-Tinh was responsible for 170 fatalities in Vietnam and Laos. Nearly all the islands of Micronesia experienced at least moderate impacts from various tropical cyclones. Across land, many areas around the globe received copious precipitation, notable at different time scales. Rodrigues and Réunion Island near southern Africa each reported their third wettest year on record. In Hawaii, 1262 mm precipitation at Waipā Gardens (Kauai) on 14–15 April set a new U.S. record for 24-h precipitation. In Brazil, the city of Belo Horizonte received nearly 75 mm of rain in just 20 minutes, nearly half its monthly average. Globally, fire activity during 2018 was the lowest since the start of the record in 1997, with a combined burned area of about 500 million hectares. This reinforced the long-term downward trend in fire emissions driven by changes in land use in frequently burning savannas. However, wildfires burned 3.5 million hectares across the United States, well above the 2000–10 average of 2.7 million hectares. Combined, U.S. wildfire damages for the 2017 and 2018 wildfire seasons exceeded $40 billion (U.S. dollars)