Life orientation and life satisfaction : an exploration of a homeostatic model of subjective wellbeing : a thesis presented in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Science in Psychology at Massey University

The main purpose of the current study was to explore the relationship between life orientation (optimism-pessimism) and life satisfaction. Cummins' (e.g. 1998) homeostatic model of subjective wellbeing was used as the basis for this exploration. The model was proposed to account for the fact that population life satisfaction within Western countries is repeatedly found to fall within the range 75 ± 2.5 percent of the scale maximum score (%SMS). The theory proposes that optimism is involved in the regulation and maintenance of subjective wellbeing. Two other variables, self-esteem and control, are thought to be involved in the regulatory system, however optimism was explored in light of the limited research into the connection between this variable and life satisfaction. According to the homeostatic theory, extreme adverse life events can disrupt the homeostatic system, causing a temporary decline in subjective wellbeing. The sample consisted of 200 adults from the general population of New Zealand. These were volunteers recruited within shopping centres in the Auckland area. Participants were administered a questionnaire consisting of two scales; the Life Orientation Test-Revised (LOT-R) and the Personal Wellbeing Index (PWI). The LOT-R is a measure of dispositional optimism-pessimism, and the PWI is a measure of life satisfaction. Additionally, the questionnaire consisted of a section designed to elicit basic demographic information, as well as details pertaining to recent experiences of significant life events. The most notable findings were as follows: After controlling for the effects of student and outlier data, the average level of life satisfaction for the current sample was 71.01 %SMS; life orientation accounted for 42 % of the variance in life satisfaction; and the experience of significant negative life events caused a decrease in mean life satisfaction. It is concluded that, overall, the findings provide support for the homeostatic model. Further research is needed to clarify the nature of the relationship between life orientation and life satisfaction. Suggestions for future research, and implications for mental health, are discussed

Swim Like Your Lifecycle Depends On It. Investigating Motility of Leishmania mexicana; its Impact on Parasite Lifecycle Progression and Infectivity.

The motility of Leishmania promastigote parasites is important for survival during host transitions and lifecycle progression. An oscillating flagellum at the anterior end of the promastigotes pulls it through environmental conditions which change significantly during the lifecycle. The parasite morphologically transforms to optimise infection potential. This study adapts a unique method of high-speed, three-dimensional imaging called digital inline holographic microscopy (DIHM) allowing us to examine the movements of Leishmania mexicana promastigotes. We have tracked distinct stages of promastigote parasites over multiple frames to gain information on the swimming patterns of these cells. Quantification of the 3D trajectories reveals stage-specific differences in swimming behaviour. Using this technique we reveal that mammalian-infective metacyclic promastigotes are more capable of swimming in highly viscous solutions, a result which has interesting implications in the ability of this specific stage to transmit through promastigote secretory gel. Additionally, the DIHM technique has allowed us to investigate whether these different stages of Leishmania promastigote are capable of sensing chemicals in their environment. We reveal how distinct chemotaxic capabilities could play a role in the uptake of parasites by host cells during early infection. Mathematically quantifying the cell movements of L. mexicana within contrasting, biologically relevant environments has revealed swimming mechanisms that are essential for the parasite to remain unencumbered by environmental pressures and adapt their motility to reach preferred conditions

Final shuttle-derived atmospheric database: Development and results from thirty-two flights

The final Shuttle-derived atmospheric data base is presented. The relational data base is comprised of data from 32 Space Transportation System (STS) descent flights, to include available meteorology data taken in support of each flight. For the most part, the available data are restricted to the middle atmosphere. In situ accelerations, sensed by the tri-redundant Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU) to an accuracy better than 1 mg, are combined with post-flight Best Estimate Trajectory (BET) information and predicted, flight-substantiated Orbiter aerodynamics to provide determinations up to altitudes of 95 km. In some instances, alternate accelerometry data with micro-g resolution were utilized to extend the data base well into the thermosphere. Though somewhat limited, the ensemble of flights permit a reasonable sampling of monthly, seasonal, and latitudinal variations which can be utilized for atmospheric science investigations and model evaluations and upgrades as appropriate. More significantly, the unparallel vertical resolution in the Shuttle-derived results indicate density shears normally associated with internal gravity waves or local atmospheric instabilities. Consequently, these atmospheres can also be used as stress-atmospheres for Guidance, Navigation and Control (GN and C) system development and analysis as part of any advanced space vehicle design activities

Final STS-35 Columbia descent BET products and results for LaRC OEX investigations

Final STS-35 'Columbia' descent Best Estimate Trajectory (BET) products have been developed for Langley Research Center (LaRC) Orbiter Experiments (OEX) investigations. Included are the reconstructed inertial trajectory profile; the Extended BET, which combines the inertial data and, in this instance, the National Weather Service atmospheric information obtained via Johnson Space Center; and the Aerodynamic BET. The inertial BET utilized Inertial Measurement Unit 1 (IMU1) dynamic measurements for deterministic propagation during the ENTREE estimation process. The final estimate was based on the considerable ground based C-band tracking coverage available as well as Tracking Data and Relay Satellite System (TDRSS) Doppler data, a unique use of the latter for endo-atmospheric flight determinations. The actual estimate required simultaneous solutions for the spacecraft position and velocity, spacecraft attitude, and six IMU parameters - three gyro biases and three accelerometer scale factor correction terms. The anchor epoch for this analysis was 19,200 Greenwich Mean Time (GMT) seconds which corresponds to an initial Shuttle altitude of approximately 513 kft. The atmospheric data incorporated were evaluated based on Shuttle derived considerations as well as comparisons with other models. The AEROBET was developed based on the Extended BET, the measured spacecraft configuration information, final mass properties, and the final Orbiter preoperation databook. The latter was updated based on aerodynamic consensus incrementals derived by the latest published FAD. The rectified predictions were compared versus the flight computed values and the resultant differences were correlated versus ensemble results for twenty-two previous STS entry flights

Are dormice waking up to global warming?

Hazel dormice are in steep decline across the UK, with the national population decreasing by around 72% since 1993(1). A significant cause of this is loss and fragmentation of suitable habitat; however, the effects of climate change, particularly on hibernation behaviour and food availability, remain largely unstudied. This PhD project aims to address this by analysing the Woodland Trust’s Nature’s Calendar dataset(2) and the National Dormouse Monitoring Programme(3) dataset in conjunction with UK climate projections. 1. Goodwin, C. E. D. et al. (2017) Voluntary recording scheme reveals ongoing decline in the United Kingdom hazel dormouse Muscardinus avellanarius population, Mammal Review, 47(3), pp. 183–197. doi: 10.1111/mam.12091. 2. https://naturescalendar.woodlandtrust.org.uk/ 3. https://ptes.org/campaigns/dormice

Phenotypic plasticity and local adaptation in a wild hibernator evaluated through reciprocal translocation

Phenological shifts are the most commonly reported ecological responses to climate change and can be produced rapidly by phenotypic plasticity. However, both the limits of plasticity and whether it will be sufficient to maintain local adaptation (or even lead to maladaptation) are less clear. Increased winter precipitation has been shown to lead to phenological delays and corresponding annual decreases in fitness in Columbian ground squirrels (Urocitellus columbianus). We took advantage of natural phenological variation (across elevations) in this species to better assess the extent of phenotypic plasticity in emergence dates and the relationships between emergence dates and individual annual fitness. We coupled a reciprocal translocation experiment with natural monitoring across two populations separated by ∼500 m in elevation. Individuals in both populations responded plastically to both spring temperature and winter precipitation. Translocated individuals adjusted their emergence dates to approach those of individuals in their adoptive populations but did differ significantly in their emergence dates from residents. There were no differences in annual fitness among treatment groups nor selection on emergence date within a year. Phenotypic plasticity is thus sufficient to allow individuals to respond to broad environmental gradients, but the influence of variation in emergence dates on annual fitness requires further investigation

Investigating the Swimming of Microbial Pathogens Using Digital Holography.

To understand much of the behaviour of microbial pathogens, it is necessary to image living cells, their interactions with each other and with host cells. Species such as Escherichia coli are difficult subjects to image: they are typically microscopic, colourless and transparent. Traditional cell visualisation techniques such as fluorescent tagging or phase-contrast microscopy give excellent information on cell behaviour in two dimensions, but no information about cells moving in three dimensions. We review the use of digital holographic microscopy for three-dimensional imaging at high speeds, and demonstrate its use for capturing the shape and swimming behaviour of three important model pathogens: E. coli, Plasmodium spp. and Leishmania spp

International student transitions in Higher Education: Chinese students studying on a professionally accredited undergraduate accounting degree programme at a Scottish university

The UK Higher Education (UKHE) sector has expanded overseas student numbers in recent years bringing significant economic and financial benefits to the sector and the economy. Yet, overseas student numbers are now under threat due to international competition, UK immigration law and the recent referendum decision to leave the EU. As a result, two key challenges arise for UKHE: the need to operate effectively in an international market; and, to meet the increasing expectations of international students (Grove 2015).Chinese students form the largest overseas country group studying in the UK with 21% of all overseas students. Business studies, including accounting, is the most popular subject area with nearly 40% of all overseas students (UK Council for International Student Affairs, 2016).This DBA study explores the learning experiences of a cohort of overseas Chinese students who have transferred from two years of study at colleges in China to a professionally accredited accounting undergraduate degree programme at a Scottish university. The overarching aim is to understand the nature of the students’ learning experiences in the context of the degree programme in which the study takes place.The research was conducted from a critical realist theoretical perspective and used a qualitative research method to develop an understanding of the nature of the learning experiences as perceived by participants. Research data, gathered from focus group interviews with student participants, was analysed thematically.Findings show that issues with English lead to low levels of integration with other students, resulting in participants turning towards a learning strategy of independent learning among themselves. This further restricts exposure to English, including specialised accounting vocabulary, accounting concepts and theories, and cultural experience. The findings make a contribution to knowledge in terms of how this group of overseas Chinese students perceive and respond to their learning experiences of a Scottish accounting degree programme including aspects of the specific accounting subject discipline. Recommendations offer considerations to enhance LTA practice in the wider HEI context and the accounting discipline