Investigation of nutrition risk in community living adults aged 75 years and older : prevalence and associated physical health factors : a thesis presented in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Science in Nutrition and Dietetics, Massey University, Albany, New Zealand

Content removed from thesis due to copyright reasons: Appendix G. Nasreddine, Z. Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA). Retrieved from http://www.mocatest.org/. Appendix H. Nasreddine, Z. (2004). Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) : administration and scoring instructions. Retrieved from http://www.mocatest.org/Background: New Zealand’s population is ageing. Given prevalence of functional disability and chronic disease increases with age, and older adults account for one third of health loss in New Zealand, supporting older adults to maintain independence is paramount to reducing future health care costs. A compromised nutritional status, and declining muscle mass, strength and function threatens independence. This study aims to investigate the prevalence of nutrition risk, and identify associated socio-demographic and physical health factors among community-living older adults aged 75 years and older. Methods: A total of 200 participants were recruited from eligible patients enrolled at the Henderson Medical Centre. Baseline sociodemographic, and health information was collected using an interview style questionnaire. Body composition, including muscle mass was estimated using Bioimpedance Analysis (BIA). Muscle strength was assessed using a hand held dynamometer to measure grip strength, and a Five Times Sit To Stand (5TSTS) test. Lower extremity function performance was assessed using 2.4 meter gait speed. Validated screening tools identified nutrition status (Mini Nutritional Assessment Short Form MNA-SF), swallowing status (10 item Eating Assessment Tool EAT-10), and cognitive status (Montreal Cognitive Assessment MoCA). Pearson’s Coefficient Correlations were used to identify associations between nutrition risk and physical health nutrition risk factors. Results: The study sample (n= 200) included 89 (44.5%) men, and 111 (55.5%) women with a mean age of 80.5 years. The MNA-SF identified 2 (1%) malnourished participants, and 24 (12%) participants at risk of malnutrition. MNA-SF scores were positively correlated with a lower BMI (r=0.257, p=<0.001), lower muscle mass, lower calf circumference (r=0.333, p=<0.001), lower percentage of body fat (r=0.287, p=<0.001), and weaker grip strength (r=0.143, p=0.047). MNA-SF scores had an inverse correlation with EAT-10 scores indicating dysphagia risk (r=0.182, p=<0.010). Conclusion: A low prevalence of malnutrition was found in this study population. Those at risk of malnutrition or malnourished were more likely to use support services, be at risk of dysphagia, have a low BMI, low muscle mass, a lower calf circumference, lower percentage of body fat, and poor muscle strength. Routine nutrition risk screening is recommended to identify at risk individuals early to prevent escalation to malnutrition and poor health. Key words: Malnutrition, MNA-SF, Older Adults, Community, Dysphagia, Muscle Mas

There Has Been No Remorse over It: A Narrative Inquiry Exploring Enslaved Ancestral Roots through a Critical Family History Project

This paper explores the benefits and value of college students’ conducting critical family history (CFH) projects, which may serve as curricular material to expand students’ understanding of complex aspects of history and immigration. This article unpacks how one student came to see herself and others from a deeper perspective, particularly through the lens of someone who chose to continue digging into her enslaved ancestors’ roots. Using narrative inquiry, a college instructor and former student collaboratively reflect on the lessons learned from using a CFH project in a college-level class primarily for preservice teachers. A unique aspect of this paper is that it gives voice to a former student in the class, which provides a way of seeing the complexities and dehumanizing components of the lives of enslaved Africans in the U.S.—often sanitized out of history books. In addition, a university librarian suggests approaches to genealogical research, by focusing more on the lived experiences of ancestors that go beyond dates and locations. The perspectives from both a former student and the college instructor add multiple dimensions on lessons learned from a critical family history project, which uses students’ family histories as funds of knowledge as the primary curriculum

New Applications For Rice Flour

In recent years, the rice industry has faced many upheavals as a result of the continuing drought conditions we are experiencing. The effect on the rice growing industry has been staggering in regards to quantity and quality. As we have seen the effects of the drought worsen and the water level decade we have also seen rice crop sizes decreasing at a dramatic rate. This decrease has not been consistent throughout the varieties of rice currently grown in Australia due to the growing conditions required for some varieties and the availability of water in these areas. The aim of this project is to closely look at various attributes of rice in flour form in an aim to identify areas where different varieties can be used for rice flour production for new or the same purposes. This can potentially maximise rice usage and help ensure supply of rice flour requirements to consumers

Hiring, Promoting, and Valuing Non-Tenure Track Faculty

Non-tenure track faculty comprise an increasing percentage of full time faculty employed by American universities. In 2001, the Association of American Universities (AAU) reported that 31% of full and part-time faculty were non-tenure track. According to a 2006 report by the American Association of University Professors (AAUP), full-time non-tenure track faculty increased from 13% to 18.7% of total faculty between 1975-2003. These faculty often serve in most of the same roles as tenure track faculty, including teaching, research and service. At the same time, they are nearly always paid less, have fewer benefits, few opportunities for research leaves or sabbaticals, less job security, and little or no involvement in faculty governance (AAU, 2001; AFT, 2003; Curtis & Jacobe, 2006). In addition, especially in this very difficult economic climate, non-tenure track faculty positions are often the first to be offered up during budget cuts. Curtis & Jacobe (2006) contend that these differences between tenure and non-tenure track status limit academic freedom since many non-tenure track faculty fear that pressing for greater benefits or job security may result in job loss

Profile of the physiotherapy profession in New South Wales (1975–2002)

This was the first study known to the authors exploring workforce data from the New South Wales Physiotherapists Registration Board over several decades. Labour force statistics were examined from various data sources over the years 1975 to 2002. The results indicate that the demographics and working patterns of physiotherapists in New South Wales have remained remarkably stable over time. The workforce continues to grow, however the growth rate has decreased markedly with only a 2.3% increase from 2001 to 2002. The proportion of men within the profession is steadily increasing; in 1975 men accounted for 5.2% of physiotherapists, in 2000 23.5% of physiotherapists were male. While the male workforce increases, the female workforce is ageing. The modal age for female physiotherapists has steadily increased from 25–29 years in 1975 to 40–44 years in 2001. Importantly, in relation to attrition, the degree of workforce participation has not undergone significant change since 1987. Although labour force analysis has demonstrated that the workforce is in shortage, attrition does not appear to be the major contributor to this situation. The proportion of the profession who are inactive has remained relatively stable since 1987. More pertinent to the current shortage is the slowing of the growth rate of the profession while demand for physiotherapy services continues to rise

Nursing in a different world: Remote area nursing as a specialist–generalist practice area

Objective Remote area nurses provide primary health care services to isolated communities across Australia. They manage acute health issues, chronic illness, health promotion and emergency responses. This article discusses why their generalist scope of practice should be formally recognised as a specialist nursing practice area. Design Constructivist grounded theory, using telephone interviews (n = 24) with registered nurses and nurse practitioners. Setting Primary health care clinics, in communities of 150–1500 residents across Australia. Participants A total of 24 nurses participated in this study. Results Nurses\u27 perceived their clinical knowledge and skill as insufficient for the advanced, generalist, scope of practice in the remote context, especially when working alone. Experience in other settings was inadequate preparation for working in remote areas. Knowledge and skill developed on the job, with formal learning, such as nurse practitioner studies, extending the individual nurse\u27s scope of practice to meet the expectations of the role, including health promotion. Conclusion Remote area nursing requires different knowledge and skills from those found in any other nursing practice setting. This study supports the claim that remote area nursing is a specialist–generalist role and presents a compelling case for further examination of the generalist education and support needs of these nurses. Combined with multidisciplinary collaboration, developing clinical knowledge and skill across the primary health care spectrum increased the availability of health resources and subsequently improved access to care for remote communities. Further research is required to articulate the contemporary scope of practice of remote area nurses to differentiate their role from that of nurse practitioners

Experimental Measurement of Dolphin Thrust Generated during a Tail Stand Using DPIV

Estimation of force generated by dolphins has long been debated. The problem was that indirect estimates of force production for dolphins resulted in low values that could not be validated. Bubble digital particle image velocimetry (DPIV) measured hydrodynamic force production for swimming dolphins and demonstrated high force production. To validate the bubble DPIV and reconcile force production measurements, two bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) performing tail stands were measured with bubble DPIV. Microbubbles were generated from a finely porous hose and compressed air source. Displacement of the bubbles by the propulsive motions of the dolphin was tracked with a high-speed video camera. Oscillations of the dolphin flukes generated strong vortices and a downward directed jet flow into the wake. Application of the Kutta–Joukowski theorem measuring vortex circulations yielded forces up to 997.3 N. Another video camera recorded body height above the water surface to determine the mass-force of the dolphin above the water surface. For the dolphin to hold its position above the water surface, the mass-force approximately balanced the vertical hydrodynamic force from the flukes. The results demonstrated the fluke motions generate high sustained forces roughly equal to the dolphin’s weight out of the water. Bubble DPIV validated high forces measured previously for thrust generated in swimming by animals and demonstrated a more accurate technique compared to standard aerodynamic analysis

Experimental Measurement of Dolphin Thrust Generated during a Tail Stand Using DPIV

: Estimation of force generated by dolphins has long been debated. The problem was that indirect estimates of force production for dolphins resulted in low values that could not be validated. Bubble digital particle image velocimetry (DPIV) measured hydrodynamic force production for swimming dolphins and demonstrated high force production. To validate the bubble DPIV and reconcile force production measurements, two bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) performing tail stands were measured with bubble DPIV. Microbubbles were generated from a finely porous hose and compressed air source. Displacement of the bubbles by the propulsive motions of the dolphin was tracked with a high-speed video camera. Oscillations of the dolphin flukes generated strong vortices and a downward directed jet flow into the wake. Application of the Kutta–Joukowski theorem measuring vortex circulations yielded forces up to 997.3 N. Another video camera recorded body height above the water surface to determine the mass-force of the dolphin above the water surface. For the dolphin to hold its position above the water surface, the mass-force approximately balanced the vertical hydrodynamic force from the flukes. The results demonstrated the fluke motions generate high sustained forces roughly equal to the dolphin’s weight out of the water. Bubble DPIV validated high forces measured previously for thrust generated in swimming by animals and demonstrated a more accurate technique compared to standard aerodynamic analysis