About the geometry of almost para-quaternionic manifolds

We provide a general criteria for the integrability of the almost para-quaternionic structure of an almost para-quaternionic manifold (M,P) of dimension bigger or equal to eight, in terms of the integrability of two or three sections of the defining rank three vector bundle P. We relate it with the integrability of the canonical almost complex structure of the twistor space and to the integrability of the canonical almost para-complex structure of the reflector space of (M,P). We show that (M, P) has plenty of locally defined, compatible, complex and para-complex structures, provided that P is para-quaternionic.Comment: 26 page

The Bochner-flat cone of a CR manifold

We construct a Kahler structure (which we call a generalised Kahler cone) on an open subset of the cone of a strongly pseudo-convex CR manifold endowed with a 1-parameter family of compatible Sasaki structures. We determine those generalised Kahler cones which are Bochner-flat and we study their local geometry. We prove that any Bochner-flat Kahler manifold of complex dimension bigger than two is locally isomorphic to a generalised Kahler cone.Comment: 29 page

Filipino women's health study : a thesis presented in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Science in Nutrition and Dietetics at Massey University, Albany, New Zealand

Background: Western acculturation has been shown to be detrimental to health outcomes. Recently, more Filipinos are migrating to New Zealand, which may increase lifestyle-related chronic diseases. Furthermore, Filipino populations already have a higher incidence of chronic disease and less favourable health outcomes than their Western counterparts. Understanding their risk will assist development of public health initiatives which can be utilised to protect the health of the growing Filipino New Zealand migrant population. Aim: The aim of this study was to investigate the risk of developing type 2 diabetes mellitus and cardiovascular disease among recently immigrated Filipino women Method: 62 recently-immigrated Filipino women, aged 19-45, were recruited from Auckland, New Zealand. A health and demographic information questionnaire was completed. Anthropometric measurements (height, weight, and waist circumference) and blood pressure were measured. Both total and percent body fat were determined using dual energy X-ray absorptiometry. Fasting glucose, insulin, and lipids were measured. Physical activity data was monitored by accelerometers and two-day food diaries were completed. Homeostasis Model Assessment 2 was used to quantify insulin resistance. The 30-year Framingham Risk Score was used to classify participants into low-, medium-, or high-risk of developing cardiovascular disease. Prevalence of metabolic syndrome according to the modified National Cholesterol Education Programme criteria was determined. Results: Body mass index, waist circumference, and percent body fat were positively correlated with higher insulin resistance. Smokers had higher insulin resistance than non-smokers. However, 90% of participants had a low long-term risk of developing cardiovascular disease and 10% of participants met the metabolic syndrome criteria. This study was cross-sectional and provided used self-selection sampling. Conclusion: Anthropometric measures and smoking were associated with higher insulin resistance in participants. Participants with metabolic syndrome (10%) were at a greater risk of developing type 2 diabetes mellitus. This study highlights the risk of diabetes and cardiovascular disease development, and the need for further research, in this Filipino migrant population. These findings also create a platform for improving New Zealand health programmes by targeting appropriate risk factors to improve insulin sensitivity and reduce risk of developing diabetes, and will help to raise awareness in the Filipino community

Motivation and emotion in the EFL learning experience of Romanian adolescent students: Two contrasting cases

The aim of this study was to investigate the language learning motivation of two EFL teenage students in Romania and the link between motivation and the emotional dimensions of these adolescents’ learning experiences. While language learning motivation has been widely researched, its relationship with emotion in the learning experience has not been examined in depth thus far. To gain deep insight into this relationship, the present study used various qualitative methods: a written task, multiple semi-structured interviews with the students and their teachers, and prolonged lesson observation. The findings showed that the learners’ motivation and emotions were closely intertwined in their learning experiences in idiosyncratic ways. Mika (pseudonym) experienced the prevalent emotion of love of English and was a highly motivated learner. In her out-of-class learning experience, her motivation was linked to her emotions towards her favorite singer. In her classroom learning experience, her motivation was shaped by her teacher’s encouragement and support. Kate (pseudonym) did not reportedly experience a dominant emotion towards English and had a rather weak motivation. The absence of an expressed dominant emotion towards English was linked to her classroom learning experience before high school, namely to her teacher’s lack of encouragement, which hindered her motivation. By focusing on two contrasting cases of learners, this study has foregrounded the role of the emotional aspects of the language learning experience in shaping motivation, showing how strong positive emotions enhance and sustain motivation and how the lack of such emotions hinders motivation