title: Investigating the usability of social networking sites for teenagers with autism

authors: Bahiss, Khadija

subjects: computer science

abstract: Teenagers with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) tend to be socially isolated due to the interpersonal challenges of autism, yet they enjoy using computers. This study investigated the hypothesis that social networking sites provide the appropriate communication tools for teenagers with ASD. It concluded that although social networking sites remove extraneous stimuli which results in social anxiety among people with ASD, their design functionality does not provide the motivation required to initiate/conduct communication/social interaction among teenagers with ASD. Rather, people with ASD are motivated to communicate with others if the communication is part of an activity. Therefore, a multiplayer networking game has the potential of motivating teenagers with ASD to interact with others through entertainment.

text: Investigating the usability of social networking sites for teenagers with autism Teenagers with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) tend to be socially isolated due to the interpersonal challenges of autism, yet they enjoy using computers. This study investigated the hypothesis that social networking sites provide the appropriate communication tools for teenagers with ASD. It concluded that although social networking sites remove extraneous stimuli which results in social anxiety among people with ASD, their design functionality does not provide the motivation required to initiate/conduct communication/social interaction among teenagers with ASD. Rather, people with ASD are motivated to communicate with others if the communication is part of an activity. Therefore, a multiplayer networking game has the potential of motivating teenagers with ASD to interact with others through entertainment.

year: 2011

title: Effects of higher-order driving skill training on young, inexperienced drivers’ on-road driving performance

authors: Isler, Robert B.

subjects: higher-order driving skill training

abstract: The aim of the current study was to compare the effects of training in higher-order driving skills (e.g., perceptual, motivational, insight) and vehicle handling skill training in relation to on-road driving performance, hazard perception, attitudes to risky driving and driver confidence levels in young, inexperienced drivers. Thirty-six young drivers (23 males and 13 females, average age 16.3 years), mostly on a restricted NZ driver licence, participated in a Driver Training Research camp. Participants were randomly allocated to one of three equally sized groups according to the type of driving skill training (5 days) they received: higher-order, vehicle handling or control (no training). Professional driver assessors conducted a comprehensive driving assessment before (Baseline) and after the training (Post Training). At both time points, participants also carried out a computerised hazard perception task, and completed self-report questionnaires to assess attitudes to risky driving and driver confidence. In terms of on road driving, the participants who received higher-order driving skill training showed a statistically significant improvement in relation to visual search and the composite driving measure. This was accompanied by an improvement in hazard perception, safer attitudes to close following and to dangerous overtaking and a decrease in driving related confidence. The participants who received vehicle handling skill training showed significant improvements in relation to their on-road direction control, speed choice and the composite driving score. However, this group showed no improvement in hazard perception, attitudes to risky driving or driver confidence. The findings will be discussed in the context of driver training as a viable crash prevention intervention in regard to young, inexperienced drivers.

text: Effects of higher-order driving skill training on young, inexperienced drivers’ on-road driving performance The aim of the current study was to compare the effects of training in higher-order driving skills (e.g., perceptual, motivational, insight) and vehicle handling skill training in relation to on-road driving performance, hazard perception, attitudes to risky driving and driver confidence levels in young, inexperienced drivers. Thirty-six young drivers (23 males and 13 females, average age 16.3 years), mostly on a restricted NZ driver licence, participated in a Driver Training Research camp. Participants were randomly allocated to one of three equally sized groups according to the type of driving skill training (5 days) they received: higher-order, vehicle handling or control (no training). Professional driver assessors conducted a comprehensive driving assessment before (Baseline) and after the training (Post Training). At both time points, participants also carried out a computerised hazard perception task, and completed self-report questionnaires to assess attitudes to risky driving and driver confidence. In terms of on road driving, the participants who received higher-order driving skill training showed a statistically significant improvement in relation to visual search and the composite driving measure. This was accompanied by an improvement in hazard perception, safer attitudes to close following and to dangerous overtaking and a decrease in driving related confidence. The participants who received vehicle handling skill training showed significant improvements in relation to their on-road direction control, speed choice and the composite driving score. However, this group showed no improvement in hazard perception, attitudes to risky driving or driver confidence. The findings will be discussed in the context of driver training as a viable crash prevention intervention in regard to young, inexperienced drivers.

year: 2011

title: Effects of lake trophic state and seasonal cycling on production and bioaccumulation of methylmercury in Te Arawa Lakes

authors: Chong, Grace-Lynn

abstract: There are natural sources of Mercury in New Zealand, primarily derived from volcanic activity and geothermal vents. Mercury (Hg) and its organic derivative, methylmercury (MeHg), are highly toxic to both the environment and human health. Of particular concern is the ability of MeHg to bioaccumulate in aquatic food webs, leading to increased toxicity in higher trophic organisms. Given that fish constitute a significant component of the local diet, comprehensive monitoring of Hg and MeHg concentrations is essential for developing effective mitigation strategies. Such efforts are critical to controlling Hg contamination in the environment and aquatic biota, as well as informing the public about lakes with elevated mercury levels. Previous Hg studies in New Zealand have been limited in scope, with monitoring efforts focused on only a few lakes rather than a comprehensive assessment across multiple ecosystems. Additionally, most existing research has primarily examined elemental Hg, with limited investigation into the distribution and bioavailability of MeHg.   

This study aims to comprehensively assess Hg and MeHg concentrations in 11 lakes of the Taupo Volcanic Zone. The study assessed Hg and MeHg concentrations in lake water and aquatic biota, including trout, crayfish (koura), and mussels (kakahi). To achieve this, Hg and MeHg in the water were measured using diffusive gradients in thin films (DGT) samplers, while tissue analyses determined Hg, MeHg and additional trace elements in the selected species. The findings of this study are expected to clarify the distribution and bioaccumulation of Hg and MeHg within lake ecosystems and to elucidate their transfer through the aquatic food web. These results will provide a scientific basis for assessing ecological and human health risks associated with mercury exposure, particularly for culturally and recreationally important species. The outcomes will inform lake management and monitoring strategies by identifying key pathways of mercury uptake and potential bioindicator species, and may guide the development of targeted mitigation measures, such as catchment management or advisories on species consumption. Collectively, this research will support evidence-based decision-making for freshwater ecosystem protection and long-term contaminant management.  

The results of this study revealed that total mercury (THg) and MeHg concentrations in trout, koura, and kakahi from Lakes Rotorua, Rotoiti, and Rotomahana exceeded WHO recommended safety thresholds. This study also found that a substantial proportion of THg was comprised of MeHg, which was predominantly accumulated in muscle tissue, whereas THg was primarily concentrated in the liver. The findings further indicated that eutrophication, lake stratification and hypolimnetic anoxia contribute to the enhanced production and bioaccumulation of Hg and MeHg within these aquatic systems. Additionally, selenium (Se) demonstrated a potential protective effect against MeHg toxicity in aquatic organisms.

text: Effects of lake trophic state and seasonal cycling on production and bioaccumulation of methylmercury in Te Arawa Lakes There are natural sources of Mercury in New Zealand, primarily derived from volcanic activity and geothermal vents. Mercury (Hg) and its organic derivative, methylmercury (MeHg), are highly toxic to both the environment and human health. Of particular concern is the ability of MeHg to bioaccumulate in aquatic food webs, leading to increased toxicity in higher trophic organisms. Given that fish constitute a significant component of the local diet, comprehensive monitoring of Hg and MeHg concentrations is essential for developing effective mitigation strategies. Such efforts are critical to controlling Hg contamination in the environment and aquatic biota, as well as informing the public about lakes with elevated mercury levels. Previous Hg studies in New Zealand have been limited in scope, with monitoring efforts focused on only a few lakes rather than a comprehensive assessment across multiple ecosystems. Additionally, most existing research has primarily examined elemental Hg, with limited investigation into the distribution and bioavailability of MeHg.   

This study aims to comprehensively assess Hg and MeHg concentrations in 11 lakes of the Taupo Volcanic Zone. The study assessed Hg and MeHg concentrations in lake water and aquatic biota, including trout, crayfish (koura), and mussels (kakahi). To achieve this, Hg and MeHg in the water were measured using diffusive gradients in thin films (DGT) samplers, while tissue analyses determined Hg, MeHg and additional trace elements in the selected species. The findings of this study are expected to clarify the distribution and bioaccumulation of Hg and MeHg within lake ecosystems and to elucidate their transfer through the aquatic food web. These results will provide a scientific basis for assessing ecological and human health risks associated with mercury exposure, particularly for culturally and recreationally important species. The outcomes will inform lake management and monitoring strategies by identifying key pathways of mercury uptake and potential bioindicator species, and may guide the development of targeted mitigation measures, such as catchment management or advisories on species consumption. Collectively, this research will support evidence-based decision-making for freshwater ecosystem protection and long-term contaminant management.  

The results of this study revealed that total mercury (THg) and MeHg concentrations in trout, koura, and kakahi from Lakes Rotorua, Rotoiti, and Rotomahana exceeded WHO recommended safety thresholds. This study also found that a substantial proportion of THg was comprised of MeHg, which was predominantly accumulated in muscle tissue, whereas THg was primarily concentrated in the liver. The findings further indicated that eutrophication, lake stratification and hypolimnetic anoxia contribute to the enhanced production and bioaccumulation of Hg and MeHg within these aquatic systems. Additionally, selenium (Se) demonstrated a potential protective effect against MeHg toxicity in aquatic organisms.

year: 2025