title: Predictions and simulations of cortical dynamics during natural sleep using a continuum approach

authors: Wilson, Marcus T.

subjects: REM

abstract: In this paper we use a continuum model in two spatial dimensions to study the dynamics of the cortex during natural sleep, including explicitly the effects of two key neuromodulators. The model predicts that a number of states could be available to the cortex. We identify two of these with slow-wave sleep and rapid eye movement (REM) sleep, and focus on the transition between the two. Eigenvalue analysis of the linearized model, together with simulations on a two-dimensional grid, show that a number of oscillatory states exist; the occurrence of these is particularly dependent upon the duration in time of the inhibitory postsynaptic potential. These oscillatory states are similar to the cortical slow oscillation and certain types of seizure. Power spectra are evaluated for different parameter sets and compare favorably with experiment. Grid simulations show that transitions between cortical states (e.g., slow-wave to REM) can be seeded at any point in space by random fluctuations in subcortical input.

text: Predictions and simulations of cortical dynamics during natural sleep using a continuum approach In this paper we use a continuum model in two spatial dimensions to study the dynamics of the cortex during natural sleep, including explicitly the effects of two key neuromodulators. The model predicts that a number of states could be available to the cortex. We identify two of these with slow-wave sleep and rapid eye movement (REM) sleep, and focus on the transition between the two. Eigenvalue analysis of the linearized model, together with simulations on a two-dimensional grid, show that a number of oscillatory states exist; the occurrence of these is particularly dependent upon the duration in time of the inhibitory postsynaptic potential. These oscillatory states are similar to the cortical slow oscillation and certain types of seizure. Power spectra are evaluated for different parameter sets and compare favorably with experiment. Grid simulations show that transitions between cortical states (e.g., slow-wave to REM) can be seeded at any point in space by random fluctuations in subcortical input.

year: 2005

title: Added sugar and sodium levels in New Zealand processed fruit and vegetable-based products.

authors: Chepulis, Lynne Merran

subjects: added sodium

abstract: AIM: Fruit and vegetables are strongly promoted because of the nutrients they provide; many processed products contain added sugar and sodium. The present study aims to quantify the sugar and sodium content of pre-packaged fruit and vegetable-based products that are available in New Zealand supermarkets. METHODS: Nutrition Information Panel data were collected from non-frozen, processed fruit and vegetable products in New Zealand supermarkets (including soups, sauces, jams and spreads, pickles, chutneys and dips, and canned/bottled fruit and vegetables) where fruit and/or vegetables were the majority ingredient(s). RESULTS: With the exception of canned/bottled vegetables, more than 60% of products contained added sugar. Per serve, the median sugar content was highest in canned/bottled fruit (17.8 g). More than 75% of soups, vegetable-based sauces, pickles/chutneys and canned/bottled vegetables contained added sodium, with soups (722 mg) recording the highest median values per serve. CONCLUSIONS: Consumers need to be aware that although they are encouraged to eat a diet high in fruit and vegetables, there may be large quantities of added sugar and sodium in manufactured fruit and vegetable products that can have significant negative impacts on their health. Government health promotion campaigns encouraging the consumption of fruit and vegetables should be careful to target fresh, frozen and home-prepared foods, and work on educating the public about the lower nutritional quality associated with most processed fruit and vegetable products.

text: Added sugar and sodium levels in New Zealand processed fruit and vegetable-based products. AIM: Fruit and vegetables are strongly promoted because of the nutrients they provide; many processed products contain added sugar and sodium. The present study aims to quantify the sugar and sodium content of pre-packaged fruit and vegetable-based products that are available in New Zealand supermarkets. METHODS: Nutrition Information Panel data were collected from non-frozen, processed fruit and vegetable products in New Zealand supermarkets (including soups, sauces, jams and spreads, pickles, chutneys and dips, and canned/bottled fruit and vegetables) where fruit and/or vegetables were the majority ingredient(s). RESULTS: With the exception of canned/bottled vegetables, more than 60% of products contained added sugar. Per serve, the median sugar content was highest in canned/bottled fruit (17.8 g). More than 75% of soups, vegetable-based sauces, pickles/chutneys and canned/bottled vegetables contained added sodium, with soups (722 mg) recording the highest median values per serve. CONCLUSIONS: Consumers need to be aware that although they are encouraged to eat a diet high in fruit and vegetables, there may be large quantities of added sugar and sodium in manufactured fruit and vegetable products that can have significant negative impacts on their health. Government health promotion campaigns encouraging the consumption of fruit and vegetables should be careful to target fresh, frozen and home-prepared foods, and work on educating the public about the lower nutritional quality associated with most processed fruit and vegetable products.

year: 2019

title: The Māori precariat: A silhouette

authors: Stubbs, Thomas

abstract: Recent financial crises and a host of punitive labour and welfare reforms have intensified socio-economic divisions across advanced nations. In Aotearoa New Zealand, the indigenous Maori peoples are subject to systemic labour market disadvantages, and are thus more likely to be affected by increased inequalities in times of economic downturn. Despite the legacies of systematic economic exclusion and discrimination in the economy, the majority of Maori demonstrate a resounding level of social resilience in the face of this hostile context. Even so, there is evidence to suggest that an unacceptable number of Maori still struggle to overcome these challenges. For instance, 13.0 per cent of Maori are in temporary work compared to 8.2 per cent of Pakeha,1 and 12.4 per cent of Maori are experiencing unemployment against 4.4 per cent. of Pakeha.2 These trends contribute to a range of socio-economic challenges, to which mainstream and Maori service providers are struggling to respond.
In this chapter, we develop a demographic silhouette to seek an understanding of socio-economically marginalised - or 'precariat' - Maori. Although we are wary of portraying Maori in an unduly negative light, we also submit that an appreciation of the extent of the issues faced by this group is necessary if our analysis is to be useful in the development of an effective response. We begin by defining the precariat. Using data obtained from Statistics New Zealand's Te Kupenga survey of Maori wellbeing, we then outline the prevalence and composition of the Maori precariat in Aotearoa New Zealand. Overall, we find that the Maori precariat comprises a substantial portion of the Maori population, particularly among females, younger age groups, and those with low or no qualifications. They are predominantly located-in regions that have high levels of seasonal employment, and in more deprived areas. We also find the value attached to Maori culture and experiences of stigma for this group are, for the most part, similar to those among the Maori non-precariat.

text: The Māori precariat: A silhouette Recent financial crises and a host of punitive labour and welfare reforms have intensified socio-economic divisions across advanced nations. In Aotearoa New Zealand, the indigenous Maori peoples are subject to systemic labour market disadvantages, and are thus more likely to be affected by increased inequalities in times of economic downturn. Despite the legacies of systematic economic exclusion and discrimination in the economy, the majority of Maori demonstrate a resounding level of social resilience in the face of this hostile context. Even so, there is evidence to suggest that an unacceptable number of Maori still struggle to overcome these challenges. For instance, 13.0 per cent of Maori are in temporary work compared to 8.2 per cent of Pakeha,1 and 12.4 per cent of Maori are experiencing unemployment against 4.4 per cent. of Pakeha.2 These trends contribute to a range of socio-economic challenges, to which mainstream and Maori service providers are struggling to respond.
In this chapter, we develop a demographic silhouette to seek an understanding of socio-economically marginalised - or 'precariat' - Maori. Although we are wary of portraying Maori in an unduly negative light, we also submit that an appreciation of the extent of the issues faced by this group is necessary if our analysis is to be useful in the development of an effective response. We begin by defining the precariat. Using data obtained from Statistics New Zealand's Te Kupenga survey of Maori wellbeing, we then outline the prevalence and composition of the Maori precariat in Aotearoa New Zealand. Overall, we find that the Maori precariat comprises a substantial portion of the Maori population, particularly among females, younger age groups, and those with low or no qualifications. They are predominantly located-in regions that have high levels of seasonal employment, and in more deprived areas. We also find the value attached to Maori culture and experiences of stigma for this group are, for the most part, similar to those among the Maori non-precariat.

year: 2017