title: Methanotrophic populations in estuarine sediment from Newport Bay, California

authors: McDonald, Ian R.

subjects: Methanotrophs

abstract: Methanotrophic populations have been studied in Newport Bay estuary, Southern California. Environmental clone banks were generated for 16S rRNA genes specific to methanotrophs and for a diagnostic functional gene, pmoA, encoding a conserved subunit of the particulate methane monooxygenase. These clone banks contained sequences specific to types I and II methanotrophs typically found in aquatic environments including freshwater lake and soda lake sediments, aquifers and rice paddies. However, a group of clones that were divergent (93% identity) from known methanotrophic 16S rRNA genes but represented in 16S rRNA gene libraries from other aquatic environments were detected. A group of pmoA sequences divergent (83% identity) from extant methanotrophs and not previously represented in any environmental clone libraries, were also detected. It is concluded that this environment contains significant methanotroph diversity and that some of these may represent novel groups of methanotrophic bacteria.

text: Methanotrophic populations in estuarine sediment from Newport Bay, California Methanotrophic populations have been studied in Newport Bay estuary, Southern California. Environmental clone banks were generated for 16S rRNA genes specific to methanotrophs and for a diagnostic functional gene, pmoA, encoding a conserved subunit of the particulate methane monooxygenase. These clone banks contained sequences specific to types I and II methanotrophs typically found in aquatic environments including freshwater lake and soda lake sediments, aquifers and rice paddies. However, a group of clones that were divergent (93% identity) from known methanotrophic 16S rRNA genes but represented in 16S rRNA gene libraries from other aquatic environments were detected. A group of pmoA sequences divergent (83% identity) from extant methanotrophs and not previously represented in any environmental clone libraries, were also detected. It is concluded that this environment contains significant methanotroph diversity and that some of these may represent novel groups of methanotrophic bacteria.

year: 2006

title: Exploring bullying aganist academics in Pakistan:  A corrosive workplace issue

authors: Ali, Roshana Kamran

subjects: bullying and harassement

abstract: The issue of workplace bullying in academia, particularly within the realm of education, has garnered attention and concern in various Western and Asian countries. Workplace bullying poses significant risks to educators, not only compromising their well-being but also detrimentally affecting the overall learning environment. This study makes a novel contribution by examining staff being bullied within the higher education sector in Pakistan, an unexplored focus that has received modest attention.
The study aims to explore workplace bullying factors using qualitative methods, focusing on academic staff members' firsthand experiences and coping strategies in university settings.
The results showed several risk factors associated with workplace bullying in HEIs in Pakistan. The finding shows that gender and culture are linked and should be considered when examining workplace bullying in the educational sector. Key themes emerging from the study link instances of workplace bullying to the volatile economic conditions and heightened competition in Pakistan’s higher education sector that act as barriers to formally report bullying incidents. Moreover, organisational culture and socio-cultural norms were also identified as significant contributors to the occurrence of workplace bullying in academia.
Based on the study's findings, suggested strategies to combat workplace bullying may include raising awareness and fostering respect for cultural diversity among all university staff, including administrators and managers, within Pakistan’s higher education institutions (HEIs). The research aims to educate academics, particularly women, about workplace bullying, empowering them to develop effective strategies for prevention and resolution.

text: Exploring bullying aganist academics in Pakistan:  A corrosive workplace issue The issue of workplace bullying in academia, particularly within the realm of education, has garnered attention and concern in various Western and Asian countries. Workplace bullying poses significant risks to educators, not only compromising their well-being but also detrimentally affecting the overall learning environment. This study makes a novel contribution by examining staff being bullied within the higher education sector in Pakistan, an unexplored focus that has received modest attention.
The study aims to explore workplace bullying factors using qualitative methods, focusing on academic staff members' firsthand experiences and coping strategies in university settings.
The results showed several risk factors associated with workplace bullying in HEIs in Pakistan. The finding shows that gender and culture are linked and should be considered when examining workplace bullying in the educational sector. Key themes emerging from the study link instances of workplace bullying to the volatile economic conditions and heightened competition in Pakistan’s higher education sector that act as barriers to formally report bullying incidents. Moreover, organisational culture and socio-cultural norms were also identified as significant contributors to the occurrence of workplace bullying in academia.
Based on the study's findings, suggested strategies to combat workplace bullying may include raising awareness and fostering respect for cultural diversity among all university staff, including administrators and managers, within Pakistan’s higher education institutions (HEIs). The research aims to educate academics, particularly women, about workplace bullying, empowering them to develop effective strategies for prevention and resolution.

year: 2024-11-26

title: Rangatahi of Ngāi Te Rangi Iwi: Cultural belonging and connectedness

authors: Benton, Chelsea

subjects: Māori

abstract: Rangatahi Māori (Māori youth) have one of the highest suicide rates in the OECD, they leave school earlier and with less qualifications, and suffer from higher rates of unemployment, hospitalisation and conduct and substance disorders and abuse than non-Māori. Sadly, many rangatahi move into adulthood only to experience poorer physical and mental health, shorter lifespans, and lower socioeconomic status compared to that of non-Māori. With these poor health outcomes for rangatahi Māori in mind this research explores the nature of Māori identities as a foundation for wellness, meaning, and flourishing. More importantly, this research takes into consideration the negative impacts of the colonisation of Māori and their cultural identity and the inter-generational effects of this long term systematic nature of disadvantage. I posit that cultural connectedness and belonging can foster healthy psychological and behavioural outcomes for rangatahi Māori. The mixed-method approach taken within this research sits within a Kaupapa Māori framework and draws upon accounts of 16 rangatahi Māori, aged between 10 and 14 years, who participated in a Ngāi Te Rangi Iwi based leadership development programme that reconnects rangatahi Māori with traditional customs and practices of their ancestors to enhance their health and wellbeing. Findings suggest that connectedness and belonging are manifest through practices such as Pēpeha, whakapapa, and Whakataukī/whakatauāki and rangatahi Māori draw on this cultural knowledge base and cultural practices to empower themselves, their whānau, hapū and Iwi. Rangatahi Māori in this sample also identified that whānau was most important in their lives followed by engagement in Māori culture. Findings highlight how Iwi organisations are stepping up to lead their people to a brighter future. For Māori, engaging with their Māoritanga and Te Ao Māori not only addresses the negative impacts of colonialism, but unlocks cultural potential, and an enhanced sense of self which serves to empower rangatahi Māori, their whānau, hapū and Iwi.

text: Rangatahi of Ngāi Te Rangi Iwi: Cultural belonging and connectedness Rangatahi Māori (Māori youth) have one of the highest suicide rates in the OECD, they leave school earlier and with less qualifications, and suffer from higher rates of unemployment, hospitalisation and conduct and substance disorders and abuse than non-Māori. Sadly, many rangatahi move into adulthood only to experience poorer physical and mental health, shorter lifespans, and lower socioeconomic status compared to that of non-Māori. With these poor health outcomes for rangatahi Māori in mind this research explores the nature of Māori identities as a foundation for wellness, meaning, and flourishing. More importantly, this research takes into consideration the negative impacts of the colonisation of Māori and their cultural identity and the inter-generational effects of this long term systematic nature of disadvantage. I posit that cultural connectedness and belonging can foster healthy psychological and behavioural outcomes for rangatahi Māori. The mixed-method approach taken within this research sits within a Kaupapa Māori framework and draws upon accounts of 16 rangatahi Māori, aged between 10 and 14 years, who participated in a Ngāi Te Rangi Iwi based leadership development programme that reconnects rangatahi Māori with traditional customs and practices of their ancestors to enhance their health and wellbeing. Findings suggest that connectedness and belonging are manifest through practices such as Pēpeha, whakapapa, and Whakataukī/whakatauāki and rangatahi Māori draw on this cultural knowledge base and cultural practices to empower themselves, their whānau, hapū and Iwi. Rangatahi Māori in this sample also identified that whānau was most important in their lives followed by engagement in Māori culture. Findings highlight how Iwi organisations are stepping up to lead their people to a brighter future. For Māori, engaging with their Māoritanga and Te Ao Māori not only addresses the negative impacts of colonialism, but unlocks cultural potential, and an enhanced sense of self which serves to empower rangatahi Māori, their whānau, hapū and Iwi.

year: 2019