title: Kava and balance: The effects of traditionally influenced kava consumption on human physiology

authors: Aughton, Harvey

subjects: Pharmcology

abstract: In recent years there has been increasing interest in the effects of kava as a medicinal substance. However, there are unknown facets of kava effects that continue to be the issue of debate within the literature. One such area is the discussion about whether kava causes drinkers to lose their balance, which has been largely ignored by researchers. There is a single comprehensive study which investigates the issue (Prescott, Jamieson, Emdur, & Duffield, 1993). The thesis opens with an introduction which outlines the basis of kava research and the justification for this research project; it is the first study to investigate the association between consuming kava at naturalistic volumes and increased body sway. The need to understand the issue is elevated by evidence which suggests that kava drinkers routinely drink kava for many hours and then drive home. 
 	As part of the requirements for this project, a journal article was submitted as a result of a data collection session involving experienced kava drinkers (N=6; low numbers were in part caused by time constraints and the COVID-19 lockdown period). The methodology was based on past naturalistic kava experiments and influenced by Post-Development Pacific Framework. Methods: Data collection surrounding a culturally influenced kava session (6 hours), involving experienced kava drinkers, 10-minute drink intervals (100ml kava), and three test batteries; pre-test (baseline), mid-test (3 hours) and post-test. Tests: Force Plate Centre of Pressure (COP) – 3x30s closed eyes, closed stance condition, and y-balance test – anterior condition, 3x right leg then 3x left leg.  
	The current study neither confirmed nor disputed the evidence that kava may induce increased body sway when consumed at high volumes. As a result, further research is needed as there is still a wealth of anecdotal evidence which suggests the effect may be moderate or significant. However, the current study did not replicate the results of Prescott et al., (1993), a study which involved a similarly low number of participants, lower volumes of kava consumption, and similar data collection duration. As a result, the results of this thesis project suggest further research is needed; to fill the gaps in kava pharmacodynamics and addressed issues apparent in replicability of body sway studies. The study provides a protocol and methodological framework for future, more controlled studies investigating kava’s effects on human body sway.

text: Kava and balance: The effects of traditionally influenced kava consumption on human physiology In recent years there has been increasing interest in the effects of kava as a medicinal substance. However, there are unknown facets of kava effects that continue to be the issue of debate within the literature. One such area is the discussion about whether kava causes drinkers to lose their balance, which has been largely ignored by researchers. There is a single comprehensive study which investigates the issue (Prescott, Jamieson, Emdur, & Duffield, 1993). The thesis opens with an introduction which outlines the basis of kava research and the justification for this research project; it is the first study to investigate the association between consuming kava at naturalistic volumes and increased body sway. The need to understand the issue is elevated by evidence which suggests that kava drinkers routinely drink kava for many hours and then drive home. 
 	As part of the requirements for this project, a journal article was submitted as a result of a data collection session involving experienced kava drinkers (N=6; low numbers were in part caused by time constraints and the COVID-19 lockdown period). The methodology was based on past naturalistic kava experiments and influenced by Post-Development Pacific Framework. Methods: Data collection surrounding a culturally influenced kava session (6 hours), involving experienced kava drinkers, 10-minute drink intervals (100ml kava), and three test batteries; pre-test (baseline), mid-test (3 hours) and post-test. Tests: Force Plate Centre of Pressure (COP) – 3x30s closed eyes, closed stance condition, and y-balance test – anterior condition, 3x right leg then 3x left leg.  
	The current study neither confirmed nor disputed the evidence that kava may induce increased body sway when consumed at high volumes. As a result, further research is needed as there is still a wealth of anecdotal evidence which suggests the effect may be moderate or significant. However, the current study did not replicate the results of Prescott et al., (1993), a study which involved a similarly low number of participants, lower volumes of kava consumption, and similar data collection duration. As a result, the results of this thesis project suggest further research is needed; to fill the gaps in kava pharmacodynamics and addressed issues apparent in replicability of body sway studies. The study provides a protocol and methodological framework for future, more controlled studies investigating kava’s effects on human body sway.

year: 2020

title: The role of tourism promoting community participation in the development of Jiwaka Province in Papua New Guinea

authors: Kau, Theresia Wome

subjects: Tourism development

abstract: This master’s thesis explored whether or not tourism can facilitate community development in the Jiwaka Province in the Highlands of Papua New Guinea (PNG). The people of Jiwaka Province, a newly created province, could benefit from tourism if a national tourism policy is implemented at the provincial level. The literature review examined the role of tourism development in less developed countries, indigenous tourism development, tourism policy, indigenous tourism, tourism advocacy and community development. Action research was used to identify the role of tourism in development of the new province to identify the role, if any, that community participation can have in tourism development. It identified the extent of tourism demand for the Jiwaka Province, some obstacles to tourism development in the province, and how people and smaller communities can become involved in tourism development in Jiwaka Province. The research process led to tourism advocacy, where the researcher helped to educate local people in awareness of the potential they possess and the opportunities available for their community to participate in and to promote development through tourism. The qualitative techniques adopted as part of action research to collect data were interviews and participatory observation. Individual and focus group interviews were used, involving 271 participants, including tourism policy officials in Port Moresby, political leaders of Jiwaka Province, Local leaders and community representatives. 
The results indicate that the top down approach of the current tourism policy is not effective for tourism development and does not facilitate community participation at the grass roots level. Most local people in Jiwaka Province are very ignorant of the potential and benefits of tourism. There is potential for tourism development, but there are obstacles at all levels of government. Currently, development for all sectors of Jiwaka Province is at an embryonic stage. Therefore, growth in tourism and the Jiwaka community can become a reality over time alongside infrastructural development and other economic advancements. 
The key issues preventing community participation in tourism are corruption in the government, limited government funding, security and law and order problems, and issues related to tourism marketing and policy implementation at the national, provincial and district levels. Other issues involve funding from the office of the governor in Jiwaka, delays in establishing the provincial government apparatus in the province due to inefficient government human resource processes in Port Moresby, no tourism office space in the province, infrastructural development, and ignorance of tourism. 
The thesis concluded that community tourism development is the only way for tourism development in Jiwaka because of customary land ownership; a bottom-up approach will deliver more benefits to the community than the current top down approach; a government policy/funding vacuum to support community development leading the communities to turn to corporate and NGO support is deeded, as is the need for tourism advocacy. Recommendations are made to the Jiwaka Provincial Government to prioritise tourism, as a key development agent for communities in Jiwaka Province, using a bottom-up approach, which empowers local people and encourages community participation.

text: The role of tourism promoting community participation in the development of Jiwaka Province in Papua New Guinea This master’s thesis explored whether or not tourism can facilitate community development in the Jiwaka Province in the Highlands of Papua New Guinea (PNG). The people of Jiwaka Province, a newly created province, could benefit from tourism if a national tourism policy is implemented at the provincial level. The literature review examined the role of tourism development in less developed countries, indigenous tourism development, tourism policy, indigenous tourism, tourism advocacy and community development. Action research was used to identify the role of tourism in development of the new province to identify the role, if any, that community participation can have in tourism development. It identified the extent of tourism demand for the Jiwaka Province, some obstacles to tourism development in the province, and how people and smaller communities can become involved in tourism development in Jiwaka Province. The research process led to tourism advocacy, where the researcher helped to educate local people in awareness of the potential they possess and the opportunities available for their community to participate in and to promote development through tourism. The qualitative techniques adopted as part of action research to collect data were interviews and participatory observation. Individual and focus group interviews were used, involving 271 participants, including tourism policy officials in Port Moresby, political leaders of Jiwaka Province, Local leaders and community representatives. 
The results indicate that the top down approach of the current tourism policy is not effective for tourism development and does not facilitate community participation at the grass roots level. Most local people in Jiwaka Province are very ignorant of the potential and benefits of tourism. There is potential for tourism development, but there are obstacles at all levels of government. Currently, development for all sectors of Jiwaka Province is at an embryonic stage. Therefore, growth in tourism and the Jiwaka community can become a reality over time alongside infrastructural development and other economic advancements. 
The key issues preventing community participation in tourism are corruption in the government, limited government funding, security and law and order problems, and issues related to tourism marketing and policy implementation at the national, provincial and district levels. Other issues involve funding from the office of the governor in Jiwaka, delays in establishing the provincial government apparatus in the province due to inefficient government human resource processes in Port Moresby, no tourism office space in the province, infrastructural development, and ignorance of tourism. 
The thesis concluded that community tourism development is the only way for tourism development in Jiwaka because of customary land ownership; a bottom-up approach will deliver more benefits to the community than the current top down approach; a government policy/funding vacuum to support community development leading the communities to turn to corporate and NGO support is deeded, as is the need for tourism advocacy. Recommendations are made to the Jiwaka Provincial Government to prioritise tourism, as a key development agent for communities in Jiwaka Province, using a bottom-up approach, which empowers local people and encourages community participation.

year: 2014

title: A translation of Moodle into Te Reo Māori

authors: Manuirirangi, Hōri

abstract: This paper is an assessment of the Te Reo Māori translation of the Learning Management System ‘Moodle’, used by students and teaching staff of the University of Waikato. Moodle: [Modular Object-Oriented Dynamic Learning Environment] has been the university’s primary online learning environment since 2008. It has an open code-base that allows users the ability to modify its software. This particular feature makes the LMS appealing to both Māori and Pacifika users as it allows Moodle to be developed and customized to meet their unique cultural needs. This paper discusses the rationale for the translation of Moodle into Te Reo Māori, and gives insight into the processes implemented by translation staff of Te Ratonga Whakamāori and the university’s WCEL team. The primary focus of this paper is to outline the benefits of translating the online learning environment of Te Reo Māori second-language learners, whilst highlighting how the integration of this technology augments students’ learning inside and outside of the classroom.

text: A translation of Moodle into Te Reo Māori This paper is an assessment of the Te Reo Māori translation of the Learning Management System ‘Moodle’, used by students and teaching staff of the University of Waikato. Moodle: [Modular Object-Oriented Dynamic Learning Environment] has been the university’s primary online learning environment since 2008. It has an open code-base that allows users the ability to modify its software. This particular feature makes the LMS appealing to both Māori and Pacifika users as it allows Moodle to be developed and customized to meet their unique cultural needs. This paper discusses the rationale for the translation of Moodle into Te Reo Māori, and gives insight into the processes implemented by translation staff of Te Ratonga Whakamāori and the university’s WCEL team. The primary focus of this paper is to outline the benefits of translating the online learning environment of Te Reo Māori second-language learners, whilst highlighting how the integration of this technology augments students’ learning inside and outside of the classroom.

year: 2017