title: Densification of bamboo: State of the art

authors: Kadivar, Marzieh

abstract: Densification processes are used to improve the mechanical and physical properties of lignocellulose materials by either collapsing the cell cavities or by filling up the pores, consequently reducing the void volume fraction. This paper focuses on an extensive review of bamboo densification process, which is achieved by compressing the material in the direction perpendicular to the fibers using mainly two different techniques: an open system, thermo-mechanical (TM), or a closed system, viscoelastic-thermal-compression (VTC). The main aim of bamboo densification is to decrease its heterogeneity, as well as to improve its mechanical and physical performance. In addition, densification may occur during the manufacturing of bamboo products in which hot-pressing processes are used to mold bamboo panels. There are over 1600 publications about bamboo, concentrated in the recent decade, mainly about engineered materials. Although several papers regarding bamboo and wood densification are available, very few studies have comprehensively investigated the densification process solely through compression of natural bamboo culms. According to the literature, applying a combination of compression of 6–12 MPa at temperatures between 120–170 °C for 8–20 min can produce materials with higher strength in comparison to the mechanical properties of natural bamboo. The majority of research on bamboo densification indicates that the modified material results in improved properties in terms of density, hardness, bending strength, stiffness, and durability. This paper provides a review that consolidates knowledge on the concept of bamboo culm densification, discusses the roles of parameters that control the process, ascertains the best practice, and finally determines gaps in this field of knowledge.

text: Densification of bamboo: State of the art Densification processes are used to improve the mechanical and physical properties of lignocellulose materials by either collapsing the cell cavities or by filling up the pores, consequently reducing the void volume fraction. This paper focuses on an extensive review of bamboo densification process, which is achieved by compressing the material in the direction perpendicular to the fibers using mainly two different techniques: an open system, thermo-mechanical (TM), or a closed system, viscoelastic-thermal-compression (VTC). The main aim of bamboo densification is to decrease its heterogeneity, as well as to improve its mechanical and physical performance. In addition, densification may occur during the manufacturing of bamboo products in which hot-pressing processes are used to mold bamboo panels. There are over 1600 publications about bamboo, concentrated in the recent decade, mainly about engineered materials. Although several papers regarding bamboo and wood densification are available, very few studies have comprehensively investigated the densification process solely through compression of natural bamboo culms. According to the literature, applying a combination of compression of 6–12 MPa at temperatures between 120–170 °C for 8–20 min can produce materials with higher strength in comparison to the mechanical properties of natural bamboo. The majority of research on bamboo densification indicates that the modified material results in improved properties in terms of density, hardness, bending strength, stiffness, and durability. This paper provides a review that consolidates knowledge on the concept of bamboo culm densification, discusses the roles of parameters that control the process, ascertains the best practice, and finally determines gaps in this field of knowledge.

year: 2020

title: Just part of the job: The experiences of parent caregivers caring for adolescents with mild traumatic brain injury

authors: Giles, Kathryn Jane

subjects: Caregiving

abstract: Mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) is one of the most frequently occurring injuries during adolescence.  Typically care following such injuries is provided informally, by parents and close family members.  The requirement for such caregiving is likely to increase as national health policies attempt to balance the growing costs of health-care provision with requirements for culturally responsive care. 
While studies have shown that caregivers may experience considerable burden, it is increasingly evident that caregiving also has a positive impacts for carers.  To date, few studies have evaluated the positive experiences of caregiving.  Even less is known about the positive experiences of parents who care for their adolescent children following acute injury events such as mTBI.  It is important to understand caregiver experiences more completely as caregiver coping and burden contribute to recovery and adaption to injury.
The aim of this study was to describe and understand the experience of caregivers of adolescents aged 10 – 18 years with mTBI.  Using a mixed methods approach, existing quantitative data gathered as part of the Brain Injury Outcomes New Zealand in the Community (BIONIC) and Consequences of Brain Injury in Childhood (COBIC) studies of TBI in New Zealand were analysed (mTBI group = 54 caregiver-adolescent dyads, control group = 54 dyads). Semi-structured interviews were then completed with a sample of caregivers of adolescents with mTBI now aged 13 – 16 years recruited from the same source studies (n=10).  Interview transcripts were qualitatively assessed using thematic analysis.  
Quantitative analysis confirmed previous research findings that for the majority, the impacts of mTBI are minimal and typically resolve within the first year with generally positive outcomes. While carers in both groups described caring for adolescents as a predominantly positive experience, caregivers of injured adolescents reported a greater number of positive caregiving experiences.  In addition, caregivers of injured adolescents reported significantly greater quality of life related to their physical health two years after injury compared with caregivers of adolescents without mTBI. 
Thematic analysis of interviews uncovered five core themes underpinning caregiver experiences: initiation; impacts and attributions; accommodation and adjustment; a valued experience; and, just part of the job.  These themes revealed the importance of timely and relevant communication from schools and health providers to caregiver’s feelings of competency and to their ongoing relationship with these organisations.  Reflecting on their experiences, caregivers valued the opportunities a mTBI created for emotional closeness with adolescents at a challenging time in human development.  They also described intrinsic benefits of being able to share wisdom and experiences with others and the practical benefit of developing transferrable skills.  Carers viewed their experiences as providing a unique opportunity for personal development through the recognition of carers’ capability and resilience as individuals.  For all caregivers, the provision of care following mTBI was seen as an expected part of parenting – just part of the job.
In contrast to family caregiving involving other caregiver – care recipient dyads (such as adult children caring for their elderly parents, or parents caring for their children as a result of chronic illness or disability), parent caregivers in the current study viewed caregiving as a positive experience.  Rather than a burdensome additional responsibility, carers viewed caring for their adolescent children following mTBI as – just part of the job - an expected and indistinguishable aspect of their existing roles as parents.

text: Just part of the job: The experiences of parent caregivers caring for adolescents with mild traumatic brain injury Mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) is one of the most frequently occurring injuries during adolescence.  Typically care following such injuries is provided informally, by parents and close family members.  The requirement for such caregiving is likely to increase as national health policies attempt to balance the growing costs of health-care provision with requirements for culturally responsive care. 
While studies have shown that caregivers may experience considerable burden, it is increasingly evident that caregiving also has a positive impacts for carers.  To date, few studies have evaluated the positive experiences of caregiving.  Even less is known about the positive experiences of parents who care for their adolescent children following acute injury events such as mTBI.  It is important to understand caregiver experiences more completely as caregiver coping and burden contribute to recovery and adaption to injury.
The aim of this study was to describe and understand the experience of caregivers of adolescents aged 10 – 18 years with mTBI.  Using a mixed methods approach, existing quantitative data gathered as part of the Brain Injury Outcomes New Zealand in the Community (BIONIC) and Consequences of Brain Injury in Childhood (COBIC) studies of TBI in New Zealand were analysed (mTBI group = 54 caregiver-adolescent dyads, control group = 54 dyads). Semi-structured interviews were then completed with a sample of caregivers of adolescents with mTBI now aged 13 – 16 years recruited from the same source studies (n=10).  Interview transcripts were qualitatively assessed using thematic analysis.  
Quantitative analysis confirmed previous research findings that for the majority, the impacts of mTBI are minimal and typically resolve within the first year with generally positive outcomes. While carers in both groups described caring for adolescents as a predominantly positive experience, caregivers of injured adolescents reported a greater number of positive caregiving experiences.  In addition, caregivers of injured adolescents reported significantly greater quality of life related to their physical health two years after injury compared with caregivers of adolescents without mTBI. 
Thematic analysis of interviews uncovered five core themes underpinning caregiver experiences: initiation; impacts and attributions; accommodation and adjustment; a valued experience; and, just part of the job.  These themes revealed the importance of timely and relevant communication from schools and health providers to caregiver’s feelings of competency and to their ongoing relationship with these organisations.  Reflecting on their experiences, caregivers valued the opportunities a mTBI created for emotional closeness with adolescents at a challenging time in human development.  They also described intrinsic benefits of being able to share wisdom and experiences with others and the practical benefit of developing transferrable skills.  Carers viewed their experiences as providing a unique opportunity for personal development through the recognition of carers’ capability and resilience as individuals.  For all caregivers, the provision of care following mTBI was seen as an expected part of parenting – just part of the job.
In contrast to family caregiving involving other caregiver – care recipient dyads (such as adult children caring for their elderly parents, or parents caring for their children as a result of chronic illness or disability), parent caregivers in the current study viewed caregiving as a positive experience.  Rather than a burdensome additional responsibility, carers viewed caring for their adolescent children following mTBI as – just part of the job - an expected and indistinguishable aspect of their existing roles as parents.

year: 2015

title: A study of iwi communication between Te Tau Ihu iwi and intergenerational diasporic whānau

authors: Wright, Karamea Moana

subjects: diaspora

abstract: This study looks at the online communication methods used between Te Tau Ihu iwi and intergenerational uri who live in the diaspora. Preferences and perceptions of methods of communication utilized by both iwi, and tāngata who live in the overseas diaspora were explored. Most important are the implications for uri living away from Aotearoa, and their desire to remain connected to iwi in New Zealand. This is a mixed methods study, comprising of a survey of fifty-eight emigrant respondents living abroad, and interviews with one member of the first, second, and third generations of emigrants to the United States, with affiliation to at least one of the eight tribes who claim tāngata whenua status of Te Tau Ihu.

The implications of the findings from the study provide both iwi and tāngata the opportunity to create a synergistic relationship of communicating. Assisting iwi to develop and implement a strategy for relevant communication, and iwi members engaging in a dialogue with iwi about relevance of communication is critical in strengthening ties between iwi and future generations regardless of location. “He aha te mea nui, he tangata, he tangata.”

text: A study of iwi communication between Te Tau Ihu iwi and intergenerational diasporic whānau This study looks at the online communication methods used between Te Tau Ihu iwi and intergenerational uri who live in the diaspora. Preferences and perceptions of methods of communication utilized by both iwi, and tāngata who live in the overseas diaspora were explored. Most important are the implications for uri living away from Aotearoa, and their desire to remain connected to iwi in New Zealand. This is a mixed methods study, comprising of a survey of fifty-eight emigrant respondents living abroad, and interviews with one member of the first, second, and third generations of emigrants to the United States, with affiliation to at least one of the eight tribes who claim tāngata whenua status of Te Tau Ihu.

The implications of the findings from the study provide both iwi and tāngata the opportunity to create a synergistic relationship of communicating. Assisting iwi to develop and implement a strategy for relevant communication, and iwi members engaging in a dialogue with iwi about relevance of communication is critical in strengthening ties between iwi and future generations regardless of location. “He aha te mea nui, he tangata, he tangata.”

year: 2019