title: Traditional kava use and body sway: A pilot investigation

authors: Aporosa, S. 'Apo'

abstract: Introduction The (traditionally influenced) consumption of kava (Piper methysticum) has been associated with increased body sway, raising concerns about fall risk. However, studies typically utilise pill-styled kava extracts with a lack of understanding regarding experienced naturalistic kava drinkers. This pilot study investigated the effects of naturalistic kava consumption over a six-hour period on postural control. Methods Six experienced male kava drinkers consumed 100ml of kava every 10 minutes over six hours in a culturally responsive setting. Postural control was examined at three time points (Pre, Mid, and Post) using a 30-seconds eyes-closed feet-together postural balance test conducted on a 3D force plate. Centre of pressure path length, average velocity, and area of the 95th percentile ellipse data were extracted and compared between time points using a one-way repeated measures ANOVA. Findings There were no significant differences in the centre of pressure parameters. Based on the Pre and Post differences for path length and average velocity logged values, this study would require 19 participants to achieve an 80% power and 5% significance level. Discussion Irrespective of limited sample size, our preliminary results do not support that kava consumption negatively affects postural control, findings that appear to be corroborated by a recent neuroscience study. The perceived risks of naturalistic kava consumption with regards to falls may be overstated. Further study on the physiological implications of kava consumption in naturalistic settings is needed to quantify the actual risks. Highlights• Kava is a culturally significant drink for Pacific people• Anecdotal reports describe impaired balance following high traditional use volumes• Postural control was tested during and following kava use in a pilot study• Contrary to hypothesis, results do not show that kava negatively affects postural control.

text: Traditional kava use and body sway: A pilot investigation Introduction The (traditionally influenced) consumption of kava (Piper methysticum) has been associated with increased body sway, raising concerns about fall risk. However, studies typically utilise pill-styled kava extracts with a lack of understanding regarding experienced naturalistic kava drinkers. This pilot study investigated the effects of naturalistic kava consumption over a six-hour period on postural control. Methods Six experienced male kava drinkers consumed 100ml of kava every 10 minutes over six hours in a culturally responsive setting. Postural control was examined at three time points (Pre, Mid, and Post) using a 30-seconds eyes-closed feet-together postural balance test conducted on a 3D force plate. Centre of pressure path length, average velocity, and area of the 95th percentile ellipse data were extracted and compared between time points using a one-way repeated measures ANOVA. Findings There were no significant differences in the centre of pressure parameters. Based on the Pre and Post differences for path length and average velocity logged values, this study would require 19 participants to achieve an 80% power and 5% significance level. Discussion Irrespective of limited sample size, our preliminary results do not support that kava consumption negatively affects postural control, findings that appear to be corroborated by a recent neuroscience study. The perceived risks of naturalistic kava consumption with regards to falls may be overstated. Further study on the physiological implications of kava consumption in naturalistic settings is needed to quantify the actual risks. Highlights• Kava is a culturally significant drink for Pacific people• Anecdotal reports describe impaired balance following high traditional use volumes• Postural control was tested during and following kava use in a pilot study• Contrary to hypothesis, results do not show that kava negatively affects postural control.

year: 2022

title: Weed management - Lessons form the USA

authors: Madsen, John

abstract: Aquatic weed management has a more than 100 year history in the United States, with the first efforts by the US Army Corps of Engineers to remove water hyacinth from southeastern United States waters in 1899. Through these efforts, several important lessons have been learned. First, plant management requires a plan of action that considers the level of infestation, makes site-specific management recommendations, and considers all potential techniques for use both spatially and temporally.
A good plan also includes public involvement and education. Integrated Plant Management has become the model for aquatic plant management. It includes developing an understanding of factors that exacerbate plant growth, and methods to mitigate plant growth and enhance management success, including an understanding of target plant biology and phenology. In addition, most natural water bodies will require selective management, targeting the weed and minimizing the impact on desirable native plant species.
Steady funding to invest in plant management is a necessity. Disruptions to funding will result in larger problems in the future. An important part of the investment is a consistent investment in applied research, with the target of improved plant control. In the United States, an attempt is made to consider biological, chemical, mechanical, and physical techniques for management of aquatic weeds. The use of these techniques is restricted by economic, environmental, and regulatory thresholds.
While biological control may appear to be the preferred approach, many weeds do not have an effective biological control agent. Even effective biological control agents do not provide uniform control across the ecological range of a weed. Chemical control is still the most widely used technique in the United States. Chemical control is effective and relatively inexpensive, but increased regulatory restriction has impacted the use of herbicides in some areas.
Mechanical techniques use machines to remove plant growth. In particular, harvesting is widely used as an immediate control to plant growth. However, harvesting is relatively slow and expensive, and may have a significant fish and aquatic animal bycatch. Physical control involves altering the environment to reduce plant growth. In the United States, this includes the use of benthic barriers, shading materials, and drawdown. Each of these techniques can be considered tools in our plant management toolbox, and all have their place and utility.

text: Weed management - Lessons form the USA Aquatic weed management has a more than 100 year history in the United States, with the first efforts by the US Army Corps of Engineers to remove water hyacinth from southeastern United States waters in 1899. Through these efforts, several important lessons have been learned. First, plant management requires a plan of action that considers the level of infestation, makes site-specific management recommendations, and considers all potential techniques for use both spatially and temporally.
A good plan also includes public involvement and education. Integrated Plant Management has become the model for aquatic plant management. It includes developing an understanding of factors that exacerbate plant growth, and methods to mitigate plant growth and enhance management success, including an understanding of target plant biology and phenology. In addition, most natural water bodies will require selective management, targeting the weed and minimizing the impact on desirable native plant species.
Steady funding to invest in plant management is a necessity. Disruptions to funding will result in larger problems in the future. An important part of the investment is a consistent investment in applied research, with the target of improved plant control. In the United States, an attempt is made to consider biological, chemical, mechanical, and physical techniques for management of aquatic weeds. The use of these techniques is restricted by economic, environmental, and regulatory thresholds.
While biological control may appear to be the preferred approach, many weeds do not have an effective biological control agent. Even effective biological control agents do not provide uniform control across the ecological range of a weed. Chemical control is still the most widely used technique in the United States. Chemical control is effective and relatively inexpensive, but increased regulatory restriction has impacted the use of herbicides in some areas.
Mechanical techniques use machines to remove plant growth. In particular, harvesting is widely used as an immediate control to plant growth. However, harvesting is relatively slow and expensive, and may have a significant fish and aquatic animal bycatch. Physical control involves altering the environment to reduce plant growth. In the United States, this includes the use of benthic barriers, shading materials, and drawdown. Each of these techniques can be considered tools in our plant management toolbox, and all have their place and utility.

year: 2015

title: Tūturu whakamaua ko te kupu, haumi e, hui e, ko ngā kupu o te mātauranga ē!

authors: Dale, Hēmi

subjects: Reo Māori

abstract: Ko tā tēnei tuhinga he arotahi ki ētahi o ngā take reo e pā ana ki ngā mahi whakangungu pouako mā te huarahi o te reo Māori i roto i te whare wānanga. Ka mutu, ka kōrerorerotia ngā urupare a te Huarahi Māori (tētahi kaiwhakarato whakangungu pouako mā te huarahi o te reo Māori) ki ētahi o ēnei take reo.

text: Tūturu whakamaua ko te kupu, haumi e, hui e, ko ngā kupu o te mātauranga ē! Ko tā tēnei tuhinga he arotahi ki ētahi o ngā take reo e pā ana ki ngā mahi whakangungu pouako mā te huarahi o te reo Māori i roto i te whare wānanga. Ka mutu, ka kōrerorerotia ngā urupare a te Huarahi Māori (tētahi kaiwhakarato whakangungu pouako mā te huarahi o te reo Māori) ki ētahi o ēnei take reo.

year: 2017