title: Long-term zooplankton dynamics in Lake Taupō: 2000-2020

authors: Miles, Galilee

subjects: Zooplankton

abstract: Long-term monitoring is essential for distinguishing between natural and anthropogenically induced changes within ecosystems, particularly those with high degrees of natural fluctuation. In order to gain further understanding of the links between physical, chemical and biotic factors, zooplankton have been highlighted as useful bioindicators within aquatic ecosystems. Long-term zooplankton monitoring studies have been utilized to highlight changes in lake trophic state, changes within catchments, fisheries practices and invasions.

Lake Taupō, New Zealand’s largest lake, has been subject to a long-term monitoring programme by NIWA since 1994, commissioned by the Waikato Regional Council, with the primary purpose of detecting changes in the lake’s trophic state through time. Since January 2000, the monitoring programme has included biweekly zooplankton sampling; no results of this have yet been published. The purpose of my research was to assess if there have been any significant changes in the zooplankton community composition over the monitoring period (2000-2020), with a particular focus on the last 12 years of data (2009-2020), and determine the importance of measured environmental variables in influencing changes in the zooplankton community composition.
Lake Taupō was assessed as microtrophic to oligotrophic throughout the monitoring period (Trophic Level Index (TLI) between 1.5 and 2.9), and there were no significant linear changes in any of the measured environmental variables (R-squared values all <0.07, p values all >0.05). The zooplankton data was separated into two separate datasets; a shorter February 2009 – December 2020 dataset with samples analysed entirely by myself, and a longer January 2000-December 2020 dataset, with earlier samples analysed by NIWA, utilising a lower taxonomic resolution.

Multivariate analyses (nMDS and ANOSIM) indicated significant differences among three yearly groups of zooplankton data within both the shorter (Global R statistic = 0.179, p = 0.014) and longer dataset (Global R statistic = 0.353, p = 0.001). Time and temperature were inferred by Redundancy Analysis (RDA) as the most important environmental variables associated with change in zooplankton community composition in both the shorter 2009-2020 (Lambda-A = 0.08 for both, p = 0.002 for both) and longer 2000-2020 datasets (Lambda-A = 0.15, p = 0.002 for time, and Lambda-A = 0.06, p = 0.002 for temperature). Both ordinations indicated that changes associated with time (long-term) and changes in temperature were primarily unrelated. Changes in zooplankton community composition influenced by temperature were attributed to seasonal succession.

Zooplankton community composition differed between the beginning and end of the monitoring periods in both datasets. However, the direction of the community change seemingly reversed around 2009-2011, with assemblages late in the study reverting to communities similar to those observed earlier in the study. Decreases in the native large Daphnia thomsoni and increased importance of the non-native Daphnia galeata indicate that colonisation by the invading species has influenced the observed changes in zooplankton community composition. The influences of top-down control in the form of predation on the zooplankton community by fish (an unmeasured variable) may have also influenced communities, with shifts from large- to small-sized species observed. Rotifers indicative of both low and high TLI are present throughout the study (e.g., Polyarthra dolichoptera and Keratella cochlearis respectively), but the community is dominated throughout by species indicative of low trophic state (e.g., Conochiloides dossuarius), which is consistent with previous zooplankton studies within Lake Taupō. Continued monitoring of zooplankton, physical and chemical lake properties, algae, and bacteria is advised, with the inclusion of fish monitoring recommended.

text: Long-term zooplankton dynamics in Lake Taupō: 2000-2020 Long-term monitoring is essential for distinguishing between natural and anthropogenically induced changes within ecosystems, particularly those with high degrees of natural fluctuation. In order to gain further understanding of the links between physical, chemical and biotic factors, zooplankton have been highlighted as useful bioindicators within aquatic ecosystems. Long-term zooplankton monitoring studies have been utilized to highlight changes in lake trophic state, changes within catchments, fisheries practices and invasions.

Lake Taupō, New Zealand’s largest lake, has been subject to a long-term monitoring programme by NIWA since 1994, commissioned by the Waikato Regional Council, with the primary purpose of detecting changes in the lake’s trophic state through time. Since January 2000, the monitoring programme has included biweekly zooplankton sampling; no results of this have yet been published. The purpose of my research was to assess if there have been any significant changes in the zooplankton community composition over the monitoring period (2000-2020), with a particular focus on the last 12 years of data (2009-2020), and determine the importance of measured environmental variables in influencing changes in the zooplankton community composition.
Lake Taupō was assessed as microtrophic to oligotrophic throughout the monitoring period (Trophic Level Index (TLI) between 1.5 and 2.9), and there were no significant linear changes in any of the measured environmental variables (R-squared values all <0.07, p values all >0.05). The zooplankton data was separated into two separate datasets; a shorter February 2009 – December 2020 dataset with samples analysed entirely by myself, and a longer January 2000-December 2020 dataset, with earlier samples analysed by NIWA, utilising a lower taxonomic resolution.

Multivariate analyses (nMDS and ANOSIM) indicated significant differences among three yearly groups of zooplankton data within both the shorter (Global R statistic = 0.179, p = 0.014) and longer dataset (Global R statistic = 0.353, p = 0.001). Time and temperature were inferred by Redundancy Analysis (RDA) as the most important environmental variables associated with change in zooplankton community composition in both the shorter 2009-2020 (Lambda-A = 0.08 for both, p = 0.002 for both) and longer 2000-2020 datasets (Lambda-A = 0.15, p = 0.002 for time, and Lambda-A = 0.06, p = 0.002 for temperature). Both ordinations indicated that changes associated with time (long-term) and changes in temperature were primarily unrelated. Changes in zooplankton community composition influenced by temperature were attributed to seasonal succession.

Zooplankton community composition differed between the beginning and end of the monitoring periods in both datasets. However, the direction of the community change seemingly reversed around 2009-2011, with assemblages late in the study reverting to communities similar to those observed earlier in the study. Decreases in the native large Daphnia thomsoni and increased importance of the non-native Daphnia galeata indicate that colonisation by the invading species has influenced the observed changes in zooplankton community composition. The influences of top-down control in the form of predation on the zooplankton community by fish (an unmeasured variable) may have also influenced communities, with shifts from large- to small-sized species observed. Rotifers indicative of both low and high TLI are present throughout the study (e.g., Polyarthra dolichoptera and Keratella cochlearis respectively), but the community is dominated throughout by species indicative of low trophic state (e.g., Conochiloides dossuarius), which is consistent with previous zooplankton studies within Lake Taupō. Continued monitoring of zooplankton, physical and chemical lake properties, algae, and bacteria is advised, with the inclusion of fish monitoring recommended.

year: 2021

title: Exploring Knowledge Transfer and Knowledge Building at Offshore Technical Support Centers

authors: Chen, Jihong

subjects: Knowledge Management

abstract: This is an exploratory investigation into knowledge transfer and knowledge building processes observed at offshore Technical Support Centers (TSCs) in China. Utilizing a multiple case study approach, the study examines how knowledge was transferred from the US-based support center to the China-based offshore support center, and how individuals and the organization built and expanded knowledge in a dynamic changing business context. The field cases were three Technical Support Centers in China. Three models were developed from the qualitative analysis of the field data to explain how knowledge is transferred and built in offshore TSCs. The knowledge transfer type adoption model identifies the relationships amongst the levels of knowledge (novice, advanced beginner, competency, and proficiency), the types of knowledge and the knowledge transfer approaches (structured transfer stages, unstructured copy, unstructured adaptation, and unstructured fusion). The basic individual tacit knowledge building model shows that tacit knowledge is acquired and built through two continuous knowledge building loops, an explicit learning loop and an implicit learning loop. The organizational knowledge building model demonstrates the interaction amongst knowledge flow, absorptive capacity, knowledge stock and knowledge intermediary in offshore knowledge transfer and building within the three levels (individual, group and organization levels) of the SECI spiral (socialization, externalization, combination and internalization). The three models provide new insights into the knowledge transfer process for different levels of knowledge acquisition, individual tacit knowledge building processes and organizational knowledge building processes in an offshore outsourcing business context. By applying these models to appropriate field situations, both practitioners and academics may be able to gain a deeper understanding of knowledge transfer approaches, be able to better guide new employees’ expertise and confidence building through controlled and monitored experiential learning process, and be able to improve understanding of how knowledge is built and evolves within organizations.

text: Exploring Knowledge Transfer and Knowledge Building at Offshore Technical Support Centers This is an exploratory investigation into knowledge transfer and knowledge building processes observed at offshore Technical Support Centers (TSCs) in China. Utilizing a multiple case study approach, the study examines how knowledge was transferred from the US-based support center to the China-based offshore support center, and how individuals and the organization built and expanded knowledge in a dynamic changing business context. The field cases were three Technical Support Centers in China. Three models were developed from the qualitative analysis of the field data to explain how knowledge is transferred and built in offshore TSCs. The knowledge transfer type adoption model identifies the relationships amongst the levels of knowledge (novice, advanced beginner, competency, and proficiency), the types of knowledge and the knowledge transfer approaches (structured transfer stages, unstructured copy, unstructured adaptation, and unstructured fusion). The basic individual tacit knowledge building model shows that tacit knowledge is acquired and built through two continuous knowledge building loops, an explicit learning loop and an implicit learning loop. The organizational knowledge building model demonstrates the interaction amongst knowledge flow, absorptive capacity, knowledge stock and knowledge intermediary in offshore knowledge transfer and building within the three levels (individual, group and organization levels) of the SECI spiral (socialization, externalization, combination and internalization). The three models provide new insights into the knowledge transfer process for different levels of knowledge acquisition, individual tacit knowledge building processes and organizational knowledge building processes in an offshore outsourcing business context. By applying these models to appropriate field situations, both practitioners and academics may be able to gain a deeper understanding of knowledge transfer approaches, be able to better guide new employees’ expertise and confidence building through controlled and monitored experiential learning process, and be able to improve understanding of how knowledge is built and evolves within organizations.

year: 2010

title: What works for midwives supporting māmā through emotional distress?

authors: Roia, Tiaan Mereana Manurangi

abstract: Pregnancy and the postnatal period are particularly vulnerable times for mothers’ mental health, with an increased risk of women experiencing depression and anxiety during this time. Therefore, understanding the level and type of service midwives provide to māmā who experience emotional distress is vital to know what midwives need in order to provide the right care to their clients.
The aim of this study was to find out what tools and resources community-based midwives find most helpful to support the needs of māmā. Seven semi-structured interviews were conducted, including four Māori midwives, who were able to provide insight on their experiences caring for mothers with mental health needs. Overall, the interviews reflected a strong sense of care and empathy from midwives during their time caring for mothers. Midwives appeared to rely on their interpersonal skills and intuition about emotional distress, and emphasised the importance of connecting with people and utilising support from their communities. Whilst midwives were interested and engaged with providing appropriate care to mothers, they were unbeknown to some of the clinical resources that could be available to their clients. The complexity of referrals and access to mental health services was central to the midwives’ frustration around caring for mothers, as well as a lack of education relating to kaupapa Māori, cultural competency, and mental health processes.
Recommendations based on this study are to provide midwives with education and training on topics like kaupapa Māori, on social and mental health resources and processes for referral to increase their ability to support and care for mothers who experience emotional distress. Improvements to the pathways for referrals and access to mental health services is essential. Future research should focus on understanding why midwives aren’t using a range of online apps and tools, and increase awareness of the available modes of support available.

text: What works for midwives supporting māmā through emotional distress? Pregnancy and the postnatal period are particularly vulnerable times for mothers’ mental health, with an increased risk of women experiencing depression and anxiety during this time. Therefore, understanding the level and type of service midwives provide to māmā who experience emotional distress is vital to know what midwives need in order to provide the right care to their clients.
The aim of this study was to find out what tools and resources community-based midwives find most helpful to support the needs of māmā. Seven semi-structured interviews were conducted, including four Māori midwives, who were able to provide insight on their experiences caring for mothers with mental health needs. Overall, the interviews reflected a strong sense of care and empathy from midwives during their time caring for mothers. Midwives appeared to rely on their interpersonal skills and intuition about emotional distress, and emphasised the importance of connecting with people and utilising support from their communities. Whilst midwives were interested and engaged with providing appropriate care to mothers, they were unbeknown to some of the clinical resources that could be available to their clients. The complexity of referrals and access to mental health services was central to the midwives’ frustration around caring for mothers, as well as a lack of education relating to kaupapa Māori, cultural competency, and mental health processes.
Recommendations based on this study are to provide midwives with education and training on topics like kaupapa Māori, on social and mental health resources and processes for referral to increase their ability to support and care for mothers who experience emotional distress. Improvements to the pathways for referrals and access to mental health services is essential. Future research should focus on understanding why midwives aren’t using a range of online apps and tools, and increase awareness of the available modes of support available.

year: 2023