title: Network of positive affect and depression in older adults

authors: Hopkins, Ella G.

abstract: Background
Depression in older adults poses significant health challenges, yet the protective role of positive affect remains understudied. This research examined the complex network of positive affect and depression in older adults using advanced network analysis techniques to identify potential targets for intervention.
Methods
Bayesian Gaussian Graphical Models and Directed Acyclic Graph modelling were used to analyse associations between ten positive affect variables and depression. Exploratory and confirmatory network analyses ensured stability and node predictability quantified variable influence. Stepwise linear regression confirmed whether specific positive affective variables identified in the networks predicted lower depression scores.
Results
Enthusiasm emerged as a key ancestral node with the highest predictability (R2 = 0.65), initiating cascades of positive affect. A primary pathway to depression was identified through feeling active (strength = 1.00, direction = 0.79), with an indirect pathway from feeling enthusiastic via active (strength = 0.98, direction = 0.79) to depression (strength = 1.00, direction = 0.79). Confirmatory longitudinal analysis showed that feeling active and enthusiastic consistently predicted lower depression scores (p < 0.001). The network structure remained stable across analyses.
Conclusions
Enthusiasm was identified as a central catalyst in the positive affect network, revealing clear pathways through which positive affect may protect against depression in older adults. Enhancing enthusiastic and active emotional experiences emerged as potential effective, nonpharmacological strategies for preventing and treating depression in older adults.

text: Network of positive affect and depression in older adults Background
Depression in older adults poses significant health challenges, yet the protective role of positive affect remains understudied. This research examined the complex network of positive affect and depression in older adults using advanced network analysis techniques to identify potential targets for intervention.
Methods
Bayesian Gaussian Graphical Models and Directed Acyclic Graph modelling were used to analyse associations between ten positive affect variables and depression. Exploratory and confirmatory network analyses ensured stability and node predictability quantified variable influence. Stepwise linear regression confirmed whether specific positive affective variables identified in the networks predicted lower depression scores.
Results
Enthusiasm emerged as a key ancestral node with the highest predictability (R2 = 0.65), initiating cascades of positive affect. A primary pathway to depression was identified through feeling active (strength = 1.00, direction = 0.79), with an indirect pathway from feeling enthusiastic via active (strength = 0.98, direction = 0.79) to depression (strength = 1.00, direction = 0.79). Confirmatory longitudinal analysis showed that feeling active and enthusiastic consistently predicted lower depression scores (p < 0.001). The network structure remained stable across analyses.
Conclusions
Enthusiasm was identified as a central catalyst in the positive affect network, revealing clear pathways through which positive affect may protect against depression in older adults. Enhancing enthusiastic and active emotional experiences emerged as potential effective, nonpharmacological strategies for preventing and treating depression in older adults.

year: 2026

title: Towards a radiocarbon calibration for oxygen isotope stage 3 using New Zealand kauri (Agathis australis)

authors: Turney, Chris S.M.

subjects: New Zealand kauri

abstract: It is well known that radiocarbon years do not directly equate to calendar time. As a result, considerable effort has been devoted to generating a decadally resolved calibration curve for the Holocene and latter part of the last termination. A calibration curve that can be unambiguously attributed to changes in atmospheric ¹⁴C content has not, however, been generated beyond 26 kyr cal BP, despite the urgent need to rigorously test climatic, environmental, and archaeological models. Here, we discuss the potential of New Zealand kauri (Agathis australis) to define the structure of the ¹⁴C calibration curve using annually resolved tree rings and thereby provide an absolute measure of atmospheric ¹⁴C. We report bidecadally sampled ¹⁴C measurements obtained from a floating 1050-yr chronology, demonstrating repeatable ¹⁴C measurements near the present limits of the dating method. The results indicate that considerable scope exists for a high-resolution ¹⁴C calibration curve back through OIS-3 using subfossil wood from this source.

text: Towards a radiocarbon calibration for oxygen isotope stage 3 using New Zealand kauri (Agathis australis) It is well known that radiocarbon years do not directly equate to calendar time. As a result, considerable effort has been devoted to generating a decadally resolved calibration curve for the Holocene and latter part of the last termination. A calibration curve that can be unambiguously attributed to changes in atmospheric ¹⁴C content has not, however, been generated beyond 26 kyr cal BP, despite the urgent need to rigorously test climatic, environmental, and archaeological models. Here, we discuss the potential of New Zealand kauri (Agathis australis) to define the structure of the ¹⁴C calibration curve using annually resolved tree rings and thereby provide an absolute measure of atmospheric ¹⁴C. We report bidecadally sampled ¹⁴C measurements obtained from a floating 1050-yr chronology, demonstrating repeatable ¹⁴C measurements near the present limits of the dating method. The results indicate that considerable scope exists for a high-resolution ¹⁴C calibration curve back through OIS-3 using subfossil wood from this source.

year: 2007

title: Making sense of Te Whāriki a te Kōhanga Reo through toi Māori: A whānau approach

authors: McMillan, Hoana

abstract: The involvement of whānau in the teaching and learning process is important at every juncture of a child’s educational journey. Rich understanding of the curriculum enables whānau to make deep and meaningful contributions to discussions about their child’s development. It also presents an interesting challenge for educational settings to create opportunities for whānau to increase their knowledge of the curriculum. This article outlines the benefits of a toi Māori approach to support whānau understanding.

text: Making sense of Te Whāriki a te Kōhanga Reo through toi Māori: A whānau approach The involvement of whānau in the teaching and learning process is important at every juncture of a child’s educational journey. Rich understanding of the curriculum enables whānau to make deep and meaningful contributions to discussions about their child’s development. It also presents an interesting challenge for educational settings to create opportunities for whānau to increase their knowledge of the curriculum. This article outlines the benefits of a toi Māori approach to support whānau understanding.

year: 2023