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: Construction and demolition waste repurposed for heavy metal ion removal from wastewater: a review of current approaches

authors: Ranaweera, Kavitha H.

abstract: Over the past few decades, the world is facing critical water supply problems caused by the relentless increase of global human populations and the associated rise of anthropogenic activities. Heavy metals are among the main water pollutants which pose a great threat to human health. Hence, globally there has been a large amount of research devoted to investigating cost-effective and sustainable methods for removal of heavy metals from polluted water. One such area of interest is the utilization of construction and demolition waste (CDW) materials for the adsorptive removal of heavy metal ions (As, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Hg, Ni, Pb, Sr, and Zn). This review focuses on the most current research for the use of CDW as an adsorbent. The different heavy metal ion removal mechanisms involved are also discussed. Further, this article documents the regeneration and reuse strategies for heavy metal treated adsorbents and the efforts to apply these materials in large-scale applications. Finally, the main research gaps are identified and future research directions suggested.

text: Construction and demolition waste repurposed for heavy metal ion removal from wastewater: a review of current approaches Over the past few decades, the world is facing critical water supply problems caused by the relentless increase of global human populations and the associated rise of anthropogenic activities. Heavy metals are among the main water pollutants which pose a great threat to human health. Hence, globally there has been a large amount of research devoted to investigating cost-effective and sustainable methods for removal of heavy metals from polluted water. One such area of interest is the utilization of construction and demolition waste (CDW) materials for the adsorptive removal of heavy metal ions (As, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Hg, Ni, Pb, Sr, and Zn). This review focuses on the most current research for the use of CDW as an adsorbent. The different heavy metal ion removal mechanisms involved are also discussed. Further, this article documents the regeneration and reuse strategies for heavy metal treated adsorbents and the efforts to apply these materials in large-scale applications. Finally, the main research gaps are identified and future research directions suggested.

year: 2023-06-13

title: Mental health inpatient services: Improving our understanding of the needs of Maori when acutely unwell

authors: Wharewera-Mika, Julie

subjects: Maori

abstract: There are many possible explanations for the pattern of Maori overrepresentation in mental health acute services. This research project focuses on how services can optimally meet the needs of Maori to improve outcomes. This doctoral research in progress is about claiming space for Maori to have a voice in identifying factors that contribute to recovery and Whanau Ora, and offering recommendations to improve the effectiveness of existing services to better meet the needs of Maori Tangata Whaiora and Whanau.

text: Mental health inpatient services: Improving our understanding of the needs of Maori when acutely unwell There are many possible explanations for the pattern of Maori overrepresentation in mental health acute services. This research project focuses on how services can optimally meet the needs of Maori to improve outcomes. This doctoral research in progress is about claiming space for Maori to have a voice in identifying factors that contribute to recovery and Whanau Ora, and offering recommendations to improve the effectiveness of existing services to better meet the needs of Maori Tangata Whaiora and Whanau.

year: 2008