title: Investigation into the palatability of whole wheat versus intermediate wheat grass (Kernza) flour in choice and no-choice feeding paradigms

authors: Glasgow, Lisa

subjects: Agriculture

abstract: The perennial grain Kernza (Thinopyrum intermedium) has environmental advantages over annual wheat, e.g., it grows deeper roots that improve soil stability, and water and nutrient retention. Importantly, Kernza has a distinct composition, including higher fibre and protein levels than wheat, suggesting its consumption might convey health benefits. However, composition affects palatability, which calls into question whether Kernza is as palatable as wheat. Hence, this thesis aimed to investigate the acceptance of and preference for Kernza in comparison to whole wheat flour in rats, an established feeding research model. Three variations of diets were used: mash, slurry, and pellets, to account for processing as a factor affecting palatability. Food intake experiments were followed by the analysis of the reward system’s activation (using a neuronal activation marker, c-Fos) in response to a Kernza vs wheat meal. Acceptance was assessed in the no-choice meal paradigms, in which a single diet was offered to the animals. Regardless of whether meals were given either after or without prior food deprivation, and during the day or at nighttime, rats consumed similar amounts of Kernza- and wheat-based diets. Similarly, a sub-chronic 9-day Kernza vs wheat meal exposure, showed no difference in acceptance. In preference paradigms in which two diets were offered simultaneously, rats preferred Kernza over standard chow, but wheat was preferred over Kernza. Both wheat and Kernza were less preferred than hyperpalatable high-fat high-sugar pellets. Finally, the c-Fos immunoreactivity (IR) analysis in animals that have eaten a similar amount of Kernza or wheat (versus unfed controls), showed that regardless of the diet offered, activation of the ventral tegmental area, nucleus accumbens shell (AcbS), and nucleus accumbens core, is higher in response to food intake. However, consumption of wheat produced greater c-Fos IR the AcbS, which is in line with this grain being preferred over Kernza. Overall, I conclude that Kernza is an accepted and palatable flour, however, the preference of wheat over Kernza and the reward system’s activity changes indicate that Kernza is somewhat less palatable than wheat.

text: Investigation into the palatability of whole wheat versus intermediate wheat grass (Kernza) flour in choice and no-choice feeding paradigms The perennial grain Kernza (Thinopyrum intermedium) has environmental advantages over annual wheat, e.g., it grows deeper roots that improve soil stability, and water and nutrient retention. Importantly, Kernza has a distinct composition, including higher fibre and protein levels than wheat, suggesting its consumption might convey health benefits. However, composition affects palatability, which calls into question whether Kernza is as palatable as wheat. Hence, this thesis aimed to investigate the acceptance of and preference for Kernza in comparison to whole wheat flour in rats, an established feeding research model. Three variations of diets were used: mash, slurry, and pellets, to account for processing as a factor affecting palatability. Food intake experiments were followed by the analysis of the reward system’s activation (using a neuronal activation marker, c-Fos) in response to a Kernza vs wheat meal. Acceptance was assessed in the no-choice meal paradigms, in which a single diet was offered to the animals. Regardless of whether meals were given either after or without prior food deprivation, and during the day or at nighttime, rats consumed similar amounts of Kernza- and wheat-based diets. Similarly, a sub-chronic 9-day Kernza vs wheat meal exposure, showed no difference in acceptance. In preference paradigms in which two diets were offered simultaneously, rats preferred Kernza over standard chow, but wheat was preferred over Kernza. Both wheat and Kernza were less preferred than hyperpalatable high-fat high-sugar pellets. Finally, the c-Fos immunoreactivity (IR) analysis in animals that have eaten a similar amount of Kernza or wheat (versus unfed controls), showed that regardless of the diet offered, activation of the ventral tegmental area, nucleus accumbens shell (AcbS), and nucleus accumbens core, is higher in response to food intake. However, consumption of wheat produced greater c-Fos IR the AcbS, which is in line with this grain being preferred over Kernza. Overall, I conclude that Kernza is an accepted and palatable flour, however, the preference of wheat over Kernza and the reward system’s activity changes indicate that Kernza is somewhat less palatable than wheat.

year: 2023

title: Detection and distribution of Craspedacusta sowerbii: Observations of medusae are not enough

authors: Duggan, Ian C.

subjects: Constructed waters

abstract: The freshwater cnidarian Craspedacusta sowerbii, native to the Yangtze valley, has invaded lakes and ponds throughout the world. Most distribution records have to date been based on observations of the medusa (jellyfish) stage, including numerous recent publications. We aimed to determine whether polyps are widespread in lakes, and geographical areas, outside of where medusae have been observed, and whether constructed waters are more easily invaded than natural waters. Our results show that C. sowerbii is more common and widespread than is apparent from observations of medusae. We argue that observed occurrences of medusae provide little useful information regarding the distribution of this species, and that published records of new jellyfish occurrences provide unreliable estimates of the timing of introduction, establishment or spread of C. sowerbii in new regions. We found no evidence that constructed waters were more readily invaded than natural waters. Overall, accurate determination of Craspedacusta occurrence and distribution requires systematic surveys of the polyp stages.

text: Detection and distribution of Craspedacusta sowerbii: Observations of medusae are not enough The freshwater cnidarian Craspedacusta sowerbii, native to the Yangtze valley, has invaded lakes and ponds throughout the world. Most distribution records have to date been based on observations of the medusa (jellyfish) stage, including numerous recent publications. We aimed to determine whether polyps are widespread in lakes, and geographical areas, outside of where medusae have been observed, and whether constructed waters are more easily invaded than natural waters. Our results show that C. sowerbii is more common and widespread than is apparent from observations of medusae. We argue that observed occurrences of medusae provide little useful information regarding the distribution of this species, and that published records of new jellyfish occurrences provide unreliable estimates of the timing of introduction, establishment or spread of C. sowerbii in new regions. We found no evidence that constructed waters were more readily invaded than natural waters. Overall, accurate determination of Craspedacusta occurrence and distribution requires systematic surveys of the polyp stages.

year: 2012

title: He oranga tō te wai: Māori Pedagogies - A Culturally Responsive View of Aquatic Education and Drowning Prevention in Aotearoa

authors: Haimona, Mark Waihape

abstract: Drowning is a leading cause of accidental death and hospitalisation among Māori in Aotearoa. Drowning reports (Water Safety New Zealand, 2010, 2016, 2019) indicate Māori are over-represented in drowning compared to non-Māori, and on average account for up to a quarter of all drowning fatalities each year. Māori male aged 15-44 years and Māori children under five are most at risk of drowning (WSNZ, 2018, 2). A recent Aotearoa study on children’s water survival skills suggest changes are needed to improve how children develop fundamental aquatic skills and how teachers can best teach those skills (Button et al., 2017). In particular, the teaching of water safety skills for broader use in the open water environments of Aotearoa. 
Māori pedagogies within physical education, health, and education in the outdoors (Hemara, 2000; Jackson et al, 2016; Phillips, 2018) have demonstrated the benefits of Māori teaching methods that foster positive learning outcomes for Māori. (Bishop & Berryman, 2006, 2009). As such, this research investigated core components of Māori pedagogies that can improve aquatic education for Māori. It sought to validate traditional and contemporary aquatic teachings and water safety practices that Māori exercise as an expression of ira tangata (human development) and their relationship with te ao tūroa (the long-standing world). By means of kaupapa Māori research and the development of a new framework - Tāne Whānau Mārama, this thesis offers valuable insights into the importance of culturally responsive pedagogies in aquatic education that will enhance the health, educational achievements, and well-being of Māori whānau and communities.

text: He oranga tō te wai: Māori Pedagogies - A Culturally Responsive View of Aquatic Education and Drowning Prevention in Aotearoa Drowning is a leading cause of accidental death and hospitalisation among Māori in Aotearoa. Drowning reports (Water Safety New Zealand, 2010, 2016, 2019) indicate Māori are over-represented in drowning compared to non-Māori, and on average account for up to a quarter of all drowning fatalities each year. Māori male aged 15-44 years and Māori children under five are most at risk of drowning (WSNZ, 2018, 2). A recent Aotearoa study on children’s water survival skills suggest changes are needed to improve how children develop fundamental aquatic skills and how teachers can best teach those skills (Button et al., 2017). In particular, the teaching of water safety skills for broader use in the open water environments of Aotearoa. 
Māori pedagogies within physical education, health, and education in the outdoors (Hemara, 2000; Jackson et al, 2016; Phillips, 2018) have demonstrated the benefits of Māori teaching methods that foster positive learning outcomes for Māori. (Bishop & Berryman, 2006, 2009). As such, this research investigated core components of Māori pedagogies that can improve aquatic education for Māori. It sought to validate traditional and contemporary aquatic teachings and water safety practices that Māori exercise as an expression of ira tangata (human development) and their relationship with te ao tūroa (the long-standing world). By means of kaupapa Māori research and the development of a new framework - Tāne Whānau Mārama, this thesis offers valuable insights into the importance of culturally responsive pedagogies in aquatic education that will enhance the health, educational achievements, and well-being of Māori whānau and communities.

year: 2023