title: Improving road safety and health: Understanding kava’s impact on driver fitness

authors: Aporosa, S. 'Apo'

abstract: Kava (Piper methysticum) is a traditional and culturally significant Pacific Island beverage that produces soporific relaxant effects. Kava use is increasing in the Pacific islands, and among Pacific diasporic and non-Pacific people.
Users often consume the kava drink at much higher volumes than pharmacologically recommended doses (as much as 30 times greater is not unusual), with some users then driving home from kava use venues.
While there has been a great deal of research using tablets (or capsules) containing selected extracted kavalactones, very little is understood about the psychopharmacological effects of kava when consumed in its natural traditionally influenced form over many hours as is typical in the Pacific community.
Prompted by concerns over potential driver impairment as a result of kava use, this research involved testing the brain function of kava users over the course of a typical kava session (in terms of its duration and kava consumption volumes). The aim was to understand the effects that drinking kava had on driving safety.
Participants in the active group (n=20) attended a 6-hour kava session, each drinking 3.6 litres (6.33 pints) of kava. A non-kava consuming control group (n=19) was also included in the study.
At baseline, all participants were assessed with the Brain Gauge, a somatosensory tool that measures strategic, tactical and operational aspects of brain function. Re-testing was conducted after 3 hours of kava consumption, and again at the conclusion of the test period following the sixth hour of kava drinking.
Analysis of the results compared changes in brain function, both between individuals and the two groups (active and control), before and after the kava drinking session. Statistical modeling was based on t-tests, Wilcoxon signed-rank test [W] and the Mann-Whitney U test (rank sum) [MW], and Bayesian analysis [BF].
The results showed that, for the active participants, the kava consumed had no statistically significant negative impact on their Focus, Accuracy, Timing Perception, Plasticity or Fatigue, when compared with the control group. When active participants (kava drinkers) were compared with other kava users’ in their group, a slight positive increase in the kava users Focus and Fatigue was noted, which could infer increased driver alertness and improved driver safety.
However, the negative impact of the kava on the active participants’ Temporal Order Judgement (“how well [the] brain is able to keep track of the order of events” which is linked to a participant’s executive function) was (strongly) significant at the sixth hour: [MW=0.0119; t=0.007301; BF=6.193058].
This finding – as to the effect of kava on a person’s Temporal Order Judgement (and hence executive function) – is new, and suggests kava at traditionally consumed volumes compromises driver safety, although the nature of this impairment is vastly different to alcohol, cannabis, and other euphoric and hallucinogenic substances.
Because executive function is also linked to Focus, Accuracy, Timing Perception, Plasticity and
Fatigue, the finding was discussed with several psychopharmacologists, who were unable to provide an explanation for the anomaly, but noted that understanding of the effect of traditionally
influenced kava consumption on cognition is still in its infancy.
This study makes a new and significant contribution to understanding kava’s impacts, when consumed at traditional use volumes, on cognition, while also highlighting the huge knowledge gap that exists concerning kava psychopharmacology. The study has highlighted the need for more research to build understanding in this area, which would also assist road policing, particularly from an evidentiary perspective. The study also responded to national and international calls for research to fill the current gaps in understanding.
Additionally, the study investigated the use of a Pacific language-friendly brochure-based driver awareness campaign aimed at curbing potentially unsafe post-kava drink-driving. Although well received, the brochure appeared to have minimal immediate impact on participants’ behavior.
However, its value in prompting talanoa (discussion) on the subject was noted, as was the longterm nature of driver safety awareness campaigns.
The study was funded by the Health Research Council of New Zealand (19/002) and the University of Waikato. Cortical Metrics, the developers of the Brain Gauge, generously assisted the project through a substantial donation of hardware and software.

text: Improving road safety and health: Understanding kava’s impact on driver fitness Kava (Piper methysticum) is a traditional and culturally significant Pacific Island beverage that produces soporific relaxant effects. Kava use is increasing in the Pacific islands, and among Pacific diasporic and non-Pacific people.
Users often consume the kava drink at much higher volumes than pharmacologically recommended doses (as much as 30 times greater is not unusual), with some users then driving home from kava use venues.
While there has been a great deal of research using tablets (or capsules) containing selected extracted kavalactones, very little is understood about the psychopharmacological effects of kava when consumed in its natural traditionally influenced form over many hours as is typical in the Pacific community.
Prompted by concerns over potential driver impairment as a result of kava use, this research involved testing the brain function of kava users over the course of a typical kava session (in terms of its duration and kava consumption volumes). The aim was to understand the effects that drinking kava had on driving safety.
Participants in the active group (n=20) attended a 6-hour kava session, each drinking 3.6 litres (6.33 pints) of kava. A non-kava consuming control group (n=19) was also included in the study.
At baseline, all participants were assessed with the Brain Gauge, a somatosensory tool that measures strategic, tactical and operational aspects of brain function. Re-testing was conducted after 3 hours of kava consumption, and again at the conclusion of the test period following the sixth hour of kava drinking.
Analysis of the results compared changes in brain function, both between individuals and the two groups (active and control), before and after the kava drinking session. Statistical modeling was based on t-tests, Wilcoxon signed-rank test [W] and the Mann-Whitney U test (rank sum) [MW], and Bayesian analysis [BF].
The results showed that, for the active participants, the kava consumed had no statistically significant negative impact on their Focus, Accuracy, Timing Perception, Plasticity or Fatigue, when compared with the control group. When active participants (kava drinkers) were compared with other kava users’ in their group, a slight positive increase in the kava users Focus and Fatigue was noted, which could infer increased driver alertness and improved driver safety.
However, the negative impact of the kava on the active participants’ Temporal Order Judgement (“how well [the] brain is able to keep track of the order of events” which is linked to a participant’s executive function) was (strongly) significant at the sixth hour: [MW=0.0119; t=0.007301; BF=6.193058].
This finding – as to the effect of kava on a person’s Temporal Order Judgement (and hence executive function) – is new, and suggests kava at traditionally consumed volumes compromises driver safety, although the nature of this impairment is vastly different to alcohol, cannabis, and other euphoric and hallucinogenic substances.
Because executive function is also linked to Focus, Accuracy, Timing Perception, Plasticity and
Fatigue, the finding was discussed with several psychopharmacologists, who were unable to provide an explanation for the anomaly, but noted that understanding of the effect of traditionally
influenced kava consumption on cognition is still in its infancy.
This study makes a new and significant contribution to understanding kava’s impacts, when consumed at traditional use volumes, on cognition, while also highlighting the huge knowledge gap that exists concerning kava psychopharmacology. The study has highlighted the need for more research to build understanding in this area, which would also assist road policing, particularly from an evidentiary perspective. The study also responded to national and international calls for research to fill the current gaps in understanding.
Additionally, the study investigated the use of a Pacific language-friendly brochure-based driver awareness campaign aimed at curbing potentially unsafe post-kava drink-driving. Although well received, the brochure appeared to have minimal immediate impact on participants’ behavior.
However, its value in prompting talanoa (discussion) on the subject was noted, as was the longterm nature of driver safety awareness campaigns.
The study was funded by the Health Research Council of New Zealand (19/002) and the University of Waikato. Cortical Metrics, the developers of the Brain Gauge, generously assisted the project through a substantial donation of hardware and software.

year: 2021

title: Migrant remittances, Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 7 and energy poverty in Sri Lanka

authors: Wijayarathne, Sandamali

subjects: Remittances

abstract: Modern, clean energy is seen as the golden thread that connects economic growth, human development, and environmental sustainability. However, almost 2.4 billion people worldwide still use solid fuels for cooking, exacerbating energy poverty and endangering human health and the environment. Therefore, this thesis investigated the non-price determinants of cooking fuel choice, including the causal relationship between migrant remittances and both cooking fuel choice and energy poverty. Sri Lanka was used as a case study, using more than 78,000 households from four waves of the Household Income and Expenditure survey from 2009 – 2019. Specifically, this thesis includes three empirical studies and one policy paper related to remittances and energy consumption.

The first study found that household income, household wealth, household head’s characteristics (age, marital status and education), education of spouse, household characteristics (household size and number of children under 5), housing characteristics (number of bedrooms, drinking water source, and housing material), and residential sector (urban vs rural) were significant for selecting clean fuel for cooking, using multinomial logistic analysis. Moreover, the Advanced sustainability analysis showed a strong synergy between SDG 7 (clean energy), SDG 6 (Clean water), and SDG 4 (quality education).

The second study investigated the relationship between migrant remittances and cooking fuel choice by taking household wealth as a mediating variable. Using the propensity score matching method the study found that migrants used about 5.7% more clean fuels for cooking than non-migrant households. Furthermore, the control function approach found that a 1% increase in remittances increased clean cooking fuel use by 0.034 units, and instrumental variable (IV) mediation analysis indicated that household wealth significantly mediated this relationship.

The third study further explored the link between migrant remittances and energy poverty, using income inequality as the mediating variable. Two-Stage-Least-Squares (2SLS) regression results showed that a 10% increase in remittances decreased energy poverty by 0.042 units, while IV mediation analysis indicated that income inequality significantly mediated this relationship.

The final study examined the causes and economic implications of Sri Lanka's current energy crisis, its effect on energy poverty and the attainment of SDG 7. Specifically, the findings of the second and third studies were used to forecast the impact of a decline in migrant remittances of 40% due to the crisis on clean cooking fuel use and energy poverty. A 40% drop in remittances could reduce clean cooking fuel consumption by 0.16 units and increase energy poverty by 0.0016 units. The study concluded that Sri Lanka should encourage migrant remittances to enhance the use of clean cooking fuels and minimize energy poverty in light of the current energy crisis.

text: Migrant remittances, Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 7 and energy poverty in Sri Lanka Modern, clean energy is seen as the golden thread that connects economic growth, human development, and environmental sustainability. However, almost 2.4 billion people worldwide still use solid fuels for cooking, exacerbating energy poverty and endangering human health and the environment. Therefore, this thesis investigated the non-price determinants of cooking fuel choice, including the causal relationship between migrant remittances and both cooking fuel choice and energy poverty. Sri Lanka was used as a case study, using more than 78,000 households from four waves of the Household Income and Expenditure survey from 2009 – 2019. Specifically, this thesis includes three empirical studies and one policy paper related to remittances and energy consumption.

The first study found that household income, household wealth, household head’s characteristics (age, marital status and education), education of spouse, household characteristics (household size and number of children under 5), housing characteristics (number of bedrooms, drinking water source, and housing material), and residential sector (urban vs rural) were significant for selecting clean fuel for cooking, using multinomial logistic analysis. Moreover, the Advanced sustainability analysis showed a strong synergy between SDG 7 (clean energy), SDG 6 (Clean water), and SDG 4 (quality education).

The second study investigated the relationship between migrant remittances and cooking fuel choice by taking household wealth as a mediating variable. Using the propensity score matching method the study found that migrants used about 5.7% more clean fuels for cooking than non-migrant households. Furthermore, the control function approach found that a 1% increase in remittances increased clean cooking fuel use by 0.034 units, and instrumental variable (IV) mediation analysis indicated that household wealth significantly mediated this relationship.

The third study further explored the link between migrant remittances and energy poverty, using income inequality as the mediating variable. Two-Stage-Least-Squares (2SLS) regression results showed that a 10% increase in remittances decreased energy poverty by 0.042 units, while IV mediation analysis indicated that income inequality significantly mediated this relationship.

The final study examined the causes and economic implications of Sri Lanka's current energy crisis, its effect on energy poverty and the attainment of SDG 7. Specifically, the findings of the second and third studies were used to forecast the impact of a decline in migrant remittances of 40% due to the crisis on clean cooking fuel use and energy poverty. A 40% drop in remittances could reduce clean cooking fuel consumption by 0.16 units and increase energy poverty by 0.0016 units. The study concluded that Sri Lanka should encourage migrant remittances to enhance the use of clean cooking fuels and minimize energy poverty in light of the current energy crisis.

year: 2024-04-16

title: Introduction to tephra-derived soils, North Island, New Zealand: University of Waikato and University of Wisconsin-Platteville post-conference Andisol excursion, 21-23 December, 2016

authors: Lowe, David J.

abstract: Provisional itinerary DAY 1 Wednesday 21 December: Mamaku Plateau-Rerewhakaaitu-Lake Tarawera: 1 Goodwin Farm, Tapapa Rd, Tapapa: welded ignimbrite, tephras, loess, buried soils (Tirau soil) - stratigraphy of sequence (230 ka and younger) and upbuilding pedogenesis - Tirau silt loam 2 Brett Rd, Rerewhakaaitu: Holocene tephras and buried soil (Rotomahana soil) - Volcanic landscape, historical importance of area for NZ soil survey - Stratigraphy of sequence (~9.5 cal ka to 10 June 1886 Tarawera eruption) and upbuilding pedogenesis - Rotomahana sandy loam, 3 Ash Pit Rd, Rerewhakaaitu: tephras and buried soils (Matahina soil) - Matahina gravel - buried spodic/podzol soil features, 4 Okareka Loop Rd tephra section with proximal Rotorua Tephra and buried soils, loess, Buried Village Museum, Te Wairoa, Lake Tarawera (Stoney Point). DAY 2 Thursday 22 December: Otorohanga-Waitomo Caves -Pirongia Mountain: 1 Raynes Road section: Ultisol in composite tephra sequence (Kainui soil), 2 Otorohanga Kiwi House, 3 Waitomo Caves,, 4 Pirongia Mountain: Mangakara forest walk, 5 Evening meal on an Andisol. DAY 3 Friday 23 December: Hobbiton, Hamilton gardens including Te Parapara (ancient Maori garden): 1. Hobbiton tour 10.15 am (2 hrs), 2. Hamilton Gardens incl. Te Parapara Garden and human-modified soils (Tamahere soil).

text: Introduction to tephra-derived soils, North Island, New Zealand: University of Waikato and University of Wisconsin-Platteville post-conference Andisol excursion, 21-23 December, 2016 Provisional itinerary DAY 1 Wednesday 21 December: Mamaku Plateau-Rerewhakaaitu-Lake Tarawera: 1 Goodwin Farm, Tapapa Rd, Tapapa: welded ignimbrite, tephras, loess, buried soils (Tirau soil) - stratigraphy of sequence (230 ka and younger) and upbuilding pedogenesis - Tirau silt loam 2 Brett Rd, Rerewhakaaitu: Holocene tephras and buried soil (Rotomahana soil) - Volcanic landscape, historical importance of area for NZ soil survey - Stratigraphy of sequence (~9.5 cal ka to 10 June 1886 Tarawera eruption) and upbuilding pedogenesis - Rotomahana sandy loam, 3 Ash Pit Rd, Rerewhakaaitu: tephras and buried soils (Matahina soil) - Matahina gravel - buried spodic/podzol soil features, 4 Okareka Loop Rd tephra section with proximal Rotorua Tephra and buried soils, loess, Buried Village Museum, Te Wairoa, Lake Tarawera (Stoney Point). DAY 2 Thursday 22 December: Otorohanga-Waitomo Caves -Pirongia Mountain: 1 Raynes Road section: Ultisol in composite tephra sequence (Kainui soil), 2 Otorohanga Kiwi House, 3 Waitomo Caves,, 4 Pirongia Mountain: Mangakara forest walk, 5 Evening meal on an Andisol. DAY 3 Friday 23 December: Hobbiton, Hamilton gardens including Te Parapara (ancient Maori garden): 1. Hobbiton tour 10.15 am (2 hrs), 2. Hamilton Gardens incl. Te Parapara Garden and human-modified soils (Tamahere soil).

year: 2016-12-21