title: Invasion Expansion: Time since introduction best predicts global ranges of marine invaders.

authors: Byers, James E.

abstract: Strategies for managing biological invasions are often based on the premise that characteristics of invading species and the invaded environment are key predictors of the invader's distribution. Yet, for either biological traits or environmental characteristics to explain distribution, adequate time must have elapsed for species to spread to all potential habitats. We compiled and analyzed a database of natural history and ecological traits of 138 coastal marine invertebrate species, the environmental conditions at sites to which they have been introduced, and their date of first introduction. We found that time since introduction explained the largest fraction (20%) of the variability in non-native range size, while traits of the species and environmental variables had significant, but minimal, influence on non-native range size. The positive relationship between time since introduction and range size indicates that non-native marine invertebrate species are not at equilibrium and are still spreading, posing a major challenge for management of coastal ecosystems.

text: Invasion Expansion: Time since introduction best predicts global ranges of marine invaders. Strategies for managing biological invasions are often based on the premise that characteristics of invading species and the invaded environment are key predictors of the invader's distribution. Yet, for either biological traits or environmental characteristics to explain distribution, adequate time must have elapsed for species to spread to all potential habitats. We compiled and analyzed a database of natural history and ecological traits of 138 coastal marine invertebrate species, the environmental conditions at sites to which they have been introduced, and their date of first introduction. We found that time since introduction explained the largest fraction (20%) of the variability in non-native range size, while traits of the species and environmental variables had significant, but minimal, influence on non-native range size. The positive relationship between time since introduction and range size indicates that non-native marine invertebrate species are not at equilibrium and are still spreading, posing a major challenge for management of coastal ecosystems.

year: 2015

title: The role of mindfulness and life satisfaction in psychological distress during the first COVID-19 lockdown in Aotearoa/New Zealand:  A quasi-experimental study

authors: Hartstone, Jayne Madeline

subjects: COVID-19

abstract: By November 2021, almost every country and territory in the world had been affected by COVID-19. The virus has caused over 5 million deaths and more than 248 million cases worldwide. Fear of infection, grief, social isolation and financial concerns caused by the pandemic are triggering mental health conditions and exacerbating existing ones. Quantitative research on the psychological effects of lockdown conditions during the COVID-19 pandemic is needed to inform mental health interventions which aim to alleviate potential adverse effects. The goal of this study was to investigate psychological distress during the lockdown in Aotearoa/New Zealand. To achieve this goal, a longitudinal quasi-experimental research design using a sample (n = 81) who completed surveys on mindfulness, satisfaction with life and mental health indicators at three time-points, separated by at least two-week intervals was implemented. The sample was divided into two parts, the baseline group (n = 44) and the lockdown group (n = 37). The baseline group completed the surveys the first time prior to lockdown and mostly completed the second and third surveys during lockdown. The lockdown group mostly completed the survey for the first time during lockdown and the second and third surveys during or after lockdown. Mindfulness and satisfaction with life at baseline significantly predicted lower levels of depression, anxiety and stress during uncertain and emergency conditions before and during lockdown. The baseline group experienced significantly less anxiety and stress during lockdown compared to just prior to the lockdown (baseline condition). The results demonstrated that individuals who have higher levels of mindfulness and those with greater life satisfaction experienced significantly less depression, anxiety and stress over time, during both uncertain and emergency conditions such as during the threat of COVID-19. The finding of anxiety and stress reduction during lockdown may be specific to Aotearoa/New Zealand, as conditions differ in many ways from those in other countries. Preventative measures which increase mindfulness and satisfaction with life could help alleviate depression, anxiety and stress during uncertain and emergency conditions comparable to the COVID-19 pandemic.

text: The role of mindfulness and life satisfaction in psychological distress during the first COVID-19 lockdown in Aotearoa/New Zealand:  A quasi-experimental study By November 2021, almost every country and territory in the world had been affected by COVID-19. The virus has caused over 5 million deaths and more than 248 million cases worldwide. Fear of infection, grief, social isolation and financial concerns caused by the pandemic are triggering mental health conditions and exacerbating existing ones. Quantitative research on the psychological effects of lockdown conditions during the COVID-19 pandemic is needed to inform mental health interventions which aim to alleviate potential adverse effects. The goal of this study was to investigate psychological distress during the lockdown in Aotearoa/New Zealand. To achieve this goal, a longitudinal quasi-experimental research design using a sample (n = 81) who completed surveys on mindfulness, satisfaction with life and mental health indicators at three time-points, separated by at least two-week intervals was implemented. The sample was divided into two parts, the baseline group (n = 44) and the lockdown group (n = 37). The baseline group completed the surveys the first time prior to lockdown and mostly completed the second and third surveys during lockdown. The lockdown group mostly completed the survey for the first time during lockdown and the second and third surveys during or after lockdown. Mindfulness and satisfaction with life at baseline significantly predicted lower levels of depression, anxiety and stress during uncertain and emergency conditions before and during lockdown. The baseline group experienced significantly less anxiety and stress during lockdown compared to just prior to the lockdown (baseline condition). The results demonstrated that individuals who have higher levels of mindfulness and those with greater life satisfaction experienced significantly less depression, anxiety and stress over time, during both uncertain and emergency conditions such as during the threat of COVID-19. The finding of anxiety and stress reduction during lockdown may be specific to Aotearoa/New Zealand, as conditions differ in many ways from those in other countries. Preventative measures which increase mindfulness and satisfaction with life could help alleviate depression, anxiety and stress during uncertain and emergency conditions comparable to the COVID-19 pandemic.

year: 2021

title: Wāhine Māori entrepreneurs and business growth: The power of social and cultural capital

authors: MacDonald, Tui

subjects: Māori enterprise

abstract: This paper examines how social and cultural capital support wāhine Māori entrepreneurs as founders to grow their businesses. The findings are based on the first of three rounds of interviews with 10 wāhine Māori entrepreneurs in Aotearoa New Zealand who have or are undergoing business growth. The results extend on previous Indigenous entrepreneurship research 
showing the benefits of social and cultural capital. This research highlights how wāhine Māori entrepreneurs can pursue business growth while maintaining their community and cultural identity. 
This topic has been selected as part of a broader doctoral study examining wāhine Māori entrepreneurs 
and business growth, which focuses on the cultural, social, and economic enablers and challenges.

text: Wāhine Māori entrepreneurs and business growth: The power of social and cultural capital This paper examines how social and cultural capital support wāhine Māori entrepreneurs as founders to grow their businesses. The findings are based on the first of three rounds of interviews with 10 wāhine Māori entrepreneurs in Aotearoa New Zealand who have or are undergoing business growth. The results extend on previous Indigenous entrepreneurship research 
showing the benefits of social and cultural capital. This research highlights how wāhine Māori entrepreneurs can pursue business growth while maintaining their community and cultural identity. 
This topic has been selected as part of a broader doctoral study examining wāhine Māori entrepreneurs 
and business growth, which focuses on the cultural, social, and economic enablers and challenges.

year: 2024