title: Resilience and recovery of Bratina Island meltwater pond microbial communities to environmental change

authors: Colville, Elizabeth Catherine

abstract: 16S rRNA sequencing of three Bratina Island meltwater ponds has revealed the response of microbial communities within cyanobacterial mats exposed to shading and desiccation as environmental stressors. The resilience of these communities is perhaps not surprising considering the extreme environmental conditions they consistently face in these habitats. It was postulated that cyanobacteria will remain the dominant primary producers across the ponds when exposed to shading and desiccation, because they are known to possess adaptations to these stresses. Similar to research in other studies, it was found that three phyla: Cyanobacteria, Bacteroidota and Proteobacteria make up the majority of the diversity in these communities, but their dominance shifted between shading and desiccation samples. The most obvious changes occurred in desiccation samples, where the abundance of cyanobacteria dropped to less than 10% in some samples. Predicted functional changes in gene sets involved in photosynthesis and methanogenesis were also investigated, and unexpectedly, predicted functional changes in methanogenesis only occurred in one pond.
This thesis describes the microbial ecology of Bratina Island meltwater ponds, and the effect of desiccation and shading as environmental stressors on the diversity. It also addresses potential functional changes within these communities. Although, more extensive research into archaeal and eukaryotic communities alongside changes in physiochemical parameters within each pond is needed to fully understand how shading and desiccation effects the resilience and resistance of microbial communities within meltwater ponds.

text: Resilience and recovery of Bratina Island meltwater pond microbial communities to environmental change 16S rRNA sequencing of three Bratina Island meltwater ponds has revealed the response of microbial communities within cyanobacterial mats exposed to shading and desiccation as environmental stressors. The resilience of these communities is perhaps not surprising considering the extreme environmental conditions they consistently face in these habitats. It was postulated that cyanobacteria will remain the dominant primary producers across the ponds when exposed to shading and desiccation, because they are known to possess adaptations to these stresses. Similar to research in other studies, it was found that three phyla: Cyanobacteria, Bacteroidota and Proteobacteria make up the majority of the diversity in these communities, but their dominance shifted between shading and desiccation samples. The most obvious changes occurred in desiccation samples, where the abundance of cyanobacteria dropped to less than 10% in some samples. Predicted functional changes in gene sets involved in photosynthesis and methanogenesis were also investigated, and unexpectedly, predicted functional changes in methanogenesis only occurred in one pond.
This thesis describes the microbial ecology of Bratina Island meltwater ponds, and the effect of desiccation and shading as environmental stressors on the diversity. It also addresses potential functional changes within these communities. Although, more extensive research into archaeal and eukaryotic communities alongside changes in physiochemical parameters within each pond is needed to fully understand how shading and desiccation effects the resilience and resistance of microbial communities within meltwater ponds.

year: 2020

title: An empirical investigation of agency costs and ownership structure in unlisted small businesses

authors: Wellalage, Nirosha Hewa

subjects: agency costs

abstract: The study uses panel data to investigate agency costs, both principal-agent (PA) and principal-principal (PP), in 240 small businesses not listed on the New Zealand Stock Exchange. Results show that both forms of agency cost vary according to industry, the life of the business and size. The results indicate that the degree of owner involvement in the business influences firm PA and PP agency costs. Moreover, this study finds non-linear relationship between agency costs and ownership structure align with convergence of interest hypothesis and managerial entrenchment hypothesis. It is noted that the distortion between equity returns and debt returns gives rise to a preference for quasi-equity and distorts the productive base and effective pricing of risk. The analysis indicates there is considerable variability in the burden of agency cost and that this raises the potential for regulatory and policy reforms that may enhance the productivity and growth in the sector.

text: An empirical investigation of agency costs and ownership structure in unlisted small businesses The study uses panel data to investigate agency costs, both principal-agent (PA) and principal-principal (PP), in 240 small businesses not listed on the New Zealand Stock Exchange. Results show that both forms of agency cost vary according to industry, the life of the business and size. The results indicate that the degree of owner involvement in the business influences firm PA and PP agency costs. Moreover, this study finds non-linear relationship between agency costs and ownership structure align with convergence of interest hypothesis and managerial entrenchment hypothesis. It is noted that the distortion between equity returns and debt returns gives rise to a preference for quasi-equity and distorts the productive base and effective pricing of risk. The analysis indicates there is considerable variability in the burden of agency cost and that this raises the potential for regulatory and policy reforms that may enhance the productivity and growth in the sector.

year: 2012

title: Ārai Whakamōmori: An Exploration of Te Whakaruruhau’s Suicide Prevention Strategy

authors: Jones, Waikorihiata Georgina-Ann Marama

subjects: Te Whakaruruhau, suicide, suicide prevention, indigenous suicide prevention, women’s refuge.

abstract: Te Whakaruruhau, Waikato Women’s Refuge, have been able to achieve a suicide free environment for their clients for over 31 years. This research sought to understand how Te Whakaruruhau have been successful in preventing suicide for women and their partners. Intimate partner violence is closely associated with suicide risk, depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder, and helplessness and hopelessness. Interviews were held with 11 staff using kaupapa Māori (principles/philosophies) methodologies of: kānohi kitea (greeting, meeting face to face), ako Māori (learning, teaching, reciprocity, cultural pedagogy) and manaaki ki te tangata (caring, hosting people). A thematic analysis provided four main themes: identifying safety and risk issues, prevention methods, following tīkanga, and training and supervision. Sub themes that supported and expanded on each main theme showed that staff interacted and cared for their clients using distinctly Māori worldviews and practices of tīkanga: manner of approach, mā te whakarongo and kōrero (listening and talking), awhi (support), redirecting the focus, and whakamana (to empower), to prevent suicide with their clients. As Te Whakaruruhau is founded on principles of kaupapa Māori, it was evident that staff responded to their clients using manaakitanga (to care for, show respect), aroha (show love, empathy and sympathy), awhi, both physical and emotional support, and whakawhanaungatanga (relationship). A concern for staff was the lack of resourcing to access appropriate training and supervision which they felt impacted on their ability to do their job well. The implications of this study are that more training, specifically around suicide awareness, and mentoring and guidance is needed for staff to continue to provide a suicide free space. Also, this research serves to guide the formation of an indigenous national suicide prevention strategy for clients who access refuges. Ultimately, the research is for families who experience disruptions to their lives through violence offering a pathway and place for them to recover and rebuild their lives.

text: Ārai Whakamōmori: An Exploration of Te Whakaruruhau’s Suicide Prevention Strategy Te Whakaruruhau, Waikato Women’s Refuge, have been able to achieve a suicide free environment for their clients for over 31 years. This research sought to understand how Te Whakaruruhau have been successful in preventing suicide for women and their partners. Intimate partner violence is closely associated with suicide risk, depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder, and helplessness and hopelessness. Interviews were held with 11 staff using kaupapa Māori (principles/philosophies) methodologies of: kānohi kitea (greeting, meeting face to face), ako Māori (learning, teaching, reciprocity, cultural pedagogy) and manaaki ki te tangata (caring, hosting people). A thematic analysis provided four main themes: identifying safety and risk issues, prevention methods, following tīkanga, and training and supervision. Sub themes that supported and expanded on each main theme showed that staff interacted and cared for their clients using distinctly Māori worldviews and practices of tīkanga: manner of approach, mā te whakarongo and kōrero (listening and talking), awhi (support), redirecting the focus, and whakamana (to empower), to prevent suicide with their clients. As Te Whakaruruhau is founded on principles of kaupapa Māori, it was evident that staff responded to their clients using manaakitanga (to care for, show respect), aroha (show love, empathy and sympathy), awhi, both physical and emotional support, and whakawhanaungatanga (relationship). A concern for staff was the lack of resourcing to access appropriate training and supervision which they felt impacted on their ability to do their job well. The implications of this study are that more training, specifically around suicide awareness, and mentoring and guidance is needed for staff to continue to provide a suicide free space. Also, this research serves to guide the formation of an indigenous national suicide prevention strategy for clients who access refuges. Ultimately, the research is for families who experience disruptions to their lives through violence offering a pathway and place for them to recover and rebuild their lives.

year: 2017