title: eDNA-based detection of New Zealand freshwater mussel (kākahi) populations using digital PCR

authors: Ferris, Kelsey

subjects: eDNA

abstract: Globally, freshwater mussels are one of the most endangered taxa due to pollution, nutrient loading, habitat fragmentation, and species introduction attributable to anthropogenic activities. New Zealand freshwater mussels (kākahi) are ecological engineers and integral species in freshwater ecosystems. However, kākahi populations are expected to decline 70% by 2024 in part due to their unique reproductive cycle involving an obligatory phoretic relationship with declining native fish. Kākahi distribution and abundance throughout New Zealand is poorly understood due to time-consuming surveying techniques of concealed and morphologically cryptic species. A rapid and reliable method is required for the detection and identification of these ‘Threatened’ kākahi populations for conservation and management. Therefore, this study aimed to i) validate an environmental DNA (eDNA) based detection method for New Zealand freshwater mussels using digital PCR (dPCR); ii) determine the most appropriate sampling season for kākahi eDNA; and iii) determine whether eDNA could be used to detect effects of fish barriers on kākahi distribution.
In vivo trials determined that filtration of field samples within 24 hours of collection minimised eDNA degradation and that prefiltration effectively removed inhibitory detritus and glochidia. The lowest concentration of eDNA which could accurately be detected to infer abundance (≥3.2 copies/µL) or presence (0.32-3.19 copies/µL) of kākahi eDNA was determined.  Duplicate field samples were collected from the Waingaro River and Kahuhuru Stream at sites downstream of fish barriers and upstream of low-flow or all-flow barriers in December, May, and August to investigate spatial and temporal variation in eDNA concentrations. As hypothesised, December was the most effective month to sample, yielding the highest eDNA concentrations due to reduced dilution and heightened water temperatures. Based on eDNA, kākahi species distribution did not appear correlated with fish barriers, but all-flow barriers likely impeded fish host movement to significantly reduce the total kākahi eDNA concentrations found upstream. 
eDNA detection can be used by regional councils to effectively infer presence/absence of kākahi populations and direct further conventional surveying efforts to the most impactful locations. This method allows rapid determination of distribution and densities at a national scale to aid conservation management of this taonga (treasured) species.

text: eDNA-based detection of New Zealand freshwater mussel (kākahi) populations using digital PCR Globally, freshwater mussels are one of the most endangered taxa due to pollution, nutrient loading, habitat fragmentation, and species introduction attributable to anthropogenic activities. New Zealand freshwater mussels (kākahi) are ecological engineers and integral species in freshwater ecosystems. However, kākahi populations are expected to decline 70% by 2024 in part due to their unique reproductive cycle involving an obligatory phoretic relationship with declining native fish. Kākahi distribution and abundance throughout New Zealand is poorly understood due to time-consuming surveying techniques of concealed and morphologically cryptic species. A rapid and reliable method is required for the detection and identification of these ‘Threatened’ kākahi populations for conservation and management. Therefore, this study aimed to i) validate an environmental DNA (eDNA) based detection method for New Zealand freshwater mussels using digital PCR (dPCR); ii) determine the most appropriate sampling season for kākahi eDNA; and iii) determine whether eDNA could be used to detect effects of fish barriers on kākahi distribution.
In vivo trials determined that filtration of field samples within 24 hours of collection minimised eDNA degradation and that prefiltration effectively removed inhibitory detritus and glochidia. The lowest concentration of eDNA which could accurately be detected to infer abundance (≥3.2 copies/µL) or presence (0.32-3.19 copies/µL) of kākahi eDNA was determined.  Duplicate field samples were collected from the Waingaro River and Kahuhuru Stream at sites downstream of fish barriers and upstream of low-flow or all-flow barriers in December, May, and August to investigate spatial and temporal variation in eDNA concentrations. As hypothesised, December was the most effective month to sample, yielding the highest eDNA concentrations due to reduced dilution and heightened water temperatures. Based on eDNA, kākahi species distribution did not appear correlated with fish barriers, but all-flow barriers likely impeded fish host movement to significantly reduce the total kākahi eDNA concentrations found upstream. 
eDNA detection can be used by regional councils to effectively infer presence/absence of kākahi populations and direct further conventional surveying efforts to the most impactful locations. This method allows rapid determination of distribution and densities at a national scale to aid conservation management of this taonga (treasured) species.

year: 2020

title: Whānau mentoring, Māori youth and crime

authors: Joseph, Robert

abstract: This article will discuss how the whänau was the traditional institution for teaching and nurturing children through (among other things) effective mentoring, and how children were taught tikanga, or the ‘right way’ to think, speak, act and become. Traditional leadership development, whänau dysfunction and whänau renewal are also discussed, followed by my conclusions. This article will not be discussing the place of colonisation, high unemployment, lower education rates and other socio-economic disparities among Mäori that play a part in the causes and perpetuation of Mäori youth and crime. A discussion on the Treaty of Waitangi, indigenous rights, and Mäori development is also omitted although the importance of each of these areas is acknowledged. As the theme of this issue of Childrenz Issues is ‘seeking pathways beyond colonisation’, the focus of this article is on Mäori dealing appropriately with the problems of Mäori youth and crime through effective mentoring within the institution of the whänau.

text: Whānau mentoring, Māori youth and crime This article will discuss how the whänau was the traditional institution for teaching and nurturing children through (among other things) effective mentoring, and how children were taught tikanga, or the ‘right way’ to think, speak, act and become. Traditional leadership development, whänau dysfunction and whänau renewal are also discussed, followed by my conclusions. This article will not be discussing the place of colonisation, high unemployment, lower education rates and other socio-economic disparities among Mäori that play a part in the causes and perpetuation of Mäori youth and crime. A discussion on the Treaty of Waitangi, indigenous rights, and Mäori development is also omitted although the importance of each of these areas is acknowledged. As the theme of this issue of Childrenz Issues is ‘seeking pathways beyond colonisation’, the focus of this article is on Mäori dealing appropriately with the problems of Mäori youth and crime through effective mentoring within the institution of the whänau.

year: 2007-01

title: Flipped classroom learning in a first-year undergraduate engineering course

authors: Khoo, Elaine G.L.

abstract: Flipped classrooms support student-centred learning and are increasingly being adopted in institutions of higher learning worldwide. This paper is a report on the findings of a two-year funded project conducted on the impact of adopting a flipped classroom approach on first-year undergraduate engineering students’ learning in a New Zealand university. A designbased methodology was adopted to allow for five iterative course refinements. Data collected through student achievement data, surveys, focus group interviews, observations and video analytics of student video-watching behaviour indicated a significant improvement in students’ learning and that they valued the flipped course components such as the lecturercreated instructional videos, in-class problem-solving exercises and continuous assessment in supporting their learning. However not all students prefer learning through this approach and more scaffolding is needed for first-year students to take up responsibility for their own learning. Implications for practice are offered.

text: Flipped classroom learning in a first-year undergraduate engineering course Flipped classrooms support student-centred learning and are increasingly being adopted in institutions of higher learning worldwide. This paper is a report on the findings of a two-year funded project conducted on the impact of adopting a flipped classroom approach on first-year undergraduate engineering students’ learning in a New Zealand university. A designbased methodology was adopted to allow for five iterative course refinements. Data collected through student achievement data, surveys, focus group interviews, observations and video analytics of student video-watching behaviour indicated a significant improvement in students’ learning and that they valued the flipped course components such as the lecturercreated instructional videos, in-class problem-solving exercises and continuous assessment in supporting their learning. However not all students prefer learning through this approach and more scaffolding is needed for first-year students to take up responsibility for their own learning. Implications for practice are offered.

year: 2018