title: Efficient routes to epimerically-pure side-chain derivatives of lanosterol

authors: Kavtaradze, Levan K.

abstract: A technically simple route is described to individual epimers of side-chain derivatives of lanosterol (3-hydroxy-5-lanosta-8,24-diene). Epimerically pure 24,25-epoxy-, 24,25-dihydroxy- and 24-bromo-25-hydroxy-lanosterol have been prepared in good yield from commercial (50-60%) lanosterol. Hypophosphorous acid was used as a catalyst for the cohalogenation of the 24(25) bond and also for the efficient conversion of 24,25-epoxy- and 24-bromo-25-hydroxylanosterol to epimerically pure 24(R) or 24(S)-24,25-dihydroxylanosterols.

text: Efficient routes to epimerically-pure side-chain derivatives of lanosterol A technically simple route is described to individual epimers of side-chain derivatives of lanosterol (3-hydroxy-5-lanosta-8,24-diene). Epimerically pure 24,25-epoxy-, 24,25-dihydroxy- and 24-bromo-25-hydroxy-lanosterol have been prepared in good yield from commercial (50-60%) lanosterol. Hypophosphorous acid was used as a catalyst for the cohalogenation of the 24(25) bond and also for the efficient conversion of 24,25-epoxy- and 24-bromo-25-hydroxylanosterol to epimerically pure 24(R) or 24(S)-24,25-dihydroxylanosterols.

year: 2004-01-01

title: Photography and placemaking

authors: Hill, Rodrigo

subjects: Photography

abstract: This essay delves into broad discussions around photography and place-making, with an emphasis on the photographs produced in the course of the A-Place project. As a starting point, the essay will introduce and discuss the intricate relationships between photography and place-making, establishing a historical timeline and contextual overview of pivotal moments. These contextual discussions serve as a foundation to subsequent discursive and visual analytical commentary on the photographs. In addition, the historical overview and contrasting views on place and ways of placemaking offer valuable points of reflection on how photography has become integrated into various projects, agendas, and modes of representing places. These reflections lead us to the present, a compelling period characterised by the interplay of various camera technologies and lens-based modes of representation which are in a constant state of visual flux and change, shaping our contemporary understandings and ways of perceiving the world.

From the outset, I explore key ideas related to the invention of photography and how it quickly became integrated into the agenda of place representation and making. Subsequently, I engage in discussions concerning the notions of place and placemaking. The term “placemaking” is critically examined in the context of photographic imagery and practice, emphasising the intrinsic connection to the subjective processes of perception and understanding. This exploration highlights how photographic practices and imagery are utilised to probe the various dimensions of place which are rooted in memory, affect, and cultural perception. I posit that photographic practices are inherent to our daily lives and also part of an agenda of understanding places as means to placemaking. In this context, placemaking encompasses various facets related to the process of developing, consolidating, and asserting understandings of a place through and with photography. In other words, placemaking intersects with photography through pathways of knowing, experiencing, disseminating, and making places. These contextual discussions serve as a foundation for subsequent analysis and commentary on the A-Place archive of photographs.

My focus is on a specific subset of images aiming to provide broader insights into particular aspects connected to the photographs, including their patterns, explorations, subject matter, approaches, and genres. Thus, the intention is not to critique every photograph but rather to present overarching critical reflections and discussions on a selected collection. I will begin by examining the relationship between photography, place representation, and placemaking processes.

text: Photography and placemaking This essay delves into broad discussions around photography and place-making, with an emphasis on the photographs produced in the course of the A-Place project. As a starting point, the essay will introduce and discuss the intricate relationships between photography and place-making, establishing a historical timeline and contextual overview of pivotal moments. These contextual discussions serve as a foundation to subsequent discursive and visual analytical commentary on the photographs. In addition, the historical overview and contrasting views on place and ways of placemaking offer valuable points of reflection on how photography has become integrated into various projects, agendas, and modes of representing places. These reflections lead us to the present, a compelling period characterised by the interplay of various camera technologies and lens-based modes of representation which are in a constant state of visual flux and change, shaping our contemporary understandings and ways of perceiving the world.

From the outset, I explore key ideas related to the invention of photography and how it quickly became integrated into the agenda of place representation and making. Subsequently, I engage in discussions concerning the notions of place and placemaking. The term “placemaking” is critically examined in the context of photographic imagery and practice, emphasising the intrinsic connection to the subjective processes of perception and understanding. This exploration highlights how photographic practices and imagery are utilised to probe the various dimensions of place which are rooted in memory, affect, and cultural perception. I posit that photographic practices are inherent to our daily lives and also part of an agenda of understanding places as means to placemaking. In this context, placemaking encompasses various facets related to the process of developing, consolidating, and asserting understandings of a place through and with photography. In other words, placemaking intersects with photography through pathways of knowing, experiencing, disseminating, and making places. These contextual discussions serve as a foundation for subsequent analysis and commentary on the A-Place archive of photographs.

My focus is on a specific subset of images aiming to provide broader insights into particular aspects connected to the photographs, including their patterns, explorations, subject matter, approaches, and genres. Thus, the intention is not to critique every photograph but rather to present overarching critical reflections and discussions on a selected collection. I will begin by examining the relationship between photography, place representation, and placemaking processes.

year: 2025

title: An examination of DHB climate change policy and implementation: Responsiveness to Māori health

authors: Powell, Elisha

abstract: The impacts of climate change have become increasingly evident throughout the world and in Aotearoa. Frequency and intensity of extreme weather events such as flooding, coastal erosion, wildfires, and droughts are notably increasing. Climate-related disasters have devastating effects on human health, as is well documented in literature. These effects include cardiovascular disease, poorer mental health, food insecurity and water borne disease. 

Due to pre-existing health disparities, Māori are particularly vulnerable to the health impacts of climate change. Further, Māori have unique relationships with whenua wherein destruction of the natural environment will have a negative impact on the health of Māori people and communities. The health sector has an obligation to respond to Māori health in a way that honours Māori relationships with the environment and prioritises equitable health outcomes for Māori in climate change policy. 

Although Māori face potentially severe health impacts due to climate change, there is limited literature that considers health sector climate change policy and its responsiveness to Māori health. In an effort to address this gap in literature, this thesis aims to examine whether there is existing District Health Board (DHB) policy focused on implementing institutional responses to climate change. Further, this research seeks to understand the extent to which any identified DHB climate change policy responds to Māori health. 

At the time of study, DHBs were responsible for providing and funding health services throughout Aotearoa. During the late stages of this research, the health sector underwent reform, and two health authorities have replaced DHBs. The implications of this research have important ramifications within the newly established health authorities. A dedicated Māori health authority will provide the health sector with the chance to advance health equity by acting on holistic understandings of health for Māori. These actions would establish health policy that recognises Māori health as fundamentally linked to the environment and therefore uniquely impacted by climate change. 

To achieve the aims of this thesis, two research methods were implemented. Initially, an environmental scan of 17 DHB websites was completed to identify climate change and Māori health policies. This was followed by qualitative interviews with three DHB staff from diverse localities. Additionally, tāngata whenua interviews from the wider research project named Haumanu Hauora, were analysed to ensure Māori understandings of climate change were included in this research (Masters-Awatere et al., 2022). 

Research findings provide insights that point to highly fragmented climate change policies across the health sector. There is a glaring lack of direction in the health sector's response to climate change throughout existing policy. Māori health policies were in place across all DHBs, however, lacked recognition of the interconnection between Māori health and the natural environment, and therefore the impacts of climate change. 

Although policy was fragmented across regions, there is potential to enhance both climate change and Māori health policies by recognising the interconnected nature of Māori health and climate change. This will necessitate a significant change in the health systems policy response to climate change that prioritises mātauranga Māori and addresses the ongoing impacts of colonisation.

text: An examination of DHB climate change policy and implementation: Responsiveness to Māori health The impacts of climate change have become increasingly evident throughout the world and in Aotearoa. Frequency and intensity of extreme weather events such as flooding, coastal erosion, wildfires, and droughts are notably increasing. Climate-related disasters have devastating effects on human health, as is well documented in literature. These effects include cardiovascular disease, poorer mental health, food insecurity and water borne disease. 

Due to pre-existing health disparities, Māori are particularly vulnerable to the health impacts of climate change. Further, Māori have unique relationships with whenua wherein destruction of the natural environment will have a negative impact on the health of Māori people and communities. The health sector has an obligation to respond to Māori health in a way that honours Māori relationships with the environment and prioritises equitable health outcomes for Māori in climate change policy. 

Although Māori face potentially severe health impacts due to climate change, there is limited literature that considers health sector climate change policy and its responsiveness to Māori health. In an effort to address this gap in literature, this thesis aims to examine whether there is existing District Health Board (DHB) policy focused on implementing institutional responses to climate change. Further, this research seeks to understand the extent to which any identified DHB climate change policy responds to Māori health. 

At the time of study, DHBs were responsible for providing and funding health services throughout Aotearoa. During the late stages of this research, the health sector underwent reform, and two health authorities have replaced DHBs. The implications of this research have important ramifications within the newly established health authorities. A dedicated Māori health authority will provide the health sector with the chance to advance health equity by acting on holistic understandings of health for Māori. These actions would establish health policy that recognises Māori health as fundamentally linked to the environment and therefore uniquely impacted by climate change. 

To achieve the aims of this thesis, two research methods were implemented. Initially, an environmental scan of 17 DHB websites was completed to identify climate change and Māori health policies. This was followed by qualitative interviews with three DHB staff from diverse localities. Additionally, tāngata whenua interviews from the wider research project named Haumanu Hauora, were analysed to ensure Māori understandings of climate change were included in this research (Masters-Awatere et al., 2022). 

Research findings provide insights that point to highly fragmented climate change policies across the health sector. There is a glaring lack of direction in the health sector's response to climate change throughout existing policy. Māori health policies were in place across all DHBs, however, lacked recognition of the interconnection between Māori health and the natural environment, and therefore the impacts of climate change. 

Although policy was fragmented across regions, there is potential to enhance both climate change and Māori health policies by recognising the interconnected nature of Māori health and climate change. This will necessitate a significant change in the health systems policy response to climate change that prioritises mātauranga Māori and addresses the ongoing impacts of colonisation.

year: 2025