title: Nitrogen fixation in the New Zealand mangrove (Avicennia marina (Forsk.) Vierh. var. resinifera (Forst f.) Bakh.)

authors: Hicks, Brendan J.

subjects: biology

abstract: Nitrogenase activity in mangrove forests at two locations in the North Island, New Zealand, was measured by acetylene reduction and 15N2 uptake. Nitrogenase activity (C2H2 reduction) in surface sediments 0 to 10 mm deep was highly correlated (r = 0.91, n = 17) with the dry weight of decomposing particulate organic matter in the sediment and was independent of light. The activity was not correlated with the dry weight of roots in the top 10 mm of sediment (r = –0.01, n = 13). Seasonal and sample variation in acetylene reduction rates ranged from 0.4 to 50.0 µmol of C2H4 m–2 h–1 under air, and acetylene reduction was depressed in anaerobic atmospheres. Nitrogen fixation rates of decomposing leaves from the surface measured by 15N2 uptake ranged from 5.1 to 7.8 nmol of N2 g (dry weight)–1 h–1, and the mean molar ratio of acetylene reduced to nitrogen fixed was 4.5:1. Anaerobic conditions depressed the nitrogenase activity in decomposing leaves, which was independent of light. Nitrogenase activity was also found to be associated with pneumatophores. This activity was light dependent and was probably attributable to one or more species of Calothrix present as an epiphyte. Rates of activity were generally between 100 and 500 nmol of C2H4 pneumatophore–1 h–1 in summer, but values up to 1,500 nmol of C2H4 pneumatophore–1 h–1 were obtained.

text: Nitrogen fixation in the New Zealand mangrove (Avicennia marina (Forsk.) Vierh. var. resinifera (Forst f.) Bakh.) Nitrogenase activity in mangrove forests at two locations in the North Island, New Zealand, was measured by acetylene reduction and 15N2 uptake. Nitrogenase activity (C2H2 reduction) in surface sediments 0 to 10 mm deep was highly correlated (r = 0.91, n = 17) with the dry weight of decomposing particulate organic matter in the sediment and was independent of light. The activity was not correlated with the dry weight of roots in the top 10 mm of sediment (r = –0.01, n = 13). Seasonal and sample variation in acetylene reduction rates ranged from 0.4 to 50.0 µmol of C2H4 m–2 h–1 under air, and acetylene reduction was depressed in anaerobic atmospheres. Nitrogen fixation rates of decomposing leaves from the surface measured by 15N2 uptake ranged from 5.1 to 7.8 nmol of N2 g (dry weight)–1 h–1, and the mean molar ratio of acetylene reduced to nitrogen fixed was 4.5:1. Anaerobic conditions depressed the nitrogenase activity in decomposing leaves, which was independent of light. Nitrogenase activity was also found to be associated with pneumatophores. This activity was light dependent and was probably attributable to one or more species of Calothrix present as an epiphyte. Rates of activity were generally between 100 and 500 nmol of C2H4 pneumatophore–1 h–1 in summer, but values up to 1,500 nmol of C2H4 pneumatophore–1 h–1 were obtained.

year: 1985

title: Positive effects of nonwork-to-work facilitation on well-being in work, family and personal domains

authors: Allis, Pam

subjects: family

abstract: Purpose – The paper seeks to examine whether spillover from “nonwork” to work contributes to individuals' well-being.

Design/methodology/approach – An online survey was administered to New Zealand local government employees. Positive (facilitation) and negative (conflict) spillover from two “nonwork” domains (family and personal benefit activities) to work were investigated. The survey also assessed psychological involvement (in work, family and personal benefit activities), time devoted to each domain, and self-reported well-being in each area.

Findings – Levels of nonwork-to-work facilitation were moderate, and significantly higher than nonwork-to-work conflict, and well-being was moderately high (although greater for the family and personal benefit domains than for work). There were significant positive relationships between psychological involvement in the nonwork domains and levels of facilitation from these domains to work, and nonwork-to-work facilitation was associated with higher well-being. Time invested in family and personal activities was not linked with greater nonwork-to-work conflict. Mediation analyses indicated that psychological involvement (in family and personal activities) was associated with increased facilitation, which in turn enhanced well-being.

Practical implications – Engagement in family and personal benefit activities yields positive outcomes for individuals, in terms of their psychological well-being and facilitation of work-related outcomes. Encouragement to engage in these areas can therefore be beneficial for both individuals and their employing organizations.

Originality/value – The main contribution of this research is that involvement in personal benefit activities (as another component of the “nonwork” domain, in addition to family activities) can have positive outcomes for individuals, resulting in facilitation of work outcomes and positive well-being.

text: Positive effects of nonwork-to-work facilitation on well-being in work, family and personal domains Purpose – The paper seeks to examine whether spillover from “nonwork” to work contributes to individuals' well-being.

Design/methodology/approach – An online survey was administered to New Zealand local government employees. Positive (facilitation) and negative (conflict) spillover from two “nonwork” domains (family and personal benefit activities) to work were investigated. The survey also assessed psychological involvement (in work, family and personal benefit activities), time devoted to each domain, and self-reported well-being in each area.

Findings – Levels of nonwork-to-work facilitation were moderate, and significantly higher than nonwork-to-work conflict, and well-being was moderately high (although greater for the family and personal benefit domains than for work). There were significant positive relationships between psychological involvement in the nonwork domains and levels of facilitation from these domains to work, and nonwork-to-work facilitation was associated with higher well-being. Time invested in family and personal activities was not linked with greater nonwork-to-work conflict. Mediation analyses indicated that psychological involvement (in family and personal activities) was associated with increased facilitation, which in turn enhanced well-being.

Practical implications – Engagement in family and personal benefit activities yields positive outcomes for individuals, in terms of their psychological well-being and facilitation of work-related outcomes. Encouragement to engage in these areas can therefore be beneficial for both individuals and their employing organizations.

Originality/value – The main contribution of this research is that involvement in personal benefit activities (as another component of the “nonwork” domain, in addition to family activities) can have positive outcomes for individuals, resulting in facilitation of work outcomes and positive well-being.

year: 2008

title: Tihei Mauri Ora: A Māori response to health disparities

authors: Waitoa, Alieta Jei

subjects: Maori

abstract: Māori bear a disproportionate burden of health problems which, in concert with other factors (e.g. poor housing, low socio-economic status and low education attainment), contribute to and maintain low health status. It is noted that there have been multiple attempts to reduce health inequities – however, such attempts have been largely unsuccessful. Barriers to success include government reticence, restrictions on Māori participation in determining health directions/solutions, current contract paradigms and a reluctance to engage in meaningful partnerships with Māori. Those barriers occur within a cultural framework which defines (and therefore prioritises) the health of an individual over the needs of the collective.

The hypothesis of this research is that Māori health disparities are best addressed via the development and delivery of Māori health models by services which are oriented to kaupapa Māori principles. Utilising a case study approach, this thesis looks at the outcomes generated when a kaupapa Māori service applies key Māori principles to health service delivery. The case study, in tandem with focus group interviews identifies the key elements necessary to developing services which are responsive to the needs of Māori.

This study identified the importance of promoting change (and ultimately improve Māori health status) that encompasses the formation of a framework which considers collective benefit over individualism, encompasses Māori values, acknowledges and accepts Māoricentric clinical interventions. In addition, the thesis asserts that Māori health status will improve once Māori are active participants rather than recipients of health services.

text: Tihei Mauri Ora: A Māori response to health disparities Māori bear a disproportionate burden of health problems which, in concert with other factors (e.g. poor housing, low socio-economic status and low education attainment), contribute to and maintain low health status. It is noted that there have been multiple attempts to reduce health inequities – however, such attempts have been largely unsuccessful. Barriers to success include government reticence, restrictions on Māori participation in determining health directions/solutions, current contract paradigms and a reluctance to engage in meaningful partnerships with Māori. Those barriers occur within a cultural framework which defines (and therefore prioritises) the health of an individual over the needs of the collective.

The hypothesis of this research is that Māori health disparities are best addressed via the development and delivery of Māori health models by services which are oriented to kaupapa Māori principles. Utilising a case study approach, this thesis looks at the outcomes generated when a kaupapa Māori service applies key Māori principles to health service delivery. The case study, in tandem with focus group interviews identifies the key elements necessary to developing services which are responsive to the needs of Māori.

This study identified the importance of promoting change (and ultimately improve Māori health status) that encompasses the formation of a framework which considers collective benefit over individualism, encompasses Māori values, acknowledges and accepts Māoricentric clinical interventions. In addition, the thesis asserts that Māori health status will improve once Māori are active participants rather than recipients of health services.

year: 2014