title: Light requirements of Australian tropical vs. cool-temperate rainforest tree species show different relationships with seedling growth and functional traits

authors: Lusk, Christopher H.

subjects: Conduit diameter

abstract: Background and Aims A trade-off between shade tolerance and growth in high light is thought to underlie the temporal dynamics of humid forests. On the other hand, it has been suggested that tree species sorting on temperature gradients involves a trade-off between growth rate and cold resistance. Little is known about how these two major trade-offs interact.
Methods Seedlings of Australian tropical and cool-temperate rainforest trees were grown in glasshouse environments to compare growth versus shade-tolerance trade-offs in these two assemblages. Biomass distribution, photosynthetic capacity and vessel diameters were measured in order to examine the functional correlates of species differences in light requirements and growth rate. Species light requirements were assessed by ﬁeld estimation of the light compensation point for stem growth.
Results Light-demanding and shade-tolerant tropical species differed markedly in relative growth rates (RGR), but this trend was less evident among temperate species. This pattern was paralleled by biomass distribution data: speciﬁc leaf area (SLA) and leaf area ratio (LAR) of tropical species were signiﬁcantly positively correlated with compensation points, but not those of cool-temperate species. The relatively slow growth and small SLA and LAR of Tasmanian light-demanders were associated with narrow vessels and low potential sapwood conductivity.
Conclusions The conservative xylem traits, small LAR and modest RGR of Tasmanian light-demanders are consistent with selection for resistance to freeze–thaw embolism, at the expense of growth rate. Whereas competition for light favours rapid growth in light-demanding trees native to environments with warm, frost-free growing seasons, frost resistance may be an equally important determinant of the ﬁtness of light-demanders in cool-temperate rainforest, as seedlings establishing in large openings are exposed to sub-zero temperatures that can occur throughout most of the year.

text: Light requirements of Australian tropical vs. cool-temperate rainforest tree species show different relationships with seedling growth and functional traits Background and Aims A trade-off between shade tolerance and growth in high light is thought to underlie the temporal dynamics of humid forests. On the other hand, it has been suggested that tree species sorting on temperature gradients involves a trade-off between growth rate and cold resistance. Little is known about how these two major trade-offs interact.
Methods Seedlings of Australian tropical and cool-temperate rainforest trees were grown in glasshouse environments to compare growth versus shade-tolerance trade-offs in these two assemblages. Biomass distribution, photosynthetic capacity and vessel diameters were measured in order to examine the functional correlates of species differences in light requirements and growth rate. Species light requirements were assessed by ﬁeld estimation of the light compensation point for stem growth.
Results Light-demanding and shade-tolerant tropical species differed markedly in relative growth rates (RGR), but this trend was less evident among temperate species. This pattern was paralleled by biomass distribution data: speciﬁc leaf area (SLA) and leaf area ratio (LAR) of tropical species were signiﬁcantly positively correlated with compensation points, but not those of cool-temperate species. The relatively slow growth and small SLA and LAR of Tasmanian light-demanders were associated with narrow vessels and low potential sapwood conductivity.
Conclusions The conservative xylem traits, small LAR and modest RGR of Tasmanian light-demanders are consistent with selection for resistance to freeze–thaw embolism, at the expense of growth rate. Whereas competition for light favours rapid growth in light-demanding trees native to environments with warm, frost-free growing seasons, frost resistance may be an equally important determinant of the ﬁtness of light-demanders in cool-temperate rainforest, as seedlings establishing in large openings are exposed to sub-zero temperatures that can occur throughout most of the year.

year: 2013

title: Paediatric Traumatic Brain Injury in New Zealand: Caregiver Knowledge and Media Representations

authors: Willix-Payne, Dawn Joanne

subjects: Traumatic Brain Injury

abstract: Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a major cause of death and disability in the paediatric population. Even mild TBI may lead to on-going cognitive, behavioural and physical problems. Children are reliant on their caregivers to seek treatment for them, which depends on caregiver knowledge of TBI. The aims of this study were: (a) to investigate the knowledge of New Zealand caregivers about TBI; and (b) to examine the potential contribution of New Zealand newspapers to public knowledge about TBI.
Caregivers (205) of primary and intermediate schoolchildren completed a pen-and-paper or online survey containing questions examining their knowledge of TBI terminology, symptoms and facts about concussion/mTBI.  A high proportion (61%) of caregivers did not think that a concussion was the same thing as a brain injury. Loss of consciousness (LOC) was the most endorsed symptom of TBI, and 31% of caregivers did not know that a TBI could occur without LOC. Behavioural symptoms of TBI were less well known than physical and cognitive symptoms, and caregivers varied widely in their knowledge of facts about mild TBI/concussion.  These results suggest more education is needed. Demographic and predictor variables explained little of the variance in knowledge, suggesting that a general approach to education would be more useful than an approach targeted to specific demographic groups.  
To evaluate the contribution of the popular press to TBI knowledge, the presence of information about TBI terminology, symptoms and concussion facts in newspaper articles published between January and June in 2009 and 2014 was investigated via quantitative content analysis. The context in which the information was presented was investigated both quantitatively and by qualitative thematic analysis.  The use of different terminology for TBI was strongly associated with the section of the newspaper.  Articles rarely used ‘brain injury’: ‘head injury’ and ‘concussion’ were the main terms used. ‘Head injury’ was strongly associated with the News section of the newspaper, whereas ‘concussion’ was mainly used in the Sports section.  There was very little information on symptoms and concussion facts in newspaper articles.  Loss of consciousness was the most commonly mentioned symptom, which is of concern given that a TBI can occur without loss of consciousness.  Most of the limited information that was present about concussion was correct. There was more information about concussion in 2014 than in 2009, but there was no increase in symptom information with time. Qualitative analysis revealed that information was present in a context which was supportive of good management of TBI in the sporting context, and which was unsupportive of returning to play too soon after injury.  As newspapers represent an important ‘pre-exposure’ source of information about TBI, researchers should work with journalists to improve the level and accuracy of coverage of TBI information in newspapers. 
In conclusion, further education of caregivers of primary and intermediate school children is needed to ensure they can recognise and appropriately manage TBI in their children.  Improving the information present in New Zealand newspapers, which is lacking, would be one way to improve this knowledge.

text: Paediatric Traumatic Brain Injury in New Zealand: Caregiver Knowledge and Media Representations Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a major cause of death and disability in the paediatric population. Even mild TBI may lead to on-going cognitive, behavioural and physical problems. Children are reliant on their caregivers to seek treatment for them, which depends on caregiver knowledge of TBI. The aims of this study were: (a) to investigate the knowledge of New Zealand caregivers about TBI; and (b) to examine the potential contribution of New Zealand newspapers to public knowledge about TBI.
Caregivers (205) of primary and intermediate schoolchildren completed a pen-and-paper or online survey containing questions examining their knowledge of TBI terminology, symptoms and facts about concussion/mTBI.  A high proportion (61%) of caregivers did not think that a concussion was the same thing as a brain injury. Loss of consciousness (LOC) was the most endorsed symptom of TBI, and 31% of caregivers did not know that a TBI could occur without LOC. Behavioural symptoms of TBI were less well known than physical and cognitive symptoms, and caregivers varied widely in their knowledge of facts about mild TBI/concussion.  These results suggest more education is needed. Demographic and predictor variables explained little of the variance in knowledge, suggesting that a general approach to education would be more useful than an approach targeted to specific demographic groups.  
To evaluate the contribution of the popular press to TBI knowledge, the presence of information about TBI terminology, symptoms and concussion facts in newspaper articles published between January and June in 2009 and 2014 was investigated via quantitative content analysis. The context in which the information was presented was investigated both quantitatively and by qualitative thematic analysis.  The use of different terminology for TBI was strongly associated with the section of the newspaper.  Articles rarely used ‘brain injury’: ‘head injury’ and ‘concussion’ were the main terms used. ‘Head injury’ was strongly associated with the News section of the newspaper, whereas ‘concussion’ was mainly used in the Sports section.  There was very little information on symptoms and concussion facts in newspaper articles.  Loss of consciousness was the most commonly mentioned symptom, which is of concern given that a TBI can occur without loss of consciousness.  Most of the limited information that was present about concussion was correct. There was more information about concussion in 2014 than in 2009, but there was no increase in symptom information with time. Qualitative analysis revealed that information was present in a context which was supportive of good management of TBI in the sporting context, and which was unsupportive of returning to play too soon after injury.  As newspapers represent an important ‘pre-exposure’ source of information about TBI, researchers should work with journalists to improve the level and accuracy of coverage of TBI information in newspapers. 
In conclusion, further education of caregivers of primary and intermediate school children is needed to ensure they can recognise and appropriately manage TBI in their children.  Improving the information present in New Zealand newspapers, which is lacking, would be one way to improve this knowledge.

year: 2015

title: Pākehā Roots: Is claiming a Pākehā identity based on ethnic heritage or ethical choice?

authors: Green, Lynda

subjects: Authenticity

abstract: Development of a Pākehā identity has been an ongoing process since the first influx of people from the Northern Hemisphere set foot on the shores of Aotearoa. Originally the term Pākehā served as a generic term to distinguish early European colonisers from the Indigenous population who came to be known under the generic term of Māori. Both of these terms separated two groups of residents that have come to be known under the broader title of New Zealander. 

Chapter 2 begins with providing definitions from a range of sources describing some origins and definitions of the term Pākehā, discussion around the appropriateness of the term and how it can be used in our current timeframe to show empathy with Māori and their struggle for self-determination. A brief overview of human migration to the British Isles then the resulting migration to Aotearoa provides historical context to our pre-Pākehā heritage. Following this is a snapshot of some of our earliest Pākehā settlers which leads into the extent our governing bodies enlisted assisted immigrants to populate and provide infrastructure for this new colony of the British Empire. 

Chapter 3 delves into the angst-ridden territory of authentic existence championed through the existential philosophical movement. Tempered with a more compassionate approach from communitarian philosophy we are provided with a means to explore the many layers that build not only individual identity, but a collective identity also. Evidence is offered for the accommodation of the similarities, and more importantly differences we all experience in our wider relationships. Finally, focus is narrowed to specific issues attached to identifying as Pākehā in Aotearoa.

Underpinning this research are the nine semi-structured interviews which have provided tangible evidence of the complex elements accompanying the decision to self-identify as Pākehā (Chapter 4).  The very nature of identifying as Pākehā, as illustrated through the interview is not straightforward eliciting responses ranging from abundantly clear, to confusing and to contentious.  

The sheer diversity of responses generated an initial observance that, if this level of diversity in defining the term Pākehā is shown by nine people, how much more diversity would be operating throughout the general population. Here we can see how the basic premise of existential philosophy, that is, there is no essential nature to our existence, can be applied to attempting to seek a definition of being Pākehā that encapsulates all of the possible elements. What became abundantly apparent was the heartening feeling of most people striving for a sense of connectedness, on various levels, and a sense of belonging to this country we all call home.

text: Pākehā Roots: Is claiming a Pākehā identity based on ethnic heritage or ethical choice? Development of a Pākehā identity has been an ongoing process since the first influx of people from the Northern Hemisphere set foot on the shores of Aotearoa. Originally the term Pākehā served as a generic term to distinguish early European colonisers from the Indigenous population who came to be known under the generic term of Māori. Both of these terms separated two groups of residents that have come to be known under the broader title of New Zealander. 

Chapter 2 begins with providing definitions from a range of sources describing some origins and definitions of the term Pākehā, discussion around the appropriateness of the term and how it can be used in our current timeframe to show empathy with Māori and their struggle for self-determination. A brief overview of human migration to the British Isles then the resulting migration to Aotearoa provides historical context to our pre-Pākehā heritage. Following this is a snapshot of some of our earliest Pākehā settlers which leads into the extent our governing bodies enlisted assisted immigrants to populate and provide infrastructure for this new colony of the British Empire. 

Chapter 3 delves into the angst-ridden territory of authentic existence championed through the existential philosophical movement. Tempered with a more compassionate approach from communitarian philosophy we are provided with a means to explore the many layers that build not only individual identity, but a collective identity also. Evidence is offered for the accommodation of the similarities, and more importantly differences we all experience in our wider relationships. Finally, focus is narrowed to specific issues attached to identifying as Pākehā in Aotearoa.

Underpinning this research are the nine semi-structured interviews which have provided tangible evidence of the complex elements accompanying the decision to self-identify as Pākehā (Chapter 4).  The very nature of identifying as Pākehā, as illustrated through the interview is not straightforward eliciting responses ranging from abundantly clear, to confusing and to contentious.  

The sheer diversity of responses generated an initial observance that, if this level of diversity in defining the term Pākehā is shown by nine people, how much more diversity would be operating throughout the general population. Here we can see how the basic premise of existential philosophy, that is, there is no essential nature to our existence, can be applied to attempting to seek a definition of being Pākehā that encapsulates all of the possible elements. What became abundantly apparent was the heartening feeling of most people striving for a sense of connectedness, on various levels, and a sense of belonging to this country we all call home.

year: 2014