title: Reference and current Trophic Level Index of New Zealand lakes: benchmarks to inform lake management and assessment

authors: Abell, Jonathan Michael

subjects: Science & technology

abstract: Knowledge of trophic status is fundamental to understanding the condition and function of lake ecosystems. We developed regression models to predict chlorophyll a concentrations (chl a) in New Zealand lakes for reference and current states, based on an existing dataset of total nitrogen (TN) and total phosphorus (TP) concentrations for 1031 lakes. Models were then developed to predict Secchi depth based on chl a and a sediment resuspension term applicable to shallow lakes. Estimates of all four Trophic Level Index (TLI) variables (chl a, TN, TP and Secchi depth) were analysed to estimate reference and current state TLI for the nationally representative sample of 1031 lakes. There was a trend of eutrophication between reference and current states, with systematic differences among lake geomorphic types. Mean chl a increased 3.5-fold (2.42 mg m­¯­­­³ vs. 8.32 mg m¯³) and mean Secchi depth decreased (indicating lower clarity) by approximately one-third (9.62 m vs. 6.48 m) between reference and current states. On average, TLI increased by 0.67, with the TLI increase >1 in approximately one-third (31%) of lakes. This study informs the status of lake ecosystems in NZ and provides benchmarks to guide management and assessment.

text: Reference and current Trophic Level Index of New Zealand lakes: benchmarks to inform lake management and assessment Knowledge of trophic status is fundamental to understanding the condition and function of lake ecosystems. We developed regression models to predict chlorophyll a concentrations (chl a) in New Zealand lakes for reference and current states, based on an existing dataset of total nitrogen (TN) and total phosphorus (TP) concentrations for 1031 lakes. Models were then developed to predict Secchi depth based on chl a and a sediment resuspension term applicable to shallow lakes. Estimates of all four Trophic Level Index (TLI) variables (chl a, TN, TP and Secchi depth) were analysed to estimate reference and current state TLI for the nationally representative sample of 1031 lakes. There was a trend of eutrophication between reference and current states, with systematic differences among lake geomorphic types. Mean chl a increased 3.5-fold (2.42 mg m­¯­­­³ vs. 8.32 mg m¯³) and mean Secchi depth decreased (indicating lower clarity) by approximately one-third (9.62 m vs. 6.48 m) between reference and current states. On average, TLI increased by 0.67, with the TLI increase >1 in approximately one-third (31%) of lakes. This study informs the status of lake ecosystems in NZ and provides benchmarks to guide management and assessment.

year: 2020

title: Developing usability studies via formal models of UIs

authors: Bowen, Judy

subjects: computer science

abstract: Developing usability studies to evaluate software is a task requiring a wide variety of skills. For software developers who are not used to taking a user-centred approach to development it is often easier and more convenient to dismiss the use of user evaluation as too time-consuming or too hard. This is even more likely to be the case for developers who take a formal approach to software development, which is generally not focused on interface or usability concerns. In this paper we present an early investigation into the use of formal models of user interface designs as the basis for designing software evaluation studies. We have undertaken a comparison study to find out whether a useful study can be derived in this way and whether or not further investigation into this is worthwhile, and we present the results here.

text: Developing usability studies via formal models of UIs Developing usability studies to evaluate software is a task requiring a wide variety of skills. For software developers who are not used to taking a user-centred approach to development it is often easier and more convenient to dismiss the use of user evaluation as too time-consuming or too hard. This is even more likely to be the case for developers who take a formal approach to software development, which is generally not focused on interface or usability concerns. In this paper we present an early investigation into the use of formal models of user interface designs as the basis for designing software evaluation studies. We have undertaken a comparison study to find out whether a useful study can be derived in this way and whether or not further investigation into this is worthwhile, and we present the results here.

year: 2010

title: Weaving the realities and responsibilities: Crossing culture and concepts of healing within co-existing mental health and addictive disorders.

authors: McLachlan, Andre David

subjects: Maori

abstract: Within ‘Mainstream’ western and Kaupapa Māori services, competing priorities often mean that cultural and clinical services are not implemented in unison. Without this ‘unison’, treatment of Māori with co-existing mental health and addictive disorders may be ineffective. This paper reflects the journey of a small social service agency ‘Pai Ake Solutions Limited’ (PASL) in integrating western clinical approaches within tikanga Māori values. 
Pai Ake Solutions Limited (PASL) provides a range of group and individual services to whānau who are affected by mental illness and co-existing substance use problems. The initial development of the service was based on the whakaaro of providing ‘pai ake’ (better) services for whānau in the greater Waikato. These services were initially founded on the strong values of founders Mihaka Hohua and the late Ritchie Re Cribb, which were influenced by the practices and experiences of Ngati Kahangungu, Ngati Haua, and Waikato-Maniopoto. From an initial non-clinical service provision contract, PASL began receiving referrals from individuals and whānau whose needs were not being met by mainstream service providers. Encouraging outcomes and an internal agency review of clientele utilising the service, identified that those accessing PASL services were experiencing socially and clinically significant mental and physical health, addiction and psychosocial problems.

text: Weaving the realities and responsibilities: Crossing culture and concepts of healing within co-existing mental health and addictive disorders. Within ‘Mainstream’ western and Kaupapa Māori services, competing priorities often mean that cultural and clinical services are not implemented in unison. Without this ‘unison’, treatment of Māori with co-existing mental health and addictive disorders may be ineffective. This paper reflects the journey of a small social service agency ‘Pai Ake Solutions Limited’ (PASL) in integrating western clinical approaches within tikanga Māori values. 
Pai Ake Solutions Limited (PASL) provides a range of group and individual services to whānau who are affected by mental illness and co-existing substance use problems. The initial development of the service was based on the whakaaro of providing ‘pai ake’ (better) services for whānau in the greater Waikato. These services were initially founded on the strong values of founders Mihaka Hohua and the late Ritchie Re Cribb, which were influenced by the practices and experiences of Ngati Kahangungu, Ngati Haua, and Waikato-Maniopoto. From an initial non-clinical service provision contract, PASL began receiving referrals from individuals and whānau whose needs were not being met by mainstream service providers. Encouraging outcomes and an internal agency review of clientele utilising the service, identified that those accessing PASL services were experiencing socially and clinically significant mental and physical health, addiction and psychosocial problems.

year: 2008