School of Science - Te Kura Pūtaiao
Permanent link for this collectionhttps://hdl.handle.net/10292/1333
Research at AUT's School of Science - Te Kura Pūtaiao is focused on key scientific issues with regional and global significance. The common theme connecting all research areas is sustainability – in the broadest sense as it relates to environmental and human health. Our research is closely allied to teaching and learning opportunities at undergraduate and postgraduate level within the school.
Research is organised in six main areas:
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Recent Submissions
Item Association of Entamoeba gingivalis and Trichomonas tenax with Periodontitis in Hepatitis-C virus-Egyptian Infected Patients: A Case-Control Study(Elsevier BV, 2026-01-05) Sabry, Dina; Shaker, Marwa Abdallah; Hassouna, Amira; ElRefai, Sahar; Diaa, Nehal; Saad, Ghada A; Tawfeik, Amany M; Anani, Haneya AA; Attia, Abdelrahman M; Ali, Asmaa Rashad; El-makromy, Gena M; Shams El-Din, Hala EAn imbalance in the oral microbiota, known as oral dysbiosis, can lead to periodontitis. Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infections may impact oral health through immune function, diet, and lifestyle alterations, potentially contributing to periodontal disease development. The role of Protozoa in oral dysbiosis is still poorly understood. The contribution of oral Protozoa as Entamoeba gingivalis and Trichomonas tenax in periodontitis in HCV-infected patients has not been adequately invetigated. This research explored their prevalence and association with periodontitis in HCV-infected patients compared to healthy individuals without periodontitis (infected control). Venous blood samples were drawn to measure serum ALT, AST, albumin, urea, creatinine, iron, ferritin, transferrin, and sTfR. Serum and saliva samples were used to measure HCV RNA and detect the oral parasites Entamoeba gingivalis and Trichomonas tenax using polymerase chain reaction (PCR). A total of 242 participants were enrolled in the study, divided into the following groups: HCV patients with periodontitis (n = 73), HCV patients without periodontitis (n = 47), and healthy subjects (n = 122). AST, ALT, and urea were significantly elevated in HCV-infected patients compared to the control group(p < 0.05). However, no significant differences were observed in albumin and creatinine levels between the two groups (p > 0.05). Iron-related parameters were significantly lower in HCV-infected patients compared to the control groups(p < 0.05). The prevalence of T. tenax and E. gingivalis among the HCV patients with periodontitis was 34.2 % (n = 25) and 49.3 % (n = 36), respectively, with a high statistically significant difference compared to the control groups (p < 0.001). While T. tenax positivity only demonstrated a statistically significant positive correlation with HCV copy number in saliva (p < 0.05)., E. gingivalis positivity was significantly correlated with HCV copy number in both serum and saliva samples(p < 0.05). Following HCV treatment, the prevalence of E. gingivalis and T. tenax decreased significantly, from 49.3 % and 34.2–11.0 % and 6.8 %, respectively (p < 0.001). The results showed that HCV patients with periodontitis had a considerably higher prevalence of E. gingivalis and T. tenax, which significantly decreased after HCV treatment. Therefore, the conventional perception of E. gingivalis and T. tenax as harmless symbionts warrants reassessment, as their role in the pathophysiology of periodontal diseases cannot be disregarded.Item "Still in survival mode": Trauma-Mapping Parent Experiences of Pediatric Brain Tumor(SAGE Publications, 2025-10-18) Rolfe, Melanie L; Miller, Evonne; Donkin, Liesje; Ekberg, Stuart; Bradford, Natalie KThe diagnosis of a childhood brain tumor impacts the psychological well-being of parents who experience high levels of post-traumatic stress. To understand the etiology of trauma through this unique healthcare experience, a journey mapping exercise was undertaken with parents of children with brain tumor. Data were collected in an online focus group and by written responses. Framework analysis and research poetry were used to map experiences of traumatization and trauma-informed care across time. Nine mothers mapped their experience of their child's brain tumor care describing their needs and responses. Findings are presented by eight milestones, supported by research poetry composed of participant quotes titled: "I must be wrong," "All the fear, no answers," "Paper Thin," "Happy but Terrified," "The Rest of Him," "Less Than," and "Into Our Destiny." Throughout the trajectory of care, parents reported traumatic events and moments of helplessness attributed to the healthcare received, contributing to unrelieved distress. Increased transparency in communication between clinicians and parents fostered increased trust and psychological safety within healthcare services. Understanding the traumatization that occurs across the trajectory of care can inform service improvements and early linkage to specialized support. This study contributes novel understanding of traumatization for parents of children with brain tumor and depth in understanding of emotional components through the presentation of research poetry.Item Gambling Help Seeking and Self-management in New Zealand and Australia: A Cross-sectional Survey With Quota Sampling of Priority Populations(BMC, 2026-05-24) Rodda, Simone; Jones, Annie; Siegert, Richard; Merkouris, Stephanie; Bijker, Rimke; Fehoko, Edmond; Schuh, Damita; Dowling, NickiBACKGROUND: Efforts to address gambling harm often rely on narrow definitions of help seeking that focus on professional treatment. This approach overlooks the many other ways people seek support, use tools, or take action to reduce or control their gambling. This study aimed to examine the uptake of a broader range of help seeking and self-management approaches among people who gamble, across priority populations, including Māori, Pacific, Asian and Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander (ATSI), and among people experiencing different levels of gambling harm. METHODS: A 58-item checklist on help seeking options contained three domains: People and Places (n = 33 items), Tools and Resources (n = 12 items) and Self-Help Strategies (n = 13 items). It was administered online to 514 adults in New Zealand and Australia, using quota sampling for ethnicity and gambling severity (75% past or current problems, 25% regular gamblers). Respondents indicated how often they had engaged in each help-seeking behaviour over the past 12 months. RESULTS: Overall, 97% of participants reported using at least one help-seeking option. People and Places were widely used (80.5%) with the most frequently endorsed items being partner, family member, or friend (62.3%), peers in social or cultural groups (44.9%), general practitioners (44.6%) and mental health counsellors (44.4%). Tools and Resources were used by 87.0% and included time-outs (64.8%), reading online information (63.0%), and spending limits (62.5%). Self-Help Strategies were used by 95.5% including lifestyle change (84.2%), setting time or money limits (83.3%), thinking differently about gambling (80.9%), and self-monitoring thoughts, feelings, or behaviours (77.0%). Priority populations had higher uptake of help-seeking options across each of the three domains than non-priority populations. Help seeking increased across levels of gambling severity. Eighty percent of people with no gambling problems reported using any option, compared with 97.9% at low risk and 100% among those with moderate risk or problem gambling. CONCLUSIONS: Help seeking extended well beyond specialist gambling services and included family, community and general health settings. This suggests that responses to gambling harm already occur across a wide range of everyday settings and highlights the need to better understand and strengthen these community responses. Future research should examine how different options connect to form pathways of support and how effective these pathways are over time.Item Gut Microbiome of New Zealand Abalone (Haliotis iris): A Chatham Islands Case Study(Informa UK Limited, 2026-06-09) Guo, Jinchen; Venter, Leonie; Sharma, Shaneel; Archer, Stephen; Lacap-Bugler, Donnabella; Alfaro, AndreaThe New Zealand black-footed abalone, Haliotis iris, holds significant ecological, economic, and cultural value. Abalone from the Chatham Islands fisheries contribute substantially to the national catch, yet populations show marked variability in growth rates. To investigate whether this variability relates to the gut microbiome, sub-adult and adult abalone from four sites were assessed using morphometrics and 16S rRNA gene Illumina MiSeq sequencing. Adult abalone collected from Ascots Beach and Wharekauri were heavier, longer and had larger tissue areas than those from Owenga Harbour and Point Durham, whereas sub-adults showed no size differences. Gut content analysis revealed that fast-growing populations consumed more red algae and less green algae, while brown algae dominated digestion across all sites. Although alpha-diversity did not differ significantly among sites or ages (except at Point Durham), microbial beta-diversity varied significantly by both factors. Core taxa included Psychrilyobacter, Mycoplasma, Vibrio, Propionigenium, unassigned Bacilli, and Blastopirellula. Site- and age-associated microbiome differences may reflect seaweed availability and nutritional quality, warranting further investigation through targeted feeding trials. This study provides a reference baseline for future gut microbiota research on wild H. iris and highlights how algal nutrients and gut-bacteria-mediated digestion may contribute to population-level growth patterns, supporting sustainable fishery management.Item Comparison of Latent Growth Curves: A Parameter Constancy Test(American Psychological Association, 2025-11-03) Rosel, Jesús; Puchol, Sara; Elipe, Marcel; Flor, Patricia; Machancoses, Francisco; Canales, JuanLatent growth curve (LGC) models, implemented through structural equation modeling, are widely used to analyze developmental and learning trajectories. Model selection in LGC often relies on goodness-of-fit indices (e.g., χ², Akaike information criterion, and root-mean-square error of approximation), but these metrics fail to assess the temporal constancy, or stability of parameters, an important aspect when forecasting longitudinal data. Addressing this gap, we propose a novel parameter constancy test (PCT) tailored for LGC models. This test evaluates internal constancy, identifies potential breakpoints, helps determine the minimal number of measurement waves needed for reliable modeling, and is also useful for comparing different explanatory models of the analyzed data. To validate this approach, we applied PCT to real-world data, comparing the widely used quadratic function model with the negative exponential model and other nonlinear functions. The results reveal that the negative exponential model, unlike the quadratic function, consistently exhibits parameter constancy even with fewer sampling waves, making it particularly suitable for longitudinal analysis. Additionally, PCT highlights how inappropriate model selection or instability may lead to misinterpretations, particularly in evaluating interventions or extrapolating beyond observed time frames. Our findings emphasize the dual importance of statistical fit and parameter constancy in selecting LGC models. By integrating PCT into standard practice, researchers can better ensure model consistency, optimize resource allocation, and avoid erroneous conclusions in developmental and learning studies. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2025 APA, all rights reserved).Item Exploring the Associations Between Momentary Gambling Motives and Gambling Behavior: An Ecological Momentary Assessment Study(American Psychological Association, 2025-11-13) Hawker, Chloe; Dias, Stephanie; Merkouris, Stephanie; Rodda, Simone; Dowling, NickiOBJECTIVE: Drawing on the dynamic model of relapse, this study examined real-time relationships between momentary gambling motives (enhancement, coping, social, financial) and gambling behavior (episodes, expenditure, duration), as well as the moderating role of stable (problem gambling severity, high-risk situations) and momentary (psychological distress, emotion dysregulation, distress intolerance, state impulsivity) vulnerability factors, and the concordance between stable (Gambling Motives Questionnaire-Financial) and momentary measures of gambling motives. METHOD: A convenience sample of 132 Australian adults who endorsed gambling in a typical month (Mage = 29.9 years; 58.3% male; 94.7% endorsed gambling problems) completed a 28-day ecological momentary assessment protocol, involving twice-daily smartphone assessments of momentary variables and gambling episodes, following a pre-ecological momentary assessment survey of stable variables. RESULTS: Mixed-effects ordinal logistic regression analyses revealed that momentary coping (OR = 2.03), enhancement (OR = 1.73), and social motives (OR = 1.57) predicted increased gambling expenditure. Mixed-effects binary logistic regression analyses revealed that longer gambling duration predicted increased momentary financial motives (OR = 3.31), though financial motives did not predict gambling behavior. Individuals with distress intolerance were more likely to report a subsequent gambling episode when coping or enhancement motives were endorsed. No other factors showed significant moderating effects. Stable and momentary motives were strongly correlated (rs = 0.71-0.89), supporting the validity of single-item ecological momentary assessment measures relative to both the corresponding Gambling Motives Questionnaire-Financial item and subscale. CONCLUSIONS: These findings underscore the importance of momentary motives, particularly coping and enhancement, and emotional vulnerability in understanding gambling behavior in real time. Interventions targeting these dynamic processes and integrating distress tolerance training may enhance harm reduction efforts. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2025 APA, all rights reserved).Item Genetic Research to Guide Conservation and the Understanding of Freshwater Eels of the Genus Anguilla: A Bibliographic Analysis(Canadian Science Publishing, 2026-05-04) Miller, Therese; Miller, Michael; Giles, Emily; Jeffs, Andrew; Sabadel, Amandine; Laroche, Olivier; Pochon, XavierAnguillid eels have facultative catadromous life histories that include long distance oceanic spawning migrations and an extensive leptocephalus larval duration. Less known is the important role genetic research has played in understanding these mysterious fishes of the genus Anguilla. A bibliographic literature search was conducted on studies using genetic methodologies to understand Anguilla species, and a database of papers from 1973–2025 included 335 publications, increasing over time to reach a maximum of 103 between 2020 and 2025. The DNA literature was dominated by studies on Anguilla, Anguilla, and Anguilla, but all species have been included in recent phylogenetic studies. In addition to providing a bibliographic database of genetic papers, this review points to the value of multi-gene or whole genome approaches to clarify relationships within and among anguillid eel species. There is also the need for the development of standardised protocols for environmental DNA (eDNA) research with improved species-specific assays, which can help support the conservation of these remarkable fishes that live in both freshwater and the sea.Item Global Dataset of Sand Dam Features and Geographical Distribution Across Drylands(Springer Science and Business Media LLC, 2025-12-08) Piemontese, L; Villani, L; Limones, N; Aerts, JCJH; Castelli, G; Eisma, JA; Mpofu, B; Neufeld, DG; Ritchie, H; Ryan, Cate; Quinn, R; Whinney, C; Bresci, ESand dams are water infrastructure, built across ephemeral sandy rivers, that increase water supply by creating an artificial sandy aquifer upstream of the dam. Despite their effectiveness and recent traction in the research and development arena, empirical data on their distribution and characteristics are scattered and largely unreported. This gap represents a major barrier for understanding the large-scale potential of such a Nature-based Solution and for planning new installations. This paper presents a global dataset of sand dam locations and dimensions, developed collaboratively by research and development experts. We collected sand dam information from several sources, including local sand dam organizations. The data was reviewed and integrated through visual inspection in Google Earth. Although most georeferenced sand dams are from Eastern and Southern Africa, this dataset is a first global inventory and represents an invitation for others working in sand dams around the world to contribute their data. The dataset supports research on the effectiveness of sand dams and can aid practitioners with science-based criteria for sand dam development.Item Feeding Ecology of Gould's Arrow Squid "Nototodarus gouldi" (Cephalopoda: Ommastrephidae) in Aotearoa New Zealand Waters(Wiley, 2026-05-22) Hu, Lucia; Bolstad, Kathrin; Stevens, Darren; Bennett, Jerusha; Braid, HeatherSquids are important components of marine ecosystems because of their role as both predator and prey. Across the Tasman Sea, Gould's arrow squid (Nototodarus gouldi) is a commercially targeted ommastrephid squid that supports an economically important fishery. However, the ecology of this species in Aotearoa New Zealand (NZ) waters remains poorly understood. This study is the first integrative analysis of the feeding ecology of N. gouldi within the NZ Exclusive Economic Zone. We analyzed gut contents by combining morphological observations to identify hard parts, DNA barcoding to identify soft tissue, and a parasite analysis to further understand trophic linkages and parasite-host associations. In total, 29 prey taxa spanning six phyla were identified, including 17 prey species not previously reported in the diet of N. gouldi. The most frequently occurring prey items include cephalopods (with evidence of cannibalism), crab megalopa, red rock crab, and opalfish. Two parasites were identified, which can be associated with anisakiasis in humans. Most individuals (68.8%) had Anisakis sp. larvae encysted in the wall of their stomach caecum, and three individuals had Hysterothylacium sp. within their gut contents. Our results suggest that N. gouldi has a diverse and opportunistic feeding strategy and plays an important role in coupling pelagic and benthic food webs. This ecological information is important for the development of ecosystem-based fisheries management models.Item What Informs the Choices Young People Living With Chronic Musculoskeletal Pain Make About Their Care? A Qualitative Analysis of Focus Groups With Young People in Australia(Informa UK Limited, 2025-11-18) Chua, J; Slater, H; Rowbotham, S; Klem, NR; Lord, SM; O’Sullivan, PB; Tory, B; Smith, AJ; Stinson, JN; Hansen, P; Briggs, AMPurpose: To explore how lived and care experiences of young people (aged 16–24 years) who experience chronic musculoskeletal pain (CMP) influence their choices about CMP care, and how and where a digital health solution (DHS) could support their care. Methods: A cross-sectional, exploratory qualitative study involving 20 young people (16–24 years) experiencing CMP. Eight focus groups were conducted, guided by a focus group schedule. Data were analyzed using thematic analysis. Results: Three main themes emerged describing young people’s experiences and CMP care choices. For each main theme we identified how a DHS could support their care: (1) “Experiences of living with and managing their CMP.” A DHS could buffer self-care needs by providing timely support and creating a sense of community. (2) “Experiences with healthcare providers and healthcare services.” An app-based DHS could potentially help to coordinate CMP care and support health services navigation. (3) “Young people’s choices about their CMP care options.” DHSs can support young people prioritize their CMP care options. Conclusions: Understanding young people’s values, alongside their care needs is critical to delivering person-centred care. A tailored DHS can value-add to young people’s CMP care by helping to minimize the burden of self-care, health service navigation and interactions with healthcare providers.Item Transcription Factor MtCLR-2 Regulates Cellulase Production via Direct Modulation of Mtegl2 and Mtbgl1 Expression in Myceliophthora thermophila(BMC, 2026-04-27) Lai, Yapeng; Wang, Juan; Xie, Ning; Liu, Gang; Lacap-Bugler, DonnabellaBackground: The thermophilic fungus Myceliophthora thermophila can secrete large amounts of lignocellulolytic enzymes, such as cellulases and xylanases, which are regulated by multiple transcription factors. However, the understanding of the regulatory mechanism of cellulase gene expression in M. thermophila is limited. Here, we characterized the function of MtCLR-2, a M. thermophila ortholog of CLR-2, a key cellulolytic transcriptional regulator initially identified in Neurospora crassa. Results: Deletion of Mtclr-2 significantly reduced cellulase activities, particularly affecting endoglucanase production, whereas overexpression of Mtclr-2 led to elevation in cellulase secretion when M. thermophila was grown on Avicel. Subcellular localization assay of MtCLR-2 fused to green fluorescent protein (GFP) indicated that MtCLR-2 is localized to the nucleus. Real-time quantitative reverse transcription PCR (RT-qPCR) analysis revealed that disruption of Mtclr-2 caused a decrease in transcript levels of the β-glucosidase gene bgl1 (MYCTH_66804) and the endoglucanase gene egl2 (MYCTH_86753) throughout the stages of growth in cellulose medium. Furthermore, electrophoretic mobility shift assays (EMSAs) demonstrated that MtCLR-2 directly binds to the promoter regions of bgl1 and egl2 in a zinc-dependent manner. The comparative transcriptomic analysis also showed that MtCLR-2 positively regulates the expression of ribosomal protein genes under cellulosic conditions. Conclusions: These findings contribute to a better understanding of the regulatory network governing cellulase gene expression and provide a potential target for boosting cellulase biosynthesis in M. thermophila.Item Comparative Mitogenomics of Clitellata Reveals Mitogenome Organization Can Affect the Mode of Phylogeny(The Scientific and Technological Research Council of Turkey, 2025-07-17) Mercan, Deni̇z ; Horenkamp, Austin ; Aydemi̇r, Merve Nur ; Aydemi̇r, Habeş Bi̇lal ; Neubig, Kurt ; Arslan, Nai̇me ; Anderson, Frank EClitellata is a major clade of Annelida that includes almost all freshwater and terrestrial annelids as well as many marine species. Aquatic oligochaetes include the union of the two multispecies families: Naididae and Tubificidae. There has been much debate regarding the phylogeny and classification of the cosmopolitan and diverse Naididae. In this study, the total mitogenome sequences of Potamothrix hammoniensis (Naididae: Tubificinae), Stylaria fossularis, Stylaria lacustris, Chaetogaster diaphanus, Chaetogaster diaphanus sp. B, and Slavina appendiculata (Naididae: Naidinae) were sequenced and characterized and can be accessed from NCBI under accession numbers OQ654101, PP909790, PP909791, PP909792, PP909793, and PP893275, respectively. For comparative analysis, 101 clitellate mitogenome sequences (from 70 oligochaetes and 31 hirudineans) were downloaded from NCBI. Comparative analysis showed that nine anticodon-codon interactions do not have exact matches—a pattern consistent with the restriction of transcription by mito-tRNAs. Within Clitellata, nine different gene order patterns were determined, and four of them were found in Naididae. This suggests that mitochondrial gene order shows a cumulative effect in the evolution of mitogenome sequences. Based on phylogenetic analysis, it appears that stronger support for Clitellata can be achieved with additional sequences. Additional sequences sampled from several other families could be used for even more stability.Item Age, Growth, and Sexual Dimorphism of the Southern Hemisphere Long-finned Pilot Whale (Globicephala melas edwardii)(Oxford University Press (OUP), 2022-02-03) Betty, EL; Stockin, KA; Hinton, B; Bollard, BA; Smith, ANH; Orams, MB; Murphy, EKnowledge of population biological parameters can contribute to assessing the resilience of a population in the face of increasing anthropogenic pressures. Southern Hemisphere long-finned pilot whales (Globicephala melas edwardii) are susceptible to high rates of live stranding-related mortality. However, the biological parameters of this population largely are unknown. In this study, age, growth, allometry, and sexual dimorphism are described using teeth and external body measurements obtained from 515 male, 776 female, and 229 individuals of unknown sex, stranded on the New Zealand coastline between 1948 and 2017. Maximum ages of 31 and 38 years were estimated for males (n = 163) and females (n = 239), respectively. Females ranged in length from 160 to 500 cm (modal size class 400-449 cm) and males from 165 to 622 cm (modal size class 500-549 cm). Length-at-birth for both sexes was estimated at 170 cm using a logistic regression model. Growth models for both sexes indicated a preliminary rapid growth phase followed by a second phase of slower growth. For males, a two-phase growth model also indicated a moderate growth spurt around the average age at attainment of sexual maturity (ca.12-13 years). Asymptotic lengths were estimated at 570 and 438 cm for males and females, respectively. We found strong evidence of sexual size dimorphism, with males significantly larger than females for 13 of 14 external measurements. We also found sexual dimorphism with respect to shape, with males having proportionally longer pectoral fins, wider tail flukes, and taller dorsal fins, than females. Estimates of length-at-birth, maximum ages, and sexual shape dimorphism for G. m. edwardii differed from those previously reported for the North Atlantic subspecies (G. m. melas), which may indicate subspecies or population-level differences in morphology, longevity, and sociality.Item High Resprouting of Plants Within 16 Months of Wildfire in a Dry Grassland in Aotearoa New Zealand(Wiley, 2026-05-13) Budha-Magar, S; Buckley, HL; Curran, TJ; Day, NJWildfires are projected to increase in severity and frequency in dryland ecosystems due to climate change. To predict how plant communities will respond to these changes in wildfire patterns, it is vital to understand how plants establish following fire; such knowledge is limited in Aotearoa New Zealand. Individual plants regenerate after fire by resprouting or germinating from seeds. We aimed to quantify short-term community dynamics and regeneration strategies of plants after a wildfire in the eastern dryland zone in the Pukaki Scientific Reserve, Canterbury, Aotearoa New Zealand in August 2020. We established seven plots and recorded all vascular plant taxa present 1 and 4 months post-fire and again 16 months post-fire for two plots. Additionally, we used destructive sampling to determine whether individual plants had resprouted post-fire or germinated from seed. A total of 63 taxa were observed in the repeated surveys. Graminoids dominated at all times, particularly the exotic grasses Anthoxanthum odoratum and Agrostis capillaris. Species composition among the seven plots differed 1 month post-fire but tended to converge over 4–16 months. Woody species took longer to recover compared with forbs and graminoids. Of the 242 destructively sampled plants from 25 taxa, most individuals present after fire (215) had resprouted; six exotic taxa were the only ones to regenerate via seed. All six woody taxa resprouted. These results suggest that substantial changes in plant community structure occur 16 months after fire that is not evident in the first month, which has implications for management decisions. Further, while many native plants in this dryland zone can resprout post-fire, their lack of recruitment from seed may result in long-term shifts favoring exotic species under increased fire activity.Item The Effect of Sampling Duration and Filter Extraction Fraction on the Measurement of Atmospheric Particulate-bound Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons and Their Nitro-derivatives(IOP Publishing, 2026-05-15) Kalisa, Egide; Archer, Stephen; Bi, Jiaqi; Lee, Kevin; Lacap-Bugler, DonnabellaMultiple particulate matter (PM) metrics can be analyzed using the same filter samples. Splitting samples for archival and multidisciplinary purposes is essential for a more health-relevant metric analysis. However, there is little information on minimum masses to determine aerosols, or how sampling duration and the fraction of filter used influence the concentrations of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and their nitro-derivatives (NPAHs). This study evaluated the influence of sampling duration (24 h, 5 d, 7 d) and filter extraction fraction (1/2, 1/4, 1/8 of the filter area) on PAH and NPAH quantification in fine and coarse particulates collected using a high-volume air sampler in Auckland, New Zealand. Samples were analyzed for 14 PAHs and 9 NPAHs using high-performance liquid chromatography. Concentrations normalized to sampled air volume (pg m¯³) were consistently highest in 24 h samples and decreased substantially during multi-day sampling. Filter area fraction bias increased with sampling duration and decreased with extraction area, with 1/8 fractions showing the largest deviations from the half-filter references, particularly at extended durations, while quarter fractions remained closer to the half-filter reference. Stacked-fraction analysis indicated that small punches may not adequately represent full-filter composition during extended sampling periods. Both low- and high-molecular-weight compounds exhibited sensitivity to sampling duration. Diagnostic ratios and principal component analysis indicated compositional shifts and potential secondary formation of NPAHs during multi-day sampling. The amount of particulates collected during 24 h sampling was sufficient for analyzing PAHs and NPAHs, but required a larger sampling area (at least half of the whole filter) to reflect the entire filter. Extended sampling and small filter punches introduced greater heterogeneity and analytical bias. Shorter collection periods did not come at the cost of concentrations and may enable several consecutive monitoring samples. These findings provide practical guidance for optimizing filter-based monitoring of PAHs and NPAHs in atmospheric PM.Item Can AI Facilitate Genuine Nondualist Understanding? The Trans-Discursive Boundary of Technological Mediation(Springer Science and Business Media LLC, 2026-02-12) Krägeloh, Christian U; Berryman, KevinAs artificial intelligence (AI) systems become increasingly sophisticated in engaging with complex philosophical concepts, a fundamental challenge emerges between technological accessibility of profound nondualist instructions and explanations on one hand and contemplative transformation in nondualist inquiry on the other. Developing nondualist understanding presents unique epistemological challenges due to its trans-discursive nature—requiring non-conceptual recognition that transcends ordinary subject-object cognition. Dialogues with large language models quickly reveal that contemporary AI systems demonstrate remarkable sophistication in clarifying nondualist concepts and simulating traditional Zen teaching methods. However, this technological facility raises questions about what might be termed “simulated understanding”—the possibility that nondualist principles are applied in AI discourse without the dissolution of boundaries that contemplative traditions associate with genuine insight. Arguments highlighting AI’s limitations suggest that the ease of technological access may undermine the struggle and existential friction that contemplative traditions consider essential for authentic realization, while arguments for AI’s utility reveal genuine possibilities as a philosophical partner, offering personalized explanations and democratizing access to esoteric domains. This tension between technological facilitation and contemplative transformation cannot be resolved through theoretical analysis alone, requiring systematic empirical investigation to determine how AI might appropriately support nondualistic understanding without compromising its trans-discursive essence. The present discussion reveals broader implications for understanding technology’s role in knowledge transmission and human development, concluding with research directions for systematic examination by philosophers, practitioners, and contemplative scientists.Item Theory of Mind Skill Predicts Anticipatory Guilt-Proneness in Schizophrenia(Informa UK Limited, 2026-01-28) Barbanel, R; Caruana, N; Langdon, R; Brüne, M; Sowman, PaulBackground and Hypothesis: Adaptive management of guilt and shame is regulated by social approach and withdrawal and thus relates to the quantity and quality of our social interactions. People with schizophrenia (SZ) self-report reduced guilt-proneness compared to healthy controls (HC). However, previous studies have not distinguished between anticipatory and consequential guilt, nor between guilty affect and associated action tendencies. Study Design: We compared 24 SZ with 24 HC on anticipatory guilt, (TOSCA-3, GASP); consequential guilt (PFQ-2), and empathy and Theory of Mind (ToM). Study Results: Differing profiles emerged: SZ reported higher consequential relative to anticipatory guilt, while HC reported the opposite pattern. SZ self-reported reduced repair and increased withdrawal compared to HC. In SZ, anticipatory guilt was predicted by empathic concern and ToM; consequential guilt by social withdrawal and ToM skill. Conclusion: SZ participants anticipated equal affective guilt-proneness but reduced adaptive behavioural responses to guilty feelings, resulting in more chronic guilt in daily life than would be predicted by TOSCA-3 and GASP responses. The discrepancy between emotional experience and expression may partly explain previous findings of reduced TOSCA-3 guilt-proneness, as TOSCA-3 operationalises guilt as reparative, prosocial behaviours. Results highlight perceptions of reparation potential as an intervention target, with likely downstream reductions in chronic and delusional guilt and shame.Item Hatchery Development for Aquaculture of the Southern Bull Kelp Durvillaea potatorum (Fucales): Gamete Release, Fertilisation Rate, and Juvenile Growth(Springer Science and Business Media LLC, 2026-02-18) Visch, Wouter; Furness, Grace; Arioli, Tony; Hurd, Catriona L; South, Paul M; White, W Lindsey; Wright, Jeffrey TDurvillaea spp. (Fucales) occur on wave-exposed coasts in parts of the southern hemisphere. In Tasmania, Australia, a small but economically valuable industry (> US$1.5 million GVP) harvests beach-cast Durvillaea potatorum, primarily for alginates and liquid plant biostimulants. Currently, demand for D. potatorum biomass exceeds supply, prompting interest in aquaculture to sustainably increase production. However, fundamental hatchery methods required for its cultivation are not well understood. We conducted a series of experiments to determine optimal conditions for gamete release, fertilisation, and juvenile growth in a hatchery setting. Releasing gametes for 10 min at 14 °C produced consistently high egg densities (mean ± SE: 12,720 ± 1020 cm−2 tissue) and fertilisation rates peaked (89 ± 4%) when reproductive tissue was held overnight and gametes were released at 14 °C. Moreover, ~ 50% of male and female gametes were released within 10 min and > 90% within one hour. Three growth experiments showed that: (i) the highest growth rate was found by first holding the samples in the dark overnight at 14 °C and then using a gamete-release temperature of 18 °C, with juveniles reaching a mean length of 1.2 mm ± 0.1 SE and width of 0.29 mm ± 0.02 SE after 60 days at 14 °C and a light level of 35 µmol photons m−2 s−1 (12 h light: 12 h dark photoperiod); (ii) an irradiance level of 95 µmol photons m−2 s−1 for maximise growth of juveniles; and (iii) nutrient medium and temperature influenced growth, with the best performance in F/2 medium at 15 °C after 30 days (mean length 0.9 ± 0.2 mm; width 0.38 ± 0.01 mm). Growth of juvenile D. potatorum was poor in media containing ammonium (NH4+), such as Provasoli’s Enriched Seawater (PES) and seawater enriched with N and P, at similar concentrations to PES, suggesting NH4+ toxicity for early life stages at high concentrations. These results represent a significant step toward establishing effective hatchery methods for Durvillaea spp. and other Fucales more broadly, supporting future at-sea cultivation.Item Experience of Continuity of Care Mitigates Poorer Infant Temperament for Women Reporting Elevated Hardship During Pregnancy: Birth In The Time of COVID (BITTOC) Study(Elsevier BV, 2026-03-15) McLean, Mia; Lequertier, Belinda; King, Suzanne; Kildea, Sue; Keedle, Hazel; Dahlen, Hannah GProblem: It is unknown whether unborn infants exposed to their mothers’ uncontrollable stressful life events could benefit from the continuity of their mothers’ prenatal carer. Background: Maternal stress in pregnancy predicts poorer child outcomes. Continuity of care improves maternal mental health. Aim: Determine whether continuity of care moderates association between prenatal maternal stress due to COVID-19 and infant negative emotionality at age 6 months. Methods: Australian women, pregnant during the pandemic, completed a survey detailing their level of continuity of maternity care, pandemic-related difficulties (objective hardship), cognitive appraisal of, and subjective distress related to, COVID-19. Six months post-birth, they reported on their mental health, COVID-19 related stress and their infants’ negative emotionality (n = 903). Findings: Hierarchical multiple regression analysis showed that higher prenatal pandemic-related subjective distress was associated with greater infant negative emotionality. Interaction analyses determined that, for women exposed to higher levels of objective hardship in pregnancy, the more they experienced continuity of carer, the lower their child's negative emotionality at age 6 months. This relationship was not evident for dyads exposed to lower objective hardship. However, actual model of maternity care did not moderate the relationships between COVID-19-related prenatal maternal stress and infant negative emotionality. All models accounted for 6-month maternal COVID-19 objective hardship and subjective stress as well as depressive symptoms. Discussion: We found that the protective effect of experienced continuity of care, small but potentially consequential, was most evident among women exposed to high COVID-19-related hardship. This finding supports the roll-out of maternity care models that foster relational continuity for at-risk pregnant women with additional medical and psychological needs. Conclusion: For women most exposed to uncontrollable stressful events, such as pandemic-related restrictions and threat, their experience of high continuity of care may predict long-term benefits for their infant's temperament.Item Biomarkers Reveal Dietary Flexibility in Northern Bottlenose Whales, Hyperoodon ampullatus, With Implications for Fisheries and Resource Management(Elsevier BV, 2026-05-13) Troina, Genyffer C; Feyrer, Laura J; Remili, Anais; Desforges, Jean-Pierre; Braid, Heather E; Maldonado-Rodriguez, Ambar; Edkins, Tera; Hooker, Sascha K; Budge, Suzanne M; Watt, Cortney; Golikov, Alexey V; Tucker, Strahan; Lefort, Kyle J; Storrie, Luke; Gaspard, David; Hussey, Nigel E; McKinney, Melissa; Whitehead, Hal; Ferguson, Steven HBeaked whales, including northern bottlenose whales (Hyperoodon ampullatus), are widely considered deep-diving squid specialists. In Canada, where northern bottlenose whales are of conservation concern following historical depletion, resolving diet composition is critical for understanding differences in population recovery and evaluating risks from overlap with regional fisheries. Here, we analyse stable isotopes (δ¹³C, δ¹⁵N; Bayesian mixing models) from skin (n = 141 samples) and fatty acids from blubber (quantitative fatty acid signature analysis, QFASA; n = 96 samples) from northern bottlenose whales, alongside a large library of potential prey (19 species) collected across the western North Atlantic (42–74 °N). Stable isotope data suggested that females in both Arctic and Scotian Shelf populations exhibited broader ecological niches than males. However, diet composition differed between regions, mirroring known genetic structure. In Arctic whales, squids’ contribution was low, while diets were predominantly fish-based, with contributions from grenadiers (family Macrouridae), redfish (Sebastes spp.), and Greenland halibut (Reinhardtius hippoglossoides). Scotian Shelf whales consumed both demersal fish (redfish) and squid (Gonatus fabricii). Both biomarkers indicate substantial reliance on demersal fish, consistent with flexible foraging strategies and suggesting a broader diet than the obligate squid specialist view. These findings underscore the need to consider diverse prey fields and potential fisheries interactions in conservation and recovery efforts.