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    Drivers of obesity : associations of physical activity, sedentary behaviour and diet on metabolic health and the gut microbiota : a thesis presented in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy in Nutritional Science at Massey University, Tāmaki Makaurau, Aotearoa New Zealand
    (Massey University, 2023) Slater, Joanne
    Background: Regular physical activity (PA) and limited time spent sedentary are important for almost all aspects of health, including prevention and treatment of obesity. Aim: To describe the PA and sedentary behaviour (SB) of healthy, lean and obese, Pacific and NZE women, aged 18-45 years; and to explore the associations of PA and SB with diet, BF%, biomarkers of metabolic health, and gut microbiota composition. Methods: Pacific (n = 142) or NZE (n = 162) women aged 18–45 years with a self- reported body mass index of either 18.5–25.0 kg/m2 or ≥30.0 kg/m2 were recruited. Whole body dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry was used to subsequently stratify participants as either low (<35%) or high (≥35%) BF%. Eight-day accelerometery assessed PA and SB levels. Meeting the PA guidelines was defined as accumulation of ≥ 30 minutes of moderate or greater intensity activity on ≥ 5 days per week OR 150 minutes of moderate to vigorous PA (MVPA) per week. Dietary intake was assessed using a 5-day food record. Fasting blood was analysed for biomarkers of metabolic health, and whole body dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry was used to estimate body composition. Bulk DNA was extracted from faecal samples and the metagenomic sequences associated with the microbiota were analysed using MetaPhlAN and QIIME2 software. Adjusted multivariate regression models were conducted to explore the associations between PA, SB and diet, body composition and biomarkers of metabolic health, and between PA, SB and gut microbiota composition. Results: Less than half Pacific women were meeting the PA guidelines (high-BF%; 39% and low-BF%; 47%) versus 81% of low-BF% and 65% of high-BF% NZE women. Low-BF% Pacific women were more sedentary than all other women (p<0.05): Pacific low- 10.4 and high-BF% 9.93 and NZE low- 9.69 and high-BF% 9.96 hours/day. Every additional 10-minutes spent in MVPA was associated with 0.9% lower total and trunk fat and 0.7% lower gynoid fat in all women (p<0.05). Among Pacific women; every 100 cpm increase in total PA was associated with 6% lower fasting plasma insulin. Every 10-minute increase in MVPA was associated with 8% lower fasting plasma insulin in both ethnic groups (p<0.05). Among NZE women, every one-hour increase in sedentary time was associated with 0.8% higher gynoid fat (p<0.05), and longer weighted median sedentary bout length was associated with higher BF% (gynoid fat 0.3%, total body 0.4%, trunk 0.4%, android 0.4% and visceral fat 0.4% (p<0.05)) and 14% higher C-reactive protein (CRP) (p<0.05). No associations between SB and body composition or metabolic markers were found among Pacific women. There was no significant difference in average total energy intake between Pacific and NZE women or BF% groups. No women were consuming more than the carbohydrate AMDR (>65% total energy). Pacific women’s mean daily starch intake was significantly higher than NZE women (g/day, and % total energy intake). Only the NZE low-BF% groups mean fibre intake was above the recommended daily intake of ≥25g/day. All the women that were in the lowest quartile of fibre intake, and particularly the NZE women, had a lower odds of meeting the PA guidelines (OR 0.72 (p=0.008) and OR 0.66 (p=0.021) respectively) compared to women in the top three quartiles of fibre intake. All the women that were in the lowest quartile of polyunsaturated fat intake, especially Pacific women had a lower odds of meeting the PA guidelines compared women in the top three quartiles (0.76, p=0.027 and OR 0.67, p=0.030 respectively). Among NZE women, every one SD increase in total PA (197 cpm/day) was associated with 36.3% higher relative abundance of Erysipelotrichaceae (p=0.031) and 37.9% lower relative abundance of Verrucomicrobiaceae (p=0.029). Every one SD increase in SB (1.45 hours/day) was associated with a 28% lower relative abundance of Erysipelotrichaceae (p=0.030). Every one SD increase in NZE women’s total PA was associated with 23.1% higher Firmicutes:Bacteroidetes ratio (p=0.031), whereas among Pacific women, every 1 SD increase in MVPA was associated with 22.8% lower (p=0.034) Firmicutes:Bacteroidetes ratio. Conclusion: Increased time spent in PA of all intensities and breaking-up prolonged SB was associated with healthier body composition and lower metabolic disease risk in Pacific and NZE women. Compared to NZE, the impact of increased total PA on fasting insulin may be greater in Pacific women and inflammation may be a pathway through which SB impacts cardiovascular risk, especially for NZE women. Although higher total PA and lower SB was associated with some aspects of the gut microbiota composition, more needs to be known about the mechanisms driving associations between PA SB and the gut microbiota to enable these findings to be interpreted.
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    Exposure to fumigants and residual chemicals in workers handling cargo from shipping containers and export logs : a study of exposure determinants and neuropsychological symptoms : a thesis by publications presented in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy in Public Health (Epidemiology) at Massey University, Wellington, New Zealand
    (Massey University, 2022) Hinz, Ruth
    Fumigants are widely used in shipping containers and on export logs for biosecurity reasons. This thesis aimed to: (i) assess concentrations of fumigants and off-gassed chemicals in closed containers; (ii) identify container characteristics associated with high concentrations; (iii) assess personal exposure levels of workers exposed to these chemicals; and (iv) assess whether exposed workers report more neuropsychological symptoms. Air samples were collected from 490 sealed containers and at opening of 46 containers, and 193 personal full-shift air samples were collected for 133 container handlers, 15 retail workers, 40 workers loading export logs, and 5 fumigators. Samples were analysed by Selected Ion Flow Tube Mass Spectrometry for several common fumigants and harmful chemicals frequently found in shipping containers. Levels were compared to the New Zealand Work Exposure Standard (WES) and the Threshold Limit Value (TLV). A neuropsychological symptom questionnaire was completed by 274 container handlers, 38 retail workers, 35 fumigators, 18 log workers, and a reference group of 206 construction workers. Fumigants were detected in 11.4% of sealed containers (ethylene oxide 4.7%; methyl bromide 3.5%). Chemicals other than fumigants were detected more frequently, particularly formaldehyde (84.7%). Some cargo types (e.g. rubber products) and countries of origin (e.g. China) were associated with higher chemical concentrations. Fumigants were detected in both fumigated and non-fumigated containers. Ambient chemical concentrations in closed and just opened containers regularly exceeded the NZ WES and TLV. Personal exposure measurements never exceeded the NZ WES, although for 26.2% of samples the TLV for formaldehyde was exceeded. Duration spent unloading containers was associated with higher levels of ethylene oxide, C2-alkylbenzenes and acetaldehyde. Exposed workers were more likely to report ≥10 symptoms, and particularly for the fatigue domain. Longer cumulative duration of unloading containers was associated with more symptoms (Odds Ratio (OR) 7.5, 95% Confidence Interval (CI) 1.7-32.8), and specifically for symptoms in the memory/-concentration domain (OR 6.8, 95%CI 1.5-30.3), when comparing the highest exposure duration tertile to the lowest. In conclusion, while workers’ full-shift exposure levels to container chemicals are lower than previously expected (based on the high levels measured in closed containers), they may nonetheless cause long-term health effects.  
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    Essays on natural resources, energy, and development : a thesis presented in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy in Economics, School of Economics and Finance, Massey University, Palmerston North, New Zealand
    (Massey University, 2022) Narantungalag, Odmaa
    This thesis examines the local economic and health impacts of natural resource extraction on communities and the effectiveness of large energy subsidies using microdata from Mongolia for 2008-2018. The results are presented in three stand-alone empirical chapters. Chapter 2 examines the economic impacts of the mining industry's indirect linkages on household expenditure patterns in a quasi-experiment setting. Households benefit from mining activities by increasing their expenditures on food, health care, and electricity by reducing their expenditures on education, non-food goods, and services. However, increased mining activities do not adversely affect health and educational outcomes because of improved access to health and education services. Chapter 3 investigates the impact of mining-induced pollution on individuals' likelihood of reporting illnesses, employing a novel instrumental variable. Individuals who reside within five kilometers of mining activities are more likely to report illness. This is true for all age groups, although the effect is most severe for younger children. Small-scale mines and gold mines cause greater health risks than larger and other types of mines. Chapter 4 evaluates the effectiveness of large electricity subsidies in reducing fossil fuel use, such as coal, and improving ambient air quality. The subsidy program achieves its intended goal of reducing illness, but it affects household electricity consumption behavior, which might further help the transition from coal to electricity and reduce air pollution. The results reported in this thesis generate findings important for policymaking in resource-rich developing countries. First, household disaggregated expenditure analysis can provide useful information about household consumption decisions, which can be used for policy formulation to increase the benefits of mining activities to local communities. Second, pollution control and mitigation are essential in resource-producing regions to reduce the population's health risks from mining activities and enhance welfare. Third, large energy subsidies may be useful for changing consumer behavior, further contributing to subsidy effectiveness.
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    Does air quality matter for mutual funds' tracking errors? : a thesis presented in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Business Studies in Finance at Massey University, Auckland, New Zealand
    (Massey University, 2019) Roy, Suvra
    Social science literature documents that air quality affects the cognitive dissonance of market participants including retail investors. In this paper, we examine the effect of air pollution on professional investors: mutual fund managers. We find air pollution affects managers’ cognitive performance and behaviour bias, resulting in higher funds’ tracking errors. In addition, we identify factors, which can improve fund managers’ cognitive abilities, reducing the impact of air pollution.
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    Surface pasteurisation of fresh chicken meat using UV-C technology : a thesis presented in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Food Technology at Massey University, Albany, New Zealand
    (Massey University, 2019) Philip, Arthur Jonathan
    Fresh chicken meat is highly susceptible to contamination by spoilage and pathogenic microorganisms due to its high-water activity and rich nutrients. Following processing, aerobic mesophilic count (AMCs) on the surface of fresh chicken samples ranges from 3.00 to 4.00 log CFU/cm2. The New Zealand food safety guidelines stipulate that aerobic mesophilic counts (AMCs) present on surfaces of fresh chicken portion should be <6 log CFU/cm2 by end of shelf-life (6-7 days) when stored at 4°C. Hence, the safety and shelf-life of fresh chicken meat pose challenges for the industry. The UV-C technology, is a novel food processing technique that has lethal germicidal capability at 280-290 nm. Therefore, the technology has a potential to decontaminate suitable food products including the surfaces of fresh poultry portions. This study investigated the effect of UV-C light processing on untreated fresh skinless and skin-on chicken portions. The study was conducted in 2 phases to optimise the processing technology and determine its effects on fresh chicken samples during storage (4°C). One day old fresh chicken samples (skinless breast fillet, skinless thigh fillet, skin-on breast fillet, and skin-on thigh fillet) were obtained from a commercial processing factory and transported to Massey University, Auckland Campus, under chilled conditions (4°C) within an hour. In phase one, the fresh chicken samples were treated with four UV-C dosages (50, 100, 200, and 300 mJ/cm2) at ambient temperature (20°C) using a commercial UV disinfection system. AMCs were determined by swabbing the fresh chicken samples using swabs and 5-cm2 templates. Suitable dilutions (10-1 up to 10-6) of the swabbed samples were enumerated on standard plate agar with incubation at 30°C/72 h and grown colonies were expressed as log CFU/cm2. Temperature of the chicken samples before and after UV-C treatments was measured using a 20-cm probe thermometer. Treatment time was recorded automatically by the UV-C equipment. Phase one results showed that 50 mJ/cm2 was capable of maximum microbial reduction (skinless: 1.69 log CFU/cm2; skin-on: 0.21 log CFU/cm2) with minimal temperature changes (skinless: 3.14°C; skin-on: 3.32°C) and lowest exposure times (skinless: 2.17 minutes; skin-on: 2.22 minutes.). Therefore, 50 mJ/cm2 was selected as the optimum dosage for skin-on and skinless fresh chicken samples. In phase 2, the effect of optimised UV-C light dosage (50 mJ/cm2) on fresh chicken samples stored at 4°C/7 days was investigated. Instrumental color analysis, AMCs and lipid oxidation were determined at 4 different time points (day 0, 3, 5, 7) during storage (4°C). AMCs were analysed as previously described. The detection of E.coli, S. aureus, L. monocytogenes, Campylobacter spp. and Salmonella spp. were conducted at 0 and 7 days of storage using standard methods, while colour was measured by a colorimeter. Lipid oxidation was analysed by the thiobarbituric acid (TBA) method. Consumer sensory evaluation was carried out to evaluate raw and cooked chicken samples during storage. Raw chicken samples were evaluated by a focus group consisting of 5 semi-trained panelists at days 1, 5, and 7 while cooked samples were evaluated on days 1 and 7 by 30 panelists using a 9-scale hedonic test. For cooked chicken portions, samples were cooked to an internal temperature of 75°C using a convection oven. The cooked chicken samples were cooled to between 30 – 40°C before being served to the sensory panelists. The result of phase 2 showed that the initial mean AMCs were 3.31 ± 0.11 (skin-on) and 3.80 ± 0.35 (skinless) log CFU/cm2. After UV-C treatment, the AMCs of UV-treated chicken samples were reduced to 1.87 ± 0.98 (skinless) and 3.07 ± 0.34 (skin-on) log CFU/cm2, indicating that the AMCs for skinless and skin-on chicken samples decreased by 1.93 log and 0.24 log CFU/cm2 after UV-C (50 mJ/cm2) treatment, respectively. At the end of storage, the AMCs on skin-on chicken breast samples were 8.57 ± 0.34 (untreated) and 7.48 ± 0.07 (UV- treated) log CFU/cm2. Whereas, AMCs on skinless breast fillet were 8.62 ± 0.35 (untreated) and 6.73 ± 1.10 (UV-treated) log CFU/cm2, respectively. The results indicated that the growth of AMCs on untreated chicken samples exceeded the recommended limit on day 5, while UV-treated chicken samples were higher than the recommended limit on day 6 (skin- on) and day 7 (skinless). In addition, the AMCs results suggested that UV-C treatment was more effective on skinless chicken portion. Furthermore, pathogenic bacteria (E.coli, S. aureus, L. monocytogenes, Campylobacter spp., and Salmonella spp.) were not detected on untreated and UV-treated chicken samples on days 0 and 7 of storage, indicating the effectiveness of the chlorinated chilling processing step. Based on the Hunter L*, a*, b* colour readings and TBA (TBARS) results, the applied UV-C dose (50 mJ/cm2) had minimal impact on the color and lipid oxidation of both skin-on and skinless chicken samples during storage. However, a faint burnt odor was detected by sensory panelists during evaluation of UV-C treated fresh (raw) chicken samples stored (4°C) for day 1. The panelists did not detect any unpleasant odor from the cooked chicken samples during storage. Therefore, the results suggested that UV-C light may offer good prospects for shelf-life extension of fresh chicken samples. In addition, the results also indicated that UV-C light surface pasteurisation was more effective for skinless chicken samples, compared to its skin-on counterparts.
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    Secondary school students and caffeine : consumption habits, motivations and experiences : a thesis presented in partial fulfilment of the requirements of the degree of Master of Science in Nutrition and Dietetics
    (Massey University, 2019) Turner, Sophie
    Background: Recently, concerns have been raised about adolescent caffeine consumption due to its potentially serious physiological and psychological effects. Adolescents are vulnerable to the effects of caffeine due to their lack of habituation, smaller body mass and changing brain physiology. Increasing independence also exposes adolescents to new caffeinated products and provides greater freedom in their food and beverage decision making. The motivations that drive caffeine intake among adolescents are not well understood, but they are important in order to develop and implement public health strategies to reduce any harmful behavioural patterns and potential adverse effects. Therefore, it is important to determine which groups of adolescents if any are at increased at risk of caffeine-related harm, particularly as previous studies investigating adolescent caffeine intake are limited and outdated, especially within the New Zealand context. Aim: The aim of this study is to explore the caffeine consumption habits of New Zealand adolescents 15 to 18 years; the factors that motivate consumption and reasons for avoiding caffeine, over a range of caffeinated products. Methods: A previously validated caffeine consumption questionnaire (CaffCo) was administered to 217 participants 15 to 18 years via the online survey software Qualtrics. Results: Most (94.9%) New Zealand adolescents consume at least one caffeinated product daily, the most commonly consumed sources being chocolate, coffee, tea and kola drinks. The median daily caffeine intake was 68 mg.day⁻¹. Gender and employment status influence the pattern, but not overall amount of caffeine consumed. Energy drink consumption has risen dramatically over the past decade. One fifth (21.2%) of adolescents consume above the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) safe level for caffeine intake of 3 mg.kg.⁻¹day⁻¹. Taste, energy and cold temperature were the main motivators for adolescent caffeine consumption. Increased energy, feeling excited, restlessness and sleep disturbances were frequently reported effects following caffeine consumption. Conclusions: This study gives an updated and more detailed view of caffeinated product consumption among New Zealand adolescents. A subset of adolescents consumes caffeine above the EFSA safe level and may benefit from public health strategies to reduce caffeine-related harm. Potential strategies may include education to improve “caffeine literacy” and improved regulations for labelling and advertising.
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    Social determinants of preschoolers' sleep health in Aotearoa/New Zealand : a mixed methods study : a thesis presented in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy in Public Health at Massey University, Wellington, New Zealand
    (Massey University, 2019) Muller, Diane Patricia
    Sleep is important for young children’s health and wellbeing. In Aotearoa/New Zealand ethnic and socioeconomic inequities exist in adult sleep, however little is known about the social determinants of young children’s sleep and whether sleep inequities exist in early childhood. A mixed methods study was conducted to address this gap in knowledge. Kaupapa Māori epidemiological principles informed the study design and sleep was viewed through a social determinants of health and complementary socioecological theoretical lens. Sleep and sociodemographic questionnaire data from 340 Māori and 570 non-Māori preschoolers in the Moe Kura: Mother and Child, Sleep and Wellbeing in Aotearoa/New Zealand study (Moe Kura) were analysed. Log-binomial regression models investigated independent associations between ethnicity, socioeconomic position (SEP) and preschoolers’ sleep duration, timing and problems. Ethnicity and socioeconomic deprivation were independently associated with short sleep duration (<10hrs), week/weekend sleep duration difference >1hr, later bedtimes and sleep problems based on a number of maternal-report measures. A sub-sample of Moe Kura mothers (15 Māori and 16 non-Māori with low and high SEP) participated in face-to-face interviews about their preschooler’s sleep. Results from thematic analysis identified four themes relating to mothers’ perceptions of preschooler sleep: ‘child happiness and health’, ‘maternal wellbeing’, ‘comfort and connection’ and ‘family functioning and harmony’. Four additional themes centred around facilitators and barriers to preschoolers sleeping well: ‘health, activity and diet’, ‘sleep promoting physical environments’, ‘consistency’ and ‘doing it our way’. Mothers valued their preschooler having good sleep health, however societal factors influenced the degree of autonomy they had over implementing sleep supporting strategies. Integrated mixed methods findings indicate that ethnic and socioeconomic inequities in preschooler sleep health exist in Aotearoa/New Zealand and that social determinants of preschoolers’ sleep include institutional racism, material and financial resources, employment, housing, social support, early childhood education services and child health services. Results indicate that a victim-blaming approach which does not take into account the broader societal context and places blame and burden on mothers not ‘managing’ their child’s sleep ‘properly’ must be rejected. Action is required to address the socio-political drivers that lead to the inequitable distribution of social determinants of preschoolers’ sleep health.
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    Are all sedentary behaviours equal? : different sedentary behaviours and indicators of disease risk : a thesis presented in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Science in Nutrition and Dietetics, Massey University, Albany, New Zealand
    (Massey University, 2019) Beale, Claire
    There is evidence to suggest that sedentary behaviour has a negative impact on the risk of some non-communicable diseases, however associations differ within different contexts (e.g., leisure time, occupational). The current study examined the association between different types of sedentary behaviour and disease risk, in women, using objectively measured sedentary data. Methods: The study was conducted in two parts. A validation study (n = 20) was conducted using direct observation and objective measurement of common sedentary behaviours (e.g., reclining, sitting and sitting typing) were used to classify sedentary behaviour into four categories: 1) lying down; 2) sitting (non-active); 3) sitting (active); and 4) standing. In a cross-sectional study (n = 348, age = 16-45 years) accelerometer-derived sedentary behaviour classifications were correlated with body composition, metabolic, inflammatory and blood lipid variables, from the women’s EXPLORE study. Results: Participants spent an average of 7 hours 42 minutes per day in sedentary behaviour. Of the time spent sedentary, 58% was classified as non-active sitting and 26% as active sitting. Non-active sitting showed weak positive correlations with BMI (r = 0.244, p ≤ 0.001), body fat percent (r = 0.216, p ≤ 0.001), body mass (r = 0.236, p ≤ 0.001), waist:hip (r = 0.141, p = 0.009), fat mass (r = 0.241, p ≤ 0.001), insulin (r = 0.160, p = 0.003), leptin (r = 0.237, p ≤ 0.001), systolic and diastolic blood pressure (r = 0.137, p = 0.010 and r = 0.135, p = 0.011), and weak negative correlations with HDL-cholesterol (r = -0.117, p = 0.031). Conversely, active sitting was weakly negatively correlated with BMI (r = -0.300, p ≤ 0.001), body fat percent (r = -0.249, p ≤ 0.001), body mass (r = -0.305, p ≤ 0.001), waist:hip (r = -0.164, p = 0.002), fat mass (r = -0.320, p ≤ 0.001), insulin (r = -0.180, p = 0.001), leptin (r = -0.259, p ≤ 0.001), and a weak positive correlation with HDL-cholesterol (r = 0.115, p = 0.035). Conclusion: The current study demonstrates a favourable association between active sitting and markers of disease risk. It provides a new focus for the development of public health initiatives and sedentary behaviour guidelines by showing that different types of sedentary behaviours might have different effects on markers of disease risk.
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    Bioactivity of food-grade curcuminoids and their incorporation into coconut yogurt : a thesis submitted in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Masters of Food Technology, Massey University, Albany, New Zealand
    (Massey University, 2018) Singh, Tania
    Curcuminoids are the bioactive components of turmeric, which comprises pf of 77% curcumin, 17% demethoxycurcumin (DMC) and 3% bisdemethoxycurcumin (BDMC). The application of curcuminoids is limited by its low oral bioavailability due to poor aqueous solubility, low absorption from the gut, rapid metabolism and rapid systemic elimination, which can be improved by incorporating curcuminoids into a suitable food matrix. Thus, the present study aimed at developing a coconut yogurt as a potential vehicle for the delivery of bioactive curcuminoids. This research project was carried out in three phases. Phase I involved the screening of 10 different commercial food-grade curcuminoid products in three types of yogurt. Each of the 10 food-grade curcuminoid products, were added (0.4% w/w) to three types of commercial yogurt: cow’s milk yogurt, coconut cream yogurt and a goat’s milk yogurt and subjected to pH measurement and sensory evaluation with a view to selecting the most promising curcuminoid and delivery medium. Results showed that coconut yogurt with added curcuminoids (C7 and C9) were the most acceptable to the sensory panellists. In phase 2, the two selected curcuminoid products (C7 and C9) were subjected to a cell-based, in vitro analysis to measure their anti-inflammatory activity and cytotoxicity using THP-1 macrophages stimulated with lipopolysaccharide (LPS). The anti-inflammatory activity of the two curcuminoid products was compared to analytical grade curcumin (Pure C) as positive control and a dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) vehicle control. C7 and C9, as well as pure curcumin presented a varied degree of toxicity towards LPS stimulated macrophages, as measured by the MTT (3-(4,5- Dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-Diphenyltetrazolium Bromide) colorimetric assay. All curcuminoid samples were found to be non-toxic to THP-1 cells at 10 µM. At this concentration, the test products and the control down-regulated the expression of TNF-α by 2.5-fold in the differentiated THP-1 cells stimulated with LPS. Concentrations of DMSO as high as 0.5% were well tolerated by the macrophages. As there were no significant differences (p>0.05) in the anti-inflammatory activity of the food-grade curcuminoid samples, the both the test products in coconut cream yogurt were tested in phase III. Samples of coconut cream were fortified with food-grade curcuminoids (C7 and C9) at 400 mg/150g, prior to yogurt fermentation; a negative control without curcumin was also included. The physico-chemical, microbiological and sensory properties of the fermented coconut cream yogurts were compared to the control coconut yogurt. Results showed curcuminoids did not have any effect on fermentation of coconut cream. During storage (4°C) for 15 days, acidity, yogurt microflora and syneresis of the curcuminoid enriched yogurts were not significantly different from the control yogurts. However, addition of curcuminoids resulted in formation of a weaker gel compared to the control yogurt, and the viscosity of the gels varied during storage. The concentrations of curcuminoids in the coconut cream yogurt during storage of the fermented products were measured by reversed phase HPLC. HPLC analysis showed that 70-75% of the bioactives were retained in the yogurt at the end of the 15-day storage period. The two fermented coconut yogurts fortified with curcuminoids (C7 and C9) were well-accepted by a consumer sensory panel (n=180). Based on the pH, acidity, sensory, texture, microbiological and HPLC results, it can be inferred that coconut yogurt may serve as a suitable delivery medium for bioactive curcuminoids.
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    Neuropsychological functioning and pesticide exposure in children aged 6-11 : a thesis presented in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Clinical Psychology at Massey University, Wellington, New Zealand
    (Massey University, 2018) Brinkmann, Yanis
    Pesticide exposure has been linked with numerous health concerns in both adults and children, including problems with cognition and behaviour. Research in this area is complicated by different pesticide exposure profiles across different countries, and results may not generalise to a New Zealand context. The current study aimed to investigate the effects of pesticide exposure in New Zealand children. It extended previous research by studying more cognitive domains, thus providing a more thorough understanding of effects on cognitive functioning. Four hundred and forty three children from the Wellington and Hawkes Bay regions were assessed using subtests from the NEPSY-II, WISC-IV and TEA-Ch. Pesticide exposure was measured using questionnaire and dust sample data which served as proxies for both pre- and post-natal exposure. Prenatal exposure was found to be significantly associated with lower memory scores, while postnatal exposure was associated with lower scores in working memory, facial memory and executive functioning. No effects were found for attention, motor speed, processing speed, verbal memory, and social perception. These results suggest the presence of effects of pesticide exposure on some aspects of child neuropsychological development in New Zealand. While the results are based on initial analyses, and are thus preliminary, the thesis will contribute to a larger project looking at pesticides and public health, and provide important information for regulators around public safety in the future.