School of Science - Te Kura Pūtaiao
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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 five main areas:
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Recent Submissions
- ItemBacteroidia and Clostridia Are Equipped to Degrade a Cascade of Polysaccharides Along the Hindgut of the Herbivorous Fish Kyphosus sydneyanus(Oxford University Press, 2024-08-01) Facimoto, Cesar T; Clements, Kendall D; White, W Lindsey; Handley, Kim MThe gut microbiota of the marine herbivorous fish Kyphosus sydneyanus are thought to play an important role in host nutrition by supplying short-chain fatty acids (SCFA) through fermentation of dietary red and brown macroalgae. Here, using 645 metagenome-assembled genomes (MAGs) from wild fish we determined the capacity of different bacterial taxa to degrade seaweed carbohydrates along the gut. Most bacteria (99%) were unclassified at the species level. Gut communities and CAZyme-related transcriptional activity were dominated by Bacteroidia and Clostridia. Both classes possess genes CAZymes acting on internal polysaccharide bonds, suggesting their role initiating glycan depolymerization, followed by rarer Gammaproteobacteria and Verrucomicrobiae. Results indicate that Bacteroidia utilize substrates in both brown and red algae, whereas other taxa, namely Clostridia, Bacilli, and Verrucomicrobiae, utilize mainly brown algae. Bacteroidia had the highest CAZyme gene densities overall, and Alistipes were especially enriched in CAZyme gene clusters (CGCs, n = 73 versus just 59 distributed across all other taxa), pointing to an enhanced capacity for macroalgal polysaccharide utilization (e.g., alginate, laminarin, and sulfated polysaccharides). Pairwise correlations of MAG relative abundances and encoded CAZyme compositions provide evidence of potential inter-species collaborations. Co-abundant MAGs exhibited complementary degradative capacities for specific substrates, and flexibility in their capacity to source carbon (e.g., glucose or galactose-rich glycans), possibly facilitating coexistence via niche partitioning. Results indicate the potential for collaborative microbial carbohydrate metabolism in the K. sydneyanus gut, that a greater variety of taxa contribute to the breakdown of brown versus red dietary algae, and that Bacteroidia encompass specialized macroalgae degraders.
- ItemEvaluation of a Biopsychosocial Education Resource for Mild Traumatic Brain Injury: A Mixed Method Exploratory Study(Frontiers Media SA, 2024-08-29) Faulkner, Josh W; Callagher, Elise; Snell, Deborah; Nielsen, Kristopher; Cairncross, Molly; Theadom, AliceIntroduction: Education is strongly advocated as a key component of treatment for mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) in clinical guidelines. However, there is mixed evidence on the benefit of education. This study aimed to evaluate a new education resource for mTBI. CLARITY is a freely available animated video based on a biopsychosocial conceptualization of mTBI, explaining the complex psychological, environmental and biological mechanisms behind symptoms and recovery.1 Methods: 24 adults with a history of mTBI participated in this mixed method study to examine prior experience of mTBI education and to evaluate CLARITY. Following viewing of the education video participants’ were invited to engage in a semi-structured interview and to share their perceptions of it via an online anonymous questionnaire. Results: Thematic analysis of semi-structured interviews revealed one overarching theme: education is the foundation of recovery. Participants emphasised the critical role of coherent education in facilitating understanding, engagement in rehabilitation, and positive expectations during recovery. However, the first subtheme was that existing foundations are weak. Participants’ previous education was often limited in scope, inconsistent, and delivered in inaccessible ways. The second subtheme was that new foundations are stronger. Participants responded positively to CLARITY, highlighting its explanatory biopsychosocial approach, focus on mental health factors and accessible delivery methods as key strengths. Questionnaire responses revealed favourable endorsement of CLARITY’s utility, comprehensibility and accessibility. Discussion: Recommendations for minor refinements to CLARITY were provided and made, as well as for its use in health care services.
- ItemOptimal Signal Wavelengths for Underwater Optical Wireless Communication Under Sunlight in Stratified Waters(MDPI AG, 2024-09-04) Waduge, Tharuka Govinda; Seet, Boon-Chong; Vopel, KayUnderwater optical wireless communication (UOWC) is a field of research that has gained popularity with the development of unmanned underwater vehicle (UUV) technologies. Its utilization is crucial in offshore industries engaging in sustainable alternatives for food production and energy security. Although UOWC can meet the high data rate and low latency requirements of underwater video transmission for UUV operations, the links that enable such communication are affected by the inhomogeneous light attenuation and the presence of sunlight. Here, we present how the underwater spectral distribution of the light field can be modeled along the depths of eight stratified oceanic water types. We considered other established models, such as SPCTRL2, Haltrin’s single parameter model for inherent optical properties, and a model for the estimation of the depth distribution of chlorophyll-a, and present insights based on transmission wavelength for the maximum signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) under different optical link parameter combinations such as beam divergence and transmit power under “daytime” and “nighttime” conditions. The results seem to challenge the common notion that the blue-green spectrum is the most suitable for underwater optical communication. We highlight a unique relationship between the transmission wavelength for the optimal SNR and the link parameters and distance, which varies with depth depending on the type of oceanic water stratification. Our analyses further highlighted potential implications for solar discriminatory approaches and strategies for routing in cooperative optical wireless networks in the photic region.
- ItemBeyond Borders: A Cross-Cultural Analysis of Consumption and Purchase Behaviour of Sweeteners in Yoghurts(Wiley, 2024-05-01) Chadha, D; Hamid, N; Poulain, N; Kantono, K; Janani, R; Teo, PSThe study explored the sociocultural influences on sugar consumption in three distinct countries: New Zealand, France, and Singapore. It employed the theory of planned behavior (TPB) alongside consumer perception and acceptance factors, such as sugar consciousness, product labeling, sugar substitution with sweeteners, and perceived flavor, to investigate participants’ behaviors regarding various yogurt types. Data was gathered through web surveys in each country, analyzed through partial least squares (PLS)–confirmatory factor analysis to create country-specific conceptual frameworks, and then validated using PLS-path modeling to assess the correlations between TPB and consumer perception constructs. The results indicated that perceived behavioral control positively influenced intentions to reduce sugar intake in participants from New Zealand and Singapore. Sugar consciousness exhibited a positive correlation with behavioral intentions across all three countries, suggesting heightened awareness of sugar intake motivates individuals to cut back. Notably, the presence of labels and claims showed negative correlation with perceived flavor, among the participants from New Zealand and France, suggesting that food researchers must navigate a delicate balance between labels and flavor to successfully design and market sugar-reduced products. Further analysis, PLS-multigroup analysis revealed significant difference in the impact of subjective norms on attitude between participants from different countries. Singaporeans placed stronger value on others’ approval for consuming less sugar-sweetened yogurt, whereas French and New Zealand participants had a more neutral stance. This study's novelty lies in its comprehensive exploration of sociocultural factors, integration of TPB with consumer perception constructs, and tailoring of analysis to each country's cultural context, thereby enhancing our understanding of multicultural sugar consumption patterns.
- ItemMicroencapsulated Asiatic Pennywort (Centella asiatica) Fortified Chocolate Oat Milk Beverage: Formulation, Polyphenols Content, and Consumer Acceptability(Wiley, 2024-08-13) Samaratunga, Roselle; Kantono, Kevin; Kam, Rothman; Gannabathula, Swapna; Hamid, NazimahThis study investigated the use of microencapsulated Asiatic pennywort (Centella asiatica) (CA) as a functional ingredient to formulate a novel chocolate oat milk beverage. The main objectives of the study were to characterize and encapsulate bioactive components from CA and to determine the polyphenol content and sensory properties of the beverage. CA extract was microencapsulated using maltodextrin and gum Arabic as carriers and subsequently freeze-dried to produce microcapsules. Microencapsulated CA was incorporated into chocolate oat milk at varying concentrations. Polyphenol content of the beverages was quantified using liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry. Consumer acceptability and sensory perception of the beverages were evaluated through an acceptance test and a check-all-that-apply test, respectively, to assess the sensory characteristics of the chocolate oat milk beverage. CA fortified chocolate oat milk contained fourteen polyphenols. Increasing the concentration of microencapsulated CA led to an increase in the polyphenol content of the beverage. Among the identified polyphenols, asiatic acid and asiaticoside stood out as the unique and most abundant compounds in CA (p < 0.05). Additionally, the incorporation of cocoa powder into the beverage further contributed to the polyphenol content, introducing bioactive compounds such as benzoic acid, caffeic acid, catechin, chlorogenic acid, kaempferol, luteolin, madecassic acid, p-coumaric acid, and quercetin. Evaluation of consumer acceptability revealed that chocolate oat milk beverages containing 2% and 4% microencapsulated CA were liked by consumers. However, beverages with higher concentrations of CA were perceived as less acceptable, characterized by grassy, bitter, and earthy attributes. In conclusion, this study demonstrates the potential of microencapsulated CA as a functional ingredient in chocolate oat milk beverages. Practical Application This study reveals new insights on the microencapsulation of bioactive compounds in CA, proposing its potential as a novel functional ingredient in food and beverage applications in Western markets. The study revealed microencapsulated CA retained polyphenols in CA including asiatic acid and asiaticoside responsible for its bioactive properties. Consumer perception of CA added to oat milk revealed that it can be added at an acceptable level of 4%; however, higher amounts can decrease consumer acceptability. As practitioners explore the incorporation of CA as a functional component in food products, it is crucial to explore preservation techniques for the sensitive bioactive components while balancing the optimal amount of CA to enhance overall consumer liking.