Auckland University of Technology

Lateral wedges are often prescribed to increase the first metatarsophalangeal joint (MPJ) range of motion or alter the centre of pressure (COP) in the foot. This study explored the effect of lateral wedge design and placement on first MPJ extension and COP during walking and running gait. A randomised crossover design was used and 24 healthy participants ran and walked in 10 insole conditions comprising differing combinations of inclination, placement and contour. First MPJ extension and foot COP were examined. Time-series data were analysed across the stance phase using statistical parametric mapping. Lateral wedges significantly reduced first MPJ extension during both walking (p < 0.001; 100% of stance) and running (p = 0.004; 14-72%, and p = 0.017; 76-99% of stance). Similarly, lateral wedge placement reduced first MPJ joint extension during walking (p < 0.001; 100% of stance) and running (p = 0.003; 13-69%, and p = 0.012; 78-100%). Full-length or 6° lateral wedges shifted the COP medially relative to the midline of the foot (p = 0.01). Compared to sham, lateral wedges placed on contoured insoles exhibited a smaller reduction in first MPJ during walking (p = 0.008) and shifted the COP medially during both walking (p < 0.001) and running (p = 0.020). Where the intention of using lateral wedging is to shift the COP medially, these data indicate that a wedge which is of higher inclination (6°) or spanning the full-length of the insole, should be used. Conversely, if the goal is to reduce extension at the first MPJ, these findings suggest that both 3° and 6° inclination wedges are suitable, with either forefoot or full-length applications proving effective.

The spatial organisation of mechanical cues is increasingly recognised as a key regulator of tissue development and disease, yet in vitro systems capable of replicating such environments remain limited. Fibroblast migration and the fibroblast-to-myofibroblast transition, which affect scar formation, are examples of mechanisms affected by mechanical cues. We report a photolithographic platform that enables precise, spatial patterning of the Young's modulus of gelatin methacryloyl (GelMA) hydrogels, using a ruthenium/sodium persulfate (SPS) photoinitiation system. By altering light intensity, we achieved Young's modulus tunability between 4 kPa and 46 kPa in non-patterned gels. By displaying a binary light intensity pattern over the gel, the Young's modulus could be switched from 10 kPa to 45 kPa, representing healthy and fibrotic Young's moduli, over a distance of ∼20 μm (2.3MPa·mm⁻¹). This system could also generate relatively linear Young's modulus gradients that are more physiologically relevant, ∼10 kPa⋅mm-1. Non-patterned and binary-patterned gels confirmed that increasing the Young's modulus drives the fibroblast-to-myofibroblast transition, observed by significantly greater cell volumes and α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) stress fibre formation, from encapsulated cardiac fibroblasts after 7 days. In gradient-patterned gels, fibroblasts exhibited a progressive, modulus-dependent increase in both cell volume and α-SMA stress fibre formation, alongside expressing a durotactic response, moving from healthy to fibrotic environments, and also aligning themselves between ±45 degrees to the Young's modulus gradient. Beyond cardiac fibrosis, this versatile platform enables rapid generation of biologically relevant mechanical landscapes for diverse mechanobiological applications, bridging the gap between simplified, mechanically uniform models and the heterogeneous microenvironments of native tissues. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE: This study developed a platform for spatially controlling the Young's modulus of GelMA using a digital light projection system. Using this system, a change in Young's modulus from 10 kPa to 45 kPa was achieved with a resolution of 20 µm. Natural Young's modulus gradients observed in tissues (∼10 kPa·mm⁻¹) can also be achieved. The fibroblast-to-myofibroblast transition was controlled spatially in the patterned gels, evidenced by changes in cell volume and α-SMA fibrillation. Fibroblasts demonstrated alignment and migration to the Young's modulus gradient. Our photopatterning system demonstrates ease of pattern/gradient definition with adaptability to a diverse range of systems, highlighting the impact of mechanical properties on cardiac scar formation, offering avenues for studying these effects.

In Aotearoa, geothermal resource management requires assessing sustainability trends across environmental, cultural, social, and economic dimensions, as mandated by legislation. While triple-bottom-line approaches are well-established for evaluating environmental, social, and economic impacts, cultural impacts are typically assessed separately. This report introduces a novel decision-support tool that integrates all four dimensions, offering a comprehensive quadruple-bottom-line impact assessment specifically for the geothermal industry. The tool adapts the Mauri Model Decision Making Framework, traditionally used for engineering projects, by identifying a transferable set of indicators tailored to geothermal developments in the Central North Island. The tool was developed through a combination of mātauranga Māori and Western knowledge, employing diverse research methodologies. Cultural indicators and thresholds were informed by over 16 h of wānanga (collaborative workshops) with Māori participants and augmented by literature reviews, as detailed in Taute, Morgan ( Taute et al., 2022 ; Taute et al., 2023 ). Environmental, social, and economic indicators were developed through participatory action research, including consultations with 14 industry professionals from organisations such as GNS Science, the New Zealand Geothermal Association, and major geothermal companies. Over 500 potential indicators were reviewed, with expert feedback refining the final indicator set and thresholds for industry alignment. The final set contained 112 indicators with thresholds. This tool ensures that cultural impacts are systematically evaluated together with conventional sustainability metrics, addressing a critical gap in geothermal impact assessments. It offers a robust framework for holistic decision-making in geothermal resource management. • A novel decision-support tool integrates cultural, environmental, social, and economic impacts. • The tool adapts the Mauri Model for geothermal project sustainability assessments. • Over 500 sustainability indicators were reviewed and refined through expert engagement. • A quadruple-bottom-line approach ensures cultural impacts are assessed alongside others. • Worldview sensitivity analysis quantifies stakeholder perspectives on sustainability.

Sarcoidosis is a multi-system inflammatory disease characterised by granulomas, primarily affecting the respiratory system, but it has extra-thoracic involvement. Sarcoidosis may have different presentations and disease courses based on ethnicity; however, limited data exist on its differences in Māori and New Zealand (NZ) Europeans. To investigate the clinical characteristics, treatment and disease progression of sarcoidosis in Waikato District Health Board (DHB) patients, and compare these in Māori and NZ European ethnic groups. A retrospective cohort analysis was conducted using Waikato DHB electronic records (2019-2021) for 158 patients with confirmed sarcoidosis. Baseline demographics, radiologic grading, lung function and treatments were collected and analysed. Differences between Māori and NZ European patients were assessed using χ2, analysis of variance and Mann-Whitney tests, with P < 0.05 considered statistically significant. The cohort (mean age: 56 years; 17% Māori, 70% NZ European) exhibited high rates of co-morbidities, notably obesity (46%). There was extra-thoracic involvement in 39% of patients, which was commonly ocular and cutaneous. Diagnosis relied on radiological methods solely or endobronchial ultrasound transbronchial needle aspiration in most cases. Māori patients displayed significantly higher extra-thoracic sarcoidosis involvement (P = 0.045) and lower rates of lung fibrosis. No significant differences were found in lung function decline, respiratory-related hospitalisations or mortality between groups. Our cohort demonstrates heterogeneous staging and prevalent extra-thoracic manifestations. Māori patients have greater extra-thoracic involvement and lower lung fibrosis than European patients without significant differences in treatment or disease course but with significant metabolic comorbidities. Systemic steroids are well tolerated, but steroid-sparing agent use is limited.

The tribological behaviour and thermal performance of as‐received 60NiTi alloy for load‐bearing and high‐temperature applications were investigated in this study. A linear reciprocating tribometer was used to evaluate the effects of applied load and temperature on 60NiTi alloy sliding against Al 2 O 3 under dry and water‐lubricated conditions. Initial surface characterisation confirmed the ordered intermetallic microstructure, consistent with characteristic x‐ray diffraction (XRD) peaks. The results showed that adhesive and abrasive wear dominated material loss under dry sliding at room temperature, leading to the highest wear volume (Wv = 2.2145 mm 3 ), whereas water lubrication reduced friction and produced moderate wear. At elevated temperatures (above 200°C), oxidative wear became the predominant mechanism, stabilising the sliding interface, lowering friction coefficients ( µ ≤0.33) and significantly reducing wear, with the lowest wear observed at 600°C. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and XRD analyses confirmed phase stability, while surface morphology and compositional analyses highlighted the protective role of oxide layers in improving wear resistance. These findings demonstrate that thermally driven oxidation, rather than adhesive or abrasive wear, governs the superior tribological performance of 60NiTi alloy at elevated temperatures, supporting its suitability for demanding high‐temperature applications.

Non-pharmaceutical interventions (NPIs) are central to mitigating COVID-19 and influenza, yet comparative economic evaluations remain scarce. This systematic review assessed the cost effectiveness and reporting quality of NPI evaluations across both diseases. The study was registered with PROSPERO (CRD42024552613). Following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) guidelines, we searched five medical (PubMed, Scopus, EMBASE, CINAHL, and EconLit) and four health technology assessment databases (NHS HTA, CRD DARE, NHS EED, and INAHTA) up to December 2025, including only full economic evaluations. The search strategy incorporated four domains-'influenza,' 'COVID-19,' 'NPIs,' and 'economic evaluation'-and was guided by the WHO NPI framework, encompassing five domains: personal protective, environmental, physical distancing, travel-related, and educational measures. Reporting quality was assessed using the Consolidated Health Economic Evaluation Reporting Standards 2022 (CHEERS 2022) checklist. Thirty-three studies (13 influenza, 20 COVID-19), predominantly from high-income countries, were included. School closures, the most frequently evaluated NPI, were generally not cost effective except during severe pandemics or bundled with other measures. Workforce and business closures were cost effective only in high-severity influenza, with inconsistent findings for COVID-19. Social distancing was cost effective for COVID-19 but not for H1N1 influenza. Isolation, lockdowns, and travel restrictions were cost effective only when implemented early. Face masks and hand hygiene, assessed solely for COVID-19, were generally cost effective when implemented alongside other measures. The median CHEERS score was 75.0%, with one study rated excellent. Our review highlights heterogeneity in cost effectiveness by pandemic severity, intervention type, bundling of measures, and timing. Strategies that combined low-cost NPIs like masks or hand hygiene demonstrated better value, while socially disruptive measures like school and business closure incurred high costs with inconsistent cost-effectiveness outcomes. Integration with vaccines or antivirals further enhanced cost effectiveness. Evidence gaps include the scarcity of evaluations from low-resource settings and variability in country-specific value thresholds. Addressing these gaps is essential for guiding efficient and cost-effective pandemic preparedness.

Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic autoimmune disease that primarily affects the joints, causing pain, inflammation, and long-term joint damage. Transcutaneous auricular vagus nerve stimulation (taVNS) is a promising non-pharmacological intervention for managing pain and inflammation, particularly when delivered in the exhalation phase of respiration. However, until now, the lack of portable equipment has meant the respiratory phase effects have not been evaluated outside of the laboratory or in a home setting. The primary goal of this study was to determine the feasibility of a future clinical trial of home-based respiratory-gated taVNS in people with rheumatoid arthritis. This was a single-arm, non-randomised feasibility trial involving 12 individuals with active rheumatoid arthritis. Participation involved 12 respiratory-gated taVNS sessions at home and three laboratory visits for outcome assessments (day 1, day 8, and day 15). Feasibility outcomes focused on recruitment rate, intervention adherence, acceptability questionnaires, and adverse events. In addition, outcome measures related to pain, psychological distress, and key inflammatory biomarkers were assessed. Feasibility outcomes demonstrated an acceptable recruitment rate, high adherence (90% session completion), excellent usability (9/10), and acceptability (average score 66%, general score 87%), with no severe treatment-emergent adverse events. While single-armed and not powered to determine efficacy, medium to large pre- to post-intervention reductions in pain interference, grip pain intensity, psychological distress, and tumour necrosis factor-alpha levels were observed, with minimal changes in other outcomes. An adequately powered, randomised controlled trial of home-based respiratory-gated taVNS in people with rheumatoid arthritis is feasible and safe. Key Points • To the best of our knowledge, this study is the first to evaluate the feasibility of homebased respiratory-gated (RG) transcutaneous auricular vagus nerve stimulation (taVNS) for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). • Feasibility outcomes demonstrated high adherence and excellent usability ratings with few treatment-emergent adverse events reported. • Home-based RG taVNS using the developed system is safe and feasible to evaluate in an adequately powered, controlled trial.