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Massey Research Online is an open access digital archive of the research and scholarship of Massey University and is jointly managed by the University Library and Information Technology Services.
Massey Research Online contains research theses and research outputs including published work by Massey University students and academic staff as well as peer-reviewed material not published elsewhere. In the case of previously published research outputs all requirements of copyright owners are observed.
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Plato, Xenophon, and the Uneven Temporalities of Ethos in the Trial of Socrates
(Johns Hopkins University Press, ) Bjork, C
Many rhetorical theories of ethos mark their relationship with time by focusing on two temporal poles: the timely ethos and the timeless ethos. But between these two temporal poles, ethos is also durative; it lingers, shifts, accumulates, and dissipates over time. Although scholarship often foregrounds the kairotic and static senses of ethos popularized in Aristotle’s Rhetoric, this article highlights how the chronic elements of ethos are no less important to rhetoric. By examining Xenophon’s and Plato’s representations of the trial of Socrates, this article contends that these com-peting views about the temporalities of ethos have a storied history that predates Aristotle’s writings. This analysis also expands received understandings of Plato’s contributions to rhetoric by illuminating how his view of ethos is deeply inter-twined with ongoing philosophical practice. The article concludes by arguing that rhetorical studies has much to gain by more closely attending to the cumulative aspects of ethos.
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Integrating Usability Testing with Digital Rhetoric in OWI
(Elsevier B.V., ) Bjork, C
While usability testing can help instructors improve the design of online writing instruction (OWI), its emphasis on student-users sometimes overlooks the networked rhetorical ecologies in which those student-users operate, tilting online composition pedagogy toward neoliberal models of higher education that cater to the student-as-consumer. In response, I propose augmenting usability testing in online writing education with the theories of digital rhetoric. In the context of OWI, usability theory and digital rhetoric share a similar emphasis on the student as a user or audience, but they also have at least two key differences. First, unlike digital rhetoric, usability testing typically elides the political and ideological implications of student-users’ experiences. Second, the usability theories of Jakob Nielsen, for example, tend to view online interfaces as static objects manipulated by users. Digital rhetoric, on the other hand, sees interfaces as dynamic, real-time interactions. Although both paradigms have their advantages, I argue that integrating usability testing with the theories of digital rhetoric can add complexity to researchers’ understanding of OWI by revealing not only how students use online writing environments but also how they use them rhetorically.
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Investigating the impact of αs1-casein genetic variants on sheep milk composition, physico-chemical properties, rennet gelation properties and digestion behavior : a thesis presented in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Food Technology at Massey University, Palmerston North, New Zealand. EMBARGOED until 18th December 2025.
(Massey University, 2023) Chiang, Kuan Yu
Sheep milk is an important dietary resource in various regions across the world, including the Middle East, Europe, and certain developing countries. The unique composition of sheep milk, with high levels of protein, fat, and essential vitamins, makes it a valuable source of nutrition. Furthermore, the genetic polymorphism of αs1-casein in sheep milk has recently gained attention due to the potential influence on sheep milk properties and dairy production. In this study, the genetic variations in αs1-casein and their effects on the physicochemical properties, composition, rennet gelation properties and digestion behavior of sheep milk were investigated and discussed. The genetic polymorphism of as₁-casein among 39 sheep milk samples were analyzed. Four αs₁-casein phenotypes were identified: AC, BB, BC, and CC and eight sheep milk samples which produced from individual ewes were selected for further investigation. While the fat content remained consistent among the samples, there were significant differences in sheep milk protein and lactose content. Among the selected eight samples, sample 192574 exhibiting the highest protein content and lowest lactose content. In addition, differences were observed in the proportions of major caseins and whey proteins in sheep milk. The mineral content, specifically magnesium, potassium, phosphorus, and sodium, showed variations between samples, and κ-casein, potassium, and phosphorus content seem appeared to be influenced by αs₁-casein phenotypes. The result showed that BB αs₁-casein phenotypes had the highest proportion of κ-casein, while AC αs₁-casein phenotypes had the highest potassium and phosphorus content. The physico-chemical properties including pH, casein micelle size, fat globule size, ethanol stability, heat stability and ionic calcium content were examined. The results showed that, apart from casein micelle size and fat globule size, most physicochemical properties of sheep milk exhibited significant differences among the eight samples. The rennet gelation time, final G', and final tan δ of the sheep milk samples were also examined. Although there were no significant differences in these parameters between the eight selected samples, variations emerged when considering the sampling time, with larger variations in samples from March compared to those from February. Seasonality was found to have a significant impact on the physico-chemical and rennet gelation properties of sheep milk, particularly towards the end of the season. However, no significant differences were observed in the physico-chemical and rennet gelation properties with respect to αs₁-casein phenotypes, it requires for a larger sample size to validate any potential influences in future research. Furthermore, in vitro dynamic gastric digestion was carried out to investigate the digestion behavior of sheep milk. Previous studies primarily focused on bovine milk, and limited information was available on sheep milk digestion behavior, especially concerning the effects of genetic polymorphisms. In this study, eight sheep milk samples from ewes with different αs₁-casein phenotypes were subjected to 20 min in vitro dynamic gastric digestion and three selected samples with different αs₁-casein phenotypes were subjected to 240 min digestion experiment. The curds formed at 240 minutes during gastric digestion displayed a denser and smaller structure, lower dry and wet weights, lower moisture content, and higher G* value compared to the 20-minute digestion curds. The pH profiles of the digesta of the selected three samples did not exhibit significant differences, despite variations in the initial pH values. Furthermore, the SDS-page profiles of the samples revealed that sample 192574 had the most distinct protein hydrolysis level. The distinct digestion behavior of this sample may be attributed to its significantly lower pH and higher κ-casein content compared to the other samples. However, the result showed that αs₁- casein genetic variation had no significant impact on digestion behavior. In conclusion, this research sheds light on the genetic polymorphism of αs₁-casein in sheep milk and its potential effects on composition, physico-chemical properties, rennet gelation properties and digestion behavior. These findings can inform future efforts to improve milk quality and dairy production, as well as enhance the understanding of the complex factors influencing sheep milk properties.
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Macronutrient intakes of adolescent rowers for growth, development and sports performance : a thesis presented in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Science in Nutrition and Dietetics at Massey University, Albany, New Zealand
(Massey University, 2023) Watts, Samantha
Introduction: Dietary intake plays a central role in athletic performance in competitive rowing (Cornford & Metcalfe, 2019). During moderate training, it is recommended that adolescent athletes aim for 5.0-7.0 g.kg-¹ of carbohydrates, 1.3-1.8 g.kg-¹ of protein, and 20-35% energy from fat (Desbrow et al., 2014). Suboptimal nutrition within the adolescent rowing population may negatively impact growth and development, rowing performance, professional athlete development and career longevity. Previous research has indicated that suboptimal carbohydrate intake is a common issue in rowing (Baranauskas et al., 2014). The quality of dietary intake in adolescent rowers has seldom been explored. This study aimed to examine the dietary intake of adolescent rowers in New Zealand and compare it with nutritional guidelines for normal growth, development, and sports performance. Methods: A cross-sectional study design involved data collection on two hard training days and two recovery days from rowers aged 14-21 years from around New Zealand. During the four 24-hour collection periods participants recorded food intake, training duration and intensity. The food records were verified for accuracy, and dietary data was entered into Foodworks software for nutritional analysis. IBM SPSS software was used to calculate the mean intake and standard deviations for carbohydrate, protein, and dietary fat. Independent t-tests were used to compare the carbohydrate and protein intakes between males and females. Results: Of the initial 40 participants, 35 fully (females n=23, 16.8±1.9 years; males n=12, 17.3±1.6 years) completed the study. Participants consumed 319±116 g (4.5±1.7 g.kg-¹.day-¹) of carbohydrates, 121±56 g (1.7±0.7 g.kg-¹.day-¹) of protein and 113±46 g (1.6±0.6 g.kg-¹.day-¹) of fat per day. Females consumed 290±80 g (4.4±1.3 g.kg-¹.day-¹) of carbohydrates and males consumed 400±78 g (5.0±1.4 g.kg-¹.day-¹) per day, with no significant difference between males and females intake per kilogram of bodyweight per day (p=0.165). Minimum carbohydrate levels of 5.0 g.kg-¹ per day were only achieved by seven females (30.4%) and four (33.3%) males. Females consumed significantly less protein per day, 106±38 g (1.6±0.6 g.kg-¹.day-¹), in comparison to males who consumed 164±46 g (2.0±0.5 g.kg-¹.day-¹) per day (p=0.04). Fourteen females (60.9%) and ten males (83.3%) consumed more than the minimum requirement of 1.3 g.kg-¹ of protein per day. Conclusion: The findings suggest that two out of three adolescent rowers in New Zealand fail to reach the minimum recommendation for carbohydrate intake (Desbrow et al., 2014), and males more readily meet the recommended intakes of protein when compared to females. Nutrition education for adolescent rowers in New Zealand should emphasise adequate carbohydrate and protein intakes that meet sports nutrition guidelines in order to support normal growth, development and optimised performance for these athletes.
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Validation and reproducibility of an iodine and selenium specific food frequency questionnaire in breastfeeding women : a thesis presented in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Science in Nutrition and Dietetics at Massey University, Albany, New Zealand
(Massey University, 2023) Bertasius, Charlotte
Backgrounds: New Zealand has poor levels of iodine and selenium in its food sources. During lactation, women have increased selenium and iodine requirements, as their breastfeeding infant relies on their intake, putting them at increased risk of deficiency. Thyroid function is impacted by iodine and selenium status, and if these nutrients are low can cause consequences for the mother and breastfed infant. Dietary assessment methods, such as a Food Frequency Questionnaire (FFQ), can be utilised to assess nutrient intake, and validating an FFQ shows that the questionnaire can be used on the intended population to predict nutrient intake. To the best of our knowledge, New Zealand currently does not have a valid iodine and selenium specific FFQ for breastfeeding women. Due to this population risk with iodine and selenium, it is justified to test the validity and reproducibility of this FFQ on breastfeeding women in New Zealand. Aim: The aim of this study is to assess the validity and reproducibility of an iodine and selenium specific Food Frequency Questionnaire for breastfeeding women living in New Zealand. Methods: As part of the Mother and Infant Nutrition Investigation study (MINI), data was collected from breastfeeding mothers from three months to 12 months postpartum (PP). Participants (n = 87) were administered an iodine and selenium specific FFQ at three months and a four-day diet diary (4DDD). To assess reproducibility the FFQ was readministered at 12 months PP (FFQ2). FFQ1 was validated via 4DDD and selected biomarkers (urinary and breastmilk iodine concentrations and plasma selenium); statistical analysis was used, including Wilcoxon signed ranked test, Spearman’s correlation, cross-classifications, weighted kappa statistics, Bland Altman plots, the same statistical analysis carried out to assess reproducibility between FFQ1 and FFQ2. Results: For the validation, the correlation observed ranged from 0.317 (selenium) to 0.532 (total iodine) between the FFQ and 4DDD and for FFQ to EIB, 0.146 (selenium) and 0.155 (total iodine). Cross-classifications majority of the nutrient groups were >50% correctly classified (32.9% (selenium) to 71.6% (iodine food only)) when comparing the FFQ to 4DDD. Most of the groups were <10% misclassified (1.37% (iodine and salt) to 11.0% (selenium)). For the FFQ to EIB, the correctly classified participants were 50% (iodine) and 73.1% (selenium), and the grossly misclassified participants were 16.35% (iodine) and 3.4% (selenium). For FFQ to 4DDD, the weighted kappa values showed poor agreement (k<0.21) for two groups and fair agreement (k 0.21-0.41) for three groups. For EIB, the weighted kappa showed poor agreement (k<0.21) for four groups and fair agreement (k 0.21-0.41) for one. The Bland-Altman plots showed fair agreement for the difference between FFQ1 to 4DDD or EIB. For reproducibility, the correlation between FFQ1 and FFQ2 was 0.625 (iodine) and 0.429 (selenium). Cross-classification for correctly classified participants was >50% for iodine; for selenium and iodine, <10% were grossly misclassified. The weight kappa value showed poor agreement (k0.21) for both iodine and selenium. Conclusion: The FFQ showed reasonable validity when assessing iodine and selenium intake using the FFQ for breastfeeding women in New Zealand and showed good reproducibility for iodine and selenium. This FFQ could be used in future research on this population and could be used in primary care as a convenient way to assess iodine and selenium intake for breastfeeding women in New Zealand.