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- ItemGenetic and genomic studies of production, composition, and processability characteristics of milk from dairy sheep : a thesis presented in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy in Animal Science at Massey University, Manawatū, New Zealand(Massey University, 2024-10-20) Marshall, Ana CarolinaThe main objective of this study was to perform genetic and genomic studies of sheep milk production, composition, and processability, particularly concerning cheese-making aptitude (milk coagulation properties) of sheep milk. The milk traits were investigated in a flock of 169 lactating ewes producing on a pasture-based system in Masterton, New Zealand. The total yield during the 2021-2022 season was 86.1 kg/ewe in 130 days of milking after the suckling period. The effects of animal factors on the lactation curves, and on milk composition and processability (milk coagulation properties, individual laboratory cheese yield, and heat coagulation time) throughout the season were investigated and discussed. Stage of lactation significantly (p < 0.05) influenced processability. In late lactation, the rennet coagulation time was longer, the curd at 30 minutes after rennet addition was softer, and milk heat stability was lower. In addition, milk protein polymorphisms were shown to influence milk composition and protein composition. Particularly, heat stability was affected by β-lactoglobulin polymorphism. The milk processability traits were also significantly associated with protein composition. The heritability estimates for milk production, composition, and processability traits ranged from 0.12 to 0.48. The genetic correlations obtained indicate that genetic improvement of this flock for higher yields of fat, and protein, and for lower somatic cell score, should indirectly improve milk coagulation traits in this flock. However, other traits such as milk pH, percentage traits (protein, casein, and lactose percentages), ratio of casein to protein, calcium, and ratio of casein to calcium were more strongly correlated with processability. The genome-wide association study performed on 149 dairy sheep genotyped with 50K SNPs Bead Chips, revealed a total of 87 SNPs and 55 candidate genes across Ovis aries autosomes 2, 3, 6, 16, 18, 20, 25, and 26. The genetic architecture of milk coagulation traits was similar to that of the ratio of casein to calcium, pH, lactose, and the ratio of casein to protein. The genetic correlations and identification of potential genes associated with the control of these milk traits provide valuable insights for the selection of superior dairy sheep in New Zealand. The findings of this thesis need to be validated with a systematic large-scale recording scheme before developing a selection index for dairy sheep populations in New Zealand.
- ItemA composite index of provincial alcohol control policy implementation capacity in Thailand : a thesis presented in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy in Public Health, Massey University, Auckland, New Zealand(Massey University, 2025-03-05) Jankhotkaew, JintanaImplementing effective alcohol control policies remains challenging, especially in low- and middle-income countries. Monitoring and evaluation are crucial for strengthening policy implementation. This study is the first to develop a composite index of alcohol control policy implementation at the subnational level in Thailand. Data were collected from various sources, including key informants responsible for policy implementation and secondary data from relevant organisations. Findings reveal significant variation in the composite index across provinces and an association between the index and alcohol consumption per drinker. This study calls for effective implementation of effective alcohol control policies to reduce alcohol consumption.
- ItemDeveloping 11-13 year old students’ conceptual understanding of rational numbers : a case study investigating effective teacher pedagogical actions in a mathematics classroom : a thesis presented in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Education in Mathematics Education at Massey University, Albany, New Zealand(Massey University, 2024) Sheppard, Kelly AnnRational numbers, encompassing fractions, percentages, and decimals, are challenging for many students to understand. Research often focuses on the teaching and learning of these topics in isolation, rather than as part of the broader concept of rational numbers. However, there is limited research on the teaching practices that effectively support students’ overall understanding of rational numbers. This study explores the teacher actions that help students develop a conceptual understanding of rational numbers and examines how students demonstrate their growing understanding. A case study and qualitative methods were chosen for this research. The study involved one teacher and a class of 24 Year 7 and 8 students from an urban school in New Zealand. The teacher facilitated eight lessons focused on rational numbers, which included collaborative mathematical discussions. A variety of data were collected and analysed, including interviews, video recorded classroom observations, and examples of student work. The findings revealed that when teachers design lessons around real-world mathematical tasks, promote collaborative discourse, and encourage the use of mathematical practices, students develop a deeper understanding of rational numbers. Additionally, using visual representations and explicitly connecting different forms of rational number representations helped enhance students’ mathematical understanding. This study contributes to the literature on how primary school teachers can effectively support students in developing a strong understanding of rational number concepts. It highlights that teacher content knowledge, combined with purposeful teaching strategies, can provide greater opportunities for students to develop a deeper understanding of rational numbers.
- ItemCrossing the alchemic bridge : a qualitative exploration into leaders emergence : a thesis presented in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Arts in Psychology at Massey University, Manawatu, New Zealand(Massey University, 2024) Judkins, VaughanBackground: There is a notable gap in the current research regarding how emerging leaders interpret and respond to challenging situations they encounter. Specifically, there is insufficient exploration of how leaders' actions relate to their personal value systems and overall wellbeing. This area requires further investigation to better understand the emerging mechanisms of leaders. Aim: The current study seeks to understand the lived experiences of leader emergence by focusing on value alignment, self-awareness and wellbeing. Methods: Seven qualitative interviews were analysed using thematic analysis. Analysis: Self-awareness drives the positioning of value alignment and subsequent wellbeing through decisions being in congruence with the decision maker. Overarching themes discussed were: Early leader development; Barriers encumbering leaders’ emergence; the alchemic bridge of self-awareness; Transformational interventions. Discussion and implications: Each of the participants reported that their unique leadership journey had been intimately shaped by their perceptions and experiences. Whilst each had a unique path into leadership, similar themes emerged in relation to the issues they had confronted. The underlying cause of these issues were referred to as stagnating barriers as they risked hindering progress and success. These consisted of fear, the feeling of not belonging, blind spots, lack of self-esteem, value misalignment and a sense of separation from self. While the participants’ circumstances differed, findings indicated a common theme that self-insight and self-awareness were key to overcoming barriers. The alchemic bridge was a metaphor utilised to capture emergence from a sense of being ‘stuck’ or stagnating, without a sense of progress or success. Through self-reflection on the barriers and with self-awareness, crossing the ‘bridge’ could lead to the alignment of personal values and beliefs with intentional purpose and direction. These processes were reported to support leader emergence and well-being. The participants utilised varying transformational interventions such as having social, spiritual or nature connection, mindfulness, coaching, and prioritising self and others. A key thread running through this research is the societal context in which leaders are currently emerging in relation to technology and the internet. Often within leadership emergence studies, the wider context is excluded. Consideration must be given to the rapid shifts that are dramatically altering our organisational contexts. Technology has significantly reshaped leadership dynamics necessitating a shift within the traditional paradigms. The research suggests that self-awareness is important for leadership and wellbeing in this dynamic environment. Leader emergence was found to be complex and further exploration of underexamined or unstudied domains holds the potential to reveal novel insights. This study provides a reminder of the importance of widening leadership studies to explore complex contexts and processes and to examine the naturally occurring moments that take place within leaders’ daily lives.
- ItemGenome-wide association study for skin thickness and skin temperature traits in FocusPrimeᵀᴹ New Zealand sheep : a thesis presented in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Science in Animal Science at Massey University, Manawatū, New Zealand(Massey University, 2024) Hurring, Michelle ErinThis study investigated the genetic basis of skin traits in New Zealand FocusPrime sheep and their implications for lamb survival, with a particular focus on skin thickness and temperature, both of which play critical roles in the thermoregulation and overall survivability of lambs during the early stages of life. The primary objective was to identify genetic markers associated with these skin traits and to understand their heritability and correlation, thereby providing insights that could inform selective breeding programs aimed at improving lamb survival rates. The research employed a comprehensive genome-wide association analysis to analyse a large dataset of New Zealand FocusPrime sheep, meticulously measuring skin thickness and skin temperature, and correlating these phenotypic traits with genotypic data. The study found significant heritability estimates for both skin thickness and skin temperature, suggesting that these traits are genetically controlled and can be effectively targeted in breeding strategies. Specifically, the heritability of skin thickness was found to be high (values that exceed 0.40), indicating that a considerable proportion of the variation in this trait is due to genetic differences among individuals. Similarly, the heritability of skin temperature was also significant, underscoring the potential for genetic improvement through selective breeding. A key finding of this study was the negative correlation between skin thickness and skin temperature. Thicker skin, while beneficial in providing a barrier against environmental stressors, tends to be associated with lower skin temperatures, indicating a complex interplay in the thermoregulatory mechanisms of lambs. This finding highlights the need for a balanced approach in selective breeding, where both traits must be considered to optimize lamb survival. Breeding programs that focus solely on increasing skin thickness may inadvertently affect the thermoregulatory efficiency of lambs, thereby underscoring the importance of a holistic breeding strategy. The genome wide association study identified several significant genetic markers associated with skin thickness and skin temperature, providing valuable targets for future genetic selection. These markers offer a promising avenue for improving lamb survival through genetic means. The study also delves into the practical applications of these findings, suggesting that by incorporating these genetic markers into a breeding program, it is possible to enhance the resilience of lambs against harsh environmental conditions, thereby improving animal welfare and economic outcomes for sheep farmers. This research contributes to a broader understanding of the genetic factors influencing lamb survival, a topic of critical importance given the economic and welfare implications of lamb mortality. The findings have the potential to transform breeding practices in the New Zealand sheep industry, moving towards more scientifically informed strategies that enhance the overall sustainability and profitability of sheep farming. The implications of this research extend beyond New Zealand, offering insights that can be applied to sheep populations globally. Future research should continue to refine the genetic associations identified in this study and explore their practical implementation in diverse sheep populations. Further studies could also investigate the interaction of these genetic markers with environmental factors, providing a more comprehensive understanding of the determinants of lamb survival. By integrating genetic analysis with practical breeding strategies, there is significant potential to reduce lamb mortality rates and improve the resilience of sheep to environmental challenges. In conclusion, this study provides a robust framework for understanding the genetic basis of key skin traits in New Zealand sheep and their impact on lamb survival. The identification of heritable genetic markers associated with skin thickness and skin temperature paves the way for targeted breeding programs that can enhance lamb resilience and reduce mortality rates. This research not only advances scientific knowledge in the field of animal genetics but also offers practical solutions for improving the sustainability and economic viability of the sheep industry in New Zealand and beyond.
- ItemStrategic and operational management principles on integrated coordinated healthcare in New Zealand : a thesis presented in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Business Studies (Management), Massey University, New Zealand(Massey University, 2024) McCullough, AilsaBackground - Globally the health system burden has been rising due to increasing populations and complexity of health status, as well as resource and infrastructure pressures. To address this, the World Health Organisation Strategy has encouraged health economies worldwide to embed Integrated Coordinated Healthcare (ICH) services. Aligned with this, New Zealand (NZ) has progressively introduced system-wide initiatives supporting ICH design and implementation at each tier of the health system. Aims and objectives – This research explored management principles involved with ICH service delivery at each tier of the NZ health system, to understand how organisations have applied theories in practice, to improve efficiency and effectiveness of service delivery and support sustainability. Methodology – This research took an interpretivist position and followed inductive methodology to investigate how management principles for ICH have evolved with the contributions of stakeholders. This research obtained qualitative data via purposive and snowball sampling, to request participants take part in semi-structured interviews and complied with ethics by gaining participants informed consent and ensuring their privacy. The findings reflected common themes across interviewees and were categorised using an iterative coding process for each participants’ responses. Their themes were compared to literature. Bias is an inherent limitation for this type of study, though mitigations were taken to reduce this. Key findings and conclusions – The findings added to the body of knowledge for ICH management principles. As the strategic level, they indicated that ICH is beneficial for the sustainability of the NZ health system, if service objectives are aligned with strategic government initiatives. At the sector level the findings outlined that partnering shares risk and benefit between the funder and suppliers to incentivise goal congruence in achieving social good objectives. In contrast, conditional contracts enable the funder to manage competition objectively, to equitably reward suppliers. The findings contrast ICH operational management approaches to achieve efficiency and effectiveness. They pose the view that for complex patient groups and ICH service pathways, integration should be implemented with coordination of assessments, policies, and information systems across multiple suppliers. They posit that ICH designs for patient groups whose service use is largely unaffected by complexity other than their health condition, can feasibly achieve integration within clinics delivering multi-disciplinary services. The findings further indicated ICH designs must incorporate meaningful monitoring supported by collaborative processes to ensure stakeholders embed continuous improvements. The findings also demonstrated that building trust is key for engaging with suppliers, particularly for Māori and ICH services. Contribution - The key management principles for ICH are themed around connectivity and contextual factors, governance and equity, and collaboration and trust. ICH designs should include realistic measures to monitor performance and quality, and categorise complexity, enabling organisations and funders to assess the relative impact of improvements on health outcomes. Incorporating these management principles into designs should support the efficiency and effectiveness of ICH services in practice.
- ItemAdvancing environmental sustainability in German hospitals : challenges and practices : a thesis presented in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Business Studies in Management at Massey University, Manawatū, New Zealand(Massey University, 2024) Suessenguth, Nora JohannaThis study focuses on the German healthcare sector, more specifically on German hospitals. In Germany, the healthcare sector is responsible for 5.2% of the national greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and therefore has a substantial impact on environmental sustainability. Despite growing awareness about the importance of minimising their environmental impact, this aspect is still often neglected. Limited pressure and support, limited financial means, the difference of priorities in the healthcare sector, such as high quality patient care, and lack of knowledge about environmental management in hospitals are known reasons for this. Despite these barriers, a few hospitals in Germany have been able to dedicate resources to address environmental sustainability. This study aims to provide practical insights for hospital management and enhance understanding of how hospitals in Germany can advance in environmental sustainability despite the multiple barriers they face. Three research questions are addressed: (1) What actions are hospitals taking to improve their environmental sustainability? (2) What challenges do hospitals face in implementing these actions? (3) What practices enable hospitals to overcome these challenges and advance in environmental sustainability? This study draws on three theoretical frameworks regarding governance, development, and organisational change. To analyse how hospitals can advance in environmental sustainability based on these frameworks, the adaptive capacity needs to be examined, which determines how well an organisation is able to respond to changes and implement change initiatives to progress towards sustainability. Therefore, change initiatives of hospitals are examined, as well as four dimensions shaping the implementation of these initiatives: strategy making, organising processes, management capabilities and relational assets, thereby highlighting the challenges of implementation. For this study, a multiple explanatory case study design was adopted. Data were collected via semi structured interviews with people in four German hospitals whose task is to address sustainability, and with one managing director of an overarching organisation, linking the healthcare sector to sustainability. Findings were identified via thematic analysis. Three domains, with eight themes and various subthemes, categories, and codes were identified. Domain 1 (sustainability actions) includes theme 1: change initiatives, domain 2 (challenges in implementation) includes themes 2–5: strategy making, organising processes, management capabilities, and relational assets, and domain 3 (enabling practices) includes themes 6–8: establishing structures, collaboration and knowledge sharing, and openness to alternative approaches. First, sustainability actions were identified. They include initiatives to reduce environmental impact, change behaviour, increase resilience, and assess the environmental impact. Then, several challenges in implementing initiatives were identified within the dimensions of strategy making, organising processes, management capabilities, and relational assets. They include lack of external pressure and support, lack of knowledge, time, and personnel, organisational complexity, lack of funding, difficulty to change behaviour, and the competition of environmental sustainability with hygiene and patient safety. Finally, enabling practices to overcome these challenges were also identified. They include establishing structures within hospitals, engaging in collaboration and knowledge sharing with external and internal stakeholders, and openness to alternative approaches. These practices were found to improve implementation of change initiatives, which could impact the adaptive capacity of a hospital, leading to them being able to advance in environmental sustainability.
- ItemGrowth and reproduction of dusky dolphins (Lagenorhynchus obscurus) in Aotearoa New Zealand : a thesis submitted in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Science (MSc) in Zoology at Massey University, Albany, Aotearoa New Zealand(Massey University, 2024) Poelijoe, DeniseDusky dolphins (Lagenorhynchus obscurus) are a semi-pelagic species widely distributed in the southern hemisphere. Our understanding of dusky dolphin life history in New Zealand waters has been limited by the small sample sizes and limited geographic coverage of previous studies. Here, I assess age, growth, allometry and reproductive biology from 138 individuals (51 females, 73 males and 14 unsexed individuals). Data originated from stranding and bycatch events around the Aotearoa New Zealand coast from 1960 to 2023. The total body length of females and males varied between 83 to 195cm (mean = 158.1; SD = 27.6; n = 51), and 87 to 192cm (mean =160.1; SD = 25.8; n = 73), respectively. Morphological measurements of males (n = 55) and females (n = 39) were analysed across 25 external measurements, exhibiting negative, positive, and isometric allometry. No growth differences between sexes were observed. Size and shape dimorphism was analysed across 29 external morphological measurements of physically mature individuals. No sexual size or shape dimorphism was observed in the appendage, girth, or blubber measurements. Significant dimorphism between sexes was observed in the snout to genital slit length. Age was estimated from decalcified thin sections of teeth; maximum ages recorded in males and females were 22 and 14 years, respectively. Physical maturity was estimated from asymptotic length obtained using Gompertz growth models. Males and females were estimated to obtain physical maturity at 171.5 and 170cm, respectively. Reproductive parameters were assessed (n = 39) through gross and histological examination of gonads across in males (n = 22) and females (n = 17). The average length at attainment at sexual maturity for males was 170.4cm. For females, the average length at attainment of sexual maturity was 167.5cm, though a lack of age overlap prevented age at sexual maturity being assessed for either sex. Five foetuses ranged in total body length from 25.5 to 81cm, with the smallest born males and females measuring 91.5 and 102cm, respectively. Length at birth could not be determined due to a lack of overlap between measurements of unborn foetuses and newborn neonates.
- ItemSupporting 5 – 6 year old students to know and use mathematical practices : a thesis presented in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Education in Mathematics Education at Massey University, Albany, New Zealand(Massey University, 2024) Pearce, Emily LouisaSupporting students to be mathematically proficient at school, begins from their first formal mathematics lesson. For students in Aotearoa, the refreshed curriculum outlines the expectation that students engage in mathematical explanations, justification, argumentation, representations and generalizing. Whilst there is sufficient literature on these mathematical practices with older students, there is limited research focusing on how to enact mathematical practices with young learners. This study examines the teacher actions used within students first formal mathematics lessons and the ways in which the teacher engaged the young learners to explain, justify, argue mathematically, represent their thinking and generalise mathematical ideas. Drawing upon qualitative research methods within a single bounded case study this study was set within a semi-rural school in Aotearoa. One teacher was selected to participate with ten young students aged five years old and one student aged six years old. Data collection occurred during these students first seven formal mathematics lessons. A range of data were collected and analysed, including field notes, video recorded classroom observations, photographs of student work samples and a teacher questionnaire. Findings revealed the complex nature of engaging young learners in mathematical practices. However, when students are expected to and provided with opportunities to reason mathematically, young learners can succeed. Initially the teacher actions included specific questioning and conversational moves to draw out the thinking from the students. Over the duration of the study these teacher actions shifted to include open prompts requesting the students engage in a mathematical practice. This study provides insight to the progression of teacher actions used and offers a contribution to the literature regarding how young learners can mathematically reason. It is acknowledged that for such practices to occur teachers must value mathematical conversation and constantly provide opportunities for young learners to reason.
- ItemWorkplace attitudes and responsibilities regarding euthanasia practices within Australasian zoos and aquariums : a thesis presented in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Veterinary Science at Massey University, Manawatū, New Zealand. EMBARGOED until 1st August 2025(Massey University, 2024) Clarke, Alison S.Euthanasia of a diverse range of species is carried out regularly in Australasian zoos, however little is known about zoo employee attitudes on the use of euthanasia within Australasian zoos, the types of euthanasia performed and the range of personnel involved. I carried out a survey of staff in zoos across Australia and New Zealand and used quantitative and qualitative methods to analyse the responses. Widely variable employee support was documented for both lethal and non-lethal animal management strategies, with polarizing attitudes expressed toward the use of euthanasia for “otherwise healthy” animals. Non-lethal methods (e.g. reproductive control) to avoid creation of surplus young were emphatically supported, and were preferred over lethal methods that focused on managing resultant individuals. The underlying justification for the use of euthanasia was critically important to attitudes held by employees, suggesting many zoo professionals will apply moral judgements at the individual animal-level, with euthanasia performed for geriatric animals shown to be a well-accepted and common practice. We documented a broad variety of personnel involved in the euthanasia decision-making process within zoos, and identified divergence in attitudes held across individual employees and major employee groups (i.e. ‘management’, ‘animal care’, and ‘veterinary services’). Variation in euthanasia use and attitudes was identified across different workplace settings, and geographic influences were revealed with a broadly heterogenous set of attitudes identified for Australasia. This work calls for more open and transparent considerations around animal euthanasia, with recognition of the cultural differences that may exist, and the risks that euthanasia practices create for the experiences of those caring for animals, to the animals themselves, and to the maintenance of zoos’ social licence.
