Research Reports

Permanent URI for this collectionhttps://mro.massey.ac.nz/handle/10179/924

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Start date: 2020Subject: search.filters.subject.New Zealand

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    E Hāpai Ana i ā Mātou Uara mā roto i Te Mana Whakahaere Raraunga hei Whakapūmau i te Mana Motuhake = Utilising our values through Te Mana Whakahaere Raraunga to enact Māori data sovereignty : a research report presented in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Health Science (Māori Health) at Massey University, Palmerston North, New Zealand
    (Massey University, 2022) Te Whata, Felicity Jayne
    Whānau Ora has evolved from a policy position to a practice that provides pathways for whānau to achieve their own moemoeā. Across multiple projects and programmes Te Tihi o Ruahine Whānau Ora Alliance (Te Tihi) capture large amounts of whānau data. As kaitiaki within our data environment, it is crucial that we ensure the understanding of Māori data sovereignty, actualise it into usable tools, maintain a strength-based approach to data analysis, and implement robust security protocols. Additionally, maintaining the rights of whānau (those whom the data is about) regarding use, access, and dissemination is essential to Māori data sovereignty. This research project seeks to understand Māori data sovereignty through the experience of a Whānau Ora provider by exploring the development of our data governance and management framework, Te Mana Whakahaere Raraunga, and its impact within Te Tihi as well as the wider mahi we engage with. Interviews from key informants who hold expertise in the unique knowledge of Te Tihi and/or Māori data sovereignty were thematically analysed with a deductive approach based on our organisation’s values. The key findings of this research will be illustrated by examples of Māori data sovereignty such as within Kāinga Whānau Ora and Āta - our (data and communications) COVID-19 response, demonstrating how Te Mana Whakahaere Raraunga assists Te Tihi in upholding our organisational values that support our hapori and whānau.
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    Extended-spectrum β-lactamase (ESBL) and AmpC β-lactamase (AmpC) producing Escherichia coli in dairy calves from the Canterbury region : a dissertation presented in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Veterinary Studies in Veterinary Public Health at Massey University, Manawatū Campus Palmerston North, New Zealand
    (Massey University, 2020) Mwenifumbo, Merning
    Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) has become a global public health concern threatening current effective prevention and treatment options. Infections caused by antimicrobial resistance strains are costly, often harder to treat and sometimes fatal. One group of bacteria that contributes to AMR are the extended beta lactamase (ESBL) and AmpC beta lactamase (AmpC) producing E. coli. These are on the critical list of important antibiotic-resistant bacteria of human importance compiled by the World Health Organisation and are a public health concern due to their resistance to an extended range of beta lactams. The main driver for the spread of AMR is the use of antimicrobials in both human and animals. One potential spread is by the feeding of waste milk to calves. Waste milk is the milk that contains antibiotics or other drugs. Waste milk is not recommended as feed for calves due to its association with the development of antibiotic resistance bacteria. Using the culture depended methods and whole genome sequencing, this study aimed to determine the prevalence of ESBL and AmpC producing E. coli isolated from recto-anal mucosal swabs (RAMS) from waste milk fed dairy calves, and to phenotypically and genotypically characterise ESBL and AmpC producing isolates. Recto-anal mucosal swabs samples (n = 40) from waste milk fed dairy calves collected from Canterbury region, New Zealand were screened for antimicrobial resistant E. coli. Fifty-eight percent (23/40) of the calves harboured antibiotic resistant E. coli. 25% (10/40) calves were positive for AmpC producing E. coli and none of the calves were positive for ESBL producing E. coli. The highest prevalence of resistance was observed for tetracycline. PCR and Sanger sequencing revealed that all the AmpC positive E. coli were chromosomal mediated with four mutations in the promoter region of the ampC gene. Whole genome sequencing of eight isolates resistant to both tetracycline and streptomycin revealed additional resistance genes that were not tested phenotypically. Using the Clermont phylogrouping method of E. coli, the AmpC positive, the tetracycline and streptomycin resistant E. coli isolates were distributed among phylogroups B1, C and D. In conclusion, this study revealed the presence of AmpC producing E. coli and other resistance genes in E. coli isolated from waste milk fed calves. Further epidemiological studies are required to determine whether these antibiotic resistant E. coli are associated with waste milk.
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    At loggerheads : an examination of afforestation as a climate change prevention tool and environmental policy : a 60-credit Journalism project presented in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Journalism at Massey University, New Zealand
    (Massey University, 2020) Schwanecke, Gianina
    This project examines the impacts of afforestation as a policy tool for mitigating climate change. Additionally, it examines the New Zealand media coverage of the One Billion Trees programme, and how this is influenced by access to sources and the use of framing. It will explore the programme’s tensions between farming and forestry, and native versus exotic tree planting and its implications as a policy to address climate change.
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    A period of change : menstruation in the media : a 60-credit Journalism project presented in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Journalism at Massey University, New Zealand
    (Massey University, 2020) Bhamidipati, Soumya
    This project examines the portrayal of menstruation in news and other media. It provides an in-depth examination of New Zealand media coverage of the ‘Positive Periods’ petition for government funding of menstrual products in schools and explores how news coverage of issues can lead to social change movements. Additionally, it examines the use of framing, news values, as well as the practical limitations of journalists who have covered menstruation stories in New Zealand media.
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    It is not rocket science : a sharper focus is required for New Zealand’s road bridges : a 60-credit Journalism project presented in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Journalism at Massey University, New Zealand
    (Massey University, 2020) Scannell, Mazz
    Bridge collapses due to age and external events occur all over the world, and New Zealand is no exception. Two recent bridge collapses in New Zealand have been attributed to adverse weather events. The ability of bridges to withstand environmental events is based on the quality of the bridge inspection regime and the resulting repairs and maintenance. This research aims to investigate the inspection regime of road bridges in New Zealand. Using case studies, it analyses how bridges are inspected, data is managed and the role of the asset manager in determining repair and maintenance programmes. Influencing factors including bridge age and the inspection practices and procedures of councils are compared to the bridge inspection guidelines published by the New Zealand Transport Agency. This paper will also investigate if New Zealand is ready to address the large number of bridges that are nearing the end of their useful life and will soon either require replacement or substantial remediation. The results show that local authorities are using the official guidelines as a guide rather than a minimum standard. The research and its findings are expected to allow for a better insight into decision making and priority setting for asset managers working in bridge management.
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    The representation of cults / new religious movements in the media : a 60-credit Journalism project presented in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Journalism at Massey University, New Zealand
    (Massey University, 2020) Burmeister, Hope
    This project aimed to discover how cults were represented in the New Zealand media by comparing what was found in international media about cults. It analysed how Gloriavale Christian Community and Shincheonji 2019 news articles were written through themes, sources and language. The accuracy of cult stereotypes was challenged through interviewing people who were part of Gloriavale and Shincheonji. It concludes there were similar features throughout the personal stories. However, the stereotypes are often more simplified or exaggerated than what people have experienced.
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    Moving beyond 'a hierarchy of pecs and penises' : how gay and queer men contest, resist, negotiate, and perform masculinity : 219855 research report presented in partial fulfilment of the requirements to the degree of Master of Communication at Massey University, New Zealand
    (Massey University, 2020) Kaulback, Martin
    This narrative inquiry examines the identities and lives of nine gay and queer men living in Wellington, New Zealand as narrated and performed in hour-long semi-structured interviews. Viewing identities as social constructions that are generated through people’s interactions within specific physical and temporal contexts, this research project examines the performative construction of gay and queer masculinity, and the effects of gender and sexuality in the participants’ lives. Through the perspective of a queer male researcher, this project locates gay and queer men within their wider struggles with heteronormativity, and gives voice and privilege to their minority identities and experiences. Narrative analysis of the participants’ stories focuses on how gay and queer individuals navigate their lives as non-normative men who are Othered by traditional, hegemonic and hierarchical masculinity. Viewing identities as unstable and requiring of endless (re)negotiation and (re)performance, this research also examines the complex hierarchical construction of hegemonic homomasculinity by some straight-acting gay men who bolster their own gender performances by Othering femme-presenting individuals. It explores how heteronormative gender constructs and hypermasculine, hypersexual stereotypes affect the lives of the participants, identifying poor self-image, feelings of shameful and inadequate masculinity, and the need for secrecy about their sexuality as key drivers in homomasculine identity development. Additionally, media, pornography and violence are examined as significant in the generation and delayed performance of homomasculine identities. Finally, this research also analyses how some takatāpui and queer-identifying participants negotiate Self with high agency, and perform their identities free of the homohierarchy of traditional, hegemonic gender constructs. By integrating aspects of their gendered, sexual Selves within their identities, queer and takatāpui participants make clear the means by which people with non-normative homomasculine identities may be empowered, liberated and validated as people like all others.