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Item "Us versus Them": is the voice of the community heard when planning communication screening programmes for preschoolers?(Elsevier Ltd. on behalf of The Royal Society for Public Health, 2024-09-16) Peter VZ; Rea P; Pillay M; Saman YOBJECTIVES: Community consultation is necessary to ensure the uptake and use of community-based screening intervention to detect early childhood disabilities, as its absence can result in poor service acceptance and usage. To document stakeholders' perspectives regarding planning a community-based communication disorder (an impairment in the ability to receive, send, process and comprehend concepts or verbal, non-verbal and graphic symbol systems) screening programmes for pre-schoolers. STUDY DESIGN: This qualitative research design used purposive and random sampling to recruit 46 participants from eThekwini Municipality, South Africa. These stakeholders consisted of caregivers/parents of children who underwent screening for communication disorders, People who are Deaf, their parents, early childhood development practitioners, health professionals and government officials involved with children with disabilities. All participants were adults aged between 19 and 79 years, with an average age of 39.7 years. METHODS: Data was collected through focus group discussions and individual interviews, which were thematically analysed. RESULTS: The four emergent themes were screening approaches, methods, location and personnel. Service users expected greater access to screening and reliable tests to identify problems by trained personnel at sites within the community. Service providers preferred a targeted approach to screening with parental input. Task shifting and sharing were seen as a solution to address staff shortages and provide services at health facilities, as resource constraints made it challenging to provide outreach services. CONCLUSION: Stakeholder engagement revealed diverging views between service users and providers, with implications for programme provision and uptake. There is a need for ongoing, inclusive discussion to ensure consensus during the planning stage, in order to render services that address issues of equity and accessibility for people with disabilities in marginalised communities.Item Kūkū : a re-imagined fangufangu developed through a Kakala Design Framework : a thesis is presented in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of : Doctor of Philosophy in Design, Te Kunenga ki Pūrehuroa, Ngā Pae Mahutonga, Pōneke, Aotearoa | Massey University, School of Design, Wellington, New Zealand. EMBARGOED until 19 December 2025.(Massey University, 2024-09-23) Kaulamatoa, RachaelThe fangufangu (nose flute) is a Tongan musical instrument that traces back hundreds of years. Each fangufangu possesses unique physical characteristics, contributing to its distinct sound. Highlighting its historical and cultural significance, one customary use was awakening nobility from slumber. Although rare today, practices of making and performing the fangufangu have been revitalized by Tongan communities in recent years. However, there is limited research on the fangufangu, particularly from a Tongan perspective. This practice-led creative research develops and applies a Kakala Design Framework to holistically and collaboratively explore possibilities of the fangufangu for modern musicians of the Tongan diaspora. The culmination of this research is embodied in Kūkū, a re-imagined fangufangu that enhances specific musical, tangible and visual aesthetics by harmoniously weaving notions of past, present and future. Through an analogue design approach, primary elements of form and material contribute towards enhancing instrument playability and sonic versatility to accommodate use across diverse musical environments and playing styles. Guided by an Indigenised industrial design process predicated on Tongan world-views and values, this exegesis reflects on the collaborative development of Kūkū with Tongan fangufangu practitioners.Item The Underfoot : an exploration into eco-fiction character toy design : dissertation presented in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy, Ngā Pae Māhutonga School of Design, College of Creative Arts Toi Rauwhārangi, Massey University Tu Kunenga Ki Pūrehuroa(Massey University, 2024) Marriott, TanyaChildren engage in less outdoor play than previous generations. This global trend has impacted on a child’s ability to understand and form a relationship with the natural world. Described as “nature deficit disorder”, the decline in nature play can affect a child’s ability to self-actualise and develop relationships with non-human living beings. This practice-led creative research used eco-fiction design criteria to develop The Underfoot range of five-character toys and a pitch document that encourages Aotearoa New Zealand children aged between five and seven years old to engage with environmental narratives while playing with the toys in nature. The Underfoot character toys are themed around the nitrogen cycle system and focus on character play in outdoor spaces. A core design feature is the integration of natural materials such as soil, leaves and water during play as part of each toy’s character. The pitch document describes the toys’ story world, the characters’ motivations and their ecosystem. The Underfoot toys demonstrate how eco-fiction character toys can enhance a child’s relationship with the natural world, as evidenced by appraisal by industry experts and playtesting with child user groups.Item Development and validation of a field deployable test for the diagnosis of high-priority infectious animal diseases in New Zealand : a thesis presented in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy in Veterinary Science at Massey University, Manawatu, Palmerston North, New Zealand(Massey University, 2024-03-15) Bueno, RudolfoIn the event of infectious disease incursions, rapid and accurate diagnosis is essential for ensuring appropriate and prompt control measures are put in place to minimise further transmission. Foot and mouth disease (FMD) is one example of an exotic disease that could severely affect New Zealand’s livestock industries if introduced to this country. Pen-side testing can help by providing a rapid confirmation of a provisional diagnosis without the delays and risks associated with sending samples to a diagnostic laboratory. The aim of the work presented in this thesis was to develop and validate a field deployable diagnostic test system for prompt and accurate detection of FMD virus (FMDV). In addition, the test can be used to simultaneously detect two other viruses that would be expected to be on the differential diagnosis list: bovine viral diarrhoea type 1 (BVDV-1) and type 2 (BVDV-2). Chapter 1 comprises a brief literature review of FMDV infections in susceptible species, followed by a review of the current and emerging trends in field deployable diagnostics as applicable to animal diseases. In Chapter 2, a multi-criteria scoring and ranking model for identifying the best test platform for development of the deployable field test is presented. The general flow of the method consisted of defining the requirements for the ideal test platform, identifying, and shortlisting potential candidate systems, describing the criteria for evaluation, and scoring the candidate platforms against the criteria by a panel of recruited experts. This participatory and collective opinion provided a basis for selecting T-COR 8™ (Tetracore®) as the best overall fit-for-purpose. In Chapter 3, several easy techniques for processing clinical samples compatible with the selected test platform were examined. These protocols were applied to test panels comprising serial dilutions of BVDV-1 or equine rhinitis A virus (ERAV) in serum or oral swab samples. The latter was used as a proxy for FMDV. The protocols were compared to a reference extraction method based on the observed detection limit, as judged by quantification cycle (Cq) values generated in virus-specific reverse transcription quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) assays. The complexity of sample manipulation and time required were also considered. Dilution of the sample with phosphate-buffered saline (PBS), with or without a pre-heating step, was chosen as the most suitable method for integration in the pen-side PCR testing. Development of the field assay’s controls is described in Chapter 4. These included a synthetic positive control transcript (R3+) that could be safely used with assays aimed at the detection of several pathogens associated with development of vesicular disease in cattle. The universal control transcript also incorporated an exogenous internal control (IC) target, which was designed to be used with a phage based (Qβ) internal control (IC) system. Optimization of a Qβ IC assay for use in the pen-side multiplex RT-qPCR (mRT-qPCR) is also included in this Chapter. In Chapter 5, development, and optimisation of mRT-qPCR for the differential detection of FMDV, BVDV-1 and BVDV-2, including detection of a Qβ as exogenous IC, is presented. The optimised mRT-qPCR showed linearity over five 10-fold dilutions of R3+ transcript, good efficiency, and low intra-and inter-assay variability. The mRT-qPCR was highly specific for the detection of representative FMDV serotypes and was also able to simultaneously detect BVDV-1 and BVDV-2 isolates. The assay did not react with other viruses that can produce vesicular lesions, nor did it react with unrelated bovine pathogens endemic in New Zealand. Multiplexing the four primer- and probe sets did not affect the performance and analytical sensitivity of the assay for the detection of individual components when compared to the respective singleplex assays. The diagnostic performance of the optimised mRT-qPCR for detecting FMDV, BVDV-1 and BVDV-2 is presented in Chapters 6 and 7. Diagnostic specificity was evaluated using sera and oral swabs from New Zealand cattle. Diagnostic sensitivity for FMDV detection was assessed using mock oral swabs from outbreak samples in two endemic countries (Lao PDR and Myanmar). The robustness of the field PCR was evaluated at three field locations with varied environmental conditions (New Zealand, Lao PDR, and Myanmar). Overall, the diagnostic specificity (DSp) of the field mRT-qPCR for three target viruses (FMDV, BVDV-1 and BVDV-2) was close to 100%, which was similar to the performance of respective reference PCRs. Although the diagnostic sensitivity (DSe) of the FMDV component was comparable to that obtained with the reference method, care must be taken in interpreting the result since FMD positive samples used for evaluation of the sensitivity of the mRT-qPCR were not sourced from New Zealand cattle. The mRT-qPCR also had high DSe for detecting BVDV-1 infected cattle when the BVDV RNA levels expected to be present in clinical samples from either persistently infected (PI) or transiently infected animals were considered. Pre-heating of samples increased the sensitivity of the BVDV-1 component of the assay. Further validation using additional FMDV-positive and negative clinical specimens should be attempted in the future. Overall, the work presented in this thesis resulted in the development of a simple, extraction-free pen-side PCR test that can be deployed around New Zealand for rapid and reliable detection of FMDV in the event of a suspected incursion. Future work to enhance its use would involve exploration of other methods of preparing samples so that the test can be utilised in screening sub-clinical FMDV infections during post-outbreak surveillance.Item Wisdom of the crowds : developing a social media platform for socially responsible research : a thesis by publication. EMBARGOED to 6 September 2025.(Massey University, 2023) Yu, JiThe recent proliferation of social media and the underlying technical applications have provided important opportunities for researchers to obtain wisdom-of-the-crowds (WoC)-type data to address their research questions for the benefit of society. In particular, complex or wicked social problems, e.g., COVID-19-like issues, may need more attention from researchers. As the contemporary world is filled with uncertainty and highly unpredictable, such kinds of problems are increasingly emerging, which require appropriate attention from researchers as well as new ways to tackle them. However, most currently available social media applications have not been designed with researchers as their primary audience, and issues, such as ethical concerns and data acquisition restrictions, are also of concern with current applications. To better fulfil the needs of researchers, and address the challenges, this study designed and developed an experimental and research-oriented social media platform, Wisenet, for socially responsible research (SRR), which refers to studies that are conducted with consideration for the benefit of society at large. Wisenet is positioned as a specialized platform for researchers, enabling them to generate, collect, and analyze WoC-type data in a research-oriented environment. The mission of the platform is to provide valuable, accessible, ethically sourced data and analysis for researchers and to facilitate participants’ interest, interaction, and cognitive skills while maintaining the values of ethical principles and social responsibility. Wisenet reaches and engages target participants – people over 50 – to obtain their perspectives on current significant social problems. People over 50 have been selected as the target group because their relatively high level of accumulated life experience makes them more likely to be able to provide meaningful insights on current social issues. Further, offering such insights may require them to use, reflect on, and synthesize their wisdom, knowledge, and experience, and these can be a pathway to develop or maintain their cognitive capabilities. Therefore, participating in Wisenet can be beneficial for both people over 50 and researchers. A design science research methodology (DSRM) approach is employed, which includes six stages: problem identification and motivation, defining the objectives of a solution, design and development, demonstration, evaluation, and communication. Socio-technical theory and WoC provide the main theoretical underpinnings of this study, and along with SRR principles, guide both the purpose of the study and the design and development of the platform. Both qualitative and quantitative data can be generated and collected from the platform, and advanced data analytics methods (e.g., sentiment analysis and topic modelling) are employed to analyse data for WoC. The demonstration and evaluation phases provide evidence of the efficacy, effectiveness, usefulness and ease of use of this newly developed platform. For the contributions, this study mainly provides an artefactual contribution, i.e., Wisenet. It is a comprehensive information system artefact, integrating the technology, social, and information artefacts. Additionally, this study contributes to theoretical understanding by applying design principles (i.e., interaction, understanding, trust and ethics, and simplicity) in the design and development of the artefact. While some of these principles may be found discussed in design literature, this study takes a comprehensive approach by integrating them to guide the design and development of the platform, and they can be used to design similar artefacts in the future. For the research implications, Wisenet can be generalized as a class of artefact, which is a type of online platform focusing on generating WoC-type data for various purposes. Future research may develop a corresponding design theory to create this class of artefact. As for practical implications, this study mainly demonstrates a proof-of-concept, which shows the functional feasibility of Wisenet, and partially demonstrates the proof-of-value level implication, in which stakeholders (i.e., researchers) can use Wisenet to create value. In addition, Wisenet could also have important applications for both business and government; for example, in the development of policies and processes that affect people over 50. Wisenet also has practical implications for commercial social media providers. It emphasizes the idea that instead of concentrating solely on profits, providers may also consider promoting ethical, trustworthy, and socially responsible online environments for the benefit of society and their companies.Item Slot n' Slide : a concept design for a life jacket for flood events in India : an exegesis presented in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy in Design at Massey University, Wellington, New Zealand(Massey University, 2022) Shaik, AreefIndia endures numerous flood events every year due to its tropical monsoon climate. River delta regions affected by these disaster events are often heavily populated and experience considerable damage and loss of life through drowning. The life jacket currently in use by first responders in India negatively impacts performance with unsatisfactory levels of protection, comfort, and stowage. In addition, these products present fit and usability challenges and lack cultural sensitivity to end-users. This research project addresses the suitability of this life jacket to respond efficiently in an emergency by using a practice-led prototyping investigation to develop a specific flood rescue product that is reflective of the context of use and responsive to the cultural context of India. The outcome of this creative practice research is a ‘slot n slide’ panel life jacket inspired by the traditional Indian sari. This conceptual design accommodates a diverse range of body anthropometry in a one-size-fits-all solution, achieved by an innovative inter-panel strapping system with integrated side adjustments. This concept provides new and perceivable benefits, including improvements in utility for first responders, single product deployment, efficient stowage and provisioning with easier donning and doffing, broad size accommodation, and a single adjustment strap, improving usability for end-users.Item SMOOSH : a conceptual approach to adaptable flat-pack shoes for contemporary digital nomads : a dissertation presented in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy, Massey University, Wellington, New Zealand(Massey University, 2022) Karasinska, MagdalenaAdaptable products often present a range of possibilities for changing contexts and circumstances. Their use can also enable a way of being and operating that engenders nomadism. However, shoe studies in this context have never been systematically studied. Immense technical changes over the last thirty years have affected communication and reduced travel costs, while globalization has made remote work not only possible but often desirable. This global transformation has produced “digital nomads”, who use telecommunication technologies to earn a living whilst living, travelling and working remotely. The digital nomad has inspired this practice-led research project exploring the conceptual design of a multipurpose, adaptable shoe, which satisfies the requirements of unpredictable travel and a nomadic lifestyle. This footwear design project is multidisciplinary and situated at the nexus of fashion apparel and product design. Transformable/adaptable fashion and un-build concepts have been utilised as a theoretical framework to explore the shoe’s versatility, critique aesthetic values used on an everyday basis, and locate the shoe in an urban, utilitarian and minimal fashion context. The primary focus is on the versatility and packability of shoes, which are bulky and difficult to transport. Identifying these constraints was a creative catalyst to challenge footwear construction methods and design processes and to explore a collapsible, packable free-upper shoe. The outcome of this research is a conceptual design for flatpack Smoosh shoes, a system that allows for convenient packing. The developed concept is a footwear with a range of sock-like inner components that can be docked into the shell outer-sole, both of which are fully functional pieces that can be used separately to expand versatility and minimize luggage space. They allow hassle-free travel and offer recyclability. Smoosh contributes to footwear design knowledge by providing a novel construction system for travel purposes. It establishes that although rolling is the most common collapsible principle in the travel apparel and footwear markets, principles such as folding, hinging and creasing are far more desirable for travel shoes. The conceptual exploration and final footwear design contribute to the field of adaptable footwear by providing information for further research and development.Item Crafting death : grief, stories, and materiality in Katikati Coffin Club : a thesis presented in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Arts in Social Anthropology at Massey University, Palmerston North, Aotearoa New Zealand(Massey University, 2020) Russell, BronwynCoffin Clubs are a social phenomenon in Aotearoa New Zealand, where people gather for two main purposes: to talk about death and dying, and to build their own coffins. This latter, practical aspect is what sets Coffin Clubs apart from other death-related support groups. This research explores why people attend Katikati Coffin Club. My field work involved attending Katikati Coffin Club on a weekly basis for more than a year. While I was there, I helped build and decorate many coffins, including my own. Using participant-observation and ethnographic accounts from club members, my findings reveal the nuanced reasons people choose to attend Coffin Club, and why many continue to attend long after they have finished building their coffin. This research explores the practical element of Katikati Coffin Club through the lens of the anthropology of craftwork. I consider how the act of building a coffin facilitates conversations about death, dying and grief. I argue that building a coffin can be seen as a form of storytelling, and an acknowledgement of mortality. Finally, I suggest that Coffin Club provides an alternative to the coffins sold by the funeral industry, and is a way to take control of/personalise ‘death work’ (actively preparing for death, both practically and in more abstract, emotional ways). My findings assert that Coffin Club helps people talk about death and grief. It creates a space for people to share different practices relating to death work, and provides an opportunity to craft narratives. As club members tell their stories through crafting a coffin, they are also able to narrate their loss and grief. As they craft their coffin, they also craft the relationships and the social space around them. In performing a practical aspect of death work, Coffin Club members are working on grief and loss. Woodwork, death work and the work of grief, occurring simultaneously.Item Rethinking clamshell packaging : an exploration of packaging design for the kiwiberry industry : an exegesis presented in partial fullfullment of the requirements for the degree of Masters of Design, Massey University, College of Creative Arts, Wellington, New Zealand(Massey University, 2018) Hughes, JustinThis project explores how designers can contribute to New Zealand’s food industries by devising creative packaging solutions which enhance the consumer experience and add value to the products . It focuses on the values that packaging design can bring to the kiwiberry industry and the Asian market. The kiwiberry, of which New Zealand is a major supplier, is a delicate, seasonal fruit with a high cost of production. Multidisciplinary connections between the Massey Institute of Food Science and Technology, Massey University School of Design, and kiwifruit industry partners Zespri and Freshmax were key to gaining insight into the packaging design opportunities for the kiwiberry. The investigation included research trips to Singapore, Taiwan and Hong Kong which were critical to gaining personal insight into the culture, consumer trends, supply chains and retail environments in these markets. These trips highlight the importance of fruit presentation in the Asian market as well as reassurances of food safety and authenticity. They also show that new technologies throughout the fruit supply chain are creating opportunities to develop smarter and more engaging packaging formats. Using these industry and market insights, I seek to generate and create designs which acknowledge current packaging technologies, but also speculate as to where the future of fresh fruit packaging could go. The outcome I conceive is a packaging design concept that addresses the technical needs of the fruit industry while putting a greater emphasis on the consumer experience.Item Kiwi circle : a social platform connecting Chinese international students with local New Zealanders : a thesis submitted in partial fulfilment for the degree of Master of Design, Massey University, Wellington, New Zealand(Massey University, 2019) Yu, LiangIn the past 25 years, international education has grown to become New Zealand’s fourth largest export industry, generating around 5.1 billion dollars to its economy (New Zealand Education, 2018). While Chinese students comprise the largest proportion of consumers within this sector, research indicates that Chinese international students in New Zealand are less satisfied than students from all other countries. This research proposes to design an online social platform to facilitate connections between these Chinese international students and local New Zealanders, in order to assist them in adjusting to studying and living in New Zealand. Furthermore, the platform would provide a channel for local New Zealanders who are interested in the Chinese culture to learn about and interact with it through contact with Chinese students. This research project aims to add value to New Zealand’s international education industry, by improving the overall quality of international students’ experience.
