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    Influence of handling at harvest on the softening behaviour of kiwifruit : a thesis presented in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master in Horticultural Science at Massey University, New Zealand
    (Massey University, 1992) Davie, Ivan John
    The New Zealand Kiwifruit industry in 1991 lost an estimated $54 million due to premature softening of kiwifruit during postharvest storage. The present study sought to determine if premature softening might be associated with the physical damage resulting from handling at harvest. The influence of physical damage on fruit was investigated on fruit from eleven kiwifruit properties from the Bay of Plenty region in New Zealand. Fruit were harvested and stored at 0°C and 20°C; firmness was destructively assessed. Softening behaviour of fruit sampled immediately after harvest from the vine (no physical damage) were compared with fruit from the same orchard block handled through the normal postharvest handling chain and packed in a packhouse. Analysis of variance and nonlinear regression using two, three and four parameter models were used to help in describing any differences in firmness values for fruit held in cool storage (0°C). The advantages and disadvantages of using analysis of variance and nonlinear regression to describe differences in firmness values between treatments are discussed. Analysis of variance determined that the packhouse and vine fruit on average were of a similar firmness. Nonlinear three parameter model: Firmness = a exp-bt + c (starting values: a = 6, b = 0.01 and c = 0.5) where: a = difference between initial and final asymptotic firmness b = exponent describing rate of decline in firmness c = final asymptotic value for fitted firmness was found to best characterise changing fruit firmness values over time. An analysis of variance was then performed on the resulting parameter values a, b and c which found that vine fruit on average had a slightly faster rate of softening than packhouse fruit. Packhouse fruit were not expected on average to have a similar firmness to vine fruit, as packhouse fruit were thought to have been exposed to potentially damaging impacts during handling. This may have been due to vine fruit being of a smaller size, position of fruit trays in cool storage or the rewarming of fruit during transportation. A non-destructive measure of firmness would help to identify the factors leading to premature softening and help to quantify fruit to fruit variability. A second part of this study therefore involved development and evaluation of a non-destructive instrument for measuring kiwifruit firmness (softness meter) compared with a penetrometer and its ability to repeatedly measure an individual fruit's firmness over time. The non-destructive softness meter characterised fruit firmness by measuring changes in deformation over time. Plots of deformation versus the natural log of time were linear and the gradient of the line was used as the measure of firmness (softness coefficient). Fruit with a range of firmness values were assessed using the softness meter, then penetrometer readings were obtained on the same location of each fruit and the relationship between the two instruments established. Within-fruit variation for both softness coefficients and penetrometer data was strongly related to fruit firmness, with coefficients of variation remaining approximately constant at about 10% for each variable. The softness meter will help to identify how localised treatments applied to fruit affect firmness and help to identify premature softening causes in individual fruit.
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    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, Magdalena
    Adaptable 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.
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    Case studies in rural co-operatives: three studies of the organisation and management or rural co-operatives providing post-harvest facilities in the kiwifruit industry: a research report submitted in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Agricultural Business and Administration at Massey University
    (Massey University, 1983) Beattie, Michael Ian
    The co-operative ownership structure is one that is commonly encountered in New Zealand's agricultural industry. This type of organisation would appear to have a number of natural advantages that should make it very competitive in modern agri-business. However it is apparent at least some co-operatives have not lived up to their members' expectations. This research project has been undertaken to identify some of the problems of co-operative enterprise and to provide some possible strategies to improve their operation. This report examines the management and organisational practices of three co-operative enterprises providing post-harvest facilities in the Kiwifruit industry. The research follows a longitudinal case study approach, with each co-operative described in terms of the six dimensions of history, facilities, shareholding, direction, operation and finance. The material generated by the study is discussed within a framework of central issues, established from evidence of other co-operative activity, both in New Zealand and overseas. The report concludes with a description of some 14 common problems, and a discussion concerning the effectiveness of management and organisational measures that have been implemented as possible solutions. It then goes on to outline 10 general strategies that could be of significance in the improved operation of rural co-operatives.
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    Performance of recycled paper pulp trays in relation to impact damage in apple cartons : a thesis presented in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Horticultural Science in agricultural engineering at Massey University
    (Massey University, 1994) Heap, Rebecca Alison
    Excessive bruising during transit of Count 88 apples packed in cartons using paper pulp (Friday) trays is of major concern to the apple industry. The literature shows that this has been observed since at least 1962. Many experiments have been conducted but these have generally involved small quantities of fruit and been directed to specific issues. The object of this project was to review the literature and to examine the performance of Friday Trays directly by the study of their physical properties and indirectly through the experimental bruising of a significant amount of fruit under carefully defined conditions. The carton configurations of Count 88 and Count 100 apples were assessed through visual observation and by computed tomography to determine the spatial relationships of fruit within the packs. Count 88 cartons had fruit in a 2x2 configuration and the apples were tightly packed. The fruit were close proximity with two contact points above and below for central fruit and one for those on the ends of the pack. Count 100 cartons had fruit in a 3x2 configuration. The apples were more widely spaced on the trays, with the fruit being, to some degree, 'hammocked' by the Friday Tray with less direct pressure on adjacent fruit in the static state. However, under dynamic loading it was shown that force was transmitted between fruit at four contact points above and below for central fruit and at a lesser number for those on the periphery of the pack. Cartons of Count 88 and Count 100 apples were dropped under standardised conditions from a height of 600mm and the amount and distribution of bruising recorded. Prior experimental work defined the relationship between energy absorbed and bruise production so that it was possible to calculate the energy absorbed by the fruit and other mechanisms in both configurations. With Count 88 cartons the packaging material and other mechanisms absorbed 87% of the energy whilst in Count 100 cartons 97.5% was absorbed The tensile strength of samples of Friday trays were measured at two moisture contents (MC), based on the MC when trays are first placed in the cartons (8 % MC) and after a minimum of 24 hours in coolstorage (15 % MC). Samples were 16% stronger at 8% MC than 15% MC. The distribution of energy absorption was assessed using trays at 8% i nd 15% MC. Whilst tray splitting was more common with trays at 8% MC, the total energy absorbed was not altered and variation in another physical property, such as the ability to stretch, must have been responsible for this. The study suggests that there is a relationship between excessive bruising and carton configuration. The previously described 'hammock effect' appears to be a protective mechanism in Count 100 packs but the closer spacing of Count 88 packs precludes this. Bruising in the Count 88 configuration may be reduced if a five layer pack similar to Count 100 were adopted or more energy absorptive trays used that would reduce the force transmitted between adjacent fruit. Such changes could have adverse effects in terms of carton overfill and would need further investigation.
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    Prediction and quantification of apple bruising : a thesis submitted in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy in Agricultural Engineering at Massey University, Palmerston North, New Zealand
    (Massey University, 1993) Pang, David Weilong
    Mechanical handling subjects fruit to impacts which often cause bruising. Such bruising is a major source of quality loss in the fruit industry. In this study, a range of experiments was carried out to investigate the quantification of bruises and the prediction of bruising in relation to mechanical handling systems. In order to understand apple bruising, a study of free normal impact between pairs of apples was conducted. There was a 2/5 power relationship between contact area and impact energy. The coefficient of restitution varied in a non-linear manner with impact energy, decreasing as impact energy increased. Bruise damage produced by a typical New Zealand-made fruit grader was critically analysed. A large percentage of individual bruises was under 1 cm2 in area and it was rare to have any bruises above 3 cm2. The total number of bruises was found to be the best indicator of bruise susceptibility. A new method of predicting such bruises has been developed involving a new term, the Bruise Factor, which was related to bruising sustained during handling operations, allowing for the variation in fruit size, shape and mass. An Instrumented Sphere (IS) was used to characterize impacts on commercial packing lines. It was found that the IS could be used to identify apple-to-apple impacts likely to cause bruising in commercial packing operations, providing care is taken with interpretation of the data. Typical impacts on packing lines were represented by impacts onto a flat steel surface, a rubber pad, a plastic tube, a solid plastic bar, and onto another fruit. Impact tests were conducted on freshly picked Gala, Splendour, Fuji, Braeburn, and Granny Smith apples, all grown in Hawkes Bay, New Zealand. Bruise areas produced by impact onto flat steel, rubber, plastic tubing, and a solid plastic bar were found to be linearly correlated with the peak acceleration recorded by an Instrumented Sphere dropped from the same heights. Following fruit-to-fruit impacts, bruising was generally more severe on one of the two apples. When the results of apple-to-apple and IS-to-apple impacts were compared, it was found that the area of the larger of the two bruises produced in fruit-to-fruit impacts was directly related to the peak acceleration recorded by the IS when it was dropped onto a fruit from the same height. For each variety and each surface the drop height required to produce a critical bruise with a surface area of 1 cm2 (as measured with the skin removed) was determined. By joining the threshold points on each surface response line, a threshold potential bruise boundary was formed on a velocity change against peak acceleration graph. The boundary curve, which included apple-to-apple impact, was hyperbolic in shape, rather than the linear boundary described in other studies. The implications of the results to the fruit industry are discussed in this study.