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- ItemUse of triaxial accelerometers and machine learning algorithms for behavioural identification to assess the effectiveness of a joint supplement in old domestic cats (Felis catus) : a thesis presented in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of MSc (Animal Science), Massey University, Palmerston North, New Zealand(Massey University, 2024) Liu, YutingOsteoarthrosis has a 90% prevalence rate in older cats and adversely affects quality of life. Long-term administration of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs is usually required, but can have adverse effects such as vomiting, diarrhoea and kidney failure. Nutraceuticals have been shown to relieve joint pain in cats without such side effects, however, due to differences in dose rates and formulations there is no consensus within the academic community as to their efficacy. Most studies have utilised subjective measures such as veterinary or owner-assessed changes in activity, which are not very sensitive. Accelerometers can provide objective data on cat activity and have recently been shown to identify specific behaviours (Smit et al., 2023). In the present study, triaxial accelerometers (ActiGraph®, Pensacola, FL, USA) were fitted to the collars of the cats for 20 weeks to assess activity and behaviour. Two groups (n=8 per group) of old cats (aged 11-16 years; Massey University, Palmerston North, NZ) were fed the same diet (Chef: Kraft Heinz Wattie’s Ltd., Hastings, NZ) for four weeks to collect baseline acceleration data. The 16 cats selected for the main study were then divided into two groups balanced for physical activity. The test group received a joint supplement added to the baseline diet while the control group were fed the diet unsupplemented for 16 weeks. The commercial joint supplement contained glucosamine, chondroitin sulphate, curcumin and green-lipped mussel (Tandem, Wellington, NZ). The aim was to assess the effectiveness of the joint supplement in maintaining or promoting activity and specific behaviours in the cats. Overall physical activity was not different between groups at baseline but was higher over the study in the test group compared to the control animals (P<0.03). Grooming, as identified by the algorithm, showed a tendency (P=0.051) to be higher in the test group than in the control. These results suggest that the supplement had a positive effect on both overall activity and more specifically on grooming behaviour in old cats.
- ItemRedesigning of soil landscape models within the Rangitikei district for the inclusion of groundwater information (e.g., nitrogen and phosphorus) : a thesis presented in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Science in Earth Science at Massey University, Manawatu, New Zealand(Massey University, 2024) Durham, Courtney SarahSoil models used within the agricultural and sustainable land use sectors rarely address groundwater nutrient influences, particularly the interaction with soil profiles and the role of soils in nutrient mitigation. This study redevelops soil landscape models to include nutrient information from groundwater analysis. A Rangitikei farm in the Manawatu-Whanganui region was identified to have 14 soil types (~95% of these soils being Brown and Pallic) influenced by 6 geological members. The geological and soil information resulted in 3 soil landscape models being created, each with specific landscape, geological, and soil features. LRI and LUC maps were created identifying 10 LRI units and 6 LUC units each with different management procedures across the study area, including individual maps of each LRI component. The instillation of 6 piezometers across the study area at locations that intersected drainage zones with distinctive landform features and geologies, allowed for an overview of the drainage across the study area, with the aim to provide supportive evidence of the denitrifying properties of the soil system in terms of groundwater nitrogen. Groundwater samples from the piezometers were analysed for dissolved reactive phosphorus (DRP), dissolved oxygen (DO), pH, oxidation-reduction potential (ORP) and N-NO₃. The majority of the DRP results from the piezometers and surface waters were above accepted levels, while the majority of the N-NO₃ results were below accepted levels. The DO results primarily showed the support of N reduction within the subsurface system, while N reduction was not supported from the ORP results seen from the piezometers. Piezometer water levels showed a primary response to rainfall prior to sampling. LiDAR data at 1m resolution was utilised for the creating of a landform element map that identified valleys, ridges, spurs, and hollows across the study area.
- ItemA social media analysis investigating public health concerns of lead (Pb) contamination in the environment and consumer products in New Zealand and the risk of neurological harm : a thesis presented in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Arts in Psychology at Massey University, Albany, New Zealand. EMBARGOED until 2nd October 2027(Massey University, 2023) Lightowler, Balbinder KaurThis research involved a social media analysis investigating public health concerns of Lead (Pb) contamination in the environment and consumer products in Aotearoa New Zealand. The research question sought to explore how social media discussed government policies designed to protect the public from Lead exposure, especially children and babies. Few studies have been conducted worldwide to ascertain public views on Lead exposure via internet-based social media, and none appear to have been conducted in NZ. This study intends to satisfy this gap making it a unique and significant contribution to psychological research. This is important considering international research has consistently revealed the detrimental effects of Lead exposure even at low levels on the human nervous system. The US has in the last few decades made considerable progress towards increasing public awareness and eliminating Lead exposure hazards, in addition to increasing Lead poisoning monitoring. This level of activity has not been observed in NZ suggesting a review of government policies may be required. A thematic analysis was conducted using data from a NZ Facebook forum, which focused on increasing public awareness of Lead exposure risks to children and how to mitigate them. The forum questioned the status-quo and held the NZ government accountable for failing to protect children from Lead exposure. Three main themes were identified: ‘our environment’, ‘our children’, and ‘our health’ each containing several sub-themes. Findings revealed that government policies around Lead exposure are insufficient, not in line with international guidelines, and highly concerning. At a minimum, it is recommended that NZ adopt a blood Lead safety threshold and a Lead screening and testing programme similar to the US. Additionally, primary, and secondary prevention of Lead exposure should be prioritised for vulnerable groups, to provide considerably more protection for children and babies. The research also identified the wider implications of Lead pollution and its adverse effects on psychological wellbeing.
- ItemIn orchard 3D sensing for crop identification and localization in a virtual environment : a thesis presented in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Engineering in School of Engineering at Massey University, Palmerston North, New Zealand. EMBARGOED until 28th May 2026(Massey University, 2024) Maurer, BrettDue to recent events of the global pandemic, as well as decreasing labour available in the agricultural sector in New Zealand, there has been an overall labour shortage in this multi-million dollar industry. With the advancement and accessibility of new technologies, this is an industry in which these can be applied effectively to increase efficiency and potentially be done remotely. This can be a key benefit for the industry, as it would help avoid labour shortages with the ability to undertake some orchard work remotely, as well as providing job opportunities to those who may not normally be able to undertake this sort of physical work. Another resulting benefit in having the ability to potentially work remotely means that the need for travel to and around the orchard is decreased, which would also have sustainability benefits. One such technology that has been looked at, with developments being made over the recent years is robotic harvesting. A key element in this process is the remote sensing and vision systems used to identify, and subsequently localise, the targeted crop to be harvested. Currently, most of the research that has been done in this area has been using expensive, high precision 3D scanning tools. However, with the advancement in this area of technology, cheaper and more practical alternatives may be suitable for the application. The primary focus of this project was to evaluate and quantify the accuracy and therefore suitability of multiple remote sensing systems to be used in an orchard en vironment. For this project, consumer grade RGBD(Red, Green, Blue, Depth)camera systems were used to identify and localise apples, with the resulting depth and image data being interacted with in a virtual reality environment in the form of point clouds ii as well as mesh bodies, in order to identify and localise the apples in 3D space in a virtual environment.--Shortened abstract.
- ItemStreamlining robotic development : cost and time savings through digital twins and simulations : a thesis presented in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Engineering in Mechatronics, School of Food and Advanced Technology, Massey University, Palmerston North, New Zealand. EMBARGOED until 28th May 2026(Massey University, 2024) Martin-Smith, CraigThis thesis explores the integration of Digital Twins (DTs) and advanced simulations in robotic development, underscored by recent GPU technology advancements that enhance high-fidelity simulations’ viability. The study focuses on autonomous mobile robots and aims to address the limitations of traditional field testing, which includes high costs and substantial environmental impacts. The research utilises DTs—accurate virtual replicas of physical robots—to improve development efficiency, reduce reliance on physical prototypes, and enhance cost-effectiveness. Featuring four detailed case studies — a line painting robot, an indoor camera-based localisation system, a forestry tool carrier, and an inspection robot—this research illustrates the effectiveness of Digital Twins in verifying and refining robot functionalities prior to physical implementation. The case studies reveal significant efficiencies: the line painting robot saw a time reduction of one month and savings of NZD 8, 080; the localisation system achieved a 44% reduction in costs, saving NZD 9, 380; the forestry robot reduced costs by 20.84%, saving NZD 42, 500; and the inspection robot shortened its development timeline by two months, resulting in savings of NZD 19, 280. Overall, the results affirm that DTs and simulations, bolstered by GPU enhancements, can significantly accelerate development timelines and enhance the precision and quality of robotic systems. This thesis substantiates the transformative impact of DTs and simulations in robotic development, highlighting their crucial role in advancing robotic systems capable of operating in diverse and challenging environments.
- ItemCarcass and meat quality characteristics of Romney and three-quarter Wiltshire lambs : a thesis presented in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Science in Animal Science at Massey University, Palmerston North, New Zealand(Massey University, 2024) Rawidech, RawisaraSelf-shedding sheep breeds, like the Wiltshire, have been introduced into meat production systems in New Zealand to reduce costs such as shearing and crutching. However, there is limited information on the meat performance of Wiltshire-cross lambs. Therefore, this study aimed to assess carcass and meat quality attributes of Romney and ¾ Wiltshire lambs. Data were collected from Romney (n=11) and ¾ Wiltshire (n=12) ram lambs, managed and fed on pasture under the same conditions, and sent to slaughter, as one group when all lambs reached a minimum of 42 kg liveweight. Final on-farm liveweight, hot carcass weight and dressing-out percentage were obtained on the day of slaughter. Muscle and dissectible fat percentages, muscle-to-bone ratios for whole leg and femur, muscularity, and femur bone morphology were obtained from leg dissections. Objective meat quality assessments were conducted on a sample of the Longissimus lumborum muscle to obtain pH, colour, water-holding capacity, shear force value, intramuscular fat percentage and fatty acid composition. The start and, final on-farm liveweights and hot carcass weights of the ¾ Wiltshire lambs were heavier than Romney lambs (P<0.05). Muscle and intramuscular fat percentages, muscle-to-bone ratios and muscularity did not differ between treatments (P>0.05). The ¾ Wiltshire lambs had lower dissectible fat percentages and greater muscle weights surrounding the femur compared with the Romney lambs (P<0.05). The ¾ Wiltshire lambs had greater femur bone length, total bone content, density, cortical bone content and thickness, and bone stress strain index compared with the Romney lambs (P<0.05). However, total bone area, cortical bone density, and periosteal and endosteal circumferences of both treatments were the same (P>0.05). There was no difference between the two genetic differences in meat colour, water-holding capacity, shear force and fatty acid profile (P>0.05). The results suggest that the ¾ Wiltshire lambs produce carcass and meat quality characteristics that are comparable to Romney lambs when slaughtered at a similar age. Therefore, the use ¾ Wiltshire lambs will not negatively affect meat yield and meat quality and will not be disadvantaged when used in lamb meat production systems.
- ItemStable isotope analysis of New Zealand fur seal (Arctocephalus forsteri) pup vibrissae used to explore dispersal and isotopic niche widths : a thesis presented in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Science in Ecology at Massey University, Palmerston North, New Zealand(Massey University, 2024) Galbraith, DianaThe New Zealand fur seal/kekeno (Arctocephalus forsteri, NZFS) is a mobile, top predator native to Aotearoa/New Zealand, that was almost extirpated by hunting. Knowledge of life history (demographics), abundance, distribution, and movement patterns is essential to understanding the ecological implications of NZFS dispersal and recolonisation. Intrinsic markers are increasingly being used to identify individuals. Stable isotope analysis (SIA) is used to study diet, trophic level, and movement patterns in many marine mammal species. Otariid pup vibrissae are metabolically inert, relatively easy to sample, and provide a sequential record of nutrient uptake from gestation onwards. Vibrissae from NZFS pups were collected from seven established breeding colonies around the coast of New Zealand. δ¹³C and δ¹⁵N values in the proximal vibrissa were used to calculate isotopic niche widths for each colony. Isotopic separation was not sufficient to identify the colony of origin of pups. Vibrissae from stranded (deceased) NZFS young-of the-year were collected opportunistically from areas not known to have breeding colonies in Northland and Hawkes Bay, New Zealand. δ¹³C and δ¹⁵N values were measured in the proximal vibrissa and in a section two-thirds of the length from the base corresponding to the time that individuals would have been at their natal colony. Values from young-of-the-year overlapped with pups at colonies. Isotopic niche widths were greater for young-of-the-year than for pups at colonies and greater for samples at the base of the vibrissa than at two-thirds. Vibrissa growth rates and estimated vibrissa lengths at birth were calculated using linear regression on colony and stranded samples. The mean vibrissa growth rate was 0.21 mm/day for colony samples and 0.24 mm/day for all samples. The estimated vibrissa length at birth was 55 ± 11 mm. Mean δ¹⁵N decreased by 4.7 ‰ between two-thirds of the vibrissa and the base. The estimated maximum age at weaning was 223 to 247 days; less than any published lactation lengths for the NZFS. SIA is a practical and economical way to monitor the isotopic niche width of NZFSs, providing indirect information on foraging.
- ItemEqual status for mātauranga Māori in NCEA : perceptions of non-Māori teachers : a thesis presented in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Education in Māori Education at Te Kunenga ki Pūrehuroa Massey University, Manawatū, Aotearoa New Zealand(Massey University, 2024) Farnan-Sestito, Claire JosephineUsing a constructivist grounded theory approach, this thesis explores the perceptions of non-Māori teachers about NCEA Change 2: Mana ōrite te mātauranga Māori/Equal status for mātauranga Māori in NCEA. Data were gathered via individual, semi-structured, in-depth qualitative interviews with seven non-Māori teachers of NCEA from across Aotearoa New Zealand. The findings show that non-Māori teachers of NCEA generally do not ascribe mātauranga Māori the same value as the Western body of knowledge, the implementation of NCEA Change 2 has been under communicated and under-resourced by the Ministry of Education resulting in poorly prepared and resourced non-Māori teachers who are therefore prioritising the other NCEA Changes, and non-Māori teachers of NCEA generally feel insecure in their role of Treaty partner. These barriers contribute to a lack of action to meaningfully implement NCEA Change 2 despite declaring support for the reform. Participants, while expressing their willingness to enact NCEA Change 2, also exhibit signs of hesitancy, reluctance, and fear about fully committing to implementation of the policy. This thesis proposes that this is in part because the mandating of Change 2 has challenged their identity as teachers of NCEA and their partnership with Te Tiriti o Waitangi. Consideration as to the pathway forward is discussed.
- ItemThe association between calcium intake, osteoporosis knowledge and osteoporosis health beliefs among post-menopausal women : a thesis presented in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Science in Nutrition and Dietetics, Massey University, Albany, New Zealand(Massey University, 2024) Nicholson, ColetteBackground: Osteoporosis is the most prevalent metabolic bone disease globally. It is caused by excessive loss of bone mineral density (BMD), with a subsequent increase in fracture risk. The condition is costly in terms of healthcare and older adult quality of life. Older women are most likely to experience the onset of osteoporosis due to the cessation of oestrogen production during menopause. Though prevalence is thought to be underestimated, as much as 35.5% of females over 50 years of age are living with osteoporosis in most western countries. Compelling evidence exists that onset can be arrested among older females through ongoing diet and lifestyle choices to mitigate menopausal related loss of BMD. However, randomised control trials of various interventions designed to support positive bone health behaviours have delivered mixed long-term results. This indicates that engagement in positive bone health behaviours is complex. It is thought that actions may also be influenced by health beliefs rather than knowledge of osteoporosis. Health beliefs are also thought to change according to age, gender, and ethnicity. Previous New Zealand-based studies on osteoporosis bone health behaviours and beliefs have focussed on pre-menopausal women. Subsequently, the associations between osteoporosis knowledge, health beliefs, and bone health behaviours, among the vulnerable population of post-menopausal women are largely unknown. Objectives: To investigate the relationship between the bone health behaviour of calcium intake, osteoporosis knowledge, and health beliefs amongst post-menopausal New Zealand women. Methods: This study is a secondary data analysis of a cohort of 66 post-menopausal females from the “Footprint” study. Surveys completed by the participants included the osteoporosis knowledge test, the osteoporosis health belief survey, demographic questions, and a calcium food frequency questionnaire. Pearson’s and Spearman’s rho correlations were used to determine the relationship between calcium intake and the independent variables. Linear regression is used to identify predictors of calcium intake. Results: A weak negative correlation was found between the perception of severity (rs = -0.301, p = 0.017) and calcium intake, as well as a weak positive correlation with university level of education (rs = 0.355, p = 0.008). Following linear regression analysis, the benefits of exercise (β = 0.430, p = 0.007) was identified as the only health belief construct to predict calcium intake, accounting for 17.2% of the variation. Conclusions: The findings of this study suggest that there may be an association between calcium intake and health beliefs around osteoporosis in older women in New Zealand; however, further research with a larger sample size would be required to support these results.
- ItemExploring the experiences of young Afghan men living in Aotearoa New Zealand : a thesis presented in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Science in Psychology at Massey University, Aotearoa New Zealand(Massey University, 2024) Saleh, AbrarullahPeople of Afghanistan for many decades travelled to a neighboring country for safety before seeking refuge in other nations with ambitions for a promising future for themselves and their families who have faced famine and tribulations of war. Many have resettled in Aotearoa New Zealand. However, very little is known about young people and their experiences in the Afghan diaspora particularly young men. This research project is an in-depth exploration of the experiences of six young Afghan men living in Aotearoa New Zealand. The narratives and timelines of events shared by these young Afghan men highlight the adversities they experienced alongside their strengths and resilience. The interviews were conducted as research conversations enabling a dialogue between myself and the six participants and this format was driven by the principle of halaqah. The combined theoretical framework for this research was informed by narrative inquiry and Islamic principles of halaqah. I identified several themes related to the experiences of these young Afghan men. Firstly, collective trauma was prominent amongst all participants and had a domino effect on their everyday practice of life. Trauma was also shared by participants and their families, often unconsciously. The various complex negotiations that participants discussed included the parenting and protection they received, issues of masculinity and responsibility, as well as balancing their felt cultural identities as Afghans living in Aotearoa New Zealand. Participants also highlighted experiences of transformation and rites of passage achieved through attending university as it became a platform for development of their independence and reconnection to their faith and culture and finding peace. This research shed light on a rarely discussed phenomenon – the enduring impact of, and the spillover of collective trauma for those living outside of Afghanistan, and how these young people learned to cope with these dynamics.
