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- ItemValidation of tri-axial accelerometers and the impact of environmental enrichment on behaviour and welfare of domestic dogs (Canis familiaris) : 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) Redmond, CushlaMonitoring and quantifying behaviour in dogs can provide valuable insight into their overall health and welfare. Behavioural observation in dogs can often be labour-intensive and time consuming. However, recent advances in remote sensing technologies, such as accelerometery, offer an automated method for continuously measuring behaviour without an observer present. The first aim of this thesis was to investigate the use of remote sensing technology, particularly tri-axial ActiGraph® WGT3X-BT accelerometers, along with machine learning (ML) algorithms to automatically classify behaviour in six colony-housed domestic dogs (Chapter 2). A total of 132,295 seconds (~36.7 hours; ~6.1 hours per dog) of video footage of behaviour were recorded. Five modelling rounds were created using ML techniques, with model 4 achieving the highest overall accuracy and kappa coefficient while still capturing a wide range of behaviours. The study found that the ActiGraph® WGT3X-BT accelerometer can accurately classify behaviour in domestic dogs. However, it also revealed challenges in differentiating behaviours with similar acceleration profiles, particularly in classifying the "standing" behaviour. As a result, behaviours were grouped during the model-building process to improve overall accuracy. The refined models significantly improved over time, indicating a promising method for detailed and remote assessment of domestic dog behaviour. The secondary aim of the thesis was to evaluate the potential use of tri-axial accelerometery and a validated random forests model for determining the efficacy of environmental enrichment treatments and to assess the effect of food, olfactory, and tactile enrichment treatments on the behaviour and activity of six colony-housed domestic dogs (Chapter 3). Significant differences were observed among enrichment treatments regarding active/inactive behaviour, ODBA levels, individual behaviours, and interaction durations. The use of ActiGraph® devices were demonstrated to be an accurate and objective method for measuring the success of enrichment activities, particularly when used alongside other observational methods such as interaction duration. The study emphasised the impact of environmental factors, individual differences among dogs, and seasonal variations on the effectiveness of enrichment. It highlighted the need for personalised enrichment programs to enhance the overall effectiveness of treatments.
- ItemCold pressed avocado oil : impact of adding skin and seed during malaxing : a thesis submitted in fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Food Technology at Massey University, New Zealand(Massey University, 2024) Liang, YutongThe production of extra virgin cold-pressed avocado oil is based on the mechanical extraction of olive oil, involving grinding, malaxing and centrifugation, which mainly extracted oil from the mesocarp of avocado fruit. During processing a step in the process is included to eliminate skin and seed before extraction. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of incorporating avocado skin and seed during the cold press extraction process on oil yield, oil composition and oil storage stability. Laboratory-scale extraction equipment was used to extract oil from ‘Hass’ avocados, harvested in July 2022 (late season fruits from the previous season) and in August 2022 (early season fruits for the new season). Three different tissue combinations in the malaxers were investigated: flesh with 10% of the skin tissue, flesh with 100% skin, flesh with 100% skin and seed (whole fruit). Each oil was immediately transferred into amber bottles, nitrogen flushed the headspace and then stored at 20℃, 30℃ and 40℃ for the storage trial. Oil samples were also stored at -20C to be used for analysis of composition. The oil yield (kg oil/ (kg of wet tissue in malaxer)) from malaxing whole fruit was considerably less than from malaxing flesh with 10% skin; 65% and 35% less for early and late season, respectively. Adding skin and seed did not significantly change the free fatty acid and peroxide value in oil, although the UV absorbance values (K232 and K270) were higher in whole fruit oil. While there were no significant differences in fatty acid and sterol profiles, the whole fruit oil contained significantly higher concentrations of phenolics, sterols and pigments (carotenoids and chlorophylls) (p < 0.05). During storage, oils at higher storage temperatures exhibited a more rapid increase in peroxide value (PV) and K values, along with a more rapid decline in total phenolics and total chlorophyll. Informal sensory trials suggested that the bitterness of the oil increased with storage time, though sensory was not evaluated. It can be concluded that the addition of skin and seed led to a reduction in oil yield due to the lower proportion of flesh mass in malaxer, however more liposoluble compounds dissolved in the oil. Although the Rancimat test indicated improved oxidative stability with the addition of skin and seed, the whole fruit oil demonstrated a higher oxidation rate during storage, coupled with increased sensitivity to temperature.
- ItemProduction line optimization : development of ground support equipment for multi-product support : a thesis presented for the degree of Master of Engineering, School of Food & Advanced Technology, Massey University, New Zealand. EMBARGOED until 19th March 2027.(Massey University, 2024) Orwin-Higgs, B.The small satellite industry suffers from extreme bottlenecks in manufacturing of its components, which dramatically lengthens the amount of time it takes to launch missions. These process bottlenecks mainly revolve around the complexity of satellite components, the difficulty of their manufacturing and validation testing as they are often tailor-made for bespoke missions, and the subsequent complexity and bespoke designs of the equipment which is required to approve them for flight. This is becoming a much more prevalent problem, as global demand for high-vehicle-count satellite constellation missions are becoming more sought after. Research into the optimization of manufacturing process lines for the small satellite market is vital to improve the throughput of these vehicles and their components and help to realize these constellation missions on a more frequent basis. The small satellite market hopes to optimize for increases in production capability, similar to those seen in the marine and automotive industries. This increase in production capacity is limited by the complex nature of satellite components, their designs, and the rigorous test campaigns required to approve these components for flight. Further, there exists little-to-no consolidated production line equipment to realize the yield quantities of components needed for modern high-volume constellation missions. This research work aims to evaluate the physical and financial feasibility of a piece of proof-of-concept production equipment and assess whether a design mentality for production equipment which is focussed on consolidation has the potential to optimize production lines for high-volume production. Capital cost, and a lack of lessons learned being able to be applied to multiple concurrent missions are the main bottlenecks for decreasing time-to-orbit between satellite missions. The output of this research is important to show that process line optimization and consolidated production equipment will help to address the issue of increasing mission frequency demands, increasing satellite launch revenue, and decreasing capital cost into production lines, specifically in the context of large-scale satellite constellation missions.--Shortened abstract
- ItemRingleaders in mischief : a study of one Māori whānau in New Zealand child welfare case records, 1926-1948 : a thesis presented in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Science (Psychology) at School of Psychology, Massey University, Manawatū, New Zealand(Massey University, 2024) Austin-Collins, SummarThe causes of Māori over-representation in state care have been connected to enduring symbolic and structural violence and can be linked to processes of colonisation. Recent survivor testimony has highlighted the need to critically examine the way welfare service providers understand and engage with service users. However, limited opportunities exist to examine the historical roots and impacts of violence on Māori in their engagement with the foundational child welfare agencies of the settler society. This research seeks to address this gap, by documenting an exemplar of the relationship between four Māori siblings - who were rendered wards of the state - and the Child Welfare Branch of the Education Department between the years 1926 to 1948. The inquiry applies a narrative analytical framework to examine the way power was expressed and contested within the case file records of these siblings. The analysis identified several broad themes in the representation of power. These related to the construction of the state’s actions as heroic, and the behaviours and identities of the Cole whānau as threatening. The goal of state intervention was assimilation, and success was measured against a set of assumptions of good citizenship, which limited the siblings’ capacity to thrive. The research theorises that stigmatising narratives take on the guise of truth, and these create the context for the state’s engagement with whānau. Creating a more empowering social context requires targeting the narrative social field as well as the legitimating political structures. Limitations of the research are discussed, and recommendations made that link historical antecedents to the current welfare environment.
- ItemEffect of collagen, compared to milk protein, on acute recovery from exercise induced muscle damage following downhill running : a thesis presented in partial fulfilment of the requirements for Master of Health Science in Sport and Exercise, Massey University, Manawatū, New Zealand(Massey University, 2024) Barclay, Rachel H.There is evidence to suggest that collagen can increase musculoskeletal connective tissue repair following exercise induced muscle damage (EIMD), however its effect(s) in contrast to a typical post-exercise supplement remains unclear. Therefore, this study compared the effect of collagen hydrolysate (CH) to milk protein concentrate (PRO) on acute recovery from EIMD, and subsequent delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS), induced by downhill running. In a double-blind, randomised, independent group design study, 33 recreationally active males (18-40 years) consumed either CH or PRO, containing 25 g of protein, or an isoenergetic carbohydrate placebo (PLA) immediately post-exercise and once daily for three days. Indices of EIMD were measured before and 30 minutes, 24, 48, and 72 hours after 30 minutes of downhill running on a -15% slope at 80% of predetermined VO2max speed. The protocol induced significant EIMD, with time effects (all P = < 0.001) for DOMS (visual analogue scale), countermovement jump, isometric midthigh pull, maximal voluntary isometric contraction, running economy, and biomarkers of muscle damage and inflammation. No group or interaction effects (P = < 0.05) were observed for any outcome measures, at any time point of recovery. The findings suggest the consumption of CH or PRO post-exercise does not improve indirect indices of EIMD during the acute recovery period following downhill running in recreationally active males.
- ItemThe continuing effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on the autistic adult community in Aotearoa, New Zealand : a thesis presented in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Public Health, Massey University, New Zealand(Massey University, 2024) Bramwell, Natasha AnneThe restrictions and disruptions that were caused by the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020-2022 have affected the mental health of many within the global community. Among these is the autistic community, who experience the world from a different point of view, and who are more susceptible to mental health issues such as anxiety and depression. The continuing disruption to routines, and access to dependable social constructs, rhythms, and rituals that autistic people rely on may have created further distress and exacerbated mental health issues. This research will investigate the lived experiences of autistic adults and how their day-to-day life experiences have changed since the pandemic. The qualitative methodology of phenomenology using thematic analysis through the lens of the social model of disability was applied to enable focus on what people experienced and felt during and following the pandemic. Purposive sampling and convenience sampling were adopted to recruit potential participants. There were 6 participants recruited and interviewed. The findings of the study revealed six key themes: 1) adjustments in social activity, 2) increased barriers to mental health support, 3) changes to community connections, 4) diminished overall well-being post-pandemic, and 5) changes to anxiety levels. The sixth and final theme peer-to peer advice, this theme incorporated suggestions for other autistic persons from participants. Disability support and health services have failed to keep up with the ongoing needs of the autistic adult community in New Zealand at a time when it was most needed. This study recommends striving for an increase in the understanding of autistic adult diagnoses in conjunction with improvements to autistic adult care. The service workers and health professionals require the ability to significantly expand their skills and knowledge of autism to provide better health outcomes, especially in times of disaster. Such expansions would require funding support driven by policy change.
- ItemBreaking the cycle : wāhine Māori and whānau narratives of abstinence-based recovery from substance use disorders : a thesis presented in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Health Science in Psychology at Massey University, Albany, New Zealand(Massey University, 2024) Kemp, LenaAddiction is a pressing and increasingly visible concern in Aotearoa. For Māori as Indigenous people, addiction can be understood within the context of colonialism, historical oppression and intergenerational trauma. The lack of representation of Māori women and whānau-centred models of care in the addiction recovery space extends its shadow into academia, as historically women have been studied from male perspectives within individualistic paradigms. My research aim was to gain insights into the experiences of Mana Wāhine in abstinence-based recovery from substance use disorders, as well as exploring and celebrating whānau perspectives across these journeys. To gain a deeper understanding of diverse recovery journeys, pūrākau methodologies including qualitative interviews were used to explore the lived experiences of four wāhine and seven whānau members. Māori cultural concepts such as caring (manaakitanga), leadership (rangatiratanga), unity (kotahitanga), history and place provide a basis for interpreting these stories. In presenting these interpretations, I have drawn on an analogy of a river and associated whakatauāki as a structuring devise throughout to illustrate the synthesis of of theories and recovery pūrākau rivers of lived-experience. The key findings that emerged from my analysis included: addiction as understood through whakapapa; habiti and spaces of care are significant in sustaining recovery within whānau; narrative re storying and re-parenting supports healing whakapapa trauma; and genuine re-connection to culture can be established through recovery. This thesis demonstrates whānau innovation in breaking their own lived cycles of addiction. A cycle that has been portrayed in this study is that adverse childhood experiences lay the foundation of future addiction and that parenting without substances forces a person to confront their own childhood, which then compounds recovery efforts, as the emotions that are being confronted are the genesis of their dependency on substances. Understanding how whānau live their lives will not prevent people from drifting into addictive ways of being. It can however support researchers, service providers and policy makers to re-conceptualise and interpret how sustained recovery can be achieved within whānau systems and environments beyond the institution.
- ItemExploring the role of Samoan youth in ‘Tausi Matua’ in Aotearoa New Zealand : a contribution to culturally-diverse elder care practises : a thesis presented in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Health Science in Psychology at Massey University, Albany campus, New Zealand(Massey University, 2024) Leau, KotaloElders are held in high esteem and hold many roles in Samoan society. They are guardians of faasamoa [the Samoan way], way finders and prayer warriors for their family, village, and wider community. Youth in turn reciprocate values of faasamoa as they Tausi matua [care for elders]. Today Samoan youth living in the diaspora continue to Tausi matua despite challenges which stem from being away from their homelands. In doing so they resiliently bridge the divides between their elders and the Western world, focussed on finding the best care for their elders. This study is part of a wider project funded by the Health Research Council of New Zealand (HRC) entitled ‘Caring for our Pacific Wisdom Bearers,’ and focuses specifically on Samoan youth carers’ experiences of caring for elders. It contributes to the paucity of research exploring relationships between youth and elders, particularly the experiences of youth caring for elders while living as diaspora. Fa’afaletui [a Samoan metaphorical way of searching for wisdom] was undertaken with youth from two Samoan church congregations and revealed Samoan youth caregiving is grounded in faasamoa, which is enacted as Tausi matua. This is a cultural practice and way of being born out of their faasinomaga [essence of identity] with the belief that this results in faamanuiga [blessings] from elders that the youth can never repay. The results revealed Samoan youth as intergenerational carers, highlighting the Samoan proverb: E sui faiga ae tumau faavae [Practises may change, but the foundations remain]. Challenging the perpetuated narratives of elders as “burdens” and youth as absent in care, this research adds to a gap in literature from a youth carer and Pacific diasporic experience. Elders from the Samoan worldview are centred as Wisdom Bearers: beacons of traditional knowledge, care, and love and Samoan youth are present and active in the aiga [family] cycle of care that evolves seia i’u lau tausiga [until your duty of care is fulfilled].
- ItemHe mahere ariā i te reo Māori ki te whare wānanga : he aha te anga whakamua? : he kaupapa i tuhia mō, Te Tohu Paerua, Master of Arts, Te Pūtahi-ā-Toi, Te Kunenga ki Pūrehuroa, Aotearoa(Massey University, 2023) Goss, SurayaNō te ngahuru tau ki muri kua tautoko mai ngā whare wānanga o te motu i te āheinga ki te tuhi i ngā kātū mātātuhi me ngā tuhinga aromatawai ki te reo Māori. I te mea ko te reo Māori tētahi o ngā reo whai mana i Aotearoa. Ahakoa kua rahi ake te nama o ngā tuhinga reo Māori ki te whare wānanga he maha tonu ngā tūāhuatanga me ngā tukanga ka apoapo ai kia eke ngā tuhinga reo Māori ki te taumata e tika ana. Otirā, ko te kounga o ngā tuhinga he taurangi motukore. Ka tokona te pakirēhua, ka pēhea tō tātou reo rangatira e whakawhanake ai, e whakahaumako ai ki ngā wāhi pēnei i te whare wānanga? Kua kite tātou, i ngā tau kua hori, i te ngoikoretanga o ngā tikanga, ngā tukanga, me ngā rauemi kua whakatakotoria puta noa i ngā whare wānanga whānui hei āwhina i ngā tauira ki te tuhi ki te reo Māori. Nā tēnei āhuatanga ka toko ake te whakaaro mō tēnei kaupapa ki te whakatewhatewha i ngā tukanga me ngā āhuatanga o te wā nei ki te whakawhanake i te huarahi mā ngā tauira otirā, kia ngāwari ake ai ngā tukanga ki te tuhi i te reo Māori. Ko te aronga tuatahi he korahi i ngā mōhiohio o te wā nei, arā, he pānui i ētahi tuhinga roa ki te taumata o te tohu paerua e aro ana ki ngā kaupapa Māori, ki te whakamahere i ngā tini āhuatanga ka whakamahia te reo Māori. Whai muri i tēnei ka whakahaere i ētahi uiui ki te taha o ngā tauira tohu paerua me ngā pūkenga o te whare wānanga ki te wānanga i ngā tikanga e whakamahia ana te reo Māori i roto i ngā taumahi. Tāpiri atu ki tērā, ka āta tūhuraina ngā raraunga o ēnei hātepe ki te whakarato i tētahi arotohu o ngā mahi whaihua ina tuhi ai i te reo Māori ki te whare wānanga. Ko ngā kawatau Māori o te rangahau ka ārahi i aku mahi rangahau mō tēnei kaupapa.
- ItemAnalysis of Mount Ruapehu tephra deposits from 4.3 to 6.1 ka : within a transitional timeframe : a thesis presented in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Science in Earth Science at Massey University, New Zealand(Massey University, 2024) Fleming, JosephMount Ruapehu is the largest active volcano in New Zealand, having shown a dominant eruptive record within the last 1,800 years. However, it showed a long period of relative dormancy beyond that time frame, extending to ~12 ka. Within this period of time sits the Papakai Formation. This formation is dominated by tephra deposits from the upper reaches of the Tongariro Volcanic Centre with only eight Ruapehu sourced tephras being found within the extents of this formation dating between 11-3.5 ka. This study aimed to analyse tephra deposits from Mount Ruapehu’s eastern ring plain found within the Papakai Formation. To define their geographical extents and physical characteristics within the field as well as their componentry and geochemical composition within the laboratory. Conducting this study allowed for insight into the eruptive processes from Mount Ruapehu throughout a period of dormancy as well as any trends in ashfall deposition and geochemistry over time. Two black ash layers found beneath the Taupō Ignimbrite were sampled and collected alongside the five Papakai Formation tephras for comparison. Four of the five layers had been previously identified by Donoghue (1991) but had not been fully analysed with field observations having only been made at a handful of locations. This study aimed to provide more information of the ashfall deposits. The two black ash layers and three orange lapilli layers within the Papakai Formation were found to be basaltic andesite with each showing definable traits and characteristics within the field. The tephras showed a trend towards higher silica content over time with deposits younger than the Taupō Ignimbrite being dacitic in nature (Voloschina, 2020). This trend could reflect the lower eruptive frequency of Mount Ruapehu within the span of the Papakai Formation and could potentially show the point at which volcanic activity reactivated at the southern crater after a long period of dormancy. Maximum extents to the north, west and south were estimated but access into the Rangipo Desert would be required to provide a more accurate analysis on the geographical extents of each tephra layer within the eastern ring plain stratigraphy.
