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The influence of midsole properties and speed on running gait : a thesis presented in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Health Science specialising in Sport and Exercise at Massey University, Manawatū, New Zealand
No full textBackground: Biomechanical research and footwear engineering have facilitated specific running shoe designs, with a particular focus on the shoe’s midsole. The primary aim of the midsole is to facilitate energy absorption (cushioning) from the initial impact of each step incurred during running, while recovering the maximum amount of energy. However, relatively few research articles report the pre-production foam properties or the postproduction capability of the shoes’ midsole in accordance with established in vitro industry standard testing. Moreover, parameters of running gait are often assessed in environments that do not replicate real-world overground running, whereby a limited number of steps are sampled, along with a lack of consideration for different speeds or changes in terrain, creating variation within in vivo test results. This highlights the nuanced understanding of how midsole cushioning interacts with the biomechanics of running. Aims: 1. Assess the in vitro mechanical properties of aliphatic thermoplastic polyether polyethylene (ATPU) foam midsoles with varying densities. 2. Evaluate the in vivo effects of midsole foam density, within geometrically identical running shoes, on parameters of gait (spatiotemporal, kinetic, and joint kinematics) across different running speeds, with a particular focus on vertical peak impact force and average loading during real-world overground running. Hypotheses: 1. In vitro testing will demonstrate the lower-density ATPU foam midsole to have greater energy absorption and energy recovery. 2. During in vivo experimental trials, parameters of running gait related to ground reaction force, specifically vertical peak impact force and average loading rate, will be reduced in the lower-density midsole. It is also expected that increases in running speed will influence spatiotemporal, kinetic, and joint kinematic parameters of gait. Methods: In vitro testing was performed using a modified industry standard test (ISO 20344:2021 (5.17)). The midsole was compressed with 2.2 kN of force, in the vertical direction at a deformation rate of 100 mm·min-¹. Following conditioning, five continuous cycles were performed while recording deformation (mm) and load (kN), from which the final cycle was extracted for analysis. In vivo trials consisted of 16 recreational to nationally competitive endurance runners. The experimental protocol consisted of shoes classified by the density of the foam’s midsole (high-ρ (0.17 g·cm-³) and mid-ρ (0.14 g·cm-³)) and three running speeds (12, 14, and 16 km·h-¹). Participants ran 360 m on tarmacadam, at each running speed, paced by a cyclist. LoadSol® insoles were used to collect spatiotemporal and kinetic parameters of running gait, while four AHRS-IMU’s attached to the sacrum and right lower limb (shank, femur, and foot) simultaneously recorded joint kinematics. Results: In vitro results demonstrated that the mid-ρ midsole absorbed significantly more energy than the high-ρ midsole (t (30) = 6.412, p < 0.0001), as well as recovering significantly more energy (t (30) = 9.052, p < 0.0001). In vivo trials showed that increases in running speed significantly increased vertical peak impact force (F ₂, ₃₀) = 32.24, p < 0.0001), average loading rate (F (₂, ₃₀) = 38.70, p < 0.0001), stance phase hip extension (F (₂, ₃₀) = 100.7, p < 0.0001), and swing phase hip flexion (F (₂, ₃₀) = 197.3, p < 0.0001), while decreasing stride duration (F (₂, ₃₀) = 34.95, p < 0.0001), ground contact time (F (₂, ₃₀) = 233.6, p<0.001), and impulse (F (₂, ₃₀) = 19.64, p<0.0001). There was no significant main effect of midsole density for vertical peak impact force (F (₁, ₁₅) = 0.01175, p = 0.915), average loading rate (F (₁, ₁₅) = 0.5649, p = 0.464), or any other parameter of running gait, along with no significant interactions. Conclusion: The ATPU foam materials differed in density and produced significant differences during in vitro testing when manufactured into midsoles; however, these differences were not substantial enough to elicit significant changes during the in vivo overground running trials. This suggests that a greater level of material difference may be required to produce observable changes in parameters of running gait. It is also plausible that runners adapt their movement patterns in response to variations of midsole cushioning. The practical implications of this study indicate that individuals may not experience changes in running performance solely due to subtle differences in midsole foam properties
Qualitative enquiry into mindfulness of death meditation among experienced practitioners : a thesis presented in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Science in Psychology at Massey University, Manawatū, New Zealand
No full textThe benefits of meditation and mindfulness-based interventions are widely known and have been studied extensively since the end of the last century. However, mindfulness of death is a less researched practice, and appears to be less common among mindfulness practitioners. In non-clinical populations mindfulness of death has been linked to greater self-awareness, decreased death anxiety and increase in prosocial attitudes and values. Given the positive reports for using this practice, further research into its effects and mechanisms could be of benefit. The current study is a qualitative enquiry into mindfulness of death among experienced practitioners. The research is directed at exploring individual motivations to participate in such practice, its effects and challenges. Semi-structured interviews with six individuals from Aotearoa New Zealand and Australia were completed. Transcripts of the interviews were analysed using Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA), an appropriate qualitative methodology for analysing subjective experiences of meditation. Three group experiential themes emerged from the dataset: (1) close and personal with death, (2) transformation and (3) controlled losing of the mind. The results of this study indicated that mindfulness of death was an important practice that contributed to how participants understood their relationship with dying and living. It had contributed to their focus on values-based living and mindfulness in relationships. The participants also reported deepening their metacognitive and emotion regulation abilities. Identified challenges were around frequency and intensity of the practice, as well as one’s emotional readiness to confront mortality. Practical implications of the findings are discussed. There is room for future quantitative research exploring the themes generated from this study using a larger statistically significant sample to test generalisability. Aspects such as intensity and frequency of this practice can also be explored further
Outbreak of post-parturient infectious pustular vulvovaginitis in a New Zealand dairy herd
No full textfals
Pacific NGOs weighing up our research capacities
No full textThis article details basic findings from a stocktake by five Pacific NGOs into their research capacities, as part of their monitoring, evaluation, research, and learning (MERL). Based on a questionnaire and semi-structured interviews among ourselves, we explore how many of our staff are engaged in research activities and we find this number does not seem to increase as we grow as NGOs. We also illustrate the notable extent to which we depend on external consultants for our research, before we provide insights into the spheres, complexity, and character of research we undertake ourselves. Finally, we conclude that a critical reflection on research in NGOs can assist in charting more locally driven strategies.fals
Diversity of entomopathogenic fungi (EPF) in soil across adjacent forest and pasture habitats and their interactions with arthropod hosts : a thesis presented in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy in Ecology at Massey University, Manawatu, New Zealand
No full textEntomopathogenic fungi (EPF) are natural pathogens of insects that play a critical role in regulating arthropod populations and maintaining ecological balance. These fungi are commonly found in the soil, where they interact with invertebrates and with other microorganisms, making soil an essential reservoir for collecting EPF isolates.
Understanding the distribution and prevalence of EPF across different habitats is crucial for their effective utilization in the biological control of agricultural pests. In this thesis, the diversity of entomopathogenic fungi (EPF) in adjacent forest and pasture habitats of the North Island, New Zealand, was comprehensively investigated. This study utilized an integrative approach, combining traditional techniques such as insect baiting and semi-selective plating with advanced molecular methods, including metagenomics and metabarcoding, to explore EPF communities across these contrasting habitats.
In Chapter 1, I introduced the current understanding of EPF and identified key research gaps, setting the foundation for the study. Chapter 2 focused on the incidence of EPF across forest, forest-pasture boundary, and pasture habitats and the association with soil invertebrates. The results showed the highest EPF prevalence in forest soils, followed by boundary zones and finally pastures, demonstrating the influence of habitat conditions on EPF diversity. In Chapter 3, I characterized EPF isolates, primarily Beauveria spp. and Metarhizium spp., and found that forest and boundary soils caused up to 80% mortality in Tenebrio molitor larvae within seven days, indicating their insecticidal potential. Chapter 4 expanded the analysis by applying metagenomic and metabarcoding approaches, revealing additional fungal taxa, such as Cordyceps, Lecanicillium and Ophiocordyceps, which traditional methods could not detect. Chapter 5 assessed the efficacy of EPF isolates against agricultural pests, with pasture-derived isolates achieving higher pathogenicity and potential as cost-effective biocontrol agents. Finally, in Chapter 6, I synthesized these findings, emphasizing the ecological importance of soil habitats as reservoirs for EPF diversity and the adaptability of local isolates to specific environments. I recommended future research to expand studies into transitional zones, conduct field trials, and investigate the evolutionary mechanisms underpinning EPF adaptation and pathogenicity
Including dynamics in a network-based stochastic multihazard model: A virtual testbed for volcanic ashfall and flood risk assessment
No full textNetwork models have been previously proposed for spatial cascades of natural hazard events. These have generally not taken time into account, with the cascade of events effectively assumed to occur instantaneously. This study introduces a dynamic, network-based stochastic model developed as a virtual testbed to simulate complex multihazard interactions between multiple temporal processes, often occurring on different time scales. Since state of the art physical models generally involve heavy computation, the use of computationally simple probability distributions to describe the dynamics and interaction of the hazard events enables a larger number of model simulations, promoting greater robustness of model forecasts. The network modelling approach aims to allow the identification of key elements of the system that are most vulnerable, develop risk mitigation strategies, and examine restoration plans. We exemplify our methodology by investigating impacts of volcanic ashfall on river flow dynamics in the Rangitaiki and Tarawera river systems in New Zealand, simulating hydrological processes over a 365-day period with a volcanic eruption. Our results demonstrate how testbeds can be use to explore “what-if” cascading impacts scenarios, by providing a flexible, computationally efficient framework, offering crucial support for Disaster Risk Management (DRM) in volcanic regions.fals
A supplier development framework for agri-food value chains in developing countries : a test on a dairy value chain in Sri Lanka : a thesis with publication presented in partial fulfilment of the requirement for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy in Logistics and Supply Chain Management, School of Food Technology and Natural Sciences, Massey University, Manawatū, New Zealand
No full textAgri-food value chains (AVC) in developing countries, including dairy value chains (VC), face significant challenges. A key issue is farmers' limited capacity to improve their operational performance (e.g., product quality, delivery, and production efficiency) despite the support they may typically receive, which hinders the achievement of their triple-bottom-line (TBL) outcomes. In an AVC, farmers supply commodities that buyers (e.g., processors) purchase to add value. The concept of supplier development (SD) refers to a buyer taking an effort—strong or weak—to improve the capability and/or performance of their supplier. This makes SD (as understood in operations and supply chain management), an attractive proposition for predicting and explaining how farmer development initiatives by buyers can improve farmers' operational performance and their TBL outcomes. The objectives of the study were to: (i) study the dairy VC of Sri Lanka to understand how farmer development takes place through a milk processor; (ii) develop and test a theoretical model that predicts and explains the relationship between processor-led farmer development initiatives, farmer capability, processor-farmer relationship, and a farmer’s sustainable performance; (iii) analyze farmer heterogeneity to enable milk processors and other interested parties to better focus on farmer development initiatives; (iv) develop an index to measure the overall sustainable performance of dairy farmers and facilitate efficient, sustainability-focused development.
The model developed through the literature posited that farmer development—farmer training (FT), financial support (FS), evaluation and feedback on farmer quality performance (EFFQP)—results in farmer TBL performance, through the mediation effects of farmer capability (FC) and processor-farmer relationship (PFR). Data collected from 324 Sri Lankan dairy farmers were analyzed using partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM). The heterogeneity analysis was conducted using cluster analysis, while the parameters of the sustainability index were estimated by fitting an index-creating model to the data.
The findings supported the overarching hypothesis. FS as well as EFFQP were found to be having a more substantial positive impact on sustainable farmer performance than FT. Cluster analysis identified three distinct clusters—labeled as laggers, accelerators, and leaders—based on the cluster variables used. Laggers were found to be significantly underachieving in economic outcomes and FC, compared to accelerators. Notable differences in farmer and farm characteristics were identified across these clusters, and cluster-specific suggestions were provided to milk processors and policymakers to improve the FC and TBL outcomes of the farmers. The overall sustainability index, which considered farmer TBL outcomes and their enablers, suggested that all components and sub-components of the index are important (weight-wise) but farmer capability as a category commanded the highest weight (0.236) and farmer’s economic outcomes as a category commanded the lowest weights (0.170). The implications of these empirically generated weights were discussed and how the study contributes to new knowledge was argued
A Comparative Study of Standardised Inputs and Inconsistent Outputs in LCA Software
No full textMotivation: Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) is a valuable tool for quantifying environmental impacts in construction. However, inconsistencies between software outputs may compromise effective decision-making.
Knowledge Gap: In New Zealand’s construction sector, practitioners have limited guidance in selecting suitable LCA tools due to gaps in software scope, data transparency, and the quality of result interpretation.
Aim and Objectives: This study investigates inconsistencies in results produced by eight widely used LCA software tools and identifies the key factors contributing to these variations.
Research Method: This study uses a comparative analysis with data from a timber-framed warehouse project in Auckland, New Zealand. Eight software tools (SimaPro V9.0, openLCA V2.0, LCAQuick V3.5, Building Carbon Calculator V1.0, CCaLC2 V3.1, eTool V5.0, One Click LCA, and Athena Impact Estimator for Buildings V5.4) were evaluated across 14 environmental impact categories using standardised inputs.
Preliminary Findings: Substantial inconsistencies were observed even with standardised inputs, although SimaPro V9.0 and openLCA V2.0 provided the most consistent results. These findings highlight the importance of software selection for reliable environmental assessments.
Research Significance: This study aids industry practitioners in selecting effective LCA tools for sustainable construction practices.fals
Status and causes of rice loss in Vietnamese rice processors : a case study on Vietnamese rice processor in Mekong Delta, Vietnam : a thesis presented in partial fulfillment of the requirements of the degree of Master of Food Technology at Massey University, Manawatu, New Zealand
No full textBackground and Objective: The loss of rice during processing is an important issue for Vietnam's agricultural economy, especially in the Mekong Delta region, which contributes significantly to national rice production. This study aims to analyze the situation and the primary sources of rice processing loss in Vietnam's rice processors through a comprehensive case study of CDo Company, a medium-sized rice processing facility located in the Mekong Delta with an annual processing capacity of 45,000 tons. Methods: The evaluation of rice loss for this study began at the reception of raw paddy rice and ended at the final packaging of rice using direct measurement techniques. Processing data for 36 batches of the Dai Thom 8 variety, each 30,044 kg and constituting about 40% of the facility's production, were analyzed. The study involved monitoring moisture content, calculating yields, assessing quality, and evaluating economic loss. Also, a comparative analysis was carried out using the national standards of Vietnam (TCVN) and other countries (Codex, EU, and Philippines). Results: The investigation uncovered total processing inefficiencies of 21.8% over industry norms. Drying processes incurred a loss of 6.0% on a dry matter basis. In milling processes, 12.7% loss was incurred. The facility's Head Rice Yield (HRY) was 46.0% and the Milled Rice Yield (MRY) was 57.3%. Regarding quality-related losses, 3,869 kg of rice was rejected on account of contamination issues, residue of pesticides, heavy metals, and mycotoxins (Aflatoxin B1, Ochratoxin A). The broken rice ratio to total milled rice reached 19.7%, indicating that the rice was subjected to severe processing damage. Key Findings: The most prominent loss drivers attributed to the poor yield and quality were identified as uncontrolled moisture content, aged drying and milling equipment, contamination of raw materials, as well as poor storage environments. The longer the equipment operates without upgrades and maintenance, the more configuration errors occur, causing greater losses. The economic analysis uncovered processing losses of USD 1,165,631.53 per year for just Dai Thom 8. Recommendations: The research proposes a comprehensive IoT-based action plan to improve processing efficiency and reduce costs through three phases that have taken place in 6-36 months
Transforming teaching through cooperative inquiry: Meaningful research for university teachers.
No full textIn this article, seven participants from nursing, social work, accounting, fine arts, bioscience, and learning support disciplines share insights gained through participation in a transdisciplinary cooperative inquiry research group aimed at developing excellence in teaching. This Cooperative Inquiry for Reflection and Collaboration on Learning Effectiveness (CIRCLE) group promoted transformation of individual participants’ teaching as well as development of interdepartmental collaboration and camaraderie within the context of contemporary, performance-based academic environments. Collaborative, pedagogical, action research was undertaken through cooperative inquiry (CI) to explore transformative learning activities that increased teachers’ and students’ engagement while covering prescribed learning outcomes using creative approaches. The results are presented in a reflexive, collaborative autoethnography through seven authentic teacher stories. Reflections on the process and the impact of being in the research group provide evidence of the potential transdisciplinary, CI research groups offer to enhance research and teaching outcomes in higher education. These findings are significant internationally in light of the necessity to meet the increasing expectations of all stakeholders in the global tertiary education sector.fals