Masters Theses

Permanent link for this collection

https://hdl.handle.net/10292/5

The Masters Theses collection contains digital copies of AUT University masters theses deposited with the Library since 2002 and made available open access. From 2007 onwards, all theses for masters degrees awarded are required to be deposited in Tuwhera Open Theses & Dissertations unless subject to an embargo.

For theses submitted prior to 2007, open access was not mandatory, so only those theses for which the author has given consent are available in Tuwhera Open Theses & Dissertations. Where consent for open access has not been provided, the thesis is usually recorded in the AUT Library catalogue where the full text, if available, may be accessed with an AUT password. Other people should request an Interlibrary Loan through their library.

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10 Bowen St.
(Auckland University of Technology, 2008) Leitch, Fran; Gallagher, Sue; Amundsen, Fiona
This project is a site specific based exploration into the boundaries between the domestic home and the navigation of the anxious corporeal body which dwells in the space. These connections open up ways of mapping anxiety brought on through intrusive thoughts surrounding contamination (in relation to Obsessive Compulsive Disorder). The corporal navigation of the domestic is fuelled by the thoughts and their control over the notions of fear and anxiety surrounding the transferring of contaminated material from the external temporal world (dust and organic matter) into the internal sterile environment through movement or fissures in the fabric of the dwelling. The project explores the notions of the domestic space being formed into a container for the intrusive thoughts through physical acts of decontaminating, containment, sealing and expelling the elements of dirt; the body and the home become a hybrid entity alluding to the extreme control which forms and takes over the domestic space.
1000 Lovers: exegesis and screenplay
(Auckland University of Technology, 2011) Sprague, Bronwyn; Hughes, David
A multi-protagonist family drama set in Auckland in 1987. Auckland is an ebullient city on the threshold of great change. Daniel, a golden youth born with a silver spoon has all he needs and everything in front of him but he just can't seem to grow up. The daily round of pleasure and diversion no longer mask the unpleasant realities of life and death. Everyone around him wants something he is not able to give; his best friend Ash wants his money, his mother wants her boy at home and his girlfriend Caroline wants all of him. Ava is a young woman off to see the world and who is prepared to bend a few rules to get there. Still raging at her parents’ divorce, fearful of being hurt again, she hides her feelings from herself and others and is not the easiest girl to know. When Daniel’s and Ava’s paths cross there are consequences for both of them and Daniel may finally have to wake up.
The 2000 Speight coup in Fiji: an analysis of the role of The Fiji Times and the impact of partisan media
(Auckland University of Technology, 2011) Singh, Thakur Ranjit; Robie, David
In May 1999, Mahendra Pal Chaudhry was sworn in as the first Indo-Fijian Prime Minister of Fiji. A year later, an unruly protest march opposing his leadership climaxed in a renegade soldier-led attempted coup. The rebel Counter-Revolutionary Warfare soldiers led by a failed businessman, George Speight, took the elected Fiji government hostage. As was the case with the original coup d’état in May 1987, the Labour-led Indo–Fijian dominated coalition government’s term in office was cut short by Speight and his ethno-nationalist forces. The May 2000 attempted coup, the dissolution of Chaudhry government and the lack of popular uprising to support democracy have been partially attributed to an alleged irresponsible journalism which put considerable pressure on the fledgling first Indo-Fijian-led government. Claims have been made that the media, particularly The Fiji Times, played a critical role in this event through the way it portrayed Chaudhry and his government. Such reporting has been challenged as having contributed to racial animosity, leading to political disorder. This research, conducted through content analysis between May 1999 and May 2000 along with an examination of documents and the coup literature, seeks to explore any role The Fiji Times may have played leading to political instability, culminating in the putsch, seizure of the Parliament and eventual imprisonment of George Speight after his death sentence for treason was commuted to life in jail. The thesis discusses the performance of The Fiji Times in the context of a range of media theories and models in a developing nation and examines possible contributory factors in the fall of democracy and the one-year rule of the Chaudhry government. The author of this thesis also draws on his own personal experience in the Fiji news media as the publisher of one of Fiji’s three daily newspapers, Fiji’s Daily Post; as a columnist; as a political commentator and as an independent Hindi programme presenter for the public broadcaster, Fiji Broadcasting Corporation, during this turbulent period.
The 2008 Olympic Games: Leveraging a "best ever" games to benefit Beijing
(Auckland University of Technology, 2006) Tian, Jing; Johnston, Charles
This Thesis undertakes a leverage analysis of mega-events in the context of the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games. A leverage analysis apparently different from a impact analysis; it focuses on how to maximize the potential positive impacts and minimize the negative impacts for an event that will be held in the future. To analyze the circumstance of the Beijing Olympics that are amendable to leveraging, the research methodology employed is empirical with method of semi-structured in-depth interviews with the government officials, tourism industry people and the local community members in Beijing. This thesis research conducted a leveraging analysis from three perspectives: environmental, socio-cultural, and tourism/economic perspectives. From each perspective, four angles would be investigated: identifying the potential impacts of 2008 Olympics; determining the leveraging activities for the potential impacts; uncovering the opportunities for leveraging the potential impacts, and exploring the challenges in leveraging the potential impacts. Because there is not any existing theory on a leverage analysis in the context of Beijing Olympic Games, this research was conducted with the guidance of “grounded theory”. The research indicated that the government aims to take use of the opportunity of hosting the “Green Olympics” to reap the ambition of making Beijing into a “greener” city, but how long would the policies last when the games are over is essential for the effectiveness. Similarly, the socio-culture would be leveraged by implementing the “People’s Olympic” theme. Finally, the tourism in Beijing would be leveraged by a series of leveraging activities derived form the Olympic Games. The findings of this thesis research will contribute to the event studies and the leveraging studies.
2016: A Character Journey
(Auckland University of Technology, 2016) Bloomfield, Georgina Kate; Bancroft, Andrew; Zander, Bianca
It has always been standard practice for protagonists in screenplays to develop over the course of the story. The character development is even more significant in character arc centred stories, in which the protagonist is expected to complete some form of transformation by the end of the final act. This is especially true in coming-of-age stories, and more recently in minimalist science fiction screenplays which often use science fiction elements as a platform to explore the protagonist's inner conflict. My exegesis is an examination of the character arc centred screenplay, specifically focusing on the structure of character driven stories. The research will be an investigation of how the action and relationship lines in a screenplay are constructed to emphasise the character arc line. I have written a science fiction drama screenplay, Feelers, to explore this research topic. Feelers follows the story of Blake, a young woman who is unwilling to let go of her clearly uncommitted boyfriend. In a desperate attempt to earn enough money to join him overseas, Blake takes a job as a Feeler, absorbing the emotions of a middle aged housewife. Blake soon develops romantic feelings towards her employer's husband, Greg, and finds herself on the familiar path to codependency. The exegesis reports on: the difficulty of preventing Blake and Greg's relationship from stealing the focus of the screenplay, the classic coming-of-age story techniques I used to illustrate the protagonist's transformation, and the danger of commencing the writing process with an ambiguous character arc.
The 2022 Winter Olympics: Sharing the Perceptions of Auckland's Chinese Diaspora
(Auckland University of Technology, 2020) Chen, Zerui; Wright, Richard; Godber, Kath
In 2015, Beijing (China) became the first city to win the rights to host both the Summer and Winter Olympic Games. This research was designed with the intention of discovering the extent to which Auckland’s Chinese diaspora believe that hosting the 2022 Winter Olympic Games will leave a positive or negative legacy for those living in Beijing, China. This research starts with a literature review that explores the existing sport event management research from a triple bottom line perspective (economic, social and environmental). From there, the researcher focused specifically on three types of legacies (economic, socio-cultural, environmental). A qualitative research approach provides the framework for this study. A range of established research methods was used to secure the recruitment of seven participants: four recent Chinese migrants (CM) and three New Zealanders of Chinese origin (NC). Semi-structured interviews were used to gather a valuable data set that was subsequently interpreted using thematic analysis (Braun & Clarke, 2006). Eleven positive and eight negative perceptions emerged from the data analysis process, each of which was linked to one of the following legacy-related themes: socio-cultural, economic, reputation, environment, and infrastructure. These themes were compared with the current empirical research literature. From the integration of research findings and literature, some limitations and recommendations were generated. In sum, the majority of the participants placed the socio-cultural impacts as being the most important, followed by economic and reputational impacts. The potential infrastructure and environmental legacies were of less importance. The individual interviews revealed a collective belief that the opportunity for social and cultural exchanges, the facilitation of national cohesion/nationalism (national pride) and an increased opportunity to participate in local sports were all positive impacts of Beijing hosting the Winter Olympic Games in 2022. Concerns about the safety of locals, an abuse/loss of human rights and the disruption to everyday life were raised as potential negative consequences of hosting the event. According to the research findings, further research is required and recommended to investigate the potential impact and legacy of the 2022 Winter Olympic Games. For example, more research is needed to investigate the reputational legacy of these Games from a positive and negative viewpoint. Additional research to investigate the environmental and Infrastructural (physical) legacies would also be beneficial (as supported by seven of the research participants). This research offers a valuable starting point for further research and debate about the perceptions of local diaspora regarding sporting mega-events.
24 GHz Flexible Antenna for Doppler Radar based Human Vital Signs Monitoring
(Auckland University of Technology, 2021) Kathuria, Nitin; Seet, Boon-Chong
Noncontact monitoring of human vital signs is an emerging research topic in recent years. A key approach to this monitoring is the use of the Doppler radar concept which enables real-time vital signs detection, resulting in a new class of radar system known as bio-radar. Unlike traditional techniques that use contact electrodes for vital sign measurement, bio-radar is non-intrusive and less perturbing for infants and patients with critical injuries. The bio-radar can even detect life under rubble in the aftermath of disasters. The antennas are a key component of any bio-radar module and their designs should meet the common requirements of bio-radar applications such as high directivity, circularly polarized, and flexibility. This thesis presents the design of a 24 GHz four-element antenna array on a low-cost and flexible liquid crystal polymer (LCP) substrate with a thickness of only 100 m, low-loss tangent (tan=0.0021), stable dielectric constant (r=3.35) and low moisture permeability. The designed antenna array can be used with a bio-radar for vital signs monitoring in a non-contact manner. To the best of our knowledge, the design of flexible antenna arrays for bio-radar and the use of LCP for such applications have not been explored in literature. Any antenna array will require a unit element to be designed first. The unit element was designed with an input impedance of 50 Ω on LCP substrate, which is then used to construct a two- and four-element array with an overall dimension of 29.5×25.4 mm, and 5336.5 mm, respectively. The simulated gain obtained is 4.39 dB, 5.46 dB, and 6.68 dB for unit cell, two-element array, and four-element array, respectively. Other measured and simulation results showed close agreement. The two vital signs: breathing rate (BR) and heart rate (HR) of two human subjects are detected with relatively good accuracy using the fabricated antenna arrays and RF output power of -3 dBm from a distance of approximately 60 cm.
360° VR and Softball Umpire Decision-Making: Lessons and Insights
(Auckland University of Technology, 2021) Kaiser, Keone; Spencer, Kirsten; Walters, Simon; Sheehy, Kevin
Background: Despite the importance of effective sports officiating for athletes and fans across the world and across sports realms, research into improving the performance of these individuals has been lacking. Few, if any studies, have demonstrated effective methods for improving one of the key tasks of sports officials– accurate decision-making. Officials can improve their decision-making by accumulating experience officiating live games, but this takes time. As a complement to live-game experience and a way to train decision-making outside of a game, decision-making through broadcast video methods has been proposed and utilised. However, the ability of these methods to transfer skills to live games has been questioned. Due to their first-person perspective and accompanying features, 360° VR videos may offer improved decision-making accuracy training alternatives to 2D broadcast videos. Purpose: The current study examined and compared the use of 2D Broadcast videos and 360° VR videos by a cohort of softball umpires (N =17) to 1) assess sports official decision-making accuracy using 2D Broadcast videos and 360° VR videos; 2) compare Ecological Validity values between the 2D and 360° VR videos; 3) assess the connection between experience level and video condition; 4) obtain qualitative data on the video conditions through interviews of several softball umpires. Methods: A four-stage mixed-methods approach was used to gain more comprehensive and complementary results. Quantitative data was primarily gathered during the first three stages, while qualitative data was gathered during fourth stage. The results showed no significant differences in decision-making accuracy between the 2D Broadcast videos and the 360° VR videos (decision-making accuracy mean of 8.0 +/- 0.9 s.d. for 360° VR, 8.5 +/- 1.5 s.d. for 2D broadcast, p = 0.242), and no significant differences in accuracy by experience level on either video condition (novice accuracy mean of 8.5 +/- 1.4 s.d. on 2D broadcast and 8.0 +- 1.0 s.d. on 360° VR, expert accuracy mean of 8.5 +/- 1.7 s.d. on 2D broadcast and 8.0 +/-0.8 on 360° VR, p=0.961). The 360° VR videos received significantly higher EV values than the 2D Broadcast videos (7.1 +/- 2.0 s.d. on 360° VR, 4.4 +/- 1.9 s.d. on 2D broadcast video, p <0.001). Conclusion: Despite mixed results, the qualitative feedback from umpires supports the potential of 360° VR as a decision-making accuracy tool.
3D computer graphics self-directed learning: a proposal for integrated demonstration and practice
(Auckland University of Technology, 2011) Guinibert, Matthew; Frommherz, Gudrun; Walker, Charles
This research study examines 3D computer graphics (CG) self-directed learning (SDL). The study identifies learning and teaching problems with 3D CG SDL, proposes improvements, and then carries out the recommendations for improvement by building a proof of concept 3D CG SDL resource. The study is guided by three research questions: 1. What are the problems with 3D CG SDL resources perceived by learners? 2. Using the knowledge gained on problems with 3D CG SDL, can improvements be made? 3. How will these improvements function in practical application? This research draws on a heuristic theoretical position with a practice-based approach. Data collection and analysis utilize both quantitative and qualitative methods. The scholarly investigation of CG SDL sits within the theoretical framework of technology-mediated pedagogy as outlined by (Leinder & Jarvenpaa, 1995) but, due to the interdisciplinary nature of 3D, also crosses over to concerns of right and left hemisphere learning (McCracken, 2006; Comninos, et al, 2009). A key aim of this study seeks to demonstrate that improvements in 3D CG SDL learning and teaching are not only vital to the success of self-directed resources but that these improvements can also be implemented in a low-cost technological environment. The research has answered all the research questions in succession. The knowledge gained was on specific problems, recommendations and improvements, and how the improvements would work in practice. The study shows 3D CG SDL authors that there are problems with current resources, that there is room for improvement, and provides details on how these improvements could be made.
3D machine knitting: composite forms and illumination
(Auckland University of Technology, 2014) Yun, HyunJin; Smith, Amanda; Evans-Milkellis, Sharon; Chan Vili, Yvonne
This practice-led research process investigates the design and construction of innovative textile sculptures made from three dimensional (3D) knitted composite materials, and how their unique material, structural and textural qualities can be expressed through integration with light. This project shows how established machine knitted 3D form and surface structure techniques can be learnt on manual, hand-flat knitting machines, translated through knit notation and design software, and produced on computerised and automatic knitting machine systems. Through this process, procedures to foster learning and research are discussed, and opportunities for creative design and innovation are identified in order to find a stimulating and productive work and research method. In the course of this research, a range of 3D surface knit textiles and several 3D structured knit textile patterns were designed and fabricated with composite materials. The resulting pieces were tested for suitability as sculptural display and with the incorporation of micro-controlled electronic lights to create e-textiles. The findings of this research suggest that unique and innovative textile designs can be created by experimenting and extending proven 3D knit techniques with different combinations of materials. The findings suggest potential applicability towards cross-disciplinary fields like engineering, architectural design, consumer products and artistic endeavours, as well as further research within textile design to explore new materials with the developing scope of 3D shaping techniques.
5G Multi-Tier Handover with Multi-Access Edge Computing: A Deep Learning Approach
(Auckland University of Technology, 2021) Kapadia, Percy; Seet, Boon-Chong
The research presented in this thesis discusses the potential enhancement of 5G multi-tier handover. This proposal will utilise two of 5G’s enabling technologies, multi-access edge computing (MEC) and machine learning (ML). MEC and ML techniques are believed to be the primary enablers for enhanced mobile broadband (eMBB) and ultra-reliable and low latency communication (URLLC). The subset of ML that was chosen for this research is deep learning (DL), as it is great at learning long-term dependencies. A variant of artificial neural networks called a long short-term memory (LSTM) network is used in conjunction with a lookup table (LUT), as part of the proposed solution. Subsequently, edge computing virtualisation methods are utilised to reduce handover latency and increase overall throughput of the network. In addition to the proposed, this thesis analyses the validity of various other potential solutions such as multi-connectivity, cloud centralised radio access networks (Cloud C-RAN) and artificial intelligence (AI). To implement the proposed algorithm, a software simulation of a multi-tier 5G heterogeneous network is developed, based on the 3rd generation partnership project (3GPP) standards for: channel models, schedulers, and handovers. This simulator provided the tools for the author to analyse and evaluate the feasibility of the proposed solution. The results gained from the research was promising. It showed a 40−60% improvement in overall throughput under high user densities. Although the proposed scheme may increase the number of handovers, it is effective in reducing the handover failure (HOF) and Ping-Ping rates in higher user density scenarios by 30%, and 86% respectively, compared to current state-of-the-art. In conclusion, a detailed analysis was undertaken, and the aims of the research were satisfied.
A Child of Divorce: Autofictional Painting and Social Critique
(Auckland University of Technology, 2023) Dampney, Isabella; Meyle, Lucy; Shin, Jeena
This practice-led research project uses drawing, printmaking, and oil painting to coalesce personal experiences into a multi-dimensional and mutable image of my life through an autofiction framework. The inconsistent and contradictory nature of autofiction allows me to express the material of my life with some distance, where I can emphasise absurd moments and heighten tension in order to critique my experiences of unmet social expectations. Additionally, self-invention enables me to re-image my memories with control over the narrative that I might not have had during the initial experience while acknowledging the impossibility of accuracy. A Child of Divorce: Autofictional Painting and Social Critique forms a personal archive by accumulating created images in different mediums that respond to events and objects in my life that are often absurd, synchronous, sad, or morally suspect. When brought together into an exhibition, the individual works in this project produce connections between each other that can be both contradictory and synchronous, aided by the use of text and titling. Through the partial fictionality of the works, I critique my experiences with social alienation, low-wage precarious employment, and the (dys)function of family relationships and friendships.
A Cinematographic Contemplation on Rūmi's Assertion - What You Seek, Is Seeking You
(Auckland University of Technology, 2024) Mohammad Yari, Reza; Ings, Welby; Tavares, Tatiana
The concept of identity has been discussed for many centuries in Persian literature, distinctively in the poems of the philosopher and poet Rūmi (Jalal al-Din Muhammad Balkhi - (جلال‌الدین محمد بلخی‎) (1207 –1273). Identity and Rūmi’s poetic thinking form the substrate from which this study emanates. Methodologically the research employs a heuristic, practice-led, inquiry, to consider the poetics of سیر (Seyr) and سلوک (Soluk) through the four Zoroastrian sacred elements آب، باد، خاک، و آتش (fire, earth, water and air movement). In the resulting two non-verbal films, the lyrical potentials of cameras, lenses and composition are employed to create subtle cultural allusions that function as poetic metaphors. Using this approach the work contributes to a corpus of work by Persian filmmakers who employ poetic abstraction as a means of enhancing philosophical contemplation.
A civil and ecclesiastical union? The development of prison chaplaincy in Aotearoa-New Zealand
(Auckland University of Technology, 2008) Mansill, Douglas B; Chile, Love
New Zealand prisons were a colonial construct established by early colonial administrations to deal with criminal behaviour occurring at the time of European settlement. Like the prison system, prison chaplaincy also had its origins in colonial experiences from the United Kingdom where chaplains were employed to meet the spiritual needs of those in institutions such as schools, hospitals, colleges, the military and legations. This thesis addressed the question of how the partnership between Church and State administrators in New Zealand for the provision of chaplaincy services developed between 1840 and 2006. Four phases were identified in the evolution of prison chaplaincy: phase one 1840-to-1950, characterised by ad hoc arrangements between clergy and local prison management; phase two 1951-to-1989 when Secretary for Justice Samuel Barnett established a formal relationship with the National Council of Churches and the Roman Catholic Church to provide chaplains for penal institutions; phase three identified as ‘prisons in change’ 1990-1999, when the Interim Chaplaincy Advisory Board and Prison Chaplaincy Advisory Board worked in tandem with the Departments of Justice and Corrections to administer the Prison Chaplaincy Service, arising from the recommendations of the Roper and Perry Reports; and phase four 2000-to-2006, a period when the Prison Chaplaincy Service of Aotearoa New Zealand was contracted to the Department of Corrections to employ prison chaplains. The research adopted a multi-faceted approach, consisting of phenomenology, ethno-methodology and hermeneutics to understand attitudes and experiences of key players and institutions in the evolution of Prison Chaplaincy. Data was collected through interviews of key informants, critical evaluation of published and unpublished material in public and private collections. The study identified six key factors that influenced the development of Prison Chaplaincy in New Zealand. These were: the nature of the Church-State interface, the impact of biculturalism, the influence of theological and ecclesiastical trends, and the impact of inter-church politics, the influence of socio economic trends and developments, and changes in Government policy. It also found that while there were tensions, the Church-State partnership had positive benefits for the spiritual outcomes for prisoners.
A comparative of subtitling strategies: culture specific items in the series Friends
(Auckland University of Technology, 2009) Zhao, Han; Crezee, Ineke; Bitchener, John
The dissertation is based on the analysis of thirty episodes of the American television series Friends with the focus on the CSIs (Culture Specific Items) and how these differences have been handled by Chinese translators who produced the subtitles for the English-Chinese translation. The analysis was based on the assumption that Mainland China’s culture is different from the US culture so people in these two countries may have problems in understanding CSIs if they are translated literally and if the subtitle translation is not adapted to the target audience. Such adaptation is normally known as localisation. The cultural differences that are ingrained in CSIs might have to be handled with caution in the production of subtitles. The main objective of the dissertation has been to analyse different translation choices which are currently used by the translators in questions, dealing with CSIs where cultural differences between mainland China and the US arise. The research discovered that repetition of CSIs is a strategy which underperformed, failing to help the Chinese audience to comprehend the cultural connotations associated with the CSIs. The paper has provided some recommendations as to how the subtitle translation of such CSIs might be handled in such a way that the audience will have a better understanding of the same.
A comparative study of mobile internet deployment models in New Zealand
(Auckland University of Technology, 2008-01-17) Huang, Raymond; Petrova, Krassie
Internet services play an increasingly important role in modern society. Mobile Internet, a fast-growing technology that combines the Internet with mobile devices, has recently become popular. It is predicted that the convergence between mobile networks and the Internet would become the next generation of network architecture, and mobile IPv6 is likely to emerge as the most efficient and cost-effective instrument to achieve "anywhere and anytime" fast Internet and resolve the problems of worldwide mobility management. This research project reviews mobile Internet competition and the market mix in New Zealand, both major players and minor players being involved. The researcher also investigates the requirements of the mobile Internet deployment model from two perspectives: the market and the consumers. Finally the connection between end user services (for example, mobile Internet) and convergence (for example, network convergence and technology convergence) are examined in the research study conducted.The researcher applies a multi-case study strategy to conduct the research project and interview is adopted as the major research technique in order to collect research data. Several organizations which deploy mobile Internet services in New Zealand are chosen as participants, with the aim of offering both personal insights and business views to the research questions and objectives.
A comparative study of two small and remote urban communities: implications for social policy and practice (a tale of two towns)
(Auckland University of Technology, 2010) Rivlin, Judith Rochelle Lardner; Crothers, Charles
Defined as resource communities and independent urban centres, Raetihi and Ohakune are two small and remote towns on the North Island of New Zealand’s Central Plateau. They have similar sized populations and are set approximately 12 kilometres apart, yet present as totally different communities. Raetihi is a declining farming service centre, with a majority Maori population and the statistics of a town facing relative disadvantage. In contrast, Ohakune is a bustling tourist town of predominantly Europeans, with a statistical profile that indicates relative prosperity. However, this is only a part of the picture. This research presents a more complete picture, including a historical review which details the stories of these towns, set within the context of the wider changes occurring throughout the country. The model of resource community cycles (Taylor and Fitzgerald, 1988) is used to provide an overview of the development of these towns, covering the eras of sawmilling, railways, farming, market gardening and more recently, tourism. Theories of civil society and social capital provide a framework for analysis of the internal dynamics of the communities. This analysis contributes to possible explanations for the existing disparities, as well as to strategies that address them. Indicated through this analysis, was a shortage of stocks of bridging social capital, both within and between the towns. These are the bridges between different social networks that enable communities to “get ahead” (Kozel and Parker 1998; Barr 1998; Narayan 1999). Strategies suggested to develop bridging social capital include: the development of networks of interest, such as a youth network; and activities that promote common interests, such as the arts, sports, shared celebrations and the importance of families. Also highlighted was a need for capacity building, particularly within the Raetihi community. This is in order to foster more effective processes for public engagement required for the development of strong bridging social capital, as well as linking social capital, i.e. the vertical links referring to the dimensions of social class and group power dynamics. A comparative approach has highlighted cultural differences between Maori and European based understandings of the concepts of family, community, voluntary work and associational life, which has implications on theories of civil society. Cultural differences in values were also seen to be reflected by attitudes towards the mountain and rivers in the area. Europeans saw them as economic assets, whereas the Maori view was that they held a spiritual significance as respected ancestors. The dominance of the European view was promoted through the public sphere with an emphasis on tourism and economic development, and the exclusion of community development, representing a hegemony of values. There was a need identified for more inclusive processes for community decision making and a mandate that addresses the pervasive inequalities that exist. The communities' experiences of government agency initiatives highlighted a resulting shortage of sustainable community development outcomes. This was seen to be mainly due to the agencies being centrally located and controlled, with limited interagency communication. There was also a tendency for agencies to operate from a model of service provision to a passive community, rather than the dialogical partnership relationship (Ife 1997:133) necessary for effective and equitable community development. With a limited mandate held by local government for such community involvement, a small and stretched voluntary sector, the inevitable result has been the maintenance of the status quo. Efforts need to be made to support a viable future for these independent urban centres, as they face predictions of a declining and aging population and increasing inequality. Traditionally, efforts that promote equitable development through the redistribution of resources and power are built on arguments of social justice. However, a contribution of theories of social capital and civil society is to highlight the need for equality within and between communities, to ensure the capacity, strength and efficiency of the social networks necessary for strong, sustainable, economic development. To maximise a community's economic performance, equitable community development must first be addressed.
A comparison between media representation of Asian international students and their own accounts of experience in New Zealand
(Auckland University of Technology, 2003-01-01) Qin, Xiaomei; Bedggood, Janet
This research takes as its starting point the role of the media as a major influence on the way people understand and interpret events, focusing on media coverage of Asian international students in New Zealand. The thesis investigates the differences between media accounts of Asian international students and students' own perceptions of their experiences, using both quantitative and qualitative methods.This topic has become one of high community interest since 1999 when the New Zealand Government changed its education policy to encourage the expansion of the export education industry, leading to the number of international students increasing rapidly. Many of these students are teenagers and come from non-English-speaking Asian backgrounds to study in universities, colleges, high schools and private institutions in New Zealand. As well as the obvious effects on the New Zealand economy, the presence of these students has also influenced New Zealand culture. For example, many international students have homestay experiences with New Zealand families. This meeting of different cultural backgrounds introduces both sides to different value systems, lifestyles, beliefs and customs. This cultural diversity not only challenges international students to adapt themselves to New Zealand society, but also provides an opportunity for native New Zealanders to understand the incoming cultures. For Asian international students in particular, this process can be problematic and their behaviours have been closely scrutinised by the media.
A comparison of physiotherapy and RICE self treatment advice for early management of ankle sprains
(Auckland University of Technology, 2008-01-31) Lopes, Justin; Hume, Patria; Hing, Wayne
Ankle sprains are one of the most common musculoskeletal injuries. Physiotherapy treatment and advice to rest, use ice, use compression, and elevate the ankle (RICE advice) is believed to speed up the functional recovery and enhance healing associated with acute ankle sprains. However, there is limited evidence to support the efficacy of RICE treatment. This study investigated whether physiotherapy (including RICE advice) was as effective as RICE advice alone in improving the time to recovery in a clinical situation.The evidence for RICE advice was reviewed along with the different treatment modalities currently used by physiotherapists in New Zealand for acute ankle sprain. This review highlighted the low number and poor quality of studies investigating RICE and early intervention physiotherapy management for ankle sprains. RICE principals appear to be relatively inexpensive and somewhat effective for pain relief and may reduce further tissue damage in the acute stage of Grade I and II ankle sprains. Evidence extrapolated from studies investigating the use of post surgical ice appears to support the use of ice in the acute stage of an ankle sprain to minimise bleeding and oedema. The intermittent application of ice is more effective for pain relief in the acute phase than sustained icing. Physiotherapy interventions such as TENS for pain relief and bracing for the support of Grade II - III ankle sprains have been shown to be beneficial for pain relief in the acute phase. A need for further high quality, randomised controlled trials (RCT's) was identified.Subsequently a RCT was conducted with 28 participants to investigate the difference between (a) early intervention physiotherapy management combined with RICE advice, and (b) self management RICE advice without physiotherapy.Twenty eight individuals (males n = 22, females n = 6), between the ages of 16 and 40 with acute ankle sprains, who met the inclusion criteria, were approached by physiotherapists working on this project and invited to participate. Dependant variables were pain, function, swelling, compliance and medication use up to Day 11 post injury. Swelling, pain and function were measured over three assessments on Days 1, 3 and 11, using volumetric analysis, a visual analogue scale (VAS) and a functional question derived from a validated functional questionnaire respectively. Medication use and compliance were elicited from information gathered in a participant home diary. Both groups were similar on Day 1 in respect to their initial pain, swelling, the number of participants who were referred for X-rays, and the time taken to present to the physiotherapist. However the RICE group had significantly higher function scores (p = 0.042). The RICE group also had a significantly higher use of medication on Day 1 (p = 0.035) and Day 11 (p = 0.048). For both groups there was a statistically significant decrease in swelling (p = 0.003), pain scores (p = 0.000), and an increase in function scores (p = 0.000) in relation to time over the eleven days of assessment. The physiotherapy group had significantly improved function scores (p = 0.042) from Day 1 to Day 11 compared to the RICE group. There were no significant differences between groups for swelling, pain scores, and their first day of documented non-compliance. The within day range of error in the volumetric measurements was within 189.9 ml and 1.2 ml. Three trials were conducted per person within a Day session. The first volumetric analysis was significantly less than the subsequent two measurements (p = 0.040).It was concluded that, in the early stage of an ankle injury both physiotherapy and RICE, and RICE advice alone, resulted in significant improvements in swelling, pain and function. Early intervention physiotherapy was significantly better at improving the functional ability of participants by Day 11. Early intervention physiotherapy may also identify complications associated with ankle sprains.Despite its limitations this research could potentially lead to changes in the standard treatment protocols for soft tissue ankle injuries. Implementation of self management RICE by patients in the acute stage would initially reduce the cost of physiotherapy treatments, and may lead to equal improvements in pain and swelling outcomes. However, it appears that physiotherapy may lead to better functional outcomes which would reduce the costs associated with time off work, and rehabilitation. It is important to note that these findings are based on a small sample size and on Grade I or II ankle ligament sprains, and that treatment for more severe ankle injuries may be better with physiotherapy, or surgery, rather than self management RICE by patients. Findings contribute to the growing body of 'best practice' evidence for health practitioners. Keywords: Acute soft tissue injuries, ankle, sprain, early intervention, physiotherapy, RICE, volumetric measurement.
A comparison of surface EMG temporal and spectral parameters from the vastus medialis of subjects with and without knee joint osteoarthritis during a sustained, fatiguing submaximal isometric contraction
(Auckland University of Technology, 2005-01-01) Molloy, John; McNair, Peter
Knee joint osteoarthritis is recognised as a significant subset of osteoarthritis. Little work has examined muscle changes that occur with knee joint osteoarthritis. Much of this work has centred on strength deficits, while little work has examined the effect of joint pathologies, such as osteoarthritis, on the fatigue resistance of the muscles associated with an affected joint. The purpose of this study was to investigate the relative fatigue-resistance characteristics of the vastus medialis in subjects with and without knee joint osteoarthritis, as well as the ability to predict endurance times in these groups, using high spatial resolution electromyography and a sub-maximal isometric endurance test. Twenty-six subjects with unilateral knee osteoarthritis and seventeen subjects with no known knee pathology were evaluated. All subjects performed initial tests to evaluate maximum voluntary contraction (MVC), voluntary activation levels, and true maximum force (TMF). Endurance time was assessed during an isometric quadriceps contraction at 50% of the true maximum force. Surface electromyography (sEMG) data was collected from the vastus medialis muscle of the quadriceps group during the endurance test. MVC tests showed that the affected leg of the group with osteoarthritis was significantly weaker (p < 0.05) than the unaffected leg. Voluntary activation data showed that subjects with osteoarthritis presented with significant bilateral deficits (p < 0.05). TMF data showed a significantly lower (p < 0.05) true potential for force generation in the affected compared to the unaffected leg of the osteoarthritis group. Endurance time data showed no significant difference between groups. Electromyography data showed significant differences (p < 0.05) between the affected and unaffected legs in initial values of Median Frequency (MDF), Mean Power Frequency (MPF) and Conduction Velocity (CV), the percentage change in CV and the relative rate of change in the frequency band between 5 and 30Hz (FB1). Finally, significant correlations were seen between endurance time and the relative rate of change of MDF, MPF and CV calculated over the initial thirty seconds of the endurance test. There were no significant correlations from either leg of the group with knee joint osteoarthritis.It can be concluded from this study that there are differences in strength measures, and in the sEMG signal collected from the vastus medialis muscle of the affected and unaffected legs of subjects with knee osteoarthritis. It appears likely that the differences observed in the sEMG signals were related to a decrease in the representation of type-2 muscle fibres in the vastus medialis of the affected leg. Furthermore, these changes in the behaviour of the signal appear to indicate an improvement in the relative fatigue resistance of the affected leg in relation to the unaffected leg of the group with knee osteoarthritis.Moderate success was seen with the prediction of endurance time in control subjects in the current work using a short duration (30-second) endurance test. This relationship was not seen in either the affected or unaffected leg of the subjects with knee osteoarthritis. Further investigation utilising different sEMG collection and analysis techniques in this area may improve prediction of endurance time in unaffected and affected subjects.

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