Conference Papers

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Now showing 1 - 20 of 318
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    6th New Zealand Built Environment Research Symposium 2020 Book of Proceedings
    (Massey University, 20/02/2020) NZBERS; Shahzad, W; Rasheed, E; Rotimi, J
    Transforming New Zealand through innovation and performance improvement
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    A review of practices in precision application of granular fertilisers
    Grafton MCE; Yule I; Manning M; Nelson, W
    There is an implicit assumption in cited literature on precision agriculture (PA) that spreading of fertiliser is performed perfectly in the field leading to uniform application, this is not true. Variation can be large and often the actual performance of spreading equipment used has never been measured or verified. In various countries around the world there are quality assurance (QA) systems designed to achieve a prescribed level of performance. Even within these QA schemes limited testing is undertaken and always under perfect or near perfect conditions. The test methods are designed to establish an acceptable bout width which meets an acceptable evenness of spread if driven accurately. The test does not take into account wind conditions (except for requiring less than 15kmhr-1 for testing), humidity, slope, terrain or the instrumentation to maintain the desired bout width. This paper examines the effect of the farm environment and the physical characteristics of fertilisers on the spread patterns of fertilisers in the field. Fertilisers with heterogeneous particle size distributions proved to have more robust spread patterns under field conditions than those with homogeneous particle size distributions.
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    A review of the use of chicory plantain red clover and white clover in a sward mix for increased sheep and beef production
    (NZ Grassland Association, 2015) Cranston LM; Kenyon PR; Morris ST; Kemp PD
    Many farmers are sowing mixed swards containing chicory (Cichorium intybus), plantain (Plantago lanceolata), red clover (Trifolium pratense) and white clover (T. repens) (hereafter termed herb and clover mix). This herb and clover mix has comparable annual dry matter (DM) production to perennial ryegrass white clover pasture (rye/wc), however, it has a different pattern of growth, producing more DM during summer and autumn. The herb and clover mix also has a higher nutritive value and is able to support greater rates of animal production, especially over summer, than rye/ wc in both sheep and cattle. The herb and clover mix is most suited to a rotational grazing interval of 3–4 weeks to an 8 cm residual height, with no winter grazing. When managed appropriately the herb and clover mix is able to persist for at least 2 years and up to 5 years under both sheep and cattle grazing.
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    A Survey of Health and Safety Practice in the Agricultural Sector of New Zealand
    (Association of Industrial Relations Academics of Australia and New Zealand, ) Cullinane J; Pye M; Leggett, C
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    Achieving SDG 8 for Countries with Entrenched Nurse Migration
    (20/07/2020) Hernandez, M
    The UN Sustainable Development Goal 8 - Decent work and economic growth, talks about promoting sustained, inclusive and sustainable economic growth, full and productive employment and decent work for all. How this could be achieved within the context of entrenched nursing migration in the Philippines remains to be a challenge.
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    Acquisition of forward motion in five-legged robot using GA
    (2006) Uehara, S; Lal, SP; Yamada, K; Endo, S; Teruya, M
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    Acute Evening Consumption of Green Kiwifruit in Young Men Enhances Waking Alertness, Mood and Increases 5-Hydroxyindoleacetic Acid in Urine
    (Medical Sciences Forum, 2022-05-09) Kanon, AP; Giezenaar, C; Roy, NC; McNabb, WC; Henare, S; Brown, R; Mackay, S; Eyles, H; Jalili-Moghaddam, S
    Emerging evidence suggests that consuming two New Zealand green kiwifruit (Actinidia deliciosa cv. Hayward) daily for four weeks may improve sleep quality. The subjective and objective acute responses and underlying physiological responses are unknown. The current study aimed to investigate the acute effects of fresh and dried green kiwifruit compared to a water control on sleep quality and mood measures, and concentration of urinary serotonin and melatonin metabolites. In a randomised, single-blind crossover study, 24 men (age: 29 ± 1 years old, body mass index (BMI): 24 ± 1 kg/m2 ) with either poor or good sleep quality were recruited. They consumed an evening standardised meal with one of three treatments; (i) two fresh green kiwifruit (without skin); (ii) 32 g dried green kiwifruit powder (including the skin; equivalent to two fresh fruit) mixed with water; or (iii) a water control, on three separate nights separated by 6–8 days. The subjective (Leeds Sleep Evaluation Questionnaire, Stanford sleepiness scale) and objective (actigraphy) sleep quality, mood (profile of mood states), and 5-Hydroxyindoleacetic acid [5-HIAA] and 6-Sulfatoxymelatonin concentrations in morning urine were determined. In poor sleepers, ease of awakening improved 24% after dried kiwifruit (p = 0.005) and trended to improve after fresh kiwifruit (p = 0.052), compared to the control. Good sleepers trended towards improved ratings of getting to sleep with fresh kiwifruit (p = 0.053) and no improvement after dried (p > 0.1) compared to control. Regardless of sleeper type, compared to control, both fresh and dried kiwifruit treatments trended (p < 0.1) toward improved esteem and total mood disturbances. Furthermore, after dried kiwifruit, ratings of morning alertness (p = 0.012), behaviour following wakening and vigour were higher (p < 0.05) compared to control. Both kiwifruit treatments increased urinary concentrations of the serotonin metabolite 5-HIAA (+1.56 ± 0.4 ng/g (fresh) p = 0.001, +1.30 ± 0.4 ng/g (dried) p = 0.004) compared to the control (4.32 ± 0.4 ng/g). This study is the first to demonstrate that a single evening intake of kiwifruit improves aspects of sleep quality and mood.
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    Ageing in place: retirement intentions of New Zealand nurses aged 50+.
    (Victoria University, New Zealand, 8/02/2013) Walker, LA; Clendon, J
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    Ageing in place: The retirement intentions of nurses in New Zealand aged 50 and above
    (Victoria University Wellington, 1/03/2013) Walker, LA; Clendon, J
    Aims: The aim of the Late Career Nurse research project was to determine the characteristics of nurses working in New Zealand who were born before 1960; their experiences in the workplace; their perceptions of their health and their retirement intentions. This paper reports on the retirement intentions of regulated nurses aged over 50 in the New Zealand workforce. Background: The mean ages of registered nurses in New Zealand has been rising steadily, and 40% are now aged fifty or over (Nursing Council New Zealand 2011) While there is a substantial international literature on the phenomenon and consequences of the ageing nursing workforce, it is unknown whether international experience will predict future nurse behaviour in New Zealand, or how this may impact on nursing workforce modelling or planning. Method: An anonymous on-line survey was emailed to eligible NZNO 1 nurse members over 50 years old in February and March 2012. Quantitative and qualitative analyses of the 3273 responses received were undertaken. Results/findings: New Zealand nursing age demographics have been confirmed and reflected in the respondents to the survey. In concordance with the international literature, good health, access to flexible working options, safe staffing levels and choice of shifts were all very important to older nurses. Evidence of ageism and a bullying culture towards older nurses was reported. Better pay levels were particularly important to younger late career nurses (age 50-55). Specific to New Zealand, lack of retirement funds may delay retirement, and migration to Australia may exacerbate shortages and skill/experience deficits. Conclusions: The New Zealand nursing workforce will be vulnerable to skill and experience shortages if as indicated in this study, 57.2% of nurses aged over 50 retire within the next 10 years, and around 30% within the next 2-5 years. Adoption of measures to ensure better choice of shifts, and continued access to flexible or decreased hours is required, along with less physically demanding work options and roles that recognise and utilise the knowledge, skills and experience of older nurses. These measures have the potential to enable older nurses to continue to contribute for longer to the workforce, albeit on a more part time basis. Better pay, better rostering and safer staffing levels have the potential particularly to reduce the attrition seen in the early to late fifties, and these are urgently advocated. Longer term, access to better retirement planning and financial advice would decrease a considerable source of distress and reduce the numbers of older nurses for whom continuing to work despite ill health is not an option.
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    An assessment tool for seismic strengthening of heritage buildings
    (2016) Pattinson MS; Egbelakin TK
    This research produced a multidisciplinary assessment tool to examine the effectiveness of seismic strengthening designs for heritage buildings. Fifteen one-on-one interviews of a range of experienced industry professionals were conducted using a grounded theory approach. This enabled the framework to be progressively refined throughout the research process. The resulting framework uses qualitative inputs to produce a table and spider graph presentation of the design‟s effectiveness across six assessment categories. These categories include heritage, seismic engineering, feasibility, architectural, services and fire protection, and buildability assessments. The spider graph is able to clearly communicate a design‟s effectiveness to stakeholders with limited technical knowledge. Original features of this study include a multidisciplinary framework that facilitates early collaboration, measures „design performance‟ in relationship to „client priorities‟, provides new assessment principles gleaned from industry knowledge, and provides a tracking tool as the design progresses through each developmental stage. It is hoped that this multidisciplinary framework will promote more successful design solutions via early and effective collaboration among project team members.
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    Analysis of China’s Agri-food Imports In an Extended Gravity Model
    Shakur S; Tang M; Ngo T
    Since 2000, China has changed from a net exporter to a net importer of agri-food products to a point such that food security and agricultural trade balance are a major concern to Chinese authorities. This research estimated the effect of the ten explanatory variables that have impacted on China's accelerated food imports from 19 trading partners over 2000-2014. An extended gravity model that include economic, demographic, geographic factors and China's free trade agreements (FTAs) to 5 commodity groups separately, in addition to an aggregated data to allow a deeper understanding about the topic. Results from the research suggest that they all have varying but significant impacts on China’s agri-food imports. Agri-food imports to China are predicted to increase. For Chinese authorities to concentrate on own agricultural development and cost-effective trade with other
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    Application of green retrofit technology: A systematic review
    (1/01/2020) Weerasinghe A; Ramachandra T; Rotimi JOB
    Green retrofitting is a valuable approach for upgrading existing buildings towards sustainable performances. However, the lack of knowledge about the true cost effects and potential savings of green retrofits distracts building proprietors from paying those retrofits. Therefore, the current study reviewed fourteen studies available in the extant literature and identified twenty-eight different green retrofits incorporated into various buildings with their cost effects and saving potentials through a subsequent desktop study. The results indicated that the majority of green retrofits offer savings related to energy consumption, CO2 emissions, cooling load, and operating costs. Moreover, energy-saving lighting modifications are widely done in most buildings, while solar collectors, photovoltaics, and low-emission double glazing are used less often due to the long payback period and increased cost of implementation. Alternatively, the use of retrofits with lower costs and high savings, like BMS, lighting controllers, and boiler efficiency improvements, offsets the above setbacks. Furthermore, the highlighted retrofits include green roofing, bicycle parks, CO2 sensors, and air tightening retrofits, which also save energy. Rainwater harvesting absorbs carbon dioxide and runoff water, where implementing subsystem-level water meters, appliances with low flow rates, and greywater recycling save and recycle the portable water. Accordingly, the study promotes the effective implementation of green retrofits in future buildings.
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    Are root exudation or rainfall on treated plants likely causes of pasture damage after wiper application of herbicides?
    (Weeds Society of Western Australia, 11/09/2016) Harrington, KC; Ghanizadeh, H; Moyo, C; Kemp, PD; Eerens, JPJ; Randall, R; Lloyd, S; Borger, C
    Wiper application of herbicides to weeds sometimes causes damage to pasture plants, especially white clover, growing immediately under the wiped weeds. Two experiments were conducted to determine the potential for either exudation of herbicide from roots or rainfall washing herbicide off treated plants to cause damage to white clover after wiper application. In Experiment 1, Californian thistle and white clover were grown in the same pots within a glasshouse, then either metsulfuron or a triclopyr/picloram mixture were applied to the Californian thistle using a Rotowiper. White clover growing in pots below treated plants was significantly affected by the metsulfuron but not the triclopyr/picloram mixture, when compared with the untreated control plants. In Experiment 2, Californian thistle, white clover and perennial ryegrass were grown in separate pots within a glasshouse. Glyphosate, clopyralid, metsulfuron and a triclopyr/picloram mixture were applied to Californian thistle plants using a Rotowiper. The treated Californian thistle plants were then exposed to artificial rain from a rainfall simulator either 1 or 5 days after herbicide treatment, with pots of white clover and perennial ryegrass positioned under each Californian thistle plant during the rainfall event. All of the herbicides except glyphosate significantly affected white clover for both rainfall events, whereas only metsulfuron significantly affected perennial ryegrass for the Day 1 washing. Thus although damage from herbicide exudation does appear possible, rainfall following wiper applications is probably more likely to cause damage to clover growing under treated plants.
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    ASSESSMENT OF NITROGEN FERTILIZERS UNDER CONTROLLED ENVIRONMENT – A LYSIMETER DESIGN
    (12/04/2019) Gnaratnam A; McCurdy M; Grafton M; Jeyakumar P; Bishop P; Davies C; Currie, L; Christensen, C
    This paper introduces a closed system lysimeter design to measure fertilizer performance on ryegrass. The lysimeter will measure plant mass growth, gas emissions and leachate in a controlled climate environment based on a long term 90 day spring climate from the Taranaki. A range of commercial fertilizers will be compared to bespoke fertilizers manufactured under this project. This work, although undertaken in laboratory conditions will help quantify the impacts of nitrogenous fertilizers on the environment by mimicking actual conditions in a controlled setting. The study should provide data on the effectiveness of novel fertilizers manufactured within the programme; and other slow and controlled fertilizers, in reducing nitrogen leaching and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions on pasture. Nitrogenous fertilizers readily leach as nitrates are highly soluble and GHG are emitted through volatilisation of ammonia and nitrous oxide. Reduced leaching and volatilisation increases fertilizer efficiency as less is wasted and more is attenuated in the plant. The aims of the research are to increase the effectiveness and efficiency of nitrogen fertilizer use in New Zealand. This should benefit farmers by reducing the amount of fertilizer applied, ideally reducing fertilizer cost, or at no extra cost by improved plant attenuation. This would also have an environmental benefit through reduced leaching and GHG emissions.
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