title: Reproducibility of African giant pouched rats detecting Mycobacterium tuberculosis

authors: Ellis, Haylee Maree

subjects: Tuberculosis

abstract: Background: African pouched rats sniffing sputum samples provided by local clinics have significantly increased tuberculosis case findings in Tanzania and Mozambique. The objective of this study was to determine the reproducibility of rat results.
Methods: Over an 18-month period 11,869 samples were examined by the rats. Intra-rater reliability was assessed through Yule’s Q. Inter-rater reliability was assessed with Krippendorff’s alpha.
Results: Intra-rater reliability was high, with a mean Yule’s Q of 0.9. Inter-rater agreement was fair, with Krippendorf’s alpha ranging from 0.15 to 0.45. Both Intra- and Inter-rater reliability was independent of the sex of the animals, but they were positively correlated with age. Both intra- and inter-rater agreement was lowest for samples designated as smear-negative by the clinics.
Conclusion: Overall, the reproducibility of tuberculosis detection rat results was fair and diagnostic results were therefore independent of the rats used.

text: Reproducibility of African giant pouched rats detecting Mycobacterium tuberculosis Background: African pouched rats sniffing sputum samples provided by local clinics have significantly increased tuberculosis case findings in Tanzania and Mozambique. The objective of this study was to determine the reproducibility of rat results.
Methods: Over an 18-month period 11,869 samples were examined by the rats. Intra-rater reliability was assessed through Yule’s Q. Inter-rater reliability was assessed with Krippendorff’s alpha.
Results: Intra-rater reliability was high, with a mean Yule’s Q of 0.9. Inter-rater agreement was fair, with Krippendorf’s alpha ranging from 0.15 to 0.45. Both Intra- and Inter-rater reliability was independent of the sex of the animals, but they were positively correlated with age. Both intra- and inter-rater agreement was lowest for samples designated as smear-negative by the clinics.
Conclusion: Overall, the reproducibility of tuberculosis detection rat results was fair and diagnostic results were therefore independent of the rats used.

year: 2017

title: Economic impact report on the New Zealand sport horse industry

authors: Matheson, Alex

abstract: The aim of this research paper is to gain an understanding of the size and scope of the sport horse industry in New Zealand.
  
The definition of the sport horse industry is that it comprises of all horses in New Zealand that are not being used for the purpose of racing or breeding of horses for the purpose of racing.  The actual size of this sector of the industry is not widely known, the best estimates are made by using the Agribase Biosecurity database, which states the numbers of horses in New Zealand at 120,000 with 40,000 of these being involved in the racing industry, leaving 80,000 to be classified as sport horses for the purpose of this research.  The implications of using the Agribase Biosecurity database information is outlined later in this report.
The report firstly looks to define the industry and how it is separated from other industries; it also looks at what factors contribute to the makeup of the industry and how these factors are inter-related.  The ability to look at comparable industries or in this case sporting pursuits is not possible due to the nature of the industry; with the exception of maybe pet care there is no other sporting or recreational activity that requires an ongoing cost to maintain the key component of that pursuit.  Motor racing is used as an example in the report as a sport that has a high level of financial input required, however if you stop motor racing for 12 months you can eliminate all expenses during that period.  This is not achievable with the sport horse industry; the only way to eliminate costs completely is to exit horse ownership. 
 To complete this report I looked at similar surveys and information from overseas studies, this information was used to help build suitable survey questions.  This report contains highlights of the overseas studies to enable comparison to be made with the New Zealand study.  The report also looks at some of the New Zealand research done on this industry sector and utilises some of the research findings when calculating economic benefits.
The information gathered for this research was through an online survey of horse owners, the survey purpose was to gather information about the amount of money that was spent on keeping a horse for one year in New Zealand.  The survey looked at different areas in New Zealand to see if there were significant differences in the costs depending on location; it also looked at what price the respondent was willing to pay for a prospective mount.

Some of the key findings in the research are:
-	Estimated 80,000 sport horses in New Zealand
-	$12,500 average total annual spend per horse
-	Contributes over $1 billion to the New Zealand economy annually, this is greater than 0.5% of GDP
-	Directly sustains the equivalent of 12,000 full time equivalent (FTE’s) jobs
-	Sport horse owning land owners spent an additional $5 billion on land purchases to support their interests
-	Over 65% of horse owners are not willing to pay more than 25% of the ongoing annual operating costs on the purchase price of their horse. 
-	More than 70,000 horses in New Zealand will have a market value of under $3,000
Based on this research it is recommended that further research be undertaken on the value of properties that are used for the sole purpose of equestrian pursuits within New Zealand.  There is a move by some district councils to restrict the subdivision of land to what they determine to be economical farm units.  The conversion of pastoral lands from production based to consumption based land uses is seen by some of these councils as moving to uneconomical units.  This research suggests that the use of land for equestrian pursuits makes a far greater economical contribution than traditional farming practises could.  Therefore the restriction in size of farming units is not justified, and in fact could have a negative effect on the economic development of the region.

text: Economic impact report on the New Zealand sport horse industry The aim of this research paper is to gain an understanding of the size and scope of the sport horse industry in New Zealand.
  
The definition of the sport horse industry is that it comprises of all horses in New Zealand that are not being used for the purpose of racing or breeding of horses for the purpose of racing.  The actual size of this sector of the industry is not widely known, the best estimates are made by using the Agribase Biosecurity database, which states the numbers of horses in New Zealand at 120,000 with 40,000 of these being involved in the racing industry, leaving 80,000 to be classified as sport horses for the purpose of this research.  The implications of using the Agribase Biosecurity database information is outlined later in this report.
The report firstly looks to define the industry and how it is separated from other industries; it also looks at what factors contribute to the makeup of the industry and how these factors are inter-related.  The ability to look at comparable industries or in this case sporting pursuits is not possible due to the nature of the industry; with the exception of maybe pet care there is no other sporting or recreational activity that requires an ongoing cost to maintain the key component of that pursuit.  Motor racing is used as an example in the report as a sport that has a high level of financial input required, however if you stop motor racing for 12 months you can eliminate all expenses during that period.  This is not achievable with the sport horse industry; the only way to eliminate costs completely is to exit horse ownership. 
 To complete this report I looked at similar surveys and information from overseas studies, this information was used to help build suitable survey questions.  This report contains highlights of the overseas studies to enable comparison to be made with the New Zealand study.  The report also looks at some of the New Zealand research done on this industry sector and utilises some of the research findings when calculating economic benefits.
The information gathered for this research was through an online survey of horse owners, the survey purpose was to gather information about the amount of money that was spent on keeping a horse for one year in New Zealand.  The survey looked at different areas in New Zealand to see if there were significant differences in the costs depending on location; it also looked at what price the respondent was willing to pay for a prospective mount.

Some of the key findings in the research are:
-	Estimated 80,000 sport horses in New Zealand
-	$12,500 average total annual spend per horse
-	Contributes over $1 billion to the New Zealand economy annually, this is greater than 0.5% of GDP
-	Directly sustains the equivalent of 12,000 full time equivalent (FTE’s) jobs
-	Sport horse owning land owners spent an additional $5 billion on land purchases to support their interests
-	Over 65% of horse owners are not willing to pay more than 25% of the ongoing annual operating costs on the purchase price of their horse. 
-	More than 70,000 horses in New Zealand will have a market value of under $3,000
Based on this research it is recommended that further research be undertaken on the value of properties that are used for the sole purpose of equestrian pursuits within New Zealand.  There is a move by some district councils to restrict the subdivision of land to what they determine to be economical farm units.  The conversion of pastoral lands from production based to consumption based land uses is seen by some of these councils as moving to uneconomical units.  This research suggests that the use of land for equestrian pursuits makes a far greater economical contribution than traditional farming practises could.  Therefore the restriction in size of farming units is not justified, and in fact could have a negative effect on the economic development of the region.

year: 2012-07

title: Homai raa. Kia purutia, kia hereherea, taawhiwhi taamau. Ka pai. Taawhiwhi  taumau, he tauira waiora a Waikato : The creation of a Waikato-specific Maaori health model

authors: Haggie, Marrin Brian Pikitawhaki

subjects: Taawhiwhi Taamau

abstract: This Doctoral rangahau (research) sought to create a Maaori (Indigenous people of New Zealand) health model specific to the health needs and desires of the people of Waikato (The collective name of the tribes of the Waikato basin). Globally, minority populations (including Maaori) are consistently and disproportionately over represented in many health, education and incarceration statistics. Colonisation, oppression and racial prejudices have been identified as the root causes for the statistical imbalances prevalent in society. Indigenous populations have endured suffering caused by disconnection from heritage, traditional practices, ancestral beliefs and the natural environment. All are consequences of legislative enforcement and an oppressive, colonialist attitude that patronises indigenous populations (i.e., that assumes the coloniser knows what is best for the colonised). 

For the majority of colonisation, the health models and frameworks intended to benefit indigenous peoples, yet designed and implemented by colonial based, oppressive governments and by institutions rooted in colonialist ideals, have consistently failed to provide and deliver health and wellness for indigenous peoples. The fact that indigenous peoples’ health continues to be poorer than their non-indigenous counterparts, in the majority of health measures, suggests models and frameworks designed by non-indigenous people do not work for indigenous populations. This has led to an emergence of indigenous and minority populations’ movements seeking to emancipate themselves from the shackles of colonial oppression. 

Pioneering health models and frameworks designed to counter the failures of those designed by the oppressor have provided salvation for indigenous peoples and have allowed the voices of minority populations to be heard in the health and wellbeing context; however the majority of these models have been overly generic. Yet, they have provided foundations that now must be built upon to enable a focus on what specific populations require to ensure their health and lifestyle ideals are supported and strengthened.

As whaanau (family), marae (place of gathering and belonging for interrelated families), hapuu (subtribe), and as an iwi (tribe), Waikato have a responsibility to our taiao (natural environment), ourselves and to future generations to ensure the health of Waikato and that Waikatotanga (Waikato culture and practice) continues to grow, prosper, and flourish. Therefore, as a polity we must assert the control and direction of our iwi by determining and creating our own models and frameworks to ensure the survival, the growth, and the success of our people.

This Rangahau Kaupapa Waikato (Waikato focused research) is centered on the question ‘What elements must be considered in the creation and the application of a Waikato-specific, Maaori health model?’ Contemporary literature and research regarding health and the impacts on Indigenous and Maaori health specifically, was used to review the successes and failures of contemporary health models. 

Supported and framed by a Rangahau Kaupapa Maaori (Maaori focused research) approach, this Rangahau Kaupapa Waikato utilised Waikato koorero (stories), beliefs, practices and methodologies, interspersed with Qualitative Methodology and Thematic Analysis. Fourteen semi-structured interviews with tribal leaders and holders of tribal knowledge, referred to as taniwha, were conducted. Each taniwha shared their knowledge, understandings, and experiences to inform and contribute to the creation of a holistic health model specific to the iwi of Waikato.

The findings illustrate continued connection to the Waikato awa (river), the taiao (natural environment), wairuatanga (spirituality), ancestral knowledge and practices, the Kiingitanga (Maaori King Movement) and to the iwi itself are critical to the perpetuation of the waiora (health) of the Waikato iwi and of Waikatotanga in its multiple forms.

The model created as the primary outcome of this research, The Taawhiwhi Taamau Model of Waiora (Taawhiwhi Taamau), was designed to act as a vehicle which seeks to enable individual iwi members, and the polities that they belong, to achieve Mana-motuhake (autonomy) and self-determination of their own health. Taawhiwhi Taamau seeks to inform its adopters that Mana-motuhake can be achieved without having to compromise any of the tikanga (protocol) and kawa (custom) of our iwi and of our ancestors in favour of colonial government introduced, western ideals. Thereby removing the oppressor from the implementation and application of health. 

Taawhiwhi Taamau is a health model entrenched in Waikatotanga that utilises the beliefs and practices of our ancestors, and subsequently, our iwi to facilitate Tupuna (ancestor) Guided Living. The model encourages the individual iwi member to build solid foundations of waiora, seek knowledge and understanding of our tupuna, and use the experiences in life to act as taniwha for others seeking guidance, knowledge, connection, understanding and waiora. 

The adoption and practice of Taawhiwhi Taamau suggests individuals will find a new, refreshed connection to tupuna, maatauranga (wisdom, knowledge), wairuatanga and Waikatotanga, therefore, increasing waiora. Increased waiora of the individual increases the waiora and the capacity of one’s whaanau, marae and hapuu thereby increasing the waiora and the capacity of the iwi. Increased waiora and capacity of the iwi increases the likelihood of Waikatotanga, maatauranga, wairuatanga and, thus, the perpetuation of Tupuna Guided Living. Consequently, encapsulating the essence of Taawhiwhi Taamau as a model and as the lesson learned in the Pai Maarire Te Kura o te Ahiahi, ‘Homai ra, kia purutia, kia hereherea, taawhiwhi taamau. Ka Pai’.

text: Homai raa. Kia purutia, kia hereherea, taawhiwhi taamau. Ka pai. Taawhiwhi  taumau, he tauira waiora a Waikato : The creation of a Waikato-specific Maaori health model This Doctoral rangahau (research) sought to create a Maaori (Indigenous people of New Zealand) health model specific to the health needs and desires of the people of Waikato (The collective name of the tribes of the Waikato basin). Globally, minority populations (including Maaori) are consistently and disproportionately over represented in many health, education and incarceration statistics. Colonisation, oppression and racial prejudices have been identified as the root causes for the statistical imbalances prevalent in society. Indigenous populations have endured suffering caused by disconnection from heritage, traditional practices, ancestral beliefs and the natural environment. All are consequences of legislative enforcement and an oppressive, colonialist attitude that patronises indigenous populations (i.e., that assumes the coloniser knows what is best for the colonised). 

For the majority of colonisation, the health models and frameworks intended to benefit indigenous peoples, yet designed and implemented by colonial based, oppressive governments and by institutions rooted in colonialist ideals, have consistently failed to provide and deliver health and wellness for indigenous peoples. The fact that indigenous peoples’ health continues to be poorer than their non-indigenous counterparts, in the majority of health measures, suggests models and frameworks designed by non-indigenous people do not work for indigenous populations. This has led to an emergence of indigenous and minority populations’ movements seeking to emancipate themselves from the shackles of colonial oppression. 

Pioneering health models and frameworks designed to counter the failures of those designed by the oppressor have provided salvation for indigenous peoples and have allowed the voices of minority populations to be heard in the health and wellbeing context; however the majority of these models have been overly generic. Yet, they have provided foundations that now must be built upon to enable a focus on what specific populations require to ensure their health and lifestyle ideals are supported and strengthened.

As whaanau (family), marae (place of gathering and belonging for interrelated families), hapuu (subtribe), and as an iwi (tribe), Waikato have a responsibility to our taiao (natural environment), ourselves and to future generations to ensure the health of Waikato and that Waikatotanga (Waikato culture and practice) continues to grow, prosper, and flourish. Therefore, as a polity we must assert the control and direction of our iwi by determining and creating our own models and frameworks to ensure the survival, the growth, and the success of our people.

This Rangahau Kaupapa Waikato (Waikato focused research) is centered on the question ‘What elements must be considered in the creation and the application of a Waikato-specific, Maaori health model?’ Contemporary literature and research regarding health and the impacts on Indigenous and Maaori health specifically, was used to review the successes and failures of contemporary health models. 

Supported and framed by a Rangahau Kaupapa Maaori (Maaori focused research) approach, this Rangahau Kaupapa Waikato utilised Waikato koorero (stories), beliefs, practices and methodologies, interspersed with Qualitative Methodology and Thematic Analysis. Fourteen semi-structured interviews with tribal leaders and holders of tribal knowledge, referred to as taniwha, were conducted. Each taniwha shared their knowledge, understandings, and experiences to inform and contribute to the creation of a holistic health model specific to the iwi of Waikato.

The findings illustrate continued connection to the Waikato awa (river), the taiao (natural environment), wairuatanga (spirituality), ancestral knowledge and practices, the Kiingitanga (Maaori King Movement) and to the iwi itself are critical to the perpetuation of the waiora (health) of the Waikato iwi and of Waikatotanga in its multiple forms.

The model created as the primary outcome of this research, The Taawhiwhi Taamau Model of Waiora (Taawhiwhi Taamau), was designed to act as a vehicle which seeks to enable individual iwi members, and the polities that they belong, to achieve Mana-motuhake (autonomy) and self-determination of their own health. Taawhiwhi Taamau seeks to inform its adopters that Mana-motuhake can be achieved without having to compromise any of the tikanga (protocol) and kawa (custom) of our iwi and of our ancestors in favour of colonial government introduced, western ideals. Thereby removing the oppressor from the implementation and application of health. 

Taawhiwhi Taamau is a health model entrenched in Waikatotanga that utilises the beliefs and practices of our ancestors, and subsequently, our iwi to facilitate Tupuna (ancestor) Guided Living. The model encourages the individual iwi member to build solid foundations of waiora, seek knowledge and understanding of our tupuna, and use the experiences in life to act as taniwha for others seeking guidance, knowledge, connection, understanding and waiora. 

The adoption and practice of Taawhiwhi Taamau suggests individuals will find a new, refreshed connection to tupuna, maatauranga (wisdom, knowledge), wairuatanga and Waikatotanga, therefore, increasing waiora. Increased waiora of the individual increases the waiora and the capacity of one’s whaanau, marae and hapuu thereby increasing the waiora and the capacity of the iwi. Increased waiora and capacity of the iwi increases the likelihood of Waikatotanga, maatauranga, wairuatanga and, thus, the perpetuation of Tupuna Guided Living. Consequently, encapsulating the essence of Taawhiwhi Taamau as a model and as the lesson learned in the Pai Maarire Te Kura o te Ahiahi, ‘Homai ra, kia purutia, kia hereherea, taawhiwhi taamau. Ka Pai’.

year: 2021