title: Biofeedback on Forestry Machine Operators

authors: O'Connor, Brooke

subjects: forestry

abstract: Aotearoa, New Zealand, has cultivated a sustainable and thriving forest sector, establishing it as a primary industry. Throughout the years, there has been a significant transition in the forest industry towards using mechanised methods. Operating machines and maintaining precise hand and arm movements can lead to muscle strain in operators. This strain is harmful and increases the risk of work-related musculoskeletal disorders. This thesis aims to utilise electromyography sensors to observe the muscle activity of operators in forestry machines while carrying out harvesting operations. The objective of this research is to examine the potential advantages of biofeedback training in enhancing operators' physiological functioning through visual feedback. Experimental testing phases were required prior to deployment in the field. The primary trial details electromyographic recordings gathered through field measurements using electromyographic (BTS FREEEMG 1000) sensors to assess the activity of the upper trapezius muscles. Recordings were conducted on 14 operators performing operational harvesting tasks. Tasks included felling, processing, loading, shovelling, fleeting, and sorting. Findings: EMG Biofeedback training allowed operators to observe and consciously control the contraction and relaxation of the upper trapezius muscles. Overall, the average muscle activity decreased during biofeedback training in most recordings. Results highlight the potential of EMG biofeedback training as a preventative tool for work-related musculoskeletal disorders in New Zealand. 

This research is conducted as part of a master's project in collaboration with Scion and Waikato University with funding from the New Zealand Forest Growers Levy.

text: Biofeedback on Forestry Machine Operators Aotearoa, New Zealand, has cultivated a sustainable and thriving forest sector, establishing it as a primary industry. Throughout the years, there has been a significant transition in the forest industry towards using mechanised methods. Operating machines and maintaining precise hand and arm movements can lead to muscle strain in operators. This strain is harmful and increases the risk of work-related musculoskeletal disorders. This thesis aims to utilise electromyography sensors to observe the muscle activity of operators in forestry machines while carrying out harvesting operations. The objective of this research is to examine the potential advantages of biofeedback training in enhancing operators' physiological functioning through visual feedback. Experimental testing phases were required prior to deployment in the field. The primary trial details electromyographic recordings gathered through field measurements using electromyographic (BTS FREEEMG 1000) sensors to assess the activity of the upper trapezius muscles. Recordings were conducted on 14 operators performing operational harvesting tasks. Tasks included felling, processing, loading, shovelling, fleeting, and sorting. Findings: EMG Biofeedback training allowed operators to observe and consciously control the contraction and relaxation of the upper trapezius muscles. Overall, the average muscle activity decreased during biofeedback training in most recordings. Results highlight the potential of EMG biofeedback training as a preventative tool for work-related musculoskeletal disorders in New Zealand. 

This research is conducted as part of a master's project in collaboration with Scion and Waikato University with funding from the New Zealand Forest Growers Levy.

year: 2023

title: Geoscientific reconnaisance of Perry Aggregates quarry, River Road, Horotiu

authors: Nelson, Campbell S.

abstract: At the request of David Jennings, Opus International Consul tan ts Ltd, Hamil ton, we visited the Perry Aggregates quarry on River Road, Horotiu, on the morning of Wednesday 23 April 1997 to comment on the geoscientific context of the quarry. Our specific remarks relate only to observations made at the pit face at the present northwestern extremity of the quarry, which nevertheless are probably appropriate for the quarry as a whole. The quarry area inspected lies on a low terrace about 8 m above present-day river level (about 15 m a.s.l.) immediately adjacent to the Waikato River and covers an area of about 180 x 250 m centred on approximate grid reference S14 029885 (1:50 000 topographic map series NZMS 260).

text: Geoscientific reconnaisance of Perry Aggregates quarry, River Road, Horotiu At the request of David Jennings, Opus International Consul tan ts Ltd, Hamil ton, we visited the Perry Aggregates quarry on River Road, Horotiu, on the morning of Wednesday 23 April 1997 to comment on the geoscientific context of the quarry. Our specific remarks relate only to observations made at the pit face at the present northwestern extremity of the quarry, which nevertheless are probably appropriate for the quarry as a whole. The quarry area inspected lies on a low terrace about 8 m above present-day river level (about 15 m a.s.l.) immediately adjacent to the Waikato River and covers an area of about 180 x 250 m centred on approximate grid reference S14 029885 (1:50 000 topographic map series NZMS 260).

year: 1997

title: Incorporating New Zealand indigenous views into community resilience frameworks for the built environment

authors: Boston, Megan

abstract: Community resilience lacks a standardized definition and methodology to quantify. Many governments and organizations have attempted to construct frameworks for improving community resilience, particularly as related to the built environment. However, few of these frameworks explicitly consider the values and cultural aspects of marginalized communities that are potentially negatively disadvantaged due to colonialization or socio-economic deprivation. To date, little research has worked on integrating Maori cultural views into these resilience frameworks. Using survey results investigating Maori and New Zealand European cultural views on resilience and aspects of the built environment, it has been found that Maori value unity and community cohesion as aspects of resilience more than New Zealand Europeans. Further, communities can increase community cohesion and unity through adapting Maori Marae’s or communal gathering places to increase community resilience following a disaster.

text: Incorporating New Zealand indigenous views into community resilience frameworks for the built environment Community resilience lacks a standardized definition and methodology to quantify. Many governments and organizations have attempted to construct frameworks for improving community resilience, particularly as related to the built environment. However, few of these frameworks explicitly consider the values and cultural aspects of marginalized communities that are potentially negatively disadvantaged due to colonialization or socio-economic deprivation. To date, little research has worked on integrating Maori cultural views into these resilience frameworks. Using survey results investigating Maori and New Zealand European cultural views on resilience and aspects of the built environment, it has been found that Maori value unity and community cohesion as aspects of resilience more than New Zealand Europeans. Further, communities can increase community cohesion and unity through adapting Maori Marae’s or communal gathering places to increase community resilience following a disaster.

year: 2022-07-01