title: Ethics 2.0: Social media implications for professional communicators

authors: Toledano, Margalit

subjects: public relations ethics

abstract: This paper examines ethical implications in the use of social media by professional communicators. Using its research into the experiences of New Zealand practitioners, it identifies major ethical challenges for the profession. It also illustrates how social media intensify ethical issues that public relations has struggled with in the off-line world. At the same time, it shows how social media open opportunities for increasing practitioner influence on organisational ethics in ways long desired by traditional practitioners and recently advocated by public relations academics. It concludes that, despite enabling a lack of transparency and easier deception, social media can help public relations both improve ethical communication with stakeholders, and gain a greater ethical leadership role.

text: Ethics 2.0: Social media implications for professional communicators This paper examines ethical implications in the use of social media by professional communicators. Using its research into the experiences of New Zealand practitioners, it identifies major ethical challenges for the profession. It also illustrates how social media intensify ethical issues that public relations has struggled with in the off-line world. At the same time, it shows how social media open opportunities for increasing practitioner influence on organisational ethics in ways long desired by traditional practitioners and recently advocated by public relations academics. It concludes that, despite enabling a lack of transparency and easier deception, social media can help public relations both improve ethical communication with stakeholders, and gain a greater ethical leadership role.

year: 2011

title: Automated aerial seed planting using biodegradable polymers

authors: Cozens, Wade

subjects: Biodegradable

abstract: The purpose of the thesis was to undertake a preliminary product design to assess the feasibility of using drone technology to aid reforestation for automated seed planting. This product would be able to increase productivity and reduce labour costs, especially when applied in difficult to reach terrains around New Zealand. Ultimately, the final product would be a weaponised drone or a swarm of drones that can fire plastic seed capsules into soil to a specific depth to prevent predation and ensure optimal germination conditions. The proof of concept hinges on the success of three objectives: Assessing and controlling the capsule’s biodegradability in soil. A method of mass manufacturing projectile seed capsules that can be delivered at high velocity and the ability of it to be fired into soil to a specific depth to ensure safe germination.  

Novatein was blended with poly(butylene adipate terephthalate) (PBAT) to aid sheet extrusion and improve water resistance. Biodegradability was tested by measuring the ability of bacteria and fungi to metabolise the polymer blends into CO2 by enclosing samples in soil at 25 °C. PBAT showed very little biodegradation under these conditions, where approximately 3 % of the theoretical carbon content of the sample was converted to CO2. Novatein reached 20 %, and the blends were intermediate, based on the amount of PBAT present. It was concluded that PBAT can effectively control the rate and extent of biodegradation in blends with Novatein. 

A method for mass manufacturing seed capsules was evaluated by compression moulding spheres to test mouldability and manufacturing lap welded samples to quantify weld strength. Blends of Novatein and PBAT were successfully moulded and welded above the glass transition temperature of the material; optimal parameters were 105 °C with a three minute hold time. Lap welds were tested by varying the compression force and sheet thickness and thereby reducing the weld times to approximately eight seconds. Welded samples were tested for tensile and peel strength, where 0.68 mm thick sheets, welded at 750 N compression force, yielded the highest tensile strength (88 % that of an un-welded samples). Thicker sheets (1.52 mm) welded at 900 N compression force, resulted in the highest peel force. Producing capsules capable of penetrating soil would benefit from thicker sheets using sufficient pressure to prevent peeling at the seam. 

Finally, seed capsule delivery was assessed using empirical modelling in combination with controlled soil conditions. Models created by Young and Lorenz used a dynamic cone penetrometer (DCP) to measure the soil’s penetration resistance to predict the penetration depth of a known projectile. These models were developed for considerably heavier projectiles (> 2.2 kg) and penetration depths much greater than considered here. Considering the DCP measures the soils resistance to penetration at a depth of one meter, a comparison to a 10th scale model was investigated. Contrary to expected, the standard DCP predicted the penetration depth of high velocity projectiles to a reasonably accuracy (~20 %) using two different types of homogenous sand, tested at three moisture contents. The scaled model failed to account for soil types, which was shown to have significant influence during high velocity testing. The work here highlighted the importance of considering realistic forestry soil, despite the accuracy of the prediction in homogenous sand.

Although an integrated product has not been developed, this project has shown that a strategy exists for controlling the rate of biodegradation of Novatein/PBAT. A plausible method for mass manufacturing seed capsules was demonstrated using compression moulding of Novatein blends. Penetration depth was predicted accurately for homogenous soil, this requires further research into applying the model to realistic top soil conditions. The final stage of the larger project is to integrate a firing mechanism with a drone for automated delivery of seed capsules produced from vacuum forming.

text: Automated aerial seed planting using biodegradable polymers The purpose of the thesis was to undertake a preliminary product design to assess the feasibility of using drone technology to aid reforestation for automated seed planting. This product would be able to increase productivity and reduce labour costs, especially when applied in difficult to reach terrains around New Zealand. Ultimately, the final product would be a weaponised drone or a swarm of drones that can fire plastic seed capsules into soil to a specific depth to prevent predation and ensure optimal germination conditions. The proof of concept hinges on the success of three objectives: Assessing and controlling the capsule’s biodegradability in soil. A method of mass manufacturing projectile seed capsules that can be delivered at high velocity and the ability of it to be fired into soil to a specific depth to ensure safe germination.  

Novatein was blended with poly(butylene adipate terephthalate) (PBAT) to aid sheet extrusion and improve water resistance. Biodegradability was tested by measuring the ability of bacteria and fungi to metabolise the polymer blends into CO2 by enclosing samples in soil at 25 °C. PBAT showed very little biodegradation under these conditions, where approximately 3 % of the theoretical carbon content of the sample was converted to CO2. Novatein reached 20 %, and the blends were intermediate, based on the amount of PBAT present. It was concluded that PBAT can effectively control the rate and extent of biodegradation in blends with Novatein. 

A method for mass manufacturing seed capsules was evaluated by compression moulding spheres to test mouldability and manufacturing lap welded samples to quantify weld strength. Blends of Novatein and PBAT were successfully moulded and welded above the glass transition temperature of the material; optimal parameters were 105 °C with a three minute hold time. Lap welds were tested by varying the compression force and sheet thickness and thereby reducing the weld times to approximately eight seconds. Welded samples were tested for tensile and peel strength, where 0.68 mm thick sheets, welded at 750 N compression force, yielded the highest tensile strength (88 % that of an un-welded samples). Thicker sheets (1.52 mm) welded at 900 N compression force, resulted in the highest peel force. Producing capsules capable of penetrating soil would benefit from thicker sheets using sufficient pressure to prevent peeling at the seam. 

Finally, seed capsule delivery was assessed using empirical modelling in combination with controlled soil conditions. Models created by Young and Lorenz used a dynamic cone penetrometer (DCP) to measure the soil’s penetration resistance to predict the penetration depth of a known projectile. These models were developed for considerably heavier projectiles (> 2.2 kg) and penetration depths much greater than considered here. Considering the DCP measures the soils resistance to penetration at a depth of one meter, a comparison to a 10th scale model was investigated. Contrary to expected, the standard DCP predicted the penetration depth of high velocity projectiles to a reasonably accuracy (~20 %) using two different types of homogenous sand, tested at three moisture contents. The scaled model failed to account for soil types, which was shown to have significant influence during high velocity testing. The work here highlighted the importance of considering realistic forestry soil, despite the accuracy of the prediction in homogenous sand.

Although an integrated product has not been developed, this project has shown that a strategy exists for controlling the rate of biodegradation of Novatein/PBAT. A plausible method for mass manufacturing seed capsules was demonstrated using compression moulding of Novatein blends. Penetration depth was predicted accurately for homogenous soil, this requires further research into applying the model to realistic top soil conditions. The final stage of the larger project is to integrate a firing mechanism with a drone for automated delivery of seed capsules produced from vacuum forming.

year: 2019

title: Lake Rotokakahi: The kakahi (Hyridella menziesi) in a general framework of lake health

authors: Butterworth, Joseph

subjects: Rotokakahi

abstract: Lake Rotokakahi is a mesotrophic lake located within the Rotorua Lakes District, North Island, New Zealand. Under the legal guardianship of the Tuhourangi and Ngati Tumatawera tribes of Te Arawa it has remained closed to the public since 1948. 

Lake Rotokakahi was last monitored regularly in 1996 under the Environment Bay of Plenty (EBOP) water quality monitoring programme with only the lake outlet (Te Wairoa Stream) being monitored since that time. Water quality data collected up to 1996 suggests that there may be degradation of water quality in the lake, as indicated by declining levels of dissolved oxygen in the bottom waters.

 Lake Rotokakahi steeped in historical significance, as well as having major cultural and recreational values was well known for its abundant resources and as the name suggests, particularly for its massive supply of the freshwater mussel or kakahi (Hyridella menziesi). Freshwater mussel species worldwide are in decline however little is known on factors controlling kakahi abundance and distribution. 

The overarching objective of this thesis is update water quality data last monitored in Lake Rotokakahi in 1996 while also identifying key environmental variables thought to influence kakahi populations.  This objective is underpinned by a number of aims that include:
 	Establishment of a 12-13 month water quality programme within Lake Rotokakahi so that data is obtained for comparisons with previous water quality data (pre-1997) to allow assessment of whether there have been water quality changes in the lake.
 	Conduct a population survey of the resident kakahi population examining possible environmental factors influencing their populations.
 	Present an oral history of Lake Rotokakahi focusing on its historical significance, water quality, and collection of kairoto (food collected form lakes).

from the 18 September 2006 to 14 September 2007 monthly water sampling was carried out at a mid lake station, the lake outflow and inflow for measures of nutrients, phytoplankton, zooplankton and chlorophyll a. Vertical profiles of temperature dissolved oxygen and chlorophyll fluorescence were also taken on various part of Lake Rotokakahi.

A lengthened period of anoxia in the bottom waters during thermal stratification was recorded with increased levels of chlorophyll a in winter and reduced secchi disk depth indicating an increase in phytoplankton biomass. Nutrient concentrations remain moderate relative to historical data. On going water quality monitoring on Lake Rotokakahi is recommended to further evaluate the extent of which water quality change is occurring. This will provide a better understanding of how Lake Rotokakahi can be best managed to further preserve the lake.

On 1 March and 20 April kakahi were sampled at five sites. Large kakahi densities were distributed predominantly in depths above the hypolimnion. Chlorophyll a fluorescence and dissolved oxygen were found to be the best correlates for kakahi density and biomass respectively. Low dissolved oxygen concentrations in the hypolimnion are thought to restrict kakahi distributions to above the thermocline in periods of hypolimnetic anoxia.

text: Lake Rotokakahi: The kakahi (Hyridella menziesi) in a general framework of lake health Lake Rotokakahi is a mesotrophic lake located within the Rotorua Lakes District, North Island, New Zealand. Under the legal guardianship of the Tuhourangi and Ngati Tumatawera tribes of Te Arawa it has remained closed to the public since 1948. 

Lake Rotokakahi was last monitored regularly in 1996 under the Environment Bay of Plenty (EBOP) water quality monitoring programme with only the lake outlet (Te Wairoa Stream) being monitored since that time. Water quality data collected up to 1996 suggests that there may be degradation of water quality in the lake, as indicated by declining levels of dissolved oxygen in the bottom waters.

 Lake Rotokakahi steeped in historical significance, as well as having major cultural and recreational values was well known for its abundant resources and as the name suggests, particularly for its massive supply of the freshwater mussel or kakahi (Hyridella menziesi). Freshwater mussel species worldwide are in decline however little is known on factors controlling kakahi abundance and distribution. 

The overarching objective of this thesis is update water quality data last monitored in Lake Rotokakahi in 1996 while also identifying key environmental variables thought to influence kakahi populations.  This objective is underpinned by a number of aims that include:
 	Establishment of a 12-13 month water quality programme within Lake Rotokakahi so that data is obtained for comparisons with previous water quality data (pre-1997) to allow assessment of whether there have been water quality changes in the lake.
 	Conduct a population survey of the resident kakahi population examining possible environmental factors influencing their populations.
 	Present an oral history of Lake Rotokakahi focusing on its historical significance, water quality, and collection of kairoto (food collected form lakes).

from the 18 September 2006 to 14 September 2007 monthly water sampling was carried out at a mid lake station, the lake outflow and inflow for measures of nutrients, phytoplankton, zooplankton and chlorophyll a. Vertical profiles of temperature dissolved oxygen and chlorophyll fluorescence were also taken on various part of Lake Rotokakahi.

A lengthened period of anoxia in the bottom waters during thermal stratification was recorded with increased levels of chlorophyll a in winter and reduced secchi disk depth indicating an increase in phytoplankton biomass. Nutrient concentrations remain moderate relative to historical data. On going water quality monitoring on Lake Rotokakahi is recommended to further evaluate the extent of which water quality change is occurring. This will provide a better understanding of how Lake Rotokakahi can be best managed to further preserve the lake.

On 1 March and 20 April kakahi were sampled at five sites. Large kakahi densities were distributed predominantly in depths above the hypolimnion. Chlorophyll a fluorescence and dissolved oxygen were found to be the best correlates for kakahi density and biomass respectively. Low dissolved oxygen concentrations in the hypolimnion are thought to restrict kakahi distributions to above the thermocline in periods of hypolimnetic anoxia.

year: 2008