title: Analysis of cow culling with a machine learning workbench

authors: DeWar, Rhys

subjects: computer science

abstract: This report discusses the use of machine learning tools to examine datasets extracted from a database of dairy cows. The objective of the study was to investigate whether these machine learning tools could extract meaningful rules from the datasets, and in the process, understand more about how these tools manipulate data.

text: Analysis of cow culling with a machine learning workbench This report discusses the use of machine learning tools to examine datasets extracted from a database of dairy cows. The objective of the study was to investigate whether these machine learning tools could extract meaningful rules from the datasets, and in the process, understand more about how these tools manipulate data.

year: 1995-01

title: Exploring the nature of psychological wellness of renal patients on dialysis under the care of the Waikato Regional Renal Centre

authors: Pepperell, Cherie Susan

subjects: renal

abstract: In New Zealand, there has been limited enquiry into the experiences of dialysis patients and the health professionals who work with these patients. The number of people requiring dialysis is increasing every year and the support they require to manage end stage kidney disease is complex. It involves the invasive physical intervention of dialysis, as well as psychological support to cope with the significant life changes and social support to help patients to manage this disease.
The purpose of this research is to explore the nature of psychological well-being of patients under the care of the Waikato Regional Renal Unit. The level of psychological support that the patients have access to is investigated and suggested improvements rationalised against prior research findings are presented. The intent of this research is to create an awareness of the psychological needs of dialysis patients. It aims to give insight into the participants’ lived experience as they openly describe their lives as dialysis patients, and endeavours to open up discussion for change.
Two data gathering approaches were used to engage with patients and health professional. I completed interviews with 11 renal patients and 14 health professionals, and administered a mail out questionnaire to 197 patient respondents. Thematic analysis of the interview data identified the following themes; the impacts of end stage kidney disease on the psychological well-being of renal patients, the need for psychological support for patients with end stage kidney disease, and the need for improved communication between and across all parties; the support people, the health professionals and the renal patient.

text: Exploring the nature of psychological wellness of renal patients on dialysis under the care of the Waikato Regional Renal Centre In New Zealand, there has been limited enquiry into the experiences of dialysis patients and the health professionals who work with these patients. The number of people requiring dialysis is increasing every year and the support they require to manage end stage kidney disease is complex. It involves the invasive physical intervention of dialysis, as well as psychological support to cope with the significant life changes and social support to help patients to manage this disease.
The purpose of this research is to explore the nature of psychological well-being of patients under the care of the Waikato Regional Renal Unit. The level of psychological support that the patients have access to is investigated and suggested improvements rationalised against prior research findings are presented. The intent of this research is to create an awareness of the psychological needs of dialysis patients. It aims to give insight into the participants’ lived experience as they openly describe their lives as dialysis patients, and endeavours to open up discussion for change.
Two data gathering approaches were used to engage with patients and health professional. I completed interviews with 11 renal patients and 14 health professionals, and administered a mail out questionnaire to 197 patient respondents. Thematic analysis of the interview data identified the following themes; the impacts of end stage kidney disease on the psychological well-being of renal patients, the need for psychological support for patients with end stage kidney disease, and the need for improved communication between and across all parties; the support people, the health professionals and the renal patient.

year: 2017

title: He Māori, He Turi, He Turi, He Māori. Advancing the aspirations of Māori Deaf with their indigenous Connections: A case study

authors: Dunn, Katie Merepaea

subjects: Māori Deaf

abstract: Indigenous peoples consider their connection to whenua (land), whakapapa (genealogy), te reo (language) and tikanga (cultural values) to be an integral part of their worldview (Mead, 2003 & Barlow, 1991).

The identity struggle for indigenous minorities living within a colonised environment has been well documented (Bishop, 1995; Smith G, 1997; Smith L, 1999, & Walker, 2004). The controversies over land, customs, culture and language are major issues to understanding and maintaining one’s own cultural identity and, when considering the Deaf indigenous minorities, the task seems colossal.

When a Māori individual belongs to the hearing majority, the ability to find a place to stand, a connection to one’s turangawaewae (standing place), whakapapa, and marae (village) can be a personal struggle; however, this can often be overcome through a shared experience, through communication at a whānau (family), hapū (sub tribe) and iwi (tribe) level.  However, when the individual is part of a double minority such as the Māori Deaf community, the ability to engage and establish a relationship to enhance their connection to their turangawaewae, can become difficult due to the need to communicate in three different languages: English, Māori and Sign Language.  These language issues can create barriers for the Deaf, Māori and hearing communities at a whānau, hapū and iwi level.

This thesis examines a series of workshops created to advance the indigenous connections and understanding within the Māori Deaf community and Te Ao Māori (Māori worldview). It explores how the integration of the Deaf and hearing, indigenous Māori language and New Zealand Sign Language along with practical workshops can assist the aspirations of Māori Deaf within the advancement of Te Ao Māori and Te Reo Māori.  Within this thesis I will undertake a series of interviews with participants who are at the forefront of the Māori Deaf community. A suggestion of moving forward to address the needs of the Māori Deaf community within the desire to connect to their Māori language and customs is also offered within this thesis.

text: He Māori, He Turi, He Turi, He Māori. Advancing the aspirations of Māori Deaf with their indigenous Connections: A case study Indigenous peoples consider their connection to whenua (land), whakapapa (genealogy), te reo (language) and tikanga (cultural values) to be an integral part of their worldview (Mead, 2003 & Barlow, 1991).

The identity struggle for indigenous minorities living within a colonised environment has been well documented (Bishop, 1995; Smith G, 1997; Smith L, 1999, & Walker, 2004). The controversies over land, customs, culture and language are major issues to understanding and maintaining one’s own cultural identity and, when considering the Deaf indigenous minorities, the task seems colossal.

When a Māori individual belongs to the hearing majority, the ability to find a place to stand, a connection to one’s turangawaewae (standing place), whakapapa, and marae (village) can be a personal struggle; however, this can often be overcome through a shared experience, through communication at a whānau (family), hapū (sub tribe) and iwi (tribe) level.  However, when the individual is part of a double minority such as the Māori Deaf community, the ability to engage and establish a relationship to enhance their connection to their turangawaewae, can become difficult due to the need to communicate in three different languages: English, Māori and Sign Language.  These language issues can create barriers for the Deaf, Māori and hearing communities at a whānau, hapū and iwi level.

This thesis examines a series of workshops created to advance the indigenous connections and understanding within the Māori Deaf community and Te Ao Māori (Māori worldview). It explores how the integration of the Deaf and hearing, indigenous Māori language and New Zealand Sign Language along with practical workshops can assist the aspirations of Māori Deaf within the advancement of Te Ao Māori and Te Reo Māori.  Within this thesis I will undertake a series of interviews with participants who are at the forefront of the Māori Deaf community. A suggestion of moving forward to address the needs of the Māori Deaf community within the desire to connect to their Māori language and customs is also offered within this thesis.

year: 2012