title: Investigating the use of activity trackers to observe high-risk work environments

authors: Bowen, Judy

subjects: computer science

abstract: The New Zealand forestry industry has the country's highest rate of workplace fatalities. The reasons are not well studied or understood and no large-scale systematic physical and physiological data has been recorded to investigate this. Current research focusses on developing mechanised solutions and changing worker behaviour. We believe the first step in identifying any successful solution is to develop a fine-grained understanding of the physical context of forestry work by performing large-scale data collection of the levels of physical activity the workers engage in as well as their sleep patterns over extended periods of time. Our goal is to use lightweight, wearable technology (so-called activity trackers) to collect this data. In order to do so we need a clear understanding of the capabilities and limitations of such devices, both in general and in the proposed use environment for forestry workers. In this paper we present the results of user studies and comparisons of six activity trackers and three mobile phone applications used to track activity and sleep. We also discuss our initial pilot study with forestry workers and discuss the problems encountered using the trackers in the environment.

text: Investigating the use of activity trackers to observe high-risk work environments The New Zealand forestry industry has the country's highest rate of workplace fatalities. The reasons are not well studied or understood and no large-scale systematic physical and physiological data has been recorded to investigate this. Current research focusses on developing mechanised solutions and changing worker behaviour. We believe the first step in identifying any successful solution is to develop a fine-grained understanding of the physical context of forestry work by performing large-scale data collection of the levels of physical activity the workers engage in as well as their sleep patterns over extended periods of time. Our goal is to use lightweight, wearable technology (so-called activity trackers) to collect this data. In order to do so we need a clear understanding of the capabilities and limitations of such devices, both in general and in the proposed use environment for forestry workers. In this paper we present the results of user studies and comparisons of six activity trackers and three mobile phone applications used to track activity and sleep. We also discuss our initial pilot study with forestry workers and discuss the problems encountered using the trackers in the environment.

year: 2015

title: Social integration and public relations: Global lessons from an Israeli experience

authors: Toledano, Margalit

subjects: social integration

abstract: This article looks at the origins and evolution of social integration in Israel. Developing a cultural roots approach, it considers the promotion of social integration as one of the most challenging goals on the agenda of the Zionist institutions and the government of Israel. It tracks the role played by a Jewish public sphere formed in the Diaspora even before the 20th century and to confirm the continuity between that history and formation, the article then examines later stages of the process through interviews with media and public relations practitioners who were involved in campaigns that took place after the establishment of the State of Israel. Finally, it offers lessons for social integration projects elsewhere in the world.

text: Social integration and public relations: Global lessons from an Israeli experience This article looks at the origins and evolution of social integration in Israel. Developing a cultural roots approach, it considers the promotion of social integration as one of the most challenging goals on the agenda of the Zionist institutions and the government of Israel. It tracks the role played by a Jewish public sphere formed in the Diaspora even before the 20th century and to confirm the continuity between that history and formation, the article then examines later stages of the process through interviews with media and public relations practitioners who were involved in campaigns that took place after the establishment of the State of Israel. Finally, it offers lessons for social integration projects elsewhere in the world.

year: 2007

title: Taonga maioha: (Born this way) The in-depth stories of three Māori, Pasifika, and Indigenous Queens

authors: Tamuera Ariki, Paikea

abstract: Who else has the right to define these, Queens? 

This thesis provides a vital platform for the voices of three Māori, Pasifika, and Indigenous Queens, allowing them to share their transformation stories in their own words. Their experiences and feelings about in their words “being born into the wrong bodies” highlight the complex realities of identity and the struggle for acceptance by others. 

These Queens are unified in their desire for dignity and respect. Dignity and respect underscore a fundamental human right. They seek recognition in all areas of their lives, from healthcare to education, housing, employment, and beyond. By articulating their needs, they advocate for themselves and all marginalized individuals, seeking fairness and understanding within systems that often overlook them. 

Focusing on their lived experiences is crucial for fostering empathy and promoting systemic change, as it brings attention to the disparities they face and the importance of inclusivity in society. By sharing their truths, these Queens contribute to a broader dialogue about identity, respect, and the pursuit of equality for all. 

This thesis aims to illuminate the transformation stories or pūrākau of ten Māori and Pasifika Queens, to foster understanding of their unique experiences. The focus on those who identify as wahine despite being born biologically male allows the reader to highlight the rich diversity of gender identity within these cultures and groups. 

The Māori Ethics Committee granted ethics approval for the study, thereby paving the way for the Queens to tell their stories or pūrākau from their truths and perspectives. 

Taonga Maioha details the in-depth transformation stories of three Māori-Pasifika Queens aged 60 plus, supported by a contextual and cultural analysis of their generation. The voices and stories of the Queens are central to this thesis. These stories are thematically analyzed to unpack the cultural and generational influences impacting their identities. The core identity constructs of whakapapa, tinana, hinengaro, and wairua are used to frame and organize their transformation stories according to their instructions. Above all, this thesis is anchored in their rights to define themselves on the premise that they have the mana to define themselves irrespective of others who define them from the sidelines of their lives. Their definitions are theirs alone. The storytellers call themselves Queen, Wahine, or women. This is based on the assertion that it is their right to be called a Queen. In certain contexts, they may refer to themselves as takatāpui and transgender for the sake of acceptance by others. This thesis is written to enhance the mana of the storytellers. These are their stories and their truths. 

The late Dame Georgina Beyer, was one of the original participants in this thesis. Many interviews were conducted with her. Instructed by Georgina before her passing to publish elements of her story as part of this thesis. Unfortunately, the Ethics Committee at Waikato University did not accept this due to her passing. Hence, the reason ‘First Lady’ was introduced, where Liz Roberts gives exclusive details of her change, both legally and physically.

text: Taonga maioha: (Born this way) The in-depth stories of three Māori, Pasifika, and Indigenous Queens Who else has the right to define these, Queens? 

This thesis provides a vital platform for the voices of three Māori, Pasifika, and Indigenous Queens, allowing them to share their transformation stories in their own words. Their experiences and feelings about in their words “being born into the wrong bodies” highlight the complex realities of identity and the struggle for acceptance by others. 

These Queens are unified in their desire for dignity and respect. Dignity and respect underscore a fundamental human right. They seek recognition in all areas of their lives, from healthcare to education, housing, employment, and beyond. By articulating their needs, they advocate for themselves and all marginalized individuals, seeking fairness and understanding within systems that often overlook them. 

Focusing on their lived experiences is crucial for fostering empathy and promoting systemic change, as it brings attention to the disparities they face and the importance of inclusivity in society. By sharing their truths, these Queens contribute to a broader dialogue about identity, respect, and the pursuit of equality for all. 

This thesis aims to illuminate the transformation stories or pūrākau of ten Māori and Pasifika Queens, to foster understanding of their unique experiences. The focus on those who identify as wahine despite being born biologically male allows the reader to highlight the rich diversity of gender identity within these cultures and groups. 

The Māori Ethics Committee granted ethics approval for the study, thereby paving the way for the Queens to tell their stories or pūrākau from their truths and perspectives. 

Taonga Maioha details the in-depth transformation stories of three Māori-Pasifika Queens aged 60 plus, supported by a contextual and cultural analysis of their generation. The voices and stories of the Queens are central to this thesis. These stories are thematically analyzed to unpack the cultural and generational influences impacting their identities. The core identity constructs of whakapapa, tinana, hinengaro, and wairua are used to frame and organize their transformation stories according to their instructions. Above all, this thesis is anchored in their rights to define themselves on the premise that they have the mana to define themselves irrespective of others who define them from the sidelines of their lives. Their definitions are theirs alone. The storytellers call themselves Queen, Wahine, or women. This is based on the assertion that it is their right to be called a Queen. In certain contexts, they may refer to themselves as takatāpui and transgender for the sake of acceptance by others. This thesis is written to enhance the mana of the storytellers. These are their stories and their truths. 

The late Dame Georgina Beyer, was one of the original participants in this thesis. Many interviews were conducted with her. Instructed by Georgina before her passing to publish elements of her story as part of this thesis. Unfortunately, the Ethics Committee at Waikato University did not accept this due to her passing. Hence, the reason ‘First Lady’ was introduced, where Liz Roberts gives exclusive details of her change, both legally and physically.

year: 2024