title: A systems approach to the description and interpretation of the landsurface of the northern half of the North Island, New Zealand

authors: Conacher, A.J.

abstract: The paper examines a framework of approach within which landsurface analysis may be undertaken in the humid-temperate northern half of the North Island, New Zealand; an area exhibiting a wide range of lithologies and surface cover, with evidence of recent and current tectonic and volcanic activity, and undergoing active geomorphic processes'. The largely theoretical formulations of W. M. Davis, W. Penck and L. C. King are considered briefly and are rejected on both theoretical and practical grounds. General systems theory encompasses certain concepts and systems properties which have been applied by a number of geomorphologists. The open system property of dynamic equilibrium is examined, and is found to be inapplicable to the total landsurface of this region. The concepts of environment and sub-system are introduced and their relevance to the region illustrated by a physical hillslope model. Dynamic equilibrium is considered to be a possible state of certain hillslope sub-systems. Construction of a mathematical model to describe the total landsurface or the entire hillslope system is not feasible until hillslope sub-systems have been analysed. The form of a linear regression model applicable to hillslope sub-systems is introduced, and it is suggested that the pattern of the residuals from regression may be used as a statistical technique to assist in identifying .significant system boundary conditions, and to provide a quantitative indication of the influence of historical factors.

text: A systems approach to the description and interpretation of the landsurface of the northern half of the North Island, New Zealand The paper examines a framework of approach within which landsurface analysis may be undertaken in the humid-temperate northern half of the North Island, New Zealand; an area exhibiting a wide range of lithologies and surface cover, with evidence of recent and current tectonic and volcanic activity, and undergoing active geomorphic processes'. The largely theoretical formulations of W. M. Davis, W. Penck and L. C. King are considered briefly and are rejected on both theoretical and practical grounds. General systems theory encompasses certain concepts and systems properties which have been applied by a number of geomorphologists. The open system property of dynamic equilibrium is examined, and is found to be inapplicable to the total landsurface of this region. The concepts of environment and sub-system are introduced and their relevance to the region illustrated by a physical hillslope model. Dynamic equilibrium is considered to be a possible state of certain hillslope sub-systems. Construction of a mathematical model to describe the total landsurface or the entire hillslope system is not feasible until hillslope sub-systems have been analysed. The form of a linear regression model applicable to hillslope sub-systems is introduced, and it is suggested that the pattern of the residuals from regression may be used as a statistical technique to assist in identifying .significant system boundary conditions, and to provide a quantitative indication of the influence of historical factors.

year: 1967

title: Reliability of Repeated Isometric Neck Strength in Rugby Union Players Using a Load Cell Device

authors: Chavarro-Nieto, Christian

subjects: Science & Technology

abstract: Concussion is the most common injury in professional Rugby Union (RU) players, with increasing incidence and severity each year. Strengthening the neck is an intervention used to decrease concussion incidence and severity, which can only be proven effective if neck strength measures are reliable. We conducted a repeated-measures reliability study with 23 male RU players. Neck strength was assessed seated in a ‘make’ test fashion in flexion, extension, and bilateral side flexion. Flexion-to-extension and left-to-right side ratios were also computed. Three testing sessions were undertaken over three consecutive weeks. Intrasession and intersession reliabilities were assessed using typical errors, coefficient of variations (CV), and intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC). Intrasession reliability demonstrated good-to-excellent relative (ICC > 0.75) and good absolute (CV ≤ 20%) reliability in all directions (ICC = 0.86–0.95, CV = 6.4–8.8%), whereas intersession reliability showed fair relative (ICC: 0.40 to 0.75) and acceptable absolute (CV ≤ 20%) reliability for mean and maximal values (ICC = 0.51–0.69, CV = 14.5–19.8%). Intrasession reliability for flexion-to-extension ratio was good (relative, ICC = 0.86) and acceptable (absolute, CV = 11.5%), and was fair (relative, ICC = 0.75) and acceptable (absolute, CV = 11.5%) for left-to-right ratio. Intersession ratios from mean and maximal values were fair (relative, ICC = 0.52–0.55) but not always acceptable (absolute, CV = 16.8–24%). Assessing isometric neck strength with a head harness and a cable with a load cell device seated in semi-professional RU players is feasible and demonstrates good-to-excellent intrasession and fair intersession reliability. We provided data from RU players to inform practice and assist standardization of testing methods.

text: Reliability of Repeated Isometric Neck Strength in Rugby Union Players Using a Load Cell Device Concussion is the most common injury in professional Rugby Union (RU) players, with increasing incidence and severity each year. Strengthening the neck is an intervention used to decrease concussion incidence and severity, which can only be proven effective if neck strength measures are reliable. We conducted a repeated-measures reliability study with 23 male RU players. Neck strength was assessed seated in a ‘make’ test fashion in flexion, extension, and bilateral side flexion. Flexion-to-extension and left-to-right side ratios were also computed. Three testing sessions were undertaken over three consecutive weeks. Intrasession and intersession reliabilities were assessed using typical errors, coefficient of variations (CV), and intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC). Intrasession reliability demonstrated good-to-excellent relative (ICC > 0.75) and good absolute (CV ≤ 20%) reliability in all directions (ICC = 0.86–0.95, CV = 6.4–8.8%), whereas intersession reliability showed fair relative (ICC: 0.40 to 0.75) and acceptable absolute (CV ≤ 20%) reliability for mean and maximal values (ICC = 0.51–0.69, CV = 14.5–19.8%). Intrasession reliability for flexion-to-extension ratio was good (relative, ICC = 0.86) and acceptable (absolute, CV = 11.5%), and was fair (relative, ICC = 0.75) and acceptable (absolute, CV = 11.5%) for left-to-right ratio. Intersession ratios from mean and maximal values were fair (relative, ICC = 0.52–0.55) but not always acceptable (absolute, CV = 16.8–24%). Assessing isometric neck strength with a head harness and a cable with a load cell device seated in semi-professional RU players is feasible and demonstrates good-to-excellent intrasession and fair intersession reliability. We provided data from RU players to inform practice and assist standardization of testing methods.

year: 2022-04-01

title: Looking Past the Mess: Māori Homelessness and Mental Health Care

authors: Johnson, Diana

subjects: Homelessness

abstract: Homelessness is a pressing social and health concern that affects Māori disproportionately. This research explores the provision of mental health services to Māori who are homeless. The thesis has two primary aims. First, to document the experiences of Māori homeless people who live with mental health concerns and their relationships with mental health professionals. Second, to document the experiences of mental health professionals and how they interact with, provide care for, and build relationships with Māori Homeless. The skills of, and the difficulties faced by these professionals in provisions of quality of care are also considered. Three male and three female homeless participants were recruited from the Waikato and Auckland regions. All participants had received care from Non Governmental Organisations (NGOs) and/or District Health Board services (DHB). Participating mental health professionals included one female and five males. Mental health professionals included counsellors, therapists, psychologists, social workers, crisis team coordinator, and a cultural advisor. All participants took part in individual semi-structured interviews conducted in an open and conversational manner.  Key themes for homeless participants included their general life histories of mental illness, mental health service use, relationship with professionals, cultural issues, and concerns that Māori homeless wanted to discuss. Key themes for mental health professionals included their approaches when working with homeless people, relationship building, barriers to working with this group and possible solutions, linking with other professionals or organisations, and issues mental health professionals wanted to discuss. Findings highlight the importance of strong therapeutic relationships between homeless clients and mental health professionals, the need for more joined up (multi-level agency) approach to service delivery, and the importance of Māori ideology in restoring wellbeing and dignity. Findings suggest that the effectiveness of mental health service delivery relies in part on information provided by stakeholders. Information provided by homeless people and mental health professionals informs both service delivery and the ways in which practitioners can best support the needs of homeless people.

text: Looking Past the Mess: Māori Homelessness and Mental Health Care Homelessness is a pressing social and health concern that affects Māori disproportionately. This research explores the provision of mental health services to Māori who are homeless. The thesis has two primary aims. First, to document the experiences of Māori homeless people who live with mental health concerns and their relationships with mental health professionals. Second, to document the experiences of mental health professionals and how they interact with, provide care for, and build relationships with Māori Homeless. The skills of, and the difficulties faced by these professionals in provisions of quality of care are also considered. Three male and three female homeless participants were recruited from the Waikato and Auckland regions. All participants had received care from Non Governmental Organisations (NGOs) and/or District Health Board services (DHB). Participating mental health professionals included one female and five males. Mental health professionals included counsellors, therapists, psychologists, social workers, crisis team coordinator, and a cultural advisor. All participants took part in individual semi-structured interviews conducted in an open and conversational manner.  Key themes for homeless participants included their general life histories of mental illness, mental health service use, relationship with professionals, cultural issues, and concerns that Māori homeless wanted to discuss. Key themes for mental health professionals included their approaches when working with homeless people, relationship building, barriers to working with this group and possible solutions, linking with other professionals or organisations, and issues mental health professionals wanted to discuss. Findings highlight the importance of strong therapeutic relationships between homeless clients and mental health professionals, the need for more joined up (multi-level agency) approach to service delivery, and the importance of Māori ideology in restoring wellbeing and dignity. Findings suggest that the effectiveness of mental health service delivery relies in part on information provided by stakeholders. Information provided by homeless people and mental health professionals informs both service delivery and the ways in which practitioners can best support the needs of homeless people.

year: 2009