University of Auckland

About: University of Auckland is a education organization based out in Auckland, New Zealand. It is known for research contribution in the topics: Population & Context (language use). The organization has 28049 authors who have published 77706 publications receiving 2689366 citations. The organization is also known as: The University of Auckland & Auckland University College.

The use of system dynamics simulation in water resources management

Abstract: In this paper we discuss the use of system dynamics as a methodology with which to address dynamically complex problems in water resources management. Problems in regional planning and river basin management, urban water management, flooding and irrigation exhibit important short-term and long-term effects, and are often contentious issues with high potential for conflict. We argue that system dynamics combined with stakeholder involvement provides an appropriate methodology to address these issues effectively. We trace the theoretical and practical evolution of system dynamics in these areas over the past 50 years. From this review of the literature and selected case studies we identify and discuss a number of best practices and common pitfalls in applications of system dynamics simulation.

The role of illness perceptions in patients with medical conditions

Abstract: Purpose of reviewIn this article we summarize recent investigations into the influence of illness perceptions on outcomes in patients with medical conditions.Recent findingsDevelopments in assessment include the publishing of a new brief scale to assess illness perceptions and the examination of the

Landscapes of Care

Abstract: The term ‘landscapes of care’ has increasingly taken hold in the lexicon of health geography. As the complex social, embodied and organizational spatialities that emerge from and through relationships of care, landscapes of care open up spaces that enable us to unpack how differing bodies of geographical work might be thought of in relationship to each other. Specifically, we explore the relation between ‘proximity’ and ‘distance’ and caring for and about. In doing so, we seek to disrupt notions of proximity as straightforward geographical closeness, maintaining that even at a physical distance care can be socially and emotionally proximate.

Biofilm formation at the air-liquid interface by the Pseudomonas fluorescens SBW25 wrinkly spreader requires an acetylated form of cellulose.

Abstract: Summary The wrinkly spreader (WS) genotype of Pseudomonas fluorescens SBW25 colonizes the air–liquid interface of spatially structured microcosms resulting in formation of a thick biofilm. Its ability to colonize this niche is largely due to overproduction of a cellulosic polymer, the product of the wss operon. Chemical analysis of the biofilm matrix shows that the cellulosic polymer is partially acetylated cellulose, which is consistent with predictions of gene function based on in silico analysis of wss. Both polar and non-polar mutations in the sixth gene of the wss operon (wssF ) or adjacent downstream genes (wssGHIJ ) generated mutants that overproduce non-acetylated cellulose, thus implicating WssFGHIJ in acetylation of cellulose. WssGHI are homologues of AlgFIJ from P. aeruginosa, which together are necessary and sufficient to acetylate alginate polymer. WssF belongs to a newly established Pfam family and is predicted to provide acyl groups to WssGHI. The role of WssJ is unclear, but its similarity to MinD-like proteins suggests a role in polar localization of the acetylation complex. Fluorescent microscopy of Calcofluor-stained biofilms revealed a matrix structure composed of networks of cellulose fibres, sheets and clumped material. Quantitative analyses of biofilm structure showed that acetylation of cellulose is important for effective colonization of the air–liquid interface: mutants identical to WS, but defective in enzymes required for acetylation produced biofilms with altered physical properties. In addition, mutants producing non-acetylated cellulose were unable to spread rapidly across solid surfaces. Inclusion in these assays of a WS mutant with a defect in the GGDEF regulator (WspR) confirmed the requirement for this protein in expression of both acetylated cellulose polymer and bacterial attachment. These results suggest a model in which WspR regulation of cellulose expression and attachment plays a role in the co-ordination of surface colonization.

Relationships between Ground Reaction Force Impulse and Kinematics of Sprint-Running Acceleration

Abstract: The literature contains some hypotheses regarding the most favorable ground reaction force (GRF) for sprint running and how it might be achieved. This study tested the relevance of these hypotheses to the acceleration phase of a sprint, using GRF impulse as the GRF variable of interest. Thirty-six athletes performed maximal-effort sprints from which video and GRF data were collected at the 16-m mark. Associations between GRF impulse (expressed relative to body mass) and various kinematic measures were explored with simple and multiple linear regressions and paired t-tests. The regression results showed that relative propulsive impulse accounted for 57% of variance in sprint velocity. Relative braking impulse accounted for only 7% of variance in sprint velocity. In addition, the faster athletes tended to produce only moderate magnitudes of relative vertical impulse. Paired t-tests revealed that lower magnitudes of relative braking impulse were associated with a smaller touchdown distance (p < 0.01) and a more active touchdown (p < 0.001). Also, greater magnitudes of relative propulsive impulse were associated with a high mean hip extension velocity of the stance limb (p < 0.05). In conclusion, it is likely that high magnitudes of propulsion are required to achieve high acceleration. Although there was a weak trend for faster athletes to produce lower magnitudes of braking, the possibility of braking having some advantages could not be ruled out. Further research is required to see if braking, propulsive, and vertical impulses can be modified with specific training. This will also provide insight into how a change in one GRF component might affect the others.