bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Isokinetic strength of shoulder internal and external rotators in cricket bowlers
Authors: Mabasa X.M. , Stewart A. , Fleishman C.
Published: June 2017

The strength of the shoulder internal and external rotators incricket bowlers, may not be sufficient to cope with the demands of bowling.As very little research has been done on cricketers, this study was done to establish the isokinetic strength profile of the shoulder internal andexternal rotators in cricket bowlers.Isokinetic, shoulder rotational strength was evaluated in thirty malecricket volunteers with a mean age of 23.9 years and mean body weight of 70.3 kgs. The Cybex 340 dynamometer multi joint system was used to collect data on shoulder rotation strength in a standing neutral position. Data were collected at four different speeds (60,90,180 and 300deg/sec) and were computed for peak torque values for internal and external ratios for both dominant and non dominant shoulders.The results showed no statistically significant difference in the mean shoulder rotational torque between the bowlingand non-bowling shoulders for external rotation (p>0.05), and indicated statistically significant differences in themean shoulder rotational torque between the bowling and non-bowling shoulders for internal rotation (p<0.05). Therewas a significant decrease in isokinetic peak torque production for the external/internal rotator muscles as the speedof contraction increased (p<0.05). The peak torque ratio for the external/internal rotator muscles of the bowling armwere significantly less than of the non-bowling arm (p<0.05). These findings suggest that the strength ratios of thebowling arm need to be considered when managing young cricketers and their injuries.
Perceived effort of funtional activities after a period of mechanical ventilation
Authors: Roos R. , Van Aswegen H. , Eales C. J.
Published: June 2017

A case report to assess exercise testing post-mechanical ventilation, using functional activities while monitoring changes in the physiological parameters and subjective rating of perceived exertion.  The case report subject was able to use the Modified Borg Scale to report  her perception of perceived exertion during functional exercise testing.  An increase in heart rate, respiratory rate and Modified Borg Scale rating was noted on progression through the exercise test.  Difficulty was experienced with subject follow-up due to discharged from hospital as soon as the patient was considered to be medically stable.  The subject was unable to complete the functional exercise test before discharge.
Profile of stroke patients treated at a community - based rehabilitation centre in a Cape Town health district
Authors: Rhoda A. J. , Hendry J. A.
Published: June 2017

Stroke is a leading cause of death and disability in both developed and developing countries. Limited information is available, in South Africa, on the epidemiological profile of stroke survivors requiring rehabilitation. A descriptive study was therefore undertaken to compile, amongst others the demographic and medical profile of stroke patients attending  rehabilitation at a primary health care facility (Bishop Lavis Rehabilitation Centre).  Both medical- and rehabilitation records were reviewed to ensure completeness of information and to minimize missing clinical data bias. Relevant data was  captured on a data capture sheet.  The latter was based on key findings from the literature and developed by the researcher. The mean age of the population of stroke patients studied was 59 years, which is markedly younger than what has been reported globally in the literature. As was expected, hypertension was found to be the most prevalent risk factor. The presence of a combination of risk factors in the  majority of the group (on average, 2.4 risk factors per person) warrants the introduction of aggressive health  education and stroke prevention programmes at this primary health care centre.
Knowledge of stroke risk factors amongst black diabetic, hypertensive and stroke patients
Authors: Bogoshi G. , Stewart A. , Hale L. , Fritz V.
Published: June 2017

The objective of this study was to assess and compare theknowledge of black patients diagnosed with hypertension, diabetes and stroke about the risk factors for stroke.  Four groups made up of 33 subjects (hypertensive, diabetic, stroke and control group) were interviewed using open-ended questions and a structured questionnaire. Qualitative coding, frequencies and proportions were used to determine their knowledge.  Groups were compared with respect to percentage knowledge using the chi-square statistic at a 0.05 level of significance.  Stress was mentioned as the most important risk factor in all groups.  Although identification of stroke risk factors was  inadequate, the diabetic group was found to be significantly better in  identifying some of the risk factors (salt - p =0,05; sugar - p = 0,001; fat - p = 0,004; moderate smoking - p = 0,05; weight - p = 0,002)
Computer-based courseware for teaching commuication skills in health care
Authors: Grobler L. , Hugo A. , Baird N. , De Klerk B. , Murray A. J. , Poonyane C. , Prinsloo A.
Published: June 2017

No abstract available
Hydro-galvanic and rising - temperature bath therapy for chronic elbow epicondylitis: a comparative study
Authors: Mucha C.
Published: June 2017

The efficacy of two different regimens of physiotherapy for epicondylitis was compared. A combination treatment with hydrogalvanic four-cell bath and arm bath with rising temperature, which had showed good effects in treatment of tennis elbow in an earlier observational study (Mucha 1987), was compared with the analgesic interference current treatment often recommended in the literature (Sadil and Sadil 1994, Noteboom et al 1994, Becker and Reuter 1982). For this study, 60 patients with epicondylitis that was resistant to conservative treatment were randomized into two groups for comparison. In group 1, interference currents were administered twice a day for six weeks and group 2 received combination treatment with the hydrogalvanic four-cell bath and rising- temperature arm bath once a day for six weeks. Criteria for inclusion, control and appraisal were laid down prospectively. Several parameters were used, recorded and statistically evaluated as outcome measures.  These were active joint range of movement of the elbow, grip strength, pain provocation with muscle contraction, palpation pain and pain with functional activities.  The results showed a significant superiority of combination treatment over therapy with interference current. It is therefore recommended that hydrogalvanic four-cell bath and arm bath with rising temperature should be carried out before considering surgical treatment for chronic epicondylitis.
Widening access of black students into physiotherapy programmes in the South Africa
Authors: Mbambo N. P.
Published: June 2017

Access to learning and the provision of equal opportunities for success and progression to the previously disadvantaged communities is addressed extensively in the Education White Paper 3. While historically white universities have invested some effort to diversify the racial composition of their students, physiotherapy departments at these universities do not reflect a change in student demographics. The purpose of this article is to address the concept of widening access into physiotherapy education within the  context of transformation in higher education. The article examines the history of education in the past dispensation, the policies that have been put in place to redress the educational inequalities caused by the past dispensation and makes suggestions as to how universities can react to them. The literature that has examined the relationship between entry requirements and the success of students within the chosen profession is also outlined.  The article concludes with recommendations for a way forward for physiotherapy in addressing some of the issues related to student selection.
The role and importance of mentoring in physiotherapy
Authors: Naidoo N.
Published: June 2017

Numerous opportunities are afforded by mentoring for career development, new knowledge, stronger theoretical and practical foundations, as well as development of leadership and problem-solving skills. In physiotherapy, mentoring as relates to practice, education and research will help to ensure the growth and future of the profession. Mentoring can be utilised in many different instances in the teaching and learning cycle of physiotherapy students and physiotherapists and can contribute towards professional growth. The benefits derived by the mentor and mentee are immense if implemented in accordance with a deep understanding of the mentoring process. The mentoring process needs to be based on intelligent reading of situations and action by the mentor and mentee for a successful relationship. Each mentoring connection is unique, therefore each person enters the relationship and process with their own values and expectations. Mentoring practices are an effective way of supporting and fosteringdevelopment throughout the duration of the undergraduate physiotherapy programme, and professional and career development of physiotherapists. This article reviews the process of mentoring and its importance for implementation in physiotherapy, for undergraduate training and physiotherapy professional growth.
Development and initial validation of the ibadan knee/hip osteoarthritis outcome measure
Authors: Akinpelu A. O. , Odole A. C. , Adegoke B. O. A. , Adeyini A. F.
Published: June 2017

Background and Aim: Development of outcome measures remains a focus of health research in the 21st century. Outcome measures originally developed for the Nigerian environment are very rare. The aims of this study were to develop an outcome measure for management of hip and knee arthritic conditions, and to investigate the validity and responsiveness of it. Methods: The Ibadan Knee/Hip Osteoarthritis Measure (IKHOAM)was developed from other measures found in literature, as well as complaints of attending patients. Forty nine patients with pain from knee and/or hip osteoarthritis, the OA group (OAG) and 49 individuals without knee or hip pain, the pain-free group (PFG) were assessed, using the IKHOAM. The OAG was assessed on IKHOAM and the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) before and after a 6-week physiotherapy programme. Results: Significant differences between IKHOAM scores of the OAG and PFG and between IKHOAM scores of OAG pre and post 6-week physiotherapy programme, as well as the significant negative correlations between changes in IKHOAM and VAS scores of OAG before and after the 6-week physiotherapy programme were demonstrated. Conclusion: IKHOAM demonstrated initial criteria towards validity and responsiveness and may be used in a Nigerian population of OA knee/hip individuals and similar environments.
The law and sexual harassment in the physiotherapy work environment in South Africa
Authors: Bütow-Dütoit L. , Eksteen C. A. , De Waal M.
Published: June 2017

This paper presents the legal framework within which sexual harassment of healthcare professionals, including physiotherapists, may be managed in their work environment in South Africa. According to both international and national legal principles, sexual harassment is considered a form of discrimination. There are various statutes in South Africa that may assist physiotherapists when they seek redress after being sexually harassed. These entail labour-related laws, laws aimed at removing all forms of discrimination, as well as the criminal and civil pathways of seeking justice.
Reactions to sexual harassment of the physiotherapist
Authors: Bütow-Dûtoit L. , Eksteen C.A. , De Waal M.
Published: June 2017

This  paper follows on a previous paper describing a studyconducted on sexual harassment in the physiotherapy work environment inSouth Africa. A survey questionnaire was used to determine the reactions ofphysiotherapists  after  they  experienced  their  worst  incidents  of  sexualharassment. The most common method of handling the sexual harassmentwas to avoid the perpetrator or situation. The most common effects relatedto work performance after the sexual harassment had occurred, were adecrease in concentration, job pleasure and confidence in job performanceand the most common emotional effect experienced was anger.
Activity limitations of patients with stroke attending out-patient facilities in the Western Cape, South Africa
Authors: Rhoda A. , Mpofu R. , De Weerdt W.
Published: June 2017

A stroke can affect individuals at the levels of impairment, activity and participation. The aim of this study is to determine the activity limitations  of stroke  patients  receiving  rehabilitation  at  out-patient  Community health Centres  (ChCs).  A  longitudinal  observational  study  was conducted.  Activity limitations  were  measured  using  the  Rivermead Motor  Assessment  Scale, the  Barthel  Index  and  the  nottingham extended  Activities  of  Daily  living scale  (neADl).  The  study  population consisted  of  100  patients  with  stroke consecutively admitted to the Community health Centres for therapy. The data was  analysed  using inferential  and  descriptive  statistics.  The  majority  of  the participants were not able to climb stairs, travel on public transport, wash dishes, do washing, do household chores and shopping, socialize and manage the garden at six months post stroke. A significant improvement was noted in the  ability  of  the  participants  to  perform  basic  activities  of  daily living  between  baseline  and  two  months,  but  not between two and six months. There was however a significant improvement in their ability to perform instrumental activities of daily living between two and six months. Although the participants were able to perform basic activities of  daily living enabling them to be independent in their homes, they were unable to perform instrumental activities of daily living which limited their functioning in the community. There is a need for therapists to include activities which could facilitate re-integration into the community in their rehabilitation of patients with stroke.
Injury profile of musicians in the Bloemfontein-based Free State symphony orchestra: a short report
Authors: Barnes R. , Attwood H. , Blom J. , Jankielsohn S. , Janse van Rensburg W. , Smith T. , Van Ede L. , Nel M.
Published: June 2017

Similar  to  professional  athletes,  musicians  are  required  to perform optimally.  Few  studies  have  been  conducted  to  clarify  the  nature of injuries associated with musicians. This study aimed to determine the types of injuries and their prevalence amongst the musicians of the Free State Symphony orchestra (FSSo), contributing factors, the musicians’ response to injury, and their perception of physiotherapy. Forty-five members of the FSSO participated in this descriptive study. Analysis of data included frequencies and percentages for categorical data and percentiles for continuous data. Thirty-eight (84.4%) participants reported injuries related to playing their instruments. Insufficient resting  periods  during playing  sessions  (70.3%),  continuing  to  play  while experiencing symptoms (63.2%) and performing the same movement repetitively (64.9%) were identified as the perceived risk factors in the development of symptoms.  Seventeen  (44.7%)  participants  indicated that they  did  nothing  to relieve their symptoms, while 34.2% sought physiotherapy treatment, 31.6% took medication to alleviate their symptoms and 31.6% reduced their playing hours. Majority of participants (75%) felt that their symptoms could be relieved by physiotherapy. Injuries amongst musicians result from a combination of factors such as posture, repetitive movements and fatigue. Possible physiotherapeutic intervention identified included educating musicians on the advantages of early management of injuries in extending their professional careers.
Quality of life following a major lower limb ampu tation in Johann esburg, South Africa.
Authors: Godlwana L. , Stewart A. , Musenga E.
Published: June 2017

To determine the impact of lower limb amputation on qualityof life in people in the Johannesburg metropolitan area of South Africa, duringtheir reintegration to their society/community of origin.A longitudinal pre- test- post test design was utilized. Consecutive samplingwas used to recruit and interview participants (n=73) who met the inclusioncriteria. Ethical clearance was obtained. The hospitals and participants gaveinformed consent.The EQ-5D, Barthel Index, and Modified Household Economic andSocial Status Index were used to collect data. Participants were interviewed preoperatively and then followed upthree months post-operatively. Data were analysed using STATA version 10. Categorical data were analysedusing Chi-square/Fischer’s exact test and continuous data were analysed using Wilcoxon signed rank and medianregression.Most (n=21, 52.5 %) participants had no income. One participant was homeless, 17.5% (n=7) lived in shacks.The preoperative and postoperative median VAS of the EQ-5D was 60 and 70 respectively showing no significantimprovement in QOL (median EQ-5D VAS). The preoperative and postoperative median total BI score was 20 and 19respectively, showing a significant reduction in function (median total BI) three months postoperatively (p<0.001).Preoperative mobility was a predictor of postoperative quality of life. Being female was a predictor of higher qualityof life.The average EQ-5D VAS score and overall function (total BI) were generally scored high both preoperativelyand postoperatively but there was no significant improvement in EQ-5D VAS score and there was a significant reductionin function after three months. Higher scores in mobility preoperatively is a predictor of higher quality of lifepostoperatively.
Validation of the Canadian norms for the Alberta In fant Motor Scale for infants in a South African region aged four to twelve months; a Pilot Study
Authors: Manuel A.E. , Burger M. , Louw Q.A.
Published: June 2017

The Alberta Infant Motor Scale (AIMS) is a norm referenced,performance based, observational tool that assesses motor developmentin infants from birth up to the age of eighteen months. The AIMS has beenwidely used by researchers and clinicians around the world, but only afew attempts were made to validate the Canadian norms for infants residingoutside Canada.The purpose of the study was to validate the Canadian norms of the AIMSfor infants within the Cape Metropolitan region, South Africa.A longitudinal study was conducted using the AIMS to assess the gross motordevelopment of 67 healthy full term infants at 4, 8 and 12 months respectively.At 4 months the mean percentile ranking was significantly higher than the Canadian norm (p=0.01), while no statisticalsignificant differences were found at 8 and 12 months of age.The AIMS is a valid assessment tool for healthy infants aged 8 and 12 months within the Cape Metropole, SouthAfrica. The infants at four months of age scored higher than the Canadian norm. Further validation which incorporatelarger, random samples are required to enable generalisation of the findings for the South African infant population.
Psychometric validation of the reintegration to normal living index in people living with spinal cord injuries
Authors: Mothabeng D.J. , Eksteen C.A. , Westaway M.
Published: June 2017

The evaluation of rehabilitation outcomes requiresmeasurementinstruments that are valid and reliable, and have been psychometricallytested in the context of a particular population. The purpose ofthis study was to psychometrically test the validity and reliability of theReintegration to Normal Living Index (RNLI) as a measure of communityreintegration in a population of community-dwelling people living withspinal cord injury (PLWSCI) in South Africa.The study was a cross-sectional, involving community dwelling peopleliving with SCI (PLWSCI), who had been discharged from inpatient rehabilitation at for at least two years. RNLI datacollected from 160 PLWSCI were subjected to factor analysis and tested for reliability using chronbach’s alpha.Cronbach’s alpha for the RNLI instrument was 0.97 (ICC 95% CI: 0.97 – 0.98), indicating an excellent reliabilitycoefficient. A single -factor structure emerged from principal components analysis, indicating that there is onlyone factor structure for the RNLI in this population of PLWSCI. The content, construct, convergent and discriminatevalidity of the instrument were established.The results of this study support the reliability and factorial validity of the RNLI as a measure of community reintegrationfor PLWSCI. The RNLI is therefore a valuable outcome measure and should be extended to other SCIrehabilitation studies in South Africa.
Health related quality of life of survivors of trauma six months after discharge
Authors: Schneiderman J. , Van Aswegen H. , Becker P.
Published: June 2017

To investigate the health-related quality of life (HRQOL) of survivors of major trauma at six months following discharge, using two popular HRQOL tools. A cross-sectional study was done on adult trauma survivors in Johannesburg. Subjects completed the EQ-5D and SF-36 HRQOL questionnaires. Additional demographic and clinical data were collected. The majority of subjects reported some problems in usual activities and pain/discomfort as measured with the EQ-5D at six months. The mean EQ-5D VAS was 68 (±26.1). lowest scores were reported in the role physical (44.6 ± 41.6) and role emotional (44.1 ± 45.4) domains of the SF-36. mean SF-36 physical component summary (PCS) score (62.1 ± 27.8) was higher than mental component summary score (58.7 ±20.1). EQ-5D VAS was found to be moderately correlated with age (r=-0.4; p=0.05). A negative correlation was found between SF-36 physical function score and ICU length of stay (LOS), hospital LOS and age (r=-0.4 (p=0.03), -0.4 (p=0.03) and -0.6 (p=0.00) respectively). Statistical significance was observed in the correlation between age and SF-36 general health domain (r=-0.4; p=0.02) as well as age and PCS score (r=-0.5; p=0.01). Trauma survivors in Johannesburg experience limitations in specific emotional and physical domains of HRQOL at six months after discharge. Age was associated with the level of self-rated health as well as limitations in general health and physical function. ICU and hospital LOS were associated with limitations in physical function. There is a need for physical and psychological rehabilitation after discharge from trauma intensive care.
Technology-mediated learning in physiotherapy education: The social construction of practice knowledge
Authors: Frantz J. , Rowe M.
Published: June 2017

Clinical practice is complex, requiring practitioners to interpret adiverse range of inter-related variables in order to make clinical decisions as part ofpatient management. This process is often intuitive and therefore hidden from studentsand less experienced clinicians, making the cognitive processes that inform clinicaldecision-making difficult to learn. In addition, educators still emphasise the learningof knowledge and skills through didactic teaching methods, such as lectures, in whichstudents are passive “recipients” of knowledge. Unless physiotherapy educators designactivities that aim to induct students into the professional culture and help them todevelop ways of thinking and being that go beyond knowledge and skills, our studentswill continue to struggle with clinical reasoning.In this position paper, we argue that the careful integration of technology as an adjunct to traditional lectures can be usedto facilitate discussion and interaction as a way of developing practice knowledge in students. This leads to higher cognitivefunctioning as it provides the means by which learners construct their own personally meaningful understanding of the worldthrough interaction with others. The promise of technology in physiotherapy education lies in its ability to create transformativelearning experiences through enhanced communication that is mediated by more experienced teachers or peers. If technology isused to enhance the learning environment by providing richer and more meaningful platforms for communication and discussion,it may have a role to play in the social construction of knowledge as part of contextualised learning spaces.
Low back pain in physiotherapy students: Prevalence and the association with neuromuscular findings
Authors: Burger E. , Myezwa H. , Naidoo V. , Olivier B. , Rothberg A.
Published: June 2017

Background: Physiotherapy students are prone to low back pain (LBP) due to studying and their active involvement in clinical treatment of patients. As a result of pathology, muscle activity is influenced, affecting optimal function of the spine. Method: Physiotherapy students enrolled for 2010 at the University of the Witwatersrand participated in a cross-sectional study. A questionnaire and physical assessment were completed. Results: The study revealed that the lifetime LBP prevalence was 36% among physiotherapy students. Associations with LBP were hours of practical exposure, posterior-anterior mobilisations on L4 (p=0.003) and L5 (p≤0.001) centrally and unilaterally, left lumbar multifidus (LM) cross-sectional area (p=0.02), right obliquus internusabdominis (OI) (p=0.02) and right transversus abdominis (TrA) thickness at rest (p=0.02), as well as the pull of the TrA during contraction on the left (p=0.03). Discussion: Hours of practical exposure may play a role in lumbar pathology. Due to pathology, muscle imbalances of LM, TrA and OI affect the stability of the spine which may lead to recurrences. Conclusion: Practical exposure as well as LM, TrA and OI muscle imbalances were associated with LBP in physiotherapy students. Awareness of the factors associated with LBP while studying at an undergraduate level may lead to better prevention of LBP.
Factors which are predictive of return work after stroke
Authors: Ntsiea M. V. , Van Aswegen H. , Olorunju S.
Published: June 2017

Stroke impacts on a survivor’s ability to participate in community activities such as return to work (RTW) and affects people who are within the working age. There is a dearth of literature on RTW after stroke in developing countries. This study aimed to bridge this gap in South Africa, and was conducted within the Gauteng province as it comprises the largest share of the South African population. Seventy-two stroke survivors participated in this cross-sectional study. A demographic questionnaire; Barthel index; Modified Rivermead mobility index and Montreal cognitive assessment were used to determine the characteristics of study participants. The mean (standard deviation) scores for the Barthel Index (BI), Modified Rivermead mobility index (MRMI) and Montreal cognitive assessment (MoCA) were 19.6 (±0.2), 39.5 (±0.9) and 25.1 (±4.8) respectively. Thirty-one (43%) of the stroke survivors returned to work at six months after stroke. Stroke survivors with left hemiplegia had a greater chance of RTW than those with right hemiplegia (odds ratio 7.7). For every unit increase in the BI and MoCA score, the likelihood of RTW increased by 1.6 and 1.3 respectively. Conclusion: Side of hemiplegia, independence in activities of daily living and cognitive ability were found to be predictors of RTW at six months after stroke. It is important to identify people with cognitive impairments after stroke so that efforts can be made to increase awareness of the potential role that cognitive impairments may play in RTW.
Effectiveness of a community based programme of physiotherapy on stability, balance and function of stroke patients
Authors: Puckree T. , Uthum P.
Published: June 2017

This study assessed the effectiveness of a community based programme of phystiotherapy on stability, baland and function in stroke patients.
Validation of MOPITT carbon monoxide using ground-based Fourier transform infrared spectrometer data from NDACC
Authors: Buchholz Rebecca R. , Deeter Merritt N. , Worden Helen M. , Gille John , Edwards David P. , Hannigan James W. , Jones Nicholas B. , Paton-Walsh Clare , Griffith David W. T. , Smale Dan , Robinson John , Strong Kimberly , Conway Stephanie , Sussmann Ralf , Hase Frank , Blumenstock Thomas , Mahieu Emmanuel , Langerock Bavo
Published: June 2017

Abstract. The Measurements of Pollution in the Troposphere (MOPITT) satellite instrument provides the longest continuous dataset of carbon monoxide (CO) from space. We perform the first validation of MOPITT version 6 retrievals using total column CO measurements from ground-based remote-sensing Fourier transform infrared spectrometers (FTSs). Validation uses data recorded at 14 stations, that span a wide range of latitudes (80° N to 78° S), in the Network for the Detection of Atmospheric Composition Change (NDACC). MOPITT measurements are spatially co-located with each station, and different vertical sensitivities between instruments are accounted for by using MOPITT averaging kernels (AKs). All three MOPITT retrieval types are analyzed: thermal infrared (TIR-only), joint thermal and near infrared (TIR–NIR), and near infrared (NIR-only). Generally, MOPITT measurements overestimate CO relative to FTS measurements, but the bias is typically less than 10 %. Mean bias is 2.4 % for TIR-only, 5.1 % for TIR–NIR, and 6.5 % for NIR-only. The TIR–NIR and NIR-only products consistently produce a larger bias and lower correlation than the TIR-only. Validation performance of MOPITT for TIR-only and TIR–NIR retrievals over land or water scenes is equivalent. The four MOPITT detector element pixels are validated separately to account for their different uncertainty characteristics. Pixel 1 produces the highest standard deviation and lowest correlation for all three MOPITT products. However, for TIR-only and TIR–NIR, the error-weighted average that includes all four pixels often provides the best correlation, indicating compensating pixel biases and well-captured error characteristics. We find that MOPITT bias does not depend on latitude but rather is influenced by the proximity to rapidly changing atmospheric CO. MOPITT bias drift has been bound geographically to within ±0.5 % yr−1 or lower at almost all locations.
Computational Efficiency for the Surface Renewal Method
Authors: Kelley Jason , Higgins Chad
Published: June 2017

Abstract. Measuring surface fluxes using the surface renewal (SR) method requires a set of programmatic algorithms for tabulation, algebraic calculation, and quality control. Field experiments were conducted over a variety of surface conditions to determine the shortest valid time averaging period for the SR method. Because the SR method utilizes high frequency (20 Hz+) measurements, some steps in the flux calculation are computationally expensive, especially when automating SR to perform many iterations of these calculations. For a study on the minimum time to measure flux, several new algorithms were written to perform the required calculations more efficiently and rapidly. These algorithms demonstrate that simple modifications to SR methods can dramatically improve efficiency. Such programming techniques grant a degree of flexibility to the method, opening new avenues for SR to be used in research, for applied monitoring, and in novel field deployments.
Line-averaging measurement methods to estimate the gap in the CO2 balance closure – possibilities, challenges and uncertainties
Authors: Ziemann Astrid , Starke Manuela , Schütze Claudia
Published: June 2017

Abstract. An imbalance of surface energy fluxes using the eddy covariance (EC) method is observed in global measurement networks although all necessary corrections and conversions are applied to the raw data. Mainly during nighttime, advection can occur resulting in a closing gap that consequently should also affect the CO2 balances. There is the crucial need for representative concentration and wind data to measure advective fluxes. Ground-based remote sensing techniques are an ideal tool as they provide the spatially representative CO2 concentration together with wind components within the same voxel structure. For this purpose, the presented SQuAd (Spatially resolved Quantification of the Advection influence on the balance closure of greenhouse gases)-approach applies an integrated method combination of acoustic and optical remote sensing. The innovative combination of acoustic travel-time tomography (A-TOM) and open-path Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (OP-FTIR) will enable an upscaling and enhancement of EC measurements. OP-FTIR instrumentation offers the significant advantage of real-time simultaneous measurements of line-averaged concentrations for CO2 and other greenhouse gases (GHGs). A-TOM is a scalable method to remotely resolve 3D wind and temperature fields. The paper will give an overview about the proposed SQuAd-approach and first results of experimental tests at the FLUXNET site Grillenburg in Germany. Preliminary results of the comprehensive experiments reveal a mean nighttime horizontal advection of CO2 of about 10 μmol m−2 s−1 estimated by the spatially integrating and representative SQuAd method. Thereby, uncertainties in determining CO2 concentrations using passive OP-FTIR and wind speed applying A-TOM are systematically quantified. The maximum uncertainty for CO2 concentration was estimated due to environmental parameters, instrumental characteristics, and retrieval procedure with a total amount of approx. 30 % for a single measurement. Instantaneous wind components can be derived with a maximum uncertainty of 0.3 m s−1 depending on sampling, signal analysis, and environmental influences on sound propagation. After the application of averaging over a period of 30 minutes, the standard error of the mean values can be decreased by a factor of at least 0.5 for OP-FTIR and 0.1 for A-TOM depending on the required spatial resolution. The presented validation of the joint application of the two independent, non-intrusive methods is in the focus of attention concerning their ability to quantify advective fluxes.
Optical properties of size and chemical fractions of suspended
particulate matter in littoral waters of Quebec
Authors: Mohammadpour Gholamreza , Gagné Jean-Pierre , Larouche Pierre , Montes Martin
Published: June 2017

Abstract. Mass-specific absorption (aSPM*) and scattering (bSPM*) coefficients of suspended particulate matter (SPM) were measured for different size (0.2–0.4 µm, 0.4–0.7 µm, 0.7–10 µm, and >10 µm) and chemical (organic- vs mineral-rich) fractions in surface waters (i.e., 0–5 m depth) of the Saint Lawrence Estuary and Saguenay Fjords (SLE-SF) during spring of 2013. For the spectral range 400–700 nm, scattering cross sections for particulate inorganic matter were commonly larger with respect to those measured in other littoral environments. This phenomenon was attributed the lower water turbidity and associated decrease on mean particle size of SLE-SF surface waters with respect to other river-influenced regions (e.g., Gironde River). Also, aSPM* values in our study area were relatively high in locations having iron-enriched particulates. Lastly, correlation analysis suggests that particle composition (size distribution) has a larger impact on aSPM* (bSPM*) variability.
Evaluating simplified methods for liquefaction assessment for loss estimation
Authors: Kongar Indranil , Rossetto Tiziana , Giovinazzi Sonia
Published: June 2017

Abstract. Currently, some catastrophe models used by the insurance industry account for liquefaction by applying a simple factor to shaking-induced losses. The factor is based only on local liquefaction susceptibility and this highlights the need for a more sophisticated approach to incorporating the effects of liquefaction in loss models. This study compares 11 unique models, each based on one of three principal simplified liquefaction assessment methods: liquefaction potential index (LPI) calculated from shear-wave velocity, the HAZUS software method and a method created specifically to make use of USGS remote sensing data. Data from the September 2010 Darfield and February 2011 Christchurch earthquakes in New Zealand are used to compare observed liquefaction occurrences to forecasts from these models using binary classification performance measures. The analysis shows that the best-performing model is the LPI calculated using known shear-wave velocity profiles, which correctly forecasts 78 % of sites where liquefaction occurred and 80 % of sites where liquefaction did not occur, when the threshold is set at 7. However, these data may not always be available to insurers. The next best model is also based on LPI but uses shear-wave velocity profiles simulated from the combination of USGS VS30 data and empirical functions that relate VS30 to average shear-wave velocities at shallower depths. This model correctly forecasts 58 % of sites where liquefaction occurred and 84 % of sites where liquefaction did not occur, when the threshold is set at 4. These scores increase to 78 and 86 %, respectively, when forecasts are based on liquefaction probabilities that are empirically related to the same values of LPI. This model is potentially more useful for insurance since the input data are publicly available. HAZUS models, which are commonly used in studies where no local model is available, perform poorly and incorrectly forecast 87 % of sites where liquefaction occurred, even at optimal thresholds. This paper also considers two models (HAZUS and EPOLLS) for estimation of the scale of liquefaction in terms of permanent ground deformation but finds that both models perform poorly, with correlations between observations and forecasts lower than 0.4 in all cases. Therefore these models potentially provide negligible additional value to loss estimation analysis outside of the regions for which they have been developed.
A história de vida focal e suas potencialidades na pesquisa em saúde e em enfermagem
Authors: Bellato Roseney , Araújo Laura Filomena Santos de , Faria Ana Paula Silva de , Santos Elizabeth Jeanne Fernandes , Castro Phaedra , Souza Solange Pires Salomé de , Maruyama Sonia Ayako Tao
Published: June 2017

Este relato tem por objetivo apresentar nossa experiência na utilização da História de Vida Focal como abordagem metodológica em pesquisa que buscou apreender o impacto da experiência de adoecimento e da busca do cuidado por usuários do Sistema Único de Saúde, apontando suas potencialidades na pesquisa em saúde e enfermagem e na prática avaliativa de serviços de saúde. A riqueza das narrativas fez emergir a subjetividade dos usuários, as interpretações e sentidos que os mesmos vão tecendo neste processo, possibilitando uma compreensão profunda dessa vivência que outras abordagens metodológicas dificilmente ofereceriam. Por permitir a composição dos Itinerários Terapêuticos empreendidos pelos usuários ao buscar a resolutividade para suas necessidades de saúde, a História de vida Focal demonstra grande potencialidade como estratégia metodológica privilegiada na prática avaliativa do cuidado em saúde na perspectiva de quem vivencia o adoecimento e a busca por cuidado, ou seja, o usuário e sua família.
Educação em saúde com prostitutas de Fortaleza: relato de experiência
Authors: Moraes Maria Leonor Costa de , Costa Priscila Bomfim , Aquino Priscila De Souza , Pinheiro Ana Karina Bezerra
Published: June 2017

As prostitutas, mesmo estando informadas sobre as DST nos seus aspectos clínicos, sentem dificuldade na manutenção do uso do preservativo. Percebe-se que o fator econômico é sentido por elas de forma mais concreta do que a necessidade de cuidar de sua saúde. Assim, realizou-se este estudo com o objetivo de relatar a experiência de educação em saúde com prostitutas atuantes em Fortaleza no ambiente da sala de espera da consulta de Enfermagem em Ginecologia no ano de 2006. Participaram das oficinas 55 mulheres, distribuídas em seis dias. As oficinas foram divididas em cinco momentos: auto-valorização; exame ginecológico; auto-estima; concorrência, competição e autoconfiança; direitos das mulheres e violência contra a mulher. Verificou-se que o trabalho de educação em saúde em grupo de prostitutas viabiliza sentimento de inclusão social, eqüidade e auto-valorização, pois as participantes se identificaram entre si, refletindo a sua circunstância pessoal na condição de trabalho, vida e saúde. Fortaleceram as relações humanas e transformaram alguns conteúdos abordados em aprendizado.
Banco de termos da linguagem especial de enfermagem da clínica médica
Authors: Lima Cláudia De Lourdes Henriques de , Nóbrega Maria Miriam Lima da
Published: June 2017

Estudo exploratório-descritivo que teve como objetivo construir o Banco de Termos da Linguagem Especial de Enfermagem da Clínica Médica do Hospital Universitário Lauro Wanderley. Antecedendo sua execução, o projeto foi submetido à apreciação do Comitê de Ética em Pesquisa, tendo recebido parecer favorável ao seu desenvolvimento. Na realização da pesquisa buscou-se atender a procedimentos da metodologia terminológica, como: 1) identificação e avaliação de documentação especializada; 2) delimitação do campo temático da análise terminológica; 3) estabelecimento de árvores de domínio da base de dados; 4) elaboração de definições teóricas para os termos constantes e não constantes na CIPE®; 5) validação dos termos e respectivas definições que constituirão o Banco de Termos da Linguagem Especial de Enfermagem da Clínica Médica. O resultando dessa validação foi que 242 termos constantes e 188 termos não constantes na CIPE® alcançaram um Índice de Concordância ≥ 0.80 no que diz respeito ao significado na prática clínica. Espera-se que o uso deste Banco de termos permita o desenvolvimento de Nomenclaturas de Diagnósticos e Intervenções de enfermagem, o emprego do raciocínio clínico, a individualização da assistência, e, conseqüentemente, impulsione os enfermeiros a questionar e modificar sua atuação profissional.
Análise de Burnout em profissionais de uma unidade de emergência de um hospital geral
Authors: Ritter Renata Schwanke , Stumm Eniva Miladi Fernandes , Kircher Rosane Maria
Published: June 2017

A Unidade de Emergência é um ambiente no qual situações de ansiedade, pressão e estresse, são comuns. A pesquisa objetiva analisar as variáveis da Síndrome de Burnout em profissionais de enfermagem e médicos que atuam na Unidade de Emergência de um hospital geral. É descritiva, quantitativa, desenvolvida em um hospital do noroeste/RS, em 2007, com 38 profissionais. Os instrumentos de coleta de dados foram MBI e dados sociodemográficos. Para o tratamento estatístico utilizou-se SPSS e estatística descritiva. O perfil é 57,9% feminino, 25-30 anos de idade, 60,5% casado e com filhos, 70,3% ensino médio, 2,7% graduação e 27,0% especialização. 34,2% atuam há 3,5 anos na profissão, 55,3% 3,5 anos na Emergência e 56,8% dedicam-se exclusivamente ao trabalho neste local. Quanto às dimensões da síndrome, escores baixos para Desgaste Emocional e Despersonalização e alto para Incompetência (escore reverso). Na equipe médica as médias de Desgaste Emocional e Despersonalização são maiores do que na de enfermagem e a Incompetência, similaridade em ambas. Variáveis relacionadas ao Contexto do Trabalho apresentaram escores elevados nas duas categorias, a equipe médica obteve médias mais altas. A produção de maior conhecimento sobre a temática pode contribuir no cotidiano destes profissionais e instigar pesquisadores à continuidade de estudos.
Adesão de profissionais de enfermagem ao seguimento clínico após exposição ocupacional com material biológico
Authors: Loureiro Lívia Agy , Gomes Ana Carolina , Malaguti Silmara Elaine , Canini Silvia Rita Marin da Silva , Machado Alcyone Artioli , Gir Elucir
Published: June 2017

O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar a adesão dos profissionais de enfermagem ao seguimento clínico, após a exposição ocupacional a material biológico, no ambulatório especializado (AOPS). Os dados se referem a acidentes ocorridos com profissionais de enfermagem no período julho a dezembro de 2006 e foram obtidos por meio de consulta ao prontuário. O estudo foi desenvolvido nas duas unidades (campus e emergência) de um hospital universitário de grande porte na cidade de Ribeirão Preto. Observou-se que em 30,4% foi indicado o uso de anti-retrovirais para quimioprofilaxia; dos que fizeram o uso, 31,3% apresentaram efeitos adversos. Destaca-se que 69,6% dos profissionais completaram o seguimento clínico indicado. É premente a necessidade de implementação de um programa de educação permanente junto aos trabalhadores de saúde para prevenção de exposições ocupacionais e adesão ao seguimento clínico após exposição.
Implementação da Iniciativa Unidade Básica Amiga da Amamentação: educação continuada e prática profissional
Authors: Martins Rosa Maria Castilho , Montrone Aida Victoria Garcia
Published: June 2017

As Unidades de Atenção Básica a Saúde tem um papel fundamental nas ações de aleitamento materno. O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar as contribuições do curso de educação continuada proposto pela Iniciativa Unidade Básica Amiga da Amamentação (IUBAAM) para a prática da equipe materno-infantil. Pesquisa qualitativa descritiva realizada em Unidade Básica de Saúde, na cidade de São Carlos-SP, no período de março a agosto de 2006, envolvendo quatro profissionais. Para a coleta de dados foi utilizada a entrevista individual e a observação. A análise dos dados teve como base a análise de conteúdo. A formação dos profissionais em aleitamento materno pareceu ser insuficiente para a atuação deles nesta temática. O curso foi avaliado como um momento importante de aprendizagem e de compartilhar conhecimentos. Verificou-se que há uma tentativa de mudar a prática individual, já a implementação dos grupos de apoio a mães e gestantes foi a atividade mais difícil de ser viabilizada. Apesar de trazer contribuições importantes para a prática profissional, o curso de capacitação não consegue provocar grandes mudanças nas atitudes dos profissionais e nas rotinas da unidade. O estudo aponta a necessidade de acompanhamento do processo de implementação dos passos propostos pela IUBAAM e sua avaliação.
Processo de enfermagem informatizado em unidade de terapia intensiva: uma prática educativa com enfermeiros
Authors: Barra Daniela Couto Carvalho , Sasso Grace Teresinha Marcon Dal , Monticelli Marisa
Published: June 2017

Compreendendo-se que o processo de enfermagem é uma ferramenta imprescindível em Unidades de Terapia Intensiva (UTI), esta pesquisa convergente-assistencial objetivou avaliar a aplicação do Processo de Enfermagem informatizado, a partir da Classificação Internacional das Práticas de Enfermagem - CIPE® versão 1.0, com os enfermeiros da UTI do Hospital Universitário da Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina. Como estratégia de coleta de dados realizou-se três encontros com cinco enfermeiros intensivistas do hospital. Nos encontros foi utilizado o Arco da Problematização de Maguerez com o suporte teórico da Pedagogia Problematizadora. O estudo foi desenvolvido no período de outubro a novembro de 2007 e os resultados evidenciaram que o processo de enfermagem informatizado em terapia intensiva de acordo com a CIPE® possui critérios de ergonomia, usabilidade e conteúdo conforme os padrões internacionais, e contribui para a melhoria da prática de enfermagem. Enquanto terminologia de referência para a profissão, os enfermeiros avaliam que esta classificação apresenta linguagem de fácil entendimento, possui aderência com a realidade em foco e, com isso, permite o desenvolvimento da prática de enfermagem baseada na evidência em terapia intensiva.