Includes synopsis. / Includes bibliographical references. / Cardiac auscultation is inherently qualitative, highly subjective and requires considerable skill and experience. Computer- assisted auscultation (CAA) is an objective referral-decision support tool that aims to minimise inappropriate referrals. This study evaluated the sensitivity and specificity of 2 CAA systems, Cardioscan® and Sensi®, in detecting echo-confirmed cardiac abnormalities in 79 consecutive patients referred for assessment to a tertiary cardiac clinic. CAA demonstrated suboptimal sensitivity and specificity in detecting cardiac abnormalities in children and adults. As both systems demonstrate 100% sensitivity in detecting acyanotic heart disease, and theoretically carry significant potential in resource-limited settings, further development of current technologies to improve sensitivity and specificity for clinical applications is still warranted.

Liver transplantation is an accepted form of treatment in advanced liver disease. The procedure qualifies as one of the most severe surgical insults that can be inflicted upon a patient. Despite an ever increasing number of clinical and experimental transplants, a vast number of unanswered questions remains about the effects of storage and transplantation per se, on the functions of this complex organ. The administration of drugs and blood, with the effects of the donor state and preservation damage obscure changes in parameters that are inherently due only to the process of transplantation, Changes in calcium and other electrolyte homeostasis, liver function assessment, acid base metabolism and coagulation defects that are seen after liver grafting, are of particular interest to transplant physicians. Current clinically employed indices of liver function, such as enzyme levels, are notoriously lacking in specificity and sensitivity, The aim of the study was to investigate in the experimental situation, the effects of standardised preservation and transplantation, without the added effects of blood transfusion or immunosuppressive drug administration, upon calcium and other electrolyte homeostasis, liver function and coagulation changes. Furthermore, reliable indicators of liver function and/or damage were looked for. It was not an investigation into preservation methods to determine superiority of one or another of these methods, but an evaluation of changes occurring utilising established and clinically proven methods of preservation. Since researchers in the J.S. Marais laboratory, as well as their international counterparts, have experienced problems in successful storage of the pig liver for periods longer than 9 hours, a storage duration of six hours was chosen for maximum reproducibility. A brief overview of liver transplantation history has been given, available literature perused and used in assessment and discussion of data obtained. Five groups of six animals were used for orthotopic liver transplantation. Two groups were autografted with a non-flushed and Ringers lactate flushed liver respectively. Two groups were allografted with livers stored in Collins and University of Wisconsin solutions respectively. A fifth group was transplanted with a liver stored for six hours by surface cooling alone, without any flushing at all. The latter method has not been described in experimental or clinical liver transplantation before. No immunosuppression was used in any animal, to eliminate the effects of hepatotoxic drugs. No blood was transfused at any point during or after the transplant. An animal survival rate in excess of 90%, for seven days or longer, was aimed for and obtained. Blood sampling was done at short intervals in the immediate postoperative period up to six hours and daily for a week. All currently used clinical parameters were determined, as well as indicators which are known, but novel in transplantation. Changes in total and ionised calcium values occurred in all groups and no explanatory mechanism could be identified. There was no correlation in changes between total and ionised calcium, nor any correlation with calcium content of preservation fluids. A reciprocal change in magnesium was identified. Acid base metabolism was markedly changed during and after the transplant. An increase in serum bicarbonate indicated survival, and a persisting metabolic alkalosis was seen in all survivors. Sodium and potassium values did not show marked changes, except for a temporary hyperkalaemia immediately following reperfusion. Serum values of liver transaminases were not found to be of value to discriminate between groups. Protein metabolism was not affected by transplantation. Glucose metabolism was markedly affected by transplantation and even more so by poor function. Early return of normal glucose metabolism indicated survival. Lactic acid metabolism was conspicuously altered during transplantation and could also be regarded as an indicator of hepatocyte function. Coagulation in this series of experiments was affected negligibly and not thought to be influenced by transplantation of a normal liver under ideal circumstances. Thus, changes in values within groups and variance between groups, if any, were described and possible mechanisms causing variation discussed. New indicators of good liver function post-transplant were identified. The conclusion was reached that the process of transplantation per se does cause major changes in electrolyte and acid-base metabolism, but that coagulation was not affected by the process of successful preservation and transplantation.

This study examined the accuracy of predicting back squat and bench press one repetition maximum (1RM) from submaximal average concentric velocity (ACV).Seventeen resistance trained men performed a warm-up and 1RM test on the squat and bench press, in which ACV was assessed on all repetitions. The ACVs during the warmup closest to 1.0 and 0.5 m.s-1 were used in a 2-point linear regression forecast of 1RM and the ACVs established at the loads closest to 20, 50, 70, and 80% of 1RM were used in a 4-point 1RM prediction. An ANOVA indicated significant differences between predicted and actual 1RM for all predictions (p<0.001). Both Bland-Altman and Mountain plots confirmed the findings of the ANOVA as data were not tightly conformed to the respective zero difference lines. Therefore, these results suggest that a linear regression forecast using submaximal ACV does not accurately predict 1RM in the ¬back squat and bench press. / Includes bibliography. / Thesis (M.S.)--Florida Atlantic University, 2020. / FAU Electronic Theses and Dissertations Collection

A Dissertation Submitted to the Faculty of Theology and Religion Studies in Fulfilment of the requirements for the Degree of Master of Arts (Biblical Studies), at the University of Zululand, South Africa, 2003. / This study endeavours to ascertain whether or not eschatological scenarios propounded by certain writers of highly influential and popular "end-time" texts are biblically sustainable, according to the hermeneutical methods employed by them. Firstly, the hermeneutical methods utilised by Christianity's exegetical predecessors, namely, the rabbinical Pharisees and the Qumran sectaries of the Second Temple period, are considered. Such methods, and the eschatological convictions ensuing therefrom, are apparent from canonical and non-canonical literature relevant to these two groups. Thereafter, the applicability of these methods to a Second Testament context is examined, the rationale being that if the use of such methods is significantly evident in the Second Testament, then they should, it is proposed, be germane to Christian scholars of both earlier and modem times since Christianity arose from the matrix of early Judaism. This is particularly so as regards the writers of popular eschatology whose end-time positions are then examined in the light of early Jewish hermeneutical methods, and their own interpretative stance. The conclusion is reached that the Second Testament does reflect extensive use of the hermeneutical methods of early Judaism and that, consequently, subsequent Christian scholars should endorse these methods. It appears, though, that Christians through the ages have ignored such methods. It is further concluded that the main eschatological issues promoted by the popuiarisers cannot easily be defended solely through the use of the exegetical methods employed by them. However, it is submitted that many such issues can be substantially justified through the use of traditional Jewish hermeneuticai methods, as employed by the Second Testament redactors and Jesus himself.

Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis (IUPUI)

Dissertation submitted to the Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, in fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Science in Occupational Therapy, June, 2014. Johannesburg / Purpose: The aim of this study was to determine the perceptions of and the clinical application of models by a specific group of occupational therapists with a particular focus on the Kawa Model. Method: A single descriptive case study design with embedded units, related to model application by occupational therapists who attended a Kawa Model workshop, was used. Quantitative data provided information about general model use within occupational therapy and first impressions of the Kawa Model. Qualitative data were obtained to explore the clinically application and suitability of the Kawa Model in the South African context. Main findings: Several factors were identified as having an influence on the use of models by occupational therapists in general, with similar influencing factors related to the application of the Kawa Model being identified. Factors include habituation versus experience, experience and clinical reasoning, practice context and client characteristics.

Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) is a disorder characterized by morbid impulsivity, lack of emotional control, disturbed interpersonal relationship and frequent self injurious suicidal behaviours. It is associated with high socioeconomic burden and high morbidity and mortality. An etiological factor believed to be responsible for development of BPD is childhood maltreatment (Perroud, 2013). BPD is a complex disorder that is difficult to treat. However dialectical behavioural therapy (DBT) developed by Dr Marsha Linehan in early 1990s has emerged as a promising treatment option for those diagnosed with BPD. DBT is a multi-pronged approach delivered originally in outpatient setting over 12 months and requires highly skilled trained therapist. Many trials have provided evidence to support use of DBT in the treatment of BPD (O’Connell, 2013). The purpose of this study was to determine whether discharged patients are able to use the skills learned in a modified in-patient DBT programme after discharge at a academic psychiatric hospital in South Africa and whether they consider these effective in managing their thoughts, feelings, behaviour and interpersonal relationships. The study also aims to assess the relationship between demographic factors in the study and the use of DBT skills. A prospective, quantitative, descriptive approach was used. A Likert style questionnaire, the dialectical ways of coping checklist, was distributed to ex in-patients who have participated in the modified DBT programme to elicit their rating of the effective use of DBT skills post discharge. A total sample number of 46 participants responded to the questionnaires. The prevalence of the DBT skills among the discharged patients was 33% of the sample regularly used the DBT skills post discharge effectively and 17% did not engage with the DBT skills. Fifty percentage of the sample population had mixed responses to the questionnaire. The study also highlighted that females used substance more than males. Females also attended more support groups than males. DBT skills were used more by those who did not attend follow up. Female population made more use of the dysfunctional coping skills than males.

Community college instructors continue to search for effective instructional methods that promote student success in developmental mathematics courses such as intermediate algebra. According to research, mathematics is a major obstacle for students succeeding, persisting, and completing community college programs. Each student enrolled in intermediate algebra has an ACT sub-score of 16 to 18 or an ACCUPLACER sub-score of 57 to 75. Most community colleges in Mississippi use placement testing to determine the strengths and needs of students. However, students approach math with high anxiety, more than any other areas, which interferes with their learning. Research indicates that to improve students’ success and retention in developmental mathematics, instructors must successfully promote active learning, which utilizes a variety of teaching techniques to incorporate various learning styles, methods, and initiatives. The purpose of this study is to determine which instructional method (traditional lecture, traditional lecture with lab, or online instruction) best tailors or supports student performance in intermediate algebra. Final letter grades for the semesters from fall 2014 to spring 2016 and beginning and ending enrollments for each intermediate algebra class at 2 community colleges in the state of Mississippi were analyzed, yielding for a quantitative research study. According to the study, 80% of the students completed intermediate algebra with a grade C or higher in the traditional lecture with lab courses, while 64% of the students completed intermediate algebra with a C or higher in the traditional lecture courses, and 50% of the students completed intermediate algebra with a C or higher in the online courses. However, more students were retained in the traditional lecture courses (retention rate of 83%). Therefore, this study supports and recommends the importance of instructional lecture courses in developmental algebra classrooms. Developmental algebra courses need to be “instructor-taught” courses. Instructors need to demonstrate and explain the mathematical process for solving problems while implementing active learning.

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