Thesis (M.S.)--University of Texas at El Paso, 2009. / Title from title screen. Vita. CD-ROM. Includes bibliographical references. Also available online.

Thesis (Ph. D.)--University of North Texas, August, 2008. / Title from title page display. Includes bibliographical references.

Thesis (Ph.D. (Human Kinetics and Ergonomics))--Rhodes University, 2006.

Thesis (D. Ed.)--University of Oregon, 2006. / Typescript. Includes vita and abstract. Includes bibliographical references (leaves 111-116). Also available for download via the World Wide Web; free to University of Oregon users.

Thesis (Ed. D.)--University of West Florida, 2005. / Title from title page of source document. Document formatted into pages; contains 91 pages. Includes bibliographical references.

This Thesis compares CTG classification techniques proposed in the literature and their potential extensions. A comparison between four classifiers previously assessed - Adaboost, Artificial Neural Networks (ANN), Random Forest (RF), Support Vector Machine (SVM) - and two proposed classifiers - Bayesian ANN (BANN), Relevance Vector Machine - was conducted using a database of 7,568 cases and two open source databases. The Random Forest (RF) achieved the highest average result and was proposed as a benchmark classifier. The proposal to use model certainty to introduce a third, unclassified, class was investigated using the BANN. An increase in the classification accuracy was demonstrated, however the proportion of cases in the unclassified class was too great to be of practical value. The information content of time series was explored using a Hidden Markov Model (HMM). The average performance of the HMM was comparable with the performance of the benchmark with a smaller distribution across validation folds, demonstrating that time-series information provides more stable estimates of class than stationary methods. Finally a method of system identification was implemented. Significant differences between feature trends and histograms in low pH (< 7.1) and healthy pH (≥ 7.1) cases were observed. These features were used as classifier inputs, and achieved performance similar to existing feature sets. When these features were aligned according the onset of stage 2 labour three unique trend patterns were discovered.

Labour is a vital period for the labouring mothers, as it should bring with it the fulfilment of an expectation of having the baby that has been awaited. The health of the foetus which is to be born and that of the labouring mother are inextricably linked with each other which is why the labouring mother needs to be assessed and monitored carefully. The cardio-tocograph, which is a globally accepted method of diagnosis and assessment of the foetal status during labour is preferred to be used in monitoring labouring mothers, especially high- risk patients. Despite the evidence and information regarding the effectiveness of the use of the cardio-tocograph, midwives are still found not to be using it correctly, the reasons given that the women not always co-operate; do not keep the electrode and belt in place or cite the discomfort they experience from contraction. The objectives of this study were to: explore and describe the perceptions and current practice of Namibian midwives regarding the use of the cardio-tocograph as an informative labour- monitoring tool. Explore and describe how midwives working in labour wards in Namibia perceive informing laboring women of the use of the cardio-tocograph as an informative labour- monitoring tool and based on the results, develop an instruction guide for midwives working in the labour ward in intermediate hospital in Namibia that would serve as a guide on how to teach labouring women about the use of the cardio-tocograph as a labour- monitoring tool and enhance positive labor and delivery outcomes The study was conducted between May and June 2016, using a qualitative, explorative, descriptive and contextual design, following the necessary university approval and approval from other relevant authorities. The research population was midwives who work in labour wards at a public hospital in Namibia. Semi-structured interviews were used to collect data from purposively sampled participants using set criteria. A voice recorder was used to capture the interview with the permission of the participants. Seventeen midwives were interviewed of whom two were used for the pilot study. Data saturation determined the sufficient sample size. The collected data was analyzed using Tesch’s spiral method of data analysis with the assistance of an independent coder From the research findings, it emerged that midwives had varying perceptions regarding the use of the CTG machine. Midwives still perceive CTG interpretation as a challenge as a labour -monitoring tool and expressed a need for updates. Furthermore, midwives expressed the fact that they had limited communication with labouring women regarding the use of CTG. Based on the research findings and guided by Health Belief Model principles, three main guidelines were developed for midwives working in the labour ward in a public hospital in Namibia. These guidelines will serve as a tool to assist midwives in their teaching of labouring women about the use of the cardio-tocograph as a labour- monitoring tool, and the role to be played by labouring women during that monitoring period. Furthermore, recommendations for clinical nursing practice, nursing education and nursing research were developed. The researcher used literature control to ensure validation and integrity of the study. Trustworthiness, which was used to ensure rigour of the study, was guided by the principles of truth-value, transferability, dependability and confirmability. Ethical considerations were guided by the Belmont report adopting the principles of beneficence, respect for human dignity, justice and non-maleficence.

The focus of this research was the reappraisal in physiological and psychophysical terms of current equivocal theories regarding the onset, course and termination of apneic bradycardia. Sixteen healthy male subjects participated in four separate testing sessions . Maximal oxygen consumption (VO₂ max) was measured on land and underwater using an identical direct, continuous progressive cycle ergometer test. On each of two other occasions subjects exercised in either environment at 50, 70 and 90% of the appropriate VO₂ max, during which time heart rate was continuously recorded. An initial apneic bout at each exercise intensity was followed by performance of the same workload without apnea for an equivalent period of time. Ratings of perceived exertion (RPE) were also monitored. While apneic bradycardia occurred at each exercise intensity studied underwater, it was apparent only at 50% VO₂ max on land. With the exception of between 50 and 90% VO₂ max on land, the mean apneic heart rates did not differ with varying exercise intensity (p<0.05); nor did the lowest heart rate recorded, although this was lower underwater than on land. Apart from 70% VO₂ max on land, apneic heart rates were lower than the equivalent values measured during exercise without apnea. Land and underwater heart rates during apneic and non-apneic conditions did not differ until 90% VO₂ max. The effects of increasing exercise intensity upon the onset of bradycardia were evident in that it occurred earlier at 50% VO₂ max underwater than at the heavier workloads, and only at 50% VO₂ max on land. The mean breath-hold duration did not differ between the land and underwater environments, nor was it affected by increasing exercise intensity. The order in which breath-holds was performed did not alter the length of apnea. Land and underwater RPE did not differ and increased with increasing exercise intensity in both environments. During apneic exercise RPE was greater than the equivalent exercise without apnea. Twelve of the original 16 subjects were divided equally into two groups on the basis of vital capacity expressed relative to body surface area. Vital capacity was measured during the first laboratory session. Neither the mean heart rate response to apneic exercise at 50% V0₂ max in both environments, nor the lowest heart rates recorded differed between groups, prompting the conclusion that lung volume did not affect apneic bradycardia. Despite a longer breath-hold duration for Group A (large relative lung volume) than Group B (small relative lung volume), the onset point of bradycardia was the same for either group when expressed relative to total breath-hold duration

Please read the abstract in the section 00front of this document / Dissertation (MA (Human Movement Science))--University of Pretoria, 2006. / Biokinetics, Sport and Leisure Sciences / unrestricted

Thesis (M.A. (Nursing Science)) -- University of Limpopo, 2020 / The aim of the study is to determine the knowledge and practices of midwives regarding the utilization of cardiotocography in labour units, at Hospital A and Hospital B, Waterberg District in Limpopo Province. Further, the objective of the study is to explore and describe the knowledge and practices of midwives regarding the utilization of cardiotocography in labour units and to develop strategies to enhance midwifery practices and knowledge regarding the utilization of cardiotocography in the labour units of Hospital A and Hospital B. The research question is:” What is the knowledge and practices of midwives regarding the utilization of cardiotocography in the labour units of Hospital A and Hospital B?” The Donabedian Model has been used as a theoretical framework. A qualitative exploratory, descriptive and contextual research design has been used in this study. Purposive sampling was used to sample eighteen (18) participants from Hospital A and Hospital B. Data was collected using semi-structured interviews. Tesch’s eight steps of qualitative data analysis were followed and two themes and ten sub-themes emerged. The study found that there were several challenges encountered by participants such as a shortage of material and human resources and lack of continuous training which has a negative impact on the provision of midwifery care. The study recommends that the Department of Health should appointment new skilled midwives as there is shortage of staff, to improve service delivery. It should ensure that there is a guaranteed supply and availability of equipment, such as CTG. The nursing administration should ensure that there is adequate training for midwives. This includes in-service training, workshops and a post basic advanced midwifery course.