Thesis (MPH)--University of Limpopo, 2010. / Physical Ability Analysis (PAA) is a physical work capacity indicator for the health and wellbeing of the organisational workforce. Employees doing powerline work and similarly physically demanding positions are assessed using a battery of tests called the physical ability analysis (PAA), inclusive of a cardiovascular test component, a strength component for upper body and lower body, the endurance component, and a record of health problems. The results are classified into five categories that are indicative of their physical work ability. It is therefore crucial that a high level of physical capacity is maintained to ensure a sustainable workforce. Objective: The aim of the study was to determine the physical ability and common health problems among powerline electricians in Eskom Distribution over time, and determine the extent to which variations, if any exist, could be explained by the socio-demographic characteristics, health problems or lifestyle habits. Methods: A cross-sectional analysis of Eskom Distribution’s powerline electricians was done using occupational medical records found in the institutional database for the period of 2003, 2005 and 2008. Results: A total of 50 records meeting the selection criteria were analyzed. At the time of the study, the power line electricians were old as 94% of them were over 50 years old, overweight (46%), and suffering from chronic conditions such as hypertension (22%), diabetes (8%). In addition, 19% suffered from back injuries, 2% from knee injuries, while 32% smoked cigarettes. Given their health profile, they became sicker for longer periods as reflected by the increasing number of sick leave days (95% of the cases that took leave had hypertension). The physical ability levels improved from baseline (46%) to 62% in 2008. A shift of PAA2 participants in the 47 – 51year age group was the reason for the increase and the youngest group of electricians remained in PAA category 1 throughout the study period. Muscle function was a strong predictor for meeting the required physical ability level, most measurements that were significantly associated with physical ability score, leg strength, noted as the strongest predictor among them (OR 123.00; p = 0.00, 95% CI, 9.22-1573.00), followed by abdominal endurance (OR 43.49; p = 0.01, 95% CI, 2.49-786.13) and grip strength of the right hands, with similar odds to the abdominal strength (OR 41.00; p = 0.00, 95% CI, 3.65-461.04) with back strength at (OR 28.50; p = 0.01, 95% CI, 2.37-342.61). Conclusion: With regard to physical ability, the study concludes that age is a strong predictor for physical ability as the youngest group ( 49years old) of electricians remained in PAA1 throughout the study period, and were approximately four times likely to meet the required 12 physical ability standard than their older counterparts and that regular physical assessment and rehabilitation have been effective in maintaining the physical ability of electricians.

Thesis (MPH) -- University of Limpopo (Medunsa Campus), 2010. / Background: Evidence exists that supports the physiological and psychological benefits associated with regular physical activity. The Transtheoretical model (TTM) of the stages and processes of change has been used worldwide to understand how people change problem behaviour, such as Physical Inactivity, and correctly categorize people according to their readiness to change from being physically inactive to being active. This model (TTM) helps Health Promoters to implement awareness campaigns according to individual’s stage of exercise change. The overall aim of this study is to determine the predictive validity and effects of using Transtheoretical model to increase physical activity of health workers at Dr. George Mukhari Hospital in South Africa. Methods: Research design: A quasi-experimental design was used. A total of 200 subjects (both medical and non-medical staff) were randomly selected from the hospital staff. The following parameters were measured at baseline: TTM Stage (Questionnaire), fitness levels (step test), BMI (Electronic scale), attitude and knowledge (Questionnaire). Phase 11: impact evaluation; exposure levels; Phase 111: Knowledge; Attitude; TTM post intervention. The results were analyzed using SPSS 17.0 version and excel programs. Chi square test was used to analyse and calculate the p-value scores. Paired Sample t-test was used to compare means and binomial and multiple logistic regressions were used to calculate predictive validity of TTM. Results: Two hundred staff members with mean age of 43.12 and standard deviation of 10.75 were investigated. Baseline results showed that the majority of the participants were at Pre-Action stage (76%) and only 24% were at Action stage; with only 27% who had Normal weight and 73% Overweight and Obese. NCDs are common in many participants, with obese ones being more affected than normal staff. Nonmedical staff had poor knowledge compared to medical staff (p<.05). Majority of staff generally had positive attitude towards PA. There was a significant difference (p<.050) between males and females in each TTM stage, with more adult males being in Action/maintenance stages compared to adult females who were mainly at pre-action stages. Majority of older patients were obese (p<.05), had a good perception about their weight and at pre-action stages. Post intervention, Mean scores of TTM (3.699) and Knowledge (3.651) were significantly (p<.05) higher at post test. Both medical and nonmedical staff mainly used Environmental re-evaluation and Self re-evaluation as processes of behaviour change. Precontemplators only used 2 processes to change behaviour. Post intervention: high levels of exposure; Processes of Change, knowledge and attitude resulted in increased TTM stages of staff (p=.000). TTM, knowledge, attitude, process of change and level of exposure were used as predictors of behaviour change and significantly predicted success post test. Overall accuracies of TTM at pre-test could be classified correctly of TTM at post test by average 66.9 % for overall participants; 78.3% for medical staff and only 65% for non-medical staff. Thus the predictor (TTM1) had significant contribution to the outcome (TTM2). Conclusion: Obesity is a common problem and is predisposed by physical inactivity because the majority of staff is old, and this puts them at risk of inactivity-related chronic diseases of lifestyle. Level of physical activity was significantly associated with BMI and may be one of the most important risk factors associated with obesity among hospital staff. The use of TTM to identify the stage of PA of healthcare workers (HCW) has enabled the researcher to design intervention programs specific to the stage of exercise behaviour of staff. Thus the predictors (TTM1), exposure levels, knowledge, attitude and Processes of change have significant contribution to the outcome (TTM2).

Inaug.-diss.--Universität Basel. / Curriculum vitae: at end. "Literaturverzeichnis": p. 209-218.

Temperature dependence of Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) chemical shifts and longitudinal and transverse relaxation times (T₁ and T₂) was studied for the pyrrole protons in a number of six-coordinate S = 1/2 iron(III) tetraphenylporphyrin (TPP) and tetramesitylporphyrin (TMP) complexes in the temperature range 190--310 K. In all complexes, temperature behavior of the chemical shifts and relaxation times is consistent with the presence of a low spin - high spin exchange caused by the dissociation of one axial ligand. In symmetric sterically hindered complexes, cyclic exchange induced by the synchronous rotation of axial ligands is also present. In all complexes, T₂s are considerably shorter than T₁s. Relaxation times in the TMP complexes are generally longer than corresponding values for the TPP complexes. Estimate of the electronic T₁ is given and mechanisms of nuclear relaxation are discussed. The rate of NOE buildup for a pair of pyrrole protons in [TMPFe(2-MeImH)₂]⁺ was measured; it is consistent with the Stokes rotational correlation time. A method is proposed to predict the detectability and optimum detection conditions of NOE between a pair of structurally rigid protons in similar complexes. Contrary to previous studies, no NOE is detected between pyrrole protons of two unsymmetrically substituted bis-N-methylimidazole Fe(III) TPP complexes. Two NMR approaches were utilized to measure the rate constant of axial ligand rotation in the TMP complex. Saturation transfer measurements yield overestimated rate constant. The measurement based on the temperature dependence of the T₂s(ΔH‡ = 48 ± 1 kJ/mol, ΔS‡ = -10 ± 6 J/K · mol) is consistent with previous studies. Modified MM2 potentials were also used to study the rotation of axial ligands in [TMPFe(1,2-Me₂Im)₂]⁺ and [TPPFe(1-MeIm)₂]⁺. Adiabatic potential energy surfaces (PES) for rotation of axial ligands were constructed for both complexes. Synchronous rotation of the axial ligands (ΔH‡ = 48 kJ/mol) is highly preferable in the TMP complex. For the TPP complex, the enthalpy barriers to synchronous and asynchronous rotation are 3.3 and 5.4 kJ/mol, respectively. The relationship between the orientation of axial ligands, distortion of metalloporphyrin core from planarity, and the bulkiness of axial ligands and porphyrin substituents is discussed.

Small-scale flow features were examined near a straight coastline off Ste. Flavie and an adjacent wharf in the Lower St. Lawrence estuary, using moored current meter and acoustic doppler current profiler (ADCP) data. The leading order velocity was found to be dominated by the mean and lunar semi-diurnal (M2) tidal currents. In the straight shoreline area, no eddy was found. The presence of stratification led to baroclinic low frequency (LP, including the mean) velocities with depth. Freshwater forcing and wind stress dominated the "non-tidal" surface layer dynamics. Near the bottom, friction and other factors induced an Ekman-like spiral in the LP velocity profile. The tidal currents were barotropic, with the M2 constituent dominating the tidal energy. In the wharf area, flow in the lee was found to be an order of magnitude weaker than the free strewn flow offshore. Time-mean spatial eddies were also evident in the lee. Evolution maps within a single M2 tidal cycle show the existence of transient eddies, characterized by a pair of counter-rotating eddies generated both during maximum flood and ebb tide.

Video presents ten simulated clinical problems. The tape may be stopped so that questions can be answered. / Thesis (MAppSci in Physiotherapy) -- University of South Australia, 1992

Thesis (MHSc--Health Science) -- AUT University, 2007. / Includes bibliographical references. Also held in print (xi, 145 leaves : ill. ; 30 cm.) in North Shore Campus Theses Collection (T 615.82 DUN)

Inaug.-diss.--Universität Basel. / Curriculum vitae: at end. "Literaturverzeichnis": p. 209-218.

Thesis (Ed. D.)--West Virginia University, 2006. / Title from document title page. Document formatted into pages; contains viii, 176 p. : ill. (some col.), col. map. Vita. Includes abstract. Includes bibliographical references (p. 138-150).

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