Fire activity, in terms of intensity, frequency, and total area burned, is expected to increase with a changing climate. A challenge for landscape-level assessment of fire effects, often termed burn severity, is that current remote sensing assessments provide very little information regarding tree/vegetation physiological performance and recovery, limiting our understanding of fire effects on ecosystem services such as carbon storage/cycling. In this paper, we evaluated whether spectral indices common in vegetation stress and burn severity assessments could accurately quantify post-fire physiological performance (indicated by net photosynthesis and crown scorch) of two seedling species, Larix occidentalis and Pinus contorta. Seedlings were subjected to increasing fire radiative energy density (FRED) doses through a series of controlled laboratory surface fires. Mortality, physiology, and spectral reflectance were assessed for a month following the fires, and then again at one year post-fire. The differenced Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (dNDVI) spectral index outperformed other spectral indices used for vegetation stress and burn severity characterization in regard to leaf net photosynthesis quantification, indicating that landscape-level quantification of tree physiology may be possible. Additionally, the survival of the majority of seedlings in the low and moderate FRED doses indicates that fire-induced mortality is more complex than the currently accepted binary scenario, where trees survive with no impacts below a certain temperature and duration threshold, and mortality occurs above the threshold.

For individuals with schizophrenia and their caregivers, psychosocial interventions have been shown to significantly improve recovery and reduce relapse rates. Although this population is underserved and stigmatized, counselors have been excluded from most research into attitudes toward and interventions for these families. Using a stratified random sample survey design, researchers explored the relationships between participating U.S. Licensed Professional Counselors’ attitudes towards, recovery beliefs regarding, familiarity with, desire for social distance from, and interest in providing services to individuals with schizophrenia and their caregivers. Most of the 111 participants (11.1% response rate) identified themselves as female (83.8%) and Caucasian (86.5%). A few participants described themselves as Hispanic (6.3%) or Black or African-American (5.4%). Respondents ranged in age in years from 20’s to 60’s with the largest group in their 40’s. Descriptive statistics indicated that the majority of LPC participants reported low to moderate stigmatizing attitudes, strong beliefs in recovery, and moderate to high interest in providing interventions for people with schizophrenia and their caregivers. Furthermore, almost half of participating LPCs reported already working with individuals with schizophrenia. Bivariate correlations and hierarchical regressions indicated that high interest in providing interventions for this population was significantly correlated (p < .01) with high frequency of already working with the population (large effect), low desire for social distance (medium effect), high desire to help socially (medium effect), and strong beliefs in recovery (small effect). The results support including LPCs in all areas pertaining to interventions, research, and recovery for people with schizophrenia and their caregivers.

No description available.

Fiction Novel

Magister Psychologiae - MPsych / Recent increases in intellectual, social, infrastructural and economic resources available for the treatment of substance related mental disorders in the Western Cape reflects the national surge towards health promotion and eradication of the burden created by substance abuse. This large number of people who relapse and return to active substance abuse after receiving treatment obstruct this aim. This study aimed to determine the differences in self efficacy and assess for the risk for relapse during the first twelve months of recovery. Albert Bandura’s social cognitive theory provided a suitable framework for the objectives of this study. A cross-sectional survey research design was implemented. Research participants were recruited from different aftercare groups across Western Cape using cluster sampling. The sample consisted of 105 English literate, consenting adult residents of Western Cape who completed an inpatient substance abuse rehabilitation program within twelve months spanning April 2014- April 2015. Data was collected from respondents using two instruments; a demographic information sheet, and an adapted alcohol abstinence self-efficacy scale (AASE). This instrument showed high validity and reliability during a pilot study conducted to ascertain its reliability in a South African sample. Ethics clearance and project registration was given by the Senate Research Committee of the University of the Western Cape. All ethics principles were adhered to and attention was paid particularly to ensuring confidentiality, informed consent, voluntary participation and the right to withdraw without risk of loss or negative consequence. The data was analysed using descriptive statistics, correlation matrices and regression analysis. The results indicated that self-efficacy was highest during the first days and weeks following discharge from a treatment facility. Respondents who remained gainfully employed during recovery reported higher overall self-efficacy and coped better with negative emotions, withdrawal, physical discomfort and urges to use. Respondents’ perceived ability to cope with negative emotions, and resist withdrawal and urges to use again decreased as post-discharge time increased, with females reporting lower self-efficacy than males and respondents’ age showing no significant effect on recovery outcomes. In conclusion, high abstinence self-efficacy has proven to be a predictor of sobriety. After care, interventions can focus on activities to strengthen abstinence self-efficacy levels. Employment stands out as a vital factor to consider in helping people maintain sobriety.

Women describe pelvic organ prolapse (POP) surgery as difficult to recover from. Expectancy is related to recovery in other surgeries but has not been examined in POP. There is no established measure of surgery expectancy or utility in women with POP. This research had four aims: 1) to establish the factor structure of a new measure of POP surgery expectancy; 2) to establish predictive validity of the expectancy measure by examining its ability to predict self-rated recovery over time; 3) to establish concurrent validity of the expectancy measure; and 4) to examine the ability of utility to predict additional variance in recovery. Exploratory factor analysis revealed a three-factor solution. Factors are conceptualized as: 1) Bladder/Bowel Function; 2) Sexual Function; and 3) Physical Function. Bladder/Bowel Function correlated with optimism and self-efficacy (<i>r</i> = .17, <i>p</i> = .03 and <i>r</i> = .27, <i>p</i> = .00, respectively). Physical Function was predictive of recovery at 42 days (standardized coefficient = .25; <i>p</i> < .05). However, these factors were generally poor and inconsistent predictors of recovery. Utility did not predict additional variance in recovery. Potential explanations for the poor predictive ability of the measure are discussed. The development of a measure that amends these limitations may still be beneficial. Further, exploring and establishing the relationship between surgery expectancy, utility, and recovery may guide physician-patient discussions and lead to improved surgical outcomes.

ABSTRACT South Africa has a high incidence of violence and death due to unnatural causes. Gunshot and/or multiple stab wounds to the trunk are consequently injuries commonly seen in South African hospitals. Penetrating injuries often necessitate explorative surgical intervention to identify and treat injuries to the internal organs. Patients are managed in the intensive care unit and frequently return to theatre for abdominal lavage prior to eventual wound closure. Critical illness with prolonged mechanical ventilation and immobilization results in some degree of muscle dysfunction. Survivors of critical illness suffer from poor functional capabilities and decreased quality of life. No formal rehabilitation programmes exist in South Africa for these patients following discharge. Purpose: To determine if patients that survived penetrating trunk trauma recover adequately spontaneously following critical illness over the first six months following discharge from the hospital. Methods: A prospective, observational study was conducted. Patients with penetrating trunk trauma were recruited from four intensive care units in Johannesburg. Patients who received mechanical ventilation < 5 days were placed in Group 1 and those who received mechanical ventilation 5 days were placed in Group 2. Lung function tests, dynamometry, quality of life, six-minute walk distance and oxygen uptake tests were performed over six months following discharge from the hospital. The obtained results for dynamometry, exercise capacity and quality of life were compared between groups and to that measured for a healthy (age and sex-matched) control group. Results and Discussion: No pulmonary function abnormalities were detected for subjects in Groups 1 or 2. Distance walked during 6MWD test was significantly reduced for subjects in Group 2 compared to the control group [one-month (p = 0.00), three-months (p = 0.00)]. Morbidity correlated significantly with distance walked by subjects in Group 2 during 6MWD test [three-months (p = 0.03), six-months (p = 0.02)]. No statistically significant differences were found between subjects during the VO2peak test although subjects in Group 1 performed better clinically than those in Group 2. At one-month there was a significant reduction in upper and lower limb strength for subjects in Group 2 compared to those in Group 1 and the controls (p = 0.00 – 0.04). Similar results were detected at the three- and six-month assessments. ICU and hospital length of stay did demonstrate a significant relationship with muscle strength at one and three months following discharge for subjects in Group 2. Severity of illness and morbidity in ICU did not have a significant relation to muscle strength for subjects in Groups 1 or 2 at any of the assessments. Subjects in Group 1 had a significant reduction in right deltoid and triceps strength compared to the controls at one-month (p = 0.00 respectively) only. No significant differences in upper and lower limb muscle strength were detected between the control group and subjects in Group 1 three and six months after discharge. Subjects in both groups had similar limitations in physical and mental aspects of quality of life one-month after discharge. Subjects in Group 1 reported a quality of life comparable to the control group by three-months. Subjects in Group 2 had significant limitations in the physical components of quality of life at three- and six-months compared to those in Group 1 and the controls [p = 0.00 – 0.02]. Conclusion: Subjects in Group 1 recovered adequately on their own within three months after discharge from hospital with regard to muscle strength, exercise capacity and all aspects of quality of life. Subjects in Group 2 presented with significant limitations in exercise capacity, muscle strength and the physical aspects of quality of life even at six months after discharge. Impaired function was related to the duration of critical illness and immobility. A physiotherapist-led rehabilitation programme may be indicated for survivors of penetrating trunk trauma that received prolonged mechanical ventilation to address cardiovascular endurance and peripheral muscle strength retraining between one and three months after discharge to address the physical disabilities observed in these subjects.

Le contentieux de l’impayé occupe une place importante dans les rapports personnels de l’individu, civils ou commerciaux. Son omniprésence devant l’ensemble des juridictions, est de nature à perturber non pas seulement la santé de l’économie, mais également celle des mécanismes juridiques. D’emblée, l’analyse du contentieux de l’impayé en France et au Maroc nous renvoie à observer une décrue et un accroissement respectifs, de ce type de contentieux devant les juridictions compétentes ces dernières années. En effet, ce type de contentieux ne cesse de s’accroitre devant l’ensemble des juridictions Marocaine, de plus en plus encombrées par ce contentieux et qui subissent avec résignation un phénomène d’impayé explosif. Cette hausse des affaires liées à l’impayé n’est pas un phénomène de circonstances, et n’est pas lié à la crise économique actuelle. Elle résulte d’un accroissement sans précèdent de l’impayé, et un mode de recouvrement qui s’appuie inconditionnellement sur la justice étatique. En France, La situation est bien différente. En effet, la baisse du contentieux de l’impayé devant les juridictions civiles et commerciales, ne résulte point d’un hasard, ou de causes purement accidentelles. Elle résulte vraisemblablement d’une relation synergique d’un ensemble de facteurs. Il s’agit d’une conjonction de plusieurs dispositions législatives, de procédés et de techniques qui ont contribué à cette baisse. Par ailleurs, L’exploration de l’évolution positive ou négative du contentieux de l’impayé ne constitue pas uniquement un moyen idoine pour appréhender la genèse et le fondement de l’impayé, elle constitue également un indicateur fiable de l’approche systémique adoptée en matière de recouvrement de créances dans les deux pays. / Litigation of outstanding plays an important role in personal relationships of the individual, whether civil or commercial. It’s omnipresence in all courts, is likely to affect not only the health of the economy, but also the legal mechanisms. From the outset, the analysis of the outstanding litigation in France and Morocco refers us to observe a recession and a respective increase of this type of litigation in the courts the past few years. Indeed, this type of litigation keeps getting increased in front of all Moroccan courts that are more and more crowded by the litigation and that knows an explosive outstanding phenomenon. The increase related to the unpaid cases is not a phenomenon of circumstances, and is not related to the current economic crisis. It results from an unprecedented increase in the outstanding and a recovery mode that unconditionally supports the justice. In France, the situation is quite different. Indeed, the decline of the outstanding litigation in civil and commercial courts is not the result of chance or purely accidental causes but it’s likely the result of a synergistic combination of different factors. It is a combination of several laws, processes and techniques that have contributed to this decline. In addition, the exploration of the positive or negative trends in litigation is not only a suitable way to understand the origin and foundation of the unpaid but also a reliable indicator to the systemic approach adopted for the recovery of claims in both countries.

Doctor of Philosophy / Department of Special Education, Counseling and Student Affairs / Doris W. Carroll / According to SAMHSA statistics, about 22 million people in the US meet the criteria for a Substance Use Disorder (SUD), with alcohol use disorders (AUDs) being the most prevalent form of SUD. Of those with SUDs, only 10% or two million receive formal treatment. It is estimated that 64% of those completing treatment for SUDs relapse within the first year of sobriety. However, for individuals who manage to make it five years without relapsing, the risk of relapse reduces to 14%, suggesting that the needs of individuals in short-term recovery differ from those in long-term recovery. It has also been found that family involvement in the treatment and recovery process is beneficial to individuals in recovery. However, SUDs contribute to elevated levels of stress and dissatisfaction in couples and families, which puts them at high risk for divorce or dissolution prior to individuals seeking treatment. For families who remain intact until the individual completes treatment, the transition to a recovery lifestyle that supports the individual’s recovery presents a different set of challenges. Additionally, lingering frustrations and resentments from the period of active addiction may also serve to destabilize the couple or family, contributing to the high levels of divorce among those recovering from SUDs. In short, few couples are able to sustain their partnerships through active addiction, and the transition to recovery. While these couples are in the minority, their successful experiences can provide valuable insight into the recovery process. The present study examines the successful transition from active addiction to long-term recovery for one such couple. In particular, the study investigates the shifting narratives related to family roles, couple-hood, communication, alcohol, alcoholism, and recovery. The data is presented in the form of an ethnodramatic script. Ethnodrama is used to engage audiences both on emotional as well as informational levels. While ethnodrama may not provide specific answers, it is intended to provoke awareness, insight, and discussion by allowing audiences to vicariously experience the represented lives of the participants. Following the ethnodrama, an analysis of the script is presented, incorporating narrative theoretical frameworks so that the ways in which narratives function to facilitate (or frustrate) change within the individuals as well as the dynamics of the couple relationship can be expanded. The result of this analysis is the production of a Narrative Change Model, which can be useful in understanding the ways that narratives operate within the transition from active addiction to long-term sobriety and may have broader implications in explaining the narrative mechanisms behind other, more subtle change processes.

Over the past 20 years, governments in many countries around the world have sought to implement governance mechanisms to measure and assess the performance of public service organisations. As a consequence, public service organisations, especially those considered as poorly-performing organisations, have been subjected to unprecedented pressure to improve their performance and sustain performance improvement as a continuous process. However, efforts of public managers to improve the performance of their organisations have been undertaken without “comprehensive theories and rigorous evidence on this issue” (Boyne, 2006: 366). This thesis takes up the challenge of providing robust evidence on the factors associated with the performance improvement of public organisations. We propose that the notion of organisational capabilities offers a promising way to meet this challenge. From this standpoint, this research sought to identify the organisational capabilities whose development and use explain a public service organisation’s ability to improve its performance and sustain good performance in the long run. The empirical analysis was conducted in a population of hospital trusts in England. We firstly applied longitudinal and comparative case studies method into two acute hospitals trusts: one case of a successful performance improvement and one case of less-successful performance improvement. The purpose was to examine how the development (or lack of) a set of capabilities over time accounted for the differences in the performance outcome and trajectory of the two cases. Our findings identified the following capabilities as advantageous for achieving a sustained performance: collective leadership; action-oriented culture; effective clinical-managerial relationship; supportive external context; performance / finance control capability; coordination capability of the key delivery process; sensing capability and learning capability. We then employed quantitative method over the population of acute hospital trusts in England to explore the relationship between complementarities of capabilities and performance. The results demonstrated that only when in combination does the presence of the capabilities yield positive and significant association with performance. In other words, the presence of the whole system of the capabilities increases the trusts’ performance, while partial presence of a set of capabilities is either not significantly associated with, or even detrimental to, the trusts’ performance.