29 research outputs found

    Portuguese individuals` experiences and perceptions of non-specific chronic low back pain

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    Low back pain (LBP) is the most common form of chronic pain. Approximately 85% to 90% of chronic low back pain (CLBP) episodes in primary care cannot be related to serious pathology or neurocompression, being described as nonspecific chronic low back pain (NSCLBP). This disorder involves continuous pain or recurrent flare-ups that are responsible for high levels of distress, functional disability and work absenteeism. It has also a significant impact on health care systems and society in general. Considering the complexity inherent in the experience of NSCLBP, where personal and cultural contexts play a major role, research has highlighted the need to study this phenomenon in contexts that have not yet been investigated. This study aimed to explore the Portuguese individuals` experiences and perceptions of NSCLBP. An interpretative phenomenological analysis (IPA) was employed to explore the experiences of eight participants, who were recruited purposefully from three Portuguese health sites. Semi-structured one-to-one interviews were carried out in order to collect data. The interviews were audiorecorded and transcribed verbatim. Following an inductive process of data analysis, five themes emerged as interrelated parts of an extended account that explored the Portuguese individuals` experiences and perceptions of NSCLBP. In the first theme the disruptive nature of the NSCLBP experience was emphasised. In the second, the participants` meaning making of NSCLBP and their need to understand it were highlighted. In the third, the clinical encounters and their contribution to maintaining the lack of participants’ understanding about NSCLBP were emphasised. In the fourth, the meaning making of NSCLBP contribution to reshaping the participants` social interactions was explored. In the fifth, the participants` definition of their sense of self through the meaning making of NSCLBP was highlighted. In order to promote the transparency of data analysis, an audit trail was developed to document all relevant steps of this process. This study has offered the first insights into the Portuguese individuals’ experiences of NSCLBP disorder, which may help clinicians in transferring this knowledge to the therapeutic approach to patients with similar experiences. The knowledge produced may be used to inform recommendations for NSCLBP management

    Differential Ole e 1 Release from Olea Airborne Pollen in the Southwest Iberian Peninsula. Results from the HIALINE Study

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    Background: Ole e 1 is the major allergen of olive pollen (Olea europaea L.), the second largest cause of pollinosis in some areas from the Mediterranean Region. Although it has been assumed that airborne pollen is a representative parameter for allergen exposure, variability of allergen content and/or release from pollen has been demonstrated for other taxa. The aim of this study was to: i) estimate the correlation between daily airborne olive pollen and Ole e 1 in ambient air; ii) evaluate the annual and geographical variation of pollen and allergenic loads in southwest Iberian Peninsula; iii) evaluate the contribution of meteorological parameters to ambient Ole e 1 loads variations. Methods: Airborne Ole e 1 and olive pollen were assessed simultaneously in Cordoba, Spain and Evora, Portugal. Aeroallergens were collected in 2009-2011 using prewashed polyurethane foam as impacting substrate (Rupprecht & Patashnick ChemVol®2400 high-volume cascade impactor, Albany, NY, USA). Flow was adjusted to 800 L/min with a rotameter controlled high-volume pump (Digitel DHM-60, Ludesch, Austria). After extraction, Ole e 1 was quantified by ELISA. Airborne Olea pollen was monitored with a Burkard Hirst type Seven-Day Recording Volumetric SporeTrap®. Both samplers were placed side-by-side with the air input at the same level. Results: The aeroallergen and airborne pollen profiles overlapped during pollen seasons, however, deviations between pollen counts and allergen load were found. Annual pollen index of Olea was 3-4 folds higher in Spain (29,956, 26,274 and 42,223 in Spain versus 12,524, 7,144 and 10,499 in Portugal). A 4-9 fold difference in aeroallergen load was observed (14,375, 18,913 and 20,989 in Portugal and 108,720, 80,972 and 171,248 in Spain). Annual Ole e 1/pollen was 3.1-4.0 in Spain, 0.8-2.6 in Portugal and was positively correlated with precipitation prior to pollen season. Conclusions: These results have shown that Ole e 1 is mostly associated with olive pollen grains but aeroallergen load was not always directly proportional to airborne pollen counts. This suggests that Ole e 1 quantification is a better marker for olive allergen exposure. In conclusion, aeroallergen monitoring may contribute to a better understanding of the Ole e 1 exposure from airborne pollen. Acknowledgments: This study is integrated in the European project HIALINE (Executive Agency for Health and Consumers, grant agreement No 2008 11 07). 1st&2nd author equally contributed to the work

    Taller performativo a partir de acciones docentes, creadoras e investigadoras metodográficas

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    We present a performative workshop in which four methods created independently by each author in their own academic space open up meanings and possibilities among them, provoked by the suggestions, affections and answers that are proposed collectively. The result is not a universal and prescriptive method that encloses the act of teaching, learning or researching in the inertias of what has already been experienced, already thought, already felt, but it is a diverse, alive, open and porous method that makes possible and acquires new meanings in the intersubjective dialogues teacher-teacher, teacher-discussant, student-discussant. We believe that methods in Art Education should allow subjective methodological paths that enable the poetic without ceasing to "serve" its academic purpose of researching, teaching, learning art.Presentamos un taller performativo en el que cuatro métodos creados de forma independiente por cada autor en su espacio académico van abriendo significados y posibilidades entre ellos provocadas por las sugerencias, afectos y respuestas que se van proponiendo de forma colectiva. El resultado no es un método universal y prescriptivo que encierra el acto de enseñar, aprender o investigar en las inercias de lo ya vivido, ya pensado, ya sentido, sino que es un método diverso, vivo, entreabierto y poroso que posibilita y adquiere nuevos sentidos en lo diálogos intersubjetivos docente-docente; docente-discente, discente-discente. Consideramos que los métodos en Educación Artística deben permitir recorridos metodográficos subjetivos que posibiliten lo poético sin dejar de “servir” a su propósito académico de investigar, enseñar, aprender arte

    Taller performativo a partir de acciones docentes, creadoras e investigadoras metodográficas

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    Presentamos un taller performativo en el que cuatro métodos creados de forma independiente por cada autor en su espacio académico van abriendo significados y posibilidades entre ellos provocadas por las sugerencias, afectos y respuestas que se van proponiendo de forma colectiva. El resultado no es un método universal y prescriptivo que encierra el acto de enseñar, aprender o investigar en las inercias de lo ya vivido, ya pensado, ya sentido, sino que es un método diverso, vivo, entreabierto y poroso que posibilita y adquiere nuevos sentidos en lo diálogos intersubjetivos docente-docente; docente-discente, discente-discente. Consideramos que los métodos en Educación Artística deben permitir recorridos metodográficos subjetivos que posibiliten lo poético sin dejar de “servir” a su propósito académico de investigar, enseñar, aprender arte

    Prognostic indicators for poor outcomes in low back pain patients consulted in primary care

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    SAICT-POL/23439/2016| LISBOA-01-0145-FEDER-023439). This Grant covers all the planned activities for this study including, the design of the study, data collection, data analysis and interpretation and the writing of this manuscript.The funder did not play any role in the study design, data collection and analysis, decision to publish, or preparation of this manuscriptBackground Non-specific low back pain (NSLBP) is the most prevalent musculoskeletal condition in western countries and is associated with persistent disability and high consumption of health care resources. NSLBP patients first seek primary health care services but the outcomes are often uncertain. This study aimed to examine the clinical course of the outcomes and to identify prognostic indicators for poor outcomes in NSLBP patients who consulted primary care. Methods A prospective cohort study of 115 patients seeking treatment for NSLBP in primary care was conducted. Participants were consecutively recruited by their General Practitioners (GPs) and then assessed at baseline and 2 and 6 months later. Baseline assessment included socio-demographic and clinical data, psychosocial factors, pain, disability, and health related quality of life (HRQoL). Pain, disability, HRQoL and global perception of change were also assessed at 2 and 6-months’ follow-up. In addition, information regarding the GP’ practice was collected. Poor outcomes were determined according to the cut-off point used to define a persistent disabling condition and the minimal important change established for disability, pain and for global perception of change. The relationship between variables on baseline and poor outcomes was modulated through binary logistic regression analysis. The significance of associations was evaluated at ≤ 0.05 p-value with 95% confidence intervals (CI) and adjusted odds ratios (AOR). Results 110 (94.8%) and 104 (89.7%) participants completed the follow-up assessment at 2 and 6 months, respectively. The mean age (±SD) was 48.06 ± 11.41, with 53.9%, (N = 62) reporting an acute presentation of NSLBP. Six months after GP consultation, 53.8% (N = 56) of the participants reported a persistent disabling condition. An “LBP episode of less than 12 weeks” [AOR: 0.26; 95% CI (0.10, 0.65); AOR: 0.34; 95% CI (0.14, 0.81); AOR: 0.21; 95% CI (0.09, 0.53)],”maladaptive psychosocial factors” [AOR: 2.06; 95% CI (1.40, 3.04); AOR: 1.82; 95% CI (1.27, 2.59); AOR: 1.72; 95% CI (1.20, 2.47)] were significantly associated with poor outcomes on disability, pain and global perception of change, respectively. Besides these factors, being employed reduces the chances of poor outcomes on disability [AOR 0.31; 95% CI (0.11, 0.92)]. Conclusions A large proportion of LBP patients seeking primary health care reported poor outcomes 6 months after GP consultation. Patients who report chronic LBP, maladaptive psychosocial factors and are unemployed have a significant increase in the risk of poor outcome. These findings suggest the need of implementing effective models of care able to provide early screening and appropriate treatment to those at greatest risk of a poor outcome.publishersversionpublishe

    Improving sustainability teaching by grouping and interrelating pedagogical approaches and sustainability competences: evidence from 15 worldwide higher education institutions

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    There has been increasing research on pedagogical approaches, sustainability competences, and how to connect them in Higher Education Institutions (HEIs). This paper's aim is to provide deeper insights into the system of pedagogical approaches and sustainability competences, as well as how these interrelate. A survey was developed to investigate sustainability teaching in 15 HEIs. The survey was sent to educators of each HEI from which 668 responses were obtained. The responses were analysed in a five-step process: (1) descriptive statistics; (2) Pearson correlations; (3) principal component analyses (PCAs) to detect groups; (4) Pearson correlations between the groups; and (5) regressions. The first step provided the base to carry out the PCAs, from which three groups for the pedagogical approaches (Universal, Social, and Environmental) and three for the sustainability competences (Extrospective-social, Introspective-personal, and Cogitative-processual) were obtained. The correlations between the groups showed that: (1) the competences are closely interrelated; (2) the pedagogical approaches are somehow interrelated; and (3) the pedagogical approaches are somehow interrelated to the competences. The regressions showed that the Universal and Social groups would be most suitable to develop all the competences' groups. The Environmental group develops only the cogitative-processual competences' group. The results served as bases to propose the Sustainability Teaching System (STS), which provides deeper insights into the system of pedagogical approaches and sustainability competences by grouping them, as well as showing directionality and strength. To improve sustainability teaching, it is necessary to understand the pedagogical approaches' groups and how they can develop the competences' groups.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

    Physical Therapy and Occupational Therapy student's motivation. A Comparative study in the University of Malaga, Spain

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    Purpose: The main purpose of this study is to know and compare motivational facts and vocational behaviour among students of physical therapy and occupational therapy. Other secondary objectives are: • To know the satisfaction these students report with their university studies • To analyze the level of academic decision about their professional future. • To know if these students have an effective academic behavior. Participants. Participants were 141 Spanish collegue students who volunteered for the study. They were students of second and third year of Physical therapy (69) and Occupational therapy (72) in the University of Malaga. Methods: Cross-sectional design. Paticipants completed in one setting the “Cuestionario de Biodatos Universitarios - CBU- The CBU is a 9 item scale that offers information about student academic motivation, academic decisions, satisfaction or future professional purpose. Each questionnaire response is assigned a value with a maximum possible total score of 26. Results: Regarding student satisfaction, 68.1% of physical therapy (PT) student are very satisfied with the career choices they made in thei day, like the 56.95% of students in occupational therapy (OT). Regarding the degree of academic decision on the professional expertise they would like to pursue in the future, 44,9% doe not have anything decided in PT, similar to the 36,1% found in OT. After completing his studies, 48,62% of OT students planning to do a Master or postgraduate course compared with the 81.1% referring this intention in PT. In relation to the exercise of the profession immediately obtained similar results in both degrees, 56.95% in OT and 66.2% in PT. Only 6.95% of repondents in OT and 14.49% in PT have not decided yet. Among the difficulties or problems for a decision by a specialty or area of works, 57.9% highlights the lack of information on the characteristics of that product in PT and 31.95% at OT, whereas only 2.9% and 5.56% refer to that no option would fully satisfied respectively. Comprehensively analyzed, and pre-vocational behaviour of respondents was fully efficient, so that in all cases there is an effective career development, slightly better in pupils PT. Conclusions: The descriptive analysis of a sample CBU draws us highly satisfied with their university studies, with an efficient vocational behaviour, who knows the need for specialization through graduate school, but lacks sufficient information in making their decisions.Universidad de Málaga. Campus de Excelencia Internacional Andalucía Tech

    VIII Encuentro de Docentes e Investigadores en Historia del Diseño, la Arquitectura y la Ciudad

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    Acta de congresoLa conmemoración de los cien años de la Reforma Universitaria de 1918 se presentó como una ocasión propicia para debatir el rol de la historia, la teoría y la crítica en la formación y en la práctica profesional de diseñadores, arquitectos y urbanistas. En ese marco el VIII Encuentro de Docentes e Investigadores en Historia del Diseño, la Arquitectura y la Ciudad constituyó un espacio de intercambio y reflexión cuya realización ha sido posible gracias a la colaboración entre Facultades de Arquitectura, Urbanismo y Diseño de la Universidad Nacional y la Facultad de Arquitectura de la Universidad Católica de Córdoba, contando además con la activa participación de mayoría de las Facultades, Centros e Institutos de Historia de la Arquitectura del país y la región. Orientado en su convocatoria tanto a docentes como a estudiantes de Arquitectura y Diseño Industrial de todos los niveles de la FAUD-UNC promovió el debate de ideas a partir de experiencias concretas en instancias tales como mesas temáticas de carácter interdisciplinario, que adoptaron la modalidad de presentación de ponencias, entre otras actividades. En el ámbito de VIII Encuentro, desarrollado en la sede Ciudad Universitaria de Córdoba, se desplegaron numerosas posiciones sobre la enseñanza, la investigación y la formación en historia, teoría y crítica del diseño, la arquitectura y la ciudad; sumándose el aporte realizado a través de sus respectivas conferencias de Ana Clarisa Agüero, Bibiana Cicutti, Fernando Aliata y Alberto Petrina. El conjunto de ponencias que se publican en este Repositorio de la UNC son el resultado de dos intensas jornadas de exposiciones, cuyos contenidos han posibilitado actualizar viejos dilemas y promover nuevos debates. El evento recibió el apoyo de las autoridades de la FAUD-UNC, en especial de la Secretaría de Investigación y de la Biblioteca de nuestra casa, como así también de la Facultad de Arquitectura de la UCC; va para todos ellos un especial agradecimiento
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