Mapping of Potential Show Caves in the Racha Limestone Massif (Country of Georgia)

Abstract: The Racha limestone massif is located in the eastern part of the karst zone of western Georgia. The massif is a typical example of Georgian mountain karst regions, where diverse surface and subsurface karst landforms are found. The main aim of this research is to present mapping of two potential show caves, and document speleological information from the Racha limestone massif. The morphological parameters and tectonic directions of the Muradi and Usholta Caves were mapped using the compass-clinometer and laser distance meter, to compile 3D models of the caves. To our knowledge these are the first 3D models of karst caves in Georgia

Close range photogrammetry in the survey of the coastal area geoecological conditions (on the example of Portugal)

Close range digital photogrammetry, which involves the application of unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV), has been used in a growing number of diverse applications across different scientific disciplines. Our objective was to use the mentioned method in the survey of the contemporary geoecological conditions of the coastal area on the example of Portuguese northwest coastal zone. The coastal zone can be subdivided into two geomorphological sectors: Sector 1, between the Minho River and the town of Espinho, where the coastal segments consist of estuaries, sandy and shingle beaches with rocky outcrops, and Holocene dune systems. The estuaries and the foredunes in particular are very degraded by human activities; and Sector 2, between Espinho and the Mondego Cape, where coastal lagoons and Holocene dune systems occur. We chose two beaches for surveying – Aguçadoura and Ramalha to which the drone swinglet CAM took the photos. We used the ground control software eMotion 2 to plan the flights over the study area and controlled the drone’s trajectory during flight. After processing the obtained images in the program of AgisoftPhotoscanPro, we generated the 2D orthophotos and 3D digital elevation models (DEM) of the research sections. At this stage of study we derived the above product without using the ground control points, or we used only the camera GPS data. Based on these models the compilation of the large-scale maps of high resolution (1cm-5cm) will be possible in the GISs for monitoring and management of the geoecological state of the mentioned beaches in case to precise the x, y and z values of the models with the geodetic device of Differential GPSs in the selected ground control points (GCP).We are grateful to the European Commission ERASMUS-MUNDUS Action-2 ELECTRA program and the Earth Sciences Centre of the University of Minho (Braga, Portugal) in supporting us to conduct the field works and research.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Hydrological and Hydrogeological Characteristics of the Platform Karst (Zemo Imereti Plateau, Georgia)

The article discusses the hydrological and hydrogeological characteristics of the platform karst of Zemo Imereti plateau. The structural plateau of Zemo Imereti is the part of the intermountain plain karst zone of Georgia and one of the interesting parts of the karst relief development. The above mentioned karst region includes the easternmost part of western Georgia, which is characterized by peculiar natural conditions (relief, tectonics, climate, surface and underground streams) and represents one of the significant platform karst regions in the Caucasus. On the basis of the cartographic materials (GIS) analysis and borehole data the general scheme of hydrogeological setting of the Zemo Imereti structural plateau (two hydrogeological basins were defined) was created as confirmed by experiments. In addition, it was identified that underground karst water flowing from the periphery to the center determines sedimentation together with the broken dislocations within the frame of the structural plateau. The study found that within the Chiatura structural plateau the joint karst hydrogeological system (with enough dynamic water resources) has been established, which mainly is unloaded in sources of Ghrudo vaucluse and the surrounding area (local erosion basis). Ghrudo hydrogeological system and Chiatura structural plateau are characterized by the systems of isolated karst-fissure waters with different hypsometric location and orientation. Therefore, based on these studies, it could be said that in karst areas the structural features can define the characteristic of groundwater circulation, but karst age can also make a significant adjustment

Mapping of Potential Show Caves in the Racha Limestone Massif (Country of Georgia)

Abstract: The Racha limestone massif is located in the eastern part of the karst zone of western Georgia. The massif is a typical example of Georgian mountain karst regions, where diverse surface and subsurface karst landforms are found. The main aim of this research is to present mapping of two potential show caves, and document speleological information from the Racha limestone massif. The morphological parameters and tectonic directions of the Muradi and Usholta Caves were mapped using the compass-clinometer and laser distance meter, to compile 3D models of the caves. To our knowledge these are the first 3D models of karst caves in Georgia

“I Needed to Know, No Matter What I Do, I Won’t Make It Worse”—Expectations and Experiences of Last Aid Course Participants in Germany—A Qualitative Pilot Study

Background: The need to care for a loved one in a palliative state can lead to severe physical as well as psychological stress. In this context, Last Aid courses have been developed to support caring for relatives and to stimulate the public discussion on death and dying. The purpose of our pilot study is to gain an understanding of the attitudes, values, and difficulties of relatives caring for a terminally ill person. Methods: A qualitative approach was used in form of five semi-structured guided pilot interviews with lay persons who recently attended a Last Aid course. The transcripts of the interviews were analyzed following Kuckartz’s content analysis. Results: Overall, the interviewed participants have a positive attitude toward Last Aid courses. They perceive the courses as helpful as they provide knowledge, guidance, and recommendations of action for concrete palliative situations. Eight main topics emerged during analysis: expectations regarding the course, transfer of knowledge, reducing fear, the Last Aid course as a safe space, support from others, empowerment and strengthening of own skills, and the improvement needs of the course. Conclusions: In addition to the expectations before participation and the knowledge transfer during the course, the resulting implications for its application are also of great interest. The pilot interviews show initial indications that the impact, as well as supportive and challenging factors regarding the ability to care for relatives to cope, should be explored in further research

Mapping of Potential Show Caves in the Racha Limestone Massif (Country of Georgia)

Abstract: The Racha limestone massif is located in the eastern part of the karst zone of western Georgia. The massif is a typical example of Georgian mountain karst regions, where diverse surface and subsurface karst landforms are found. The main aim of this research is to present mapping of two potential show caves, and document speleological information from the Racha limestone massif. The morphological parameters and tectonic directions of the Muradi and Usholta Caves were mapped using the compass-clinometer and laser distance meter, to compile 3D models of the caves. To our knowledge these are the first 3D models of karst caves in Georgia

Closing care gaps after hospitalization: Study results [intersec-CM] on discharge and transfer management according to sect. 39 SGB V for people with cognitive impairments associated with dementia

Schumacher-Schonert F, Boekholt M, Nikelski A, et al. Versorgungslücken nach dem Krankenhausaufenthalt schließen: Studienergebnisse [intersec-CM] zum Entlass- und Überleitungsmanagement nach § 39 SGB V für Menschen, die im Krankenhaus kognitive demenzielle Beeinträchtigungen zeigen. Zeitschrift fur Evidenz, Fortbildung und Qualitat im Gesundheitswesen. 2024.In Germany, there are 1.8 million people currently living with dementia, and the trend is rising. In particular, the health system at the transition from hospital to outpatient care is facing major challenges given the high increase in a difficult patient clientele. Legal efforts have been undertaken (sect. 39a of the Fifth Social Code Book [SGB V]) to close the care gaps in the discharge and transfer process. This article aims to provide an overview of the documentation process of the discharge and transfer management for people with cognitive impairments in everyday clinical practice according to SGB V sect. 39 para. 1a after the Discharge Management Act came into force. Furthermore, the manuscript answers the research question "How is the statutory discharge management of people with cognitive impairments (MmkB) aged 65 and over documented" and highlights further characteristics of the discharge documentation for MmkB starting with the transition from the inpatient setting to other care settings. In order to answer the research question(s), a qualitative content analysis of all discharge documents available at the time of discharge was carried out as part of the intervention study on cross-sector care management to support cognitively impaired people during and after a hospital stay [intersec-CM], which was funded by the Federal Ministry of Education and Research. The results of the analysis show that, despite legal efforts, there are currently no standardized, unified processes of discharge management for people with cognitive impairments that can be traced in writing. However, departments with a large proportion of vulnerable patient groups were able to offer valuable insights: for example, their discharge documents included a short social history. Further evidence-based research and development in the domain of discharge management for people with cognitive impairments remains essential. Copyright © 2024. Published by Elsevier GmbH

"You have to take it that way." A study of the subjective experience of the corona pandemic by older people in need of help and care living at home

Nikelski A, Trompetter E, Feldmann S, et al. „Das muss man so nehmen.“ Eine Studie zum subjektiven Erleben der Coronapandemie älterer hilfe- und pflegebedürftiger Menschen in der Häuslichkeit. Zeitschrift für Gerontologie und Geriatrie. 2021;54:359–364.Background As older people are at increased risk of severe and fatal courses of SARS-CoV-2 infection, they receive special attention, which, however, often refers one-sidedly to their need for protection. What is needed is a discussion that considers the subjective reality and resources as well as risks. Objective The study focused on the perspectives of older people. The aim was to shed light on their subjective experience of the corona pandemic. The questions were how they experienced the pandemic, the risks, consequences and protective measures, to what extent these affected their everyday life and how they dealt with it. Material and methods A total of 12 guideline-based telephone interviews were conducted in May and June 2020 with 9 women and 3 men between 77 and 91 years of age, who lived in their own homes, had impaired health and needed help and care. The data were evaluated by structuring content analysis. Results The respondents were generally concerned about the corona pandemic but considered their own risk to be low. They saw themselves as hardly affected by the immediate consequences of the crisis or severely restricted in their everyday lives. They experienced insecurity in social life and fear of loneliness was central. Overall, they considered the protective measures to be appropriate but criticized early cancelling, family contact restrictions and dealing with the dying. Conclusion A moderate degree of direct personal involvement, acceptance and adaptability characterized the experience and handling of the corona pandemic. Resources and skills in dealing with the crisis become visible

Intersectoral care management for older people with cognitive impairment during and after hospital stays [intersec-CM] : study protocol for a process evaluation within a randomised controlled trial

Background: In the healthcare system in Germany, different institutions and actors play specific roles in the discharge and transition of patients from hospitals into primary care (Sachverständigenrat zur Begutachtung der Entwicklung im Gesundheitswesen, Wettbewerb an der Schnittstelle zwischen ambulanter und stationärer Gesundheitsversorgung, 2012). However, there are shortcomings in these intersectoral transitions. Especially in older people with cognitive impairment (PCI), discharge management often lacks coordination and cooperation between healthcare providers. This frequently results in higher rates of unscheduled readmission. The project intersec-CM is a randomised controlled trial (RCT) that aims to explore up to what extent an intersectoral care management (ICM) can improve this transition. This ICM is delivered by nurses with special training in care management. The objective of this paper is to describe a mixed-methods process evaluation of the intersectoral care management intervention and the factors that facilitate and inhibit its implementation. Methods: Different study designs for process evaluations from previous literature were collected and analysed according to the dimension implementation fidelity, satisfaction with the intervention, feasible transfer into routine care, optimum point of time, frequency and execution of the intervention, and context factors. Results: The actor-network theory was chosen as the theoretic framework for the process evaluation. Based on this theory, a mixed-methods design was developed to combine and integrate qualitative and quantitative evaluation methods. The qualitative part includes semi-structured interviews using topic guides (phase 1) and later in-depth interviews with narrative portions (phase 3), which will be analysed by using the qualitative content analysis according to Kuckartz. The quantitative survey (phase 2) is conducted with standardised questionnaires. Discussion: Challenges in data collection include the development of interview guidelines, which require different terminologies depending on every specific actor targeted in the intervention. Conducting the interviews, there is a risk of misunderstanding the older PCI by the interviewer and vice versa. However, the combination of qualitative and quantitative approaches as different techniques of process evaluation may help to capture, integrate and analyse data on different dimensions of the intervention. Conclusions: The results of our process evaluation may serve as an implementation guideline for intersectoral care management in the German healthcare system. Furthermore, the approach to evaluate the process of a complex intervention in health care for older PCI may serve as a stimulus to broaden the evidence base also of other complex intervention studies to improve health care for this vulnerable group. The study was ethically approved by the Ethics Committee of the Ernst-Moritz-Arndt University of Greifswald. The study has been registered at the U.S. National Library of Medicine. Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT03359408. Registered on 2 December 2017. The approximate date when recruitment to the process evaluation of the study will be completed is 31 May 2021