Determination of the Turbulent Temperature-Humidity Correlation from Scintillometric Measurements

We report on the investigation and successful application of the bichromatic correlation of optical and microwave signals for determining the area-averaged correlation of temperature-humidity fluctuations. The additional technical effort is marginal compared to the common ‘two-wavelength method', which has (in contrast) the restriction that only two of the three relevant meteorological structure parameters can be deduced. Therefore, in the past, it was often assumed that the turbulent humidity and temperature fluctuations are perfectly positively or negatively correlated. However, as shown in this study, over non-homogeneous terrain when the flow conditions are not ideal, this assumption is questionable. The measurements were analysed statistically, and were compared to in situ measurements of the Bowen ratio Bo and the correlation of temperature-humidity fluctuations using eddy-covariance techniques. The latter is in good agreement to that derived by scintillometry. We found that the correlation is not ±1 but as low as −0.6 for Bo smaller than −2, and up to 0.8 for Bo larger than

Perspectives on mental health and well-being

Abstract: Introduction: The aim of this study is to provide an overview of Paralympic athletes’ views on mental health in a competitive sport context. Although research in the field of Paralympic sport has increased exponentially over the last two decades, mental health and its promotion have hardly been the subject of research so far. Previous research shows that the practice of competitive sports influences the mental health of Paralympic athletes both positively and negatively. Mental disorders are no exception, even in elite sports. Well-coordinated health care for the prevention and treatment of mental health challenges and mental disorders in elite sports is crucial for this purpose. Methods: The methodological approach of the present study is based on a qualitative research design. The data was collected through semi-structured interviews and their evaluation with the help of applied thematic analysis. For the interviews, 15 active, adult, Swiss elite Para athletes were recruited. Results: The results suggest that athletic success, the athletic activity itself and an improvement in physical health can lead to an increase in mental well-being. On the other hand, athletic failure, pressure to perform, and physical problems can cause psychological stress and facilitate mental disorders. Conclusion: In particular, the coordinated handling of mental health challenges and mental disorders among Paralympic athletes seems to need improvement, especially regarding the use of sports psychiatry and psychotherapy services

Miniaturization of Chemical Analysis Systems – A Look into Next Century's Technology or Just a Fashionable Craze?

Miniaturization of already existing techniques in on-line analytical chemistry is an alternative to compound-selective chemical sensors. Theory points in the direction of higher efficiency, faster analysis time, and lower reagent consumption. Micromachining, a well known photolithographic technique for structures in the micrometer range, is introduced and documented with structures as examples for flow injection analysis, electrophoresis, and a detector cell

Perioperative perspectives in pilonidal disease - an interdisciplinary dialogue

We hold a dialogue on perioperative perspectives in pilonidal disease to increase the value of perioperative outcome and patient satisfaction. Our review reveals that patients undergoing more extensive surgeries are better served by general or spinal anesthesia than by minimal approaches employing local anesthesia and the choice should be based on standard anesthesiological considerations such as neuraxial block time or recovery time after general anesthesia rather than the nature of pilonidal disease itself. To ensure sustainable outcome quality, surgeons, together with their anesthesiological partners must consider a wider perspective than the Operating Room and the recovery room, and should include dimensions of the other medical discipline in their decision making. This is best achieved with interprofessional dialogues

Point-of-care ultrasound in the preoperative setting

Point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) is a widely used diagnostic tool, especially in emergency and critical care medicine, and it is increasingly being used in the perioperative setting. Its specific role in preoperative assessment of patients, however, has not yet been defined. While some data show innovative use of the technique in the preoperative setting, higher-level evidence to underscore potential advantages is still limited. We review and discuss a range of POCUS examinations which can potentially help anaesthesiologists in the preoperative clinic decide whether to perform additional testing, can assist in selecting the best anaesthetic approach, and can support perioperative and postoperative monitoring

A Swiss nationwide survey shows that dual guidance is the preferred approach for peripheral nerve blocks.

Ultrasound has significantly increased safety and effectiveness in regional anesthesia. However, little is known about its clinical use. We studied clinical approaches currently used by anesthesiologists, conducted a nationwide survey, and analyzed data collected in ordered logistic regression models. All active members of the Swiss Society for Anaesthesiology and Resuscitation (SSAR/SGAR) were asked to participate. Reported practice in nerve localization, safety, and techniques used for peripheral nerve blocks (PNB) were main outcome measures. Experience ranged from 3 to >30 years. The mean number of block techniques mastered was 11.5 ± 5.9. Standard monitoring was regularly used, whereas sterile coats were less frequently used by anesthesiologists who self-estimated a higher level of expertise in PNB (ordered logit coefficient -0.05, 95% CI -0.07 to -0.02, P  Chi2 = 0.02). The more self-estimated expertise anesthesiologists had, the less likely they were to use nerve stimulation in combination with ultrasound (dual guidance) (ordered logit coefficient -0.31; 95% CI -0.85 to -0.03: P = 0.03; pseudo r2 = 0.007; probability > Chi2 = 0.05). The high share of reported standard monitoring meets the recommendations of the Helsinki Patient Safety Declaration. Dual guidance appears to be the preferred approach for safely localizing nerves for PNB in Switzerland