OAR@UM Collection:/library/oar/handle/123456789/478872026-05-27T10:16:06Z2026-05-27T10:16:06ZMusculoskeletal disorders : cervical and lumbar muscoloskeletal disorders related to sedentary occupations./library/oar/handle/123456789/482022020-11-11T07:16:50Z1995-01-01T00:00:00ZTitle: Musculoskeletal disorders : cervical and lumbar muscoloskeletal disorders related to sedentary occupations.
Abstract: In the past thirty years, technology has enabled the automation and mechanization of
much of the work processes thus decreasing the proportion of heavy work. This work has
become progressively lighter but much remains lacking in the variety of movements
necessary for balance, efficient musculoskeletal function. A clear example is the
computer, which led to widespread office automation, with the result that white-collar
work has taken the nature of light process work. These technological revolutions which
gave rise to such changes have led medical establishments and other scientists involved
in this field to realize that even work that does not involve physical effort and exertion
may give rise to musculoskeletal complaints and other discomforts. Smith et al. (1981) [l]
and Dainoff ( 1982,1984) [2, 3] stated that the adaptation mechanisms of man were not fast
enough to cope with the rapid introduction and progress of certain technologies.
Various studies and literatures about this subject prove that cervical and lumbar
musculoskeletal systems are liable to be effected in various ways by sedentary
occupations. These studies will be considered later on in the dissertation. The term
musculoskeletal disorder refers to conditions that involve the nerves, tendons, muscles
and supporting structures of the body. Therefore, this study will comprise disorders of the
muscles, connective tissues and supporting structures of the neck and lower back regions.
This dissertation is about the impact of sedentary occupations on the neck and lower back
regions. It is divided into six chapters. The first chapter is a description of the general
anatomy of these areas and about the impact of sedentary occupations on the
musculoskeletal structure. Chapter two is about the most common sedentary work-related
neck and lower back disorders. Chapter three describes the research method used. The
fourth and fifth chapters are a description and study of the results of a survey based on a
questionnaire regarding musculoskeletal disorders and how these are related to sedentary
occupations. The questionnaire was distributed among various members of Bank of
Valletta Limited, Mid-Med Bank Limited [refer to Annex D pp. 90-92] and Maltese
dental surgeons. Concluding remarks are found in the last chapter, that is chapter six.
Description: DIP.ENV.HEALTH1995-01-01T00:00:00ZMeningitis : the local scene./library/oar/handle/123456789/479072020-11-11T06:44:07Z1995-01-01T00:00:00ZTitle: Meningitis : the local scene.
Abstract: Meningitis occurs globally. Meningitis is the inflammation of the tissues,
which cover the brain and spinal cord. In the absence of highly effective strategies, the
morbidity and mortality associated with meningococcal disease have remained virtually
unchanged since the introduction of antibiotic therapy over 50 years ago ( 1 ). Intensive
care and early recognition have improved but had only limited effect in the developed
world and the currently available vaccines, which were developed in the 1960s, have had
little impact on the disease worldwide. In economically advanced countries the mortality
from bacterial meningitis is less than 10% but it may be 30% or more in developing
countries (2.Greenwood 1987). The epidemiology is changing swiftly with the
introduction of effective conjugated polysaccharide vaccines for invasive Haemophilus
influenza type B (Hib) disease and the imminent availability of similar conjugated
vaccines for serogroup A and C meningococcal meningitis and possibly some
pneumococcal meningitis. There are good prospects for further reductions in the
incidence of bacterial meningitis in the near future.
Description: DIP.ENV.HEALTH1995-01-01T00:00:00Z