https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/47887 Thu, 16 Jul 2026 05:56:52 GMT 2026-07-16T05:56:52Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/48202 Title: 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.HEALTH Sun, 01 Jan 1995 00:00:00 GMT https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/48202 1995-01-01T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/47907 Title: 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.HEALTH Sun, 01 Jan 1995 00:00:00 GMT https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/47907 1995-01-01T00:00:00Z